Chapter 390 Journey to the Apple Orchard

When I introduced Higlia as well, everyone commented,

So youre the lovely wolfwoman, huh? Your stylish armor shows that youve got a great fas.h.i.+on sense!

Nn, youre just as described in Shuuyas blood messages. Equipment as characteristic for ancient wolfmen, and your silver fur is pretty, too.

The fangs in your mouth are also charming I totally get why Shuuya has taken a liking to you. But, our equipment that also includes the Muntomi attire with its dreamy red and black feathers is clearly superior, right? Rebecca-san sought my approval.

After nodding faintly, I looked at Higlia.

She spoke up, Shuuyas family! Shuuya and I share a relations.h.i.+p where we will cross our fists while vying for honor together on the idol plaza. Therefore Im pleased to make your acquaintance.

I wont approve of any such shady duels! If you want to have a duel, Ill humor you!

Her movements of readying her katars while cladding herself in blue flames have become really decent. The way her long, blond hair swaysis a sight for sore eyes, too.

Oh, its the blue flames youve been showing off for a while now! But, saying that you wont approve of it

Its not me you should look at, Higlia.

Youre the male Ive decided to followeven if I might become no more than a single petal of a flower Higlia grew somewhat timid.

Next to her, Rebecca stabbed her katar high up into the air.

Huhuhuu Ill obstruct any duels implicitly being about getting engaged or becoming Shuuyas attendant! Thats the very reason why Ive been learning the Kulbul Boxing Style!

As usual she gets carried away with her rambling, but well, shes a beauty, so Ill ignore it.

If its about becoming an attendant, Ive already concluded that with Shuuya-samamany times overto the extent of physically experiencing his raging love

His Excellency is intense, but hes been kind to my b.u.t.t.

Kisara and Helme bragged proudly. But, that only ended up worsening Higlias mood as she had been waiting all this time. But, I guess the same applies to Rebecca, too.

Hmm? Mmmhhmm! Thats unforgivablebut I also got him to treat me kindly on many occasions, and were talking about Shuuya with his inexhaustible stamina, soI suppose its inevitable for that to happen. Rebecca slumps her shoulders feebly.

Ill give you proper service next time, okay?

Inexhaustiblethat makes me super curious, but its not like we really need to do the kagura ceremonyhowever, I wanted to have a duel

Dont worry, Higlia. Ill keep my promise. Besides, theres also the important matter of the cooperation, or rather, the alliance Cydale has formed with the ancient wolfmen.

Higlia had been in a bad mood, but hearing my words, she immediately latched on to them.

I see! Yes, youre totally right! Hehe, Im happy to hear it. Ive become friends with Quiche. Shes a great commandant. If she had been an ancient wolfwoman, Im certain shed have quickly risen through the ranks!

The fur on Higlias back stood on end. Her tail was wagging, too.

Nn, no choice if he promised it. Her and the vampire hunter NoraShuuyayoure too popular. But, its also proof that youre a good man whos reliable in various ways. Shuuya! Do your best at the duel, and beat her black and blue! Eva approved of it, but her last words had a slightly scary nuance.

Even though he already has milady

Lily, you mustnt blame Shuuya. Youve heard about the many incidents from milady, havent you? Dee-san asked.

Yeah.

Hes a kind man. He even built houses like this one for the people he rescued.

Dee-san argued in my favor, butLily still glared my way.

Well, I get her feelings on this. In her eyes, I must be fooling around while discarding the woman she likes.

Next I introduced the orcs.

These are unusual orcs for swearing their allegiance. And theres also a beautiful orc among them, commented Rebecca while bringing her face close to Quema, ignoring Solobo altogether.

And then she looked at me once again. I felt like her eyes were accusing me, You perverted vampire! You saved them because shes a beauty, didnt you!?.

I got an urge to smoke a magic cigarette, but endured.

Nn, huge Solobo with a magic umbrella and a magnificent katana. And Ive heard that Quema uses a spear and bone flute.

Shuuya-donothe small woman with the long blond hair, Rebecca-samaand the one with the violet eye, Eva-samaand the others are your esteemed family members as bloodkin, arent they?

I feel like she also threw Lily and Dee-san into the mix there as well, but whatever.

Just as I told you before, theyre the people whove strongly inherited the blood of the Light Demon Lucival race.

Yes, even if we cant understand their words, we share the same feelings

Solobo pressed a hand against his chest as if to fire himself up. He looked like a gorilla that was appealing. His face was that of a pig, though.

