Chapter 128: The Dwarf Festival

The next morning, my exploration companions gathered at the Fairchild family mansion. “”Thank you for the souvenirs from the Royal Capital.”” Theo and Luna thanked me.

I had bought meat and spices for the Dwarves, and fish and fruits for the Elves, and delivered them via Teleportation Magic. Thanks to Storage Magic, which prevents freshness from degrading, I can even use perishables like meat and fish as souvenirs. I feel like I might be wasting Storage Magic, but since it makes them happy, it’s fine.

“”Thank you for the refreshments for the Knight Order as well.”” Ria and Gil bowed together. I had bought small items and accessories for the female knights and alcohol for the male knights. I told the two to raise their heads and asked them to thank Oliver later as well, since he was the one who selected the souvenirs for the Knight Order.

“Well then, let’s go to the undeveloped lands for the first time in a while. Today, we’ll teleport to the area south of the Black Soil Region.” The carriage was already stored via magic. I had everyone grab my clothes, and I gently touched the horses.

When I concentrated and activated Teleportation Magic, a magic circle spread at my feet. In the next instant, we were in the Black Soil Region. The wind caressed our cheeks, but unfortunately, it wasn’t cool. As expected, it is hotter here than in Northernford.

I brought out the stored carriage. Gil climbed up to the driver’s seat first, and the other companions entered the living room inside the carriage. When I switched on the air conditioner, a cool breeze began to blow.

“I am not fond of the heat, so I am grateful.” Luna looked relieved. It seems the depths of the Sea of Trees were cool. Thinking about it that way, the Elves really worked hard during the journey to find the Leyline Crosspoint.

“How far are we going today?” “Ah, Letty. I’m thinking of going to the banks of the Great River.” “Come to think of it, Brother mentioned there was a Great River in the south.”

“Yeah. But since it’s been a while, we might not be in top form, and it’s hot outside so we might get tired. There is a Dwarf festival tonight, so even if we don’t reach the Great River, I plan to cut it short early.” I have to make sure everyone doesn’t overwork themselves.

We headed south while hunting the monsters that occasionally appeared. When the sun was high, we took a lunch break. Today’s lunch is Genovese pasta made by Baker-san.

The sauce uses the sweet basil we found in the undeveloped lands the other day. Since sweet basil is vigorous, it has been propagating energetically since I brought it back to Northernford and planted it.

“It is a vibrant green sauce. The flavor is good too.” The Genovese seemed to suit Ophelia‘s taste. “It’s delicious spread on bread or on grilled fish too.” “I prefer meat sauce, but something like this once in a while isn’t bad.” “Ahaha, I thought Gil might say that, so I brought grilled chicken too.” “That is grateful. As expected of Lord William.”

We proceeded south in the afternoon as well. Eventually, the Great River came into view ahead. “It is a very large river!” “Are you surprised, Sophie?” Since there aren’t many large rivers in the West, it’s no wonder my sister is surprised.

“Theo, the Arroz I bought in the Royal Capital requires a large amount of water to cultivate. I want to draw water from the Great River to irrigate this area; what do you think?” “Let’s see. It’s not sandy ground, and the soil seems to have decent water retention capacity, so it should be fine.”

“That’s good. Arroz resembles the grain that was a staple food in my previous life, so it’s a nostalgic taste.” “Is that so? The soil fertility in this area is rich, so I think it is suitable for growing grains.” This looks promising.

We called it a day there and returned to Northernford early. As I was taking a breather in my room at the workshop, Theo and Mabel arrived. Mabel has become good friends with Theo while working together at the workshop. Since she was interested in Dwarf culture, it was decided she would go with us.

By the way, Letty and Sophie are not participating in the Dwarf festival. Sophie said, “Because Mabel is the main character today.” I wonder what she meant by that.

“Alright, I’m teleporting us.” I had the two grab the hem of my clothes and activated Teleportation Magic. When we teleported to the Dwarf village, the Dwarves were busy preparing, bringing out iron plates and arranging tables and chairs.

“Oh, welcome!” The Chieftain came out to greet us. “Uncle, let me introduce you. This is Mabel-san, a colleague from the workshop. She is the daughter of the Woodpole Baron family.”

“Nice to meet you, Chieftain-san. I am Mabel Woodpole. I am indebted to Theodore-san at the workshop.” “Ooh, what a cute young lady. My nephew Theo is always in your care.” “Nice to meet you, Mabel-san. I am very happy that Theo brought a girl.” Mabel seemed nervous, but she looked relieved when the Chieftain and his wife welcomed her with smiles.

“Geez, Auntie, it’s not like that. Mabel is a colleague, and she’s a noble, so that’s rude.” “I don’t think it’s rude, Theo.” Mabel asked the Chieftain and his wife, “Even if you say noble, my family is a Baron family with a small territory, so please don’t stand on ceremony.” “Ooh, not acting haughty despite being a noble; what a good girl.”

The Dwarves used to hold a summer festival every year, but apparently, they couldn’t do it after the monster offensive in the Sea of Trees intensified. “It is a happy thing that the Fairchild family accepted us, and that we can hold the summer festival together like this again.” The Chieftain spoke with deep feeling.

At the festival, they first offer thanks to the God of Smithing. The usually rowdy Dwarves were solemn just for this moment. But once the ceremony was over… “Now, let’s feast!” “”Ohhh!!”” The Dwarves all started grilling meat at once.

Heaps of meat were placed on plates on every table, and many large barrels of ale were set out. The Dwarf summer festival seems to be a festival of meat and alcohol.

Surrounded by Dwarf women, Mabel was talking happily. “And so, you know, when Theo was little…” “Hey, Auntie, stop it.” “Ahaha, I am happy to hear stories about Theo‘s childhood.” Theo seems a bit troubled, but these kinds of stories never stop.

By the way, Dwarves love spicy food. Mabel was teary-eyed eating the spiced meat dish. “Wow, it is spicy. But it is delicious.” “My, Mabel-chan is a good girl.” Before I knew it, the Chieftain’s wife was calling her “Mabel-chan.” It seems Mabel has blended in with the Dwarves.