Chapter 19: A Winter Without Snow

※The latter half shifts to Third-Person Perspective.

The time to sow the Winter Wheat arrived. Father issued a decree throughout the domain, telling the farmers, “We have developed a new species of Wheat that is resistant to Drought and will be distributing it. Please sow this new Wheat.” The bags of the new Wheat piled up at the Workshop in Northernford were loaded onto carts and transported to various parts of the Fairchild domain.

Although public safety within the domain is good, there are those who drift in from other territories after hitting rock bottom, so it’s not like there are no bandits. That is why the Knights escorted the carts loaded with bags of Wheat. “The Wheat created by William-sama is a precious thing that will prevent Famine caused by the Drought. We will not let thieves steal it.” The Knights were in high spirits.

Afterward, towards the end of Autumn, it finally rained, but the amount of rainfall was considerably less compared to usual years. The Drought might still continue.

Eventually, a cold wintry wind blew, and Winter arrived. Winter is a harsh season, but it is also a season to spend with family. When the family gathers in front of the fireplace to drink warm Black Tea or Soup, I feel like even my heart is warmed.

This year, Theo was also added to that group. I heard that Theo‘s parents got separated when they fled the Sea of Trees. However, both Father and Mother believed that the possibility of them being alive was very low. The deeper one goes into the Sea of Trees, the more powerful the monsters are. No matter how well Dwarves know the Sea of Trees, if they got separated, they likely wouldn’t be safe.

That is why my parents said they would treat Theo just like family. I respect that aspect of my parents. Theo was extremely hesitant at first, but he has gotten used to it little by little. Even if he stays reservedly off to the side, he warms himself by the fire with us and drinks warm beverages.

Mother, in particular, speaks to Theo often, and Theo responds with a smile. I told him I wanted him to think of me like a brother, but he told me that a Master is a Master. Still, I want to become closer with Theo.

By the way, although not as much as in the northern part of the Kingdom, snow piles up in the west as well. Children making Snowmen and playing is one of the poetic charms of Winter. But no snow fell this year. The dry weather continued, and because of that, Fires are increasing.

Father was worried about Spring. “It’s good that there is no snow damage, but this means the Spring meltwater will also be scarce. At this rate, next year’s Drought might become even more severe.” “I’m glad we have Nii-sama‘s new Wheat.”

“I wonder about that; it was something I made in a great hurry. I hope it bears fruit properly.” “Ufufu, Will has worked hard enough. Even if there are no results, that is the responsibility of the adults.” “That’s exactly right. Will did a great job.”

As expected, both Father and Mother are kind. They are considerate so that I don’t shoulder the responsibility. Since the risk of a Drought is rising, all I can do is pray that the new Wheat grows safely.

Location: Depths of the Sea of Trees (Third-Person Perspective)

There are others besides Dwarves who live in the depths of the Sea of Trees. However, those people were facing a crisis. “If the monsters increase any further, won’t we be unable to protect the village?” “Ah, I wonder if we can survive this Winter.”

“But we have a mission. We must protect the World Tree at all costs.” “I wonder if the Savior will appear just as the prophecy says.” Indeed, the mission is heavy, but at this rate, the clan could perish. Their Chieftain began to think that if push came to shove, they might have no choice but to take the World Tree Sapling and flee the Sea of Trees.

Recently, they heard that a Dwarven clan could no longer protect their home mountain from monsters and had escaped the Sea of Trees. However, beyond the Sea of Trees is land ruled by the Human race. Humans are greedy and cannot be trusted. Even if they escaped, it would be difficult. They worried about whether the Dwarves were safe.

“The one who went beyond the Sea of Trees has returned.” To get through the Sea of Trees, one must pass through areas with powerful monsters, but someone skilled in Magic that conceals one’s presence can get through unnoticed.

That is why they occasionally went to barter while hiding their true identities to obtain things that could not be found in the Sea of Trees. They avoided getting involved with Humans as much as possible, but Humans create convenient items.

“Oh, welcome back. Were the Dwarves safe?” “Yes, they looked very healthy.” “Is that so? Since it was an escape with only the clothes on their backs, they must have been suffering greatly. I hope they haven’t been caught by Humans and treated terribly.”

“No, actually, they said a Human Lord helped them, gave them houses and food, and even exempted them from taxes.” “Is there such a kind Lord among the Humans?” “I was surprised too, but I actually sat by the fireplace in the house where the Dwarves live and drank warm Soup together.”

Could such a thing really exist? If it is true, perhaps we should make a decision as well. Their Chieftain fell into deep thought.