Part 5
On the other hand, Kuro Usagi was giving loud sighs as she sat in Jin’s office which was located in another block. Jin had left to check on their warehouse to reconfirm the quantities of the inventory after looking through the order list.
Whereas Kuro Usagi, who was waiting for Jin’s return, seemed to have lost all her motivation as she slumped into the chair and allowed her head to hang on the back of the chair.
Although the transaction of [Batsu] did make their coffers a little plumper, the Community that they ran was one that housed a hundred and twenty young boys and girls. It would require a stable source of income if they were to be raised in the Community.
The girl, who was dressed up like a maid, sat down beside and consoled the depressed Kuro Usagi who was dispirited after the loss of their rare opportunity.
“Don’t be so glum. Trading with the water resource isn’t the one and only method that we have.”
“Well, you may say that…… Then, what better suggestion can Leticia-sama give?” Kuro Usagi asked as she slightly lifted her head.
Leticia’s soft and silken hair shone like strands of gold as they lightly brushed across Kuro Usagi’s nose.
Appearing to be around the age of a twelve or thirteen year old, this maid costume that she wore was adorned with a lovely lotus leaf patterned lace. If one were to look at it from the objective perspective of the role of a maid, no matter how polite one may be, it is too much to call this clothing a suitable dressing for that kind of job.
But it could not be more suited for her when she wore it.
A dainty height coupled with a head of splendid long and flowing blonde hair and a gentle beautiful appearance. Although it may look like a strange outfit for a maid costume at first glance, it did look very good on her. Compared to the focus on the functionality of clothes, it was clear that the master had placed the focus on the aesthetic aspect of the clothes. Regarding that point, it shows the serious attitude of Leticia about her job.
And this serious girl was now revealing a mischievous smile like the foreboding of a prank as she slightly tilted her head to ask Kuro Usagi.
“Ara, I’m just a lowly servant who do not have the position to talk. When in the face of the Community’s strategist, and one who is known as the [Highborn of Little Garden], it would really be out of place for me to bring up any suggestion before Kuro Usagi-Ojou-sama……”
“Uu…… please don’t say that. Please do share with me your knowledge.”
Seeing Kuro Usagi say such spineless words, Leticia gave a shrug of her shoulders in slight irritation.
“Mhm…… To increase the strength of our Community, what we would need is to increase our savings. You do know that much right?”
“YES. But currently, our Community does not have any excess savings……”
“Well, that’s true. Although goshuujin-samas have done well, currently it would seem that it has only reached an equilibrium and there’s nothing for us to talk about savings.—Then, why is that so? Is it because of the hundred and twenty members who are incapable of contributing much to the Community? Am I right?”
Kuro Usagi’s expression was frozen for a moment.
Because that was something that she knew all too well and it was the reality that she wanted to avoid all these while.
However, Leticia had a cold and unforgiving look that was unthinkable from her usual self as she continued to press the matter.
“As I’ve mentioned earlier, goshuujin-samas have done a very good job. Ever since their arrival to this world of Little Garden, they have been gaining victories in games in a consecutive manner. Yet the living standards of this Community did not have any visible signs of improvement. And why is that so? Because we are an organization riddled with liabilities. And the biggest liabilities in the Community…… are these children. Am I wrong to say that?”
“………… .”
The Kuro Usagi gradually became expressionless as she started to stare hard into Leticia’s eyes. For the sake of reading the real intention behind those words, she continued to search for the answers in the depths of those wine red irises.
If the real intention behind those words were to abandon the liabilities…… That would absolutely not sit well with her.
—Normally speaking, the human resources to support everyday life in the Community could be divided into two major groups.
The first would be those who are specialized in and responsible for taking part in Gift Games and the earning of Gifts like the [Water Tree] or even monetary rewards among others. Talents who support the Community, such as Izayoi, a Game Player.
The second type would be the support group who would help in the other aspects of life to allow the Game Players to be able to enter the competitions in their peak conditions. The children in the Community were only able to enjoy the same Gifts that were earned from rewards through the work that they have done to help Izayoi and the others in the aspects of food preparation, sweeping and cleanliness of the place and caring for their every aspect of living.
