Chapter 33 – Butter And Sugar in The Deepening Autumn
The temperature in the forest had gradually begun to drop.
According to the Japanese calendar, it was likely nearing the end of September. It was time to start preparing for winter hibernation. Even for us, who could usually manage things with ease, it would be a tough challenge.
That said, we weren’t overly busy just yet.
It had been two days since I decided to help Tomoe-san and Schnei-san with their relationship.
Back home, I stood in front of Pochi’s stable, arms crossed, looking at the trees that had started to change color.
「What are you thinking about, human? If it’s something fun, let us join in!」
「I’m not sure if it’s fun or not. I was just thinking I need to warm up this shed for winter, so Pochi doesn’t freeze.」
The fairy—Drizzle—asked while playing with my hair.
「We’re making hay, but that alone won’t be enough. I think I should install a wood stove. Insulating the shed will also be necessary.」
「I wouldn’t mind helping if it’s for Pochi.」
「Then I might ask for your help with the smaller tasks.」
It would be nice if she didn’t pull my hair too much… but I guess it’s fine if she’s fond of me.
「Sui, have you decided what to do?」
Lost in thought, I hadn’t noticed Karen coming from the garden, having finished the dishes I asked her to do.
「Yeah, let’s go with a wood stove. If we add a chimney, we won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning. Do you think we can find one at Sidera?」
「I think we can get one. But what about using that one in the storage?」
「I considered that, but that oven is mainly for cooking, and I think it wouldn’t be effective for heating the shed.」
「I see. Then we also need to deal with any drafts.」
「Right. It might be a good idea to stay here a few nights to see where the wind is coming in.」
「Hmm, that sounds good.」
Karen glanced around and nodded.
「What about Viole-sama and the others? Are they still working on the ice cellar?」
「Yeah, they’re underground.」
Mother, Mint, and Chocola were in the process of digging a hole next to the stable.
The goal was to create a basement—an ice cellar.
It seemed that the refrigerator at home wouldn’t be enough to stock up on meat for the winter. We were planning to try smoking some, but living off that alone would get boring pretty quickly.
So, we decided to build a storage area underground and surround it with ice to create a freezer. Mother designed it, Mint used her earth magic to create the space, and Chocola… well, he was more like a supportive observer.
「Since Mint is really excited about it, I think it’ll be done soon.」
「Hmm, I’m looking forward to it.」
Speaking of which, my head felt a bit weird. It seemed Drizzle was fiddling with my hair.
「Hey, no mischief… Drizzle.」
「What do you mean, Peacock? I’m just playing. You’re the one who’s always getting caught up in that valley of yours, so it’s only fair.」
Peacock scolded Drizzle. This little one loved to snuggle into Karen’s chest when she visited, in short, she’s doing it now.
At first, I didn’t know where to look, but I’ve gotten used to it… No, I haven’t gotten used to it at all!
「B-but Karen said she’s fine with it!」
「I’m being told the same!」
Not really, though.
「Fiddling is one thing, but please don’t tie it up or anything?」
As I gently warned them, everyone fell silent for a moment.
「Uh, um…」
Peacock panicked.
「Sui…」
Karen looked at me with pity.
「Um… maybe I should go play with Pochi instead?」
And with that, Drizzle floated away.
Wait, seriously?
「Hey, what about my hair? What happened to it?」
「Don’t worry. You won’t die just because of that. I’ll untangle it for you.」
「No way…」
When I touched my hair to check, I found several bun-like knots formed.
That little…!
Letting out a sigh, I crouched down on the hay and offered my head to Karen.
She stood behind me, smiling faintly, and got to work rescuing my hair.
「By the way, what kind of cake are you planning to make for Tomoe and the others?」
「Well, it’s something I had in mind from the other world. Originally, I was going to make it when winter came, but I figured I’d bring it forward a bit.」
「Do you really think a cake will help those two get closer?」
「Honestly, I don’t know. In the end, it all depends on them.」
The day after confirming Schnei-san’s feelings, I had stopped by Tomoe-san’s place before heading home.
I only told her one thing.
That Schnei-san had thought he was already dating Tomoe-san.
I didn’t mention his hesitation about marriage or his worries about making Tomoe-san unhappy because he was an adventurer. Schnei-san had joked, ‘I’m not good with words, so feel free to share everything.’
But I’m not a messenger.
This was a matter of their feelings, especially Schnei-san’s. It all came down to whether he could make up his mind and take that first step.
「So at least, I want to be able to give him a push. I think this could be… something that helps them.」
「Hmm. If you say so, then I’m sure it’ll be fine.」
As Karen untangled my hair, she gently patted my head.
Feeling the warmth of her hand, I smiled.
「I’ll help too. Leave the taste testing to me.」
「So that’s how it’s going to be…」
Karen responded with an excited tone, filled with anticipation.
Life in the forest involves a lot of physical activity, so I think we don’t need to worry too much, but I feel like it’s time to teach them about the concept of ‘calories’. The cake I’m planning to make this time is going to be quite rich in that regard.
「Sui, Karen! Finish!」
「Bark!」
Just as the bun-like knots finally disappeared from my hair, Mint and Chocola popped their heads out from the hole in the ground next to the stable.
「Oh, already? That was quick!」
「Mint did a great job! Sui, can you check it out?」
Mother showed up too.
From this angle, it looked like three heads had sprouted from the ground, each with cheeks smeared with dirt—a rather adorable sight.
「Well, the result is probably more than just ‘adorable’.」
The entrance already had a solid stone staircase laid down.
「Come! Hurry, hurry!」
「Bark! Bark bark!」
Mint was waving enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with confidence.
「I’m coming!」
Karen and I exchanged smiles, stood up, and rushed over to check it out.
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