When Hakuren and Grafaroon didn’t return for quite some time, I began to wonder. But then, they finally came back.
It seems they were assisting Tiselle over there, which caused the delay.
Their task involved cleaning the riverbed near the ruined harbor for rebuilding, clearing away the accumulated mud and debris in their dragon forms.
Well done, both of you.
I guide Grafaroon to the kotatsu where Doraim is resting.
Doraim had been playing happily with his grandson, Kukulkan, on the kotatsu. However, at that moment, Kukulkan decided to move over to Grafaroon.
Unfortunate timing, it seems.
If that’s the case, then it’s fine.
Ah, speaking of which, what about flying carpet?
You’re always with Kukulkan, right?
It is unusual for him to let you go like now so the oni maid took it away for cleaning.
Even though I know Kukulkan will be upset, the flying carpet was so dirty that it couldn’t be helped.
Let’s check out the flying carpet later.
Also, I’ll express my gratitude to the oni maid who washed it.
By the way, the act of dredging the mud and debris from the riverbed that Hakuren and the others performed is called dredging.
It took me a moment to recall that term.
I’ve heard of it before, but it’s not a term I use often.
How many times have I called it mud throwing instead of dredging?
But I managed to remember.
Also, in the village, we regularly maintain the reservoirs, waterways, and nearby rivers. The pond turtles handle the reservoirs, while the lizardmen take care of the waterways and rivers. I haven’t participated in a while, so it took some effort to recall.
I’ll join the next waterway dredging next time.
If I’m in the way, I’ll just keep an eye on it.
Hakuren had a letter from Tiselle.
The letter contained updates on recent events, including the exploits of Hakuren and Grafaroon, as well as news of Metora’s marriage.
Ah, so Metora got married.
I should send my congratulations.
In an attempt to oppose Metora’s marriage, four male representatives of the impure dragon clan arrived?
Oh, Metora must be quite popular.
Upon closer reading, it was a bit different.
All four male dragons were already married.
It seems they didn’t want to marry Metora themselves.
They came from Guinell, Metora’s husband to be.
They hoped that he stayed single.
They want to protect him somehow.
What the heck does that mean?
Anyway, these four impure dragons were so determined to protect Guinell—even if it meant battling Metora—but when they were about to kidnap him, Hakuren and Grafaroon arrived, and they gave up. ℝàℕ𝔬𝐛Е𝘴
And then, since they have come all the way there, Metora put them to work on clearing the land and carrying supplies.
Ehto, thank you for your cooperation.
…Is that the right response?
Or perhaps Metora assigned them tasks because they wanted to disrupt her wedding?
I understand her frustration, but I’ll write a letter in return so that no one will be forced to do anything.
At the end of the letter, they requested hardy saplings that can withstand the sea breeze.
They plan to use them for windbreaks and soil stabilization.
Given that it was my advice that made them build a town near the sea, I won’t hesitate to assist.
But what kind of trees are resilient to sea breeze?
From what I know…olive and loquat trees, maybe even laurel?
Well, that should suffice.
We have olives and loquats in the fruit tree area.
As for laurel, we cultivate it as a spice in the Village Four.
However, we don’t have any saplings of those trees.
Let’s put the AFT to work.
I’ll plant them in the Village Four and send them when they’ve reached a suitable size.
Using the AFT, they might grow quickly.
When we tried out the AFT in the Village Four, saplings sprouted almost instantly.
That’s faster than expected.
Is the AFT getting better?
Anyway, let’s prepare to send those saplings.
I’ll entrust transportation to the Goroun Company.
Come to think of it, pine and camellia are also resistant to sea breeze.
Pine yields resin, and camellia provides valuable oil.
Nothing wasted there.
Let’s plant some and send them once they turn into saplings.
Oh, and speaking of riverside imagery, willow trees fit the bill, right?
They’re known for their robust roots, often used to reinforce riverbanks.
Let’s cultivate and dispatch those too.
Though I wonder, what practical uses do willows have?
I heard they were used as toothbrush in the past but….
I can’t quite picture it.
Well, they’ll make the riverside scenery better.
In my letter to Tiselle, I’ll add a note: “If all else fails, please return them.”
Now, Hakuren’s back, and Hikaru and Himiko have rejoined her.
Poor Raimeiren seems a bit down, but Hiichirou and Rananoon are doing their best to console her.
Such good-hearted kids.
He’s drinking with Girar, Doraim, and the ice monster.
Raimeiren keeps glancing at you—I think you better tone down your laughter.
Also, phoenix chick Aegis.
Can you stop perching on the ice monster’s head?
The ice monster is melting in a weird way.
Fortunately, the ice seems to freeze into part of its body before it hits the floor or chairs, thanks to its natural chill.
The ice monster’s cold aura is formidable, but apparently, it can adjust the ambient temperature somewhat.
According to my experience……its cooling effect range should be from a commercial freezer to a cooler with a light setting.
Honestly, I wish it had come here during summer.
Ah, for now, as long as it maintains a comfortable cooling effect, all is well.
You’re staying at the Kamakura outside? Are you okay with that?
But you are worried about how the Cocytus wolves and Fenrirs are looking at you?
I’ve already explained to them that you know Ursa so it’s fine.
Tip-tap-tip-tap, the Cocytus wolf approached and clarified.
They weren’t on high alert.
Ah, it turns out they simply wanted the ice monster to create things like ice slides and ice maze.
But asking the ice monster for such a thing…
I thought it might be troublesome, but the ice monster didn’t mind.
Thank you in advance.
No no, you can start working on them tomorrow.
You’ve been invited to play mahjong in the morning so you plan to do it now?
You enjoy lying on the ice bed, but since you’re a monster, you don’t even need to sleep?
Your night vision is also sharp so there’s no problem?
I’d like to give you something in return……
You’d like me to tell Ursa that you worked hard?
You’d like me to remind Ursa to not do anything rash?
I don’t know what happened to you, but it seems like you’ve been through quite a bit.
I’ll make sure to remind her.
In Big Tree Village, there stood a colossal ice slide and an enormous ice maze.
The children were overjoyed, but…
Having the entrance to the mansion directly connected to the maze?
This will make everyday life difficult.
Also, if they’re not careful, people will get lost.