Read Reincarnation into the Barrier Master | 146 - - 第百四十六话上质の羊羹には、いい馅が使われる

146 - - 第百四十六话上质の羊羹には、いい馅が使われる

Back

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Hot summer has arrived. The sun is shining brightly. In the midst of all this, a visitor arrives at my office in the capital of Agartha. I tell him that I know him and let him through. After a while, the person arrives.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What? You're talking to me outside my room. Come on in."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

As I called out to him from my chair, he opened the door roughly and came in, a small but darkly tanned man who looked like a strong-armed craftsman.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Oh, General, I'm so sorry!

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Hi, Gen-san. You look good. What are you doing here in the middle of the day?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Entering the room was Gen-san, a master carpenter. He is one of the most skilled carpenters in the capital, and he moved to Agartha a few months ago with his apprentice to make a name for himself in the city. With the construction boom in Agartha, Gen-san is inundated with orders, which keeps him quite busy.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Hey, General, did you hear? I hear you're getting a new wife?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Well, yeah."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I reply with an indescribable look on my face.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I'm doubly happy for you and your wife's pregnancy. So, we carpenters got together and decided to present a gift to the general.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Gen-san looked pleased with himself and leaned in close to me.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I don't mind. Gen-san is busy too, so don't be too hard on yourself.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"No, that's the big idea! General, have you found a place for your new wife to live?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Ah."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I stared at the sky.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Now you've got two wives, two daughters and a brother Gon, but if you're going to get a new wife, you can't keep doing what you're doing, can you? We're going to have a new baby. We're talking about setting up a house for the general.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Gen-san has a twinkle in his eye. For now, I'm keeping my shifting wards a secret from the people of the capital. That's why they think our family is living in this building of the former headquarters of the Royal Army.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"So, General. There is no place for a king in this city. Can't you let us build a palace for the king? I can't build something as big and stupid as the Juka Kingdom, but I'm confident I can finish something reasonable, okay?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's very kind of you, but I'm sure you're busy, aren't you, Gen-san?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"No, it's Lord Tome of the Imperial City, Tomeirail! You don't know? Lord Tome is coming to Agartha. If he's coming, I'm going to leave my job to him. I've talked with the other masters, and we all want to make something big with our own hands. General, let us build a castle as a celebration!

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It sounds both gratifying and ungrateful, but I think Gen-san has a good point. I decided to leave the matter in my hands for the time being, and I would reply to him later.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I'll be waiting for your answer!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

With a grin and a white tooth smile, Gen-san left the room.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

At night, when I returned to the Imperial Palace, I immediately told everyone about Gen-san's proposal.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Hmmm. I'm very attached to this house..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

