Chapter 259: Good Timing

Since the arrival of spring, a lot had happened in quick succession, but for about a week afterward, we enjoyed peaceful days with nothing particularly eventful.

Even though it was “nothing happening,” I was still experimenting with farming, trying to increase last year’s yield.

Helena and Moz weren’t evolving, but their magical skills improved year by year. This year, we planned to try different soil treatments.

We wanted to see which methods would enrich the soil best and grow tastier crops—improving quality was also one of our goals.

During these peaceful but enjoyable days, we had visitors for the first time in a week.

Donnie, Velvet, Isabella, and Rose—four people in total.

They hadn’t come together intentionally, but coincidentally arrived at the same time.

Velvet and Rose were a combination I had been looking forward to introducing at some point, so it was an exciting coincidence.

“As I said before, I came to help. Payment in contact lenses, please.”

“Of course, understood. Thank you in advance starting today… Velvet-san, you came to help as well?”

“Yes. I also wanted to discuss a few things…”

Velvet glanced at Isabella and Rose, who had just arrived.

It was a look that said, “I can’t discuss this in front of everyone,” which almost certainly meant it was about manga.

“I see. Then I’ll listen later.”

“Yeah, I’d appreciate that. I’ll go help out too.”

Velvet lightly bowed to the two of them and followed Donnie out to the fields.

“Did the timing work out badly?”

“No, not at all. It’s just that they happened to come at the same time. You’re always welcome here.”

“Oh, that’s good. I also have something to consult you about, Sato-san. Is that okay?”

Rose quietly told me this.

Since she was wary of Isabella’s eyes, I assumed it was also about manga.

“Lately, it’s been like this. She says nothing to me and insists, ‘I want to consult Sato.’ So she came… but when she sneaks around in front of me, it’s a little irritating.”

Isabella was glaring at me, directing her jealousy toward me.

I could tell Rose usually tells Isabella everything, but not about manga. I felt like telling Isabella, but considering Rose’s feelings, it wasn’t possible.

“Eventually, Isabella will have her chance to hear about it. Until then, please watch over her gently without prying.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that—I understand!”

With that, Isabella and Rose headed to the fields.

Isabella stomped ahead in a huff, while Rose secretly waved at me—an adorably shy gesture.

For now, I decided to call them individually for a conversation.

Ideally, I’d like to hear the same story from both at once, but it’s too early for that.

Such a rare coincidence deserved careful timing. I wanted to bring them closer gradually.

Since we had gotten excited talking about manga the other day, there would be a chance for a meaningful encounter.

I calmed myself and first called Velvet.

I called her to the recreation room.

If we were talking about manga, this room was the best choice.

“Sato, sorry for taking up your time.”

“No problem at all. If it’s a request from you, Velvet-san, I’ll always make time. So, today is also about manga?”

“Yes. I brought a new work and wanted to hear what people thought about the manga I left before.”

Velvet seemed a little shy, concerned about the reception.

Earlier, I had shared Rose’s feedback, but she had been too embarrassed to respond properly, so I wanted to give her a proper report this time.

“As I said before, the response has been amazing since I put them out. It might be quicker to show you directly.”

“Show me directly? What do you mean?”

Tilting her head, Velvet watched as I showed her the manga she had drawn.

It wasn’t a standard comic; it was still on manuscript paper, so it was a little hard to read.

The manuscript paper was worn from being read dozens of times.

Although seeing it damaged might upset someone, I knew Velvet would be happy that her work was being appreciated so much.

“This is your manga, Velvet-san. I’ve treated it carefully, but it’s a little damaged—sorry about that.”

“…Amazing. Really amazing. Even though it’s damaged, I can see it’s been cared for. It’s strange, but… it makes me really happy.”

Velvet read through it and hugged it tightly.

Her eyes glistened with tears, and it was clear she was genuinely delighted.

Depending on the reaction, she could have been traumatized, but everyone here was kind.

I trusted both the appeal of her manga and the kindness of the people here, displayed it, and seeing Velvet truly happy was wonderful.