CH 129

Rice Field Cultivation – i novels

()x11-14 minutes

Surprisingly, I was filled with excitement as it seemed relatively easy to fulfill my long-held desire of obtaining rice. It’s such a great deal to have the assistance of a Great Spirit in rice cultivation with just three sake barrels.

While Sara and the others were training, Bell and the rest were playing around the Spirit Tree. Although it was a time for a relaxing break after lunch, when it comes to rice cultivation, it’s a different story. We need to start taking action as soon as possible to put our minds at ease.

We eagerly headed towards the second-to-last block before the final destination of the waterway. Since we’re starting with rice field cultivation, we need to dig the ground accordingly. I took out my magic shovel and started digging the ground for now.

I vaguely remember the basic concept of rice fields from our lessons. I remember something like having soft soil on top of hard soil. But I don’t recall the details.

“Hey, how deep should we dig for the rice field?”

“Yuta, why don’t you let me shape the field instead of you digging? I can take care of it, you know.”

An incredibly tempting suggestion came from Nomos. But is that really a good idea? Can I just rely on Nomos?

If I make the request, the ground will instantly take the shape of a rice field, and the soil will be manipulated and prepared with water, making it easy to imagine the field. And that imagination will become reality.

Certainly, I want to eat rice. I can catch fish in the sea and make dried fish. How many times have I wished to eat rice while grilling dried fish? However, if I go for the easier route now, the purpose of the colonization tools will likely be diminished.

The colonization tools are waiting eagerly for the moment when I dig the ground with the magic shovel, compact the soil with a hammer to prevent water leakage, sprinkle more soil on top, and make the soil soft and fluffy with the magic hoe. Shouldn’t I make use of the cheat tools I received instead of leaving them idle?

If I ask the Great Spirits, they can probably do most of the work. But if I choose the easier path, the colonization tools will likely be limited to carrying loads and engaging in battles.

The colonization tools, which saved me when I was helpless in this barren land. Is it okay to simply store them away because a more convenient method has been found? Tools exist to be used, after all.

“…Thank you, Nomos. But there are things I want to do on my own. How deep should I dig?”

“Hmm, if that’s the case, so be it. I will help you with getting your hands in the soil. Do your best and dig at least 60 centimeters deep with plenty of leeway.”

“Understood. I can handle shaping the rice field on my own, so the rest of you can do as you please.”

I took out my magic shovel and immediately started digging the ground. I scooped up the soil… Oh, there are bugs left. Come to think of it, bugs are scattered all over.

Until now, I only had to dig the soil, but from now on, I also need to relocate the bugs. It’s a bit more work, but since bugs naturally inhabit the soil, let’s be happy about this extra effort. However, once the rice field is ready and filled with water, will the bugs be okay?

…There’s nothing I can do about it. I continue digging the soil while putting the bugs in a separate bag. Dig, dig, dig… I dig the soil eagerly and also move the waterway that runs through the middle of this block to the edge.

The power of the Great Spirits may be beyond reach, but the colonization tools are still incredibly cheat-like. After finishing digging the soil, I use a large magic hammer to compact it, ensuring minimal water leakage.

Finding the right amount of force is quite challenging. If I apply too much force, it leaves marks as if a meteor had fallen, and it even cracks the rocks beneath the soil. So I gently tap the ground with just enough force to make it sink slightly, being careful with each strike.

After repeatedly compacting the soil, I spread the collected soil back on top once the ground is properly compacted. I need to be cautious not to add too much soil and exceed the depth of 60 centimeters. Using the magic hoe, I level the soil as evenly as possible while smoothing it out.

Nomos will likely refine the field once the rough shape is done, but I should do everything I can on my own. After spreading the soil over the entire area, I use the magic hoe to cultivate the soil in finer detail.

Even during this process, if I plunge the hoe too deeply, it will disturb the compacted ground. So I widen the magic hoe only in terms of width and keep the length the same as a regular hoe.

It ended up resembling a dragonfly-like shape used for leveling school grounds or similar places. With the wish of breaking up soil clumps and achieving a fluffy and soft texture, I cultivate the soil meticulously.

My goal is to produce delicious rice, and cutting corners is not acceptable… or is it? I feel like Nomos would easily correct any shortcuts I take. Well, that doesn’t mean I should take shortcuts. I remind myself not to be swayed by the easier path and continue to cultivate the soil meticulously.

“Phew… It’s done!”

Though the sun is about to set, the rough shape of the rice field is completed in just half a day. The colonization tools truly possess cheat-like abilities. I don’t mind that Nomos could have done the leveling in less than a minute.

“Finished, huh? Well then, let me make a few adjustments.”

Saying that, Nomos waves their hand, and the soil moves slightly before coming to a halt.

“It doesn’t look much different, but what did you do?”

“I simply leveled the soil horizontally and broke up some remaining clumps. The rest is ready for water. I’ll mix it later to make it muddy.”

Well, that was straightforward. But if there isn’t much visible change, it means that my work was done properly. I should be proud. I did my best.

“Understood. I’m counting on you.”

I head towards the waterway and retract the stopper, allowing water to flow into the rice field. Once the water accumulates, the rice field will be complete. Maybe we can even plant and harvest tomorrow. I’m getting excited.

“Boo…”

“Dyne, what’s wrong all of a sudden?”

