Chapter 64

Led by Dilnan, I'm out for a walk now.

We're touring the fields just like yesterday, but what's different is that today comes with a lecture on the vegetables being grown here. The names of the vegetables, how they are used in cooking, and their preparation methods.

While listening to the explanations, what concerns me is the inadequacy I exposed during the game of tag earlier.

If the room I met Yurie in was real, then the physical strength of this body is at the bottom. It's almost impossible to exercise in a near-prison situation. The concept of exercise itself is probably non-existent. As for martial arts, that's a whole different story.

However, if I want to stay in the Northern Demon King's Castle, I definitely need to have at least the strength to protect myself. Even as a minimal child, with zero physical strength and motor skills, and being at the bottom in terms of magical power.

If there's a way to make up for these deficiencies, it would be knowledge. But to be honest, tactical knowledge is out of the question. The extent of my knowledge is limited to what I learned from playing RPGs in the past. I'm not particularly interested in military affairs or the history of the Warring States period. Why would an ordinary person go out of their way to study such things?

In summary, I really can't do anything. The fact that I'm so useless is enough to make even me feel depressed.

...Is it just me dreaming too much to think that if I went to another world, I would have some kind of cheat ability? *sniff*

"――...You look pretty gloomy, considering it's in front of Toot."

While I was thinking about this, Captain Jean, whom I met yesterday, came from the back of the field.

"Jean"

"Following up from yesterday, now you're matching with Dilnan. Should I make one for myself too?"

"Hey, cut it out."

"I'm being serious. Dilnan's mom."

"You..."

Dilnan and Jean exchanged banter. It's usually a fun exchange, but today I just can't enjoy it.

What should I do, Toot?

Thank you for the delicious fruit yesterday.

Today's fruits are also shiny and beautiful. They're almost ready to eat.

Is it really so bad that I just want to eat you deliciously??

While Dilnan and Jean were talking, I stroked the leaves of Toot in front of me and spoke to it in my mind. I wouldn't want to be seen as suspicious if I said it out loud.

I was thinking that... but what about this change in front of me? (sweat)

"...Captain Jean, Captain Dilnan"

"“...Huh?”"

"Toot... turned red."

This is an extremely awkward situation, but I'll be honest and let the higher-ups decide. The Toot I was stroking turned completely red without me noticing.

"Yurie, what did you do?"

"I was just stroking the leaves and said they were almost ready to eat..."

Jean looked at me with sharp eyes, and I answered meekly, trembling. Jean then shifted his gaze to Toot and began to inspect it.

"...They're definitely ripe."

"Huh?"

"They were supposed to take another two or three days even if they were early."

"...Yurie"

"Wait, Dilnan. Let's make this an experiment."

Eh? Jean's eyes are shining strangely...

So, I was brought to a corn-like vegetable field right next to the Toot field. Before coming here, we harvested the ripe Toot and put them in a basket. Of course, Dilnan is with me.

"Takt said he wanted some tomorrow, but the harvest of these is behind schedule. Try it out, just in case."

"...Takt?"

"...You haven't met him yet.

He's a member of the cooking team. Currently, he's in the second team and is responsible for the meals of the Demon King and the attendants and guards. Takt and Jair are the ones in charge."

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar name, and Dilnan explained for me. There are actually two more members in the cooking team.

...Right, the Demon King's place is on a different floor. The dining area is separate too.

"Dilnan was also in the second team and the attendants before becoming the captain of the cooking team."

"Wow."

That means, those who are in the second team and the attendants are exceptional. I understand. Dilnan must be an amazing cook. And of course, Oji must be too.

"It seems you understand the significance of being in charge of the Demon King's meals. Who knows, Yurie might end up in that position someday."

"Given my current state, it's an endless challenge."

While I was looking at Dilnan with admiration, Jean spoke to him with a smile. Dilnan's serious response made me think about my current situation and feel a deep sense of despair.

"...What happened?"

"It's not just a lack of combat ability. Her physical strength is even worse than that of a child."