But the structure of these human resources in the Community of [No Name] was fairly unbalanced. The former only consisted of three people and the latter was a group of over a hundred and twenty individuals. If compared to Izayoi and the others who needed to spend their mornings in competitions, the jobs of these children would only be to prepare the meals, wash the clothes, sweeping, other similar tasks and no other.
“…… ……”
The hundred and twenty children were the liability of this Community. Kuro Usagi could only lower her head and turn away her gaze as she could not find any way to retort to Leticia’s words. In fact, that was something that she thought of as well. Even for the [Batsu] incident today, it was supposed to be a reward that belonged to Izayoi and gang without the need to share with others. Even if the situation was not one that followed the plan, there should not have been any grounds for her to remark upon the act.
However, they had been uncomplainingly contributing their all to the Community— and that could only be said to be their act of kindness.
The more she thought about it, the more it pained her heart and her Usagimimi drooped as she looked more depressed than before.
Giving Kuro Usagi a sidelong glance, Leticia sighed as she looked to the skies.
“Try to come up with a plan to help these liabilities become a resource for the Community. If we can do that, our Community will definitely be able to make progress. …… This is something that those children strongly wish for as well.”
“Yi?”
Kuro Usagi lifted her head in surprise.
Leticia was looking at Kuro Usagi with a warm and gentle smile.
“This is something that happened this afternoon. After the preparation of lunch earlier in the day, the children of the Senior group have come to me to discuss about this matter
“ —Ever since Izayoi-sama and Asuka-sama arrived, we were able to get our fill every day. Moreover, we also have sufficient water from the water source that removes the need for us to fetch water from the faraway river. ……But we are now unable to complete our duties to this Community. Are there any other good ideas for us—?”
like that. Those children must have been aware of this situation when they make that sort of plea and they seem to have given it much thought before coming to me with those serious expressions, you know?”
“ Is……Is that so?”
Kuro Usagi blinked her eyes in surprise.
Perhaps it was her recent hurrying around after the arrival of Izayoi and the others, Kuro Usagi did not have a good chance to properly speak with the children. Not knowing that the children were actually carrying that same sort of guilt was unexpected.
Seeing Kuro Usagi’s look, Leticia gave a laugh as she continued.
“Indeed. If only we were able to clinch the deal of the sale of water, there would definitely be a steady inflow of income. But there needs to be a better plan for the efficient allocation of resources. Although they might still be children, but they are still a hundred and twenty strong. To include all the members and resources to search for the way that will bring out the greatest value is a task of yours. Am I wrong, Kuro Usagi?”
Listening to Leticia’s counsel, it struck a chord within Kuro Usagi’s heart.
“A way to utilize the water and children…… not just for minor house chores but to offer them a productive task……”
For Kuro Usagi who had supported this Community by herself for the duration of the last three years, this was a suggestion that she had not thought of before. This is because in the eyes of Kuro Usagi, these children were not comrades who supported the Community but were individuals to be protected and cared for. However, in the interval of three years after the attack of the Demon Lord, the Senior Group of the children are already at the age of ten.
For the sake of supporting their Community—Perhaps the day for them to play a part has finally arrived.
The drooping Usagimimi suddenly perked up with a *Pi!* as Kuro Usagi thanked Leticia with renewed spirits.
“Thank you so much! I’m finally able to see the way forward all thanks to your words.”
“Is it so? That’s great to hear.”
“Yeah~ …….And, Kuro Usagi’s really sorry for having to rely on you so much. Even though they might have destroyed the original plan when they defeated the [Batsu], it does not change the fact that they have brought a huge benefit to the Community. It would seem that Kuro Usagi has done a very impolite thing to Izayoi and the others…….”
“I guess that is so. Even with your closest comrades, one still has to pay attention to politeness. When you remember of it, please do apologize to them. …… Well, coming to think about it, for goshuujin-samas to defeat [Batsu], I wonder what could be the reason behind it. It just doesn’t seem to be their usual way of doing things.”
Ara? The both of them tilted their heads as they exchanged a look.
At this moment, there was a sound of frantic running along the corridor.
With a “Bang!”, Jin swung open the door in a hurry.
“Kuro, Kuro Usagi!! This is bad, please come quickly!!”
“Jin, Jin-bocchan? Has something happened?”
