NOVEL NEXT 42: Sorry, Dad
I’m troubled by the sudden appearance of a disciple.
I can’t just send back an elf grandpa with the title “Sage of Dawn,” right?
Barton, on the other hand, was very welcoming, saying, “A wonderful tutor has come to us.” Although he didn’t show it on his face, he clearly expressed it in his voice.
But wait, he came to be my disciple, yet he’s going to teach me?
Isn’t that weird?
What? It’s not weird at all?
I see.
I apologize.
Old Al (he seems to really like this name) was welcomed as a guest of honor at our house.
Although he said he was fine with being treated like a servant, that wasn’t possible, so we had him stay in the guest room.
Until now, I had managed both my studies and skill work in my room.
But from now on, I can’t call Old Al into a small space of about eight tatami mats.
Studying cooped up is absolutely impossible!
I am firmly against it!!
My room is my own!
So, here I am in the backyard.
Since it’s mid-April, nothing is planted in the field yet, and the soil is bare.
There are only some winter-over broad beans and perennial herbs.
Well, as I mentioned before, our backyard is unnecessarily large.
Last year, I randomly planted vegetables, but today I plan to renovate this area completely.
So, Plant Cultivation Skill, let’s get to work!
Please create a building here like the one in the botanical garden’s preparation room!
Come on, come on, come on!
Pop it out!!
“… It will take one week to construct.”
Oh! Thank you!
It’s worth asking!
I want a small country-style exterior.
Surrounded by a wooden fence, with a garden in front of the house.
An American style, with a wooden deck in front of the entrance would be nice.
A table and chairs to drink tea.
I also want to plant trees to give it a hidden feel.
Of course, fruit trees would be great!
We haven’t planted cherries, apricots, or persimmons yet.
Oh, a cherry blossom tree as a symbol would be nice too!
Wow, my dreams are expanding!
“… Shall I create everything as imagined?”
Oh! I heard a sigh just now!
Can you do it? I see!
That’s fortunate!
Then, please get it done quickly!!
A week later, early in the morning, a cute country-style house was completed in one-sixth of the backyard.
The whole mansion was in an uproar when a single house suddenly appeared in the backyard after waking up!
I, who was still sleeping, was woken up and carried to the garden by my father while still in my nightclothes.
Mumbling, what’s all this commotion…?
“Haku! Haku, wake up! Explain this!”
Huh?
Still held in my father’s arms, I arched my back from the weight of my head and saw the fairy-tale country house upside down.
Beside me, the spirits, also arching their backs like bridges, looked at the upside-down world, but couldn’t endure it and collapsed, laughing joyfully together.
They’re all so cute.
Feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Hmm?
Blink, blink.
“Oh! What a cute house!”
Viva!
“It’s not about the cute house! Explain why this was built overnight!?”
Dad’s face was close as he looked at me intently.
Dad, your face is a bit too close!
Now fully awake, I clung to my father’s face with a sit-up motion. My father held me securely.
Sitting on my father’s arm, I looked up at the fairy-tale house again.
Yes, yes.
It’s exactly as I imagined!
Great job, Skill!
“I asked for my skill to build a research lab! Here, Old Al and I will research medicinal herbs!”
Ta-da!
“A research lab…”
Dad looked extremely troubled, glancing between me and the house, when a loud voice came from behind.
“Oh! This is wonderful!!”
Looking towards the voice, I saw Old Al, also in his nightclothes with a coat thrown over, gazing at the fairy-tale house with a beaming expression.
Hmm, Dad and Old Al’s expressions are quite the contrast.
For now, should I just apologize to Dad?
“I’m sorry, Father. I did something without asking… and reduced the space for planting vegetables in the garden…”
“No, that’s not it. That’s not the issue…!”
Huh?
Father was pressing and rubbing his temples.
Are you tired?
No? I see.
Can Old Al mix eye drops?
“Well, well, Lord Reynard. It seems little Haku made this lab for my sake. For my sake, please don’t scold him,” Old Al said cheerfully, causing Father to let out a deep sigh and swallow his words.
He swallowed many things.
“Haku, next time, report to Father before doing anything. Understood?”
“Yes.”
I nodded solemnly.
Sorry, Dad.
As an apology, I’ll make sure to mass-produce edamame even outside of summer.
At that, someone burst out laughing, and everyone else followed suit, laughing loudly.
“He’s the young master, after all.”
“He’s the young master.”
Everyone was saying it, but what’s that supposed to mean?
Hmph.
After that, the arriving vassals were also thoroughly shocked before bursting into laughter, saying, “As expected of young master Haku, always thinking outside the box.”
Hmph, hmph.
I don’t get it!
Oh, right, the vassals take turns keeping watch at night.
The others return to their homes in the village.
The only ones living in the mansion are Barton’s family, Tom, Martha, Jeff, and Millie.
Plus the spirits and Old Al.
You might think it’s tough having just one night watchman, but apparently, Barton, Victor, Tom, and Jeff are quite skilled.
And there’s our strongest Dad!
According to Barton, “No weaklings can serve in this household.”
Moreover, countless small lower-level spirits are around the house, ensuring perfect security.
The night watchmen even take naps if nothing happens, so don’t worry!
Our house isn’t pitch black!
The night watchman gets the next day off.
By the way, the single Lewis sometimes stays over even when he’s not on night watch.
He says that if he goes home, “My mom nags me to get married soon.”
It seems moms everywhere are anxious about that!