Chapter 50

The return trip is going smoothly. So far, there hasn't been any heavy snow or bandits.

I've been catching fish in the river and resting in the log cabin, so it's been a pretty comfortable journey.

It would be troublesome if I were seen moving quickly on the main road, so I'm basically taking a route off the main road.

I thought about greeting Lord Randolf, but I decided against it this time because I might not be able to leave immediately.

By the way, I almost forgot to sell the large amount of magic stones to the guild... Well, I can do it next time.

"How much longer until we reach your hometown, Master?"

We should be quite close since Azale Mountain is visible in the distance.

"Probably, if we keep this pace, we should arrive today."

"Hehe, I'm looking forward to meeting your parents, Master."

I can tell that Luna and Yomi are excited.

I've been thinking about whether or not to mention Mirei, but I'm too scared to say anything yet.

...Maybe I'm overthinking it, but if Mirei and the two of them meet, it might turn into a battlefield, right?

But then again, Mirei is a kind girl, so maybe she'll understand?

As long as she hasn't been influenced by my mother...

After about two hours of walking, we could see the entrance to Oren Village.

Even from a distance, I could tell it hadn't changed at all, even though it had only been a short time.

"Everyone, we're here. This is my hometown, Oren Village."

"This is your village, Master. It's a quiet and nice place."

"It's a beautiful place with plenty of nature."

Even if it was flattery, I'm glad they liked it.

The bustling atmosphere of the capital isn't bad, but there's no place like home.

Before going home, I'll go greet the village chief. He's probably been wondering about it.

"Chief, I'm back! Are you in?"

I waited outside the door, and the chief came out.

"Oh! That voice is definitely Owl! It's good to see you back! I'm really sorry for making you go with the noble because of me!"

It seems he was still worried about it. But I appreciate his concern for the villagers.

"Chief, it's fine, so don't worry. Just make sure not to make the same mistake again!"

"Haha, you always know how to handle things, Owl. ...Oh, who are the beautiful ladies behind you?"

"These are Luna and Yomi, my companions from the capital."

I didn't want to call them slaves, so I referred to them as companions.

"I'm Luna, the head slave of Master. Nice to meet you."

"Hehe, I'm Yomi, the top slave of Master. Please take care of me."

...What?!?!

I changed the way I introduced them, but they still introduced themselves like that.

What's the difference between "head slave" and "top slave"? It's probably a bad idea to ask.

"Hehe, so you've grown up, Owl."

I can see the chief's face twitching. I mean, if a 10-year-old kid brings two beautiful slaves, of course it would be like this.

"Ahaha, during my time in the capital, I needed more help..."

As I was making excuses, the chief dropped a bomb.

"Does this mean things didn't go well with Mirei?"

!? !?

Chief! Why did you have to say that now! After all the trouble I went through to protect you by going to the capital, you repay me like this! You're heartless!

!!

I can feel a dangerous presence from behind. It's very threatening.

I cautiously glance at them out of the corner of my eye, and they're still smiling as usual.

...Am I just imagining it? They're just scaring me.

When I look back at the chief, he's clearly terrified of something behind me.

I turn around sharply, but they're still smiling.

??? I don't understand at all.

After that, as we were walking through the village, they finally asked about it.

"Master, who is Mirei?"

"Hehe, could she be your girlfriend?"

Of course they were curious. I get it...

But about my relationship with Mirei...

...Hmm, to be honest, Mirei and I aren't dating.

My mother's letter mentioned a lot, and before I left, Mirei herself talked about bridal training...

"She's like an old friend. We live close by and are about the same age, so we often played together. We're not dating, though."

I know Mirei has feelings for me, and I don't dislike her.

Before I went to the capital, I thought I would marry Mirei and run a farm when I grew up.

"That's great! She's an old friend, huh?"

"Hehe, I'm looking forward to it."

"By the way, don't tell my parents that you two are slaves. Introduce them as companions."

"Leave it to us."

"Hehe, of course."

It's good that they seem excited, but I have a bad feeling about this.

I'm starting to not want to go home... But it's too late for that now.

Because we've already arrived...

It's winter, so Oren Village is covered in snow.

Since it's winter, they can't work in the fields, so my parents are probably at home.

"I'm back! I'm home!"

The first person to greet me when I opened the door was my mother.

"Oh, you're back already? That was quicker than I expected... Oh my, my."

My mother, who noticed the two of them behind me, is grinning in a way that makes me nervous. She seems to be up to something, which is really scary.

"I'm back, Mom."

"Welcome back, Owl. Can you introduce these two young ladies to me right away?"

Of course, that's what's going to happen.

"These are Luna and Yomi. They've been a great help to me in the capital."

Please don't say anything unnecessary...

"I'm Luna. I've been taking care of Master in the capital. I'm not very good, but please take care of me."

"I'm Yomi. I've been taking care of Master in the capital. Please take care of me, Mother-in-law."

What kind of introduction is that? They didn't say they were slaves, but it feels like that's what they're saying!

