The morning tasks were taking longer than before. It was because I had to take care of the animals. Since I was still a novice, I didn’t know what to do or how to do it, so I started my duties by facing them and gently petting them.
Checking if there was anything wrong with each piece of equipment. Seeing if the animals were in any pain. Confirming they were eating properly. Ensuring there was enough water.
I inspected various matters while checking on their conditions.
One fortunate thing was that they all communicated easily. Without exception, they all approached me willingly whenever I came near. That alone made me satisfied.
Their pure eyes. Their warm fur, skin, soft touch. Every time I petted them, I felt we were getting closer little by little.
After going around the barn, the morning schedule finally came to an end. As I wiped the sweat off my forehead and looked down the road, I saw a group coming along with a carriage. A familiar figure alighted from the carriage.
“It’s been a while.”
Horn.
The trade representative of Reyvik had arrived right on time. The 28th day of summer, marking two weeks since the 14th. He skillfully got out of the carriage and extended his hand, which I shook.
“It’s been a while.”
“Yes. Is everything alright with the goods?”
“They’re all prepared.”
Though I said that, the quantity was slowly decreasing. If it weren’t for the consistent output starting from the greenhouse on the 30th day, it might have been difficult to keep up. All the hard work putting the greenhouse together through the night paid off.
I loaded 10,000 Musk melons and Kingsberry units onto Horn’s carriage and handed over a summer crop gift set.
“What is this?”
“These are crops cultivated this summer.”
“Oh… may I take a look?”
“Of course. I gave it to you for that purpose.”
A brown packaging container. Neatly arranged inside the wooden box were ten types of crops, which made Horn’s eyes gleam.
“Could you possibly be planning to sell all of these?”
“For now.”
“Would it be alright if we tried some?”
“Certainly. If you want, I can give you a few more packs.”
“There! Come here and take a look. You too.”
At Horn’s words, soldiers gathered one by one. They clustered together, picked up fruits with their hands, and ate them, wearing expressions of ecstasy. Watching them devour the fruit while exclaiming how delicious it was made me feel proud. The effort of carefully selecting ten crops paid off.
“Wow.”
“Amazing.”
Exclamations of amazement filled with joy. Hearing those sounds, Suri perched on my right shoulder stared at me with innocent eyes. Guessing what it meant, I picked a mango and fed it to Suri’s beak. Watching Suri’s eyes curve into a joyful smile always brought happiness.
“Lord, would it be alright if I took three packs of boxes to present to the Lord?”
“Are you going to get permission and come back?”
“Yes. I dare say that this will undoubtedly become a leading trend, an excellent product.”
Confidence shone in his firm gaze. I handed him three sets of boxes. Handling them as if they were precious treasures, he carefully climbed back into the carriage with the gift boxes.
“I shall return with good news. Let’s go!”
Neigh!
With the strong cry of the horse, the carriage departed. Another hefty sum of 400,000 gold coins found its way into my possession.
“Hmm.”
I pulled out a mango from the gift box. The soft flow of juice, the tender flesh, and the delicate fragrance.
I took a bite. It was tastier than any mango I’d eaten before. Was it due to the farming skill or the special nature of this land? I wasn’t sure which factor had the bigger influence. But one thing was certain: the quality of the crops I grew was exceptionally excellent. No wonder I gained confidence every time I farmed.
Satisfied with the transaction, I headed home. Evangelin greeted me with a smile, something that had become more familiar than strange.
“Evangelin.”
“Yes.”
“We might be able to rest for the next two days.”
“Huh?”
“There’s somewhere I need to visit for a couple of days.”
“Oh… then I’ll tidy up the house in the morning and leave.”
“You don’t have to…”
“It’s my job to come every day. It’s fine.”
Her gentle tone accompanied by a bright smile made me nod.
“For where are you going for two days?”
“To meet a fairy.”
“Eh?”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Jack and Evangelin both looked at me simultaneously. Now that I think about it, I probably took it for granted that meeting fairies was normal. Since they’re usually not encountered, it makes sense that they’d find it amazing.
Living in a game world where spirits, fairies, dragons, and monsters are part of everyday life had dulled my sense of wonder.
“Did you have a friendship with the fairy?”
“It sort of happened. Not exactly friendship, but we’ve met a few times.”
“That’s great. Please share your travel stories when you return?”
“Of course.”
Evangelin’s curiosity. Jack’s lively movements. Both were fully directed at me.
Especially Jack’s gestures and trembling were quite intense. Perhaps being young and seeing fairy tales come true was overwhelming. His efforts to say something while holding my hand were commendable.
“Ahhh…”
“Yeah. I’ll definitely tell you, Jack.”
“Ahh!”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Since lunch was prepared, we ate. Thinking I wouldn’t enjoy Evangelin’s cooking for two short days made me a bit melancholy. Maybe I had unknowingly gotten used to this taste.
I packed my bag with plenty of gear. All accessories were already equipped.
Rings, earrings, necklaces. The dazzling silver and gold jewelry made me feel like a flashy nouveau riche. Though technically true, given how much money I’d earned.
“Phew.”
Suri flapped its wings lightly and settled on my shoulder. Did it know we were going far? Its usual gaze, with a slightly increased golden hue around its pupils, caught my attention. Then it gently nudged my cheek with its forehead, seemingly satisfied, and firmly perched on my shoulder again. Such a cute creature.