My name is Solobo and I have become Shuuya-samas subordinate as a lowly grunt. I am a rowdy orc who has some confidence in his sword skills. Please take care of me from now on! Solobo introduced himself as if holding a speech.

After exchanging a look with Quema, they both nodded, and then genuflected.

Your Excellency, I dont understand their words, but I feel like I know what theyre saying. You can put your trust into the loyalty and strength of those orcs. How about sending them over to Kaldo in the west once you have turned them into your kin?

Youre righttheyd become a power to help the establishment of his dark guild. But, theyd need to listen to Kaldo, right?

Ah, that would be impossible, muttered Helme.

Yeah, probably, I guess. And Kaldo doesnt contact me, as hes apparently entrusting all the blood messaging to Yui. Besides, he likely wants to build up things from scratch as a man. Though he might just be on a honeymoon with Crow-san, too.

An expansion of the territory

Sorry, I know about your hopes, Helme, but Ill trust Kaldo on that. Besides, Im getting messages from Yui, so everything is still alright.

Nn

In the meantime, Eva extended a hand towards the bowing orcs and touched them.

Nnsurprising, she said towards me after having read their minds.

What is?

They truly intend to devote their life to you, Shuuyaeven though theyre orcs, its just as Spirit-sama has said.

Its not to the extent of Hankay-san, but theyre faithful orcs who dont forget their debt of grat.i.tude, huh? Hearing thatI cant regard them as meat any longerso maybe Ill stop eating orcs, said Rebecca, clearly agreeing with my own impression.

However, it looked like Dee-san and Lily were different in that regard.

Orcs

Lily swallowed her saliva as if having a delicious feast in front of her eyes.

Her expression is scarysince shes probably imagining pork fried with ginger. Her ap.r.o.n dress with the V-shaped neckline is cute, however

On the other hand, Dee-san was wearing leather armor with a matching tunic adorned with merchant-styled embroideries.

Theyre meat, yep, muttered Dee-san with a cold-hearted look on his face.

He slowly extended a hand for the kitchen knife hanging at his waist.

Dee, get your hand off the knife. Lily, you too. The orcs are no food.

It was quite a ha.s.sle since no one was able to understand Orcish.

Lets keep those two away from the orcs since it looks like things would escalate quickly.

Quema, Solobo, you can lift your faces. Please go and check out how Muu is doing.

Please leave it to me. Ill watch her while training with Soebally as well.

Im also someone who can wield a spear, and the Totokhun Clan values children above all.

The orcs said something, right? Ill go outside, too.

Following the orcs, Higlia went out on the training ground, too.

Okay, Ill head outside as well to make sure that Muu-chan wont eat the orcs. Kisara cracked a joke.

Ill go and take a look at Muu-chan. Helme also headed over to the entryway while smiling.

Muu sure is blessed.

Helme and Kisara joined up with Higlia, opened the entrance door, and went outside while talking about where Rotalz might be around now.

I want to greet Muu-chan.

Nn, me too.

Gotcha. Let us go to the training ground as well then.

Taking Rebecca and Eva with me, I left the living room for the entryway. Thereupon, the Wave Gourd entered my visual field.

I guess Ill take this with me as well, is what I thought as I stopped and looked at the gourd, which was stuck to the floor next to the door. Pus.h.i.+ng the door open with my right hand, I manipulated

.

The entryways grains showed movements as if being hit by a wave, and vanished in the next instant like ash that crumbled apart. The stuck gourd lurched over, and just as it was about to fall over, I grabbed its protrusion.

As usual, the thing is d.a.m.n heavy. Is it so heavy because of its contents? Or because its surface is made out of metal?

While pondering about that, I focused my attention on the shoulder dragon. After my cloth hood was sucked in and stored away inside the dragons mouth, I hoisted the gourd on my back. Then I released

from both factors, creating an impromptu carrying strap.

Transporting the gourd, I left the house with Rebecca and Eva.

Nn, the gourd looks heavy. Its design is pretty, though.

Carrying it with chains is a funny pun Rebecca commented with a laugh.

Are blood-sucking flowers inside this thing?

Yep. According to the Time Pinyin, the part of the power source for Cloud Rust Tenge thats inside this gourd appears to be a precious item.

Nn, examine?, asked Eva while extending a hand for the gourd.

Sure, go ahead, though I dont know whether it has consciousness.

Eva nodded and went around behind me.

Ill touch it now.

As soon as I heard her warning

Nothing from the surface layer.

I see, thanks.

I wonder whether I should give touching a go as well. I also want items like this. And Id sure love to employ a super kitty like Rollo-chan.