I turn around as I hear a strange sound, and for some reason, Dyne is pouting.

“If we’re going to fill it with water, it’s your Onee-chan’s turn,” Dyne says.

Ah, I see. That’s what bothered her. It’s true that if I ask Dyne, she could fill it with water in an instant.

“…Well, you know, this time, we just need the water to accumulate by tomorrow. So if it’s not filled by tomorrow, I’ll ask you. Dyne, as a Great Spirit, I shouldn’t ask for things too easily, you know.”

The skeptical gaze doesn’t waver. It’s definitely a look that says, “You definitely forgot, didn’t you?” Well, I did forget, so I can’t argue.

“Oh, it’s getting late, and I need to prepare the meal for everyone. Once we finish eating, I’ll keep my promise and bring out the alcohol.”

To change the subject, we head back home and start preparing the meal. I’m sure Dyne’s mood will improve once she has some alcohol. I feed the children and let them rest. Then, I just need to bring out the alcohol barrels and snacks for the Great Spirits, who seem a bit restless.

Forgetting about Dyne’s pouting, I’m in a good mood, thanks to the alcohol. I bring out the requested alcohol barrels and arrange the snacks. Today, we have ale, rose wine, and red wine.

“Well then, see you tomorrow. I think everything will be fine, but don’t drink too much.”

“Oh, Yuta, aren’t you joining us for a drink?”

Silphy tilts her head and asks. Is it such a surprising question?

“Tomorrow is the long-awaited rice planting. I don’t want to accidentally have a hangover, so I’ll rest early.”

I wave my hand lightly and head back to the bedroom. It’s fine to have a few drinks, but once I start, I tend to go all the way. It’s important to be cautious. I’ll sleep soundly and be in perfect condition for tomorrow.

————

“Now, everyone. Today is the rice planting, so I need your help,” I announce after breakfast, explaining today’s plans to everyone. While Bell and the others excitedly shout, “We’ll help!”, Sara asks a question.

“Master, what is rice planting?”

Ah, I see. Since rice is not eaten on this continent, it’s natural that she wouldn’t know about rice planting.

“Rice planting is the process of planting seedlings to grow the grain known as rice. Well, it’s like working in a field,” I explain.

“If that’s the case, we can help too. We’ll do our best,” Sara responds with determination.

It’s heartwarming to see Sara and the others willing to help after hearing the explanation. I provide a brief overview, and we all move to the rice field.

Oh, the field is filled with sparkly water. Other than the fact that you can see the soil since it’s shallow, it’s not much different from a spring. But the soil has a muddy texture, so I assume Nomos mixed it up.

Sara and the others are surprised that there was nothing here yesterday. When I explain that I made it yesterday, they praise me for doing a great job. Hehe, it feels nice to be admired.

“Master, what do we do now?” Sara asks.

“Ah, wait a moment. I need to make some preparations. Oh, since we’ll be getting wet, let’s dress like we did when we swam in the spring last time. It’ll also help loosen up our bodies because it’s quite challenging,” I reply.

Working in the mud requires a lot of physical strength, and it would be troublesome if our legs cramped, so it’s better to loosen up our bodies beforehand.

“Understood.”

While Sara and the others are preparing, I also need to make my own preparations. First, I need to prepare the seedlings. I bring out forest soil from the neighboring block and gently loosen it up.

“Dolly, please plant rice seedlings in this soil. It would be helpful if you could grow them to about ten centimeters.”

“I don’t mind, but why are you asking for that? Don’t you usually plant the seeds directly in the field?”

It seems that the method I know is different from theirs.

“Well, the way I know it, we grow the seedlings and then plant them in the field. It’s said to improve germination rates, ensure better air circulation, prevent diseases, and make harvesting easier, among other things.”

…I realized while I was explaining, but if Dolly is going to help them grow, I could have just put the seeds directly into the soil… Huh? Did I just show off useless knowledge? It’s a bit embarrassing.

“Oh, in this world, there’s no method like that. It’s quite interesting,” Dolly says, showing interest.

It’s a bit embarrassing, but since the Forest Great Spirit is interested, I have no choice but to continue.

“Yeah, well, that’s the idea, so please take care of the seedlings.”

While waiting for the seedlings to be prepared, it’s time for the next step.

“Nomos, I have a favor to ask. Could you please make lines vertically and horizontally in the field, leaving about thirty centimeters of space between them?”

“Hm? I don’t mind, but why would you do such a thing?”

“I’ll plant the seedlings where the lines intersect. That way, the seedlings will be evenly spaced.”

I’m starting to feel like this might be unnecessary, but it’s for the purpose of education, so it’s fine. I’m going through these complicated steps to convey the correct knowledge of rice planting to Sara and the others. It’s not a pointless act. When Sara and the others become independent in the future, this experience should be beneficial to them. …Probably.

“I see, understood,” Nomos responds.

With a flick of Nomos’s hand, lines are drawn on the mud in a grid pattern, giving the rice field a cool appearance. It’s pretty impressive. Now that the field is prepared, I return to Dolly’s location, where lush green seedlings have sprouted.

With this, most of the preparations are complete. It’s finally time for rice planting. And we might even be able to go from planting to harvest within the day. We’re challenging the conventional wisdom of rice farmers who say it takes eighty-eight steps.