In the village, the autumn harvest had concluded, and preparations for the Martial Arts Tournament had begun in earnest. Once the tournament was over, we would have the busy work of preparing for winter to contend with, but for this brief window of time, my hands were finally free.
So, I decided to spend the day playing with Kuro’s children. Even the Civil Official Girls had been nagging me to take a proper rest, after all.
...Ah, it looked like Kuro and Yuki wanted to join in too. Understood.
Now then, what should we play?
We made our way to the racetrack located on the south side of the village. This was about the only place where Kuro and the pack could run to their hearts' content. Some might suggest the fields, and while it was true they were empty until spring now that the harvest was finished, playing in the fields was a bad habit to start. My main concern was preventing the introduction of harmful bacteria or unwanted seeds. Thanks to my Universal Farming Tool, that wasn't a practical worry here in the village, but I didn't want to spread the notion that "it’s okay to play in the fields." Our children were getting more opportunities to travel outside the village these days, and they needed to learn proper boundaries.
Back to the matter at hand. I decided we would start with a classic game of ball-throwing at the racetrack. I figured I could brainstorm other activities while I worked my arm out.
I made my first throw. About fifty wolves scrambled for the ball I’d tossed and... well, it turned into an immediate battle royal.
"Ah... oh boy..."
Eventually, Yuki trotted back, triumphantly carrying the ball.
"Good girl, Yuki. You’re as tough as ever."
Kuro had worked hard too. He was actually the first one to reach the ball, but a literal mountain of challengers had piled on him immediately after. I gave him a sympathetic pat.
Kuro’s children were already staring at me, tails wagging, practically begging for the next throw. I got the message, but before I threw again, I needed to address the issue with that last round. I knew it was partly my fault for throwing it so suddenly, but seeing participants come away with injuries was not the goal.
I had brought the Holy Slime along specifically for its healing magic, but that wasn't really the point.
"Alright, alright. Listen up. From now on, we’re limiting the number of participants. Only five at a time. Also, attacking each other is strictly prohibited. Once someone catches the ball in their mouth, the round is over. No trying to steal it back before they bring it to me, and even if they drop it, the person who grabbed it first is the winner. I’m the one who decides who caught it, so don't try to argue the technicalities."
I wasn't going to be overly strict, but I couldn't have them constantly pushing the boundaries of the rules. Once they seemed to understand, I had them line up in five rows.
"Front row, are you ready? Here it comes!"
There were about eighty wolves in the pack today. To give everyone at least one turn, I had to throw the ball sixteen times per round. By the time we hit the seventh round, I’d already made over a hundred throws. I started to wonder if I’d accidentally signed on as a pitcher for some pro baseball team. It was even more exhausting because I had to make sure to praise every single winner between throws.
Come to think of it, I’d once had the Mountain Elves build a ball-throwing machine. I wondered where that went. I thought we’d shelved it because the wolves didn't like the mechanical feel of it... Ah, that’s right. The Demon King took it, claiming he could use it for his own baseball practice.
"Phew. Alright, that’s the end of round seven! The next round will be the last one!"
They let out a collective whine. An awkward number? It should be ten rounds?
"Hahaha. Give me a break, I’m working hard here."
After we finished ten rounds of ball-throwing, we all went for a group run. That eventually transitioned into a hunt in the forest. I suppose it couldn't be helped; the pups who hadn't managed to win a ball round were desperate for a chance to show off their skills.
"Thanks for coming along, Holy Slime. Are you tired?"
The slime bobbed happily. I was glad to hear it.
"We’re heading back to the mansion now. Do you want a ride?"
It hopped onto my head.
"Alright, Kuro, let’s head home."
Reflecting on the day, I regretted that the first half had been nothing but throwing balls. Midway through, I’d thought about doing a "treasure hunt" where they’d have to find items I’d buried, but the effort of digging the holes and the stress of remembering exactly where I’d put everything seemed like more trouble than it was worth. Maybe we’d try that another time.
Kuro and Yuki nudged my hands as we walked.
"Hm? What is it? You had fun and want to do it again? Yeah, of course we can."
When we arrived back at the mansion, the Sake Slime was there to greet the Holy Slime. They seemed to be the best of friends.
Nearby, one of the High Ogre Maids was looking particularly incensed. I looked at the Sake Slime.
"Did you steal a drink again?"
It wiggled in denial. It claimed it had only drunk what the maid had spilled.
"I’m afraid that putting sake into a cooking pot does not qualify as 'spilling' it," the High Ogre Maid said, her expression terrifyingly stern.
I had to agree with her on that one. But before I could even start to scold the Sake Slime, it vanished into thin air along with the Holy Slime. They were fast. Even the maid lost sight of them for a moment before she went dashing off in pursuit.
"Well... I guess we’re done here. Good job today, everyone. Let’s play again soon."
I dismissed the rest of the pack and headed toward my room with Kuro and Yuki in tow.
As it turned out, the Sake Slime had escaped to my room. Or rather, it claimed it had been hiding behind my back the whole time. It must have hopped off just before I entered and circled around to get inside first. Truly impressive.
Wait... was the Holy Slime still on my back?
"...It really is."
I hadn't even noticed. I looked at the wolves, who both gave me a knowing look. I wished they’d told me sooner.
"And you, Sake Slime. If the maid was putting sake in a pot, she was probably using it for cooking. That means the pot is going over a fire. If you aren't careful, you’re going to end up boiled. I doubt you’d be that clumsy, but try to be more careful."
The Sake Slime didn't seem to be listening. It was already making a beeline for the kotatsu. It was a little early in the season for it, but I’d asked for one to be set up in my room as a special exception. I knew I wouldn't have time to enjoy it once the winter preparations began in earnest. I hadn't even set the heat retention stones yet, so it wasn't actually warm.
Not that the slimes cared. Kuro and Yuki also naturally crawled under the blanket and made themselves at home.
"You too, Holy Slime? Alright, go ahead and settle in next to the Sake Slime."
I prepared a drink for myself—it was juice, much to the Sake Slime’s disappointment—and set it on top of the table.
"Kuro, could you move just a bit to the right? Thanks."
I slid my legs into the kotatsu, leaned back against a cushion, and let out a long sigh. There was still some time before dinner.
"I think I’ll just relax like this for a while."
Yeah, a day like this wasn't bad at all.
Zabuton and her children watched from the shadows. “What about us...?”
"You're next on the schedule," I promised.