Chapter 163

When I wake up in the morning, I send my clone to the mine. The start of another day’s work.

“Beep.”

Suri had grown quite large, not just noble but impressively big. Yet she still seemed to think of herself as a baby. Without any care for her size, she tries to perch on my shoulder.

Whenever this happens, I naturally make space on my shoulder for her. Even if she grips me tightly with her claws or her weight becomes heavy, it doesn’t matter since I’m strong enough to handle it.

Previously, Gilbert mentioned that Suri possesses some strange magic power. And now, I can see traces of that power reflecting onto me.

Whenever she goes out frequently, it seems like she consumes a lot of magic and returns home exhausted at night. During those times, I always cast numerous regeneration-related buffs on her using magic.

Knowing this, every day Suri affectionately rubs her face against mine to show her love.

“Is something wrong?”

Today, her act of cuteness is especially intense. While gently petting her and asking what’s wrong, Suri silently acts cute without answering.

“I see.”

I simply continue to softly stroke Suri’s head. Satisfied with that, she flies off energetically somewhere.

Even when she disappears like this, she always comes back by night. If she doesn’t return, it’s never longer than three days. Since I’ve equipped her with tools acting as safety measures, I don’t worry too much.

Morning passes as usual. The only difference is that I prepare breakfast with Evangelin to level up my cooking skill. Other than that, there isn’t much change.

Today, I decided to expand our house in preparation for when we have a child. Expanding early will help the ladies adapt more easily. The main task involves significantly expanding the first floor so that almost everything can be done there without needing to use the stairs, minimizing accidents.

It feels oddly refreshing carving wood and stones into holograms glowing with blue light and fitting them together.

The fairies around are curious but leave quickly since this isn’t related to agriculture.

Most of the work is done with magic. Cutting uses mana, moving uses telekinesis. They say learning makes work easier, and though this might differ slightly, it rings true.

“Let’s do this while drinking something cool.”

Under the countless floating logs and stones, Evangelin quietly approaches me with a drink that smells faintly of peaches.

“What kind of drink is this?”

“It’s a secret. I made it myself.”

“Really?”

Her statement sparks curiosity, so I slowly bring my nose close to savor the aroma. A soft sweetness of peach spreads gently. Then an intriguing fragrance and refreshing sensation lingers briefly before fading away, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

“The smell is nice.”

“Isn’t it?”

With her cheerful response, I take a sip of the drink. It flows smoothly down my throat, creating a refreshing sweetness across my mouth, finishing cleanly without any lingering bitterness.

“Oh…this is really good. Refreshing and clean. The subtle sweetness is great too.”

“Exactly! That was my intention. I’m glad it came through.”

“Indeed, our lady. Looking forward to more from you?”

“Yes!”

Blushing slightly at my compliment, she shyly smiles. After finishing the peach-flavored drink, I hand her the empty glass. Her joyful movements make me happy too, because joy is contagious.

“Winter is looking forward to it.”

“Huh?”

“Dad seems good.”

Saying that, she quickly runs inside without waiting for my reply. Her cute actions make me smile and I return to my work. Thanks to her encouragement, the job wasn’t tiring at all.

* * *

“Quite far away.”

By the time the bouncing of the carriage began numbing my butt, the village appeared beyond the horizon. This village, ruled by the person currently causing the biggest stir in the kingdom, boasts growth rates that defy belief.

Since the time has come to finally reap results, my daughter and I embarked on this long journey.

“Wow!”

A neatly arranged townscape catches our eyes. Residential areas built precisely according to plan. Clean roads free of unpleasant odors.

Despite ongoing construction adding slight chaos, it’s all within acceptable limits.

Naturally, my daughter’s exclamation of amazement at the sight of the village landscape is understandable. How could such drastic changes occur in such a short time? Compared to just a few years ago when I visited to check crop quality, the transformation is astonishing.

Curiosity piqued, I drive the carriage into the village. Bicycles are everywhere. There’s a delivery system exclusive to Starwind Valley operating out of the post office. It’s said that even travelers can easily use it, earning constant praise.

“If you want convenience, head to Starwind Valley,” whispers of this sort spread subtly.

“That’s a bicycle, Dad!”

“Indeed.”

An alternative mode of transportation. Quite suitable for short distances. Its appearance is neat, and it’s easy to use. Although road conditions affect it, if it becomes trendy, who cares?

Nobleman’s ostentatious luxury bicycles.

Efficient ordinary bicycles for commoners.

Sturdy bicycles capable of handling rough terrain.

Various products flood out of this village. Exclusive production with high demand means they sell out instantly. Though pricey, they’ve become part of daily life here.

This place offers more than just a bike factory advantage. The lord’s generosity provides bikes, which integrate into the massive postal convenience system covering the entire village.

