Chapter 39

Day 52 of Spring.

I named the baby screech owl “Suri.”

No particular thought behind it.

I just randomly called out names, and when I said “Suri-ya,” it reacted, so the name kinda stuck naturally.

It was a relaxing day.

I introduced Suri to the villagers and made some introductions.

Evangelin especially seemed to like her.

There was an amusing contrast between her typically emotionless voice and her flustered body language.

—

Day 53 of Spring.

I visited the mine.

Suri tried to follow me by grabbing onto my clothes with her beak and climbing up my shoulder, so I ended up taking her along.

I really wanted to reach Advanced Mining before spring ended, but it might be harder than I thought.

Since I didn’t feel comfortable bringing Suri all the way to the volcanic area, I only picked up some minerals at the entrance of the mine and returned.

On the way back, I caught some fish and gave them to her raw—she loved it!

Maybe I should consider giving her fish as a special treat sometimes.

—

Day 54 of Spring.

My Magic skill reached Level 2 in Beginner rank.

Not much has changed, but I’m satisfied that I’m growing in the right direction.

Mining is at Intermediate Level 8.

Spring is almost over.

The crops are mostly ripe and bearing fruit.

—

Day 55 of Spring.

I harvested all the crops.

Planting with some spacing between them and the help of mods that sped up growth really paid off.

The fields look like they’ve been bombed—nothing’s planted yet.

It feels oddly clean for the first time.

Just in case, I planted about 30 seeds each of Musk melon and Kingsberry.

If these grow, it means we can cultivate spring crops even during summer.

Though I don’t expect success, it’s worth trying.

Looking at the harvested crops fills me with confidence.

Reflecting on it, this spring has been truly fulfilling.

High-level skills: Fishing, Farming

Mid-level skills: Mining, Logging, Combat

Beginner skills: Cooking, Magic

By focusing on growth and capital accumulation, I achieved the results I wanted.

I unlocked several efficient mods and steadily earned gold by selling crops.

With proper trading routes, there’s potential for explosive growth.

Structures built include the chicken coop and barn.

I plan to expand the house this summer when I have time.

Bringing livestock will diversify cooking options and allow clothing production.

Once the basement is ready after expansion, we can age goods for better efficiency and sales compared to simply selling to the system.

These aged items can also be used for crafting or making clothes.

Summer will bring plenty of things to do once it arrives.

I never planned to take it easy just because spring was busy.

Before summer comes, I announced to the villagers that I’ll be going on a long journey.

As a bonus, I gifted leftover crops to build goodwill.

Evangelin looked particularly sad, while Anne subtly asked if she could come along—I politely declined with a smile.

Though I appreciated the gesture, the journey won’t be easy.

I promised vaguely that we’d go on a leisure trip together sometime in the future, then finished all preparations.

—

Day 56 of Spring.

Farming reached Advanced Level 2.

Finally.

—

The last day of spring.

I gaze at the tidy fields, feeling bittersweet relief.

The refreshing morning air wakes me up.

The unique scent of dawn lingers around.

My eyes follow the soft glow of the rising sun on the horizon.

“Suri.”

The little one wobbles toward me across the dirt floor, leaving tiny footprints in the loose soil.

She stands under me and fluffs her wings cutely.

Knowing what this means, I immediately place her on my right shoulder without hesitation.

Satisfied, she chirps loudly to announce her presence.

Everything was already prepared yesterday, so I just double-check my bag lightly.

All necessary supplies are ready.

With the minimap mod active, navigation tools like compasses and maps aren’t needed.

Plus, I’ve got Suri to keep me company.

Our destination is the Kingdom’s Capital.

I decided to ride instead of walking to save time.

“Bas!”

“Minho? Right on time! We’ve saved the best friend for you.”

That warm-hearted woman greets me with a friendly demeanor, placing her hand casually on the sturdy brown horse she’s riding.

“Is this him?”

“Yeah. You’re going on a trip, right? Safe travels.”

“Thank you.”

“Thankful? You paid fair price, so it’s only natural.”

With a thud, the transaction is complete.

Can I really ride a horse?

It was more of an impulsive decision based on physical stats and combat skills.

The horse gazes proudly at me, face-to-face.

I gently stroke his fur; after all, he’ll be my companion for a long journey, so building rapport is essential.

“I trust you.”

The horse snorts softly in response.

With a light pat, I climb onto the saddle.

Suri clings firmly to my shirt with her claws on my right shoulder.

It felt familiar.

Is this from my Combat skill?

Even though I’ve never ridden a horse before, I don’t feel like I’ll fail.

And indeed, I didn’t.

Holding the reins, I guide the horse confidently, syncing my hips with its movements.

“See you later!”

“Take care!”

After saying goodbye to Bas, I leave the village behind.

To the Royal Palace, carrying a letter from the princess.

The rhythmic clopping of hooves echoes regularly—it’s much faster than walking.

What was estimated to take two to three weeks might now take only one to two weeks.

Approximately cutting travel time by a week, doubling perceived speed.

Considering the horse’s fatigue, I imagine applying Cooking Buffs could push us further.

I’ve already packed plenty of food to aid recovery.

Will this horse know he’s destined for endless walking?

“Hmm?”

“Hungry?”

I feed Suri a piece of meat from my bag.

Crunching sounds echo from my shoulder as sunlight grows hotter, signaling summer’s approach.

