Chapter 134

Today was unusually warm.

Even in winter, there are occasionally days like this.

The dampness you can feel in the air.

Not frost from the night but dew.

All these things come together to create a thick morning fog that fills the early hours.

Though it’s not cold, the lack of sunlight makes it quite chilly.

“Hooouu….”

I felt like I was back to my childhood.

In the thick fog, my breath dissipates like white smoke.

Thinking that Yul would probably enjoy being outside makes me realize how quickly and deeply she’s become a part of my daily life.

“Hello.”

“Hi!”

“Good morning!”

A yawn escapes as a fairy energetically flies over.

It’s clear she’s wearing the new clothes Anne made yesterday—she’s all bundled up in a thick fur coat.

Sometimes Anne even makes clothes for the fairy knights.

Despite their usual stealthy nature, they subtly show off their new outfits, which is one of the funnier sights.

They don’t do it outright but manage to stay within sight just enough to make it amusing.

Their innocence is endearing every time.

I pull out the system I haven’t used in a while.

The skill slot that had been bugging me now feels more compliant, like it has finally submitted to my control instead of trying to control me.

The strange discomfort I once felt has disappeared.

Thanks to this, I’ve already completed the requirement of thanking the system ten times.

[You have earned the qualifications to reach Master Level!]

[Your current combat level is Master Level 1 (Pending) and you will achieve it upon fulfilling the necessary conditions!]

[Conditions are as follows:

1. Achievement: Met a Superhuman? Complete.

2. Achievement: Fought a Superhuman? Complete.

3. Achievement: The First Step of Transcendence!]

The message confirms the fruits of my consistent efforts in combat.

Especially after battling the Sword Master, the final blow pushed me to the brink of mastery.

Though farming might reach Master level faster, it’s satisfying to see combat catch up with its own set of requirements.

Glancing at it, Achievements 1 and 2 are already complete.

Met the Fairy King, Dragon, and Sword Master for Achievement 1.

Fought the Dragon and Sword Master for Achievement 2.

Achievement 3 remains a bit cryptic.

“Plant a stem and grow a tree. Let one sprout encompass everything…”

What does this mean?

This vague phrasing in the achievement section is something new and slightly confusing.

It doesn’t seem to literally mean planting and nurturing a tree, but what exactly it symbolizes or refers to is unclear.

I didn’t expect it to be so straightforwardly baffling.

With a frown, I express my regret.

Still, achieving 1 and 2 is reason enough to feel satisfied.

When I invited the Sword Master, maybe then I’ll get some answers.

Meeting the Dragon seems unlikely, and talking to the Fairy King isn’t something I’m psychologically ready for.

Thus, realistically, the fastest solution is to either visit or invite the Sword Master.

Of course, there’s no immediate need to do so.

Just knowing this is enough for now.

Meanwhile, farming continues to expand slowly toward Master level.

The farm size has reached 9 hectares.

With spirits and fairies regularly tending the yard and helping in the greenhouse, the steady effort has expanded coverage to about 7 hectares.

If this keeps up, farming should naturally reach Master level around day 40.

Though I anticipate some pain, I resolve to endure using magic and physical strength.

I head to Rossu’s house early in the morning.

Worrying if he wasn’t awake was unnecessary since Rossu was already outside, deeply inhaling the morning air—a diligent and conscientious figure.

“Rossu.”

“What brings you here so early?”

“I’ve come to give you an answer regarding our conversation from yesterday.”

“Please come inside. It’s rather cold out here.”

Guided by Rossu into his wooden-scented, tidy home, I take a seat and begin speaking.

“Could you investigate people interested in restaurant work, fruit selling, or farming?”

“You’re planning to secure jobs in those areas first?”

“Yes, and there’s more.”

“That will surely be good news for the residents.”

“It might require a lot of manpower.”

“Please tell me more.”

“I also plan to hire people for the Great Abbey. Military personnel expansion is on the horizon, along with constructing armories, bathhouses, laundries, and hiring staff to manage them. Naturally, as the population grows, we’ll need more security and law enforcement.”

“We might run short of workers.”

“There’s plenty of work. The problem is having too much to do.”

“I understand.”

“The integration of old and new residents is something I need to think about. I’d like to create a group where people feel a sense of belonging, but it seems only certain individuals will join.”

“If you decide to form such a group, I’ll handle it well.”

“Would you? Then I’ll leave that to you, Rossu.”

“Yes.”

“There will be plenty of work. It’s great that there are so many who want to work. Please inform the residents later about what I’ve said. Also, please select construction workers today and bring them to the village center by lunchtime—we plan to build a laundry.”

“Understood.”

“The laundry will operate on a fee basis.”

