While the Beastman boys might have looked like they were just playing around, they were actually kept quite busy. They’d been handling various tasks ever since arriving in the village—oil pressing, sugar pressing, and salt making. They also helped with egg gathering and milking the cows and goats, consistently taking care of various odd jobs. Lately—actually, ever since she arrived—Gatto’s daughter Nart had joined in. Urza and Gral followed suit shortly after.
In between chores, they focused on their studies. Hakuren taught them etiquette, reading, writing, and arithmetic. She’d taken a hiatus during her pregnancy with Hiichiro and for a while following the birth, but she was back to teaching with her usual energy now. I’d sat in on a lesson before and found her teaching style surprisingly patient and thorough.
During their free time, the kids practiced with swords and spears of their own accord. The High Elves and Lizardmen offered pointers now and then. I’d assumed Galf was helping with the instruction, but it turned out he was one of the students. Hmm.
The latest addition to their group was my son, Alfred. I was the loudest voice arguing that it was too soon, but apparently, he needed to start his education. I eventually accepted that this was just how things worked. Though he was "newly joining," they all knew one another already. Urza and Gral even lived in the same mansion. I kept a watchful eye on them, trusting they wouldn’t get into any trouble.
"Um, Village Head? What are you doing?" one of the passing Civil Official Girls asked.
Could she not tell? "Watching over them," I replied.
"You look like a suspicious person to anyone who doesn't know you."
"……"
"It’ll be fine. Children grow up on their own. Besides, Ramrias is keeping an eye on them, isn't she?"
"T-That’s true, but…"
Ramrias was one of the High Ogre maids. I’d entrusted her with the care of the Beastmen ever since they were little, and she was right there with them now.
"But Ramrias is in charge of all the Beastmen. Can she really watch over every single child?"
As if she heard me, Ramrias looked my way and gave me a radiant smile. Alright. I trust you.
"Now that you're satisfied, it's time to work. We have letters from the Demon King and Michael-san." One of the girls took me by the hand and led me toward my office.
That night, Alfred gave me his daily report. I see, you did a great job. Tiselle and Torain watched with envy, but they were still too young for this. There, there. I still wanted to keep them in my arms. They grew up so fast.
Later that evening, I sat with the cat on my lap, sipping some sake.
...Sake Slime, I'll share some, so please don't ruin the mood.
Once the summer heat began to mellow into a more comfortable temperature, I spotted Urza. She was gripping a spear, perched atop Kuro’s back, heading straight for the forest.
Whoa, whoa! Wait up! I hurried to stop her.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Don't 'what' me. Where do you think you're going?"
"The forest."
"I meant, what are you going to do there?"
"Hunt."
Even if Urza seemed capable, I couldn't just let a child go hunting in the woods. Kuro was with her, and a few of his offspring were following at a distance. Ah, Kurosan and Uno were there too. They clearly intended to provide a heavy escort. I could even see the High Elves positioned in the trees. Even so, the answer was no.
"Why do you suddenly want to go hunting?"
"Alfred said he wanted meat."
"Alfred did?"
I looked at Kuro. He gave me a firm nod, confirming she wasn't lying. I see. This felt like a perfect chance to show off my reliable fatherly side.
"Urza, care to let me take over that job?"
No? I see. Fine, then I’m coming along. If I couldn't go, the forest was off-limits. Hahaha, adults could be so petty.
If Alfred wanted meat, a Fanged Rabbit would probably do the trick. But if he was just hungry, he could have asked Lu or Ann. Why had he told Urza? It made sense that she'd want to hunt it herself since she was the leader of the kids, but it was a good call on her part not to bring the Beastman boys, Nart, or Gral. If they’d come, Alfred would have wanted to join too.
Ah, a rabbit. Before I could even ready the Universal Farming Tool, Uno took it out in a single blow. At Urza’s disappointed cry, Uno’s face fell. Old habits died hard.
"Urza, is this one okay?"
"No. I have to be the one to hunt it."
I thought as much. If she just wanted meat, she’d have gone to the larder. I decided to stick to a support role. I bled the rabbit, but it was a bit heavy for a kid to carry, so I had one of the escort wolves take it back to the village. Now, where was the next target?
