Multiple carriages were travelling peacefully surrounded by beautiful grass field. Even the coachman were smiling because of the blissful atmosphere. But it seems the people inside on one of the carriages were on the opposite.

[ Could you please get away from Ai-chan-sensei? ]

A girl with her usual chestnut colored hair said while smiling brightly. Despite the smile she's wearing, what she emits was murderous intent.

[ Y-Yuka-sama, t-this is just for her own protection. ]

[ Then, there's no problem if we were the one sitting next to Ai-chan-sensei right? ] Taeko said before manipulating her whip and wrap around Aiko's waist.

[ Hyaa! ] Aiko screamed mid air.

Yuka and Taeko smoothly move to the side and provides space for Aiko to sit on.

[ Oy wait!- ] One of the Templar Knight shouted and tried to reach out for Aiko, but a wire wrap around his hand which stops him from his tracks.

The rest of the Templar Knights reach out for their weapons, but an angry voice suddenly resounded.

[ Don't you dare! They are my students you know!? ] Aiko glared at the Templar Knights in front of her.

The Templar Knights were surprised for a second, before returning to their senses.

[ N-no Aiko, it's just an impulse. We didn't meant any harm. ] One of the Knights said and bow apologetically.

The rest of the Templar Knights calmed down and also bowed to Aiko.

[ *sigh* Forget it. Sonobe-san and Sugawara-san too. Stop making a ruckus, you can't just use your weapons here, you know. This carriage is small so don't do something unnecessary, okay?... ]

The smug look on Yuka and Taeko's face vanished and the two looked at Aiko in suprise. Despite being angry, Aiko looks like a kid getting mad at her playmate.

The rest of the students smiles warmly seeing that.

[ Also, it's no joke that they are protecting me. They're strong enough to keep me safe, you know? ] Aiko explained with serious tone.

The Templar Knights smiles confidently from hearing Aiko's evaluation for them.

Templar Knights Commander, David Zahler: [ Don't worry. I'll protect Aiko. I promise you, I won't let even a hair on her head be harmed. After all, she's my ang— Er, my everything. ]

Templar Knights Vice Commander, Chase Domino: [ I'm prepared to give my all for Aiko-san. Hell, I'd even throw away my faith for her if I had to. So don't worry, we'll keep her safe. ]

Imperial Guard Joshua Augus: [ Meeting Aiko-chan must have been fate. How could I possibly let my fated partner die? ]

Imperial Guard Jade Hatto: [ I swear on my life that I will keep her safe. Not as a member of the Imperial Guard, but as a man. ]

At that moment, the students had realized their mistake."What on earth happened!? Is it just me or are they the ones that fell for her instead!?" They unanimously thought things along those lines.

To begin with, the church assigned only good looking guards for Aiko. Even for the students knows exactly what they were planning, and originally, they had intended to keep Aiko from falling for one of the knights, but after hearing how they'd all fallen head over heels for her, their goal had shifted to a protective desire to keep Aiko safe from the knights' advances.

But the students couldn't help but wonder... just what had happened between Aiko and the knights for them to become like this?

That was too long a story to mention, but suffice to say Aiko's natural sincerity, cuteness, and tendency to fall flat on her face whenever she tried to do something played a large role in why the knights were now smitten with her. The tales of Aiko's adventures with her merry band of knights were numerous enough to fill a whole book on their own... Quite a bit happened. Quite a bit.

Hearing Everyones loyalty, or rather, love confession, Yuka, Taeko and Nana's faces were cramping while the boys were watching with an awkward smile.

For starters, Tamai cleared his throat and decided to shift the topic.

[ *ehem* Sonobe, about the letter Yaegashi-san sent... ]

[ Yeah! I can't believe they already cleared that many floors in just one week. ]

[ Looks like that training really paid off. ]

Akito and Noboru's follow up successfully removes the awkward sweet atmosphere the Templar Knights created.

During that time Yuka was receiving her promotion, she also received a letter from Shizuku through Guild's mailing system.

