Isekai Nonbiri Nouka Chapter 1022: Spring of the 21st Year

Igu, the Nyunyu-Daphne of Village One, joyfully announced that the season of spring had officially commenced.

In other words, the warmth of spring was finally upon them.

Alright then, time to get down to business!

With that determined spirit, the very first task at hand was…

To bravely escort a group of Angels, who had firmly entrenched themselves in a secluded corner of the mansion alongside their beloved kotatsu, out of their makeshift fortress.

Their unified declarations were: 「Winter is still very much ongoing」 and 「We absolutely refuse to part with our cherished kotatsu.」

Little did they know, the kotatsu wasn't even being put away yet.

Ah, it appeared they had constructed a rather formidable barricade.

The hallway itself had been transformed into an impenetrable stronghold.

The one who stepped forward with unwavering resolve was Suarurou.

Marching behind her were several Angels who had recently undergone intensive retraining under Suarurou's tutelage.

For the moment, I decided to entrust the resolution of this peculiar standoff entirely to them.

……

Ah… it seems they immediately resorted to employing forceful measures.

I sincerely hoped they would refrain from utilizing any form of magic.

Please, no fire magic, alright?

It's crucial to remember that we are currently indoors.

A pitfall trap?!

When exactly did they manage to construct such a device?!

And a reminder to carefully restore it to its original state once this is all over.

Nevertheless, recognizing that this particular endeavor might require a significant amount of time, I decided to proceed with some essential farm work.

-0-

That same evening.

Upon my return to the mansion after thoroughly utilizing the AFT, I discovered that Suarurou and her contingent had been compelled to retreat in utter defeat.

「We deeply apologize for our failure.」

No, well, it's quite alright…

But weren't the opponents remarkably tenacious?

Prior to Tier's arrival, Suarurou was acclaimed as the most formidable among all the Angels. Yet, they managed to successfully repel her efforts.

「The individuals currently barricaded within are those recognized as exceptionally 'capable slackers'. However, rest assured, tomorrow we shall undoubtedly… 」

Please don't exert yourselves excessively.

If the situation proves insurmountable, we can always enlist the assistance of Ann and the others.

Under normal circumstances, we could readily seek help from Malbit, the esteemed chief of the Angels, or Ruincia, the deputy chief. However, they had departed for the Six Dragon God Kingdom towards the latter part of winter.

They had been requested to offer their expertise as advisors in crucial negotiations with the various human nations.

This request originated not only from Metora, who was currently unable to travel due to her pregnancy, but also from the human nations themselves.

Despite any preconceived notions people might hold about Angels, it appears that the human nations depend on their support quite considerably.

‘Whenever you find yourself in dire straits, summon the Angels.’

This particular saying is apparently uttered quite frequently.

「Ah, that well-known saying actually possesses a continuation.」

Hmm?

What is it that you wish to share, Loo?

「Whenever you find yourself in dire straits, summon the Angels. They are most likely the very cause of the problem anyway, so compel them to come and assist in rectifying the situation.」

……

「And the entire exchange concludes with the Angels vehemently proclaiming that such an accusation is utterly false.」

…I-I see your point.

-0-

The following day.

I extended a warm greeting to Zabuton and the numerous spiderlings who had recently emerged from their long winter hibernation.

It's been quite some time since we last met.

Ah, there's absolutely no need to push yourselves overly hard.

Your primary focus for now should be on enjoying a hearty meal.

It is imperative that you recuperate the strength expended during your period of dormancy.

I have prepared an abundant spread of dishes crafted from potatoes, which are known to be your absolute favorite.

This is, after all, a tradition we uphold every single year.

Today, your sole responsibilities will be to eat and exchange greetings; you may commence moving around freely starting from tomorrow?

Yes, that sounds perfectly acceptable.

However, you seem exceptionally curious about the delicate lace fabric and the exquisite Gothic Lolita attire fashioned from it?

Hahaha.

Rest assured, I have secured a plentiful supply of lace fabric.

I had a feeling that Zabuton and the others would express a keen interest in it.

Considering that some of the younger ones are still quite fond of their Gothic-style garments, perhaps we could arrange for them to participate in a fashion show sometime in the near future.

Oh, that reminds me, I only recently discovered this fascinating tidbit of information: Alfred, who ventured to ancestor-san’s country, is actively involved in the import and export business concerning this very lace fabric.

Indeed, he confidently stated that it's a fabric Zabuton would absolutely adore, making it a certain bestseller.

However, it appears his allocated allowance proved insufficient for its purchase, prompting him to discreetly borrow funds from Loo.

He really could have just informed me about the situation.

As a father figure, I must admit to feeling a slight sense of dissatisfaction.