The High Elves signaled from the canopy. Something was ahead. I looked—it was a massive boar. Honestly, it looked bigger than the ones we usually saw. I worried it was too much for Urza, but Kuro suddenly broke into a full sprint. Urza was ready, spear in hand.
I hurriedly shifted the Universal Farming Tool into a spear, ready to throw if things went south. My concern turned out to be unnecessary. Carrying Kuro's momentum, Urza’s spear bit deep into the boar's flank. Kuro zipped past, and Urza let go of the weapon—a smart move. If she’d held on, the boar would have thrashed her around with the spear.
The boar was wounded but still mobile. I moved to help, but Uno beat me to it. He darted in, yanked the spear out of the boar’s side with his teeth, and returned it to Urza. Then they went in for another pass.
Um, Uno? You know you could just finish it off yourself, right? Was he still worried about the rabbit? I’d looked at him with some reproach earlier, but I didn't want him to take it to heart.
Thanks to Kuro and Urza’s teamwork and Uno’s help, the massive boar was finally brought down. We’d certainly enjoy the feast. The two of them looked quite proud, though I wondered if they’d realized they had no way to carry the thing back. They looked a bit flustered once the adrenaline wore off. Usually, we butchered large prey on the spot to make it easier to haul, but the wolves couldn't do that.
I was about to signal the High Elves to come down, but then I noticed Makura, one of Zabuton’s kids, was already there. You too? Talk about overprotective. I wasn't just saying that because he'd stolen my job, either. Makura bound the boar in silk and started dragging it away with incredible power.
I didn't want to just be a spectator, so I hooked the Universal Farming Tool into the carcass. That made the load much lighter, and Makura’s speed tripled.
"Alright, let's head home. But Makura-kun, I know you're excited, but if you go that fast I'm going to fall off!"
Back at the village, I decided to leave the boar whole after bleeding it. Urza rode off on Kuro to find Alfred. He showered her with praise, and Urza looked quite pleased with herself.
Still, as the adult, I had to give her a stern talking-to. I’d gone with her this time, but she was not to head into the forest alone. I also told the High Elves, Kuro, Kurosan, Uno, and Makura to actually stop her next time instead of just watching. If she kept doing it, the other kids would start copying her.
Granmaria was there too? Ah, she’d been acting as my escort.
"If you're going into the woods, it would be a big help if you let us know first," she said.
You're right. I’m sorry for making you worry. So, Alfred, why did you want meat so badly? Huh? Lu wanted it?
Was she using it for an experiment? She could have just told me.
"Alfred, if it’s a gift for your mother, you really ought to be the one to hunt it yourself. I know I tell you not to go into the forest, but your reckless comments sent Urza out there on your behalf. Since she worked so hard, I’ll let it slide this time."
We decided the massive boar would be that evening's dinner. I’d send Lu’s portion over from the larder later.
"Let's get everyone together and start prepping. Any requests?"
Everyone wanted to grill outside. A barbecue sounded perfect now that the weather was cooling down. That day's dinner turned into a lively banquet, one way or another.
That night, I asked Lu about it. "I heard you were craving meat."
"Eh?"
"Alfred mentioned it."
"Oh!" She realized what he’d meant. "Ahaha. The heat was really getting to me a while back. I was feeling a bit sluggish, so I was talking to Ann about what to eat."
"And the solution was meat?"
"Yes. But today's barbecue took care of that."
"I see. Sorry, I didn't realize you were feeling under the weather."
"Oh, it didn't affect my daily life. The 'sluggishness' was more… in the bedroom."
"……"
"I was thinking it might be time for another child."
Click.
Did I just hear the door lock? Who did that? I knew who. No one had gotten pregnant this year, and while they weren't panicking, I knew they were concerned. I thought back to everyone who had been at the barbecue.
Fine. I’ll do my best. But can we start tomorrow? I’m still in "Dad Mode," not "Man Mode." If that’s not an option, can we at least limit the number of people?
Alfred, remember this: if you put up even a futile resistance, you can sometimes receive clemency. That is a lesson from your father.