The content was too long to mention here, but to sum it up, it contains all the details about their progress on the Great Orcus Labyrinth. They already reach floor 75th from 70th within a week, which was three times faster than their initial attempts. They already reached that deep so the monster can't be really compared from previous floors. Overall, the Hero's party was three times stronger than before.

Yuka and the others concluded that, it was all thanks to the trust that they built in during their training, that they can all fight more efficiently. But from the outside perspective, it was a completely different story...

[ Just as should be expected from the Hero. ]

[ Yeah, I only had seen him fight only on training, but it seems he goes beyond my expectations. ]

After hearing Tamai, Noboru, and Akito's remarks, David and the others returns to their senses, and they gave their own opinions regarding the Hero's party, ignoring the fact that Tamai and the others were just praising them. They really believes that, it was all thanks to Kouki that they reach that level in short amount of time.

[ But I still can't believe he lost to that guy, right? ]

[ What are you saying, that guy probably used underhanded tactics to overpowered the Hero and the other God's Apostles, you know? ]

[ Have you heard?... He used somekind of Artifacts for that. ]

[ Hmm... Is that so. ]

Jade paused and start thinking.

[ How about that day... Ishtar-sama and his Majesty even went and prepared 200 soldiers to subjugate him, and they still failed and Ishtar-sama died on the process. ]

[ *sigh* Did you forgot?...During our investigations we found out that he went missing on the first day of his arrival on the palace. ] David seems annoyed that one of the men under him seems scattered brain.

[ ...You mean... he's prepared for that? That explains everything... ]

During their conversation, Aiko and the others keep their mouth shut and just listened attentively. It was obvious who they were talking about, and students can't help but get pissed off from hearing their remarks.

But Yuka won't let this pass without confronting them.

[ It's like you're saying Nagumo was planning to kill everyone at that day, huh? ] Yuka said with a flat voice. Her expression turns blank and she stared at the Templar Knights with unblinking eyes.

[ T-that's not really what we meant to say. It's just that... it's impossible for someone to empower the Hero with only pure strength by themselves. ] Chase said nervously.

"Yuka and Nagumo(-kun) defeated him fair and square though" Taeko and the others thought while looking at Chase with pity.

[ Is that so... *sigh* Say, what do you think was the reason for that tragedy to happen? ]

[ ...I heard that he was defying Ehit-sama's devine will. It's quite surprising he wasn't branded as heretic yet. Oh right, he threatens the Royal Family, which means he still have a back up plan laying around the Palace. ] David said in condescending tone.

Aiko and the students raised an eyebrow from hearing that.

Yuka ignored the annoying stuffs David said and proceed to her point. [ Right... He denied your God's devine will, which was about Yue-san getting married to Lundel-san... ]

Yuka paused and looked at David straight into his eyes.

[ This is just hypothetical okay?...What if, just what if... Ai-chan-sensei gets married to someone else against her will, what will you do? ]

[ Of course, I will fight for her! ]

[ I'll save her! ]

[ You don't have to ask! ]

[ I'd risk my life to save her! ]

David, Chase, Jade, and Joshua answered without a secone thought.

Taeko and the others ignore Aiko's reaction and they all stared at the Templar Knights interestingly. They could clearly see how sincere their declaration was.

[ I see... ] Yuka said while nodding in understanding.

[ As a man who would do anything for their beloved, you all should be able to sympathise with him right? ]

[ ... ]

There's no reply. David and the others was so dumbfounded from realization that they went silent.

Hajime who literally commit genocide just for her beloved, was a man amongs man as for David and the others idealogy, which was the reason they can't argue back against Yuka's statement. They had even declared that they would even throw out their faith jusy to be with Aiko. If they back out from their words, it'd be a shame for someone who was aiming as Aiko's lover, and as a man itself.

Taeko and Nana snickered from seeing David and others dejected expressions, while the boys were sweating profusely seeing how terrifying Yuka can be. Not only with strength, she can destroy her enemies with words alone.

