I spoke with Domaim, who had come to the village, in the reception room.
Thinking back, it was rare for Domaim to visit the village alone. He was almost always with Kuon. I wondered if she was simply running late.
"Kuon took on some work for Lananon-sama, so she couldn't make the trip with me," he explained.
I see. I wondered if Lana-san had made some unreasonable demand.
"No, that part is fine. It’s just that Kuon is quite terrified of Lananon-sama."
She really was feared by her own kind.
"Ahaha. I’d like to bring back some of the village’s fruit as a souvenir for her when I head home. I’ll pay for it, of course."
"No, no, take it for free," I insisted. "On the contrary, are you sure I shouldn't be paying for the Magic Composite Iron we received? I heard it's incredibly valuable."
"Those rocks would have been left abandoned if Lananon-sama hadn't pointed them out. Please, don't worry about it."
When I asked for more details, it turned out the iron had been found near the nest of Kuoline—Raimeiren’s younger brother and Kuon's father. Apparently, there was plenty more where that came from. Perhaps it wasn't so rare for dragons? Ah, no, the fact that it was located near a dragon's nest meant that ordinary people would never be able to touch it.
"If you need more, I can bring another shipment," Domaim offered.
"That would be a huge help. Lu and the others will be thrilled. I'll pay for the next batch, so please accept the compensation then."
"Understood."
"So, did you have other business in the village today?"
"Yes. I wanted to consult with my Big Brother about something."
By "Big Brother," he meant Draim.
"It’s about marital relations... dragon-style... and it's a bit complicated."
I see. I asked if he had already stopped by Draim's Nest.
"Since I had the rocks to deliver, I came here first."
"That worked out well. Draim is actually here in the village right now. I’ll go call him over."
"Thank you very much."
"You're staying until tonight, right? Dos and Raimeiren are already preparing a banquet to welcome you."
"Father and Mother are making such a fuss. We live close enough to meet whenever we want."
I felt the same way, but they were likely being considerate of Kuon's absence. Regardless, I told him that if he wasn't in a hurry to get home, he should stay the night.
"I’ll take you up on that offer."
Domaim ended up consulting not only Draim, but also Marksbergark and Giral. He didn't seem to consult his father, Dos, which made Dos sulk a bit... though I suppose consulting one's father about marriage problems is a high hurdle for anyone, regardless of the family.
As for the nature of the consultation, I tried my best to act indifferent. I was curious, but I felt it was poor form to pry into such personal matters out of mere interest. Despite my restraint, Draim, Marksbergark, and Giral—who had all listened to Domaim's worries—apparently advised him to talk to me.
Domaim stood before me with a very troubled expression.
To summarize the situation concisely: Kuon wanted children as soon as possible, and Domaim had reached his physical limit.
Honestly, what was I supposed to do with a consultation like that?
"F-For now, let's just eat," I suggested. "Have you been eating properly?"
He said Kuon was very diligent about his meals. Knowing Kuon, she was probably serving him nothing but stamina-building ingredients. He confirmed my suspicion.
Well, that was the problem right there. Balance. Balance was vital in all things. I told him he needed to eat a variety of foods and offered to let him take village ingredients home. I also advised him not to let himself be completely swept away by Kuon's pace. They needed to be on the same page about their goals.
He claimed their goals were perfectly aligned. That was a relief. In that case, I told him not to rush. I had heard before that it was difficult for dragons to conceive. Our family was just... well, we were lucky.
I gave him whatever advice I could think of. Then, though I assumed they weren't strictly necessary, I handed him a few World Tree leaves. I told him to do his best and noted that it was wonderful that they were such a close couple.
Ten days had passed since the pool was opened. The adult Lizardmen had taken the lead as lifeguards, which was a massive help. Meanwhile, on the poolside, the High Ogre Maids in swimsuits had set up a dining venue. It was arranged like a Viking buffet, with various dishes lined up under tents.
Swimming always worked up an appetite. To keep the food from spoiling in the heat, the Ice Monster had created piles of ice inside the tents to keep the area chilled. That was a thoughtful touch.
As for the warm dishes, Aegis, the Phoenix Chick, was busy reheating the food before anyone ate. He wasn't just playing around after all. I laughed and told him I was joking, thanking him for the help. Of course, I thanked the High Ogre Maids as well.
Ann, who had been staying at the vocational visit dormitory at the Academy, was in an exceptionally good mood. It seemed she had run into Torain while she was there. I suggested she go see him more often, but Ann held back, insisting she had duties to attend to. Even when I told her to go back and show her face to her son, she refused, saying she wouldn't do so until she had meaningful results to show for her work.
Even though it was only a short trip via the Teleportation Gate, both Ann and Torain were quite stubborn in their own ways. Well, if anyone asked if I was particularly flexible... I wouldn't go that far.
For the time being, I decided to enjoy the pool. I asked Hitoe if she wanted to swim with me again today. Yoko still couldn't make it because of her workload, but she said she would be free tomorrow. We decided to practice Hitoe's swimming so that Yoko could praise her when she arrived.
Over by the poolside, the brothers Draim and Domaim had beach chairs lined up. They were sunbathing in their swimsuits, both wearing colored glasses. The sunglasses suited them remarkably well.
Setting that aside, I asked Domaim if he shouldn't be heading back soon. If he stayed too late, Kuon would likely come to the village to drag him home.
"Hahaha, I intend to head back tomorrow."
I felt like I had heard that exact line yesterday.
"It must be your imagination."
Is that so? Well, I told him to keep it in moderation. He shouldn't make Kuon worry too much. He gave a casual "Okay" in response.
I turned to Draim and told him not to make Graffaloon worry either.
"There is no need for concern. My wife is planning to come here this evening."
"Is that so?"
"Umu. I invited her because I wanted her to try the Daikon dishes I've prepared."
"I see."
"Big Brother's Daikon dishes... I'd like to try them too," Domaim chimed in.
"Fufufu, feel free to savor them. For that matter, why don't you try growing Daikon yourself, Domaim? It’s a rather enjoyable pursuit."
"I wonder if I could do it?"
"Nothing goes perfectly at the start. But that's where the charm lies."
"...I’ll try consulting with Kuon about it."
"Umu. That’s the spirit. You shouldn't start something without talking to her. Consultation is the foundation of a marriage. And, well... if you grow them together, it might help take the edge off things, wouldn't it?"
Ah, so Draim was referencing the marriage consultation from earlier. I see. Draim was actually acting like a proper older brother for once.