I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 4.5
Thanks to the prompt resolution of Nina’s matter, I now have some spare time. It’s also a big help that Caron is actively taking care of her.
So, I’m currently working during my free time. Don’t I take breaks? Well, Caron is keeping Nina company, and Orca is handling the remaining work that I’ve delegated, so it works out.
Oh, it’s not a valid reason? Well, as Nina pointed out, I seem to lack hobbies, so I don’t really know what to do when I’m alone. I allocate separate time for magical studies, though.
Hmm, relying on work as my only source of entertainment when I have free time might not be a good idea. Maybe I should use this opportunity to find a hobby.
While pondering over such matters, I continue to go through the documents piled up on my desk. It seems like today’s workload is relatively light, so at this rate, I should be done within an hour.
“Your speed is increasing day by day…”
Shion, my secretary, comments from the adjacent seat with an exasperated voice.
I simply shrug my shoulders in response.
“If you do similar tasks every day, anyone would optimize their movements. Besides, I have reliable magic at my disposal.”
In reality, with the skill of [Physical Enhancement], my learning ability can be honed. Just as there is the expression “the body remembers,” it seems that I can even enhance the accumulated experience within my body.
Additionally, there’s the boost in thinking capacity through mental magic, so my proficiency is rapidly increasing.
By the way, I only recently discovered the side effect of [Physical Enhancement]. Although my siblings and I constantly used it during training, we didn’t realize its full effects until reports came in from subordinates whom we had taught the same magic.
To be sure, I confirmed it with my mentor, Akatsuki, who responded with, “Oh, didn’t you know?” and took a swing at me. He remained completely composed, though.
For these reasons, my work is incredibly fast-paced. Well, if it weren’t, my schedule would fall apart. Between managing the territory, handling adventurer requests, training Nina, socializing with Karin and Orca, having tea with Shion… Listing it all again, I’m impressed that it all fits within 24 hours. Even I find it remarkable.
“If efficiency is improving, the time allocated to work should be decreasing, though,” Shion remarks.
“I’m also working on new plans within the limits that won’t burden others. And, well, I’m currently busy with that project we discussed earlier.”
Having knowledge from my past life, I can’t help but be concerned about the current working environment. There are parts that have been pushed back due to prioritization, so it’s only natural to use any spare time for improving those aspects.
However, it’s difficult to convey this sense to my subordinates who perceive the current situation as normal. While they might feel that the working environment has improved, they must have been skeptical about taking the initiative. In fact, Shion is more concerned about my lack of vacation. Thanks to [Physical Enhancement], I hardly experience fatigue.
As we banter back and forth, Shion and I quickly finish the work, and before I know it, an hour has passed. As expected, I’ve successfully achieved today’s quota.
After loosening up my stiff body from desk work, I ask Shion.
“What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
“I finished ahead of schedule, so I have a two-hour gap.”
“Hmm…”
It’s good that the work is getting done quickly, but now I have some free time. Currently, there’s nothing else to occupy my attention, so I’m completely free. What should I do?
“Isn’t resting an option?”
“It’s not.”
It’s not like I can take a break in the morning.
Ignoring Shion’s sigh, I ask her.
“Is it possible to move up the original plans?”
“It depends on Lord Orca. The next schedule is subject to Lord Orca’s consultation.”
“Orca’s?”
I don’t recall hearing about such matters from him until yesterday. Did he purposely keep it quiet?
“Do you know what it’s about?”
“No, it’s just a work consultation. However, it seems to require a significant amount of time. Approximately five hours have been allocated.”
“A consultation that requires five hours, huh?”
If I remember correctly, one of the tasks I assigned to Orca was related to agricultural development involving Noma.
Among the tasks I delegated to him was the improvement of agricultural lands. Not only the areas already functioning as a village, but also the undeveloped outskirts. Perhaps something significant was discovered in those undeveloped areas. It doesn’t seem to be an urgent matter since it hasn’t been brought directly to me.
“Let’s check it out.”
I establish a telepathic connection with Orca.
Though it’s still early in the morning, he is already awake. He has been trying to wake up early ever since I entrusted him with some responsibilities.
“Orca, are you available now?”
“I’m fine. What’s up, Zecks-nii?”
The response comes immediately, without any delay. Orca, along with Karon and Shion, always respond quickly to telepathic communication.
“I finished my work faster than expected. Since the next schedule is your consultation, I thought I’d come over if it’s convenient for you.”
“No problem at all!”
As expected, an instant reply. I can hear his energetic voice. It seems like he actually voiced his response. Ah, I sense a hint of embarrassment.
“Hehe. Understood, I’ll come right away. Is it fine to meet in the agriculture department’s room?”
“Don’t laugh at me! Yeah, I’ll be waiting.”
