Chapter 35

In the central plaza (planned site), I met Torre's disciple, conveyed the message to him, and handed over half of the Stuka wood I had brought back.

With this, all of today's plans are now complete.

After parting ways with Sequoia, I returned to the mansion just as the sky was turning to a beautiful sunset.

Hmm. I worked hard today... Long live the corporate slave spirit... sigh.

After dinner, Rumburg had prepared fresh guava juice for me.

I couldn't refuse it outright, so I drank it in the study with a tight-lipped expression when Elly came to inform me of a visitor.

To my surprise, it was Torre who had come.

I immediately asked Elly to let him in.

*Click.*

The door opened, and Torre appeared, carrying a large backpack.

"Torre. Was there any problem? I'm sorry for making you work late."

"No, no, no. Master Joshua, I'm grateful that you entrusted this to me."

With that, Torre put down his backpack and beamed with excitement.

"Take it easy, Torre. Would you like something to drink?"

"I must respectfully decline that offer."

You don't have to frown so much and pinch your nose like that.

The guava juice is actually quite good once you get used to it... No, it's still too sour for me.

But, let's focus on Torre for now.

"So, you came all the way here for the Stuka resin, right?"

"The resin has already been extracted."

"Huh? I thought you came to ask how to extract it."

I realized I hadn't told him and thought, "Oh no."

What's the matter? It's already done...

As proof, Torre took out a bottle that could hold about a liter from his backpack and placed it on the floor.

The bottle contained a viscous, honey-like liquid, light brown in color.

"I know that you just need to apply it. However, there's something important I forgot to explain."

"Huh? The application method?"

"Leave that to me. I have over forty years of experience with leather and fabric. I can handle it."

"Try to calm down. You're too close."

As he spoke, Torre's face inched closer, and his breath was almost touching my shoulder.

So, I gently grabbed his shoulder and guided him back to his original position.

"The most important thing I forgot to mention is what this resin is."

"Oh, right. It's an insulating resin. It can block electricity. I thought it would be useful for protection against electric shocks."

"Hmm. Insulating? Electricity? Electric shock? Hmm. Hmm. I've never heard of these terms!"

Damn!

I panicked and used modern terms in front of the intense Torre...

"Um, well. It's for protection against the zap from thunder beasts. I'm kind of weak, you know."

"Insulating, electricity, electric shock, thunder beasts... I see! I'm getting excited!"

Of course, I can't fool him.

There's no choice but to explain everything thoroughly.

Although Torre's interests are different from Sequoia's, he is also very eager.

Considering the future, it would be better for him to understand... but if I explain it poorly, it might take until morning.

"Alright. I'll explain properly. But first, let's talk about the items."

"Leave it to me. The goal is to cover the entire body, right?"

"Yeah. The lighter, the better."

"Then, a hooded robe would be perfect. How many do you need?"

"Let's say three. Can you do it?"

"Leave it to me. I'll have them delivered as soon as they're ready."

"Thanks."

"Here, here. Please go ahead and talk."

"Um, yeah."

So, he's still too close.

I moved Torre back to his original position, cleared my throat, and began to speak.

◇◇◇

--- The next morning.

"Mm, mmm."

Grr. I must have fallen asleep like that.

I remember talking passionately with Torre, and then gradually losing consciousness.

The feeling of the floor against my back told me I had fallen asleep in the study.

However, the back of my head was resting on a luxurious cushion, and it seemed someone had covered me with a blanket.

Elly or Alru must have been worried about me and prepared these things.

*Snap.*

I opened my eyes.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Joshua-sama."

"Did you... give me a knee pillow again?"

"Is that... not okay?"

"No, it's just heavy to have your knee under my head for so long."

"No, I'm very happy to do it."

Alru smiled brightly and lovingly stroked my hair.

However, looking at her hair from my position on her lap made me feel a bit embarrassed.

Alru, being slender like a cat person, had a very visible face from this angle.

Noticing my gaze, she tilted her head down and smiled childishly.

"Is it time to stop being so affectionate?"

What? Reacting to the voice, I moved my gaze while still resting my head on Alru's lap.

Sure enough, it was Sequoia, looking extremely bored and fanning herself with her hand.

"Intruder! (deadpan)"

"I came because you were sleeping in too late."

"Thanks for waking me up."

"I thought you were tired. We all agreed that you should sleep as much as you need when you're sleeping."

"Is that so? Everyone's been considerate of me..."

"You are weak, after all. We're all worried about you. But without your brain, nothing would progress. So, did you get enough rest?"

"Yeah. I overslept a bit. I have some muscle pain, but it's not a problem."

"Really? Just a little walk and carrying that thing..."

"Yeah! Damn it."

Grr. Laughing at me like that.

"Alru, the lolicon is bullying me!"

I deliberately hugged her slender body while still on her lap.

It was just a gesture, not a real hug.

Still, it seemed to have a significant effect on the lolicon fox. Her temples twitched, and the fur on her fox ears stood up.

"Is your housekeeper some kind of mistress?"

"No, she's not!"

"Then what is she? I offered to give you a knee pillow, but she insisted it was part of her maid duties."

"That's... Alru."

"What?!"

Aaaah. Too noisy.

I went too far with the teasing.

Let's stop fooling around and start today's activities, even if it's a bit late.

"Alru, I want to see Baltro. Has he already left?"

"Don't worry. If I blow the whistle, he'll come."

Is he a dog?!

Well, it's fine. If he comes when I blow the whistle, let's do it.

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