Isekai Nonbiri Nouka Chapter 1021: Spring Preparations and a Lost Child

The chickens residing in the courtyard of my mansion.

Ordinarily, they treat the courtyard as their personal domain, but during the harsh winter months, they remain nestled within their chicken coop, undisturbed.

Ah, I've merely come to check on your well-being.

Even if you display agitation towards me, the persistent snow shows no signs of receding.

Very well. Both water and feed are sufficiently provided.

A Heated Stone has been placed within the water container, ensuring the water remains unfrozen.

Ah, indeed. Additional Heated Stones are positioned strategically throughout this coop.

As long as you are comfortable and content, that is all that matters.

Haha, please refrain from pecking at my feet.

The arrival of spring is drawing near.

Consequently, preparations for the new season are underway throughout the entire village.

My own preparations likely involve the diligent maintenance of my tools.

I have been attending to this task incrementally throughout the winter, so it feels more like a final check-up.

「Village Chief, the waterwheels and windmills are functioning without issue. They are ready for operation at any moment.」

Ria, a High Elf, furnishes me with this report.

The unimpeded operation of the waterwheels and windmills is most likely attributable to the meticulous upkeep diligently performed by the High Elves.

My gratitude.

「Not at all. It is likely thanks to the snow countermeasures we implemented prior to winter, and the exceptional craftsmanship of the Mountain Elves who constructed them.」

Even so.

「Fufu. Then I shall gratefully accept your thanks.」

Ah.

Right, Ririus and his companions made their return earlier.

「Eh? I received no prior notification of their arrival.」

Naturally, you did not.

It appears their intention is to proceed directly back to Village Five without delay.

「They are returning without even bidding their mothers farewell?!」

Farewell or not, you maintain frequent contact with each other, both here and in Village Five, do you not?

「Even so.」

Now, now.

The children are currently engaging them, hence their continued presence within the village.

「! Then, if you will excuse me!」

Ria promptly departed the room.

The individual who entered to take her place was Daga, a Lizardman.

「Village Chief, our inspection of the waterways is complete. Some debris had accumulated in a particular section, but we have successfully cleared it, posing no further problem. However…」

As he elaborated, Daga unfurled the map he had brought along.

This map depicted the vicinity surrounding Big Tree Village.

It was not a precisely accurate chart, but rather one illustrating the approximate locations of each respective village.

「While the waterways themselves presented no issues, during our inspection, a passing group of Centaurs mentioned observing a formidable demon beast in this general vicinity.」

The reported location was situated to the northwest of Village Two.

Not precisely adjacent, but in the general direction.

「Indeed. The Centaurs also conveyed that their confirmation was merely a fleeting glimpse from a considerable distance. I surmised it would likely pose no threat if left unattended, but as a precaution, I alerted angel Suarurou-sama, who was maintaining aerial surveillance, and requested an investigation. Please await further intelligence.」

Understood.

Immediately following my affirmation, Suarurou made an appearance.

「I possess a report. At the precise location that Lizardman Daga indicated for investigation, we have indeed discovered a large demon beast. Our assessment concluded that it exhibited no hostile intentions. It has been apprehended.」

Oh, I see.

Excellent work.

Were there any casualties sustained by our side?

「Two individuals were briefly engulfed by its maw, but we successfully extricated them.」

Huh?

Inside its mouth… does that imply they were consumed?

Are they unharmed?

「Their wings and attire merely became soiled.」

Oh…

That is a relief.

Ah, but… if it harbored no hostile intent, what reason did it have to ingest them?

「They imprudently assumed its movements were slow and foolishly ventured too close to its mouth without necessity. The creature likely held no inclination to consume them. It attempted to expel them, but one of the fool’s wings became ensnared between its teeth…」

I… I grasp the situation.

「The errant individuals will undergo remedial training.」

J-just ensure it is not excessively severe.

Um, regarding this formidable demon beast, regardless.

If it was substantial enough to engulf an Angel within its mouth, it must possess considerable size.

「Indeed. Its dimensions approximate that of a two-story dwelling. It ambulates on four limbs, possessing a large head and an equally capacious mouth, while its eyes are so diminutive as to be barely perceptible. Its bodily structure… bears a resemblance to that of a lizard, complete with a robust tail. The coloration of its body is a deep green, verging on black. It is devoid of fur, and its exterior was coated in a viscous slime of bodily fluids.」

So, it is essentially a lizard-type demon beast?

No, if the eyes are that small and difficult to discern… perhaps it resembles a great salamander demon beast?

Neither creature typically exhibits significant activity during the winter season, however.

Well, now that it has been captured, I ought to proceed and observe it.

For the present moment, I shall simply take solace in the fact that no villagers or livestock have suffered any harm.

「There is a possibility that others may be following in its wake, thus we shall escalate our vigilance.」

Understood.

I am relying on your diligence.

「Yes.」

Daga will instruct the Centaurs and any other individuals who might frequent that area to maintain a heightened state of alert.

This heightened awareness is necessary until the arrival of spring, when Kuro and the others will naturally become more active.

「Understood.」

Suarurou and Daga subsequently withdrew.

Now then, as for myself…

Prior to visiting the captured demon beast, I should attend to calming the Fenrirs.

Given its location, which is quite distant from the village, they are likely feeling some remorse for failing to detect it sooner.

-0-

Northwest of Village Two.

The colossal demon beast bore a striking resemblance to one of the hypotheses I had entertained: a giant salamander, albeit amplified to an absurd magnitude.

While it typically moved on four legs, it possessed the capacity to stand erect utilizing only its hind limbs.

When it did that, its size seemed even more imposing.

It resembled a dinosaur, or perhaps more accurately, a creature from a kaiju film.

However, there was someone who recognized this colossal salamander demon beast.

