It was winter.
Outside, it was freezing. Inside the Village Head's Mansion, however, it was comfortably warm.
Heating equipment powered by heat retention stones had been installed throughout the building. The mansion's main hall was so spacious that it was a struggle to keep warm, but we had managed by setting up partitions and hanging curtains to trap the heat. Thanks to those efforts, we could go about our daily lives indoors without needing to bundle up in heavy layers. It was quite pleasant.
That was likely why some were currently enjoying shaved ice despite the season. Malbit and the Fairy Queen were the culprits. Both had opted for strawberry syrup. I didn't mind them having a treat, but I really wished they would show a bit more respect for the seasons. I also wondered if they should be leading the children astray.
Alfred, Tiselle, Urza, Nart, and Gral soon emerged from the kitchen, each carrying their own preferred flavor of shaved ice. The High Ogre maids in the kitchen must have been looking out for their health, as the portions were quite small. At that size, I supposed it was fine.
"Just don't let yourselves get too cold," I warned. "And make sure you dress properly if you head outside."
Was I going to have any? No, I was fine for now. Instead, I settled into the kotatsu to enjoy some zenzai. Two pieces of mochi, accompanied by a cup of green tea. Since the room was already warm, I had removed the heat retention stone from the kotatsu, leaving it unpowered. I was mostly using it for the atmosphere.
Peering through the guest room window, I watched the snow fall. The windowpanes were made of glass produced in Village Five. Their clarity was a testament to the hard work of our glass technicians. It was a luxury to be able to enjoy the view without having to open the window and let in the draft.
Based on the way it was falling, I knew from experience that the snow would start to accumulate. We wouldn't be going outside for a while. It would only get colder from here. I wondered if the stalls for the horses, cows, goats, and sheep were holding up. I had intended to take measures against the cold, but I would have to go check on the animals later.
"Alfred, what’s that in your hand?"
I could see it was a wooden board, but I wasn't sure what it was for until he started assembling it. It was a creation of the Mountain Elves—a mini-pool. I could see the clever engineering they had used to ensure it could withstand the water pressure. The fact that it was simple enough for children to put together was truly impressive.
Wait, no. Surely they weren't planning to use it right now?
They already had their swimsuits ready. Talk about being prepared. Apparently, Malbit was going to fill the mini-pool using magic.
I understood. I wouldn't stop them.
"Malbit, use hot water, not cold. And don't forget to tidy up when you're finished. The floor around that thing is going to be soaked."
I returned my gaze to the window while lounging in the kotatsu. It was going to be a cold day tomorrow. While listening to the lively, unseasonal voices behind me, I enjoyed my hot green tea.
Even in the snow, the Centaur Race messengers arrived from Village Three for their scheduled reports.
"Was the trip all right?" I asked.
"Yes. Thank you for your concern, Village Head. There were no issues."
They reported that everything was also fine in Village One and Village Two along their route. It would be a headache if problems cropped up too often, so that was a relief.
"One more thing. I have a report from Rasshashi-sama."
Rasshashi, one of the Civil Official Girls and the caretaker for Village Three, had traveled alongside the messenger. She had been moving back and forth between the Village of the Great Tree and Village Three for the past few days.
"I have a report, Village Head. Gluewald-san, the representative of the Centaur Race, wishes to marry one of the residents of Village Three."
"Is that so? That’s wonderful news."
"The partner is a migrant who arrived with Baron Polo. His background check is complete, and there are no ideological concerns. He seems like a perfectly suitable match for Gluewald-san, but there is one problem."
"And what’s that?"
"The difference in their social status."
"Huh?"
"Gluewald-san is a Viscount of the Demon Kingdom. The man, however, is a commoner with no noble title."
"Ah... I can see how that might be an issue, but if the two of them don't mind, shouldn't it be fine?"
I had always had the impression that the people of the Demon Kingdom didn't put much stock in status or titles. After all, when I had asked Beezel about it, he had granted Gluewald the rank of Viscount almost instantly. Even Gratz was courting Ronana, and she was a commoner.
"Even if the couple is fine with it, the people around them... specifically the other men, are not. Those who used to serve Baron Polo are particularly sensitive about it."
"Is that how it works? Ah, I suppose so."
When Baron Polo moved to the village, we had made Gluewald a Viscount to ensure there wasn't a messy hierarchy issue with her being the village representative.
"So, I have a proposal," Rasshashi continued. "What if she were to return her noble title?"
"Return it?"
"Yes. Actually, Baron Polo has also consulted me. He hasn't been active as a noble of the Demon Kingdom lately, and he wishes to return his title as a Baron."
"Really?"
"Yes. In light of that, we could have Gluewald-san return her title as a Viscount shortly after he returns his."
"I'm not sure what to tell you. What does Gluewald herself think about giving up her title?"
"She’s extremely enthusiastic about the idea."
"Extremely?"
"Yes. It seems to have been quite a burden for her."
"I see. In that case, I'll need to talk to Beezel."
It felt a bit awkward to give back a title we had specifically asked for just because it had become inconvenient, but I supposed it was for the best.
"Is it that easy to just return a title?"
"If you’re the one asking, Village Head, it will be very easy."
I wasn't entirely sure why, but if it was easy, then I wouldn't complain.
"All right. Please take care of it. We'll finalize the marriage once the matter of the titles is settled."
"Understood."
I agreed to Rasshashi's plan. That said, I didn't want to keep a couple waiting too long. I decided I would bring it up the next time I saw Beezel.
"Do you want to play with Grandpa?"
I looked over my shoulder and saw Beezel already there, cradling his granddaughter, Fracia, in his arms.
Well, I wasn't quite mentally prepared for this, but no time like the present.
"Rasshashi, sorry, but could you bring us two cups of hot tea?"