Yuka huffed and turned her gaze outside the window. The wind was warm and breezy, but the cold feelings coming from her mind can't let her enjoy the beautiful scenery in front of her.

There still a long way to go before they arrive at their destination, so it was quite reassuring Yuka managed to shut down David's group before they become troublesome. The rest of the trip was silent and peaceful. Aiko somehow enjoy her time with her students without any nuisance thanks to Yuka's assistance. If Aiko needs something, Yuka's party will provide it for her which loses David and the others' chance to get closer to Aiko. Until finally, they all decided to just sit quietly and watch Aiko and her students without bothering any of them. Also it seems that Aiko was enjoying herself, or rather, she was able to genuinely smile more frequently than before, which makes their heart skips a beat multiple times.


They arrived at their destination at noon and it was overwhelming. The exhaustion from the pain stalking road trip that lasted for 4 days was washed away by the view of the huge lake on the center of the town. The clear blue water, light getting reflected to the surface, and the abundance of plant, crops and trees surrounding it... was breathtaking.

[ Lake Town of Ur... This town is famous not only on that huge ass lake, but also through their spices. ]

[ Yeah, this town is far from the Demons' Country Garland, so it's quite peaceful. ]

[ Monsters also lives deep in the mountains, so the town hardly get attacked for no reason. ]

Noboru, Tamai, and Akito explained while smiling warmly.

After a few minutes of enjoying the beautiful atmosphere, the group proceeds and went to the Inn Liliana selected for them beforehand. They went and walked through foot to greet the locals of the Town. At first everyone stared at Aiko's group in consfusion, but because of David's declaration about the arrival of Fertility Goddess, everyone's gazes suddenly filled with admiration. Aiko's deed had already spread across the land of Tortus, so it was no doubt that people would revered and held her in high regard closed to worshipping.

Aiko ran her gaze to the locals, who for some reason was praying attentively. She can't help but smile awkwardly while waving her hand that seems lack in energy. She had tons of experience when dealing with people like these, but she really can't get used to it just as expected.

For Yuka's party, this was the first time they had seen such facade. They can't help but be proud after seeing the locals interaction to Aiko.

After on what feels like walking a kilometers for Aiko, they arrived at the Inn next to the lake. The signboard that says 'Water Sprite Inn" was quite fitting based on the location of the Inn.

David and the others went first, lined up behind the door, and opens it in exaggerated manner, only to emphasise Aiko's entrance. Such actions obviously attracted tons of attention from the people inside. Aiko enters feeling a little embarrassed and approached the counter in front of her.

[ Welcome, how can I help you today Ojou-san? ]

An elderly man looking to be in his sixties and sporting a magnificent mustache greeted Aiko's group with smile. He seems unperturbed by the grand entrance and continue his job properly, what a professional.

But the fact that he calls Aiko "Ojou-san" turns the atmosphere quite heavy for David and the others. It's quite offensive for the woman they love to be mistaken as a little girl.

They were about to remonstrate him, but Yuka steps forward first and start talking.

[ Hello, uhmm... ]

[ Foss Seluo, you can just call me Foss, and I'm the owner of this Inn. ]

Yuka nodded and placed her Status Plate and a Letter in the counter in front of Foss. [ I see, good knowing you Foss-san. My name is Yuka Sonobe... ]

While Yuka was introducing everyone else with her, including David's group, Foss took a glance at the Letter and Status Plate on the counter, and his eyes went wide in surprise from more reason than one.

First was Yuka's rank. The number of Adventurers that reach Silver to Gold rank was considerably low, but one was now in front of him. Next was Yuka's stats and skills. Even if he compared the strongest warrior he knew here on Ur, that person's stats can't hold a candle against Yuka's stats. And lastly, was the Royal Crest on the letter. That means, the people in front of him has connections to the Royal Family to be bestowed with such honor.

(TN:The difference on the Royal crest to normal crest the Kingdom provides was, the quality of wax they used to seal the letter, so anyone can immediately determine the value of the letter based only with that.)

