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Chapter 33: The First Steps of a New Harvest

After wracking my brain for a few hours, and with some input from Ciel, I came to the conclusion that what my future town—no, city—needed most now was workers. And while I’d be getting plenty of them when I headed to Tensura in the form of the High Orcs, I had a better idea in mind.

What better workers for growing food than beautiful elves who didn’t mind getting down and dirty in the fields? Elves who were so desperate to repopulate their dying race that rumors had spread about them kidnapping men and having their way with them? On top of that, a race of elves who already had combat experience, enough to give the people in the Eminence in Shadow world a run for their money?

Only one world met all those requirements out of all the anime I’d seen in the past, and the best part, the coup de grâce, was that the main character of that story had a special tool that allowed him to become the ultimate farmer. A special tool I would be getting my hands on as soon as possible.

I was talking about Isekai Nonbiri Nouka, or Farming Life in Another World.

“…Haah. Of course Master is going to another world full of elves.” Ciel said with an exasperated tone.

‘Not just elves, Ciel.’ I chastised her playfully, mentally wagging my finger. ‘That world also has female Onis, Vampires, Lamias, Angels, Demons, Beastmen, which is really just another name for Therianthropes, and Dragons.’

I could practically hear Ciel facepalm as she responded. “…Master. Don’t tell me you’re planning to spend an extended amount of time in that world? Might I remind you that there are still unfinished things to handle here? Or has Master already forgotten that he only has two years until Haru is ready and we can move on to the Central World?”

A little chastised now, I dropped my teasing and let out a sigh before responding truthfully. ‘Don’t worry, Ciel. I have no plan to spend more than a few months at most in that world. If you recall, most elves were invited to the village by someone, so all I have to do is take the initiative and invite them myself.’

‘All I really have to do is wait for the vampire Rurushi to appear in the village, and everything else will fall into place.’ I finished the thought while heading inside my home, which had transformed into a huge mansion over the years, and searching for the girls.

“Very well. At least Master is acting somewhat responsible for once.” Ciel said, sounding almost like she was praising me.

Soon after our conversation ended, I found the girls lounging in the pergola out in the backyard.

“Hey, girls, I have something to talk to you about.” I called out to them, raising my hand briefly in greeting grabbing their attention.

“What is it, Akari-sama?” Elisabeth asked with a tilted head as she set her tea down and offered me a smile. “Did you finally decide what your plans are?”

“Yes,” I nodded as I took a seat next to her and relaxed before breaking the news to them.

At my mention of traveling to a new world, I saw Sherry’s and Elisabeth’s eyes sparkle with interest, and felt a bit bad about breaking the news that they couldn’t come with me this time. Soldiering on though, I gently told them my decision.

“Now normally I would invite all of you to come along,” I began, immediately seeing their eyes lower in sadness, which they tried their best to disguise, though I still caught it. “But—”

I didn’t get the chance to finish before Elisabeth gently took my hand in hers and finished for me, giving me an understanding smile.

“It’s alright. I understand. With you away, you need someone to watch over Alexandria, right? From the way you described it, you’ll be busy recruiting people to join us and won’t have time for much else. If we accompanied you, I know we would only be a burden to Akari-sama, and I know I speak for everyone when I say that’s the last thing we want.” Elisabeth explained gently, practically nailing every point, which made her smile brighten when she saw me blink in surprise.

“Besides, as the strongest here after Akari-sama, it falls to me to take care of the place while you’re away. Alexandria has become a home to me, and I don’t want anything to happen to it. So please don’t worry about us, Akari-sama. Do what you have to do. We will be patiently and eagerly awaiting your return.” Elisabeth finished with a demure smile, sounding exactly how I imagined a devoted housewife would act, and I felt my cheeks heat up just a little.

Looking around at the others, I found them offering me encouraging smiles as well, making my shoulders relax in relief.

“Don’t worry about us, Akari-kun~” Sherry chirped with a determined smile, her arms pressed against her chest. “Just like everyone else, I’ll use this time to keep studying and surpass Mom so I can be useful to you.”

“Leave the care of Alexandria to us, Akari-sama,” Mary said with a small bow.

“I promise that when you return, my cooking will have improved a lot,” Marie added, also giving me a reassuring smile.