Running over in a hurry was the young leader Jin Russel, and before he could even have a moment to catch his breath, he pulled Kuro Usagi’s hand, “It is impossible with me alone! Anyways, just come with me and help me with the translations!”
“Is, Is this about translating?!”
Things were getting more confusing by the moment.
And while Kuro Usagi was still in her state of confusion, Jin pulled her hand as they ran down the stairs.
Arriving at the entrance of another building, Kuro Usagi finally understood the situation with just a glance at their guest.
“Ah! You…. Are that unicorn whom I met before, am I right?”
{“Yes, that’s me. It’s been a while, [Moon Rabbit].”}
Yes. The one who visited the territory of the [No Name] is the Eudemon whom she had met during the time when she had been chasing after Izayoi.
A body covered in a beautiful bluish white gloss and the lone horn that stems from the forehead. This is a horse that is commonly known as the unicorn.
“This is really surprising……! Not only seeing a unicorn in the East Side but appearing in a human inhabited region?! Just the news of your herd leaving the South Side is already very strange…… Well, because we are in this outlying building, we are unable to offer you much for a warm welcome. If we were at the main building, we do have a special guest room for entertaining Eudemon type guests! If it is convenient for you, we can go over…”
{“No, please do not stand on ceremony with me. Because I’m just here to offer my gratitude. ….. Sorry about this, but could you help me take down the bundle on my back?”}
The unicorn used his nose to point to his back. In the sack, which seemed like a saddle on his back, was only one item. After unbuttoning the sack, Jin carefully retrieved the sack from his back and laid it out on the ground.
Upon seeing the object, Kuro Usagi and Jin were unable to contain their surprise.
“Could this be…. The horn of a Unicorn?!”
{“That’s right. I hope to gift it to you guys.”}
“How can that be?!! We cannot accept such a valuable gift!! Moreover, you are of the unicorns and to give a horn of your kind as a gift…… that is something that is completely unheard of!!”
Kuro Usagi couldn’t help it as her mind was thrown into confusion once more. This also told of how unusual the situation was.
—When one talks about the Unicorn’s horn, it is a very famous heirloom which has the properties of cleansing and curing of wounds. And in this world of Little Garden, there have been records of unicorn hunting as many humans wanted to get their hands on the horns.
This history is also the reason for their surprise when they spotted a unicorn who has entered the territory inhabited by Man.
Needless to say, the gifting of a unicorn’s remains to an outsider is something that is unheard of.
{“It is understandable that you are surprised to that extent. But your comrades have performed a deed worthy for this horn of mine to be bestowed to you. Not only did they save my life today—they have also avenged my kind by defeated the demonic beast [Batsu] who is also our nemesis! With that, it can be said that it is undoubtedly an avenging for the regrets of my fallen comrades! As a representative for all the South Side residents who have suffered greatly under the drought, I hope that you will accept this gift that represents our deepest thanks…..!”}
The voice of the unicorn was earnest and filled with gratitude.
But Kuro Usagi’s reaction was one of incomparable surprise.
“ Could it be…… that the reason for Izayoi-san and the others to have defeated the [Batsu] is to save you……?”
{“Yes, you are right about that. Aiya, they really are exceptional humans. Just remembering that sight is enough to make my blood boil in excitement! Although it is said to be corrupted by miasma and having its divinity corroded away, it is still a descendant of a Divine Beast. —But with just a hit! It was sent sprawling in just a hit! If I were to put it myself, it sure is expected of the comrades of [Moon Rabbit]. It really is a hit that makes one feel the palpitations of joy……!!!”}
The unicorn’s breathing started to become irregular as it grew more excited with its recount. But it did tell of the flow of events that led up to the situation.
—It is said that the [Batsu] had been resting in the South Side of the world of Little Garden previously.
Water shortage had struck due to the intense heat of the sun and it brought a destructive disaster to many plants and organisms in the South Side. Especially for the unicorns who live near the waters, this was a matter of life and death Not only were their habitats continuously destroyed but a good portion of their comrades had also lost their lives due to it.
Although the Unicorns were a race that were courageous and proficient in battles, their opponent was able to take to the skies and the difference in their compatibility was seriously too great. Comrades who have gone to face it to meet out its punishment have also returned with only a handful of feathers.