“Let’s order delivery later!”

“Shall we?”

“Yes!”

My daughter’s excited anticipation deeply resonates with me. How could a father ignore such words?

The road into the village is meticulously maintained. Even the paths for carriages and horses are separated from pedestrian walkways, showing remarkable foresight in preventing accidents.

“What’s that, Dad?”

“That says public laundry.”

“What’s a laundry?”

“A place that cleans clothes. Shall we go take a look?”

“Sure!”

Following my enthusiastic daughter, we stop the carriage temporarily and enter the laundry. The distinctive scent of soap fills the air. Workers are busy washing clothes, and clean garments are neatly folded while dirty ones are sorted.

It’s quite systematic. Clothes are classified to prevent mixing.

“Wow…”

My daughter snuggles into my arms, captivated by the scene. New experiences and knowledge gained at a young age paired with positive people create lasting positive memories.

“Maybe we’ll try leaving our clothes here sometime?”

“Okay!”

“Excuse me.”

Approaching someone who appears to manage the laundry, the man responds politely to my late call.

“Yes, may I help you?”

“To wash clothes here, are there any special requirements?”

“Just payment is needed.”

“How much?”

“Two silvers per two items. If your clothes are damaged, we’ll replace or remake them.”

Including insurance. With such a structure, it’s reassuring to leave clothes here. The price is also reasonable.

“Understood. Thank you for the explanation.”

“No problem.”

Holding my daughter, we step outside. The air inside and outside the laundry differs greatly. Returning to the fresh spring atmosphere clears the nose tingling from the soap.

“What’s that over there?”

“That’s the public bathhouse.”

“Bathhouse?”

“A place to clean your body and maintain hygiene.”

“Wow!”

“Shall we visit?”

“Sure!”

Drawn by my daughter’s excitement, we head towards the public bathhouse. Inside, it’s bustling with people of all ages.

The first floor seems like a community space where people gather to chat and rest.

Approaching the receptionist, we greet them.

“Hello.”

“Yes, welcome.”

“We’re new here. Is there a specific way to use the facilities?”

“Ah, first-timers! First off, the public bathhouse operates for free and is open anytime. While the bath is free, sold items are paid. Please keep that in mind.”

“Free…?”

“Yes! The baron announced that everyone should freely use the bath whenever they wish.”

“Wow…”

“There are three spaces: men-only, women-only, and mixed baths. You receive a wooden token to access them anytime.”

“Thank you for explaining.”

My daughter’s eyes sparkle with excitement, eager to try it immediately, but I suppress that desire.

“Let’s visit later.”

“Okay!”

Not now. We’ll enjoy touring the village and its attractions leisurely after finishing our business. Thinking this, I exit the public bathhouse with my daughter.

Looking again, it’s incredibly large. Maintaining such a place must cost a fortune, yet offering it for free is impressive.

Together, I feel the lord deeply considers and cares for his villagers. The neatly maintained scenery, cleanliness with almost no trash, well-kept roads, and affordable conveniences all reflect this.

Continuing our stroll through the village with my daughter, we stop in front of a store by chance.

[Yul Certified! 3-Star Delicious Restaurant!]

Our stomachs growling, having only eaten bland food from the carriage, my daughter’s eyes are drawn to the sign as she gazes at me hopefully.

“Shall we eat?”

“Yes!”

Yul certified… Who is Yul?

Curious about their identity, father and daughter enter the restaurant.

“Welcome! Would you like to order?”

Glancing quickly at the menu upon being asked, I choose the item marked with three stars.

“Two mains, please.”

“Alright!”

The server efficiently takes our order and guides us to a seat. The restaurant is quite busy, confirming its popularity.

“Delicious smell…”

“Interesting.”

Are stars an official unit used in this village?

My curiosity grows endlessly.

It’s a unique place. Despite being in the same kingdom, it feels refreshingly different in a positive way.

“Our orders are here! Enjoy your meal!”

The main dish arrives quickly. The plate is generously filled with large pieces. The smell of grilled meat and steam rising from the accompanying vegetable stew is mouthwatering.

“Wow, let’s eat!”

My daughter eagerly picks up her utensils and dives into the food. After a moment, she looks surprised, mouthing “Mmm” while chewing.

How delicious could it be?

Taking my time, I lift my spoon and taste the stew.

“…Hmm?”

Several flavors dance in my mouth, unlike anything I’d expect from a rural village. It’s delicious. The direct impression hits my brain hard.

For a while, father and daughter focus solely on eating in silence, amazed by the quality comparable to high-end restaurants in the capital. Glancing at the price tag adds another layer of surprise.

Even though we’ve been in Starwind Valley less than an hour, it already feels like a place full of surprises.

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