Rebecca has been yearning to become a magic painter, hasnt she? I recall her having mentioned something along those lines in the past, too.

Its got a rough texture. So you slaughtered the forces of the Tree King with this, huh?

Rebeccas finger, pretty.

Thanks. Since Ive started to use my fist, Ive been using Amalds Eyes, the new product of the Alcorny Company, and Angels Bell.

You bought Angels Bell?

Yep, it was recommended to me by my customer, Madam n.o.ble.

Which reminds me, Ive heard that the number of those wearing luxurious dresses has increased among the people buying tea at your shop.

Indeed. I think it might be somehow related to Prince Melt-sama, butwell, Betty-san has been rejoicing over it, so its all fine.

If something happens, Ill come running.

Thanks, Ill help out at your restaurant as well, Eva, so lets do our best to not lose out to Tanaka Confectionery.

Nn!

Its not like I wanted to interrupt their girls talk, but I told them, You two, the training ground is over there.

Nn, Shuuya, something strange is going on your back. Just now it shone crimson.

Oh, I saw it as well!

The gourd on my back appears to be usable as a tail lamp. Though I wont voice out that joke.

That and SaratenShuuya, youre collecting too many weird items.

Im blessed by chance luck, or its the whim of the cursed G.o.ddess, I said and looked at the palm where Saraten was hiding

Unlike the other day, only a small voice of I reached me telepathically. Is she lacking nutrients after not having sucked any blood recently?

Puyu!

Suddenly Puyuyu climbed on top of the wave gourd. It had apparently jumped down from the roof of my house.

Its nasal breathing is oddly roughits caressing my nape as cool wind.

Ah, this is Puyuyu-chan, right? How cute

Nn, this fuzzball pranked me earlier in Shuuyas attic!

Puyuyupuu!

Is it waving its weird wand left and right?

Sheesh, its not letting me touch it! Is it a bashful kid, or what?

Nn, rascal.

Now, now, just ignore it.

Just like that, we pa.s.sed along the training grounds edge. Everyone, including Muu, was currently on the training ground. Muu was single-mindedly striving to practice with her spear.

Iglueds tree stood out as it towered in the center of the training ground. Then again, it provided shading from the sun underneath its leaf canopy. It cast a pattern of sunny spots and shadows interweaving with each other onto the ground.

It reminded me of external corridors on the outer side of traditional j.a.panese housesgiving the training ground a relaxed atmosphere.

Noticing that sight, Eva and Rebecca nodded at each other, entered the training ground, and ran up to everyone else. Lily and Dee-san followed them as well. Me too.

Youre Muu-chan, correct? Im Rebecca.

Nn, Im Eva.

Muu felt shaken by the sudden arrival of strangers. Spotting me, she tried to hide behind me just like she did when Nemus and Moga visited.

Muu, you dont need to hide, I instructed her while also holding out a hand to stop her.

Thereupon, Muu looked at Helme and Kisara in an attempt to seek help.

All is fine.

They are Shuuya-samas bloodkin-sama, and at the same time, his cherished family.

nh.

Muu cast a sharp glare at me as if saying, Why did you refuse me?, and then pointed her wooden spear at Eva and Rebecca.

Oh my.

Nn, match with a wooden spear?

gh!

After swinging the spear left and right, she shot countless of her threads towards the ground while moving her spear downwards. Once her threads embedded themselves in the soil, she jumped up high into the air, and swung her spear down after raising it overhead.

Her kachi-age movements were still too half-hearted. Well, shes a child, so yeah

And then, while swinging downwards, she landed with her normal leg on the ground. Just to immediately pull the spear back close to her. Once she stabbed its head into the ground while supporting her body with the threads, she placed her normal foot on the spear, doing a balancing act.

gh, grunted uu with a proud face atop the spear.

Puyuyu, shouted Puyuyu from atop the wave gourd.

Going by the nuances in its voice, it seems to be praising Muu.

Ooohhh

The magic book connected to those threads is mysterious.

The tall Soloboa and the slim Quema hit the back of their hand with their weapons, applauding and admiring Muus training movements.

For her to be a spear girl who uses threads, muttered Dee-san while clapping his hands.

Shuuya-san, that kid cant talk? Lily asked.

Looks like it, though it might be different, too. After all, she did utter some words in the past.

I see. Lily looked at Eva with a face as if she was recalling the past.

Its a shame that shes got no claws. But! Shes learning faster than an ancient wolfman child! Daon and Ryokline should praise Muu as well once they see her movements! Higlia praised the silent girl while repeatedly extending and retracting her silver claws.

