Chapter 536 – Winter Flower Fairies

“Ahaha! I’m back!”

When I peeked into the greenhouse of the botanical garden, the flower fairies appeared as if to welcome me, gathering near the greenhouse entrance.

Seraphina, who had entered the greenhouse, spoke to the fairies who had come to greet her, then flew around happily with everyone.

Some flew around with Seraphina, while others came close to us, tugging at the hems of skirts to greet us, and some energetically flew around before heading up to the greenhouse ceiling—each seemed to have their own distinct personality.

“It feels like there are more fairies than before. Maybe they’re gathering here because it’s warm,” Claudia said with a relaxed expression, tilting her head.

“Maybe. The equipment seems fine, and if they can stay lively even in winter, I think that’s good enough,” I replied.

Marlene nodded happily with a bright expression, and Claudia narrowed her eyes.

As usual, the Fire Spirit Hot Spring was scheduled to be reserved after business hours, but it was still a bit early before closing time. That’s why we decided to visit the botanical garden first.

“This is quite… the number of fairies here is quite a sight,” Queen Eldorene remarked, looking around with interest.

“These flower fairies originally lived near Termwills, but they seem to like the environment of the Fire Spirit Hot Spring. Since Floria and Harvesta manage this place, you could say the fairies have started helping with plant cultivation.”

“I see. The temperature and humidity here seem quite different from outside, but perhaps it’s comfortable for the fairies.”

Indeed. The fairies were flying around energetically, emitting faint light.

“As for the greenhouse, it’s for cultivating southern plants. Since it provides a good environment for plants even in winter, it might indeed be comfortable for them.”

“I don’t know much about land plants… but many of them have such interesting shapes, completely different from the sea.”

“True. I’ve seen the palm trees planted near the entrance along the coast,” Rovisa said, and Eckels nodded with interest. What Eckels saw must be from the era of the Mother Goddess. From my perspective, it’s interesting in a different way.

“Welcome, Theodore.”

“Oh, you’re back.”

From the depths of the greenhouse, Floria and Tephra approached together. Harvesta was with them too, floating along with a flowerpot.

“Yeah. I finished my work at the workshop. I’m back, Tephra.”

“Mhm.”

Tephra smiled and nodded. She must have been visiting Floria’s greenhouse to play.

…And so, I introduced everyone who was meeting for the first time.

“Theodore-dono, you certainly have a strong connection with spirits. I am Eldorene. Pleased to meet you.”

“I am Tephra. Likewise, pleased to meet you.”

After the introductions, Queen Eldorene and Tephra shook hands. Tephra then greeted Rovisa, Marion, Weltes, Eckels, and Gymnos in turn.

Mhm. Now that the introductions are done, shall we proceed with the botanical garden tour?

We walked around the botanical garden, checking whether the temperature control was properly maintained, how the magic tools were functioning, and whether the plants in each section were growing well.

“Somehow, it reminds me of sea urchins and porcupinefish,” Rovisa murmured while looking at a cactus.

“Does this… shoot needles or something?” Weltes asked.

“No, this is just a normal plant, so it’s fine. Cactus monsters do that sort of thing, though.”

Weltes, Eckels, and Gymnos seemed somewhat cautious, perhaps aware of their roles as escorts for the queen and the Water Guardians. Well… sea urchin monsters do shoot needles.

After I answered, the three seemed to relax their guard at my words.

“This is nice. The growth seems to be going well,” Rosemary nodded with satisfaction while looking at the herb section, and Forset smiled.

“The growth is remarkably fast. I’ll come check occasionally and let you know when it’s time to harvest.”

“Mhm. Looking forward to the fruits.”

“I heard the rice seedlings will be ready for planting soon,” Sheila nodded, and Grace tilted her head as she asked.

“Yes. I think it’ll be about right in a few more days.”

“At that time… we should have Michelle-san come here from the Barony of Silun too.”

Michelle is the magician managing the greenhouse we built in the Barony of Silun. Since we’re considering rice cultivation there in the future, we want her to observe the seedling planting process.

