Chapter 13

"Here... like this... hmm..."

"How about this? I think it will fit perfectly."

Indeed.

Right, Garam said that if it's stone appraisal, the gnome Torre can do it... Yes, that's right. I immediately called for the gnome Torre right after that.

Instead of Garam, I had all the stones appraised by Torre's magic. Both of them said that identifying minerals was as easy as breakfast, but I somehow felt that Torre was better suited for the detailed work, so I asked him.

And, it took Torre only a mere hour to complete the stone appraisal!

Wow. Magic is incredible...

Chirp chirp—

"Grrr grrr"

"Zzz..."

The birdsong and the noisy Garam, even while sleeping, and the soft snores of Sequoia sleeping on my lap... Yes, these are the usual sounds of early morning.

But, my battle with Torre is not over yet!

After the stone appraisal, we ended up talking about the water wheel. Before we knew it, it was morning.

We're almost there. Just a little more, a little more... and it's this time.

"Here, look at this diagram. This should do it."

"Oh, wow. You're amazing, Torre! So, I just needed to add one more gear here?"

"No, no. It's because you said 'gear,' Master Joshua."

"...Torre, thank you. Is it okay to leave the actual design to Garam?"

"Yes, for larger things, Garam is better suited."

"Then... Torre, go to sleep... I'll just need a little more time."

"Then, I'll take my leave..."

Torre collapsed on the spot like a puppet with its strings cut. Soon, his snores could be heard.

I need to postpone today's speech and give instructions to Rumburgh and the others.

Gently placing my hands on Sequoia's head, which was resting on my crossed legs, I laid her down on the floor.

But, she immediately wrapped her arms around my torso and returned her head to its original position.

Is she awake...?

Knock knock—

At that moment, a knock on the door and a low, gruff voice called out to me.

"Master Joshua"

"I'm still awake. Come in."

"Excuse me."

It was Rumburgh who opened the door.

His right arm, bent at a precise 90 degrees, held a white towel.

On the other hand, he carried a tray with four glasses of water.

"Please follow the same schedule as yesterday. Leave Alru or Elly at the mansion as guards. It might be better to switch them from yesterday."

"Understood."

"I'll hear the reports from Rumburgh and Bartholomew tomorrow. The agriculture is as I confirmed yesterday. The cassava can be planted as is."

"Can we cancel today's scheduled speech? Please take care of yourself."

"Yes, that's my intention. Thank you for your concern. I'll sleep until noon, so please gather if you can during that time."

"As you wish. Please rest in your bed when you sleep."

Rumburgh placed the tray on the table and performed a beautiful bow.

Turning on the spot, I called out to his back.

"Rumburgh. There's one more thing I need to ask of you and Elly."

"Understood."

"Rumburgh, please check the inventory of combustion stones and magic stones in the mansion. Elly, please do the same for the citizens."

"Understood."

Rumburgh bowed again, turned around, and left the room.

The door closed with a soft thud, and I let out a sigh of relief.

There's a lot to do, but I'm at my limit with sleepiness...

Collapsing backward like Torre, I quickly lost consciousness.

◇◇◇

I suddenly woke up. But, the comfortable warmth lured me back to sleep...

I want to keep sleeping, but I have to get up.

Hmm. Someone must have covered me with a blanket, and even brought a pillow, even though I fell on the floor.

What a soft and comfortable pillow... No, no!

Thinking I might not be able to get up, I rolled over, but the more comfortable it is, the more I want to sleep.

But, I have to get up.

Grrr.

With a burst of determination, I opened my eyes.

"Whoa. Alru"

"Good morning."

The pillow I thought was a pillow was Alru's thigh, and I was surprised to see her face when I opened my eyes.

She must have brought the blanket.

I didn't move from the study where I fell asleep, but the other three who had collapsed were gone. They must have already gotten up and left the room.

"Where are the others?"

Just in case, I asked, and Alru nodded and replied.

"A little while ago. They left."

"Alright, me too."

As I got up, Alru hugged me from behind.

"Elly says, 'Don't touch me or I'll get angry,' but I'm not good at talking. So..."

I was a bit surprised to be touched by her, as it hardly ever happened.

But, the warmth of her skin was comforting.

Thinking it was her monologue, I remained silent, but then she spoke to me.

"Master Joshua, please don't collapse. Please take care of yourself."

"I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm fine. See, I was just sleeping, even though everyone else was working."

I stroked the back of her hand, which was around my chest.

Her tail, which had been standing up, drooped to the floor.

Cats' ears and tails speak louder than words. I must have worried her a lot.

It's not like I'm going to collapse from one or two all-nighters.

"Master Joshua?"

"Alright, let's go. Please guard me well."

"Yes!"

I patted Alru's upper arm and lightly slapped my own cheek.

Alright.

Let's do our best today! Even though it's already noon.

◇◇◇

"Oh, wow. Is this bread made from cassava? And this is mashed strawberries?"

"That's right."

"It's good, it's good. Delicious."

"I'm relieved to hear that."

Elly smiled and bowed.

I immediately had lunch, which doubled as breakfast.

This is because, as requested, all the housekeepers gathered at noon, so I decided to listen to their reports while eating.

But, they're quick.

I had already taught them how to cook cassava. I didn't expect the wild cassava to be made into bread for lunch.

But, I'm relieved that it tastes good. No matter how beneficial a crop is, if it's not edible, we'd have to come up with various ways to make it work.

"Everyone, please eat too."

I called out to the four who were standing and watching me eat.

"We have already eaten."

Rumburgh replied on their behalf.

"I see. You checked the taste in advance. Thank you."

"No... it's just what we could do."

Rumburgh said it lightly, but I'm sure they carefully checked the taste. If Rumburgh and the others deemed the cassava bread acceptable, the others would be satisfied too.

They might have put a lot of effort into making it presentable.

"I'm sorry to eat while I talk, but let's start with my report."

I grabbed another piece of bread and looked at each of the four in turn.

If you enjoyed even a little, I would be very happy if you could bookmark and rate this!