In the sky above the forest a short distance from the village, around thirty angels were conducting combat training.
The one instructing them was Suarurou.
She seemed to be training them quite strictly.
「To prevent the angels’ status from declining」
Raz Maria, who was watching the training from the ground, explained.
I see.
But why so suddenly?
「It is because we are thinking about our newborn grandchildren」
Hmm, so she is thinking about Suarurina and Suarukona.
I feel sorry for the angels who got caught up in this, but I appreciate the sentiment.
「Those people had grown complacent, so this is a good wake-up call for them」
Hmm?
I think it is fine for people to relax and take it easy in the village, though.
「Let me rephrase that. It is a good wake-up call for those whose lifestyles had become undisciplined」
Ah, staying up late and oversleeping?
「On top of that, they also take naps. And even when they are awake, they just stare into space…」
That really is an unhealthy lifestyle.
「I was just beginning to consider giving them some sort of punishment」
So, the timing was perfect.
「Exactly」
Doesn’t Raz Maria have to participate in the training?
Of course, on the instructor’s side.
「Suarurou is so enthusiastic for the sake of her grandchildren that I cannot interfere」
I see.
「So my training will begin after Suarurou’s training is over」
……Isn’t Suarurou carrying out the punishment in your place?
In response to my question, Raz Maria only smiled.
-0-
At the village pond, the Pond Turtles swam gracefully.
Peaceful.
The only thing that was not peaceful was Dors in his dragon form, with his head sticking out of the pond.
He had not been swimming in the pond.
He had challenged Rana-san to a fight and been knocked into it.
A little while ago, it was not his head but only his tail sticking out above the surface.
I cannot help but think this is what happens when he challenges people to pointless fights.
Besides, Rana-san had not come directly to the village using teleportation magic this time.
First, she teleported to a place near the mountains surrounding the Forest of Death, then flew here from there.
She had followed the proper steps.
There was no problem.
Moreover, she had a reason for coming.
She had come to bring Ursa back to the village.
And yet she was challenged to a fight.
I want to praise Rana-san for leaving Ursa somewhere safe and fighting in a way that would not damage the village.
Still, I would be happier if she chose not to fight whenever possible.
Ah, that reminds me. Where is Girar?
He was fighting too, wasn’t he?
When I asked, Dors pulled Girar up from the bottom of the pond.
So Girar had sunk as well.
Well, I think he did his best.
He managed to fight longer than usual.
-0-
Ursa returned.
She had been in the village not long ago, so her return felt rather quick.
I could not help but think that.
The reason Ursa came back was because she had heard about the tracking cargo carts developed by Loo and the others.
The city where Ursa is based… I suppose calling it a city is correct?
She came to convey their request for tracking cargo carts there as well.
Of course, that was not the only reason Ursa returned.
Ursa had a companion with her.
A female mountain elf.
She is the representative leading a group of mountain elves separate from Ya and the others.
They are not hoping to migrate to Big Tree Village. Instead, they plan to work in the city where Ursa is based.
In that case, there was no real need for her to come to the village, but apparently she was acquainted with Ya and the others in the village, so Ursa brought her along.
When Ya and the others were reunited with her, they were greatly surprised but welcomed her warmly.
Some of them were even crying.
Their relationship must not have been a bad one.
However, perhaps because of exhaustion, the mountain elf Ursa brought lost consciousness shortly after arriving at the village.
For now, I left her in Ya and the others’ care.
I will hear the details once things have settled down.
And as for Ursa…
She changed into a swimsuit prepared by Zabuton and was enjoying a meal by the pool.
Apparently, after hearing from Rana-san, who had visited a little while ago, about all the food she ate poolside, she could no longer resist.
That is fine.
Eat as much as you like.
But you are wearing a swimsuit.
If you eat too much, your stomach will start to stick out.
Even if you say your abs will hold it in…
Ah, right.
Though I just mentioned your stomach sticking out, the swimsuit suits you well.
As expected of Zabuton.
It looks like you could swim really fast in it.
-0-
After defeating Dors and Girar, Rana-san, who had brought Ursa and the mountain elf to the village, returned using teleportation magic.
The children, who admire Rana-san’s strength, were disappointed.
Well, Hakuren is showing them a mock battle in her dragon form.
Her opponent is Grafaroon, Doraim’s wife.
Apparently, Dors, Girar, and Doraim all declined to fight her.
Guronde, Girar’s wife, seems willing to fight, but it would be difficult for them to battle without causing damage to the village.
If they went somewhere far enough away to avoid damaging the village, the children would not be able to watch, so it cannot be helped.
Besides, when Guronde goes out, Oru, the Orthros, gets lonely.
Look, even Oru is saying he feels lonely.
So stop standing by in dragon form.
Incidentally, Rasuti had already been defeated by Grafaroon.
Originally, the mock battle had been planned between Hakuren and Rasuti.
Also, after Hakuren’s mock battle ended, a group of angels led by Suarurou challenged her to a fight, but they were easily swept aside.
Well… I admire their spirit.
Once your treatment is finished, gather in the dining hall.
Today is the welcome party for Ursa and the mountain elf she brought with her.
-0-
I thought Ursa would leave after two or three days, but it seems she plans to stay in the village for a while.
Apparently, the residents of the city where Ursa is based pleaded with her to rest a little longer.
I was surprised and wondered if Ursa had caused some kind of trouble, but that does not seem to be the case.
It turns out that when Ursa returned to the village and was absent for a while not long ago, the residents of the city where she is based realized something.
The difference between the amount of work when Ursa is there and when she is not.
It is true that things become difficult without Ursa.
However, when Ursa is around, the amount of work increases.
It keeps increasing without end.
This cannot continue.
At the very least, they want Ursa to rest until they can finish the work that has already piled up.
That was what was written in the letter from Asa and Earth that Ursa brought with her.
It also asked that Ursa be kept in Big Tree Village for about a year.
The handwriting was polite, yet bold and firm.
I suppose that is how much work has piled up.
Still, I cannot imagine Ursa staying quietly in the village for an entire year.
Originally, Alfred and Tiselle had gone on a journey, and Ursa had set out as well with an attitude of, 「Then I will go too」.
I have a feeling she will take off again before long.
W-Well, until she does, I hope she can relax here in the village.
Hakuren, Zabuton, and especially the village children were delighted to hear that Ursa would be staying for a while.
Loo, Tier, Ann, and of course, me as well.
So, not for a whole year, but I would like her to stay in the village at least through the summer.
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