Chapter 342: Daily Life
Well then, today I’m going to harvest the mandarins from the little grove up the mountain. Since I planted them myself, they haven’t grown tall enough yet, so I don’t need any help from the Ex-Staff.
Oh, speaking of which, I forgot to ask Auro and the others yesterday if they’ve taken any measures against spying using Spirits. I’ll have to remember to ask them next time. I wonder if I can keep that in mind?
The mandarins, which were sour not long ago, have turned sweet. While I’m at it, I’ll prune the branches that are too crowded and remove the thorns. They might not be a problem at this height, but if Rishu gets pricked, it could be a disaster.
The Growth Powder I received at the beginning, which makes plants grow in an instant, still feels too precious to use. I remember sprinkling just a little on the grapevines in front of the house and when I first started planting the orchard, but I was too nervous back then.
As I’m snipping away, I notice Rishu playing nearby, hopping around and swatting at his own shadow. Wait, is he looking at me or behind me?
When I turn around, I see Kadal and Rudil standing there. It’s rare to see them together, though it’s pretty standard for Rudil to be watching Rishu from the shadows.
“Good morning.”
“Hm, you’re full of energy.”
Kadal says as he reaches for a nearby branch. The trees around him seem to rejoice, and the mandarins he touches shine with a glossy sheen, practically shouting, “Look how delicious I am!”
“…It’s bright.”
Why did Rudil come here in the morning?
Both of them are masters of magic, but I was told by Haulon that it’s not magic at all—should I consult them about that? But they were the ones who taught me how to adjust the blinding light to a more manageable brightness.
That training, which gradually reduced the power, has become my standard for imagining other spells, so it’s undeniable that they laid the foundation for my magic.
I’ll choose not to think about the training I did before being transported here. Back then, I hadn’t contracted with any Spirits, and I wasn’t attracting their interest like I am now. Looking back, it all seemed quite normal. I barely used incantations, and I feel like Haulon’s definition of magic was different from what I was doing.
“Could I have some kumquats?”
“I’d like some too.”
Ah.
Even though they’re both citrus fruits, I harvested the kumquats and the puffed mandarins two or three months ago, and I’ve already turned them into sweet preserves and shichimi spice. I gave some to Rudil when I met him the day I made them and to Kadal the following morning.
I knew they liked them, but it’s rare for these two to come all the way here to request more.
“Is it alright if Kadal has candied ones and Rudil has sweet preserves?”
Both nod.
I pack the kumquats, which are coated in white sugar crystals, into a paper bag, while the sweet preserves, glistening from the syrup, go into a jar.
When you eat kumquats, the oil in the skin can make your lips tingle, but I wonder how it feels for Spirits as I hand them over.
“Thank you.”
“…”
Kadal expresses his gratitude, while Rudil silently hands me more materials for the magic circle ink.
Seeing this, Kadal waves his sleeve, and particles of light float gently through the orchard. It seems he’s using his power to create something fine. Following the delicate creations imbued with Kadal’s essence, Spirit-like beings settle among the trees.
“Thank you very much.”
Now it’s my turn to express my gratitude.
What’s going to happen to my orchard?
While Kadal occasionally helps with the cultivation, I can’t help but wonder why Rudil likes kumquats so much. It’s because they were planted in a hole dug by Rishu… So, it’s not that he likes kumquats in general, but rather the kumquats that are planted here.
The other fruit I had Rishu dig a hole for was the hassaku. Rudil lovingly strokes the yellowish hassaku, which will be ready for harvest a bit later.
He used to have the impression of a beautiful person, like a bright white moon… Rishu seems to be quite adored, especially by Yukihyo. But it’s impressive how unfazed he remains.
I plan to make candied peel from the hassaku with plenty of white wine and cover it in chocolate, so I’m looking forward to that.
After finishing the work, it’s not quite brunch, but a late breakfast.
Today’s meal is chicken rice with burdock and maitake mushrooms, subtly sweet and slightly salty from sugar, soy sauce, and sake. I also enjoy the chicken rice made with broth, but I like this one too.
The pickled daikon, cut into thin strips, is flavored with yuzu and chili pepper. There’s also green beans dressed in sesame miso, grilled swordfish, and clam miso soup.
I could be satisfied with just the chicken rice, but it’s easy to pull out from [Storage]!
I wonder if Rishu could enjoy something other than meat and water? Would this be just right for a dog? He’s supposed to be more of a carnivorous omnivore, but I know chocolate, onions, and grapes are no good for him.
Rishu looks adorable and happy eating meat, so I guess that’s fine.
After finishing the meal, I [Teleport] with Kanum. Today is Haulon’s Pill Bug Challenge day. I wonder if he’ll have a hard time if the pill bug is a maiden. I’m a bit anxious.