And why are Luna and Yomi acting like they've just married into the family?!

I mean, I don't mind, but this is a preemptive strike that's too much!!

"Oh my... I'm Emilia, Owl's mother. Did I suddenly get two lovely daughters-in-law? Hehehehehe."

Look, she's taking it seriously. In a way, that's impressive, Mom. I don't care anymore.

"Owl, go inside. Your father and Shea are waiting. Luna and Yomi, come with me."

"...Okay."

Luna and Yomi were taken somewhere by my mother.

I wonder how much Shea has grown? It hasn't been that long, but I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm back, Dad, Shea."

When I went to the living room, my father was holding Shea, who seemed to be sleeping.

"Welcome back, Owl. Shea just fell asleep."

"Looks like it. But she's grown a bit. Her hair has grown a little, too."

Shea's beautiful silver hair had grown a bit. Come to think of it, Luna also has silver hair. It's rare to have two silver-haired people close to me.

While talking with my father in the living room, my mother, Luna, and Yomi came in.

I wonder what they were doing.

I introduced them to my father, but it was pretty much the same as what they said to my mother.

I can't forget my father's shocked face... And the way my mother silenced him with just a look...

Since it was almost evening, my mother started preparing dinner, but Luna and Yomi offered to help and took Shea with them.

Is this the time to talk to my father if I have something to say?

"Um, it's good to see you looking well, Dad."

"Yeah, thanks to you, we're not struggling financially, so neither Emilia nor Shea have to suffer."

That's good. I hope Shea grows up healthy and eats a lot, as she's sure to become a beautiful woman in the future.

"By the way, Owl, recently Mirei has been coming over at night. She helps with Shea and learns cooking from Emilia... I think she'll be here soon."

"What?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

"...Do you remember? The day you sold me to Emilia?"

I sold my father? I would never sell my beloved family...

Oh, right. I did sell him.

It was when my father was infatuated with a beast girl maid from Lord Randolf's place.

"Are you still holding a grudge over that? That's childish!"

My father's eyes are completely mocking me. That's not a look a father should have.

"You should experience some pain too. Recently, Mirei has been practicing magic a lot. She's really good at it. She's also studying hard and making good progress with her bridal training. Thanks to Emilia's influence, she's become stronger! She'll be a strong wife in the future."

Seriously... I mean, I taught her magic, so she's probably pretty good at it.

Knock knock knock!

"Emilia! Dad! I'm here!"

She's here. Even though I haven't done anything wrong, why do I feel so cornered?

...Right, I haven't done anything wrong. It feels like I'm the one who's in the wrong.

I should be confident. So, I'll go greet Mirei at the door.

"Mirei, it's been a while."

"Oh, Owl! You're back! It's been a while!"

She hugged me... Her chest seems to have grown a bit since I last saw her.

She must be eating a lot.

When she hugged me, I could smell a nice, girl-specific scent that made my heart skip a beat.

Looking at her again, she's definitely a beautiful girl. What a happy life I have to have such a childhood friend.

By the way, was Mirei always this bold about hugging people...? Maybe it's because of my mother's influence?

"By the way, Owl."

"What is it?"

"Who are the beautiful women standing behind you?"

W-When did she get there?! Even though I was flustered, she managed to stand behind me without me noticing... She's really grown.

"Master, is this beautiful lady Mirei?"

"Hehe, can we introduce ourselves?"

Scary! They're all smiling, but it's terrifying! And Mirei, please let go of me.

"Um, this is Mirei. My childhood... 'Owl's fiancée.'"

Don't say that... And don't say 'fiancée'...

"I'm the head slave of Master, and I take care of him every day in the capital."

"I'm the top slave of Master, and I wash his back and take care of him every day."

What?! Why are you saying you're slaves?! I told you not to... Ah, you meant not to tell my parents. Damn! I slipped up!

And what are you saying? I'm the one who usually makes breakfast and dinner, so I'm the one taking care of them, and I don't wash their backs every day!!

"Nice to meet you again. I'm Mirei, Emilia's approved fiancée. Owl and I have been friends since we were little."

...The smiling glare is even scarier.

"Come on, let's have dinner now!"

The one who broke the frozen atmosphere was my mother.

Thanks, Mom, you're always reliable!!

As my mother came closer, she whispered in my ear.

"I owe you one. Treat me to something sweet. Something like a cake would be great."

...You really are reliable.

During dinner, they were all smiling but still eyeing each other, making the meal with my family feel very awkward.

It's even scarier that they're not directing their glares at me.

"I'm going to take a bath! Take your time!"

I ran to the bath out of sheer desperation...

"Hehe, I'll wash your back as usual."

"Master, I'll wash your back too."

Yomi had a triumphant look, and Luna's face was slightly red as she said it.

But this is something I can't give in on.

"No, I'm taking a bath alone today!"

If I say that, Luna and Yomi won't be able to come in.

"Oh, today, huh?"