Foss return his gaze to Yuka and he ran his gaze to the rest of her group.

[ ...And this girl you just call "Ojou-san"q is Aiko Hatayama. ]

[ ...Y-you mean, the Fertility Goddess? ] Foss was shaken, that's very clear from his tone.

[ Yup, the one and only. ] Yuka said with a big smile.

Hearing that, Foss immediately ran out behind the counter and perform a beautiful dogeza in front of Aiko.

[ I-I apologize for such rudeness Fertility Goddess-sama! P-please just spare my family and this place, and take my life alone to atone for my sins! ] He shouted with conviction.

Of course, the customers inside were shocked too. Also, by looking at the Templar Knights around Aiko, that seems ready to bestow the punishment anytime, they can't help but cower in fear and they all abandoned whatever they were doing and kneeled in front of Aiko.

Seeing that, Aiko panics and reach out for Foss in front of her.

[ E-everyone, please calm down! I'm not mad really, so you can raise your head now. Also please stop kneeling! ]

[ ... Y-You're not?... ]

[ Yes, I'm used to it already, so you did nothing wrong to offend me.]

Foss raised her head and gaze up on Aiko, after that he turned his gaze on Yuka who for some reason was smiling wryly, and lastly, his gaze turned to the Templar Knights who let go of their swords, and put their stance down.

After processing for a few seconds, Foss take Aiko's hand and stand on his feet before dusting out his apron.

[ Thank you very much for your kindness Fertility Goddess-sama. ] Foss bowed and immediately went back behind the counter.

[ Also please stop with the Fertility Goddess. Aiko is fine, you know. ]

[ ...As you wish A-Aiko-sama. ]

Seeing that everything starts returning to normal, Aiko begin discussing her purpose here to Foss while he begun reading silently the context of the letter Yuka presented.

[ Hmm... The Mayor already informed me regarding your soon to be arrival, and he asked me to reserve rooms for you but... I didn't expect you'll bring this many guards with you. ] Foss paused and ran his gaze to his surrounding. The place was pretty crowded for a Inn.

[ ...Due to the current season, tons of Adventurers and Merchants visited this place to harvest spices, so we're almost fully booked right now, and... we can't provide rooms for every single one of you. I'm sorry... ] Foss returned his gaze to Aiko and bowed apologetically.

[ We don't really mind sharing rooms with each other though. Also we can camp outside if necessary, but we want Sensei to atleast have a room herself. ]

[ N-no, I can't allow that. Do you have two to three rooms atleast. We just need to separate the boys and girls. ]

Hearing what Yuka and Aiko said, Foss smiles, and once again ran his gaze to the logbook for guest list.

[ If that was the case, we still have three rooms for three and two rooms for one available. What do you say, Aiko-sama? ]

[ That's perfect! We'll take those then. ]

[ I'm glad to hear that. ] Foss push the logbook in front of Aiko.

[ Please write your names here, Aiko-sama and everyone else. ]

Aiko grab the quill on top of the counter and start writing everyone's name on it.

Meanwhile, David and the others starts unloading their luggage from the carriage, and carried everything inside the inn. Even now they're trying to appeal in Aiko by showing off how much they could carry, she's busy though, writing their names.

Once they're finished unloading their stuffs, Aiko was already done filling up their names.

[ Here's the keys of the rooms, and I'll leave it to you on how you'd decide for each others room. You can call out to me anytime if you need assistance or have any kind of questions... I hope you find comfortable on your stay here Aiko-sama, and chosen warriors, God's Apostles-sama. ] Foss said and bowed respectively.

Aiko took the keys, smiles, and went upstairs where the rooms were located with the others.

For some reason though, other than Shimizu, the other students were frowning, but Foss concluded that, they also feel uncomfortable being called with such title like Aiko.

While the group were heading to their rooms, their interests were caught by the ambience of the place that was quite outstanding. Despite its simplicity, the calm and comfortable atmosphere was quite fitting for welcoming their guest. There's no doubt that this was the best inn here on Ur like the rumours said, but that wasn't all that caught their attention,

Tamai's stomach suddenly growled and said [ S-sorry about that. , while covering his stomach in embarrassment.