“Thank you, everyone.” I murmured softly, giving them a warm smile and earning smiling blushes in return. “You girls are the best. I’ll look forward to your progress, Sherry, Marie. And Elisabeth, please don’t overwork yourself.”

All I received were happy nods, so I continued.

“I’ll only be away for a few months at most, and it’s not like I’ll be completely unreachable during that time. I’ll be leaving a few clones here in case of emergencies. Lastly, there’s a little secret about the Shrouds I gifted you, something you haven’t figured out yet.” I said with a teasing smile.

“The shrouds?” Elisabeth asked cutely, tilting her head.

My smile widened as I responded, not aloud, but directly into their minds using the empathic and telepathic link granted by the Conjunction perk, catching everyone by surprise.

{You’ll still be able to speak to me whenever you want, even if I’m in a different world.} I told them warmly.

{T-This is amazing, Akari-kun~} Sherry all but squealed in my head, a huge smile spreading across her face.

{Indeed. Now I feel much less troubled about your trip. I know I may be overstepping my bounds when I say this, but I have come to really enjoy and look forward to our morning talks over tea, and I know I would truly miss them. Now my heart can relax knowing Akari-sama is literally only a thought away.} Elisabeth said, a cute blush coloring her cheeks as she averted her eyes shyly, somehow making her look even cuter.

{Your abilities are incredible as always, Akari-sama.} Mary said in an impressed tone.

{W-Won’t we bother you, though, if we just call you at a random time?} Marie asked nervously, causing the others to pause and look at me.

“Don’t worry, I will always make time for all of you whenever you call,” I said with a smile, returning to speaking normally. “Not to mention that I’m a great multitasker.”

“If you say so, then I believe you, Akari-sama.” Elisabeth nodded in relief, followed by the others.

“Now, would you like to accompany me as I take care of a few quick errands around the place before my departure?” I said as I stood up, offering a hand to Elisabeth, which she gladly and immediately took.

“Yes~!” Sherry said, getting up from her seat and throwing her hands into the air in a small cheer.

“Of course,” Mary said demurely, with Marie quietly nodding.

Walking back inside our home, and letting them get a bit ahead of us, I turned to Elisabeth once I made sure they wouldn’t overhear us. Then, surprising her, I leaned down and captured her soft lips in a gentle kiss.

“Mmmn~” Initially startled, Elisabeth immediately responded, closing her eyes as she pressed her lips against mine, letting out a small, sweet moan.

When I pulled away, I gently caressed her cheek, making her eyes flutter open to look at me with pure affection.

“Thank you again for doing this, Elisabeth. It’s extremely reassuring knowing you’ll be looking after our home while I’m away. I consider myself very lucky to have you by my side since I know I can count on you for things like this.” I murmured softly against her lips.

“It brings great joy to my heart to hear you say that, Danna-sama.” Elisabeth whispered just as softly, rubbing her cheek into my palm.

‘Danna-sama, huh?’ I thought with amusement at the shift in tone and title, but I didn’t deny it, which only seemed to make her happier.

“When I return, how about we go on a date? Just the two of us?” I asked with a smile, pleased when her eyes widened in joy.

“I shall wait for that day eagerly, Danna-sama~” Elisabeth replied happily, stealing another small kiss from me.

“Since I’ll be away for a while, why don’t you get your fill of my blood to tide you over?” I offered, turning my head to the side and exposing my neck.

She blinked slowly before a tiny droplet of drool gathered at the corner of her lips, something she very quickly wiped away.

“V-Very well. If you’re fine with it.” She tried to sound composed, but her glowing red eyes betrayed her hunger as she leaned in and inhaled softly against my skin, letting out a faint moan before finally biting down and beginning to drink.

Wrapping my arms around her petite waist, I pulled her closer to my chest and stayed still, enjoying the warmth of the beautiful vampire pressed against me as she fed on my blood.

=====

Half an Hour Later

Finished with the small errands around Alexandria like leaving a few clones behind with specific instructions, informing the Spirit Fox tribe and Golden Panther Clan of my brief departure, and making sure everything was running smoothly, I now found myself in a scene similar to this morning. Only this time, I was the one saying goodbye for a little while.

