Chapter 114

Rumors sometimes spread uncontrollably, making it hard to keep up with their flow.

Especially when rumors run on their own, they stick things I didn’t intend to onto them.

—

“At the moment, it’s difficult to divert the quantity to your side due to insufficient supply.”

“The countess will be disappointed.”

“Yes, but we can’t reduce the amount sent to the royal palace, can we?”

“Hmm… then we must immediately increase production.”

“It’ll soon be winter. It might only be possible around next spring or summer.”

It was a template of excuses.

Instead of “disappointment,” there was the royal palace.

In response to demands to drop transactions immediately, there was “insufficient quantity.”

To any request for solutions, there was “winter.”

—

After hearing similar words so often, all I got better at was crafting smooth excuses.

This way, everyone would leave disappointed but accepting the situation.

Since it’s quite rare for nobles themselves to come to such places, it wasn’t hard to deal with their subordinates.

Even if a noble came in person, it was usually a baron or viscount.

Rarely did a count bother to move personally.

—

Thanks to this, I could somewhat gauge the status my crops held.

—

Some young lady desires them.

A duchess, a marquis’s daughter.

Such-and-such madam loves them.

Some noble has become obsessed with fruit.

—

Are there really this many nobles in this country?

Just memorizing their names took up considerable brainpower.

Thankfully, no one acted as recklessly as that first irrational noble.

—

Thinking about that memory made me feel a little bitter.

The erased and forgotten noble.

If they hadn’t crossed the line, I wouldn’t have reacted so strongly.

Were they not the perfect example of “a wide world full of crazy people”?

—

Generally, most people who arrived claiming the name of a high-ranking noble didn’t do reckless things for the sake of the noble’s honor.

—

Direct visits from nobles were more frequent than rude behavior from their subordinates, proving the division among nobility.

I faintly understood why higher nobles held their rank.

—

“I’ll visit again next spring, then.”

“Please take care on your way back.”

The man retreated, his regret obvious.

Who was he again?

A steward from some marquis’ house, right?

The marquis who governed the frozen coast, if I recall correctly.

—

The icy blue carriage departed from the village.

They started coming sporadically from mid-autumn, but now, toward its end, they came in droves.

Is the rumor finally catching the wind and flying?

The frequency is excessive.

But it means many people like my crops, which is both satisfying and annoying.

If I hadn’t started trading with the royal palace first, the situation would’ve been even more troublesome.

—

“Hmph.”

My breath froze in the cold air, forming a white mist.

Winter is approaching.

—

Layering clothes, preparing for the season that paints the world pure white.

It’s time to strengthen our foundations and prepare thoroughly for next spring.

—

“We need to expand the greenhouse a bit more.”

I never expected my crops to gain this much popularity.

Because of that, I think we should significantly increase the size of the greenhouse, maybe build two or three more.

Once the house expansion is complete, the next step is the greenhouse.

—

The pale holograms surrounding the house continue to glow faintly.

Working alone takes quite a while.

It’s already been three days since I started construction, and I haven’t dedicated all my time solely to this.

—

“This part goes together like this.”

“Okay!”

Ironically, the one helping me with the construction is Yul.

Evanjelin and Anne are also here.

—

The tiny hands somehow manage to fit wooden pieces together with great effort.

Yul is a praise potato—getting happier and trying harder every time praised.

While I worry about him getting hurt during work, the two women beside him ensure he’s well taken care of, so I set aside that concern for now.

—

“You did great!”

“Hehe.”

Looking at the dusty, cheerful grin of the little one makes me smile without realizing it.

Though he isn’t technically my child, I’ve grown attached.

Would raising an actual child bring an even deeper connection?

Uncharted territory makes it hard to speculate.

—

“Just finish this and we’re done.”

The roof and outer walls encircling the house.

The series of works I labored on through the night concludes with a single click.

—

With a flash, the house transforms into a new form.

Back in the days before skills and systems, changes only began after waking up.

Now everything happens instantly.

I’m grateful the ladies accept these magical transformations without question.

—

“Woah…”

Yul stands dumbfounded, watching the house grow larger and more magnificent.

At the center of it all are me, Anne, and Evanjelin.

When all the changes end, the space around us expands significantly.

—

Higher ceilings.

New rooms appearing everywhere.

Stairs going up and down.

—

Though interior design is something I’ll have to handle myself, it adds its own charm.

—

“Shall we go outside and see how the house looks?”

“Sure.”

“Yeah!”

We step outside to look at the house.

An involuntary gasp escapes upon seeing it.

—

A four-story wooden detached house.

The sleek black wood wraps around the house elegantly.

Each floor appears to exceed 300 pyeong in size—a massive structure.

—

Compared to a noble’s castle, it may not seem grand, but compared to the previous house, it’s an extraordinary upgrade.

The protruding balcony and supporting structures below create a refreshing entrance.

It’s such a splendid sight that I wish I had expanded earlier.

—

There’s something magical about a house.

It gives off a feeling of success.

Whereas before it was just fine, now I truly feel like I’ve accomplished something significant.

The satisfaction brought by a large house is incomparable to anything else.

