novelraw Chapter 429
Chapter 429
Chapter 429Childbirth
Recently, Serai-san seemed to be troubled by issues in her local circle of friends. Seeing Serai-san's slightly flustered expression, I grew tense, thinking some trouble was finally brewing.
But paying no mind to me, Serai-san approached the old man, who had gotten out of the car, and said something I had never anticipated.
"Hey, Grandpa! I just got a call from Uncle, and he said a horse has gone into labor and needs help!"
(Ha... what did you say?)
The 'Uncle' Serai-san mentioned must be Sasayama-san. But why is such an SOS directed at the old man again? However, even as that question arose, the old man, having taken the communication device that was on the call, proceeded with the conversation.
"Hmm, it's me. Hmm... I see, so, a breech birth, is it? That's difficult indeed."
Hmm, and according to that, the birth had already started, and the foal was in a breech position, making it a rather difficult delivery.
And so, while listening to that conversation, I exchanged glances with Shark and Yuzuki-chan, who had noticed something was off and gathered around. Yes. I understood it was a serious situation, but still, with it being a birth, there was little we could do to help.
"Alright, we're heading out again. Coach, you help too.""Eh? Ah, yes!"
"Ah, then I'm going too!"
"I'll help as well!"
However, the old man, having ended the call, decided that we would also be helping.
...
And so, following the SOS from Sasayama-san, the place we headed to was a high-class, fancy riding club. By the way, Serai-san said a friend was coming over, so she didn't accompany us.
"Sorry for calling you out so suddenly, Kiyobei-san. And Coach-kun, thank you all for coming too."
Those were the first words of gratitude spoken by Sasayama-san, dressed in hunter fashion, who was waiting for us in the lobby.
Apparently, Sasayama-san had been asked by the owner here to set traps and patrol the surroundings, and today, having come for a patrol, he happened upon the scene of the horse going into labor.
Yeah, if there are horses, of course monsters like mountain goblins would take notice and attack. Sasayama-san must have been preventing that using traps and a hunting rifle.
"Sorry about this. Right now, people are either hospitalized with injuries or have evacuated to other areas, so I couldn't find anyone who could help with the horse's delivery."
While leading everyone to the stable at a somewhat brisk pace, Sasayama-san explained rapidly. I see, so that's why he sought out the experienced old man.
And so, arriving at the stable, staff members dressed in boots and work clothes were in a great fluster, unsure what to do in front of the suffering horse.
(Ah, I see. This is indeed...)
The riding club staff looked quite young, and their inexperience led to considerable agitation and clumsiness.
No wonder he wanted to call the old man. After all, Serai-san's grandfather is an agricultural warrior who loves crops and living creatures. He'd likely handle a horse's birth with ease.
However, as for the old man himself, upon seeing the mother horse sweating heavily and breathing roughly, he immediately asked, "Water?" to no one in particular.
"Well, currently this building's water is cut off... but there's a river very close by!"
"In that case, fetch some immediately. The horse's stamina won't hold out like this."
He gave that instruction to the staff member who answered. It seems that according to the old man's assessment, unless they cool down the overheated body, the mother horse's stamina won't last.
"Alright, then it's our turn. Come on, quickly show us to that river."
"Y-Yes!"
Urging the flustered staff member, I had him guide us to the river.
I briefly considered using my skill's mucus to cool it down, but without even thinking, river water is colder. Besides, spraying unfamiliar mucus on a horse, said to be delicate and timid, would probably startle it. So here, it's better to honestly fetch water from the river.
...
And so, the place we headed to was a narrow stream closer to a mountain brook than a river. Also, the descent point was narrow, allowing only one person down at a time.
So, I went down and drew water into a metal bucket, then handed it to Shark.
"Alright! I'll go on ahead then, Jung!"
"Ah, wait! Ruri-chan!"
"Don't hurry and trip, Shark."
I called out to Shark's back as she started running with the bucket, and also handed a bucket of drawn water to Yuzuki-chan, who was reaching out saying, "Give it to me soon."
Seeing those two off, I reached for the large metal washbasin I had brought along, and the remaining staff member helped me. No, it's not like I specifically chose this, you know. It just happened to catch my eye, that's all.
"Well then, should I head back too?"
"Ah, thank you. This much is nothing, so it's fine for you to go back now."
The staff member who guided us this far seemed concerned about the horse, wanting to return without waiting for me. But all that's left is to draw water into the basin, so I agreed to let him go back first.
"Okay, sorry about this."
And so, left behind, I also drew plenty of water into the metal washbasin, and holding it with both hands, hurried back.
But here, I noticed a certain change in myself.
(Oh... amazing. Before I knew it, I can carry the basin's water without making it slosh!)
Come to think of it, lately I've been practicing precise footwork by standing on logs meant for firewood. Hmm, this is wonderful progress. Good, just a little more...
However, pleased by that, I sped up, and for some reason, my right foot suddenly slipped. So I tried to support myself with my left foot, but as luck would have it, this time my left foot also slipped.
(Eh!?)
As a result, still holding the metal washbasin, I lost my balance badly, and my body became airborne. Even so, trying somehow to support myself, I instantly reached for a rope that came into view.
"Neigh!!"
(What!?)
But, what I grabbed wasn't a rope; apparently, it was a horse's tail.
The next instant, a large hoof rushed before my eyes, and with a thud and a violent impact, sparks flew before my eyes. And then, in my wavering, rattled vision, I thought I saw an intensely clear, deep blue summer sky...