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120. Learning from the Past

 

And so, the days flew by in a blur. A week had passed since the dwarves arrived.

Another new invention was about to revolutionize the village’s rice cultivation.

「…And that’s the basic principle. Enough talk—let’s put it to the test.」

Before the villagers gathered around the rice paddies, pairs of golems were marching back and forth across the fields. Equipped with agricultural tools bristling with protrusions, they dug deep into the earth, turning the soil with tremendous force. The ground, hardened by the long winter, quickly softened before their eyes, prompting murmurs of admiration from the villagers.

The inventor, encouraged by the positive response, looked rather pleased with herself.

「I heard the depth of tilling is crucial, so I made a prototype. These should dig more than twice as deep as a horse could manage.」

Standing beside Azula as she gave her explanation was Asagi, watching with a sharp gaze—part inquisitive, part appraising. His eyes sparkled with childlike curiosity, yet carried the weight of someone responsible for governing the village.

「…Hmm. The design resembles a plow pulled by horses. Normally, a human rides the back and pushes the plow into the ground with their feet while the horse pulls. You’ve replaced both horse and human with golems, effectively doubling the strength and weight behind it—allowing it to dig much deeper. Impressive, Azula-dono. This will be quite useful in the village.」

「A mere morning’s work for a dwarf.」

The traditional method involved a horse pulling a spoon-shaped tool, while a person behind it pressed it into the soil. It was a clever method that allowed for deep tilling with minimal effort.

This invention was an evolution of that. Using the principle of leverage, it leveraged the golem’s weight and pulling power to dig even deeper. That depth was essential—not only did it allow nutrients to be mixed into the soil, but it also buried weed seeds beneath the surface, preventing them from sprouting. A win-win. And it directly impacted harvest yields.

If Asagi, who oversaw internal affairs, had already approved it, there was no need for me to say anything. Once I nodded, other villagers began to gather around Azula and started inspecting the tool. The residents of this village were eager to learn and hated losing. They wouldn’t tolerate being unable to understand something made by another race. Naturally, the mechanism was quickly shared and studied.

At the center of it all, of course, was Asagi.

「Azula-dono, if we could just widen this part a little…」

「Oh? Interesting suggestion—」

「If so, Asagi-sama, perhaps this section as well—」

「That might hinder maneuverability. If you want to increase durability, I’d suggest reinforcing this part—」

「That makes it too intricate. Sturdiness is essential above all else.」

「Sure, but if it’s too clunky to use, what’s the point?」

「I’m listening to everything, but please—one at a time!」

Invention was only the starting point. With the knowledge and experience of those who’d actually worked the rice fields, it would grow even more efficient and user-friendly. After a while, once the villagers had dispersed to return to their duties, Azula—having fielded every request—returned to me looking like he’d finished a hard day’s work.

Koe-san handed her a cup of bamboo-leaf tea, which she downed in one gulp before letting out a long sigh.

「Thanks for the hard work, Azula-san. How’re you finding life in the village?」

「It is truly a pleasant place to live. I find it a shame my stay is only temporary.」

「Glad to hear you like it. The village isn’t that far from the Dwarves’ new town—feel free to visit again. Bring Chunaru with you next time.」

When Azula first said she’d come to the village, Chunaru had naturally tried to tag along. But Azula had entrusted him with a much bigger task: building a town for the dwarves to live in. So with tears in his eyes, Chunaru stayed near Vita Tama.

「By the time I return, I’m sure Chunaru will have made great progress on the town. A proper underground city connected to the mines, just as befits the dwarves. If I leave it to him, I know it’ll get done.」

「You really trust him, huh.」

「He is certainly the most capable among us. His only flaw is how he insists on following me absolutely everywhere…」

Azula couldn’t settle down permanently in the village, but it was clear she was enjoying life here. On the technical side, she’d already produced several outstanding inventions. According to Angelina’s calculations, harvests would more than double thanks to her contributions.

「Eat, sleep, invent—this place is just so wonderfully peaceful and quiet.」

「Compared to Vita Tama, a bustling metropolis… and your home near the mines… I suppose it must feel much calmer.」

At Koe-san’s comment, Azula tilted her head slightly.

「That’s true, but that’s not the only reason—」

「What else is there?」

「The stones and metal are quiet.」

「…You mean your endemic skill?」

「Even without intentionally activating it, I can still hear them. And they’re so noisy.」

Azula’s dwarven endemic skill, [Messenger of the Mine], allowed her to converse with and command soil and metal. ‘Converse’ implied mutual dialogue—so of course, it meant the materials could talk back.

「Here, the skill’s power weakens, and the voices fade. It’s wonderful. I’ve never slept so well.」

「They’re that loud?」

「Ordinary stone or iron is quiet and obedient. But precious metals like gold, and especially rare ones like mithril, are insufferably arrogant. They never listen. One moment it’s ‘The fire’s too cold!’ the next ‘It’s too hot!’ or ‘I’m not in the mood today!’ or even ‘I hate that blacksmith’s face—get me someone else!’ They’ll twist themselves into knots until they get what they want.」

「Wow.」

「So we flatter them, praise them, coddle them from dawn till dusk… and maybe, maybe they’ll take the form we want—after days of work.」

「Sounds like a recipe for ulcers.」

「That’s why so many dwarves are heavy drinkers. It’s the only way to cope.」

Back when I was with the Divine Silver Sword, I spent plenty of time trying to talk my reckless comrades out of stupid decisions. I didn’t drown my sorrows in drink, but I could relate.

While we were chatting, I sensed someone approach from behind.

「That story sounds a little fishy to me…」

「Shizuku? And Bellman’s with you too. What’s going on?」

Seeing Bellman in his mining gear, they must’ve just returned from the Farthest Ends of the Blue. Shizuku gave Azula a look somewhere between exasperation and skepticism.

「According to werewolf lore, dwarves were already heavy drinkers back when they lived in these woods—long before they had any endemic skills. They still managed to make excellent tools and weapons through sheer blacksmithing skill. So I’m not saying you’re wrong, but… even when they couldn’t hear metal talking, they drank. A lot.」

「Wha…?」

「Back then, they just blamed it on ‘bad ore quality’ or whatever. So I think the drinking came first, and the excuses came later.」

「I have no idea what you’re talking about～」

「Most damning evidence? The village brewery is already empty.」

「I know nothing. Absolutely nothing～」

「Okay, let’s change the subject. I’ll put in an order with Guran for more alcohol. In the meantime, let’s hear what you and Shizuku came back for.」

Fortunately, the dwarves had brought a stash of gold as a gift. I’d just put it toward their booze fund. Changing the subject before we hit another sore spot, I turned my attention to Shizuku and Bellman.