“The greenhouse in the barony seems to be progressing well too. I heard she’s compiling reports on the progress.”

“That’s helpful. We have a general outline of rice cultivation steps prepared here too, so we can give it to her then.”

Ashley diligently communicates with Kennel via the communication device, so she has a good grasp of the situation over there.

In this manner, we checked the condition of the magic tools with Alfred and Old Sigmund, and inspected whether there were any cracks in the greenhouse glass. Nothing seemed particularly amiss.

The underground section also—seemed fine. Bathed in bright light, the underground paddy field held clear water.

“Oh. Here you are.”

And—King Melvin arrived there too. Prince Josiah and Prince Helfried were with him.

“Your Majesty. And you two as well.”

I said this and bowed slightly.

“Ah, it’s good to have you back safely.”

“Thank you.”

“Good evening. Well, well. I didn’t expect to be welcomed by so many fairies. The fairies seem lively.”

“Yeah, probably because the greenhouse is warm.”

I greeted Prince Josiah and Prince Helfried.

“The greenhouse seems to be going well too.”

“Yes. The underground paddy field should be ready for planting soon.”

“Oh ho. Finally, then.”

Once the rice seedlings are ready, it’ll be a matter of planting them and adjusting the environment based on the season and growth conditions. Considering the stable environment of the underground paddy field, Forset and the others having sufficient know-how, and the cooperation of Floria, Harvesta, and the flower fairies—being able to hear directly from the rice plants means there are few uncertainties.

We confirmed that everything was in order after looking around. After this, we could spend time at the terrace seats or leisurely look at the plants until it was time.

And as the time became suitable, we decided to move to the hot spring.

Some were meeting the flower fairies for the first time, but since the fairies have bright personalities, they seemed to get along quickly.

Weltes, Eckels, and Gymnos. And even Corulis and Belius—the fairies were riding on their backs and shoulders, seeming to have become quite friendly. It was a somewhat surreal sight.

“Everyone says they want to come to the hot spring too,” Seraphina said.

“Hmm. What do you think?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Neither do I.”

King Melvin and Queen Eldorene broke into smiles. When I nodded to Seraphina, the fairies flew around happily.

“Outside might be a bit cold for the flower fairies. Shall I grant them my blessing?”

Hmm. With Tephra’s Blessing, the flower fairies should be fine. And so, we headed to the Fire Spirit Hot Spring, bringing the flower fairies along.

“Mhm. Land plants and flower fairies… we can’t hope to see such things in Grantios. This is truly enjoyable. Warming ourselves with hot water isn’t something we do often either.”

Queen Eldorene and the others seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their Termwills sightseeing.

Indeed, those things must be rare in Grantios. At any rate, I’m glad they’re enjoying themselves.

“Well then… shall we head to the baths? I hear dinner has been prepared in the resting area.”

“Yes. Then, we’ll meet in the resting area later.”

“See you later, Theodore-kun.”

Grace smiled, and Irmhild spoke. And so, at the entrance, we split into the men’s and women’s baths and headed deeper into the Fire Spirit Hot Spring.

“I confirmed that Mermaids and Sirens are fine with hot water… but are hot springs okay for you?” I asked Weltes, Eckels, and then Gymnos.

“As long as the temperature isn’t extreme enough to cause burns, it’s fine.”

“Same here. If anything, we might have more durability.”

“In terms of physical durability, that might be true. But since the Water Guardians can protect against high temperatures with magic, it’s hard to say definitively.”

“Well, we also create warm water to keep warm, so hot springs shouldn’t be a problem for us either.”

“I see… As expected of a warrior clan.”

Alfred nodded as if convinced. Creating warm water might be similar to the feeling of warming oneself by a bonfire.

I’d appreciate it if they could enjoy themselves moderately to avoid things like bath fatigue. I’ll keep an eye out to make sure they don’t overdo it in the sauna, inspired by the Dwarf craftsmen or anything.

Well, first, let’s warm up slowly. I’ll allow myself to soak leisurely in the bath.