Chapter 578: Bookshelf
After parting ways with Captain Cat, who was watching me with half-closed eyes at the port of Naruadeid, and leaving Haulon, who was mumbling to himself in frustration, in the care of Retze and the others, I returned home.
Rishu came running up to me, and I ruffled his fur, playing with him for a while. We engaged in a game of tug-of-war and fetch, rolling him around. He would roll over here and there, creating a playful mess. I would keep my distance, and when he dashed back, I’d roll him again.
Rishu’s antics were a delightful routine. With a smile, he would playfully nip at the air just in front of my hand. When he did that, I’d flip him over with a gentle roll.
Once I was satisfied, I wrapped up our playtime and got started on dinner. It was about time to grind some flour again.
Tonight’s menu included chilled tomato broth with okra, roasted chicken thighs seasoned with black pepper, and bamboo shoot mixed rice. I also prepared some pickles and a red miso nameko soup.
The tomatoes had soaked in the broth, losing their raw taste. They were refreshingly delicious. The chicken thighs had a fragrant skin, and the meat was juicy without being overly tender—just right.
I wanted to spread the culture of broth-making, so I was trying hard to instill the flavors in the Changeling, who was still quite new to it. However, they had a tendency to cling to the flavors they had experienced in the past, making them somewhat picky eaters.
Well, they would eat a variety of flavors, but for instance, Kiel had a particular obsession with sweets. It seemed like each of them had their own special food preferences.
Some Changelings had their first taste of flavors on this island! What should I do about the Changeling who loves cucumbers? Seasonal foods are tricky, so I should start by introducing them to things that can be eaten year-round.
Now, what should I do tomorrow? I have no plans until the banquet with the Earth Folk. Before the banquet, I might need to go pick up the alcohol I ordered from the island.
I’ll grind some flour and take care of the house, which I haven’t done in a while. The house itself isn’t damaged, so it’s more about tidying up.
Right, first I need to face the notebook I’ve been avoiding. It’s sitting on the bookshelf, which is clearly overflowing with books. Specifically, there are books lying horizontally on top of the neatly arranged ones.
Maybe I should just give up and create a dedicated room for the bookshelves. It’s only going to keep increasing.
So, good morning! Today is perfect for grinding flour. There’s hardly any wind, so it won’t blow everywhere. It’s cool, even without the breeze.
I set up the wheat, and for now, the grinding is good to go. I pulled the string for the curious Spirit, letting it drop a little wheat into the mill at regular intervals.
Now, about moving the shelves. Where should I put them? Ideally, I’d like to place them in the room where the Butler stays. After all the dealings with the Gods, this house has turned into something like a manor, so there’s a room for the Butler, albeit a small one.
If I put a lot of bookshelves in there, it would quickly become cramped. It makes more sense to move them to a larger, empty room.
I decided on a spacious room that doesn’t get the afternoon sun. [Storage] is handy for rearranging. Now, what about the new bookshelf? I could take another empty shelf and have them make more of the same.
…But if I ask the Earth Folk for help, it might take a while to get the bookshelf made. I can’t think of any craftsmen who wouldn’t be surprised if I just brought a bookshelf over. The island’s craftsmen are still busy, and I feel hesitant to ask for a bookshelf meant for outside the island.
I still have plenty of timber from Dogu-chan. Maybe I should make it myself for the first time in a while.
Alright! First, I’ll measure the room size and arrange the shelves to fit perfectly. I’ll make it a room where every inch around the windows is lined with bookshelves! The heights between the shelves can all be uniform—
I sketched a simple blueprint and moved to the barn, where I diligently cut the timber with the Zanzenken. This wood is a bit rough to handle, and if they find out I did something, the Earth Folk and Soleil might cry and stomp the ground.
I do have the Production Talent, you know.
As I continued my work, I silently asserted this to myself. I might as well have the Earth Folk make the decorative boards for the top and bottom. That way, it wouldn’t matter when they were finished.
Rishu was at the edge of the barn, gnawing on the Ex-Staff. It was incredibly soothing to see him in my line of sight while I worked. My little one is so cute.
I continued to build the bookshelf while grinding flour.
Speaking of which, I had to ask Retze for help with the door and shelves since I couldn’t support them alone. Now, I’m getting help from the Spirits.
I had almost forgotten, but this is something I would get scolded for, isn’t it?