—

*

The Valley of Starwind is a peculiar village.

A place where residents live comfortably without worrying about survival threats, protected by mages from outside dangers.

In short, no need to fear the village collapsing.

Or rather…

Some villages thriving today may suddenly collapse due to natural disasters.

“Are you a traveler?”

A priest dressed in white robes, though his lower half is caked with mud contrasting sharply against the pristine upper garment.

“Yes… though…”

“A flooded village. I’ve been dispatched here for relief efforts…”

Devastating.

Mud, sand, dust, and remnants of collapsed buildings paint a grim picture.

Chaotic footprints everywhere.

Crying voices and fallen people.

Busy movement amidst chaos.

Have I been too idealistic about the medieval era?

Maybe thinking of it purely through fantasy skewed my perspective.

So far, Reyvik was the only city I’d seen.

Trees lie crushed under heaps of mud.

Only shattered ruins and scattered tools remain where homes once stood.

It feels disorienting. My lips refuse to open amid the bitterness.

“You shouldn’t stay here. The environment isn’t suitable. Distressed villagers might lash out at travelers.”

“…”

“Prayers for those grieving would be appreciated.”

“Are there any starving people?”

“Huh?”

“There must be many who haven’t eaten properly.”

“You’re correct. Everyone struggles; most skip meals.”

“I can cook a bit.”

“Unfortunately, our supplies are insufficient…”

“I’ll use what I have.”

“But what can I offer in return?”

“I don’t seek payment. Just passing kindness since I happen to have extra.”

“Thank you. I won’t refuse your generosity.”

This wasn’t out of pity.

Just something I could do.

Seeing so many suffering faces, I couldn’t walk away without doing something.

I don’t see it as a loss.

Think of it as leveling up my Cooking skill.

Though I didn’t prepare specifically for this, having spare crops and ingredients proves useful.

Always good to be prepared.

I pull out a large pot and start a bonfire.

The dish will be a simple soup filled with energy-restoring ingredients.

Perhaps enough for one or two meals.

A light act, but hopefully meaningful comfort for them.

Meant for Suri, I toss chunks of meat into the steaming broth.

Protein, carbs, anything chewy adds flavor.

Steam rises, spreading aroma in all directions.

People gradually gather.

While stirring the pot, I carve wooden bowls nearby since I didn’t bring enough.

“Uncle.”

A small child approaches, dirty and unwashed.

His voice lacks strength, but faint hope gleams in his weary eyes.

“Could you share just a little?”

His pronunciation falters—he’s still teething.

Smiling weakly, I silently ladle soup into a carved wooden bowl and hand it over.

Warm steam swirls invitingly.

“Thank you so much!”

“Bring others around you. I’ve prepared plenty.”

“Yes!”

Tough world indeed.

I understand my actions won’t solve everything.

A fleeting dream.

Comfort for one night.

Still, acting beats doing nothing.

This single moment of solace might spark hope, fueling strength for tomorrow.

Wishing my small act ignites a fire, I continue carving bowls diligently.

“May we take some too?”

An elderly couple approaches.

One leans heavily due to a curved spine.

Their faces crease deeply with exhaustion.

“We’ll serve you next.”

“Thank you…”

Two people…

“We heard from the child…”

Three people…

“Can we have some too?!”

Two little kids.

More people gather gradually.

Seeing others hesitate, I distribute generously without hesitation.

Ingredients may dwindle, but more can always be added.

I expand to three pots.

Large fires roar beneath, bubbling contents vigorously.

Quite a large village, judging by the number of survivors left.

Disasters can destroy even big towns instantly.

Countless times I heard words of gratitude—”benevolent savior,” “grateful person.”

Energy returns to the crowd.

I handed over all available bowls for sick individuals too.

Bowls can be remade, food replenished.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all.”

“It’s only natural to thank someone who spreads goodness.”

“Just doing what I can.”

“Is that so.”

Old man.

“From the child…”

Old woman.

“Can I take some too?!”

Two little ones.

Crowds form.

Receiving portions, they nod appreciatively.

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“Showing gratitude to a benefactor is only right.”

“Just something I could do.”

“Indeed.”

Muddy boots sink into sludge as the priest smiles warmly.

He pulls something from his robe and offers it to me.

“A small token of appreciation.”

“What is this?”

“Nothing grand, just a trinket. Visit our church for proper thanks.”

“Ah, then it’s fine. Didn’t do this expecting anything.”

“Please accept it. Not thanking a benefactor violates church rules.”

The priest hands me a modest copper brooch.

Plain, undecorated, except for a faint glowing center.

Despite refusing multiple times, he insists until I reluctantly pocket it.

Night deepens.

Watching everyone enjoy full bellies, I smile contentedly.

Finding joy amidst hardship feels quite satisfying.

Where should I sleep? Villagers eagerly ask.

When I mention camping, they wave their hands, insisting on hosting me.

Though slightly awkward, I secretly feel proud.

Ultimately, I choose the home of the first child I met—the one whose lisping voice charmed me.

Dirt remains uncleaned on the floor, but I endure silently, following the child’s lead.

Last night of spring.

First night transitioning to summer.

Thus passed quietly.

Villagers kept asking where I’d sleep.

They insisted on hosting me despite my tent plans, which made me secretly pleased.

In the end, I stayed with the family of the lisping child who greeted me first.

—

The final night of spring flows peacefully into summer.

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