Just when they were about to be wiped out, a passing magi general had chased the [Batsu] out of the South Side and saved them from the impending extinction of their kind.
{“As we heard of a Herald, a water god, residing in the East Side Outer Gate Number 2105380, I set out hither to obtain a Gift from it. The serpent god who resides in the nearby Tunisia Falls is rather famous by the way.”}
“I, I see. So that is why we met in that place.”
{“Yes. But you guys have beaten me to the completion of the challenge hosted by the serpent god. Even so, the serpent god who learnt of my situation had referred me to a challenge offered by the neighboring water faeries. Thanks to that, I’ve also successfully obtained a Gift.”}
“That is great news.”
Kuro Usagi massaged her chest as she felt relieved.
But the Unicorn suddenly dropped its volume by a bit at this point.
{“But on my journey to return to my homeland.— I discovered the enemy of my race! I did not know that the [Batsu] had been driven to the East Side nor did I expect to meet it! What came next was a blur as the blood rushed to my head to chase after it. We of the Unicorn race are quite spirited and will not stop when our hearts are ablaze!”}
“……”
Although it sounded like something said in a jokingly tone, Kuro Usagi was able to relate to his feelings.
If she had been the one who met the Demon Lord who was her enemy…… she would definitely charge at it without a second thought as well.
{“AiyaAiya…… It was a really shameful sight then. Not only did I not succeed in my avenging strike, but I found myself slowly retreating when I came to my senses. Because my heart was telling me persistently that I must get the Gift bestowed by the water faeries back to my homeland but at the moment when my mind calmed down enough to think of that, it was already too late. Just as he was about to rend me with his claws— your comrades had saved my life from the fate of his claws in the nick of time……!”}
It really was a situation that could be said to be happening in a split moment.
In the moment that the huge hooked claw was about to strike from the skies on the Unicorn who had left the city, travelled the hills and woods in his journey for the Gift, Kudou Asuka had shouted these words to the [Batsu].
“Stop it right now!”
Needless to say, the movements of the [Batsu] had suddenly frozen in its act.
Not missing this moment, Kasukabe Yō immediately whipped up a whirlwind to send Izayoi into the air.
“We will be leaving the rest to you, Izayoi.”
“Leave it to me then!!!”
Laughing a “Yahohoho!” as he soared through the sky with a somersault, he landed a roundhouse kick on the [Batsu]. And being unable to withstand that force, the [Batsu] crumpled to the ground.
{“Aiya……that was really spectacular. Although it was shameful that I had turned tail at that moment, it was still a sight that made my heart sing in joy! Really…. I’m really grateful to you guys.”}
The Unicorn gave a deep bow.
Completely frozen in her spot, Kuro Usagi also hung her head for some strange reason.
{“This horn is horn is a relic left behind by one of our fallen comrades who failed in their challenge against the [Batsu]. Originally, it is an item that is prepared for the negotiations if I failed in my Gift Game…… But if it is given to you guys, I will think it to be more than fitting for this end. I would like to trouble you to accept this token of mine.”}
“…… I understand the whole story now and I will pass this horn over to Izayoi and the others. Please be careful on your way back as well.”
After passing his comrade’s horn to Kuro Usagi, the Unicorn turned to leave.
But suddenly seeming to remember something, he turned his head back to ask, {“Aahh, right. There’s another thing that I would like to ask about.”}
“And what would that be?”
{“I heard that your Community is spreading the word of “Defeating Demon Lords” as you carry out your activities. Is that true?”}
In a flash, Kuro Usagi swallowed back her words.
Slightly giving a glance at Jin’s expression, she then puffed her chest and lifted her head to reply to the question,
“ —YES! Not only pertaining to the Demon Lord themselves but also the problems that are caused by them. We will accept them all, you know?”
{“Hoho……I see, it sure sounds dependable! Compared to the reality that you guys are [No Name]s, your ambitions are strong enough to carve its mark into my heart. If it is possible for you guys, please come and attend the Gift game contests that will be hosted by the South Side’s Harvest Festival in two months. Although the Unicorns are still in the process of recovering and are unable to attend the festival, but our Community, the [One Horn] will surely welcome you!”}
Saying that, the unicorn gave a loud neigh before leaving the [No Name] territory.
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