Celebratory gifts for Fracia’s birth arrived from the Demon King, Yuri, Randan, Gratz, and Hou.
In the Demon Kingdom, it was customary for people not to deliver birth celebrations in person unless they were extremely close. Post-birth visits could be quite a burden while the household was still in disarray, so it was a sensible tradition. While Beezel clearly wanted to show off his granddaughter to everyone, I preferred to wait until things settled down a bit more.
Holly took charge of Fracia’s care, leading the High Ogre maids. Several High Elves and Civil Official Girls joined them as apprentices to learn the ropes. I wanted to help out too, but I couldn't withstand the pressure from the others, who insisted I had more important things to do than childcare. At least they let me hold her every now and then. I had to be satisfied with that.
With the household settling into a routine, I resumed my suspended projects. First on the list was the altar the Saint had requested. Does the priority seem a bit off? Not at all. I was simply clearing the tasks that looked like they’d be finished quickly.
With the help of the Mountain Elves, we finished it in three days. It was a rectangular box that unfolded into a portable altar. The basic frame only took a day, but we spent the next two on the intricate decorative work. It turned out quite well.
The Saint placed her cat statue upon it and began her prayers. A strangely divine aura settled over the room. Watching the Sake Slime casually pilfer the offerings despite the holy atmosphere brought a sense of peace.
Next, I went back to working on the dungeon. Upon returning to the site, I noticed the temperature inside was actually quite pleasant. Before, it had been a bit chilly, but Draim had installed some magic tools that functioned as air conditioning. Having a constant temperature was a huge help. I expanded the first floor and set up fields for bean sprouts and white asparagus.
Growing bean sprouts with the Universal Farming Tool meant they were ready for harvest in just a few days. They were wonderfully crunchy and delicious; I really should have started growing them sooner. By growing asparagus in the dark, I produced white asparagus. It was a hit with the children, though the adults seemed to prefer the green variety. Personally, I enjoyed both. I didn't have many recipes for it, though. Aside from wrapping it in bacon or tossing it into a salad, I was at a loss. Well, I suppose that was plenty for now.
I was nearly finished with the first floor and had just started on the second when the investigation team returned from the Eastern Dungeon.
"Good work, everyone."
Originally, the Harpy race was supposed to fly back with daily reports. However, I called that off after realizing it took them several days of non-stop flying without food or water to reach the village. Even if they can technically fast for that long, it felt cruel to make them work so hard just to deliver a report that said "no problems." Now, they only fly back for emergencies.
Since we hadn't heard a word until today, I figured everyone was safe. That was a relief. The Harpies had been guarding the dungeon entrance alongside Kuro’s children, exterminating a fair number of monsters in the process.
It was freezing outside, so I gathered the team's luggage and ushered everyone into the mansion. After they washed off the grime in the bath, we held a banquet that served as their official debriefing.
"A toast to your safe return."
I gave a brief opening toast, and then the representative, Kierbit, took the floor. She reported that they encountered a race in the Eastern Dungeon capable of conversation: the Gorocks. They're also known as Stone Men in some regions because their bodies are made entirely of rock. While their rocky hides are incredibly durable and can regenerate even if shattered, they have almost zero offensive capabilities. They survive by camouflaging themselves as boulders and eating moss.
I'll admit I assumed they weren't very bright, but I was wrong. Apparently, they are highly intelligent and possess a profound talent for poetry.
"Poetry?" I asked.
"Yes, poetry."
"Do they carve it into the walls or something?"
"No, they supposedly memorize every single line."
"I see..." I suppose every race has its hobbies.
"I believe we've established a friendly relationship with them," Kierbit continued.
"You didn't bring any of them back with you?"
"Well... to be honest..."
"Go on."
"They were all in tatters. None of them were in any condition to travel."
"And the cause of this?"
"Us," she admitted. "We thought they were enemies trying to ambush us while camouflaged as rocks."
"Well, at least you're honest. I'll have to send some apology gifts later. What would they like?"
"They said they just want to be left alone to live in peace."
"I understand. So, was there nothing else of note in the Eastern Dungeon?"
"Actually..."
Kierbit signaled to Daga, who stepped forward holding a large, whitish rock.
"Village Head, can you do anything with this?" Daga asked.
"What, like crush it?"
"Yes."
"Let's see..."
I reached for the Universal Farming Tool. Using it as a hoe would just turn it into fertilizer, so I swapped it to chisel mode. I started carving, and before I knew it, I was in the zone. I decided to make a life-sized statue of a Jewel Cat.
When I finished, it looked pretty good for an impromptu piece.
"There. So, what was the deal with this rock?"
Kierbit stared at it blankly. "...That was a solid chunk of Rainbow Silver."
"Rainbow Silver?"
"It's used for legendary weapons and armor... but... never mind. As expected of the Village Head." She hung her head in defeat; apparently, the team had been betting on whether or not I could actually process the material.
"Is it really that special?" I asked.
Gatto, the village blacksmith, was standing right behind me. "It's famous for being impossibly hard," he explained. "They say it's impossible to work without master-class skill. It's the dream of every aspiring smith."
In other words, I'd just casually carved a legendary metal.
"I don't even need the statue," Gatto said, his eyes gleaming. "Just the shavings will do. Please!"
"I don't mind giving you the whole statue," I offered, but then I stopped. The real Jewel Cat was currently standing guard in front of the carving in a perfect, protective stance. "Right. I'll keep the statue. You can have the shavings, Gatto."
I asked Daga if that was the only piece.
"We brought back a few more, and it looks like there's a whole vein of it deep inside the dungeon."
Hearing that, Gatto practically did a little dance of joy. Lu showed up too, likely interested in using the metal for magic tool components. I told her she was welcome to it.
As for the statue, I initially planned to put it on a high beam in the mansion's hall, but decided that was too dangerous if it fell. I moved it to the floor instead. It was in a spot where you wouldn't see it unless you were looking, which was actually quite stylish. However, the other cats in the village kept jumping in surprise whenever they caught sight of it. I felt bad for them, so I decided to keep it covered with a cloth for the time being.
Eventually, Galf approached me. "By the way, Village Head, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Galf. What is it?"
"I went away on an expedition, and when I came back, there was a dungeon in the middle of the village?"
"That’s just for training. It’s still under construction."
"I’ve been thinking of some traps and mechanical gimmicks we could add. Want to hear them?"
"...Let's hear them."
Boys really do love their dungeons.