MTLNOVEL Chapter 291.1
Chapter 291.1. Everyday Life
Spring has arrived, and the wind has grown warmer. Feeling the gentle breeze brush against his skin, the man sensed the change of seasons.
Before him lay a freshly filled paddy field. All that remained was to plant the seedlings. Surrounding him were vast expanses of farmland, with the occasional barracks for responding to dungeon outbreaks.
“Well, time to plant the spring seedlings.”
Many others stood nearby, holding baskets filled with seedlings. They had gathered today to plant rice seedlings. With machinery still scarce, they had no choice but to rely on manpower. The man’s wife and child were also scheduled to help with the planting today.
The sunlight glittered on the water’s surface, almost blindingly so. Though beautiful, the water looked cold, and he felt a slight hesitation. But with his wife and child present, he straightened his back and put on a brave face.
“Now, everyone, please follow your group leaders and begin planting. It’s good to have heat-resistant necklaces if you have them.”
A girl slightly older than his son, named Hana, began explaining with a confident demeanor in front of the gathered adults. Some first-timers seemed confused, wondering how a child could be in charge.
Those who had worked with Hana before found it normal, but it still felt odd to see such a young girl in charge.
A young man, participating for the first time, yawned while picking his ear and whispered to his companions.
“Hey, shouldn’t we just become adventurers? Being bossed around by a kid is pathetic.”
“Yeah, adventuring is the way to rise up.”
“Right? It’s not too late. Leave it to me.”
Glancing over, they wore work clothes suitable for planting, with rubber boots reaching up to their waists. They must be new to the area or from the outer streets. Their new clothes suggested they weren’t from the slums.
“Excuse me, little boss, we need to talk.”
With a casual tone and smirks, the young men approached Hana. Others frowned in displeasure, but the men paid no heed. They must have been spoiled growing up.
“Yes, what is it?”
Hana, unfazed by their attitude, smiled and tilted her head. Despite being younger, she carried herself with far more maturity.
“Well, we’ve decided we don’t want to plant anymore. Is that okay?”
Still smirking, the young man loomed over Hana, trying to intimidate her. He underestimated her, thinking her just a girl.
“Look at that, you can really feel the change of seasons.”
“Cut it out, that’s in bad taste.”
A nearby acquaintance whispered with a laugh, and though he scolded him, he secretly agreed. It was a familiar scene, and some around them chuckled.
“Um, the groups are already assigned, so it’s inconvenient if you quit now.”
“Ah, sorry, I just sprained my ankle. It’s a sprain, can’t walk well.”
“Yeah, my head hurts.”
“My stomach’s acting up.”
The men exaggeratedly held their heads and stomachs, laughing loudly.
Hana watched them with a smile.
“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped.”
With a speed almost too fast to see, she delivered a low kick.
Crack
A sickening sound followed as the young man spun and crashed to the ground.
“Ahhh! It hurts, it hurts!”
His leg bent unnaturally as he screamed in pain. It all happened in an instant.
“It might be a fracture, not a sprain. You should see a doctor.”
The girl, shorter and younger, smiled as she spoke. The young man’s face paled in fear. Her kick felt like a blow from a heavy blunt object.
“And who else had a headache and stomachache?”
Hana tilted her head cutely, and the other men shook their heads vigorously, their faces pale. They had thought her a weak girl who would cry or seek help from adults.