It was the Death Knight residing near the hot spring area.

Upon hearing about the giant salamander, he promptly journeyed from the hot springs.

It transpired that this particular beast was one of the giant salamander demon beasts inhabiting a sizable pond situated northwest of the hot springs.

Apparently, other giant salamanders had alerted him to a missing member of their group and requested his assistance if he happened to spot it.

The Death Knight offered his apologies for the delayed report.

Indeed, such information wouldn't typically warrant a formal report through normal channels.

Under ordinary circumstances, the matter would have been resolved within the confines of the hot spring area.

It was the kind of topic that might surface only in casual conversation.

Since he had already informed Yoru, Klim, the Lion family, and Asura at the hot springs, the Death Knight's actions were deemed perfectly acceptable.

In any event, the giant salamander demon beast had a destination to return to.

That was indeed fortunate news.

Now, would merely indicating the proper direction suffice?

Likely not.

If directional guidance alone were effective, the creature wouldn't have become lost in the first place.

Moreover, the teleportation gate would be unusable given its immense size…

Perhaps a dragon could transport it?

Upon hearing my suggestion, the giant salamander demon beast took a slight, hesitant step back as Doraim shifted into his dragon form.

Ah, of course. It might potentially soil him with its bodily fluids.

There was also the risk of it slipping and falling.

That consideration was quite valid.

Therefore, the optimal solution appeared to be assigning a guide.

Initially, it would make its way to the hot spring area on foot.

From there, it would continue its journey to the large pond where the giant salamander demon beasts resided.

However… significant amounts of snow still covered the landscape.

For myself and the High Elves, the frigid temperatures would be a considerable hardship.

As for the Death Knight… he had a tendency to get lost.

He had already become disoriented just trying to reach this location.

Death Knights were inherently suited for base defense, rather than guiding individuals to remote destinations.

Having one of the Angels escort it from the sky seemed like the most secure approach.

If the guide maintained an aerial position, the giant salamander demon beast would also be less likely to lose sight of its escort.

Just as I contemplated which Angel to request for the guiding duty, one of the Fenrirs stepped forward and volunteered.

It seemed eager to redeem itself and restore its honor…

But as I mentioned previously, it wasn't an issue even if the beast hadn't been discovered by them.

I attempted to placate it and reassure it that no blame lay with it, but its resolve appeared unwavering.

Consequently, I considered allowing it to proceed, but…

The Fenrir possessed pure white fur.

This would cause it to blend seamlessly with the snow-covered terrain.

As a guide for the giant salamander demon beast, this characteristic might prove somewhat disadvantageous.

What course of action should be taken regarding this?

-0-

Ultimately, the Fenrir was outfitted with a red vest.

Yes, it became exceptionally conspicuous.

As a marker for the guide, it should be more than sufficient.

Nonetheless, I harbored a concern that it might draw undue attention if they encountered adversaries.

Would they manage by employing sheer numbers?

It turned out that not just one Fenrir, but three, were equipped with red vests.

Evidently, a trio of Fenrirs would be undertaking the guiding duties.

Oh, in that case, it ought to be perfectly fine.

I am placing my trust in you all.

…

Hm?

It appears the giant salamander demon beast wishes to convey something; it is certainly free to speak its mind.

…It possesses limited eyesight, so colors are of little consequence?

Instead, it exhibits heightened sensitivity to presences?

However, if anything approaches its mouth, it might instinctively consume it, so caution is advised.

Ah.

In that scenario, the Fenrirs would have no need for their red vests.

I suggested they remove them, but the Fenrirs declined to do so.

Thus, the Fenrirs, adorned in their red vests, set off alongside the giant salamander demon beast, commencing their journey towards the hot spring area.

-0-

Several days subsequently passed.

The giant salamander demon beast safely reached the pond inhabited by its kin.

The three Fenrirs who had served as its guides utilized the teleportation gate at the hot spring area for their return.

It was a relief to know they had returned safely.

Furthermore, the three Fenrirs who guided the beast were still sporting their red vests.

It seemed they had developed a certain fondness for them.

I have no objections, but if they happen to become soiled, ensure that Ann and the others are tasked with cleaning them.

Additionally, refrain from excessively displaying them.

The majority of the spiderlings remain in hibernation, making it impossible to produce new ones if others were to request them at this time.

-0-

Ghost Sorceress: 「Why have I not received that particular report?」

Village Chief: 「You primarily return to the hot spring area solely for rest, do you not?」

Ghost Sorceress: 「Research! I am also engaged in research!」

Village Chief: 「Perhaps they concluded that disturbing you would be inconsiderate, given your usual seclusion within your laboratory?」

Ghost Sorceress: 「Well, I do appreciate that sentiment, but…」

Soon after, a sign appeared on the door of the Ghost Sorceress's laboratory within the hot spring district, proclaiming: "I'm inside. Visit whenever you wish."

Quentan, the Sword: "The Ghost Sorceress-sama's peculiar nature is surfacing once more..."

-0-

Yaa: "Just in case an event like this occurred, we've readied red vests. Use these as your identifiers."

Spiderling: (Clothing? W-Wait, isn't that our designated duty?)

High Elf: (Eh? Hold on. Did she just anticipate such a situation?)

Beastkin: (She did. Could she have foreseen this predicament?)

Angel: (...The mountain elf transport team stands ready with an extensive assortment of provisions.)

-0-

Lizardman: "What course of action should we take regarding the alert level?"

Centaur: "It appears to be an isolated stray, correct? No others are trailing behind it."

Minotaur: "Until the advent of spring, we ought to maintain the current status. There's no certainty that more won't arrive."

Lizardman: "Understood. Your reasoning is sound."

Centaur: "We must remain vigilant."

Minotaur: "Indeed."