Episode 71: Latela Farmstead (4)

"There's no need for Lisia to apologize~oh."

"No, Lisia, the fact that you're already planning to increase seed and seedling production in the new greenhouse has resolved some of our complaints. Please don't worry about it."

"Yes, yes. No need to apologize."

"Come now, everyone. It's been a tough day, so let's eat, drink, and have a good night for tomorrow."

Amid the awkward atmosphere, unsure how to respond to Lisia's apology, Gallad's voice rang out. Raising a glass high, Gallad exchanged playful glances with those around, trying to shift the tense mood into the usual lively scene of laughter, jokes, and a joyful meal. Roper joined in, raising a glass in response, while Lant, though still casting a wary glance at Roper, placed a hand on a hip and raised a glass with the other, following Gallad's lead.

The sounds of the farmstead's people filled Lisia's ears once more—the clinking of forks picking up food, the scraping of spoons against bowls, and the cheerful laughter. The peaceful routine of the farmstead came back into view. Lisia greeted those meeting their gaze with a gentle smile, then climbed the stairs toward the table where Diara sat.

"Sorry, but as you heard, you'll need to pass one more concern to Lord Ratak, Diara."

Lisia said, settling into a seat.

"It's fine. It's just a bit more to report to Lord Ratak."

Diara replied, turning to face Lisia.

"I'm glad you think so. How about taking a break and then touring the farmstead? Seeing it firsthand might help when reporting to Lord Ratak."

"Yes, Lord Ratak did say he wanted to know more about the farmstead. I was actually planning to ask Uncle Gallad to guide us tomorrow."

"You must be tired from the long journey. Why not rest for a day and take it easy?"

Lisia said, resting a chin on a hand and turning to Diara with a soft smile. The lantern's light caught Lisia's pale purple eyes, making them glow even more beautifully.

"I've rested plenty today. With the delicious food made from the farmstead's fine ingredients, I feel energy coursing through me. I'll have no trouble touring the farmstead tomorrow."

"Well then, what should Lisia offer to impress the inspector who'll be touring the farmstead tomorrow, so that only good things reach Lord Ratak's ears?"

"Five thousand gold coins and a box of Lisia's most cherished tea leaves should do it."

"Cough! Cough, cough!"

Rib, quietly listening nearby, choked on a drink and sprayed it from nose and mouth in surprise at Diara's words.

"Just kidding…"

Diara mumbled, embarrassed by the joke, lowering a flushed face to hide reddened cheeks.

"Hahaha! Diara! Since when did you get so good at joking like that?"

Lisia burst into laughter, a wide smile spreading across their face.

"Yes, Inspector, I may not have gold coins, but I'll happily offer my tastiest tea."

Lisia said, still chuckling with lingering amusement.

"I'm sorry, Lisia… And I'm not here to audit the farmstead…"

Diara said softly, turning to Lisia.

The first day at the farmstead was drawing to a close. Laughter and lively chatter spilled out from the longhouse, echoing into the night that draped over the farmst

*****

The farmstead's morning arrived. The darkness of the previous night was swept away by the rising sun. Green leaves reclaimed their vibrant hue, while red, yellow, white, and various colorful petals proudly displayed their shades, swaying gently in the breeze.

Early in the morning, Nia, urged by Iris, left the longhouse and stood beneath the large willow tree out front, holding a sword and striking a stance.

"Ughhh!"

What Iris had taught Nia was the circulation of the Mana Vein, something Nia had learned about recently in Valla-Glas. It wasn't just about standing still and circulating mana within the body. This was a new training method Iris had mastered—moving the body slowly, almost as if frozen, while simultaneously cycling mana within.

"Focus, Nia. Prioritize the flow of mana over the thought of moving."

Iris said, standing with arms crossed in front of Nia. In the short time spent together, Iris had noticed that Nia, like Iris, followed Gravel as a lord.