[ That looks delicious. Can't wait to try that. ] Noboru followed up while staring at the guest's food.

The group can't help but stared in excitement at the food served for the inn's guest. People downstairs seems satisfied with their meal they hadn't seen before even back in the palace. Or rather, they know exactly what that was, but they had no idea that it actually exist on this world.

[ Yukacchi, Yukacchi! Are you seeing what I'm seeing right now! ]

[ Yeah, since they had that lake, it's only natural for this place to be filled with crops, fruits, herbs, and other plants. But I didn't expect they have rice here. ]

[ Let's eat after getting our stuffs to our room. ]

[ [ Yeah(!) ] ]

Nana, Yuka, and Taeko talks excitedly. Even the boys were excited and everyone was filled with nostalgic feeling.

The group walks until they reach a corridor were their rooms were located adjacent to each other.

[ Aiko, you can have that room for yourself. ] David said with warm voice.

[ Yeah Sensei. With this, you can rest peacefully. ]

After Tamai's words, others starts throwing words of concern to Aiko, which makes her very thankful. After that, Yuka immediately took the key for three person room and head there full of excitement, along with Taeko and Nana.

Next, David took the key for another three person room not to far from Aiko's room and immediately head there after bowing respectfully to Aiko. They were still her bodyguards, and they were doing their job through and through, so nobody complained if they decided to stay inside the inn rather than camp out like the other soldiers. (TN:Of course there's no way Aiko only have 4 bodyguards. There's definitely more unnamed soldiers on the story that guarding her.)

Once that's done, Aiko hands the keys left to the boys group and entered her room after leaving a tired smile.

Tamai, Akito, Noboru, and Shimizu was all left. They seem feeling a little awkward for who should be left alone on that single bed room. Shimizu wasn't really close to the three, but they can't bear to say it themselves. After a few minutes of unbearable silence and awkward gazes with each other, Shimizu took the single room key without saying a word and immediately enter their without glancing back at Tamai and the others. That room was next to Aiko's so he might not feeling lonely. really. The boys awkwardly holds the last key and immediately head there without mentioning of what just happened.

After getting their stuffs to their rooms, the boys group immediately went down stairs. Like the girls, they were excited to try out what the local rice taste like. Once they're down, for some reason, they weren't surprised seeing the girls group already occupying one of the tables and enjoying their meals to their hearts' content. Looking at their expression that seems to be reminiscing, there's no doubt that it really taste what they were expecting.

[ Atsushicchi, everyone! Come sit with us! You got to try this, quickly! ] Nana calls out to them while waving her hand.

[ Yes, yes. Calm down Miyasaki... You're bothering the other customers, you know? ] Like Akito said, everyone inside the Inn were looking at their direction in curiosity.

[ It's fine, really. You should get used to it already. We're always like this on the Adventurer's Guild. ]

The boys sighed and was about to sit down at the vacant seat on girls table. But the table was already filled with different kind of cuisine they ordered, so they compromise to take another table instead.

[ Where are you going? Sit with us already. We ordered everything on the menu for all of us. It's not like we can finish all of this ourselves, you know?. ] Taeko said before resuming eating.

The boys smiled, and sits down tiredly. It feels like it's been a while since they can rest like this. Even back in the palace, there's no time they can feel this comfortable, not with a place that was filled with Ehito's followers.

The delicious scent of the food wafted into their nostrils, and their reaction was what Yuka, Taeko, and Nana had expected.

[ Wait, is that!... Curry?! ]

Tamai grabbed a spoon and immediately took a spoonful of the dish in front of him. He put it on his mouth excitedly and starts savoring his food.

[ It is! ]

Hearing that, the other two immediately grabbed their own silverware and dig in to their food, even though it was freshly served and it's hot as fuck.

[ Ahh! It's hot, but I can't stop! ]

[ Hey guys, you got to try this too! It tastes like gyoza! ] Noboru said.

