Chapter 194 I'm engaging the first steps to plantation?
(POV: Lumiere)
There was large plot of land spread out before us.
Lady Reet's keen eye selected an area of fertile soil.
We stood under the bright rays of the sun, the warmth touching our eager faces as we surveyed the land.
The magical ley lines seemed to converge in this very spot, as if nature itself recognized the potential of this plantation.
"The elemental energies will aid in the growth," Lady Reet stated with a confident smile.
Lady Oran was equally confident. "Pyroapple seeds are already rich in magic, adding it with the soil will make for the perfect harvest season."
Composed as always, Fasit gently nodded. "I see, then we'll channel our powers to ensure the Pyroapples thrive."
"Sounds like a plan," Mimosa added.
"I was told how effective your [Plant Magic] is.." (Reet)
"Ha, I guess it is, but it's all thanks to Lord Lumiere." (Mimosa)
"She's just being modest, her Unique Skill is even much more potent in interacting with plants.." (Fasit)
Reet?s eyes lit up. "Wow, I'd love to see that."
"Sure!!" Mimosa smiled, her rosy lips on full display.
Oran gently clapped her hands, "Well for now, we should focus on the plantation process."
As if on cue, a group of rugged Minotaurs emerged brandishing their tools as they began clearing the land. We watched as they removed weeds, rocks, and any other debris that could impede the fruits? growth.
Their muscles strained with each swing of their axes.
Fasit gathered us, clad in our labor attire, and addressed the committed group.
"Today, our goal is to prepare the soil completely," she announced. "Then tomorrow will be the planting process."
I adjusted my worn overalls and adjusted the straw hat on my head, shielding my eyes from the sun's rays.
To my left, the mischievous Aradon, a young beast boy, clung to my side, his innocent smile warming my heart.
"Brother Lumiere is way better than Gaun!"
"Well, you're not wrong there," I smiled.
On my right, Eris, with her sleek fur rubbed her face against my arm.
Her consistent purring displayed the domesticated side of her.
"Lumi?s arm is sho shoooffft!" she said.
Just then, I remembered something. Serena who was right after Eris looked at me the moment I uttered a thoughtful hum.
"Is anything the matter, Lord Lu— Lumiere?"
She was still finding it difficult to adapt to calling me Lumiere. After all, she called me that for close to eleven years now. I couldn't fault her for it.
"I haven't seen Isadora anywhere."
"She's not feeling too well," Serena replied.
"Huh? No one told me that."
"It seems the baby is causing her some discomfort."
Concern etched across my features, I stroked my chin in contemplation.
"I should go see how she's doing later," I murmured.
Serena nodded slowly with her ever tranquil smile. "I'm certain she'd like that."
Eris let out a sudden exclamation. "I wanna come too!" she declared. Her tight grip around my arm intensified.
"Eh? But you don't really know Isadora that well.."
"Yeah, but I know she's a spirit and spirits are awesome!"
"Oh yeah," it hit me that Eris had a soft spot for spirits. "I see, well maybe we'll go together later."
"Then I'm coming too," Aradon also gripped my left arm tightly. The little boy's ears twitched several times as he squeezed his eyes.
"You too?" I said.
Aradon nodded vigorously. "Aunty Isadora's breasts are big!"
Serena and I both stared at Aradon, and the little boy just continued grinning with eyes closed. We looked at each other right after, and then all we could do was laugh gently.
Fasit gathered the group together and announced that she had already organized us into teams, each with their own specific goals for the day.
Then, she read off the list.
