After that, Naoki's life in the Fairy Nation gradually stabilized.
Every morning, he trained Uther in combat—starting from basics, slowly turning him into a warrior.
In the afternoons, after handing off to Aesc, he acted as Londinium's Chief Logistics Officer. With high mobility, he flew outside to forage edible ingredients.
Of course, not daily—basically once a week. On off-days, he stayed with the cooking staff, teaching Pan-Human History culinary knowledge to the locals.
Long dominated by fairies, humans in this Lostbelt had no cooking concept. Roasting over fire or boiling in water was their "cooking." Luckily, they knew basic tools like pots and spatulas.
To change this and improve Londinium's food, Naoki became a cooking instructor. On non-foraging afternoons, he taught in the grand kitchen.
No spices existed here. Fortunately, raw spice-like materials from Pan-Human History were available. After two dedicated days searching outside, Naoki prepared basic seasonings.
Thanks to this, Londinium's food standards rose almost daily. From initial grain mush akin to livestock feed, it now neared normal large-portion meals. Still lacking, but at least the minimum for normal humans.
It was like building a primitive tribe in another world while farming!
Yet despite Londinium's rapid food improvements, Naoki personally prepared three meals for Aesc, Totorot, and Hector—especially Aesc.
She'd appear at the communal hall, try the day's food, then return home for Naoki's portions.
Between Ordinary and Delicious, Aesc followed her body's preferences.
Mornings training Uther, afternoons teaching cooking or foraging, evenings finding something to do—this was Naoki's routine in Londinium.
Time passed swiftly.
Unknowingly, Naoki had lived in Londinium for half a year.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Haa!"
Morning at the breezy training ground.
Wooden sword in hand, Uther sparred with Naoki as usual.
Unlike the inexperienced child half a year ago, Uther had been forged by Naoki—from initial evasion drills to enduring hits, now attacking practice.
Though Naoki used only human-level strength, Uther's training was grueling. Covered in pebble marks, beaten immobile in endurance sessions, toyed with in attacks unable to land effectively…
For Uther, this half-year was likely the toughest ever. The result: he was utterly different now.
Naoki once had human knights spar Uther—he won one in ten matches. Past Uther wouldn't win any. Plus, at twelve, his future was long.
*PLAK!*
Blocking Uther's strike with his wooden sword, Naoki raised a hand to stop. "Alright, that's it for today."
"Huu~~~~"
Sighing in relief, Uther sheathed his sword. "Thank you for today's guidance, Brother Merlin. Please continue tomorrow."
"Ah… Tomorrow might not work. Or for about a month. I'm heading far with Aesc."
"Eh?"
Uther was surprised. "So sudden? Leaving tomorrow?"
Naoki shook his head. "No, today. After lunch soon, Aesc and I depart. Heading north this time."
North.
Uther had never been. He'd heard bits from Aesc, but southern and northern fairies never got along—plus the King Clan clashed with the five southern great clans—little info circulated.
"So far. What for?"
"The human-fairy war heats up, but only against the five southern clans. The northern King Clan hasn't stated a stance. Aesc plans to check and negotiate."
Naoki explained.
"As for me, I want the Lake District. Curious things there, and the Mirror Clan… Well, you wouldn't understand if I explained."
Ruffling Uther's head, Naoki smiled. "Anyway, today's training done. Aesc and I leave this afternoon, so afternoon Magecraft is canceled. Stay disciplined while we're gone. Don't slack. If I return and you're weaker…"
*PLAK!*
Feeling Naoki's firm grip on his shoulder, Uther nodded quickly. "Got it, Brother Merlin! I'll train seriously!"
"Good. Go eat. I need to prepare lunch for Aesc, Totorot, and Hector. See you in a month, maybe."
"Yes. Safe travels, Brother Merlin."
Uther hurried off the training ground.
Soon after, Aesc appeared before Naoki.
"Where's Uther?"
"Just left for lunch. All your affairs settled?"
Aesc nodded. "Yes, arranged big and small for the next month. Appointed a deputy. Londinium internals should be fine till we return."
"Great. Let's head home. I'll make you lunch. After eating, when Hector's back from the workshop, we'll depart for the Lake District. Fairy horse carriage, or should I fly us?"
"About that…" Aesc paused. "Considering Londinium's defense, I want Totorot and Hector to stay."
"So… just us two?"
"Yes."