Chapter 121: Unexpected
After spending a few hours holed up in the Library, I discovered the gap material.
When stacking stones, I had been using mortar or plaster as an adhesive, but it turns out it’s honey and flour.
Yeah, no thanks!
No matter how easy it is for Spirits to gather around or how mysteriously durable the building is, that just won’t do! It’s a mental block for a Japanese person like me…
I could consider trying it for a small house planned in the Forest, though. There are definitely more Spirits there than in the city.
I also figured out the ash. It’s made by mixing volcanic ash from Mt. Tsola with lime, volcanic rock, and seawater. Apparently, the crystals formed when this volcanic ash dissolves in seawater are quite strong.
Mt. Tsola is known as the place where the Wind Great Deity resided before becoming a deity—it’s still home to many Spirits, and fine ash mixes in like dust.
This is definitely the way to go. It might just be a difference between having Spirits from the start or adding them later, but honey and flour seem like they’d attract ants.
Alright, once I return from the Abandoned Mine, I’ll gather volcanic ash. The building faces the sea, so if it’s resistant to seawater, it’s perfect.
What Kadal probably wanted to convey is that the balance between materials and Spirits is essential. Even if you create something, you should leave room for Spirits to be born or to enter.
I made the glass colors based on my knowledge from Japan, but there might be other methods or materials that incorporate Spirits more naturally. From now on, I’ll keep an eye out for places and items that seem to fit that description.
Maybe it’s because I often went to the Library as a no-cost escape in Japan, but I feel incredibly at ease here. I’d like to stay a bit longer, but I need to head home early today to prepare tomorrow’s lunch.
I greet the Librarian and leave the Library. At first, I was worried about this crumbling temple, but upon closer inspection, the walls and pillars that shouldn’t be crumbling are slightly chipped but otherwise intact. It seems they were intentionally damaged.
I’ve come to understand this because my knowledge of house building has increased. I realized it was deliberate, but I’ll make sure to offer my donations properly.
Back home, I play with Rishu and prepare dinner. Just as planned, ramen!
A broth mixed from the essence of pork and chicken, stripped of impurities, combined with a seafood broth rich in bonito flakes and soy sauce. The noodles are medium-thick and straight. Toppings include chashu, menma, nori, and a boiled egg that’s firmer than soft-boiled.
Crispy, winged gyoza. I had made a lot of these beforehand.
For vegetables, I have cabbage. Just toss heated cabbage with minced garlic, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, and sesame oil for a quick side dish. Add a pinch of chili pepper if you like.
Pure bliss.
Oh, maybe I’ll bring some braised pork tomorrow. Since it uses soy sauce, I might get scolded outside the house. Choosing ingredients is such a hassle; I need to get a variety of vegetables circulating soon.
After prepping the ingredients and finishing other preparations, I take a bath. I plan to enjoy it slowly since I won’t be able to bathe for a while. Just as I was thinking that, Rishu unexpectedly came in. He perched on the edge of the bathtub, looking up at me as if to ask, “What are you doing?”
Since he’s still small, he can’t see inside the bathtub. I scoop up some hot water and bring it to his nose. After sniffing it, he either accepted it or lost interest and went off in search of a new game.
Rishu can pass through doors, so he’s free to roam both inside and outside the house.
The next day, I wake up a bit earlier, strip the sheets, and toss them along with my discarded clothes into the laundry bag.
I go for my daily walk, checking on the fields and filling a few bags. My house is situated by a waterway, so there’s no problem, but in my country, it doesn’t rain in the summer, meaning the season for leafy greens is from autumn to spring.
In the orchard, I harvest oranges and lemons. I had this vague image of them being spring or summer fruits, but like mandarins, they’re actually in season during winter. The fruit named after my own name is rare and expensive. I also pick some mandarins while I’m at it.
I feed the livestock and sneak some eggs from the chicken coop.
Feeling hungry, I prepare breakfast. I give Rishu water and today’s pork loin. For myself, I have rice, miso soup, grilled salmon, a rolled omelet, tofu topped with plenty of green onions, and pickles. A traditional breakfast, though I’m not sure where this form originated.
Now, it’s time to head out for our meeting.
I throw on my coat and use [Teleportation]. The meeting spot is the rental house where Retze and the others live. The Dinoss Family will pass through my house, so I wait for them first.
As I sip coffee and read a book I borrowed from the Library, there’s a knock at the back door. When I open it, I see Dinoss, also carrying a laundry bag like mine.
“Good morning!”
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Just the usual.”
I step aside to let Dinoss in and invite his family inside.
“Good morning, Jean!”
I crouch down to match Tina’s pose as she raises her arms for a hug.
“Good morning!”
“Good morning~!”
After Tina, I flow into hugs with Baku and En.
“Good morning, nice to see you!”
Finally, I hug Shiva and close the door.
Before long, everyone has gathered—everyone is Santa.
We’re heading to the Horse Rental Shop via the laundry. It’s not exactly an adventurous journey, but I’d rather not come home to find mushrooms growing on my laundry, so it can’t be helped.