? (Land Conservation Officials) :: Oran, Reet, Lumiere
- Establishing policies and regulations related to agricultural activities
- Prioritizing and allocating resources for fruit cultivation
- Overseeing and managing overall agricultural activities
? (Agricultural Experts) :: Oran, Lumiere, Mimosa,
- Conducting research on planting techniques and optimizing yield
- Providing guidance on horticulture, botany, and magical agriculture
? (Magical Consultants) :: Oran, Serena, Mimosa, Lumiere
- Advising on the use of spells or magical techniques for fruit cultivation
- Recommending enchanted tools or soil amendments for enhanced growth
- Sharing knowledge on magical properties associated with fruits
? (Supervisors and Foreman) :: Fasit, Oran, Reet, Serena, Martini
- Overseeing workers and ensuring progress and adherence to plans
- Coordinating tasks and addressing any issues that arise
- Keeping reports on status of the planting process
? (Magical Infrastructure) :: Lumiere, Serena, Stellaria
- Building and maintaining magical wards or barriers to protect against pests
- Setting up enchanted weather control mechanisms for optimal growth conditions n0veluSb.c0m
- Managing any other magical infrastructure necessary for fruit cultivation
? (Workers & Laborers) :: Gaun, Mojito, Sangria, Lirien, Magenta, Thrain, Beorn, Kipper, Mai Tai... several others
- Preparing the soil for planting
- Executing planting and maintenance tasks
- Handling pruning, irrigation, and harvesting
Gaun, the Beast Prince, let out an exaggerated yawn, drawing attention to himself.
"How can someone as unforgivably handsome as I am stoop so low as to do menial labor?" Gaun mused.
Raising an eyebrow, I only now noticed Gaun's sudden appearance.
"When did you get here?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
Gaun, lazily lounging under a nearby tree, lifted his head and responded, "My dear father sent me here to supervise the progress of the plantation. Can't have these peasants running amok without a noble presence, can we?"
Aradon, the mischievous little prince who still clung to me, pointed an accusatory finger at Gaun.
"You're a liar! Father only sent you here because you're annoying!"
Gaun's eyes flashed with annoyance, and he retorted, "Oh, shut the fuck up, you little twerp."
"Meehhhh!" Aradon?s face twisted into a frown. He hid behind me finding some sort of protection there.
Eris let out a low growl as she glared at Gaun.
"Say that again, and I'll make sure you regret it," she warned, her eyes narrowed, a clear threat.
Gaun swallowed nervously and muttered under his breath, "How could my own sister say such demeaning words to me? How long... how long shall my glorious existence have to endure this...?"
Oh Gaun, cringe as always.
This honestly reminded me of something cringe I did a few years back.
"Lucretia.." I mumbled.
"Are okay, my lord?" Serena asked.
My eyes fluttered before I replied, "I-I'm fine.."
Fasit, ever-present with her warm smile, approached Gaun and gently reminded him, "Aren't you going to join us in the work, Your Highness?"
While Fasit did say— "Your Highness", it was obvious she didn't mean it.
Then again, Gaun was too dumb to see that.
Gaun leaned closer to Fasit, placing his index finger under her chin to tilt her face up slightly.
A sly grin played on his lips as he replied, "Well, I'd rather work on your loins instead."
Fasit's smile remained unwavering as she replied, "If that's the only thing you're interested in, then I suppose that's fine."
The exchange left the group in shock.
"Eh?" we all said.
"How about we take things to the nearby forest? It'll be more exciting."
Fasit's voice was measured.
For some reason, I felt a sting in my chest. The thought of Fasit talking in such a flirtatious manner with other men.
Gaun flashed a charming smile and ran his fingers through his golden locks and adjusted his furry ears.
"Oh my, I never knew you liked it wild. Count me in!"
I observed the exchange between the two.
Just then, Stellaria appeared, silently munching on a pyroapple. With an air of calmness, she looked at me and quipped, "Welp, that definitely won't end well."
Serena, Eris, Aradon and I all said in unison:
"Yep."
Minutes later, explosions and shrill screams echoed through the forest, emanating from Gaun's unfortunate predicament.
Serena and I exchanged calm glances.
Meanwhile, Stellaria seemed completely unfazed, casually savoring her sweet fruit as if she were watching a dull play.
Though we couldn't witness the pandemonium firsthand, the ever-growing commotion was enough.
Suddenly, emerging from the dense foliage, Fasit emerged, a wicked and seductive smile adorning her face.
Without a moment's hesitation, she seized Gaun's scorched body by the hair, dragging him helplessly across the ground.
"Don't worry, Great Lumiere. Gaun won't be causing any more troubles."
Stellaria simply turned to Serena and me, "Told ya."
She let out an exaggerated yawn.