Chapter 55
After a pleasant conversation with our potential neighbor, Tordeon, Mea and I headed back to our accommodation. However, once we were settled in, we found ourselves facing a small dilemma.
“…Mea, do you have any experience with construction?” I asked.
“…I’ve only ever been involved in combat, so I haven’t had the chance to try my hand at building. I’m sorry,” Mea replied with a hint of regret.
“No need to apologize. I’m just as clueless when it comes to construction,” I admitted.
As a part of our conversation, I had asked a few questions, and one of them revolved around not allowing anyone into the forest unless they were vouched for by someone trustworthy.
This meant that apart from Rud and Sasha, as well as Mea’s family, no one else could enter the forest. Consequently, we couldn’t bring in a professional builder to construct our house.That’s why we can’t even bring in a builder.
“Well, since we’re the ones intruding, we can’t really complain,” I said, while thinking about our situation.
In the end, that day passed without us coming up with any solutions, and Mea and I went to sleep in the same bed.
The following day…
“Why did you bring me along?”
“It’s for errands. And to introduce you to our neighbor.”
“Our neighbor? Are there people living in this forest?”
I had brought Rud with me to the forest. Mea was with Sasha, gathering the necessary furniture and other items we needed.
I didn’t want to come along because I figured I might end up buying unnecessary stuff and blowing our budget, plus I was already loaded with baggage.
Rud was genuinely grateful for this part. He must have gone through quite a trial.
“Well, the neighbor’s true identity will be a surprise for when we meet them face to face,” I explained.
“What? That just makes me more worried…” Rud said, a bit apprehensive.
With a slightly reluctant Rud in tow, we headed to the center of the forest where the large rock was, just like yesterday.
“Here they come…” I said.
“Yeah. This is Rud, and later Mea and a girl named Sasha will arrive with him. They’re engaged,” I explained.
“Um, h-hello, I’m Rud!” Rud said nervously, visibly trembling.
It’s funny how this assassin could be so jumpy at times.
“…Are there so many indecisive people among humans these days?” Tordeon wondered.
[t/n : referring to how they’re engaged but not married]
“People have been like this for ages. Some get married, some don’t. We just happen to be both,” I replied.
“Wait a second, Jin, come over here,” Rud called out, tugging me away.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Not ‘What’s up?’! What’s the deal here? It’s not just a regular monster, is it? I mean, regular monsters would be preferable! ‘Named’ ones are seriously dangerous!” Rud exclaimed.
“It doesn’t matter as long as it doesn’t pose a threat,” I shrugged.
“It’s not just about that… Well, it’s not a problem for you, right? You’re strong. Mea seems stronger than that monster, too,” Rud said.
“That’s right.”
With Rud’s introduction, we had now officially introduced him to our neighbor, and it was time to start thinking about building our house.
“Rud, you can use [Body Enhancement], right?” I asked.
“Of course. Well, not as well as you, but yeah,” Rud replied.
Rud activated [Body Enhancement] right in front of me, and a faint light enveloped him.
I see… It seems like he’s been training diligently since then.
The [body enhancement] spell generated a stronger glow around the body as the amplification factor increased. In contrast to the barely noticeable glow from before, Rud’s aura had become much stronger, even visible from a distance. This enhancement could be a valuable asset in battles.
“All right, take this,” I said, handing Rud an object.
“Huh? An axe? No way—” Rud started, his face a mix of surprise and a plea for reconsideration.
I grinned at his reaction and clarified, “It’s exactly that. You’re going to cut down some trees in a corner of this forest for us. They’re huge and thick, so it’ll take quite some strength. Make sure to cut them at the base. That’s where we’ll build our house.”
Upon hearing my words, Rud shivered uncontrollably, his face turning beet red as he yelled, “You jerk! I’ll definitely get back at you for this!”
Free lumberjack labor, acquired!
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