Raul looked at Mike, who was busy in the orchard, with a face full of confusion.
First, Mike was clearing snow from the berry trees, then he lit some dried wood, causing smoke to fill the orchard.
"Mike, what are you doing?" Raul immediately asked when he saw Mike walking over after finishing his work.
"Clearing the snow is to prevent heavy buildup from bending or breaking the branches."
"Smoking the orchard raises the temperature, which helps ward off cold and frost."
"After the snow and before the freezing, we also need to thoroughly water the trees. This not only helps the trees grow and develop but also maintains relatively stable soil temperatures during the cold season, reducing the risk of freeze damage."
Mike explained the winter tree care methods that Aven had taught him, leaving Raul — who had spent his whole life growing berries — completely baffled.
"These were all Aven's instructions. As for how effective they'll be, I guess we'll find out next spring." Mike scratched his head. In truth, he wasn't entirely sure either.
When Raul heard it was Aven's idea, something stirred in him. He silently committed the steps to memory, planning to try them in his own orchard.
But in the next moment, he suddenly remembered that his orchard had been leveled. A hint of gloom appeared in his eyes.
After spending just one day in Fruitvale Village, he'd nearly forgotten it was still winter and that they were in the middle of relocating, with the threat of wintertime magical beasts still looming.
Wait — wasn't the Lady ordering everyone to relocate to Aspiration City?
But looking at Fruitvale Village, there didn't seem to be any signs of preparing to leave. Could it be they planned to stay?
At that thought, he hesitated and asked, "Mike, when are you planning to head to Aspiration City?"
Mike fell silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "We're not going."
He felt conflicted himself. After all, Fruitvale Village was still holding one of Aspiration City's nobles — who knew what kind of trouble they'd face if they went to the city?
Besides, they couldn't just abandon the magical beasts of Fruitvale Village.
With the Glooms, Mightyenas, Rhyhorns, and Tangelas guarding them, he believed they could survive the winter safely.
"You're really not leaving?" Raul was stunned. Though he'd suspected it, hearing it confirmed still left him speechless.
Then his mind turned to the magical beasts outside the village. His gaze flickered — Mike clearly believed they could protect the village!
So... could we stay too?
The idea startled Raul even as it formed in his mind.
But then again, if those beasts really could keep the village safe, staying here would be far better than going to Aspiration City.
He still remembered the last relocation five years ago — living in the city slums was dirty, chaotic, and unsanitary. Food was scarce, and even basic freedom was gone.
For two whole months, it was pure suffering. Some people even died from illness.
In contrast, these two days in Fruitvale Village had been far more comfortable — they could move freely, eat fresh produce from the local farms, and enjoy a sense of normalcy.
Of course, staying came with serious risks.
If the Glooms and Mightyenas failed to stop a beast tide, everyone would be in great danger.
Raul fell silent, weighing the pros and cons. Ultimately, this wasn't a decision he could make alone — he'd need to consult with the other villagers.
…
Lynn was feeling very conflicted.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he never would've believed this was Fruitvale Village.
First were the Glooms outside the village, then the young people walking alongside Mightyenas.
He'd heard there were still many Mightyenas living in the abandoned orchard outside the village.
Any villager who gained a Mightyena's recognition could potentially receive one as a companion.
Take that villager named Peter — he used to be just a berry farmer, but now he had both a Mightyena and a Gloom!
Upon hearing this, Lynn was filled with genuine jealousy. Why hadn't he been born in Fruitvale Village?
He wondered if outsiders could also earn the chance to bond with a Mightyena. If not... maybe he could become part of the village?
Maybe he could ask around to see if there were any unmarried women in the village.
If he could marry a girl from Fruitvale, wouldn't that make him a resident?
Just imagining the possibility of earning a Mightyena made his heart race with excitement...
"Hey, Lynn, good morning! Are you getting used to life here?"
As Lynn was lost in thought about how to obtain a Mightyena, Peter walked over with a cheerful greeting.
"Good morning, Peter. I'm very comfortable living in Fruitvale Village," Lynn replied quickly. Then he noticed the wooden longbow on Peter's back and asked in confusion, "Peter, are you going hunting?"
Peter took the longbow off his back and swung it lightly. "Nah, I'm heading to Sir Sutter's for knight training."
"Knight training?" Lynn was stunned — it didn't quite register at first.
To him, villagers and noble knights were two completely separate worlds.
"Haha, yeah, I guess calling it 'knight training' is a bit much. But the person training us is a real knight," Peter said, scratching his head in embarrassment. "Want to come watch? We all gather there every morning to train."
Lynn was caught off guard and hesitated. "I… I can really come see?"
"Of course! Aven's always encouraging us to take part in morning training." Peter grabbed Lynn and headed for the field outside the village.
On the way, Lynn saw many villagers walking in the same direction, chatting and carrying bows — clearly headed for training too.
When they reached the field, they found a large group of villagers gathered.
Among them was a knight in full armor, instructing everyone.
That was the village chief's son, Brent.
Lynn stood frozen for a moment. Even outsiders could join the training?
"Today we'll be practicing archery."
"When facing powerful magical beasts, it's hard to fight them unarmed."
"In those situations, we must rely on weapons — and among them, the bow is one of the most lethal."
Sir Sutter swept his gaze across the villagers, pausing briefly on a few of the outsiders, and then began the day's training.
(End of Chapter)