“Yes. Understood.”

We can’t afford to make all public facilities free.

While I’m currently developing the village at a loss, eventually, I need to transition it to profitability.

This is an investment.

Of course, this task isn’t solely about making money.

More importantly, since this is my village, I want everyone to live well together.

If I were only concerned with profit, I would’ve charged for the bathhouse from the start and hired more aggressively.

“Recruit more people who want to do construction.”

“Understood. I’ll pass the word.”

“There will be continuous opportunities. Thank you for your help.”

“Yes.”

He’s trustworthy.

The wisdom and insight gained from years of experience.

A calm stability.

These qualities inspire trust—not just in me but others as well.

Since newcomers usually meet Rossu first, he’s become an invaluable asset, functioning as both my secretary and overall manager.

Still, I can’t rely on him forever.

Even with proper compensation and treatment, handling everything alone is overwhelming.

We need more administrative talent.

“People are always the issue…”

As always, people present problems—whether good or bad.

Leaving Rossu’s house, the faint fog wraps around my breathing.

There’s a special charm to the cold, humid air.

The damp atmosphere and scent unique to early mornings.

Together, they create a special kind of winter charm, only experienced during mild winters.

It’s a picturesque scene.

I hurry without delaying the morning.

Through the hazy fog, a towering house looms large.

From afar, the height of the building seems impressive.

Had my past self judged success by houses, wouldn’t I have applauded this view?

Though I’ve changed drastically since then, I’m still fundamentally the same person, so enjoying this scenery feels consistent.

“Abba watta!”

As soon as I open the door, Yul greets me warmly.

Her ruby eyes sparkling, her cute little horns protruding as she dashes toward me.

“Eh?”

An uncle-like sound escapes me.

Do all fathers eventually sound like this?

“Busy early morning, huh?”

“I had some things to do.”

“Breakfast?”

“Yeah. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes.”

“Yuri-nuh!”

Ignoring Yul after greeting Evangelin causes her to puff her cheeks and sulk.

She’s expressing her disappointment at being overlooked.

“Did our Yul sleep well too?”

Lifting her gently from my feet, her anger melts away instantly, replaced with giggles.

Seeing her smile reminds me of someone else, naturally bringing a memory to mind.

“En!”

The warmth of her snuggling against my chest feels wonderful.

After being outside in the cool morning, the warmth feels especially comforting.

Sitting at the table playing with Yul, Jack quietly joins us.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Mmm.”

Jack now chuckles energetically instead of groaning, a delightful change.

Footsteps echo down the stairs.

The last person in the house.

Our sleepyhead.

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

It’s Anne.

Pouting with her lips jutting out, she slowly approaches the table, looking extremely tired.

“If you’re that sleepy, how could I wake you?”

“But still…”

Her whining sounds childlike.

Is Yul learning this behavior from her?

She pulls a chair next to me, resting her head on my shoulder with her eyes closed.

“If you’re that sleepy, you can go back to bed.”

“Nope… We must eat breakfast together.”

Even though her eyes are closed, her statement lacks any convincing power.

Her big yawn proves just how tired she is.

Its contagious nature soon has Yul yawning widely, which prompts me to follow suit.

Jack isn’t spared either.

Only Evangelin in the kitchen remains unaffected by our collective yawns.

“Mommy sleepy?”

“Yeah. Are you okay, Yul?”

“Yuri is super awake!”

Nodding enthusiastically, Yul beams brightly.

Anne responds with a tired but fond smile.

“Wanna cuddle with Mommy instead?”

Without waiting for a response, Anne smoothly takes Yul from me.

Her skill is quite practiced.

Before I can react, Anne is whispering and patting Yul’s back.

“Heehe.”

Maybe this is another hidden talent.

Friendly with fairies and quick to bond with children.

“For breakfast, I brought tofu.”

Tofu salad.

Small bites of thinly sliced fish wrapped in mashed tofu.

Deep-fried tofu topped with a rich sauce.

Lately, Evangelin seems particularly passionate about cooking practice.

Does she feel competitive because Anne is so dedicated to making clothes?

I welcome the variety, but I cautiously hope she doesn’t get too absorbed.

Given her calm and wise nature, I doubt she will.

Still, worrying about someone precious to me is unavoidable.

“Lettuce eat!”

Yul’s cheer signals the start of our meal.

Since she’s in Anne’s arms, feeding becomes Anne’s responsibility.

Though it could seem bothersome…

“A~”

Once you experience Yul being fed by someone, anyone would want to try holding and feeding her during mealtime.

“Delicious?”

“Yes! So yummy!”

The tasting is approved, as always.

With Yul’s cry of joy, our breakfast begins.