The fact that we were in the middle of conquering the Sun Castle didn't mean the monsters and magic beasts in the forest were going to go easy on us. If anything, they might see it as a chance to attack while our guard was down. Because of that, the group staying behind remained vigilant.
Kuro and his pack kept a close watch on the perimeter, while Suarliu and Suarkou maintained their aerial surveillance. At times like these, I couldn't help but wish Zabuton were awake. No, I shouldn't think like that; I had to work hard so she could hibernate in peace.
Still, I found myself with nothing to do. For the time being, I carried a table and chairs out in front of the Village Head's Mansion and sat down to wait in a spot where I could keep an eye on the Sun Castle. It was a fair distance away. I’d heard it was a castle about three kilometers in diameter, but from here, it looked no bigger than a cup. It was currently hovering at an altitude of a thousand meters.
Rusty had already finished transporting the third group of Kuro’s offspring. According to her reports when she returned, the conquest was proceeding smoothly. I was sure that was true, but I couldn't help feeling anxious whenever I saw the distant castle sway or saw explosions blooming on its surface.
While I was spacing out, Urza approached me carrying some wood. She wanted me to make her a spear. I wondered if she’d been inspired by the ones thrown at the Sun Castle earlier. I didn't mind making one for her, but I insisted on rounding off the tip. I also gave her a strict warning not to throw it at people or animals.
A moment later, I watched her throw it. Didn't that just fly about sixty meters? That was impressive.
The Beastman boys brought over wood as well. I gave them the same warning and fashioned spears for them, too. They could certainly throw, though they didn't seem to be any match for Urza.
Deciding to try it myself, I made a spear for my own use. I threw the spear version of the Universal Farming Tool often enough, but I wondered how I’d fare with a normal one. I took the challenge and threw. It landed about ten meters away.
Maybe my timing was just off. I tried again. Fifteen meters.
Phew. Did this mean I was useless without the Universal Farming Tool?
No. I had wisdom. I decided to make a spear-thrower—essentially a tool that looked like a long-handled ladle. You set the spear into the device, and the extra leverage allowed it to fly much further than a standard hand-throw. I quickly carved one and set the spear.
Challenge.
The spear fell right in front of my feet. It seemed that, like everything else, this required practice. I took a moment to reflect on my failure.
Then Urza tried the spear-thrower I’d made and sent a spear flying nearly a hundred meters. The Beastman boys immediately wanted their own, so I obliged. Watching them, I had to admit they were throwing them quite beautifully.
To say I wasn't a little frustrated would be a lie.
Before I knew it, the High Elves had joined the fray. They began providing technical instruction to Urza and the boys, shifting the focus from distance to accuracy. They set up targets made of bundled straw and the kids began throwing in earnest. Since retrieving the spears was a hassle, I went into mass-production mode.
With instructors present, I figured it was fine to sharpen the tips. It didn't feel quite right if the spears didn't actually stick into the targets.
"You're forbidden from taking these out when you're alone, understood?" I told them. "If you can't follow that rule..."
I wondered what kind of penalty they would hate the most. Being grounded? No snacks? Increasing their study load? Maybe I should add a lecture from Hakuren on top of that.
Well, I was sure they would behave. Urza and the others could be mischievous, but they understood the difference between right and wrong. Or rather, they were very good at identifying the exact line where I would still laugh and forgive them. I was a little worried about their futures.
Perhaps because I was lost in thought while working, I realized I had churned out about a hundred spears. The High Elves were easily piercing the straw targets fifty meters away, while Urza’s spears merely stuck in them. It seemed that focusing on accuracy drained the power from her throws. As for the Beastman boys... they could get the distance, but their accuracy was still lacking.
Even with the cold, it was heartwarming to see them all enjoying themselves. Ann eventually brought out some warm tea, which was a welcome comfort.
I noticed Ann looking at the spears with interest. "It's actually quite difficult, you know," I told her.
Ann picked up one of my spears and took aim at a straw bundle. The target fifty meters away didn't just get hit—it shattered into splinters as the spear tore through it and kept flying far into the distance.
"These are good spears," Ann remarked calmly. "Shall we keep about fifty of them stocked in the mansion?"
If a thief ever managed to break in, things were going to end very badly for them. Then again, with Kuro’s children and Zabuton’s young ones around, sneaking in was already an impossible task.
I looked up and noticed that the Sun Castle’s altitude had dropped to about five hundred meters. I worried for a second that it might be falling, but it seemed to be holding steady. Ah... was that Hakuren’s Flame Breath? She seemed to be putting on quite a flashy show up there.
Gral wanted to go join them, but I didn't give her permission. She was a child entrusted to my care, after all. Besides, if Gral went, Urza would definitely try to follow.
"Gral, do you want to try spear throwing too?" I asked.
Actually, more importantly, I was getting hungry. It was still a bit early for dinner, so I decided to make some light snacks.
"How about some small pancakes?"
I told Urza and the Beastman boys I was making some for them too, so they could keep practicing in peace. I headed back to the mansion and mass-produced mini-pancakes, serving them with a drizzle of honey. They were a huge hit.
By the time I looked out again, the Sun Castle was tilting at a sharp angle. I wondered if it was going to capsize, but it managed to right itself. They were really giving it their all. The altitude had dropped to about two hundred meters.
In the evening, just as the sun was beginning to set, the First Conquest Team and Rusty finally returned. They brought Kuzuden with them. It seemed the Kuro’s offspring of the Second Conquest Team were still working hard up there. The First Conquest Team had only come back to give an interim report and grab some dinner.
I thought we should get straight to the meal, but there was a "ritual" that had to happen first.
"I am truly, deeply sorry!"
In the middle of the freezing winter air, Kuzuden performed a formal dogeza toward me wearing nothing but his underwear. I had stopped him just as he was about to strip completely naked. I had no desire to see a naked man. I’d also sent the children back into the mansion before he started; this wasn't something they needed to see.
Truthfully, I wanted to stop the dogeza as well, but I was told that this was a situation where things had to be handled strictly. How harsh.
After that, Lu and Kuzuden began a long discussion. Kuzuden looked absolutely miserable in the cold, so I tried to intervene. "He looks freezing. Let's let him put some clothes on."
I pointed out that him catching a cold would be a nuisance, but they just told me it was fine because we had medicine and Healing Magic.
I see. In that case, let me rephrase.
"I'm wearing clothes and I'm still freezing, so let's wrap this up and go eat."