Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 5: Volume 2 Chapter 4, Apology

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Feeling like the conversation was starting to drift, Kousuke turned his gaze to Romana. “That’s not all you wanted to talk about, is it?”

Romana shook her head in response to Kousuke’s question.

“Of course I have other matters, but that’s what I wanted to discuss the most. Also, thanks to you, the village is changing for the better.”

Romana was not lying. The village had been feeling suffocated, but with Kousuke and his companions’ visit and the portal’s installation, a positive wind had blown in all at once. As the village representative, she wanted to convey her gratitude by explaining the current situation.

“Thank you on behalf of the villagers.”

Romana bowed her head. Kousuke and Collete shared a glance before Collete nodded. Her expression showed she had already made peace with the past. After confirming this, Kousuke turned to Romana with relief.

“I appreciate your gratitude, but it’s too early to relax.”

“What do you mean?”

Romana looked puzzled at Kousuke’s words.

“Just because someone is pregnant doesn’t mean the birth will be safe. There are also challenges that come after. Many problems are still there.”

“Of course, that’s true. The village is doing its best to address these matters.”

For Elves, who had difficulty conceiving children, pregnant women were the most important people to protect. Of course, they were not pampered excessively, but they were still considered people who should be protected as a top priority. A similar custom existed in the Tower Village and remained unchanged even now that more children were being conceived than ever before.

Everyone knew that having a child was difficult, but it was even more difficult once conceived. Even Elves did not suddenly become adults upon birth.

“Children are treasures. That’s true in every village.”

Lelace, who had been listening silently to their conversation, interjected with a vigorous nod. As the representative of the Tower village, Lelace had been watching the changes more closely than anyone else. Compared to before they had moved to the Tower, she felt most keenly what had and had not changed.

“I guess that’s true. I feel the same way every time I come to this village.”

Romana nodded, her expression somehow both envious and lonely.

“If the children are born safely, won’t the same thing happen in your village?”

“That’s right.”

Understanding the meaning behind Romana’s expression, Kousuke offered advice. Romana nodded with renewed determination, realizing there was no point in worrying unnecessarily at this stage.

Kousuke’s words brought her back to the present.

“Our village still has a long way to go. There’s no point in envying others.”

The others did not say anything more. They understood she was not looking for someone to agree with her statement, but rather someone to listen to her.

Romana blushed slightly upon realizing this.

“How embarrassing. I never thought I’d still be complaining at my age.”

“No matter your position or age, it’s good to have someone to talk to.”

“That’s true.”

Romana nodded, seemingly regaining her composure at Lelace’s words. She then turned her gaze to Kousuke and Collete.

“Lord Kousuke and Collete… No, Lady Collete. I know this is a bold request, but could you both please visit our village sometime?”

Romana’s words caused Kousuke and Collete to look at each other again, both wearing expressions of genuine surprise. Kousuke aside, Collete had predicted that visiting the village would cause unnecessary trouble, so she had not visited Sewri Forest since the portal opened.

And since Collete chose not to visit, Kousuke had never visited either. They could not imagine a situation in the village that would prompt Romana to make such a suggestion.

As if reading their thoughts, Romana continued.

“As I said earlier, rumors about you both are spreading in my village. It’s about what’s been happening in your village, too. I would really like you to take this opportunity to visit. Of course, I don’t intend to force you, but…”

As Romana spoke, her gaze turned to Collete. Given what had happened in the past, taking her there carelessly could have the opposite effect, especially since Collete was pregnant. Even though she was in her stable period, there was no point in forcing her to overexert herself. Furthermore, if Collete, a symbol of fertility, were to be harmed, the good fortune ahead could suddenly turn sour.

For this reason, Romana had no intention of pushing Collete too hard. However, thinking about the village, she also wanted them to come.

Sensing Romana’s conflicting feelings, Kousuke sighed and looked at Collete.

“Collete, what will you do?”

Kousuke did not mind either way. That said, he had no intention of forcing Collete to do anything reckless. He did not mind dismissing the village’s matters as it was none of his concern. Even though they had already moved past what happened, if the visit would negatively impact Collete, it would be better not to go in the first place.

Kousuke looked at her, making clear it was her decision.

Collete gave a wry smile.

“Kousuke, you’re worrying too much. Romana came all this way to just ask us to go.”

Collete said something Kousuke did not quite understand, but Romana seemed to comprehend immediately. She nodded with a wry smile.

“I know it may seem insincere to you, Collete-sama.”

“Romana, you’re worrying too much, aren’t you? I don’t care anymore. The only reason I haven’t gone back until now is to avoid upsetting the village.”

“If you say so…”

“No need to apologize now.”

Collete waved her hand, interrupting Romana who was about to bow again.

“So? It would be difficult to come today suddenly, so when would be good?”

Collete knew Kousuke was free all day, but she quickly moved on, figuring Sewri Forest village would not be ready yet.

“If you both can spare the time, any time after tomorrow is fine.”

“That’s right. Then tomorrow works.”

“Oh? Are you okay with that, Kousuke?”

“Well, I guess. There’s nothing particularly urgent I need to attend to.”

There were plenty of things to do if he looked hard enough, but none were high priority. With their visit to the village easily decided, Romana bowed deeply and left. She walked quickly as she exited the room, presumably to inform the village of their impending visit as soon as possible.

After seeing Romana off, Kousuke and the others continued their rambling conversation for a while.

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When Kousuke returned to the Management Floor and mentioned he gad been to the Elf Village, Shrein said something unexpected.

“Hmm. Can I come too?”

“Shrein? I don’t mind, but is there a reason?”

“Well, nothing specific. When it comes to children, Elves and Vampires have their similarities. I was hoping to learn something.”

Unlike Elves, being unable to have children wasn’t a critical issue for Vampires. Of course, Vampires were not truly immortal, so they still needed to have children, but it wasn’t as important for preserving the species. This could be seen in the example of the Prost Family, who were resurrected from the distant past.

Shrein wanted to see the Elf Village and find the answer she needed to decide what course of action to take as a Vampire.

In the end, Kousuke agreed to Shrein’s proposal, and the three of them headed to Sewri Forest Village.