Chapter 56

Rumburg and Bartholomew headed to their respective posts, while Ely decided to first visit the square with Charlotte.

"Of all places, starting with the square, huh?" I thought, but considering the geography, it makes sense to start with the Central Grand Square.

Ely asked, "If you want to see the town first, would you like to come along?" but I immediately declined.

If I go to the square, I might end up seeing my own statue being worshipped. Since Charlotte is seeing that statue for the first time, she will surely worship it. She would do it.

That's why I can't go with them. Haha.

So, the only housekeeper left behind is Alru. The penguin is just lying down in the study.

"Well, let's get moving, shall we?"

"Yes."

Alru doesn't seem to be in high spirits. Her usually perky cat ears are drooping, and her tail lacks energy.

Is she tired from her usual workload?

"Alru, are you feeling well?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Is there something bothering you?"

"No, Alru is fine."

Hmm, was she like this from the morning?

When we had breakfast, and when Charlotte arrived... she seemed normal then.

So, it must have been during the meeting. Ah, I see! That's it!

I didn't give her enough consideration. Of course, I didn't give orders without thinking. I entrusted all the handover to Ely for Charlotte. As a result, Alru and Ely, who used to take turns daily, were fixed for three days.

In other words, it could be interpreted that I judged Alru to be unsuitable for Charlotte's handover.

But it's not like they can't take turns for the handover.

"Alru, I didn't explain well about making you the guard for three days. I'm sorry."

"No! Alru is happy to be the guard! But, Ely... only me."

Huh? Wait a minute. My guess was wrong!

I thought Alru was upset because she wasn't given the role of explaining, but she was actually feeling bad for Ely because she was the only one assigned to guard me.

But I'll continue to explain things clearly to her.

"I had a reason. I might go on an exploration during these three days. In that case, Alru has a better sense of smell, right?"

"Ely is also good."

"Yes, I know that. But Ely is also good at speaking. That's why I entrusted the explanation to her."

I assigned tasks to both of them based on their strengths.

If I explain it properly, both of them will surely understand. Alru showed a bright smile and perked up her ears.

"Okay! Master Joshua, you're really kind to Alru and Ely."

"I'll also follow up with Ely later."

"Yes!"

Alru, as usual, raised her right arm with a snap and replied energetically.

Alright, I stood up to move, but then I heard the pattering of footsteps from behind.

I turned around to see the penguin slowly walking over, flippers raised in greeting.

"Good morning. You were here. I was looking for you."

"I just woke up. If you're up, let's head to the blacksmith's first."

"I would like some fish, if possible."

"Then, it's perfect. Let's catch fish in the Rubicon River."

"Thanks."

The penguin turned around and waddled forward, but it was slow. Too slow.

Since we're on land, it can't be helped, but it's hard to keep up with this pace.

"Master Joshua, can I carry the penguin?"

"He looks heavy, but I can carry him."

"No, Master Joshua, on a horse."

"Oh, right."

Alru and I moved ahead of the penguin.

"Alru, can you lift the penguin?"

"It's fine. Birds are very light because they can fly, but penguins can't. Compared to mammals, they are lighter, but they take up a lot of space. Still, compared to mammal bones—"

The penguin started explaining something complicated again, so I turned to Alru.

"Alru."

"Yes!"

Alru bent down in front of the penguin, slipped her hands under the flippers, and lifted him in one go.

"He's lighter than he looks."

"That's good."

Alru held the penguin in her arms and started walking. I walked beside her, and we left the mansion.

◇◇◇

At the blacksmith's, I asked Alru to catch some fish and let the penguin go with her.

"I'll go to the blacksmith's first."

"Yes! I'll catch the fish properly."

Alru put the penguin down by the river and stretched.

"Ah, Alru, just use whatever you find."

"I'll catch them with my hands. It's fine!"

Hmm, okay.

After stretching, Alru reached for her jacket.

"Alru! The water isn't deep."

"Yes!"

I thought she might take everything off, so I called out to her just in case.

I'll leave it to her and go to the blacksmith's.

Creak.

I opened the door to the entrance and saw Sequoia and Garam's apprentice, a young boy... I think his name is Nathan.

The two were whispering to each other. Sequoia looked exasperated, and the boy looked troubled. Did something happen?

"Ah, Joshua. I've been waiting for you."

Sequoia immediately turned to me, his fox ears twitching, and waved his right hand.

"Where are Garam and Torre?"

"They're in the back. They've been forging since this morning."

Sequoia's speech was a bit hesitant.

"Is something wrong with them?"

"They're completely drained and can't move."

"Really? They seemed so energetic. What happened?"

"Torre isn't that bad, but Garam is."

"Better to see for myself."

"Right."

I went to see them, and as Sequoia said, they were completely drained, especially Garam.

"...Hey, Joshua."

"You don't look well. If you're not feeling good, you should rest."

"...The alcohol... is almost gone... and I'm rationing it..."

"Alcohol?!"

"What are you saying! Without alcohol, dwarves might as well die!"

That's a strong reaction. Wow.

Alcohol, huh. I remember he always drank beer. The main ingredient for beer is barley, right? It seems hard to grow barley immediately. I should check if it can grow here with "Plant Identification."

"Right. There was something I wanted to do."

"Hmm?"

"It's about alcohol, not construction."

"Oooh!"

Whoa.

Got it, got it. Please stop shaking my shoulders with both hands.

It's making my head bob up and down.