The village that had been troubled by the cockatrices, its chief was driven out by his own son, who then took over as the new village chief.
Apparently, this new chief is showing a very favorable attitude toward Village Five, who helped capture the cockatrices. Youko reported that even if we made a few unreasonable requests, it should be fine.
Not that I plan on making any.
The cockatrices were captured mainly thanks to the efforts of the silver foxes from the shrine.
「Living a peaceful life at the shrine isn’t bad, but if we don’t fight once in a while, our skills will dull. It was a good opportunity.」
That’s what they said.
「Also, we can’t have people thinking we’ll just act whenever they ask. We have to show our strength now and then.」
No using force or violence, though.
「We wouldn’t do anything like that. Don’t worry.」
If that’s the case, then I’m fine with it…
Co to think of it, why did they reach out to Village Five in the first place?
There hadn’t been any contact before, right?
Was it rumors spread by travelers?
「No, the son who beca the new chief had apparently visited Village Five before. During that visit, he saw firsthand how strong the guards were.」
So that’s why.
「Exactly. Also, for this exchange, we took the right to use of so village land as paynt. We could even build an airship landing site there.」
Paynt?
Didn’t you say the new chief was already leaning in our favor?
「That’s that, and this is this. If they can’t pay with money, then they need to offer sothing else.」
So you took land for a future airship port.
Seems a bit early for that, though?
「True, but it’s best to plan ahead. If the location ends up being unsuitable, we can just cancel it.」
I see.
Well, I’ll leave that village matter to Youko.
How about the cockatrices?
「No problems. If anything, we’ve just had a few reports from passersby near the ranch saying the cockatrices are crying out like they’re asking for help.」
So they do seem like they want help.
「They’re apparently quite scared of that chicken. Still, we’re not changing anything. The situation stays as it is.」
R-right…
「Also, it seems they’ve started laying eggs. Now we just need to see if we can get them to hatch. We can’t start using them for at until we have a way to increase their numbers.」
The original cockatrices are contributors, no, it was the chicken who contributed.
We should avoid turning them into at as much as possible.
「Understood. I’ve already told the caretakers not to rush and to take it slow.」
Thanks.
-0-
Before winter arrives, I went to check on the bees.
They looked healthy.
The fat queen bee was still alive and well.
As usual, she was lounging around.
I exchanged a bit of information with her.
Apparently, there aren’t any particular problems at the mont.
That’s good to hear.
Well, if anything does happen, the soldier bees will co report it.
No need to hesitate.
Also, the honey has been a big help.
The children, the fairy queen, and the won of the village have all been delighted.
Oh right, about the bees, there was a request from Village Four… the one on the floating island. You know, the one flying up in the sky.
They asked if we could relocate so bees there.
There shouldn’t be any natural enemies up there.
Don’t worry, I’m not saying you have to go.
I’m just wondering if there’s anyone suitable.
It’s not urgent.
Spring is fine. If you have any candidates, let know.
Hahaha, I’ll be waiting without expecting too much.
-0-
Along the ridgeline of the hill in the ranch area, the goats were lined up.
Their bodies faced all different directions, but their gazes were the sa.
They were looking at .
The mont I stepped into the ranch area, the goats began lining up.
Then, with a single bleat from what was likely the leader, they all charged straight at .
Oh, impressive coordination.
That’s actually kind of amazing.
But…
Have they not noticed that Kuro and Yuki are standing right next to ?
From that reckless charge, I’d say they definitely haven’t.
Kuro and Yuki are wearing camouflage cloaks made from reo’s transparent bodily fluids.
But still, their heads are exposed.
By the way, people seeing Kuro and Yuki in this state for the first ti often panic, thinking floating heads are flying around. It’s not well-received.
Ah, Kuro, Yuki,
The goats aren’t being hostile. That’s just their way of communicating.
They’re probably sulking because I haven’t been giving them attention lately.
So, go easy on them, okay?
That’s what I asked… but it turned out I didn’t need to.
The goats noticed Kuro and Yuki, turned around, and fled.
They didn’t even realize until they were pretty close.
Maybe it’s a sign of how effective the camouflage cloaks are… or maybe they were just too focused on to notice anything else.
Kuro and Yuki looked at as if asking whether they should chase.
I asked them to let it go.
-0-
Now then.
The reason I ca to the ranch area wasn’t to play with the goats.
I ca for the horses.
Yeah, they look great since they were cleaned up a little while ago.
Except for one.
There was a horse with two horns, incredibly filthy and wild-looking.
Is it still considered a horse even with horns?
Well, unicorns have horns too, so I guess it’s fine.
It’s a horse.
The horns look more like a goat’s, but its build is definitely that of a horse.
In fact, it’s a bit larger than the others.
It’s like a draft horse used for pulling sleds.
The reason I ca was because the beastgirls taking care of the horses asked what to do about this two-horned horse that suddenly showed up in the ranch area.
And now, this two-horned horse looked at and,
『Please don’t mind a useless nag like …』
, or at least, that was the vibe it gave off. Very humble.
Not at all what its appearance suggested.
A gentle temperant is a good thing.
I was about to praise it for that, but then one of the nearby horses inford .
Apparently, when it first arrived, the two-horned horse had been extrely aggressive.
『Where’s the strongest one!? Co out here so I can crush you!』
That’s what it had neighed.
There were pregnant mares in the ranch at the ti, so they couldn’t just ignore the challenge. They had no choice but to face it.
And that led to the current situation.
『I’ll just stay in the corner… yes, way over in the corner. If anything happens, just call . I’ll co running right away.』
So, the two-horned horse didn’t win even once?
It lost completely in both strength and speed.
I see. So it’s not that the horse is naturally gentle, it’s just lost all its confidence.
Still, are you all planning to accept it as part of the herd?
That’s the plan, but the final decision is mine?
If you all are okay with it, then I don’t mind.
You’ll keep an eye on it so it doesn’t cause trouble, right?
Alright, I’m counting on you.
I’ll let the beastgirls taking care of the horses know myself.
We’ll need to get that two-horned horse cleaned up too.
-0-
The two-horned horse.
When I asked Loo, she said it was a demon beast species known as Bicorn.
Apparently, they’re quite rare. In so regions, they’re even worshipped or regarded as legendary beings.
『Yo! As expected of the boss! Great running out there!』
But watching it flatter the ranch horses like that…
It’s hard to feel any of that mythical aura.
Still, as long as it’s healthy, I don’t mind.
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