Ah!!?

Mom, stop! My life is already at zero!

Phew. At least I'm alone now. ...It did turn into a battlefield, didn't it?

I was planning to relax for a month, but it looks like that won't be possible.

I might as well do what I need to do and go back to the capital. The princess has called me, and I need to greet the marquis and the duke.

I have my doubts about whether a commoner like me needs to do all this, but I've been taken care of, so I should do the right thing.

...But I really want to relax.

In the end, I spent almost an hour in the bath, worrying too much.

When I came out of the bath, the atmosphere had changed completely to a warm and friendly one.

"Master, we're going to take a bath with Mirei!"

"Hehe, it's like a girls' night out."

"Owl, I'm borrowing them!"

They went off giggling.

What happened?

"Mom, they suddenly seem to be getting along. What happened?"

"Hmm? It's a girl's secret. Just be glad they're getting along."

She brushed me off, but since the tense atmosphere from before is gone, I'll let it go.

Well, I'll get things done quickly and relax from tomorrow!!

The next day, I worked energetically.

To improve the village's defenses, I dug a moat and built a fence with the fine wood from the dungeon. I considered building a mud wall, but too much of anything isn't good.

Also, the population of Oren Village has been increasing recently, so I created 10 golems for security.

Of course, I reused the golems I secured from the ancient city.

They are basically knight-type, but two of them are beast-type, modeled after a lion and a scorpion.

Both are about the size of a human.

The knights are equipped with iron swords I made using my magic power.

The iron swords have a small amount of adamantite in the core, so they're not bad.

One of them is holding a saber I obtained when I defeated a General Orc at Azale Mountain.

I know from experience how troublesome that saber can be, so it's reassuring to have it on my side.

I tested them by having them hunt forest monsters, and they were quite strong. They should be perfect for maintaining security and defending the village.

I also expanded and renovated the houses. The draft was terrible, and the houses were too small for the number of people, so I added a second floor.

It was almost a complete rebuild, but thanks to my experience building houses and sheds, I managed to finish it.

When the villagers saw my renovated house, they were envious, so I did it for them for free.

Of course, I made the ones who wanted renovations work hard to help.

Thanks to the many idle male villagers who helped during the winter, it was completed faster than I expected.

I secretly tried making a water bed, and it was amazing.

It's a revolutionary invention that's a step above regular sleep. It might even be better than the water beds on Earth.

The material is unique to this world.

I have a feeling I'll be asked to secure jellyfish material for Lebrant when I return to the capital.

Another thing I did was level up Mirei.

We went to Azale Mountain and hunted monsters. At first, she was hesitant, but she seemed to enjoy it later, so maybe I awakened something in her.

I hadn't seen her magic in a while, but it's very precise, almost refined.

She might even be better than me. When did this happen...?

After leveling up, I checked her status, and she was much stronger than a villager from a border village.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Human/Female/Mirei/11 years old/Lv.33

HP: 1800

MP: 3800

Strength: 80

Agility: 120

Spirit: 140

Luck: 60

Blessing: Efficiency

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Her blessing is Efficiency.

Maybe her refined magic is a result of this efficiency.

While doing all this, I distributed gifts to the villagers, tried making katsuobushi, and before I knew it, two and a half months had passed.

The katsuobushi I made without mold was different from the one from my previous life, but it was delicious. I might try making mold-covered katsuobushi in the future.

For some reason, Mirei, Luna, and Yomi have become close friends.

It's better than them not getting along, but it's a bit suspicious. Still, it's fine.

I also got to play a lot with Shea, so I'm satisfied.

By the way, the two cows I won at the harvest festival were a bull and a cow. The bull is named Moom and the cow is named Ushiko.

I named the cow Ushiko because it sounded good... The whole village will take care of them.

They will be treated as the village's shared property, and everyone will benefit from them.

There's only a month and a half until the entrance exam, so I think it's time to return to the capital. The snow is starting to melt, and there are more warm days.

"Well, I'm going back to the capital. I think I have plenty of time, but I'll do my best on the exam!"

"Right, you're my son. Go all out!"

"Anything can happen, so don't be careless. Take good care of Owl, Luna and Yomi."

"Leave it to us, Mother-in-law."

"Hehe, we'll support him, so don't worry, Mother-in-law."

They've started calling her Mother-in-law. I don't have the energy to correct them anymore.

"Mirei, see you later."

"Yep, I'll work hard too, so you work hard! Don't do anything funny with those two!"

She hugged Luna and Yomi as she saw me off. I was worried at first, but it turned out well.

As I walked away, I saw the village chief come to see me off.

I waved to everyone as I walked, and they kept waving back.

At the village entrance, I could see the two sturdy golems, the improved fence, and the moat. The other golems are probably patrolling or at other gates.

This is all I can do for now, but I want to make the village even better.

The villagers' houses have become a bit more impressive, and the village feels more like a town.

Next time, I might work on improving the roads.

There are many things I want to do, but