Here I am with my precious first Saturday after school starts. Usually, after the morning training with Nar, Sas Khamisah and Dana, I will either play with Fie, or play with Doll Diana, or play with Neloufa, or play with my other friend. I will also do my homework if I feel like it or if I get yelled at. Basically, I have my time to myself, but now
"Why am I here again..." [Diana]
"Hush dear darling sweetie of mine. I was assigned to watch over my wonderful ever hard working students who were assigned to their punishment, and I wanted someone to share my burden with" [Merlin].
"But you're obviously using your marionnete as a substitute. I'm sure you're in your hut, sleeping or snacking..." [Diana]
"Good that you noticed, but this marionnete is also a part of me as I share a tiny portion of my soul into it. I can be in my humble hut and play with you at the same time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone." [Merlin]
"As long as my master are happy, I guess I can accept it" [Diana].
Like me, we are joined today by Dana, who will be supervising the other. We are also joined by Kara, Mara, Liya and Marianne. They're all daughters of important people, and the leaders or would be important people in the near future, so Master Merlin assigned them to supervise the students who receive their so-called educational material.
"No slacking!" [Dana]
"Yes! I can be in my bed playing with Fie, and yet here I am today, gracefully supervising all of you!" [Diana]
"Isn't that..." [Kara]
"Like master like apprentice" [Liya]
"She definitely takes too much after Teacher Merlin" [Marianne]
"In both good and bad ways" [Mara]
"And I wonder what bad thing I ever did? Care to explain, little Mara?" [Merlin]
Their first educational task is quite simple. Transport goods to the new settlement the giants are building. It's one of the giant tribes that lost to the powerful elder giant when they surrendered, they were told how this land welcomes people of different species. Even if they're doubtful, they will listen to the elder giant's words as the elder giant is clearly stronger than them.
Giants are nomadic, so they usually do not need much to settle down. Just give them a cave to live in, a hunting ground, and a water source, and they're good to go. Of course, Aunt Amleth wouldn't do that. She's a kind queen, and she wouldn't mistreat the giants seeking shelter. She provides for their needs, and in return, they will serve the land under her leadership, and that's why I believe we are called to supervise today. This is an important task to build a better bridge with these giants. Besides, from this group, only Master Merlin and I can communicate with the giant. Master Merlin through her witch art and me through my blessing (as well as my witch art).
Woods blessed by me and other elves living in Amleth. Cattle raised by a tribe of beastmen, none showing signs of malnutrition. Basic wool and clothing provided by various parties, be it the orphanage, the succubus, and even Tio's contribution of her large silkworm, which has been multiplying ever since. Surely we all contribute something
"The Duchal House of the Lion and the Fortress also contribute much to the Giants, but..." [Kara]
"The other two duke houses... They're obviously just giving the bare minimum. Of course, since they're actually giving, we can't say much about them" [Mara].
"The House of Spear and the House of Prosperity. They're the ones who wanted Diana's hand in marriage... I wouldn't forgive them" [Dana].
"We can discuss that later. Right now, let us focus on making sure the goods are transported safely" [Liya].
"I agree. We can discuss this as we all move towards our destination, but when it comes to the Duchal Houses, they have ears everywhere. Better to be safe than sorry" [Marianne].
With everything in place, and the students double and even triple checking that all the necessary materials are there, the horse begins to pull the carts. It's a cloudy day, which is a good thing. Less sweating and more humming, as the weather is in our favor today.
As time passed, we finally arrived at our location. A group of giants are talking to Miss Eisheth and Miss Akela. They have trouble with basic communication. As expected, and that's where I'm going to help.
"Hello everyone! Wow! You are settling in well! Excellent!" [Diana]
"You. Do you understand us giants?"
"You speak Giant!"
"Of course I can. Welcome to Amleth. Let me introduce myself. I am Diana. Diana Vars. Nice to meet you" [Diana].
"Diana Vars!"
"The one who will one day defeat the Devil King."
"The Elder Giant praises you. He trusts you with all his might"
"Under his guidance, we will do the same."
"Thank you! I appreciate it. Let me introduce you to others as well" [Diana].
"You quickly won their hearts" [Merlin]
"Witch speak giant too?"
"Amazing!"
"Thank you, Diana, you've saved us a headache" [Eisheth].
"Indeed. Can you also ask them if any of them would like to join the adventuring guild?" [Akela]
"Sure. Why not?" [Diana]
I have introduced everyone here to the giants. Since only Master Merlin and I can meditate between the two groups, we (especially I, since my beautiful Master feels like slacking off) are busy. The giants have built a cave for themselves using their earth magic. It's rough and unlike a natural cave, this one looks a bit strange. I can't say what's weird, but it's definitely weird. Shallower? Maybe?
As time goes by, more and more people join in. Be it adventurers who have been commissioned by the country or local volunteers. We have fun. Helping other without expecting much do feel refreshing
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?" [Dana]
"Yes. Something is definitely wrong. Please take a look at this."
One of the male students seemed shocked. He pointed in a direction just behind a thick bush where
"A bunch of weapons?" [Marianne]
"Are these the giants... No... they're too small for giants to use" [Kara]
"More importantly, why is it here? Are they belonging to thieves?" [Mara]
"Maybe, but this is a weapon made by the Empire" [Liya]
"Again?" [Diana]
"Last time, you, Nar, Sas and Jean also caught a group smuggling weapon. I wonder if this is related" [Dana]
"I said it is. Let me handle this for now" [Akela]
"Other students, new assignment. Please form a group and search the parameters for anything suspicious as well" [Merlin]
"Above all, prioritize your own safety" [Eisheth].
Something is really happening behind the scenes. I wonder what's really happening.