It looked like rain might come. Dark clouds slowly enveloped the sky, and the humid air was heavy with moisture. Surprisingly, it was a good day for walking. Without the scorching sun, the temperature was wonderfully pleasant for summer.
The purple gem glowing in my hand. One reason for meeting the fairy and something I could create—Warp Device.
After staring at it for a few seconds, I gently placed it back in my bag. I hadn’t rented a horse since the Warp Device worked differently for large objects, making it unclear whether it could recognize them as part of me.
Suri, however, was no problem. High intimacy and small size made it easy to bring along. With it perched on my shoulder, traveling together was manageable. Horses were different, so I had no choice but to start the journey on foot.
The crunch of my shoes. The slightly cool breeze. The warm scent of summer air. Even Suri’s tiny claws pressing against me from the side.
It was the perfect example of a leisurely trip. Following the marked path with purpose, I occasionally glanced at the mini-map. It was a peaceful journey.
*
“Abi.”
“It’s Anne. Welcome.”
“You seem really familiar, as if you live here.”
“Do I?”
Evangelin, folding laundry casually, replied.
The clothes dried brightly under the summer sun.
The subtle forest scent in the fabric made me smile. Looking at Anne sulking with her chin resting on the table while folding clothes, I noticed unmistakably beautiful features enhanced by flowing golden hair.
“You don’t just cook, do you?”
“It’s multitasking.”
“Multitasking laundry, folding clothes, and housework?”
“Yep.”
“I see…”
Anne swung her feet back and forth like a pendulum. Her movements stopped as Evangelin paused.
“What brings you here?”
“Hmm?”
“I heard Minho is away for two days.”
“Just thought I’d stop by since I’m bored.”
“Want something to eat?”
“Can I help myself?”
“As much as you want.”
“Heh.”
Anne emitted a subtle noise. She quickly changed her pouting expression to a more serious glare and stood up.
“I guess I’ll stay here tonight!”
Evangelin reacted with a slight flinch.
“What do you mean?”
“I stayed once before, remember?”
“At dawn?”
“Heh. We shared the same bed.”
“I see.”
Evangelin’s tone remained calm. As usual, her voice was soft and gentle. Despite this, Anne could detect the tremor hidden beneath.
The subtle difference only a friend could notice. Calmness disguised, yet revealed through body language rather than tone. Real feelings often surfaced non-verbally, like the current trembling.
Suppressing laughter internally.
“Aah~ I’ll stay here tonight~”
“Minho won’t be here today.”
“Hmm?”
“He told me he’d be gone for two days.”
“Told you?”
The slight emphasis on “you” made Anne barely suppress her laugh.
Very subtle. Someone unfamiliar with Evangelin might perceive it as dry, but Anne knew better. Detecting the nuances unique to a friend.
“Is that so?”
“Yep.”
Anne smiled mischievously while intently observing Evangelin’s expression.
Pure, modest, elegant, and charming friend.
Seeing emotions stirred within her due to one man was surprising yet understandable.
“Abi.”
“Hmm?”
“No, then can you prepare dinner for me?”
“Of course. What would you like?”
“Whatever our chef desires. Everything tastes good.”
“Alright.”
Curbing curiosity, Anne maintained a façade of ordinary conversation. She wanted to extract clear information about Minho.
However, discussing unsorted feelings might cause unnecessary commotion and confusion, so she restrained herself.
Perhaps another opportunity would arise.
When her own feelings were clearer, more defined, she resolved to discuss things openly.
Halfway…
No, nearly past the halfway point, though not yet reaching absolute certainty.
Rationalizing internally, Anne awaited dinner prepared by Evangelin.
“Do you come here every day to cook?”
“Yep.”
“Heh. Then maybe I’ll come daily too?”
“Hmm?”
“That requires Minho’s approval.”
“Minho would likely approve.”
Anne’s voice carried a suggestive undertone.
Moist anticipation. She subtly licked her lips, displaying mysterious confidence.
“Yes. He’s considerate.”
“Hmm.”
Anne nodded at Evangelin’s compliment. Consideration.
True indeed.
Though gruff, expressing himself poorly, resisting subtle temptations…
Yet considerate.
Taking care of various things. Being present during important moments. Pretending indifference while genuinely caring…
“This guy has been scattering charm everywhere.”
“Hmm?”
“Need to regulate that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Abi, it’s fine if you don’t know. Or should I say, knowledge should stop with you?”
Smiling playfully while speaking, Anne’s words went largely misunderstood.
As Evangelin pulled out a frying pan and turned on the heat, confused by Anne’s apparent determination but unwilling to pursue explanations, she redirected her focus to cooking. To prepare delicious meals, sometimes ignoring surrounding noise is necessary.
“The smell is wonderful.”
Forest aroma and cooking scents alike.
“Isn’t it?”
“Yep.”
Daily presence was tempting.
Swallowing further words, Anne quietly closed her eyes.
Daily interactions would lead to events.
Together…
Sharing daily routines…
And then…
Anne’s imagination spread its wings.
Such imaginings influenced real emotions.
The heart half-inclined tipped further.
The internal scale tilted decisively toward one side.
Helplessly, destructively seeping in.
“Ha.”
Anne forced a hollow laugh trying to deny the fluttering excitement.
Still,
The tidal wave of emotion surged forward,
Already coloring Anne’s cheeks rosy red.
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