Muu-chan, you managed to pull off the Floating Sand Drop Kisara taught you.

Did it look like that to you? Her spear handling still has a lot of room. But, the same does not apply to her threads. For her to have mastered them to such a degree

Helme and Kisara chatted amongst each other after observing Muus performance.

You wanted to show us this, didnt you Muu-chan?

Muu nodded.

However, the instant got off her wooden spear and landed off the ground, she splendidly tumbled over.

Shes still got a long way ahead of her, huh?

Ah!

Helme tried to move in order to help Muu, but Eva was one step ahead with helping Muu up.

gh.

Muu lowered her head in grat.i.tude, butit looked like she was very curious about Evas metallic legs. She started to fixedly stare at her legs.

Hehe, these legs are special. Theyre rare gems created by Mysty, and

She changed them into their Segway mode, and smoothly moved around with maneuvers that capitalized on the side wheels on her feet.

!

Muu started a rough, nasal breathing as soon as she saw Eva moving around like that, and immediately chased after her. But, Muus running style was clumsy at most. The way she used her prostheses was somewhat wild.

In the end she settled for skillfully hopping around on one leg. Seeing that, Eva was kind enough to stop her wheels and whirl around.

The beautiful fluttering of her black hair

Nn, I can also use staff arts! Take a look.

Eva reverted her legs back to their normal state, and extended her tonfa out of her sleeves. A sharp glint crept into her eyes as she began to unleash a series of sharp thrusts. Next, she stabbed the end of one tonfa into the ground while twisting her waist, and extended one of her metallic legs to diagonally in front, showcasing a kicking technique.

In the next moment, she rotated once by twisting her body, using the tonfa she had stabbed into the ground as a cardinal point.

Whirling around, she approached Muu and said, My legs were disabled, just like yours, Muu.

hn. Muu nodded frantically.

It looked as if she was saying, Like me? Wow, incredible!. Muu pointed the tip of her spear at Evas tonfa. It seemed as though she wanted to know more about the weapon Eva was using.

Nn, these are tonfa. I was taught by a teacher, nn, master with the name Klein Phenron. This can also function as walking sticks. Theyre my weapons and precious legs, explained Eva, drew them back and stored them underneath her sleeves again.

And then she placed her hands on her knees while smiling like an angel. She did so for the sake of matching her eye line with Muu. Eva removed one of her hands from her knees and stretched it out towards Muu, gently stroking Muus streaked hair.

She looked just like a gentle day-care worker in a nursery.

Muu was wearing her brand new combat outfit. I think Dokoko Muse-san has made them for her.

Eva softly touched Muus body, also examining the threads extending out of her prostheses.

Oh, I got itshes reading Muus mind because she cant talk

Eva smiled while tenderly stroking the small girl. Itd make for a great pictureas a heart-soothing sight.

Hehe, Muu-chan is smiling.

Yeah, it looks like she readily opened up to Eva.

I can fully understand. I mean Eva is also popular with the neighborhood children, said Rebecca and added with a smile, This looks like I wont get a turn

Eva separated from Muu, reverted her wheels back into her usual magic wheelchair, and approached us.

Nn She made her body float. Once Dee and Lilys business is overshould I use

just like earlier with Iglueds tree?

She didnt talk about Muus mind voice which she should have heard. Shes probably trying to not reveal any secrets while considering it a childs mind. But I can fully understand because I know Evas childhood story.

I guess youve got a point. Please, Im counting on you.

Nn.

After waving a hand at Eva, Muu ran over to Kisara and Helme.

Then we headed to the center of the village.

Ah! Rollo-chan, found you!

Nn, nya, nyanyan.

Nn, nyaa.

Nyao nyao

Rollo stood on top of the monument and was meowing as if howling at the moon. Alray and Hueremy were imitating her.

Puyuyu!

It had an immediate effect on Puyuyu who was riding on the wave gourd. It jumped as if shouting, Im going to join in as well!. The Sea of Tree beastman had high physical abilities on top of being small. It also possessed pads on the soles of its fuzzy, short legs.

It seems like Puyuyu also wants to partic.i.p.ate in the animal festival held on the monument.

Rollo-chan is so d.a.m.n cute

Nn, hasnt Rollo-chan noticed us?

Rebecca and Eva called for Rollos attention, but she didnt move from atop the monument. It looked as though she was enjoying the wind up there.

Probably, she appears to be in a trance. Rollo likes roaring up there. Well, I think its more owed to her loving to show off her gallant figure to the children below. She must be meowing about her being in high spirits. Though its a surprise that Catiza isnt with her.

