By the Grace of the Gods

Today, two chapters posted at once.

This is the first chapter.

Afternoon

In the forest spreading out behind the mansion.

Walking along a small path where branches have been trimmed to allow passage and the underbrush cut back just enough.

Though still within the mansion grounds, this area seems to be maintained in a way that stays as close to nature as possible.

From time to time, the presence of living creatures can be sensed…

“…”

A wolf-type magical beast watches from a distance before quietly leaving as if nothing happened.

“Is that madam’s familiar?”

I asked Ms. Luluneze, who was leading the way, and she replied that it probably was.

“Most of the wolf-type magical beasts here, especially those watching us, are almost certainly madam’s familiars assigned to guard this area. But there are also familiars belonging to the servants, so it could have been another familiar who happened to pass by and was on alert. Either way, today's schedule has been communicated to the manager, so you won't be attacked.”

That’s a relief. But does the Duke’s household have many servants who are also Beast Tamers?

“The Duke Jamill’s household is a family of Beast Tamers, and they’ve created an environment where familiars can live freely like this. They also allow the servants to engage in beast taming, so it’s an easy environment for those interested to learn. Many long-serving servants have familiars too. For example… please look over there.”

Just as we reached the end of the path, the forest opened up into a perfectly rectangular clearing.

The ground was covered with lush grass and wild flowers, and to the left, a large lake stretched out.

The meadow’s size was about that of a small school gymnasium—more than enough space to run around and play.

What Ms. Luluneze pointed out was in the center of the lake.

There was a slightly irregularly shaped island, moss-covered and roughly conical.

I wondered if something was living on that island.

“That appears to be an island, but it’s actually a magical beast called a ‘floatland tortoise.’”

“Oh, so that’s it…”

When I asked for more details, I learned that the floatland tortoise has an air bladder inside its body and lives by floating near the water’s surface. It feeds on water insects and small fish drifting by, with sharp teeth and a strong jaw capable of crushing bones. Its temperament is very gentle, and once it grows large enough, people can even ride on its back.

“By the way, its contractor is the head chef, Mr. Bats, and when I was a child, I sometimes had the chance to ride on its back.”

“Ridable… Speaking of which, I’m interested in familiars that can help with transportation. How does it feel to ride?”

“The floatland tortoise basically just floats, so while you can ride it, it’s not suited for transportation. If you lose your balance, it can flip over. Well, as a child, I remember it being fun though.”

It really is like a balloon… Wait, focus, time to start working.

“Already? Even your husband isn’t here yet.”

“I’m just getting things ready. It’ll make it easier for those who come to help to work. Besides, it’s really simple work.”

Before setting up the wedding hall, preparations had to be made.

…Specifically, what I had to do was,

“‘Dimension Home.’”

As usual, relying on the slime.

Just having the weed slime eat the annoying grass!

Thanks to this slime-based human wave tactic, the obstructive grass at the wedding venue was quickly cleared away.

As preparations progressed and volunteers began to gather one by one…

“Ryoma-kun!”

“Ah, good work! …?”

I heard Mr. Kamil’s voice and turned to see Mr. Zeff and Mr. Jill behind him.

Strangely, they were supporting a very exhausted Mr. Fuse on his shoulder…

I was glad to see the four familiar guards had come, but…

“Why are you in such shape? Your face is pale, are you okay?”

“…!”

Mr. Fuse was breathing heavily, holding his mouth and shaking his head weakly.

“You feel like vomiting if you talk?”