Volume 2 Chapter 47 Our Relationship Has Changed a Little
A little over ten days after driving off the Stampede, amidst the late autumn gales, we were getting ready for winter.
But we weren't just preparing for winter.
For instance, the pile of bricks growing before our eyes was thanks to the craftsmen swiftly setting up a climbing kiln.
"I still can't believe I have my own house."
"Are you still saying that, Mr. Ryuuji?"
Lene, dressed in fluffy winter clothes, stood beside me, gazing at the house in front of us, and gave a wry smile.
Apparently, Lene was sensitive to the cold and had begged, "Lend me the Magic Stone of Normal Temperature," but I turned her down because it was too much of a crutch.
One must get used to both heat and cold to avoid health issues.
"Well, I was a regular adventurer just half a year ago. I never thought I'd have my own house, even as a craftsman."
"But being a craftsman, you'd eventually have your own workshop, right?"
"A rented house is one thing. I thought maybe in the distant future, if I miraculously survived, something like this might happen."
Anyway, Lene just scolded me for rushing to my death.
I never expected to live long or make such an expensive purchase.
But hey, it was His Excellency Duke Hoffman who paid for it.
In the aftermath of the stampede, His Excellency was able to quickly prepare rewards for the survivors and the bereaved.
It's said that delaying such matters can lead to a worse impression over time.
Truly, it shows you have spent many years at the core of the nation.
Thus, Lene and I officially purchased this house and soon began setting up the climbing kiln.
With a kiln, we can make charcoal, which is nothing but good news.
"Oh, Big Bro Ryuuji and the others are slacking off!"
"You're right, they are slacking off!"
While I was lost in thought, my little sisters' teasing came flying in from behind.
Since they received quite a substantial reward, they have recently taken a break from being Adventurers to help out around the house.
"Let us rest a bit, we just carried heavy stuff!"
I retorted back at my pouting sisters with a frown.
After all, I had just brought back a large load from the market with Belle.
As for Belle, she's sprawled out over there.
It seems that the Magic Stone of Powerful Arms for creating my apprentice is still not yielding enough power.
"We're tired too from fixing the roof! Right, Belle? I'm hungry. Should we get lunch soon?"
"W-wait a second!.. I'm exhausted..."
Minori is poking at Belle, who has collapsed, while the apprentice, with cat ears twitching, is only letting out a weak voice and doesn't seem like she'll get up.
She resembles a cicada that has entered late summer.
"I guess I'll make lunch today."
"Aw, Big Bro Ryuuji's seasoning is always too strong!"
"Ugh, I don't like spicy!"
...And so, the meals I make are unpopular with my little sisters.
That said, none of them are any good at cooking.
And then there's Lene, who always tries to add her own suspicious homemade seasonings, so everyone ends up stopping her.
In the end, Belle naturally becomes the one in charge of cooking.
'Ryuuji, my stomach's growling.'
"...You're here, Flamme."
Turning around at the sound of my recently expanded family, I saw Flamme, who had somehow shrunk to a size small enough to be carried by a child──or rather, was actually being carried by Lena, looking up at me and pleading.
Flamme can transform into a small dragon, so she's often fussed over by our neighbors, the dark elf Lana and the elf Sis Lena.
Even though I hold the 〈Magic Stone of Cashunat〉 and can't understand them, it seems they all play together happily during breaks from the garden work.
"Ms. Belle, are you tired? If you'd like, I can make lunch today."
The one who offered was Lana, who recently turned 11.
Despite being quite thin when we first met, these sisters have put on some weight thanks to our improved finances.
That's a good thing.
"Oh, that's not necessary, Lana."
"Please, let me! I've been relying on Mr. Ryuuji and the others for the garden and Stampy! Let me take care of you for a change!"
No sooner had I spoken than Lana, along with Lena and Flamme, headed back to their own house.
She's quite the forceful one.
Not that I mind.
We exchanged glances and chuckled softly.
...By the way, Belle is still crashed out.
* * *
"These ingredients... they go on this shelf. Belle, make sure you remember that."
"Yes, got it!"
While sorting through the things I bought with Belle, I'm shoving them into storage.
Since only Lene touches the alchemy stuff, I sort it roughly and hand it over to her.
I'm glad that things are back to normal after the market went dry during the Temporary phase.
It seems the new ship at Sartzstadt port has officially set sail.
This is because the Dark Mage, who was a major threat, kicked the bucket.
Lord Reichner said that this will make international trade even more active than before.
"Hmm, what's this..."
I found a small box while sorting and spoke in a low voice so Lene and Belle couldn't hear.
I secretly picked it up while Belle was busy doing the shopping.
I open the box and check the contents.
I see, this is well-made.
This should fit the bill.
"Belle, could you take this to the kiln workers?"
"Huh? Ah, I got it!"
When I handed Belle the large bag I had prepared behind me, the disciple left the workshop without a second thought, carrying it.
...Well, now it's just me and Lene in the room.
"...Huh? Mr. Ryuuji, what are you up to?"
"It's a secret."
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