"With your current skills, you can't help Lord Gravel. You need to get stronger, and fast."

Iris's tone was cold, the words sharp. Iris knew that pointing out Nia's shortcomings and stoking a competitive spirit was more effective than offering praise.

"Grr, I know!"

Nia growled, squeezing every ounce of strength to channel mana. But as the hastily summoned mana began to spiral out of control, Nia's face contorted, jaw clenching, struggling to rein in the amplified energy surging through the Mana Vein.

"Good job. Now, let the mana flow into the sword. Imagine starting with a thin, delicate thread, gradually increasing the mana's volume." Iris instructed.

"Got it!"

Nia exhaled sharply, focusing on the sword.

Muscles, stiff from controlling mana, relaxed slightly. The tense shoulders lowered, and Nia directed mana toward the sword with a more comfortable stance.

"Good. Now, control the circulating mana and the mana you're releasing while moving. Try blocking my sword with yours, wrapped in mana."

Iris raised a sheathed sword with one hand, slowly adopting a defensive stance, then brought it down toward Nia's sword, crossing them.

"Urgh!"

The moment Iris's sword touched Nia's, an overwhelming weight pressed down. It wasn't a forceful strike, but a slow, deliberate push. The strength coming from Iris's slender arm and sword was unimaginable—like a massive boulder bearing down. No killing intent emanated from Iris's blade, but the sheer pressure felt like it could snap Nia's sword in two and crush it at any moment.

"You're doing well, Nia. That's how you wrap a weapon in mana."

Iris said with a slight smile, raising the corner of a lip.

"Hnngh! How long do I have to keep blocking?" Despite the gentle tone, Iris pressed harder, and Nia's trembling arms and legs convulsed, barely holding against the force.

"Well done, Nia."

Iris lifted the sword, releasing the pressure.

"Phew!"

Nia collapsed, dropping the sword and lying flat on the ground, exhausted.

"From now on, block my attack once a day. I'll increase the intensity each time. If you slack in your training… you'll pay the price."

Iris said with a chilling smile that sent a shiver through Nia. As Nia struggled to rise, children's voices echoed from a distance.

"Nia!"

"It's a dragon! A dragon!"

The voices of children pierced through the rustling willow leaves, growing louder as they approached Nia, sprawled under the tree.

"Want some, Nia?"

A child who reached Nia offered a small red berry in an open palm.

"Thanks. I'll eat it well."

Nia said, trembling fingers picking up the berry.

"But, Nia, can't you fly?"

"Droko doesn't have wings, so can't fly."

"Can you breathe fire?"

Another child tilted their head and asked.

"Not yet. Once Karka teaches magic, I'll show you."

Nia grinned, baring sharp teeth and a red tongue at the child.

"Karka? What's that?"

"The second greatest person after Katadar."

"Ohh! When will you learn?"

"Don't know."

For a while, questions poured in from the children gathered around Nia, who answered while frantically turning to meet their eyes. Eventually, another group of kids arrived, swinging wooden swords carved from wood after a late breakfast. Both groups bid Nia farewell and headed off elsewhere, allowing Nia to refocus on training.

"Rested enough, Nia? Let's start again."

Iris said, stepping away from the willow tree toward Nia.

Thanks to the farmstead's children, Nia had a brief respite but now trudged back wearily to face Iris, resuming a stance.

*****

At the farmstead's outskirts, the sound of Gallad's humming drifted through fields of glossy green crops. With a light bounce in each step, Gallad occasionally glanced at the large white clouds floating above.

"You've seen the waterway connected to the lake. Where should I take you next?" Gallad asked.

"Hmm… I heard you've been growing Tirrgal's Beard from Kirvia since spring. Please guide us there." Diara said, holding an unrolled parchment handed by Lisia.

"Tirrgal's Beard? That's further out on the farmstead's edge. This way. Come to think of it, I haven't visited that field in a while."

Gallad said, leading the way and briefly turning to the two following behind.