lessng

Well, I'm not opposed, but didn't she just say she already likes someone else? Who could that be?

Jif, Thiem, is Marie there?

I'm her classmate, the boy from next door. We made plans to set off some fireworks today, so I'm here to pick her up.

Huh? Oh gosh!

Umm... I think she's outside. Have a look around and you'll find her.

Another one of her suitors—a strapping young lad—is already here, over in the wheat fields. You'll have to work hard if you want to beat him.

What?! O-Okay. I'll be off then!

Our daughter is quite popular, no? Haha.

These fields go on forever...

Using a harvester would get the job done quickly, but that won't be enough to clear my mind.

Lessing takes the great sword off his back and unfastens the straps wrapped around it.

I'll use my sword.

——HIYAH!

Lessing grips the great sword's hilt and swings it at the wheat stalks, which fall in the wind. The sword is heavy, its momentum making it hard to stop. Gritting his teeth, Lessing channels all his focus into controlling the force of each swing.

Too much, and the grains will be smashed to pieces. Too little, and he'll snap the stalks instead of cutting them. Each swing has to be just right, cutting the grain cleanly from the stalks while ensuring a consistent amount is harvested with every strike.

Lessing moves steadily through the wheat fields, his sweat glinting in the sunlight.

Once again, his physical pain sharpens his mental focus. Meddlesome thoughts fade away, and he begins to meditate.

*huff*

You see? Isn't he clever? Using a sword instead of a harvester is a great way of showing off those muscles.

And he's getting the job done! He's making clean, efficient cuts. He sure knows how to use a sword. How can the kid from next door compete with that?

I don't know. I'm not even sure the kid knows Marie likes him, judging by how flustered he was when he rang our doorbell.

Marie! Marie! Who is that guy harvesting wheat in your field? Why is he doing it by hand? Is he trying to win you over or something?!

(Hushed) But I'm just not into him. I've always...

Huh? What? Speak up a little. I can't hear you.

You can't just stand here watching him. He can see you from here too, you know. Who knows what he'll do to get your attention! Let's go set off the fireworks!

*huff* *huff*

The great sword pushes Lessing's muscles to their limits. The sound of the wind and rushing blood fills his ears, pounding against his eardrums, making everything else quiet.

Lessing continues to swing his great sword. The grain heads fly into the air, eventually scattering around his feet. The sharp awns occasionally prick him, and his sun-drenched muscles begin to ache with fatigue.

His pain brings him calmness. He is able to block out extraneous thoughts and ponder the problem that has plagued him for so long.

...How can I get Ebenholz to listen to my entire report without getting a headache?

Wait a second. I'm... a bit nervous.

Hey, there's no need to be nervous. Didn't you tell me you researched these fireworks Arts for months? Just show me what you learned.

Uh... really? Okay then. Originium Arts fireworks... I've researched plenty of different colors and arrangements!

The boy, trembling slightly, uses Arts to ignite the fireworks, setting them off in a dazzling display.

Beautiful fireworks light up the sky, intertwined with dazzling Arts. The boy casts a nervous side glance at the girl beside him, only to unexpectedly meet her gaze. Startled, his hand trembles.

Oh no! My Arts hit the wall! It's about to collapse!

Huh? What's going on? Who just hit the wall with Arts?

Well, good thing I repaired it last night. It should be strong enough to withstand that. Not a problem.

*huff* Alright. Back to the harvest.

How in the—how is it still standing?

Miraculously, the Arts bounce right off the wall without doing any damage. Sparks and flames rain down in a more magnificent display.

The boy calms his nerves and continues casting. A few stray sparks fall near the scarecrow.

It seems to spring to life. Its own Originium Arts flash for a moment, and then it starts playing music.

(Romantic music)

Huh? I know this song. Isn't it...?

Yes. It's the song we loved to sing together as children. When I was little, I imbued it into the scarecrow.

Whenever the wind blows, it always sings this song...

Ah, it seems the modified Arts are working perfectly—its sensitivity is spot on. It must have scared away all the pests. Not too shabby.

It seems my work these past few days has paid off. I'll need to document all this when I get home.

For now, I'll continue harvesting!

Hyah!

Marie, I... you...

What I mean is, do... do you also...?

...Yeah.

Echt? Echt? Yes!!!!!

*huff* *huff* Finally, there's no more left. Now to just tie them in bundles and make sure no bugs get in. Then I'll cover the whole thing with a tarp...

And with that, my work is done.

Jif? Thiem? What are you doing out here? Look, I finished harvesting the wheat. Tomorrow I'll help you winnow and grind it.

You've done so much for us, and we can't thank you enough. I... You're a fine lad; it's a shame it has come to this...

But please don't be too sad, dear boy.

Why would I be sad?

The physical strain keeps my mind sharp. It's been a long time since I've been able to work and think without distractions like this, so I've done a lot of reflecting these past few days.

I may not have solved the issue that's been bothering me, but my mind is a lot calmer.

It seems that, as always, physical labor helps me relax.

Well, I'd best be going now. There are many more things left for me to do, and I still need to think about my problem. If you need anything, just let me know, and I'll be back.

Lessing picks up his great sword and disappears into the wheat field.

What a nice boy. He must be heartbroken...

Let him be, matters of the heart are outside our control, especially for the young. Lessing's helped us so much—The least we can do is make more meals for him.

Okay... now what?

If my memory serves me, we still haven't drawn a new map of Urtica. I should spend the next few days walking all the roads and filling it in.

Good, then it's decided.

Two months later...

(Relaxing song)

Finally! I've taken care of all the most pressing matters, and Lessing still hasn't returned. I can finally relax for a bit.

The territories have sent me so many thank you letters lately. I suppose I should get around to reading them.

...'Dear Lessing, Thank you for repairing the wall. Now it's strong enough to withstand Originium Arts. It shall never fall!'

...Huh?

... 'Dear Lessing. Thank you for bringing me and my fiancée together. We're getting along so well. We plan on getting married next month. Here's a wedding invitation!'

...Huh??

...'Ebenholz, I have completed all tasks assigned to me.'

…'Over the past two months, I could feel things in Urtica gradually improving—both the areas within my purview and the outward-facing matters you've been handling.'

'To help you complete your responsibilities efficiently, I've outlined the process, results, and issues for each task. Enclosed are an acceptance checklist and some headache medicine. We'll review everything together in person later.'

'—Lessing.'

...Huh???

I've returned. Did you read the letter I wrote?

First, regarding the walls—I've developed a material and construction method that can withstand Arts... Ebenholz? Why are you turning your head away?

My head hurts again.