Winter had arrived.
It had snowed heavily during the night, and a fair amount had accumulated—reaching just above the knees. Based on my experience so far, however, this was just the beginning. The prospect of what was to come made my heart heavy, but at least the sky was clear today.
Despite the depth, I decided to head out on my rounds. I reminded myself to be careful not to slip, and just as the thought crossed my mind, one of Kuro's children guarding me lost his footing and tumbled.
The poor fellow looked mortified, so I made sure not to laugh or tease him. I’d just pretend I hadn’t seen a thing. I gave a look to the others; they were to do the same. With that little awkwardness settled, we continued the patrol.
At the ranch area, the cows had congregated in the spots where we’d placed heat retention stones. Cows are supposed to be hardy against the cold, but I suppose that doesn't mean they actually enjoy being freezing. The horses, meanwhile, were gallivanting through the drifts, though some of them refused to budge from the heated areas. I figured it was best for them to get their exercise now while they still could; once the snow got truly deep, running around would be impossible.
The goats came charging toward me the moment they spotted me. It would have been cute if they weren't planning on tackling me as a group, but my wolf guards were there to protect me. Many of Kuro's children are pranksters, though; they like to stay hidden until the goats are right on top of me before revealing themselves. This time, the goats realized they were being watched mid-charge and tried to pivot in a panic. Several of them slipped and fell in the process. I checked them over, but they seemed fine.
The beehive huts in the fruit tree area had been reinforced, so they were holding up well against the weight of the snow. The plump Queen Bee looked the same as ever. I had moved part of the hive to Village Four recently, so I wondered if they were settling in well. I’d have to go check on them soon.
Deep in the forest, I checked on my hidden strawberry field. I had moved it to a new location this year, but I found that a protective fence had already been built around it. Most likely the work of the high elves. Since my guards sometimes follow me in secret, I suppose it was inevitable they’d find it. It wasn't a problem, though—I wasn't trying to hoard them all for myself. The harvest was still a little ways off, so I made a mental note to return later.
Next, I visited the Village of the Great Tree dungeon, where the teleportation gates were located. A large number of residents lived here now, centered around Arako and the other arachne, along with many members of the lamia race and giant race. Away from the main paths, they grew bean sprouts and white asparagus year-round. They expanded the cultivation area every year, leading to massive yields, though most of it seemed to vanish as snacks for the arachne. Being evolutions of Zabuton's children, they naturally loved potatoes as well and were growing various types. I reminded them to be careful with fire in the caves and offered to help with roasting or boiling if they needed it.
I told them to send a message through anyone passing by if they had a request—and at that moment, a cow plodded past toward the hot spring area. Well, telling a cow wouldn't help. Yoko and Rorone were too busy, so I suggested they relay their needs through Crim or the Necromancer who traveled between the village and the hot spring area.
Near the village sake brewery, the dwarves were enjoying some snow-viewing sake. To be honest, they looked like they were only viewing the sake, but I didn't let it bother me. They insisted they were also admiring the appetizers, but I just told them not to drink too much. I also warned them against sleeping outside; even if they were hardy enough to survive it, we couldn't have the children picking up such bad habits.
Back at the mansion, Red Armor and White Armor greeted me at the gates. Red Armor had a snipe spider perched on its back today. Most snipe spiders are currently guarding the western confectionery shop or the airships, but some still remain here in the village. It was heartening to see them helping with gate duty.
The ice monster under Urza's command was busy clearing the snow. Thanks to him, the paths and the areas in front of the houses were clear despite the heavy accumulation. He’d piled the excess snow in the plaza for the children to use. There wasn't quite enough for skiing or sledding yet, so they were mostly busy making snowmen, snow rabbits, snow statues, and kamakura snow huts.
The ice monster had likely made the statues, but one of the kamakura was impressively large. I asked who had helped and learned it was Dos and Giral, who had been working on it since dawn. As for where those two were now, they had gone to fetch a kotatsu a while ago and hadn't returned. I suspected Raimeiren or Guronde had intercepted them and was currently putting a stop to their plans. I figured I should probably go bail them out if I saw them.
I peered inside the large kamakura and found the sake slime. It had chosen this spot because of the ice monster’s presence. Lately, the slime had taken a liking to "on the rocks" style drinks, using ice balls carved by the monster. It was currently sipping away and swirling its glass like a true connoisseur. It seemed to be savoring the way the melting ice blended with the alcohol—it certainly had sophisticated tastes. However, while I’d long since given up on keeping it away from the sake, I wondered where it had gotten that glass.
Inside the mansion's dining hall, a high ogre maid was polishing glasses with a terrifyingly stern expression.
"Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four... twenty-four... twenty-four... one is missing."
Recognizing the set, I realized the sake slime was indeed the culprit and promptly snitched on it.