CH 3

Roku: “Young Master, in one of the farms on the western district, they encountered a strange disease.”

Ain: “Strange? Do you have a sample of the plant with that disease?” Roku: “I do. Here it is.” While the mother and child Orc took their nap, this was also my break time.

But I’m still pretty busy.

The territories of the Lonneberg family was known for their orchards, but these last couple of decades, they had one poor harvest after another.

But the greenhouse that Roku managed and cared for always had a good harvest.

In order to share his knowledge and expertise, Roku was sent out throughout the territory’s various orchards.

And every time he comes back, Roku would always come to me for advice.

Ain: “Then let me take a look at the sample with my BOX.”

I take out the [Alchemy BOX], and I place the plant inside.

The size of the [Alchemy BOX] depends on the Level. At the very first, each side was only about 5 cm (～2 in) in length, width, and height, and with each level, the size of the box grew by another 5 cm.

As I gained Levels, I was worried that the BOX would become too gigantic, and in a certain sense, that became true.

But I can change the size of the BOX to its maximum size down to its 5 cm size as I wished.

Roku: “Wellー it’s so convenient. It tells you information and the status of whatever you place inside the BOX.”

Ain: “But it scared me at first. I heard someone speak all of a sudden inside my head.” Just like thisー

[Sutrawberry Plant. Currently infected with White Spot Disease. To heal, use the extract of a Guni Grass and dilute it with water in a one to one ratio and spray it onto the plant.]

And I heard a mechanical voice speak.

Ain: “Roku, take the extract of Guni leaves and dilute it with water on a 1 : 1 ratio and spray it onto the infected plants.”

Roku: “Understood, Young Master. I will go and deliver that information.”

I have done the same for Roku’s orchards as well.

Not only can I determine diseases, I can also inspect the soil to see what kind of fertilizer it needs.

But I wouldn’t know how to make the fertilizer or mix it into the soil.

That’s why Roku and I worked together to take care of the orchard inside the greenhouse.

But now, there’s only 3 months left.

Roku: “That reminds me. Young Master, isn’t this month your birth month?”

Ain: “Yeah, this month is <my real birth month>.”

On the 9th month ー during the fall harvest, I was born near the end of this month.

But on the Kingdom’s birth reports, I’m officially born at the end of the 11th month.

Roku: “Were you 10 years old now?” Ain: “Yup. In 5 more years, it’ll be goodbye to this house.” Roku: “But wouldn’t the Master reconsider if you receive a wonderful [Gift]? Wouldn’t he try to make you the heir?”

I have no intention of carrying on this house’s name.

Regardless of whether I receive a good [Gift].

Regardless of whether the Marquis changes his mind.

My step-mother would never allow that.

The Marquis is unable to stand up to that woman. Even if he changes his mind for a moment, it would change right back.

Ain: “In fact, if I do receive a great [Gift], they would force me to work under Endin for the rest of my life. That’s why I’m going to escape as soon as I know.”

Roku: “That is……..indeed a great possibility. (sigh) I cannot help but feel pity for your situation, Master Lou Quain.”

Ain: “Thank you, Roku. And Roku, you only have 3 months left. You’re going to live with your daughter’s family after new years?” Roku: “Yes, yes indeed. If possible, I would love for you, Young Master, to come with me if it will please you.” I do want to leave this house as soon as possible.

I strongly feel that way, but the [Gift] assessment costs a lot of money.

That’s why the majority of the people in this world live without ever knowing what their [Gift] is.

When you receive a [Talent] or [Gift], there are no Levels associated. That’s why even if you look at your Status, it will not appear.

Yes.

In this world, there are Statuses!!

Ain: “In order to get my [Gift] Assessment, I need the Marquis to pay up the large sum of money needed.”

Roku: “Young Master, that sounds like it would just be part of your revenge, is it not?” Ha, haha.

My revenge is to have them pay a lot of money for me, huh.

That’s a petty revenge plot.

<<<<>>>>

I became 15.

But I could not go through the ritual rite of passage to adulthood in the 9th month.

In the 10th month, Endin finished his ritual rite of passage to adulthood.

Coming back from the Church, the Marquis face was cheerful, but the White Piggy Orc was dissatisfied, and Endin wasー

Endin: “How could I receive a [Talent for Agriculture]?! Are you telling me that I must till the soil with my beautiful skin?!”

Huh……...the [Talent for Agriculture].

It’s the [Gift] that all farmers would desperately love to have.

If a person with that [Gift] works on a farm, it is said that the area they farm will always have a great harvest that year.

For a Marquis who wants to expand the revenue of his Orchards, it is an unbeatable [Gift] to have on your side.

But (even though they’re Orcs), for people like my step-mother and Endin who are too focused on superficial looks and extravagance, it was a humiliating [Gift].

It’s because a Noble will now have to work like a commoner.

Endin: “Hey, Lou Quain! Bring me a Parfait with an extra mountain helping of fruits right away!”

Ain: “.....then I will start bringing in the fruits to the kitchen.” Endin: “Bring it right now!”

I’m going to get the fruits right now. Of course that’s impossible.

When Roku transitioned out of his position at the start of the year, I thought they would hire a replacement.

But now, it’s just me handling the orchard inside the greenhouse.

The greenhouse is something that Roku left behind, so I’ll do my best to take care of it while I’m here.

For 5 years, I waited.

Next month, my time will finally come.