"It's because things are going very well for us. And that is because of what you have done for the Helan territories, Lord Kururi."

The daughter bowed. It was clear that she was not used to such displays of good manners.

It was all rather embarra.s.sing, and so I muttered something in reply.

"I get the general idea of this place. And I think Freigen should manage here just fine. Right? Isn't this farm amazing?"

"Uh…yes…"

He did not seem enthusiastic.

He hadn't even touched the soured sheep's milk that the daughter had offered him. It was very good for you and would be a waste to not drink it.

"You don't want to drink your soured milk? It's very good you know."

"How can I drink this rotten stuff!"

Huh. This man was very rude.

Both the farmer and his daughter looked surprised. There had been more poison in this man's body that he had yet to spill out.

"So, you're really not going to drink your soured milk?"

"Yeah. I was once a n.o.bleman. I can't put something so nasty into my mouth. I shall never drink it!"

"Then give it to me. I was wanting some more."

"Is that what you meant! You loathsome wretch! And you call yourself a n.o.bleman!"

I ignored Freigen's wailing and drained his cup.

It really was delicious.

"Excuse me, but could you give me more of this? I want Eli to taste it as well. Of course, I will pay for it."

"Why, certainly. And don't worry about paying us. We just make it as a hobby. There are hot springs around here, so it is quite easy to make. We have other drinks made from milk as well. Would you like to try some?"

"Of course."

After that, I tasted a number of milk-based drinks that the father and daughter had made.

There was a drink made through collecting the oil in milk that was especially good. And so I took some of it with me as well. Ahh, it really was delicious.

"So, when will Mister Freigen be able to start?"

I had completely forgotten about that subject, and so the farmer reminded me.

"Ah, that's right. I had forgotten. He can start working today. He has nothing better to do."

"Don't say that."

"Huh? Did you have plans?"

"How dare you ask! You know that I don't!"

It seemed that I had hit a nerve. Freigen was getting rather violent.

It was amusing.

"Well, I did say that I would accept anyone. But are you sure that someone of such good breeding is all right for it? Our job is to take care of livestock and tend to the fields. It's not fancy work at all. Anyone can do it. Which means that it's not very interesting for someone who can do everything."

"Ah, that sounds absolutely perfect. Because Freigen can't do anything! Freigen, this is your calling."

"You're just making fun of me! You b.a.s.t.a.r.d! You pretended to be nice to me so I would follow you. But I bet you're all laughing at me behind my back!"

"What do you mean, behind your back? And it's just you and me who is here."

"Then you will laugh by yourself! Laugh at me for working at a farm!"

"I won't laugh. Why would I laugh? Oh, are you going to do something amusing that will make me laugh?"

"d.a.m.n it. I'm going to go mad! I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll work on this farm! That's what you want, right? It's not like I have anywhere else to go or anything else I can do!"

He was so angry that he stormed right out of the house. What violence. But with such energy, he should be able to adapt to manual labor.

"Well then, I will leave Freigen in your hands. But I'd like to watch over him just today, so please let me go with you."

"Oh, if you wish. This really is a wonderful place, you know. Time seems to move slowly and our income is stable, affording us a comfortable life. After all, we are able to expand the farm and hire more workers. I think that even Freigen will learn to love this place one day."

The farmer explained in his usual, gentle voice. I felt quite confident in leaving Freigen with him.

"The population of Helan will only increase. I've grown my own food up until now, but farms like this will become more and more important. I hope that I can rely on you."

"Yes, of course."

The daughter said with a smile.

She wasn't exactly pretty, but she had a nice smile and her honest personality helped to make her seem like a very appealing woman. That Freigen would probably fall in love with her. I couldn't help but think that.

Later, I caught Freigen, who was sulking outside of the house, and the four of us headed to the fields where the sheep were.

It was time to round them up and bring them back into the stable.

They had a sheepdog, and the farmer wanted us to help it round up the sheep.

"The sheep on this farm are all of a gentle disposition, and the sheepdog knows it. And so it only pretends to chase them. It's an easy job that does not take much effort, but since it's your first time, why don't you go and see how it is?"

The farmer suggested. Freigen just nodded.

As it was a rare opportunity, I decided to join him.

The sheepdog was unleashed and began to round up the sheep that had gone off far away.

I searched for random sheep that were close by and led them towards the stable.

As the farmer said, they were really gentle sheep. Just guiding them towards the stable was enough to make them understand, and they moved on their own. It was because they were allowed this much exercise that their milk tasted so good. Perhaps the sheep were so comfortable and gentle because the farmer and his daughter were such nice people.