That's what Peris says. No wonder. The kitchen of the house is almost entirely filled with the utensils and dishes selected by Peris. She is probably more attached to this house than anyone else.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"You're going to college, so I don't think you'll be able to go to Agartha..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It is May who is worried about Peris. She is worried, too, because the mansion houses a large amount of tools and materials used for May's research. It would be a lot of work to move them.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I asked Gon, Ferris, Ruara, and Feri, but they seemed to be fine with it either way.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"You have a good point, Gen-san."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It was Rico who spoke out firmly.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"After all, we need a castle. It is a place to protect the king and his family and a symbol of the power of the nation. Agartha is a newly founded country. The bigger the castle, the more pressure it will exert on neighboring countries.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Everyone fell silent. Rico has a point. I cross my arms and think.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"... Do we need a castle?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Linos, what are you talking about? We need it!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I think Rico has a good point. But would a castle really help? The castle in Juka was also big and had a strong defense, but in the end, the king's family was destroyed by Kargi's rebellion. I think that no matter how great a castle you build, it is meaningless if no one protects it in the end."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"The wards of Llinos are enough to protect us."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes, that's true, but... If I die, the wards won't work. If there is a revolt inside the castle at that time, it will be the end of everything, won't it?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Only those who live in Agartha would not..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Rico, you can't be so sure. We may be all right, but what about our children and grandchildren? Besides, if we build a large castle now, we will have to mobilize a lot of people, won't we? Wouldn't this be a burden on the people living in Agartha? I don't think we need to force ourselves to build a castle now."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Linos..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"But Lady Considine and Soleil are sure to come, so we'll have to make room for them.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Huh? Matkal...?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yeah, Matkal wants to have a long talk with you once. If she doesn't like it, I'd like to think about it."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Rico looks down with his eyes downcast.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"No, you don't have to feel responsible. It's my problem."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have done that."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Rico, it's okay. It's just that if we build a castle, we'll have to put up all those wenches and soldiers, won't we? I want to keep it as simple as possible. If possible, I'd even like Considine and Soleil to come here alone."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's not... I'm sure he'll bring at least one or two ladies with him."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I knew it... I guess so.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Madame Considine and Monsieur Soleil are both noble ladies. One is a princess and the other the daughter of a chieftain. It would be impolite not to receive them in a proper manner.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"But the fewer people know about your husband's skills, the better.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Gon has a point. Okay. I'll think about it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I put off my conclusion and decided to take a bath and go to bed.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Riko, Mei, and I take a bath together today. Ever since we found out that Rico is pregnant, we have been taking a bath together as much as possible. Rico's belly has not swelled noticeably yet, but we are half anxious and half excited to see how it will turn out.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

The three of us take a bath together, and we remove our fatigue. It is a blissful time.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It feels so good to take a bath, doesn't it?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Mei couldn't help but let out a squeak.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes, it is. It's paradise, isn't it?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I reply in a noisy voice.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Even if we move to the castle, I'd like to take a bath like this.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes, that's right~"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

While we were having this conversation, Rico came up next to me. I hugged Riko from behind and gently stroked her stomach with both hands.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I hope we can take a bath together after the baby is born," I said.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Rico looked very happy.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Then Rico and I go to bed. I have been sleeping with my hand on Rico's stomach for a while now, and I try to sleep with my hand on her stomach again today. But Rico gently brushes my hand away and nuzzles his face into my chest.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What do you want, Rinos?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

What is it?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It's about the castle.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I... I like my life the way it is. I don't think I'd fit in if I had to live like an aristocrat. I don't think I need a big castle either. If the people of Agartha give up on me, then no matter how splendid a castle I build, it will all be for nothing. I would rather have a relationship where I protect the people of Agartha and they protect me. That's better than building a castle. It may sound insane and naive, but that's how I really feel."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Rico squeezes my chest. I hugged her back gently, too.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

The next morning, when we were eating breakfast together, Rico opened his mouth.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"About yesterday at the castle..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What is it, Rico?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I've been thinking about it, and I think the castle should be built."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I nodded slowly.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"But I don't think we need a big castle. Linos is right, the most important thing is to gain the trust of the people of Agartha. But we should build a dignified and prestigious building...yes, a building to welcome and receive the lords and emissaries of the nations. That's enough."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Rico... where are we going to live?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

You can live in this house as it is now. When I'm done with work, I'll come back to this house. I think that's good. We can build a new place for Lady Considine and Soleil to live on the vacant lot. We'll talk to them once and if they don't want to live in this house, they can have a room in the new building. That way, we will have enough room for all the maids and maidservants that we will bring with us.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's a good idea..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Sister Rico, you're right! I agree!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Everyone seems to agree with Rico's idea. Rico stares at me.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What do you think, Linos?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I agree with that idea.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Thank you, Linos. Come to think of it, I like this place the best too. And I would like to raise the newborn in this house.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Okay. Then we should build a Western-style house in Agartha, not a castle.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yo-kan?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It's a building in the palace that is used for balls and such.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Oh, you mean the guest house."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes. They are going to use a good idea, and I am sure they will make a fine Western-style building.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

With that I headed for Agartha to talk with Gen-san.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Back

Table of Contents

Next

Back

Table of Contents

Next