The Mountain Elves had been experimenting with many-legged golems.
"Four legs are more stable than two, after all," they argued.
That was certainly true. I looked at their latest creation. "Is this one... based on a cow?"
"Yes. We designed it specifically for hauling cargo."
I see. It looked like it would be quite useful.
The next day, an improved version of the multi-legged golem was walking before my eyes.
"Six legs are even more stable than four, aren't they?"
Indeed. It was an insect-type. "Is this one for carrying luggage, too?"
"Yes. We made the back flat so items could be loaded directly onto it."
The four-legged cow-type required the cargo to be strapped on, much like a pack animal, so this new version seemed significantly easier to use.
The day after that, an even further improved golem appeared.
"Naturally, eight legs are superior to six."
This one was unmistakably modeled after Zabuton.
"Yes. We even equipped it with a device to spit thread, just like Master Zabuton. Heheh. It can even serve as the Village Head’s escort while carrying lugg—"
While the Mountain Elf was in the middle of her explanation, the eight-legged golem was pulverized by Red Armor and White Armor. It was a total slaughter. Then, the two spiders gestured to us as if to say, "It was an accident; is there a problem?" before patting the Mountain Elf on the shoulder and walking away.
... I learned a valuable lesson that day: never infringe upon another's identity. I'm sure the Mountain Elves learned it, too.
I really should have realized it on the first day when the four-legged cow-type golem was destroyed by the cows. From then on, a new village regulation was decreed: the number of legs on a golem must be two, six, or ten or more.
Later, I took a stroll through the village while riding on Zabuton’s back. I had intended to walk on my own, but Zabuton had been unusually affectionate, so I’d given in. With Urza away at the academy, perhaps Zabuton was feeling a bit lonely.
"Hm? What is it, children?"
I noticed a group of kids watching us. Was it that unusual to see me riding on top of Zabuton?
"Zabuton, would you mind letting the children ride instead of me? You don't mind if I stay on, too? ...Alright, but tell me if it becomes too much for you."
I continued my stroll through the village with the children piled onto Zabuton’s back alongside me. As the number of children wanting a ride grew, some of the larger spiderlings stepped in to help. It eventually turned into quite a procession. A walk like this was nice every once in a while.
By midday, a single can had been placed before me. It came from Village Four. The Sun Castle, which served as the foundation of that village, had the capability to manufacture cans. Until now, they had mainly been used for preserving processed seasonings, but the residents had simultaneously been researching how to use them for long-term fruit preservation. This can was the culmination of those efforts.
I slowly opened it with a can opener and transferred the contents to a plate. Inside were three peaches—peeled, halved, and pitted—submerged in a rich syrup. Small cheers erupted from the observers.
This can had actually been prepared two years ago. It didn't look spoiled; in fact, the fruit looked perfectly succulent. All that remained was the taste test.
As I was about to take a bite, the High Ogre maids stopped me. They presented the syrup-soaked peaches to the Fairy Queen instead. Without a moment's hesitation, the Fairy Queen stabbed a peach with her fork and took a bite.
"……Delicious!!"
A great cheer broke out. Bell and Gou from Village Four, along with Kuzuden, were particularly overjoyed. The number of cans they could produce in a single day was still quite small, but this was a major step forward.
In the beginning, they had simply put whole mandarins into the cans with the skin still on. The fruit would get bruised during transport or end up rotting. From there, they came up with the idea of using syrup to cushion the fruit and worked tirelessly to eliminate oxygen—the cause of spoilage—from the cans. This final product was magnificent.
I nodded with satisfaction and was about to reach for another can when the Fairy Queen held up a hand.
"That one's rotten. Don't eat it. If you're going to open one, take the one next to it."
...She could tell what was inside without opening them? I see, I see.
Out of the ten cans brought to the village, three had gone bad. Bell, Gou, and Kuzuden looked a bit depressed. Since it was food, I understood their desire for perfection, but asking for a hundred-percent success rate right out of the gate was a bit much. Seven of them were a success, and I was sure they would improve with further research.
"Keep up the good work. I’m counting on you."
I also asked the Fairy Queen to cooperate as our official quality checker. Being able to know the state of the contents without opening the can was incredibly convenient. Her fee? The contents of the cans themselves. She seemed more than happy with that arrangement.
Transport between the Village of the Great Tree and Draim’s Nest had traditionally been handled by the Lamias. It was commonly known as the Lamia Express. Even though we had recently connected the two locations with a short-distance teleportation gate, I personally had no intention of putting them out of a job. However, I also felt that having a means of near-instant travel but forcing them to walk and carry things anyway felt wrong. As a result of our discussions, the Lamia Express was officially abolished.
The Lamias strongly requested that I find them alternative work. It wasn't a problem; I had roles ready for them even if they hadn't asked. Since we were the ones changing the logistics for our own convenience, it was only fair. I had two jobs in mind.
The first was acting as security guards for Draim’s Nest. While I called them security guards, intruders were almost non-existent, so it was mostly a formality. In reality, they were there to serve as combat training partners for the residents. Apparently, fighting the same people all the time made one’s combat style grow sloppy. Gucci, Draim’s butler, had seen the Lamias in action during their martial arts tournament and was very keen on recruiting them. As for the reward, I would provide crops from our village as usual, and I could also prepare currency for the Demon Kingdom if necessary.
The second job was helping out here in the Village of the Great Tree. This was an extension of the work they were already familiar with, like assisting with the harvest, winemaking, and dungeon security. Their primary duties would now be guarding the orchards, harvesting fruit, and processing it. Until now, I had left orchard security to the wolves and the spiders, but I wanted to reduce the wolves' workload there. I planned to entrust that responsibility to the Lamias.
The Lamias accepted both roles immediately.
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
I then noticed the Giants watching us from a distance.
"Yes, Gucci has an invitation for you all as well. He wants you as training partners, too."
Finally, there was a request from the Minotaurs in Village Two. Their silkworm business was finally taking off and required expansion, but they couldn't afford to let their food production slip. Between tending to the crops and the trees for the silkworms, they were becoming overwhelmed.
"Can I count on you to help them out?"
I told them they didn't have to answer right away, but they agreed on the spot. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised by their enthusiasm.
"Alright. Do your best."
With the village growing like this, it would probably be more convenient to connect the Southern and Northern Dungeons with teleportation gates as well. Still, I shouldn't act solely on a whim. I’d have to sit down and discuss the matter with Lu, as well as the leaders of the Lamias and Giants.