Chapter 47
“When it’s all healed, will you stop nagging me so often?”
“What nagging?”
“You know, about s*x. ‘Don’t overdo it or the wound will open. Don’t let sweat or water get in.’ And so on. You’ve been a bit of a bother about it, haven’t you?”
“……”
It had been nagging meant for his sake, but Hunter seemed only bothered by the fact that it had kept him from having s*x with her.
Prina’s face clouded.
“Well, honestly, I don’t think it matters. I did everything you told me not to, and I still healed.”
“Even so……”
“Alright, since you’re still worried about it, I’ll just wait until I’m better.”
Hunter smiled faintly.
“Prina. I want to give you something in return.”
“In return?”
“Yes.”
In return? Prina’s eyes widened at the unexpected words from Hunter.
“If there’s something you want to do or something you want to have, tell me. I’ll make it happen.”
“……”
“I mean, whatever wish you name, I’ll grant it.”
He stroked her head affectionately, whispering gently.
She was already grateful just to be taken in like this… what wish could she ask for? He was still in the middle of healing, and she hadn’t cared for him perfectly. She felt guilty asking for anything in return.
“…I don’t have a wish.”
When Prina answered in a small, timid voice, he met her gaze.
“No, I healed quickly because you treated me. It’s all thanks to you.”
“……”
“That’s why I want to repay you. Let me, Prina.”
Hunter had plainly said it was thanks to you, Prina.
She hadn’t really done much, so she felt a bit embarrassed.
“But there must be something. A wish. Say it while I’m feeling generous. Don’t regret it later.”
Hunter pressed her for an answer again, asking for something difficult and insisting on it.
For Prina, who had never had anything given solely for her sake, and had never possessed anything, naming a wish was not an easy task. But when an opportunity came, it was right to seize it.
‘What should I say…’
After thinking for quite some time, Prina finally spoke.
“I… I’ve been stuck in the room all the time, and it’s getting a bit stifling.”
“Mm.”
“A vegetable garden. Not a big one… Just a small, cozy garden.”
She thought it would be nice to have a small garden where she could grow herbs and vegetables. The other day, when they went to the market, Hunter had bought her some seedlings, and she’d planted a few.
Wouldn’t it be good to keep producing vegetables for Lucky, and ingredients to better treat Hunter—who, as a hunter, often came back injured? After all, she might be living in this house for a long time.
“Alright. I’ll make it for you.”
To Hunter, it was a very modest, even trivial wish.
* * *
A few dreamlike weeks passed.
As promised, Hunter set up a humble garden in a sunny spot behind the mansion. He named it ‘Lucky Farm’ and even bestowed upon Prina the grand title of farm owner even though in reality, he did all the hard work.
He plowed the soil, built fences, carried heavy loads, got rid of pests, and handled irrigation. These were laborious, physically demanding tasks essential to making a garden.
Although the garden wasn’t large, even for a strong man like him it looked like a lot to do alone, so Prina always tried to help. But more often than not, he’d claim she might get hurt and lift her up, setting her down on a mat instead.
“I’m the farm owner. You can’t be the only one working hard, Mr. Hunter.”
“The owner’s supposed to give orders. The worker’s the one who labors.”
“Even so……”
“You’re the owner, I’m the worker. We each do our own job. Got it?”
After saying that, he went back to work.
Since she couldn’t win by words either, she had no choice but to follow.
Meanwhile, Prina took charge of the less physically demanding but more delicate tasks like sorting seeds, thinning out overcrowded sprouts, harvesting and selecting herbs or crops ready for use. She dried what needed drying, pickled or ground what should be preserved, and stored the rest neatly in jars according to their purpose.
The garden took more time and attention than she’d expected. These days, Prina looked in on it whenever she could, taking great pride in watching things grow under her care.
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