Published: September 10, 2025
This story is a side tale around chapter 10 of the main story.
A single star fell.
Because it was daytime, few noticed it. It fell in a remote, undeveloped area far from human habitation, so it rarely came up in conversation and was gradually forgotten by the people.
On that day, we were unfortunately underground and unaware of it.
If we had witnessed it, could we have prevented that disaster...?
â—‡
"Satou! We did it!"
That "infinite distance communication (World Phone)" came on the day we returned from a rare labyrinth expedition.
"We wiped out hundreds of jellyfish aiming for the World Tree with the 'burgutomu ai'!"
The call was from Kese-san, a High Elf of the Bulinan Clan.
The "Burgutomu Ai" she mentioned is an eyeball-shaped pseudo-spirit developed by the Bulinan Clan for void use, operating an ultra-long-range laser.
Since I helped with its development, she probably reported her battle results specifically to me.
"Congratulations."
"Yes. It's thanks to the scarecrow that detected the jellyfish approach early. Thank you, Satou!"
It seems the autonomous golem scarecrow properly fulfilled its duty.
Still, Kese-san’s mood today is unusually high—like Saze-san from the rival Berinuan Clan.
After discussing some improvements to the jellyfish early warning network with the somewhat excited Kese-san, the communication ended.
"Is it over? Sounds like it’s not from Aze-tan, right?"
"It's from Kese-san of the Bulinan Clan."
I shared Kese-san’s news with Arisa and the others, who were curious, then returned to the mansion.
"A shooting star?"
"Yes! There were many falling in the northern sky yesterday!"
"Unlike the starfall from about half a year ago, it ended quickly though."
When I got back, the little girl maids told me this.
While we’re underground in the labyrinth, we get out of touch with surface happenings, so this was appreciated.
"More importantly, Arisa-chan! Nel-san and the others’ food stall is super popular!"
"The flour-based stall, right? I'm proud as an advisor."
"The new sweet ant honey okonomiyaki is a hit!"
"Oh, really? Then I’ll treat you on the way back from tomorrow’s errand."
"Really? Yay!"
The little girl maids jumped around happily near Arisa.
I can't quite imagine what sweet okonomiyaki tastes like, but if it’s like pancakes or crepes, it might be alright?
The information gathered that day was quite ordinary and was soon overshadowed by the exciting events in Labyrinth City Selbira.
Remembering today would be something for a little later.
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"Something strange with the forest?"
"Yeah. Beasts that usually stay deep in the forest have come down to the valley."
"Today we caught a green boar. Also caught a spotted deer, but it was too heavy to carry, so I soaked it in the valley. Anyone want some meat, help me out."
A strange event was happening in a village on the Norok Kingdom’s frontier.
Though minor as an anomaly, in hindsight it was a sign of impending disaster.
"More prey today?"
"Yep, a big-antler and a six-legged boar. Hunting's getting tougher with these."
"Big-antlers sell high, and six-legged boars taste great. If short on hands, I’ll send the young guys."
"That might be a good idea."
Throughout the village, the excess meat was being turned into jerky.
"What about the green boar?"
"Hunted that too, Gofe. And the spotted deer."
"Ehh, spotted deer aren't tasty."
"For those complaining, they get tendon meat only."
Until now, even the meat people fought over was so plentiful it was sorted by parts and type.
"Where's Gofe? He normally runs up after hunting."
"Maybe he’s gotten tired of meat?"
"No, no, he’s unusually down with a fever."
"What? Gofe, whose only virtue is health... I’ll bring him some fresh liver."
"Thanks, really."
Though villagers expected him to recover overnight, the meat-loving Gofe ended up bedridden longer than predicted.
"Looks like there’s too much jerky."
"Then let’s sell it in town."
"Merchants should be coming soon. Let’s let them earn some profit."
"Yeah."
The processed meat far exceeded what was needed for winter, so the excess was carried by merchants to various parts of the kingdom, bringing the villagers some unexpected income.