Aegis, the phoenix chick, was flying while hitched to the Eagle’s back.
I wondered if he had given up on flying under his own power. Well, they seemed to be getting along just fine, so I suppose it didn't really matter.
Over at the reservoir, the Pond Turtles offered their final greetings for the year, as they were just about to begin their hibernation. Their water performance during the Harvest Festival had been truly magnificent. I told them I looked forward to seeing them again in the spring.
When I returned to the Village Head's Mansion, Red Armor and White Armor greeted me at the front entrance. It seemed those two didn't hibernate. I gave them a smile and told them I was counting on them to guard the gate, but cautioned them not to overdo it. If it got too cold, I made sure they knew they were welcome to come inside.
Instead of heading back to my own room, I made a beeline for the guest room's kotatsu. It was much larger than the one in my quarters. Besides, for some reason, the children seemed hesitant to step inside my private room, so they rarely visited me there. I still wasn't quite sure why that was.
As I was pondering that mystery, Kuro and Yuki arrived. Kuro snuggled in on my right side, while Yuki claimed the left. As I sat there stroking their backs, a High Ogre Maid brought me some tea. It was green tea, accompanied by two pieces of grilled mochi seasoned with soy sauce. It was part of this year’s batch, the very same mochi that Giral had put so much effort into pounding.
Come to think of it, Giral had been visiting quite frequently lately. I wondered if he was actually getting any of his own work done. Though, I suppose it was a bit late to start worrying about that now. Raimeiren and Graffaloon had also become regular fixtures around here.
The mochi was delicious. Kuro looked like he wanted a bite, but I couldn't give him any. It was far too sticky and soft; it would be dangerous if it got stuck in his throat. If he was that set on mochi, I decided he should have something else instead.
I asked the High Ogre Maid to prepare a different batch. Unlike the fresh mochi I was eating, these pieces had been sliced small and dried out. I had her grill them while brushing them with a light coating of soy sauce. The result was okaki.
I had originally intended for these to be kept as a staple preserved food, but they were so delicious when freshly grilled that they were usually devoured immediately—mostly by Dos, though I certainly had my fair share as well.
I had her pile the okaki onto a tray. After sampling one to check the seasoning, I offered some to Kuro and Yuki. They didn't just want the tray, though; they looked at me expectantly, wanting me to feed them by hand.
They were certainly acting pampered today. I wondered if the children would be appalled if they saw this. Despite the thought, I indulged them, carrying the okaki to their mouths one by one. I told them to make sure they chewed properly before swallowing, even if the pieces were small.
I finished my grilled mochi while Kuro and Yuki savored their snacks. While we were enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, Malbit arrived and slid into the kotatsu with us.
"Wasn't the Angel Race Villa recently completed?" I asked.
I was certain it was finished. And yet, here she was at the mansion.
"For some reason, there was a workroom included in the layout," she replied.
I didn't have much to say to that. I really wished the Angels would handle their own internal room assignments. It was clear she had fled her duties to seek sanctuary in the mansion.
"I want some okaki too," she added.
"Yes, yes."
The tray already on the table was for Kuro and Yuki, so I asked the High Ogre Maid to grill a fresh batch. Malbit then gently badgered her for something to drink, and soon enough, sake was brought out alongside the okaki.
"Rice sake. Perfect."
It certainly paired better with the snacks than wine did. A cup was placed in front of me as well, and I let Malbit pour for me. Even though I asked for only half a cup, she filled it until it was nearly overflowing. It would have been a waste to spill a single drop, so I hurriedly took a sip.
As soon as I did, I noticed the Sake Slime standing by on top of the kotatsu. It never missed an opportunity for a drink; it had even brought its own little cup. I told Malbit to give the Sake Slime a pour as well.
With the High Ogre Maid providing snacks to match the alcohol, I ended up quite tipsy before the day was even half over. I had definitely overdone it. I needed to reflect on my lack of restraint.
Quite a bit of time had passed, yet there was still no sign of the children. I had been hoping to play with them if they stopped by.
"If you're looking for the kids, they were making something with the Fairy Queen earlier," Malbit informed me.
The Fairy Queen was surprisingly popular with the children. I couldn't help but feel a tiny twinge of jealousy. No, I was definitely just drunk. Thinking about it calmly, there was no way the kids would want to hang around a place that smelled this strongly of alcohol.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall.
"Village Head! Have you seen Miel?"
It was Ann, the head of the High Ogre Maids.
"The older sister cat, Miel? Did she do something again?"
"Yes. She stole the fish intended for tonight's dinner. She made off with the prime cuts of at least three fish."
Miel had been hiding on my lap before I even realized it, but I promptly scooped her up and handed her over to Ann. Miel shot me a look of pure betrayal, but I wasn't moved. If you do something wrong, you have to face the consequences.
Ann gave a sharp tilt of her head, signaling for the cat to follow. Miel let out a pathetic, high-pitched meow as she trailed after her. She would likely be skipping dinner tonight. She really should have learned by now that Ann was the scariest person in the mansion to anger.
After Ann came Lu—she became a pillar of fire if anyone touched her research tools or herbs. And then there was Flora, who was merciless toward anyone entering her fermentation hut without permission. I decided I'd try to put in a good word for Miel tomorrow so she'd be forgiven, provided she showed a properly repentant attitude.
Hoping to sober up a bit, I set about grilling a fresh batch of okaki.
"Honestly, if you eat any more than that, you won't have room for dinner," Malbit remarked.
I agreed with her. These weren't for us, though. I planned to take them to Red Armor and White Armor at the gate. They were working hard out in the cold, after all. And, of course, I had to grill a fair share for Kuro’s children who were out on patrol.
As I was busy with the grill, Ruincia arrived. Malbit immediately tried to dive deep into the kotatsu to hide, but Kuro and Yuki actively pushed her back out.
I couldn't help but laugh. I told Ruincia that I was sorry, but Malbit was currently occupied with the very important task of grilling okaki. Her other work would just have to wait.