"That's... quite something..."

Jean asked Dilnan about my reaction, and the answer left him speechless. It's frustrating, but I can't deny the truth. So, I want to move on to the task immediately!

Corn (??).

What do you taste like? Are you as sweet as the corn I know?

If you can, let me taste you a little.

While asking, I stroked it the same way I did with Toot.

...I just noticed, but the magic power seems to be flowing from my stomach to my hands, just like when I created a subspace.

Little by little, little by little.

As the warm magic power reached the corn, the leaves rustled as if they were happy. At the same time, the fruits, which were gradually swelling, and the husks began to spread.

When it reached a certain point, the magic thread automatically cut off.

It's probably not good to go any further.

By then, a plump, beautiful ear of corn had grown on the stalk I was stroking! Corn usually only grows one ear per stalk. The others are thinned out while they're still young. These young corns are also very crunchy and delicious.

...By the way, can I taste this?

"It's done!"

"Let's see."

Looking up at Jean, he immediately came to check, and Dilnan came with him.

After waiting, Jean harvested the corn and immediately peeled the husk!?

Dilnan took it and started cutting the kernels with a knife he pulled out from somewhere!!?

They both put the corn in their mouths and tasted it.

Ah, that's a way to eat corn that's only possible with sweet corn.

I want to try it too!

"...You're a truly terrifying child, Yurie."

"How far do you plan to go beyond the norm..."

"Here, Yurie, ahhh."

I wanted to eat, so I wandered around the two.

And when I heard Jean's long-awaited words, I opened my mouth like a baby bird.

When I bit into the corn that was thrown in, a juicy and strong sweetness spread in my mouth.

It was much sweeter and more delicious than the sweet corn I know.

"Even if it's called corn, this sugar content is unprecedented. And it was harvested in such a short time.

...It seems the abnormal growth recently is due to Yurie's influence. I'll let Lois taste it too without saying anything. If we can create a track record, it's ours."

"More, Captain Jean!"

"Sure, sure. Dilnan, give her a little more."

"Just a little more."

When I waited with my mouth open again, Dilnan put it in my mouth.

Delicious. So happy.

"The rest will be given to my team."

"Ah."

"Alright, Yurie. Stroke this row like you did before. If you do, I'll let you taste the corn again and one of the Toots we harvested earlier."

"Okay!"

If I can taste the delicious vegetables again, I'll do my best!

While I was saying "Be delicious" and stroking the leaves of the corn—officially called Mokoroshi (laugh)—a few members of the agricultural team, who were called by Jean, gathered.

They seemed to be tasting the Mokoroshi we harvested earlier and the Toot before that.

A few of the team members who tasted it were now watching me work. Even if you stare at me like that, I don't have any seeds or tricks. Mokoroshi, you're just working hard to grow deliciously, right?

"““Captain Dilnan, please let Yurie join the agricultural team!””"

"No way! Damn, the agricultural team too?!"

"That's amazing. This is truly the 'Green Hand'."

"Captain Jean, please negotiate harder, Captain!"

"Wait a minute. The timing isn't right now."

'Got it!'

"Jean. You guys really need to cut it out..."

While all sorts of adult conversations were going on, I decided to cheer Dilnan on in my mind.

[Extra (Dilnan's Perspective)]

"Mokochi!"

At Yurie's energetic shout, I had to hold back from groaning with Jean and the others.

Did she say Mokochi?

Did she really say Mokochi just now?

It's Mokoroshi!

Even though it's wrong, how can it be so cute? I can't immediately correct her...

"...Sorry to interrupt your good mood, but Mokoroshi?"

"Mokoroshi?"

'Guhf'

Jean, you said it well. You said it well, somehow.

...Why does the correct word sound so cute!?

Some of the agricultural team members are gone?!

Even Jean is speechless.

To be able to make Jean speechless multiple times a day is quite something.

And she's looking at me with such high expectations.

...At least, I'll stroke her head for now.