#1048 The Ultimate Orkubo’s Castle

And so, winter arrives...

It’s time for Orkubo’s Castle!!!

This is the annual tradition where everyone gathers for a fun-filled obstacle course!

You could even call it a day of bonding for the farm and the rest of the world.

This year, we’re hosting the event as usual, except it comes with an extra layer of meaning this time.

We’re in the midst of a baby boom, and the whole world is buzzing with excitement.

It’s practically one big festival.

...Huh?

You’re saying that with all the parenting chaos, people don’t have time for festivals?

Well, that’s exactly why you need Orkubo’s Castle! A little bit of joyful chaos to make you forget about the challenges of real life, even just for a while!!!

This year’s Orkubo’s Castle has a special theme: “A Big Thank You from Dad to Mom!”

The moms have given it their all during childbirth.

And what were the dads doing? Pretty much nothing—just pacing around nervously, saying things like “You can do it!” which isn’t exactly helpful.

That’s why this season’s Orkubo’s Castle is all about showing appreciation to the hardworking moms!

By overcoming these tough obstacles, the dads can (sort of) relive the struggle of childbirth and share in the effort. That’s the idea!

Sure, we can hear the moms already saying, “Forget the obstacle course, just help with the baby!”

And yes, yes, we will help with the baby.

But first… Orkubo’s Castle!!!

But it’s not just about having fun. This year, we’ve woven in some practical parenting support as well.

Those who conquer the entire obstacle course will receive amazing prizes as always. But this year, the prizes are all about helping with parenting!!!

Let’s take a peek at some of the prizes!

First up!

A custom-made farm baby crib!

Crafted from the finest wood grown right on the farm, the orcs, who love building, and the goblins, who are great with their hands, teamed up to handcraft each one with love!!!

It’s not just cozy—it’s sturdy too! So sturdy, in fact, it could protect your baby from a falling meteor!!!

It’s built to last, so it’ll be perfect for baby number two when the time comes!

Next!

Farm-made baby clothes!

Designed by the farm’s top designer, Batemy!

Even though she’s been busy making clothes for her own soon-to-arrive little one, her creativity couldn’t be stopped, and she churned out an entire line of baby clothes!

And we’ve got so many of them that even after giving them away to farm workers and friends, we still have piles left!

 The clothes are made from silky smooth fabric that’s cool in summer and warm in winter, all thanks to Batemy’s expert craftsmanship!!!

Plus, they look amazing, which is no surprise since Batemy’s now the top designer in the Demon Kingdom!!!

Third!

A farm-made rattle!

Every baby needs a toy, and a rattle is a must-have!

We’ve perfected the sound of this rattle to be as soothing as possible for babies!

Even Sensei himself helped out, adding a touch of magic to the rattle so it can lull even the wildest monsters to sleep.

It’s practically a magical item!

Of course, there are plenty more baby items up for grabs, but let me tell you about the star of the show.

It’s this!

Disposable diapers!

That’s right, a revolutionary concept for our fantasy world—disposable diapers!

Keeping things clean is essential, and it makes sense to toss out a dirty diaper.

Thanks to the farm’s advanced paper-making techniques, we’ve created affordable, high-quality disposable diapers that are gentle on babies’ delicate skin.

We even developed a high-tech polymer (well, a brand-new material for this world, anyway) that absorbs messes like a dream...!

These diapers are just as good as the ones from my world...!

And here’s the kicker... they’re not just the grand prize for finishing the Orkubo’s Castle course. They’re the participation prize!!!

That’s right! Just by showing up, you’ll receive some free diapers!!!

How generous is that? I know, right?

We’ve prepared a whopping 40,000 diapers for the event.

Since they’re disposable, we plan on giving each family at least 10 to take home!

Plus, we’ll be releasing these diapers in markets all over the world, making sure they’re affordable and easy to find!

Orkubo’s Castle is the perfect place to introduce this life-changing product.

It’s all part of our “Help Parents Out” campaign!

But that’s not all!

We haven’t forgotten what Orkubo’s Castle is really about: obstacle courses!

Even the participating dads are more fired up than ever!

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”

“This is my chance to show what it means to be a daddddd!!!”

“Arararaaaaaai! Arararararararaaaaaaaaaaaaaai!!!”

“The rise or fall of a father’s pride rests on this battle!!!”

“The skies are clear, but the waves are high!!!”

“I’ll show them what it means when daytime Daddy takes overrrrr!!!”

The participating dads are all hyped up.

As usual, the Demon King and Arowana are ready to rumble, but so are a bunch of other dads, all geared up to make their kids proud and to show their wives just how thankful they are.

Even the local feudal lord, Dalkish, and the guild master, Silver Wolf, who normally would sit things out because of their positions, are in this year.

No hesitation.

They want to strut their stuff as fathers, too.

But the real surprise is seeing Orkubo and Gobukichi.

Them joining the competition is totally out of left field.

I mean, they’re supposed to be the organizers. They’ve always been the ones planning the events, setting up the games, and running the show.

And now here they are on the battlefield instead of behind the scenes.

Just that alone was enough to stir up the crowd.

They must’ve been itching to show off their dad skills, too.

Their dedication to defending Orkubo’s Castle is on a whole new level this year, their fighting spirit way higher than usual.

It’s like they have the presence of a Demon King.

Though, of course, the real Demon King is actually over there, having settled into a more mellow, fatherly vibe after five kids.

And me? I’m fired up more than ever!!!

Thank you, my dear wife, for blessing me with three beautiful children!!!

This battle will be my declaration of love and gratitude to you!!!

And to do that, I’ll wipe out every last competitor!

Sure, I bet all the other dads are feeling the same way!!!

...Hmm?

You’d rather I just take over feeding the baby than win this tournament?

But I do that every day!

I wanna show my love on a grand scale for once!

Today, Orkubo’s Castle is the perfect stage!!!

Let’s go, dads!

We’ll show the world what it means to have a father’s fighting spiritttttttttt!!!

And now, for the opening ceremony.

Up on stage is Orkra, one of the farm orcs.

Since Orkubo is competing this year, Orkra has stepped in as a stand-in.

“Uh… so, due to some circumstances, I’m Orkra, and I’ll be your host and commander today. Which means, for this year only, this place isn’t Orkubo’s Castle—it’s Orkra’s Castle.”

Huh?

“The newly reborn Orkra’s Castle! Or better yet, New Orkra’s Castle! And it’s waiting for you all with the toughest, most luxurious challenges you’ve ever seen! Come, prove your pride as fathers! Orkra’s Castle will crush all who stand before it!!!”

That little hint of ambition isn’t lost on anyone, but New Orkra’s Castle stands tall, ready to face off against all the dads trying to prove themselves!!!

No better opponent!

Let’s go wild and show just how great a father’s love can be!!!

Onward, fellow dads!

We march on New Orkra’s Castle’s highest tower!

Father army, chargeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!