Chapter 417: Oversight
Having seen the plum harvest on the Island, I decided to gather plums from my own mountain early this morning. The Island is generally hotter, but thanks to the irrigation system, the hottest part of my mountain is about the same temperature.
Maybe it’s because of the Spirits, but the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the mountain feels more pronounced than when I first moved in. This has allowed me to cultivate a wider variety of vegetables and fruits. It’s clearly unusual, but since no one else can enter, I’ll just accept it.
With the Spirits spreading out a cloth, I shake the branches to drop the plums. The little Spirits help catch the plums and gently float above them to prevent them from bouncing out of the cloth.
It’s incredibly helpful, and the sight is so cute that it’s soothing. Plus, the harvest assisted by the Spirits tends to be richer in flavor, which makes me happy. I wonder if I should turn a large batch into jam and share it with the folks on the Island.
Oh, there were apricots at the edge of the field too. I should harvest those as well and make jam and dried apricots. Maybe I could also make some candied ones? Apricots are in season now. I might as well gather some tomatoes while I’m at it.
I let my guard down. I’ve been busy running around, and I’ve neglected the garden and orchard at my House. No, I did check on them while traveling and took care of them after returning, but there were some blind spots I missed.
I did a quick check during my morning walk with Rishu, but I was walking briskly and only did a cursory inspection, so I ended up finishing with just a simple maintenance check where things seemed off…
It’s more overgrown than ever.
Not just withered or overrun with grass, but truly wild. To be specific, the Spirits have run rampant, resulting in an overwhelming harvest, and the areas I couldn’t keep an eye on are a mess.
On the opposite side of the usual tomato stakes, the tomatoes are clustered together like grapes. They’re a mix of red, orange, and yellow. These must be mini tomatoes, right?
The ground is covered with leaves, and I spot a couple of square watermelons. Yeah, I remember talking with Pal about how they can be shaped into squares! But I prefer round watermelons!
The vegetables I planted not long ago are already ready for harvest. Jasmine flowers that should have fallen are blooming abundantly.
The fruit trees are bending under the weight of their bountiful harvest. That’s common and something to be grateful for, so I won’t worry about it. Among the many fruits, I notice some golden ones—are they trying to hold a judgment like Paris?
These must be a collaboration between the Light Spirit and some mineral Spirit. I casually find golden, silver, and copper apples mixed in. I pick up a golden apple and harvest it. I wonder if it’s edible—ah, probably not!
The [Appraisal] result says it’s a “Golden Apple,” a rare treasure found only by the whim of the Spirits, and it’s technically edible. There are a couple of rare ones, though.
“Well, the neglect was my fault…”
I pluck a crystal-clear apricot and mutter to myself. Is it the original color of the fruit, or does it have a slight golden hue? It’s beautiful, though, isn’t it?
Rishu, sitting beside me, looks up with a curious expression, as if asking, “What’s wrong?”
“Rishu, you’re so cute~”
I sit down and ruffle her face, and she rolls over to show me her belly. My source of comfort!
As I fluff and scratch Rishu’s belly, she wriggles on her back, pretending to nibble at the air—though she doesn’t actually bite. It feels like she wants to be petted and play, but her desire to be petted is winning out just a bit.
After that, I decided to cook the harvested tomatoes in a large pot outside and make some jars of sauce. I boldly discarded the initial thin broth and crushed the tomatoes to create a rich tomato sauce.
There’s still a lot left, but thanks to [Storage], I only need to keep a pot’s worth. Oh, but I need to make dried tomatoes while the sun is strong. I should also make salted tomatoes.
With a carefree attitude, I started making preserved food, and in the evening, I headed to Kanum’s place.
“Delivery!”
I called out as I distributed jars of tomato sauce.
The recipients were the Butler and Shiva. I’m sure they’ll turn it into something delicious… Though the tomatoes themselves were a bit questionable, I’m confident these two will whip up something tasty…
“Ah, Lord Jean, welcome! What brings you here?”
The Butler greeted me.
“I brought some tomato sauce I often use, along with a pound cake and a few fruits.”
I handed him a basket covered with a dust cloth.
“Then I’ll swing by the Dinoss place.”
“Thank you. Please take care.”
I caught a glimpse of the Butler bowing gracefully as I made my way home. I passed through and exited from the back door to the neighboring Dinoss Family.
“Excuse me! Delivery!”
“Oh my, Jean, welcome!”
Shiva opened the door for me.
“Welcome, Jean!”
“Dinner is just ready!”
“Dinner is ready!”
Tina and Enbaku rushed in, peeking out from behind Shiva.
“Hey there.”
Dinoss appeared from behind the children and smiled at me.
“Did I come a bit early? Sorry for interrupting dinner time.”
I thought I had missed the meal, but it turned out I was right on time.
“I haven’t had lunch yet. We have plenty of soup today, so if you’d like, Jean, please stay and eat with us?”
“Oh! I’d love to!”
I eagerly accepted Shiva’s invitation.
“Oh, and here’s the tomato sauce and pound cake.”
“Thank you as always.”
“Is there any alcohol?”
As I handed the basket to Shiva, Dinoss lifted the dust cover.
“…”
And then he froze.
I couldn’t help but be curious if the rabbit apples I made were actually edible. Let’s eat together, shall we?