Chapter 54

All the battles have ended, and we have returned to the village.

As planned, Vanya, Katrina, and Gorga, along with the sub-humans of their races, have become part of this village.

Since there are no surviving orcs, the new companions are only them.

For now, I have asked everyone to do what they can and perform their respective tasks.

Katrina, the dryad, is apparently skilled at processing wood.

This is not a skill but rather a unique ability inherent to each race.

In any case, I have asked Katrina and the other dryads to handle the construction and repair of houses.

The houses they build seem to be more magnificent than those I create with my skill, and I am very much looking forward to them.

Just as she was working, Katrina noticed me and smiled happily.

"Still, this village is quite well-built. The house-building skill is very convenient."

"…Yeah. But, the houses Katrina and the others are building seem to be even more impressive."

"I'll do my best. I will use the life Crest saved with all my might."

When Katrina said this, the other children also raised their voices with a passion that was almost frightening.

"That's right, as Lady Katrina says."

"I will pour this life into Lord Crest entirely."

"Yes. This heart, this body… everything—!"

The dryad children are a bit scary.

They seem to have a blind faith in me…

No, it’s probably just my imagination.

I don’t think too deeply about it.

I just gave a polite smile and left the scene as if fleeing.

Next, I headed to the gate.

There, the golem race, including Gorga, were working.

They are skilled at processing stone and can apparently create something from within their bodies.

Their bodies themselves seem to function like workshops.

They can process minerals, create something inside their bodies, and then extract it.

I was surprised when I saw one of them pull a sword out of their mouth.

In any case, they possess impressive skills in processing minerals, so I have entrusted them with the construction of the forge, outer walls, and gate.

"Crest, what’s up?"

Gorga tilted his head, noticing me.

"Nothing, I just wanted to check on the progress of the work."

"It’s going well without any problems. …Should I speed it up?"

"No, it’s fine. There are no external threats for now, so just proceed at a pace that doesn’t burden you."

There’s no need to rush.

As long as it’s not a burden to them, it’s fine.

"…Understood. I’ll show you something impressive."

"Sure, I’m looking forward to it."

Gorga smiled, and I returned the smile. Given their serious nature, I’m confident they will produce something excellent even if left to their own devices.

Next, I headed to the magic item workshop.

There, the vampire race, led by Vanya, was active.

"Oh, Crest. What brings you here?"

As I entered, Vanya was there and greeted me with a smile.

"How are things going?"

"Everything’s fine. Besides, it’s cloudy today! I’m energetic from noon!"

Including Vanya, everyone is indeed energetic.

The vampire race, centered around Vanya, is producing magic items that can be useful in daily life.

…They have become quite capable of dividing the workload among themselves.

Field work is being handled by everyone, including goblins and werewolves.

The slimes are primarily responsible for ensuring water supply and producing potions.

The fact that no one died in the battle against the orcs is partly due to the potions made by the slimes.

The remaining people, who are free, are hunting monsters and training themselves.

This way, we have a peaceful daily life for now.

I might as well take it easy and do something I want to do.

What I want to do, huh.

For now, I want to become stronger.

To protect the peace for everyone here.

Alright, I’ll go hunt some monsters outside.

"Revia, I’m going out for a bit."

"Is that so? Can I come with you?"

"I’m just going to hunt some monsters."

"Sometimes, I just want to be with you… Is that not allowed?"

When she said that, I couldn’t refuse.

I gave her a wry smile and left the village with her.

It was right then.

"Y-You humans, what do you want!?"

A voice like an angry shout echoed from the south gate.

Y-You humans!?

Hearing the voice from outside the gate, Revia and I exchanged glances and quickly went outside.

Could it be that someone from the Haberst family has come to fetch us?

What changed my mind was the beautiful golden hair.

A woman who, by all rights, should not be in the lower world.

Seeing the woman I knew well, my body stiffened.

"…Crest!? You’re here!"

Smiling happily as she approached, it was my former fiancée, whom I found most difficult to deal with—Elise Riffeld.