We left Rollos squad to its own devices. On the other hand, the children were squealing around as they played together on the plaza.

They including Arry and Taack too screamed towards Rollo,

Change into a black panther~

Transforming into a horse would be nice.

Id prefer the big tiger version~

I wanna fly in the sky on her divine beast form!

Eeehh!? Thats so scary.

I want to fight against Alray and Hueremy.

Come down here since Id love to stroke you~

Rollo was super popular.

Your Excellency, I want to join in as well, if you allow

Your Excellencyyy, Rollo-sama is interfering with the childrens throwing training.

Ah, puff-puff!

Long time no see, puff-puff

Whuaaat!? His Excellencys bloodkin-sama!

Zemetas, let us show our growth to His Excellencys bloodkin!

Great idea!

I ignored them. But, Higlia got lured in and started to move her body.

I remember! I wanted to fight against them!

Higlia, feel free to have a mock battle with them, if you want.

No, its okay. However, after seeing the Burning Knightss movements, it made me fully realize how harsh a place the Spirit World is.

I guess.

Gramps Ton, who loved proverbs and philosophy, showed up at this noisy, or rather, lively place. Then the married couple Maurique and Suu. And then the lumberjack Ebou and the farmer Donagan. Nowadays, Donagan was in charge of all agriculture that was carried out in Cydale.

I exchanged ideas with Dee and Eva centered around the cultivation of yoimoi and the information about Rehme sheep I had heard from Donagan. Rebecca and Higlia listened silently, seemingly not understanding much of our conversation.

At that point, Riedel and Gramps Pal, who was living with her, approached us. Rebecca and Riedel had a lively discussion about black tea and sweets.

Everyone seems to have fields theyre good at.

Isnt it the same for you as well, Higlia?

Y-You really think so? She smiled happily with her tail wagging.

That claw armor of yours. And you do have a great fas.h.i.+on sense.

J-Just that?

Yeah. Daon-san is better at dismantling monsters. Even when you tilled a field, it became a silly mess. You were scolded by Donagan to not crush the seeds, werent you?

Well, everything is difficult at the start. Things can become a benefit, but theyll never be a loss. Its important to gain experience. Theres always a next time. The more you do, the more itll help you in the long run.

Ah, okay, thanks, replied Higlia with a nice smile.

With her swift movement as typical for ancient wolfmen, Higlia moved next to me, grabbed my hand, and brought her face close.

Aahh! Whats with that nonchalant flirting between you two!?

Nn, Higlia is a smooth operator.

Shes a beauty and it sounds like Shuuya is going to duel her.

Nn, should we get in the way?

I guess we should, yep

My two

After that exchange, I also introduced them to Granny Bang. Eva and Rebecca received mysterious, wooden tags from her. I couldnt really feel any mana from those tags.

However, shes a mysterious granny who used mystic arts to cover the house I made for her with rosesthough I think those tags are similar to charms.

Just as everyone was opening up to each other, Well then, lets go to Quiche at the village center.

We moved into the big building and proceeded to Quiches official work room. It was an office with light brown furniture lining up left and right. A part of the loot we obtained from the orcs had been placed on the floor. Quiche was sitting deeper inside.

Catiza, Moga, and Nemus were standing close to a bookshelf on the left side. The members of

Red Tiger Storm

, who had been formally hired by the village, Professor Domidon, and his a.s.sistant Mie-san also were present, standing in front of a cupboard on the right.

Emissary-sama

Catiza, be quiet for now.

Okaaay.

Once I emitted a threatening aura while releasing my mana, the room became silent. Without minding that, I s.h.i.+fted my eyes to Dee-san, and nodded.

Dee-san, thats Quiche. Shes the one in charge of the village.

I understand.

Dee-san went on to discuss things with Quiche. The trade negotiations for the veggies, which could only be procured here through Donagan, were wrapped up quickly. It sounded like the main method of payment would be bartering rather than money, but I didnt listen to the details.

Suddenly, Eva and Rebecca stepped forward.

Youre Quiche-san, right?

Nn, pretty elf.

Welcome to our village, Rebecca-san, Eva-san. Ive heard all kinds of things about you from Shuuya.

I-I see. I also heard all kinds of things about you! Though it was limited to blood messages most recently.

Nn, Quiche, youre free to call me Eva. If youre a woman cherished by Shuuya, I want to get along with you.

The same applies to me, Eva, Rebecca. I look forward to becoming your friend.

Rebecca vented her discontent, but beginning with the talks about what they would do from now on, the discussion proceeded peacefullyincluding a free usage of the apple orchard.

End of Part 1