The reason why the forest people were able to live in the dangerous forests inhabited by many magical beasts was because most of them worked with the Great Big Bee.
I see.
It was a wonder that the forest people could live in the mountains of Yurinova, where many powerful magical beasts, such as the brown bear-sized monocular bears, live. There was a reason for that.
“The great king bee builds multiple nests all over its territory, and the queen bee moves around, lays eggs in each nest, and cares for her young. This practise may be a wise way to avoid total extinction. The forest people also make their homes near each hive and move around at the bee’s request.”
“Ah, I have heard that the forest people do not settle down. Was that the reason?”
“Yes, that’s right. And one of their settlements is close to here. The fact that the Great Bee’s messenger came here means that the people of the forest are here, and they are inviting us.”
Oh, right, they were just like the nomads in my previous life. They didn’t settle down either, they moved around searching for grass to feed their livestock, but I had read somewhere that their seasonal strongholds were usually predetermined.
“That explains a lot.”
Ekaterina nodded.
“I appreciate the hospitality of the forest people. I will gladly pay them a visit. I’ve been looking forward to speaking with your wife, Lady Aurora, since we didn’t have much time to talk the other night.”
I would probably never get a chance to visit a forest people’s residence again if I missed this opportunity! Super lucky!
It was like being a mystery hunter on a show about discovering mysteries. In my former life, non-fiction TV shows were my favorite, and this one was no exception.
Ekaterina’s words made Forli break into a smile.
“It is an honor to have you as a guest, my lady. I am sure my wife and daughter would be delighted.”
He then waved to the Messenger Bee outside the carriage, and the bee quickly flew away.
The road left the rural area behind and entered the forest.
The summer sky was still bright, but the sun was setting and the darkness under the trees on the road was growing thicker. Soon, it would be impossible to proceed.
…If it had not been for the offer of the forest people, we would probably have camped out in the woods.
In this time, in this world, in this place, the risk of changing plans was significant. I should reflect on this. I didn’t regret defending the grandfather’s farm, though.
“Don’t worry, young lady. The forest people’s residence is not far away.”
“Oh my, that’s good to know. They are closer to the village than I thought.”
“In the past, these farming villages were also forests. The territory of the Great King Bee has not changed since ancient times. The reason why this area has remained a forest and not been cultivated is because of the legacy of the 5th Duke Vassily.”
Forli continued.
“It is likely that Lord Vassily, who was in touch with the forest people, avoided a conflict with the Great Bee. And it was to protect these forests that Lord Sergei appointed me Chief of Forestry and Agriculture.“
“I see…”
He mentioned that recently, forests were being cut down at a rapid rate for fuel and building materials. It would have been very difficult to protect the forests so close to human settlements. Even in my previous life, the logic of economics was stronger than that of environmental conservation.
But I understood this because of the knowledge I had from my previous life. Many wonderful things would be preserved if this forest was left for future generations, such as a variety of species, water retention, wind protection, disaster prevention such as landslides, and so on.
Oh, no, it was just knowledge from a past life. Sorry, I apologize for being a fraud.