[ Hey Sonobe, pass me down that, whatever you're eating! ]

[ Calm down, we can still order again if we ran out, you know? ] Yuka said while passing down the dish in front of her to Akito.

[ Foss-san, can we order please? ] Foss immediately responded and took Taeko's order. His face was convulsing on the amount of food she ordered. Deep inside, he was hoping they won't use their position to get everything for free.

The group continues making a ruckus which as expected, attracted lots of attention. The way they appreciate the food makes the locals very happy and proud, which boosted their appetite and they begun ordering too more than usual.

Midway through their meal, everyone saw Aiko getting downstairs along with Shimizu and David's group.

[ Hey Simizu-kun, Ai-chan-sensei! Over here! ] Taeko called out to them while waving her hand.

Aiko and the other walks towards them with a suprised look. The amount of food placed on the table could feed atleast 10 people with ease, but little did they know, it's already their 3rd round ordering the same set. It seems Taeko's words earlier were just for a show, she still wants to act feminine despite eating a large amout of food.

[ Sit here Ai-chan-sensei! ] Nana said before pulling out the chair next to her.

[ I-it's fine. I still have to meet the Mayor to talk about the details of the project. ] Aiko replied with sad smile.

[ Don't be like that, Sensei. We have plenty of time for that, so for now you should have fun a little before we get started working. ] Akito said in concern.

[ Yeah Sensei, we will come with you later, but for now, let's eat. You're probably sick on all the dried meat we ate during our trip. ] Noboru followed up.

Other starts talking to Aiko, trying to convince her. Even David and the others joined in and took a table different from Yuka's party. This will help convince Aiko to eat with her students and have a good time herself.

Once seated, Taeko once again called out for Foss and ordered another set for Aiko and Shimizu alone. They pay for it with their own money though, which makes Aiko embarrassed as an adult.

The group continued on their meal happily, and everyone seems satisfied, not only from the food, but also because of the locals kindness. Tons of locals took some effort to meet, greet and pay respect to them. There's also some Adventurers and Merchant too, who were using this Inn as their temporary base, talk to them with different kind of ulterior motive. Of course, because of David and the others' who tried to meddle into it, the group almost got caught into a fight multiple times, until Yuka got fed up on them and throw them outside herself, which makes Foss very thankful.

Once they're done, Aiko immediately heads to the main hall to report to the Mayor, along with Yuka, Nana and Taeko. While Tamai, Akito, and Noboru decided to scout out the area for safety measures. Shimizu alone decided to stay on the inn.

Once they step outside the inn, Aiko and ther others were surprised on David's group who immediately dashed on their direction after spotting them. They insisted this time to come with Aiko, promising not to cause any kind of troubles for her. Since they're originally Aiko's bodyguards, Yuka allowed it with several conditions.

David and the others knows everything Yuka's party had accomplished, and they were impressed as a fellow warriors. But, that's not the reason they can't defy her. They only wanted to get through Aiko's favor by showing off their good? side to her students.

After a few minutes walk, waving and greetings the locals, Aiko and the others arrived at the Town's Hall. Before entering, one thing caught up their eyes. The simplicity of this place was kinda new for Aiko, but it helps to lessened the pressure she usually feels when she meets a higher up from the other towns she visited, and she kinda like it.

After entering, they were immediately greeted by beautiful receptionist with doll like face and silver coloured hair, Her face and figure was so perfect that they subconsciously thought that it was crafted by the God's hands. She was normally greeting the group, but because of her expression less face, straight standing posture, and voice that lacks intonation, she's expressing an untouchable aura without effort. One more thing Yuka noticed with her instincts was, how strong she was. If somebody asked if she could deal with that receptionist, she will answer "no" without a second thought. She definitely don't want to mess with her.

After a short greetings and introduction, Aiko explained her purpose nervously, and the receptionist immediately accompanied them. It didn't take long until the group arrives in front of the Mayor's office.

