Farming Life in Another World

Night.

After a leisurely meal, Hitoe, the daughter of Youko, stormed over, and she’s obviously angry.

Youko hadn’t returned from Village Five and this had upset Hitoe.

She’s not someone who’ll suddenly burst out of anger but a few days ago, Youko told her that she would be able to come back as planned.

She stormed over because she thinks Youko hasn’t returned yet because of the ice maze.

The exit is so close to the Big Tree Dungeon, after all.

I can’t blame her for thinking that but I don’t think that maze would be able to stop Youko from coming back.

Also, that maze’s top isn’t even blocked.

Isn’t that cheating?

She’d face the challenge head-on?

As for me, I’m pretty sure she’ll just jump over it but I wouldn’t say that to a daughter who fully believes in her mother.

I nodded and gently stroked Hitoe, who had transformed into her fox form and laid on my lap.

-0-

Next day.

The ice maze had been updated.

The entrance and exit remained the same, but yesterday’s escape route had been destroyed, necessitating the search for a new path.

Moreover, transparent walls, tunnels, three-dimensional intersections, and one-way slides had been added, significantly increasing the difficulty.

According to the ice monster, yesterday’s maze had been child’s play.

As for me, I thought it was pretty difficult.

Whatever the case, the children were thrilled about the updated ice maze.

Yet, they hesitated to venture inside.

When I wondered why, I discovered they were meticulously reviewing the maze’s rules with the ice monster.

1. No Wall Destruction: Breaking the walls was forbidden.

2. No Wall Climbing: Ascending the walls for shortcuts was a no-go—considered giving up.

3. No Leaping from Three-Dimensional Intersections or Slides: Dangerous and prohibited.

4. No Running Upward the Slides: Also risky and off-limits.

5. No Deadly Traps like Pitfalls.

6. No Using One-Way Paths for Entrapment.

7. No Aerial Information Assistance: It diminished the fun.

8. Signaling Surrender: If they want to give up, they only have to signal the angels flying above.

Ah, I see.

Checking the rules is important.

And just when I thought we were finally going…

The children had set up a base camp near the entrance, forming an expedition team.

Within the base camp, there lies a large parchment—a canvas for creating maps.

As for the expedition team….. they weren’t tied to each other with ropes so that they won’t lose each other.

Instead, they are tied with ropes from the entrance, ensuring they wouldn’t lose their way as they ventured into the Ice Maze.

They ventured slowly and cautiously.

Even though there shouldn’t be any pitfalls, they diligently checked the ground.

I had expected a more carefree, child-like approach from the children, but this was different.

Perhaps it was the leadership of Nutt, the remaining child leader in the village, or perhaps it was the influence of those who had ventured outside—like Ursa and Alfred. Either way, it was reassuring. ᚱАŊO͍ʙƐs

And if they find what they’re doing fun, then all the better.

Keep it up, children.

Remember to dress warmly—don’t catch a cold out there.

-0-

That evening…

After dinner, an ice monster came seeking advice.

It seems the dwarves have opened a bar within the ice maze.

……

As for the ice monster, it doesn’t necessarily want to drive the dwarves away.

However, the dwarves modified the ice walls, so it doesn’t know if it should let them be. Hence, it came seeking for advice.

I see.

Ultimately, the decision rests with me.

So, what should it be….

So, perhaps we’ll allow it as a resting spot.

But I’ll emphasize that they mustn’t give the children alcohol.

They should prepare hot soup or some cold drink for them.

And while I believe they’ll be fine, strictly caution against drinking and sleeping outside.

-0-

After conveying the plan to the ice monster on how to deal with the dwarves, Hitoe arrived once more, angry again.

Areh?

Youko hasn’t returned yet?

…It seems not.

There, there.

Come, I’ll lend you my lap.

She probably got caught up in some urgent task.

It’s not that she dislikes Hitoe, you know.

Understood?

Good, then.

I gently stroked the back of the fox form Hitoe lying on my lap.

-0-

Ah, Youko didn’t return yesterday because there was a gathering at the Village Five Shrine.

She said that it’s not just the foxes, but all other animals congregated there, so she couldn’t miss it.

The shrine caretakers, led by Kon, invited me to join them but I declined.

Youko had mentioned that discussions centered around the territorial boundaries of the animal gods.

If I were to attend, my presence would be out of place.

Still, I sent some food and drink as offerings.

Apparently, Odette and Odile—the swan god’s familiars—along with Niz, the serpent god’s familiar, Seiten—the monkey holy beast—and Sangetsu, the tiger holy beast, were all in attendance.

Youko had assured me she’d participate for just one night, then continue her work in Village Five the next day. She was supposed to return before dinner today. But if it’s due to unexpected work, wouldn’t it be reasonable to expect a message?

Should I ask someone to check on her?

Or perhaps I could go myself, although visiting Youko at night might lead to some awkward misunderstandings.

As I pondered, Youko returned.

Hitoe, who had been sulking on my lap, darted over to her.

And so, Youko…

You’re late, but what happened?

「Ah… well, you know the Ice Maze was completed, right?」

Yes.

「I had to pass through that otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to get back here.」

?

…But you can just go directly to the mansion without taking on the challenge, right?

Initially, the Ice Maze was connected directly to the mansion’s entrance, but there should be a detour now.

There are signs, too—clear even for first-timers. Did you miss them?

「No, no. I definitely saw the signs.」

And despite that, you decided to take on the challenge?

「Yes. Besides, I felt somewhat provoked.」

Provoked?

「They had written, ‘Even children can safely enjoy the Ice Maze’.」

…

That doesn’t sound like provocation; it sounds like guidance to the maze, don’t you think?

Ah, so Youko took that as a provocation and ventured into the Ice Maze and it took you some time.

「It was unexpectedly challenging. I went around similar looking passages repeatedly……」

Since the sun goes down earlier in winter, I guess it’s harder to see.

「When I met the dwarves in the maze, I was so happy I almost cried a little.」

Ah, I see.

So, you were late because you were drinking there.

I can smell a bit of alcohol on Youko.

「I-I just wanted to warm up a little. Besides, I can no longer make it in time for dinner.」

Eh?

Did they serve food there?

「The oni maids are cooperating with them. Ramen is served there.」

We’re talking about the maze, right?

I know that the dwarves brought alcohol there but how did the oni maids go there with foodstuffs and cooking utensils?

「No, there is a staff passage nearby that will get you out of the maze.」

Heh.

Wait, the ice monster mentioned modifying the ice walls—could that be related to this passage?

I’d scold it, but considering practicality, it might be necessary for movement.

Troublesome.

Also….

By chance, did Youko use that passageway to escape?

「Ah, I had a few drinks. For safety. Yeah, for safety.」

I see.

Well, I myself was rescued by the angels in the ice maze before the update.

I suppose I shouldn’t delve too deeply into this.

-0-

Since you’ve eaten, I guess all is well.

I’ll leave Hitoe to you.

「Of course… Ah, I see.」

On my lap goes the flying carpet.

It was depressed because ever since it was washed, Kukulkan no longer bothers it.

He said that everything felt different when he’s holding it.

I’m sure Kukulkan will cling to you again soon….

For the time being, stay with me.

-0-

And just as I thought.

The next day, Kukulkan firmly held onto the flying carpet, refusing to let go.

I feel lonely.

Seeing my melancholy, both Kuro and Yuki came over to comfort me.

There, there.

Thank you.

-0-

AN: Ririus and the others are working hard in Village Five.

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