Nicole and the Apothecary Family Live Freely
One month later.
The goblins discovered deep within Hateno Village had formed a large settlement of over three hundred, and several higher-tier species were also reportedly found.
The local adventurers were no match for them, and eventually, Lord-sama deployed his private troops, and neighboring nobles also took action.
How many were there? Damn, those damn goblins!!
By the time the extermination was over, our village was reduced to ashes, and all houses and farmland were lost.
We heard that several villagers were caught in the chaos and tragically lost their lives.
It was deeply regrettable that the village chief’s family and Milia’s family were among them.
Presumably, Lord-sama would send word to Lilliana and Milia, who are in the capital.
But now, with no home or village left to return to, they have no choice but to make a living in the capital.
I don’t care much about Lilliana, but I hope Milia will live strong and survive!
As soon as we arrived in Tokaran Town, Aunt Dahlia apparently sent a letter to Sieghart informing him of her safety.
No matter what you say, it’s undeniable that Sieghart saved her life.
Taking advantage of the completion of the goblin extermination, Father decided to send a set of various potions and medicines to Sieghart at the Royal Capital Academy via the Apothecary Guild.
“Doesn’t Nicole have anything to send? Like a letter?”
“Huh? Why should she?”
She has nothing to do with Sieghart, right?
When I tilted my head in confusion, Father nodded deeply.
“No prospects! Too bad, Arthur!”
Uncle Arthur clicked his tongue, saying “Tch.”
What’s going on??
“Ah! Send a letter to Milia along with it! And some throat lozenges and my potion too!”
“Yeah, Milia-chan is having a tough time…”
Father looked gloomy as he packed the items.
Then Mother came with a dress.
“Please include this too. Since Milia is petite, I think she can wear one of Nicole’s dresses. …This child, she grew taller just after getting new ones.”
Ah, that new dress from a while back!
The one worn only a few times!
“It’s still practically new, so I think she can wear it after some minor adjustments.”
Mother seems to be concerned since she knows Milia’s situation.
Because we packed so many things, the package became quite large, but we managed to send it off via the Apothecary Guild’s transport service!
Of course, Father covered the cost!
◆◇◆
After the Goblin Extermination Force disbanded and Tokaran Town finally settled down, our family remembered something important.
“Hey, Dad. By the way, since Alto is seven years old, isn’t it the year he receives blessings from the priest?”
“…………!!!”
Dad froze with wide eyes.
Mom placed her hand on her cheek, lowering her eyebrows in a troubled manner.
“After receiving Sieghart’s letter in the spring, we got so busy and completely forgot… Oh? Did the priest visit in early summer??”
Huh?
Normally, the village chief informs us about the visiting date of the priest, right?
When we realized this, the three of us stared at each other and froze.
“…………”
That blockhead village chief! He didn’t inform us on purpose, did he!!!
An aura of anger rose from the three of us!?
The person himself seemed bewildered.
We hurriedly explained the situation to the innkeeper and asked if it was possible here in Tokaran Town.
“My goodness! What a thing! That village chief deserved his fate, didn’t he?!”
Both the innkeeper and the kitchen master joined in our anger.
Only Jane remained calm, murmuring while holding a tray.
“You can receive blessings anytime at this town’s temples by making an offering. Go tomorrow morning! There are two temples: the Temple of the Goddess of Compassion and the Temple of the God of Abundance.”
Wow! A voice from heaven!
There really is a difference between the countryside and the city!
“What are you talking about? This place is plenty rural too~”
Jane waved her hand and laughed heartily at me, who comes from a border village.
With a slight bruise to our hearts, the next day our entire family headed to the Temple of the God of Abundance.
We had mixed feelings about the temple related to the Holy Maiden.
In this country, there are two temples, and generally, more people are followers of the Goddess of Compassion, but in rural areas and farming communities, more are followers of the God of Abundance.
Naturally.
Love won’t fill your stomach.
It’s normal to pray for abundance.
Even I live gratefully for the forest’s bounty!
The Temple of the God of Abundance in Tokaran Town was fairly grand and impressive.
When we informed the acolyte that we wanted to receive blessings, we were led to a special altar in the back, where the elderly priest kindly accepted Father’s generous offering.
The weight of the bag made the priest smile.
Father went all out for Alto!
As Alto stood before the altar with clasped hands praying, light streamed into the solemn room.
“Let us give thanks to the blessings of the God of Abundance.”
The priest lightly bowed his head and clasped his hands.
Alto turned around to us with a bright smile on his face.
“Guess what, I got the Alchemy skill!”
Upon hearing those words, my eyes widened in shock!
“Yesss!! Bottles, stoppers, sealing papers—all freebies now!!!”
Surprised by my sudden shout and jump, the priest stared in shock.
Father hastily covered my mouth, firmly restraining me.
Glancing up, I saw Father’s lips twitching.
“Oh dear, Nicole is quite the tomboy.”
Mother sighed at me but approached Alto, hugging him tightly and smiling like a holy mother.
“Congratulations, Alto. You received a wonderful skill!”
“Yes! Mom! I’ll help Dad and big sister!”
While still restraining me, Father was moved to tears.
Was it that impactful?
The priest and the acolyte quickly retreated.
And thus, our family acquired the skill to self-produce potions together!
We did it!
Returning to the inn and recounting the events, Uncle Arthur burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.
Jane pointed at me, laughing uncontrollably and rolling on the floor.
Aunt Dahlia and the innkeeper blessed Alto, and the old man cooked big pancakes.
Alto is such a lovable character!
Even big sis couldn’t resist giving Alto cute little kisses on his cheeks!
“Stop it, sis! It’s embarrassing…”
His bashful demeanor was absolutely adorable!
◆◇◆
Well then, it’s been about two months since we came to Tokaran Town, so let’s hold a family meeting including our neighbors.
Firstly, regarding the devastated Hateno Village, it’s currently used as a camping ground for adventurers, who are hunting the remaining goblins and investigating the surrounding forest.
Incidentally, the neighboring village escaped disaster but suffered damage to their pre-harvest wheat fields due to many adventurers and soldiers passing through, leading to a food shortage.
I heard that many will go out to work during this winter.
Unfortunately, Hateno Village is uninhabitable, so thanks to Lord-sama’s kindness, those who fled are exempt from taxes for a year to rebuild their lives in the towns and villages they evacuated to.
Those who fled to other territories aren’t guaranteed the same.
Many likely prayed in gratitude to Lord-sama.
Thank goodness, thank goodness~.
Oh yes, we received a letter from Sieghart in the capital, informing us that Cain’s father is in the capital.
He left the village early and went to his elder brother in the capital, reuniting with his son.
Having a skilled trade is an advantage, and he’s now working as a hired blacksmith in a small workshop.
Cain’s father must have had decisive judgment and foresight.
At least, it’s good to hear he’s safe.
The elderly people who fled with us seem to be managing well with the cooperation of those around them.
The villagers who evacuated later are settling nearby, helping each other adjust to town life.
“Since we brought them here, we intend to look after them until they settle down. We’ll live here in Tokaran Town during the tax-free period.”
No one opposed Father’s opinion.