Tensei Shite Inaka de Slowlife wo Okuritai - Chapter 564

For the puppet show

"So, how's the puppet show going?"

　While Ra-chan was sorting out her feelings after learning the truth about Usappi, Gregor and I asked her how the puppet show was going.

"First of all, regarding personnel, we are recruiting people from within the territory who have the ability to use attributeless magic. However, it's not easy to gather good people."

"...Does that mean there are few people with attributeless aptitude?"

　Compared to fire, water, wind, etc., there are fewer people with aptitude for non-attributes.

　But even taking that into account, a territory as large as Gregor's should be able to gather a fair number of qualified subjects.

"No, if we advertised, we could get about 30 people to join."

"Then that's more than enough."

　If thirty people apply in the initial recruitment, you'll have plenty to choose from.

　In fact, it would be a problem if there were too many. I don't understand why they have to worry about a shortage of staff.

"No, that's not okay! None of them have enough love for the doll! The way they handle the doll, the way they lift it, the way they place it... there's no love in anything! The guy who came before grabbed Usappi by one of her ears carelessly.

He was holding it up! And one of his ears! What would he do if it got torn off?!"

　While I was still harboring doubts, Gregor slammed the table in an excited speech.

　The impact nearly caused the tea to spill, so I quickly used my psychic powers to levitate it and put it back down.

　Bastian and Tickle, expecting a disaster, rush over with towels in hand, but when they send a look that says everything is okay, they return to their usual positions with looks of relief.

"No matter how psychic someone may be, I don't want them to use it on someone who doesn't like dolls."

"Isn't that so? Isn't that so? Lord Alfried knows it!"

　Gregor nodded in agreement, looking pleased.

"But I am unsure. In order for the puppet show to be a success, shouldn't we set aside such personal feelings? Attributeless magicians are valuable. For the sake of the puppet show, I think it would be wise to turn a blind eye to such aspects and move forward quickly..."

　Gregor's expression is one of anguish as he mutters these things. It is clear that he is not satisfied with his choice.

　The reason he had such doubts was probably because it had become a collaborative venture.

　The increased scale of the project placed a great deal of responsibility on Gregor.

　Maybe the pressure is making him anxious.

"What are you talking about? There's no point if we don't pay attention to it. We're going to create a puppet show, Gregor's favorite. It would be a waste if we don't pay attention to it and make it the best show possible."

　I know all too well that there is no benefit to packing your schedule, because I damaged my body in my previous life. There is no need to push yourself to work.

"Lord Alfried!"

　Gregor let out an excited cry and turned his sparkling eyes to me.

"I think it will take five years for this business to get going."

"Did Alfried expect such a long preparation period?!"

"Not only do we need puppeteers, we also need to gather and train voice actors. It's not something you can do in just a year or two."

　The reality is that it takes time to train a wizard, and the job of voice acting is unknown even to us. I don't think we can impress the discerning audience of the royal capital in just a year or two.

　Rushing a big project really never ends well.

　I think it's best to proceed within your limits without straining yourself.

　And this is a big reason, but if we start performing right away, I'm worried we'll get too busy.

　It may be put off, but I want to have some leisurely time like when I was a child.

"What an obsession! I'm ashamed of myself for rushing the performance! Just like Alfried said, from now on I will not compromise and will create the best puppet show ever!"

　Unaware of my true feelings, Gregor renewed his resolve.

"Yeah, that would be good."

　I think it will be extremely difficult for anyone who works with Gregor from now on, but I hope they do their best.

What about the voice actors?

“We are beginning to move forward, though we are feeling our way around. The purpose of this visit is not only to lay the groundwork with the Barnark family, but also to secure human resources who can become voice actors in the royal capital.”

　As per my advice, it looks like they're planning to try approaching actors and minstrels.

　There isn't much we can say about the acting, so it would be best to hire a professional actor to give them comprehensive guidance.

"The key to training a voice actor is finding a good mentor."

"Yeah, I'll try to negotiate with them to get them interested."

　Although there were many challenges ahead, Gregor's eyes were brimming with enthusiasm.

　I can sense a strong determination to complete the puppet show.

　Gregor's recruitment plan seems to be going well.

　Even though they had had a meeting before, there shouldn't be any problems if they have made progress this far.

"That's nice. You two look like you're having fun..."

　As we were talking, Ra-chan looked at us and said with envy.

　Oops, even though I was leaving Usappi alone because he was in shock, I may have left him alone for too long.

"If you're interested, Ra-chan, how about we try a puppet show?"

"I want to do it!"

"Well, first we need to learn how to control the doll with psychic powers. I'm going to show you how to control the doll, so why don't you try it together, Ra-chan?"

　Regardless of whether or not they would do a puppet show, they would guide her in the direction of having Ra-chan play with magic, as was their original purpose.

"Yeah!"

　Ra-chan, who loves playing with magic, nodded with a smile.

"So, Tickle. Will you show me the results of your training?"

"Y-Yes! I'll do my best!"

　Though he struggled to answer, Tickle replied firmly and picked up the doll that was sitting on the sofa in the room.

　Judging from the clothes, it seems to be a doll based on an aristocratic lady.

　Tickle sat the doll on the carpet and activated his psychic powers.

　As Tickle's magic permeates the doll, it slowly stands up."

　There is a solid pause in the movement, making it a very natural, human way of getting up.

"Wow! The doll moved!"

　Ra-chan cried out in surprise as she saw the dolls start moving with psychic powers.

　Gregor is overwhelmed with love just seeing the doll move, and has a huge grin on his face.

　Given the location, it wouldn't be surprising if he was reported as a suspicious person.

　The doll bowed to us and began to walk slowly across the carpet.

　He walks around the area, then starts running around the room.

　There is no noticeable discomfort in these movements, and the transitions are very smooth.

"Well, Lord Alfried, how's Tickle's skill?!"

"Yeah, you've improved a lot. It's amazing how you've gotten so good at moving it in less than half a year! You've really worked hard."

"Tickle, that's amazing!"

"P-P-Thank you very much. I-I tried really hard...sniff."

　When I gave him my honest words of praise, Tickle's eyes started to water with joy and he began sniffling.

　I was surprised because I never thought that just a compliment would make her cry with joy.

　Ra-chan was patting Tickle's head as he began to cry. Very maternal.

　This may be because there is a problem with Gregor's everyday behavior.

　Leaving Tickle behind, I take Gregor a little distance away.

"Hey, Gregor. Do you normally praise Tickle? Do you always compare him to me and show dissatisfaction or criticize him?"

"Hmm... Now that you mention it, I may not have praised Tickle very much because I wanted him to move the doll well."

　Gregor's large body trembled and he looked away awkwardly.

"That's no good. If you want him to improve, you have to praise Tickle more. Gregor will be happy if the doll he made is praised, and he will try to make a better doll.

You'll want to give it to them, right?

"Oh! That's true!"

　By giving a concrete example, it seems that it resonated with Gregor as well.

"Tickle! You've improved a lot!"

"Thank you, Gregor."

　Gregor praised him and Tickle gave a pleased smile.

　Tickle loves the doll, but even more than that, he is happy making Gregor happy.

　It's such a shame that she works so hard and yet Gregor doesn't praise her.

　I'm glad I was properly praised.