While standing in front of the door of the Mayor's office, Aiko took a deep breath before the receptionist knocked on the door. *knock*knock*

[ ...Come in. ]

Hearing that, the receptionist open up the door and found the Mayor sitting on his desk, working.

There's nothing particularly eye catching on him. He's fat, has a thinning hair line, a wrinkled forehead, and neat mustache. But the thing about him was the kind and warm smile he wore once he greeted them, which makes everyone unconsciously drop their guard down.

[ Ahh! If it isn't the Fertility Goddess-sama and God's Apostles-sama. ] The Mayor stands on his seat and greeted Aiko and the others while bowing respectively.

[ C-could you please not to call me with that name? ] Aiko said while walking near front of the desk.

[ As you wish, Fertility Goddess-sama. ]

Aiko awkwardly smile. She knows that, unlike Foss and her personal guards, he can't compromised to that like everyone else she met, cause that would be disrespectful to her. At the end she decided to ignore it instead, and went straight to their topic.

[ A-anyway... I'm here to talk about the details of the project, uhmm... ]

[ You can just call me Fred, Fertility Goddess-sama... ] Fred introduced himself while picking up files on his desk, and continue speaking [ Thanks to the letter her Highness(Liliana) sent, I've already collected everything you might need for this, beforehand. This contains the landscapes structure(hand drawn) of the whole town, details regarding the previous harvest 2 years ago up until now, and the recorded conflicts happening a few months ago, down to every details. I hope. this could help you somehow. ] Fred went on the middle of the room and sit tiredly on the sofa while sorting out the files he brought.

[ Please take a sit, Fertility Goddess-sama... ]

Aiko smiled awkwardly and sits on the sofa in front of Fred. For some reason, there's tea served already on the coffee table between them. The receptionist standing behind Fred, was holding a tea set placed on a tray. Nobody knows when did she made it, but that was impressive.

The sweet and soothing fragrance tickled her nose, which helps calming down Aiko's nerves. She took a sip, and sighed in satisfaction.

[ You seems exhausted, Fertility Goddess-sama. Well, you went from the Capital to here in just short amount of time. It was quite surprising that you still decided to meet me the day of your arrival. ] Fred said while handing the data he collected to Aiko.

[ Yes, I can't seem to get used on our carriage, but I'm fine really. Thank you for worrying for me though. ] Aiko said while scheming through the data Fred presented.

Yuka, Taeko and Nana behind Aiko, looked at her in concern. Since they travelled with her, they know exactly how uncomfortable it was travelling with carriage. The sit was hard, it was cramped, and it was hot caused by the weather. During their trip, the three of them often do whatever it takes for Aiko to get comfortable, which probably one of the reason she still has the energy to meet the Mayor of this town.

After reading through the records, Aiko looked at Fred and asked [ ...Your last harvest seems less compared to the previous ones. ]

[ As you said, Fertility Goddess-sama *sigh*... It seems the land is declining our wishes for bountiful harvest. The last time Ishtar-sama visited this place, he even said that the harvest will improve drastically the more we hold faith on Ehito-sama. I wonder what gone wrong... Maybe my town's people lacks in faith? ]

Yuka, Taeko and Nana raised an eyebrow hearing that, while David's group seems confused. They really believe that worshipping their God would bring prosperity to their land.

For some reason, the receptionist were looking only at Yuka, Taeko, and Nana. They didn't know why but, it feels like she's threatening them.

[ Mm-Mm, that's not it. ] Aiko shakes her head to decline Fred's claim. [ I just noticed that you've been planting same crops all over again on the same plots. ]

[ ...Huh? Hmm...W-what it got to do with our harvest, Fertility Goddess-sama? ]

[ Ahh, you see. The soil quality would decline if you plant the same crops over and over again on the same spot. Which was the main reason your harvest lessened every year. ]

[ Ohh, nanto! Is that how it works!? ]

[ Yes, if we just implement a proper crop rotation, the value of the soil will improve eventually. With this, your 3rd harvest from now on will return to normal. ]

[ 3-3rd?! That's good to hear, but... We can't meet our quota with this. Is there other way to bring it back as soon as possible? ]

David and others flinched from hearing Fred's remark. He's being demanding to their Goddess, which was quite rude, but Yuka on the side only gave them a glance that says "Don't get in the way" and they all backed down immediately.