“All right everyone, I better get going if I want to finish this trip as soon as possible.” I said as we stood outside again, with me facing the girls.

“Please take care, Akari-sama.” Mary said, giving me a small bow. “You have my word that I will do my best to take care of your home that you kindly decided to share with us.”

“I will too.” Marie added, offering a smile even if it looked a bit sad.

“Come back soon, Akari-kun~” Sherry said with a big smile while small tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.

“Have a safe trip, Danna-sama.” Elisabeth said giving me a small curtsy, still using her new title for me, earning curious looks from the others, though none commented.

“Thank you. Now come here. Give me one more hug for the trip.” I said with a smile as I opened my arms, and was immediately tackled by the four.

Chuckling, I made sure to give each of them a kiss on the cheek, just like I had done with the others earlier, leaving them with pleased, embarrassed blushes before I stepped back.

“Elisabeth, I leave them in your care.” I said, giving her one last nod, which she returned. With a snap of my fingers, a portal opened behind me, drawing a few awed gasps from the girls.

Turning toward it, I gave them all one final wave before stepping through and disappearing from the world of Eminence in Shadow for a while.

=====

Farming Life in Another World — Forest of Death

Stepping out of the portal into a dark forest, I took a moment to survey my surroundings, letting out a small whistle as the portal closed behind me.

“Those are some impressive trees. Not nearly as strong as those made with my Mokuton, of course, but for trees to naturally grow this sturdy is pretty impressive,” I said in an appreciative tone.

Hearing leaves crunch, I turned curiously, only to see a massive bear lumbering out of the foliage, growling threateningly with saliva dripping from its jaws.

Raising an eyebrow, I shifted fully to face it, smirking in amusement, which only made it growl louder.

“Hahaha, not very smart, are ya?” I murmured as I slid my hands into my pockets and casually walked toward it.

The bear, a Grapple Bear if memory served, one of the so-called Four Overlords of the Forest of Death, alongside the Demon Spiders, Bloody Vipers, and Inferno Wolves, finally lost its patience. With a furious roar, it lunged at me, jaws wide open and ready to take a chunk out of me.

“GRAAWW!!”

Before it could make even one more step, I opened my mouth and gave it a simple command, releasing just the tiniest drop of killing intent.

“Sit.”

With that single word, the Grapple Bear froze mid-charge, trembling as sweat poured down its fur. Pitiful whines escaped it as it slowly lowered its head in complete submission.

“Good girl,” I said with a smile, stepping forward. It whimpered even more but didn’t move, freezing up only until it realized I wasn’t attacking, after which it slowly relaxed.

“I think this is the perfect opportunity to get a pet. You don’t mind, right?” I asked rhetorically as my Shroud surged out, engulfed the bear, and vanished once the capture completed.

Now looking much friendlier, the bear stood back up on its paws and licked my hand like an oversized puppy, eyes bright with happiness.

“I knew you wouldn’t. Now how about I give you a name…” I hummed for a moment before nodding. “Coco. From now on, your name will be Coco. Let’s get along from now on, alright, Coco?” I asked as a portion of my magicules flowed into her during the naming.

“Roaar!” Coco growled joyfully, nodding her head up and down before licking my hand again.

“Great. Now follow along, Coco. Let me lead you to our temporary home for the next few months.” I said, turning and heading toward the only human signature in the forest with Coco trotting behind me.

I’d arrived just before the MC would meet the Inferno Wolves, since I wanted them as pets too, and knew that if I got rid of the MC when he had already tamed the wolves, it would be much harder. They were pretty intelligent creatures and would see the MC as their rightful master forcing me to get rough with them.

“His name is Hiraku Machio, Master.” Ciel reminded me nonchalantly.

“Right. Thanks for the reminder, Ciel. I honestly forgot,” I said with a smile, not really caring, before it widened as I spotted an open clearing ahead with a black-haired human hoeing the dirt beside a massive tree.

“There you are,” I muttered with a grin, strolling casually toward the tree.

‘Sorry man, no hard feelings, but I really want that handy tool you have there. Don’t worry, I’ll at least send you back to Japan with a healthy body.’ I thought, raising a hand in greeting when the human finally noticed us.