Seisan Mahoushi – 252

I Built a House in the Oasis!!

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“Ooohh!! That there would be such a place!!”

Mette raised her voice as she saw the vast lake.

Neia’s eyes widened as she muttered.

“I didn’t know that there was still an oasis of this size left…”
“Isn’t it amazing! I found it!”

Riise said with a proud expression.

So even Neia had never seen something on this scale before.

However, it wasn’t just surprise. There was some other emotion in her face as well.

And then Iria muttered.

“Unlike the white sand in the south of Fendel and White Sand Island…the sand here is yellow and seems bright.”
“But it’s hot…”

Melk said as she used her staff to send wind towards herself.

As for Asuha, she looked around and muttered.

“It seems like that sandstorm does not reach the area around the lake. I wonder if there is some secret to it?”
“It is possible. In any case, shall we explore a little?”

Said Iria, and I nodded.

“Aye. Perhaps we can find something rare here.”

And so we decided to explore the area. Though, Asuha would return once in order to tell Fendel and the tigerfolk that we were safe.

As for the lake, there were a small number of fish swimming inside. Also, we saw something like a small river coming from the desert. That small amount of water was pooling here.

There were sand dunes around the lake, but most of the area was green. There were palm trees, and trees that bore the fruits that Neia and the others had wanted.

“This place is like a paradise…”
“Can drink a lot of that desert apple juice.”

Melk said as she took a bite of the desert apple. Perhaps it was very sweet, as she wagged her tail happily.

I looked at the trees that extended to the horizon, and said,

“This oasis is so big… And we can replenish the water by using magic stones, so we wouldn’t have to worry about the lake drying up if we planted fields.”
“And there are no monsters or dangerous creatures. If there was a house, it would be a comfortable place to live.”

Said Mette, and I nodded.

“I just need to bring the wood and stone materials.”

I said, and Riise asked,

“Then can you make a house for us!?”
“Of course. You can pick a spot you like. And I’ll build that house first.”
“Yay!”

Neia smiled at how happy Riise was.

“Aye. Let us have him build a nice house.”

But there was something sad in Neia’s expression.

And then Mette said,

“Alright, then let’s look for a good spot. It should be somewhere high, with a good view. What about over there?”

Mette pointed to a rocky hill.

“Yes! From there, you should be able to see the other side of the lake! Sir Joshua, can you do it?”

Riise asked, and I nodded.

“Aye. I’ll make stairs that go up the slope as we go.”

And so I built stairs to the top of the hill.

While Iria used her sword to make the stone on the top level, Riise drew the plans for the house.

“The roof should be high so it’s easy to see! And big windows!! And there should be a balcony and enough space for beds! What about you, sister?”
“But it cannot be too big. It’s not like our whole tribe is going to live there… Sorry, Joshua.”

Neia muttered apologetically.

“Don’t worry about it. Also, if you have any suggestions, please tell me. I’ve never actually built a house in the desert before.”
“I-I see. Well, I think there should be a lot of windows for good airflow. Also, painting the walls with white lime will keep the house cool.”
“I see. I will try that then.”

And so I started the construction of the tigerfolk house.

I had enough materials for beds and sofas as well. And so I made them the minimum amount of furniture.

And in very little time at all, the two-story house was complete.

The first floor had the depth of three carriages, and the width of two. The second floor was about half that size, but there was a balcony.

“Wind magic was used to dry the outer walls, and the rooms have been cleaned of dust and sand. It’s almost ready to be lived in.”
“Yaaay! Our house!”

Riise jumped around happily.

“Alright, then you should take your time and explore it. And if there is any furniture you want me to make, just let me know. I’m going to make some other houses in the nearby area.”
“Okay!”

And then Neia made Riise bow her head.

“Say ‘thank you,’ Riise.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you!”

Riise said with a smile.

“You are welcome. Now, we’ll be going then.”

I said, and then I went outside to where Iria and the others were drawing some building plans.

“Have you finished yet?”
“Yes! I was thinking that it would be nice to have a fountain.”

I nodded.

“Because it is quite dry. We can use a magic stone for the water.”

And like that, we went about creating a place for the people of Fendel to stay.

There would be a plaza with a fountain in the center, and the same kind of houses that were on White Sand Island. Also, a watchtower, storage house and other necessary facilities.

“It’s starting to look quite nice.”
“Yes! People will be able to visit by airship, and some might want to live here.”

Answered Iria.

Indeed, with such a beautiful view, some people might wish to stay.

And the tigerfolk…

“Indeed… Hmm?”

Before I knew it, Asuha and the others had returned by airship. And Asuha was coming towards us frantically.

“Sir Joshua! The desert bell is ringing!”
“What? Did Riise and…”

Neia and Riise came out to see what was happening.

Neia looked pale.

“Could it be…my fool of a father!”

Neia rushed down the hill.

“We will go too! Asuha, use magic to clear the path in front of Neia!”
“Understood!”

We decided to follow after Neia as well.

From behind Neia, who headed into the sandstorm, Asuha used wind magic to push away the sand.

Eventually, I could hear the ringing bell as well.

“Father!”

And then one man appeared in front of Neia. It was Beyron.

Beyron talked in his usual tone.

“Ah, Neia. So you’re alive?”
“You idiot father!! Nevermind that. Let me see your wound, meow!!”

Neia forcefully grabbed Beyron’s sleeve and pulled it up, exposing numerous wounds that were probably from the sandstorm.

Neia’s voice changed like this when she got emotional.

“Bah, I get wounds like this all of the time. Why are you so angry?”
“Shut up, meow!! I told you we’re going to ask Joshua and the others for help, and so you should wait, meow!!”

And then Iria intervened.

“In-in any case, right now, he must be treated.”
“Leave it to Melk.”

Melk said as she cast healing magic on Beyron’s arm.

“Sorry…”
“Do not worry. More importantly, Riise has something to show.”

Said Melk, and Riise nodded.

“Yes! Mr. Joshua and the others built a house for us!! A big house that overlooks the lake!!”
“So I’m indebted to you again…”

Beyron said with an exasperated expression.

“Well, well. Even I think it turned out quite nice. So please go and look at it.”
“Very well… Riise. You will be lectured there… Hey!”

Riise dashed off without listening to him.

“Really… I don’t know where she or Neia gets it from…”

Neia glared at him as if to say, ‘It’s you!!’

“In-in any case, let’s return to the oasis.”

And so we also followed after Riise and made our way back.

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