—

“Shall we go inside?”

The ladies grab my hand and enter the house as if enchanted.

—

The spacious living room.

The kitchen layout remains almost identical to before.

Other than slightly longer pathways, the first floor structure is nearly unchanged.

—

The second floor is different.

A study, a reception room.

Spaces designed for business and hosting guests.

Even though I haven’t bought books yet, the scent of paper filling the shelves reminds me of Gilbert’s place.

—

The third floor is a relaxation area.

Playroom, children’s room, resting space.

It exudes a comfortable aroma and a lazy atmosphere.

There’s also a large balcony on the right side.

—

The fourth floor is the bedroom.

Sleeping quarters and storage areas.

It connects to the rooftop, which is currently empty.

—

In the basement, there are still wooden barrels for aging alcohol, and on the second basement level, there’s warehouse space.

—

“This will be tough to clean.”

Evanjelin chuckles awkwardly.

She’s right.

The space has increased several times over.

Given that Evanjelin handles most of the household chores, her slight concern is understandable.

—

“I’ll help too! Little Yul is good at cleaning.”

At the mention of cleaning, Yul tilts his head curiously, his horns moving slowly along with it.

—

“Choo-shoo?”

“Yeah. Swish-swish.”

“Ah!”

When I pick up a towel and mimic wiping the table, Yul’s eyes light up.

He nods enthusiastically, ready to help.

—

“Should we hire someone if it gets too hard?”

“No, it’s our home.”

Saying this, Evanjelin smiles warmly and presses a gentle kiss to my cheek.

The fleeting touch feels soft and warm.

Her gaze holds unmistakable happiness.

—

“Hey! Me too!”

Not to be outdone, Anne leans in and plants a firmer kiss on the other cheek.

It lasts a little longer than Evanjelin’s, and she nods contentedly after a couple of smacks.

—

Seeing this, Yul puffs up his cheeks.

Is he jealous?

—

He shyly approaches and clings to my leg.

Looking up, he stretches out his arms, silently asking for a hug.

I gently lift him up as he wishes.

—

“Did you know?”

“Huh?”

“Yul comes looking for you more often than you’d think.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Whenever you’re out working, he asks where you are.”

Is that so?

I didn’t notice because he doesn’t show it when you’re around.

—

Maybe it’s because we haven’t spent as much time together since bringing him here.

Or perhaps it’s because of the memories from that day when I saved him.

It could also be the comfort he feels knowing someone understands the demon language.

—

Whatever the reason, receiving affection is always nice.

I can see Yul’s milky-smooth skin glowing softly in my arms.

Clean and well-fed, he looks healthier than when I first met him.

Children should grow up bright like this, whether they have horns or not.

—

“Is the baron in?”

Another visitor arrives.

It’s true that meeting people who continuously seek me out day after day makes leaving town a bit difficult.

Building near the house, creating something—it’s partly why I don’t prioritize combat, fishing, mining, or logging skills.

—

“Go ahead.”

“Alright.”

This is the first visitor since the house expansion.

Hopefully, it’s someone pleasant.

—

Carrying Yul, who refuses to let go, I step outside.

—

A stranger greets me.

As expected, the conversation revolves around crop trades.

Just as I’m about to turn them away with the usual excuse, they bring up something different.

—

“How about cocktails or equipment?”

“Cocktails and… equipment?”

“Yes. Isn’t that what you call the alcohol made from your crops?”

“Yes. But how did you hear about it?”

“I tasted some at the royal palace on my way here. Thinking it could work, I rushed over.”

“What do you mean by ‘equipment’?”

“The gear worn by miners and workers. Didn’t you make it yourself?”

“That’s correct.”

“Exceptional equipment. Though I lack metallurgical expertise, I pride myself on having a keen eye, and I could glimpse your skill.”

—

This man was the first to mention equipment and cocktails.

He seems sharp.

Being recognized, especially unexpectedly, feels good.

—

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“So, how would you handle trading these two items?”

“There’s no reason we couldn’t.”

“Great!”

His expression brightens immediately.

The gloom lifts, replaced by enthusiasm.

—

“Thank you! Could I possibly purchase a few samples to take to my master?”

“Samples?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, I only have permission regarding the crops. Anything else requires authorization from the marquis.”

“Ah. What exactly do you need?”

“A few bottles of mojito and some sets of the gear worn by the miners and workers. Would that be possible?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.”

—

I taught him how to drink mojito and loaded a few sets of gear onto his carriage.

No money exchanged hands.

Considering it was for sampling and promotional purposes.

Also, as a gesture of appreciation for bringing up topics beyond crops—this was a first.

It was rare for a servant sent by a noble to initiate such discussions.

—

Perhaps society is too rigid.

Or maybe talented individuals like him are simply scarce.

—

Nevertheless, it was a new experience.

If the equipment starts selling, I plan to connect it with mines and train blacksmiths.

It’s another avenue for earning money.

—

Watching the cheerful man leave in his carriage, another carriage enters.

—

Maybe I should hire someone to handle these situations.

Today, I keenly felt the need for a secretary.

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