-0-

The Pond Turtles, having stirred from their slumber near the conclusion of winter, were responsible for shattering the thick ice that had formed on the reservoir.

Consequently, now that spring has gracefully arrived, they are once again engaged in their usual vigorous activities.

No, in truth, their level of activity might even surpass the norm.

They are enthusiastically devouring large quantities of cabbage.

This particular cabbage was harvested during the preceding autumn, and Ice, the formidable ice monster, diligently preserved it in a frozen state within storage.

It seems the process of thawing has not adversely affected its quality, as the Pond Turtles have expressed no discernible complaints regarding the taste.

Hm?

No complaints, you say, but freshly harvested cabbage possesses a superior flavor?

That is undeniably true.

This year as well, I am committed to cultivating an abundant supply of cabbage and various other crops within the specialized field designated exclusively for the Pond Turtles, situated conveniently near the pond.

-0-

Regarding the specific crops we shall cultivate in our fields, my decisions are always made in close consultation with the dedicated civil servant girls.

To aid in my visualization of the process, well-marked signboards adorned with helpful illustrations are strategically placed, and I skillfully maneuver the AFT in accordance with their guidance.

Before I was fully aware of it, the sun had already completed its descent below the horizon.

However, there remains a substantial expanse of land that still requires plowing.

Fufufu.

This truly is the unmistakable sensation of spring.

It's incredibly enjoyable.

Let's continue to work diligently.

-0-

As the season of spring has graced us with its presence, Kuro, Yuki, and the rest of the kuros have also emerged from the mansion and have become actively engaged in their routines.

Their designated task involves diligently patrolling the vicinity of the village and actively hunting demon beasts and monsters to procure meat.

They race through the forest, which has gradually become more vibrant and lively with the advent of spring.

However, a select few among them are observed luxuriating in sunbathing within the ranch area, ultimately succumbing to slumber there.

Well, it is spring, after all.

Whether they are awake or in a state of deep sleep, the various animals residing within the ranch area customarily maintain a safe distance from the kuros.

…Or so I had always presumed, but I've recently noticed several young goats venturing remarkably close to a sleeping kuro.

Perhaps they perceive being in close proximity to a kuro as a guarantor of safety.

They are peacefully slumbering right beside it.

They appear exceptionally vulnerable and defenseless.

It's a heartwarming sight.

However, the mother goats gaze on with concern from afar, unable to approach the kuro.

-0-

The Angels have formed neat lines, diligently undergoing training.

These are the very Angels who were previously confined behind barricades.

It is Suarurou who is leading their instruction.

This indicates she has successfully breached the barricade.

Nevertheless, even with their ability to fly, Angels cannot fully utilize this power within enclosed spaces.

Both factions sustained considerable damage.

This outcome was entirely foreseeable.

Had they sought assistance from Ann and the others sooner, the casualties among the attackers could have been minimized, at the very least.

The damage to the structures could also have been lessened.

Consequently, the High Elves and Mountain Elves now face an increased workload in carrying out repairs.

As a result, the Angels currently residing in the village will be tasked with contributing to the labor appropriately.

-0-

A number of horses, cows, and goats from the existing ranch areas are being relocated to the ranch within Village Five.

This move is for the purpose of breeding.

As prior explanations were provided, there is minimal resistance to this transfer.

…….

Well, there are indeed instances where some animals vociferously oppose the change.

In such situations, I am not the most suitable person to manage them.

If it were up to me, I might simply suggest, "If you detest it this intensely, you are free to remain."

Therefore, instead, the Beastgirls gently assuage their anxieties and offer gentle persuasion.

Upon reaching the ranch in Village Five, the animals invariably calm down and comply, thus preventing any significant issues from arising.

After a period of one to two years dedicated to breeding at Village Five, they are returned to Big Tree Village.

Strangely enough, the resistance vanishes when the time comes for their return, despite the excellent care they received in Village Five.

I believe the caretakers at Village Five have earned the right to shed tears of exasperation.

-0-

As for myself, I continued the task of plowing fields for approximately twenty days.

Some of the fields I prepared at the outset are already showing blooms rather than mere sprouts.

As anticipated from the AFT, its performance is dependable.

Let us strive hard together once more this year.

-0-

Angels: "It is a baseless accusation!"

Humans: "Truly?"

Angels: "Most likely!"

Humans: "……"

Angels: "Undoubtedly!"

Humans: "…………"

Angels: "We wish we could believe that to be the case!"

Humans: "Why would the Garrett Kingdom dispatch individuals of such character..."

Angels: "You may insult us as you see fit, but refrain from uttering negative remarks about the Garrett Kingdom!"

-0-

Lou: "Is it merely my imagination, or is the AFT acting more like the heroine than I am?"

TN: Scheduled server maintenance will occur at the conclusion of this month.