[ Ahh, that won't be an issue. I can use my magic to improve the land immediately. Your next harvest should be far better than before. ]

[ Ohh! That's good to hear. As expected of Fertility Goddess-sama. You really was sent by the heavens to help the people of this land. ]

[ Ahh, d-don't worry about it. I'm just doing my job. ]

Aiko really can't get used getting praised by suggesting this idea she just got from someone else. All she can do was smile awkwardly and be humble.

[ I'm also planning to seek new locations for new buds, and teach your people regarding dos and don'ts to keep your harvest plenty and top quality. ]

[ Yes, Fertility Goddess-sama. Your knowledge will be go down on the history, and will be passed down by generations. ]

[ R-rather, don't do that... That is kinda embarrassing. ]

Aiko only blushed in embarrassment for a few seconds, and her serious expression immediately returned like before.

[ Also, i think a carpenter would be a good addition to the project. ]

[ Huh? Hmm... If that is what Fertility Goddess-sama thinks. Then I shall asked the finest carpenter known here on Ur. ]

What can a carpenter can do to help with farming. If building a cart or fixing a fence, Fred could somehow understand. But mentioning them as "good addition" with pleasant voice, was kinda exaggerating. Regardless he still agreed to Aiko's plan

Aiko went more and discussed all of her plans to improved the farm here on Ur. Fred can't find but be amazed on how knowledgeable Aiko was, that he can't stop taking notes everything she said.

Even Aiko was having a hard time remembering all of this. She only read it on someone's work, but because of Fred's gaze that was in awe and admiration, she's having a hard time too to focus.

They talk nonstop, while others did nothing but watch them earnestly till sundown. The two sighed tiredly, and they both smiled in satisfaction.

After finishing a long talk, Aiko took a last sip of tea, and stand on her seat.

[ Dewa, let's get started tomorrow morning Fred-san. For now, I'm gonna scout out the area and observe if there's still more I can do to help. ]

[ Is that so. That's a shame. I was hoping we could enjoy some tea... but if that what Fertility Goddess-sama wanted, I won't persist anymore... As for tomorrow, I'll gather all people you asked for to help out. All of my subjects are hard worker, so don't be afraid to order them around. I'm sure they too would gladly work under you. ] Fred stand and offer a hand shake again on Aiko.

[ Hehehe, I'm glad to hear that. But I hope they won't overwork themselves... ] Aiko held out her for a hand shake and said [ I'll be on your care for now Fred-san. ]

Instead of a handshake, Fred holds Aiko's small hand with both hand and bowed on her in gratitude. [ Yes, and this town is in your care now, Fertility-goddess-sama. ]

They stay like that for a few moments until David interjected. His voice was firm fitting for a commander but it was obvious that he only did that out of jealousy.

Aiko's group went out and starts walking outside with excitement. They haven't seen yet the beauty of this place afterall. But before they got too far, Yuka felt a gaze, and turned her head on the window located on the Mayor's office. She saw the receptionist looking at their direction with emotionless eyes. She didn't know why, but everytime she met that gaze, there's a fear that causes her to goosebumps.

Regardless, she throw it on the back of her mind and decided to enjoy the scenery.


The sun was set, and the wind was warm. Perfect for any kind of outdoor activity. Even The students were ready, wearing P.E uniforms while holding tools for farming.

Dozens of people gathered on the rear side of the Inn. Eyeing the front fullof expectations.

A small girl wearing a straw hat step front of everyone and smiled triumphantly.

[ EVERYONE! Let's do our best, and work like our life depends on it! ] It was Aiko. She wasn't used inciting a large crowd of people, but she's trying her best.

Regardless...

[ [ [ [ [ [ OooooooHhhhhh! ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The tows people morale rose up like magic.