I couldn’t help but let out another laugh at Orca’s sulky response. I feel a bit guilty, but I couldn’t suppress my smile at the adorable reaction of my younger brother-in-law.
Accompanied by Shion, I visit Orca. As the other subordinates pause their work to greet me, I signal them not to interrupt and take a seat in front of Orca’s desk.
“I’m intruding.”
“Welcome, Zecks-nii.”
“Is everything alright?”
“I’m fine. Everyone here is so kind, and they always help me out. I’ll do my best to meet everyone’s expectations!”
“Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Okay!”
We engage in light small talk, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere. After exchanging a few words, we get down to business.
“So, you have something to discuss with me?”
“While Zex-nii was staying in Lorumbel, we received a report from Noma-chan. He found something troublesome in the undeveloped area.”
As expected, it’s information related to the undeveloped area. And it’s described as “troublesome.” I wonder what it could be.
As I brace myself, Orca continues the explanation.
“The location is a mountainous region in the southeast of Foranada. It’s a harsh land for human habitation, but we thought that with Noma-chan’s abilities, we might be able to manage it. Initially, they were making progress in clearing the path. However, as they ventured deeper into the mountains, the knights accompanying them started experiencing health issues. The symptoms would subside once they descended from the mountains, but every attempt to climb resulted in the same outcome.”
Recognizing the abnormal situation, I asked Noma to investigate the land, and he concluded that there is something causing magical contamination deep in the mountains.
“Magical contamination… a curse?”
When it comes to magical contamination, the memory of the “witch’s curse” is fresh in my mind. However, curses are not exclusive to witches; curses can also exist in the natural world.
When the flow of magical particles in the atmosphere becomes imbalanced due to some cause, resulting in stagnation in a particular area, it is referred to as the “curse of the land.”
Cursed land harbors stagnant magical energy, contaminating the beings that remain within its boundaries. Depending on the progress of the curse, it gradually undermines their well-being.
This information is common knowledge for any noble who owns land. However, the cause is still unknown, and there is only one solution.
The only countermeasure against the “curse of the land” is light magic. The land can be cleansed through purification magic.
However, this solution is not foolproof. After all, it requires a light mage with capabilities surpassing the curse, and in some cases, purification may be impossible. Especially when curses occur in remote locations, they tend to accumulate power until they are discovered, often rendering purification futile.
“The ‘curse of the land’ tends to be left untouched by most lords since its contamination doesn’t spread beyond its original boundaries over time.”
The mountainous region described by Orca seems to have been untouched by human intervention for many years. It’s likely that even Karon won’t be able to purify it.
“Probably even Karon-chan would find it difficult to cleanse,” I commented.
Orca expressed a similar view.
“But Noma-chan mentioned that Zecks-nii might be able to do something about it. He said the curse is similar to your magic.”
“Me?”
“Yes. The curse resembles Zecks-nii’s magic, according to Noma-chan.”
I see, I understand.
Curses are a lesser form of mental magic. I am confident in this conclusion based on my encounter with the “witch’s curse.”
Considering that, as someone skilled in mental magic, there might be a possibility for me to deal with the curse. Since I have been studying and analyzing the curse since I obtained the “witch’s curse” and we have Noma, an expert in magical matters, it’s worth giving it a try. Besides, I can defend against contamination anyway.
“Understood, I’ll take care of it. Should I head directly to the site?”
As long as it’s within Foranada’s territory, it should be within the range of the Phase-Link Gate.
Orca answered my question.
“I think it would be best to head to the nearby village. That’s where Noma-chan and the others have their base.”
“Got it. Then let’s go right away. They have already been notified over there, I assume?”
Knowing my personality well, Orca should understand that I would act promptly.
As expected, Orca nodded emphatically.
“Yes. I informed them that you would be heading there today. And I’ll be accompanying you as well.”
“Huh?”
This was unexpected. I had assumed that Orca would stay behind.
He puffed his cheeks in response.
“But I rarely get the opportunity to go on a trip with Zecks-nii. Considering that I’ll be acting as Zecks-nii’s substitute, I’ll end up staying behind no matter what, right?”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“Don’t worry. I’ve made arrangements so that everything will be fine even if I’m not here!”
I glanced at the subordinates in the room. They all nodded in agreement.
If they’re okay with it, then maybe it’ll be fine? It’s true that Orca rarely gets the chance to go out together. Considering his efforts and his request, I feel like I should fulfill his wish as his older brother.
The only concern is the dangerous area, but I should be able to protect Orca if it’s just him.
“Alright, I’ll bring Orca along.”
“Yes!”
Orca jumped up and down on the spot with excitement… Seeing him so happy, I couldn’t help but feel that this was the right decision.