Chapter 183: The Usual Exchange
“Is something going on?”
“I don’t think what’s attached to Reed is a Unicorn.”
If that’s what they call it in this world, then so be it.
“Is it different?”
“It looks more like some kind of horse. But that’s personal information…”
It’s neither an enemy nor an ally. Talking about a Spirit attached to someone when no incident has occurred feels a bit hesitant.
When the shocking truth that I can’t actually see Spirits was revealed, I learned that Dinoss and Shiva can see En’s Squirrel. Apparently, Spirits that have a fondness for humans often reveal themselves to those close to their target.
Unless a powerful Spirit wishes to be seen, ordinary Spirits need to have the ability to see humans as well. Also, even if En can see Spirits, Dinoss and Shiva’s Spirits are said to be too proud to show themselves.
…What should I do, being so visible?
“Could it be that they saw it at the Temple? Maybe they didn’t see it with their own eyes but through a Magic Circle. If there’s resistance, the Magic Power depletes before they can see it clearly. They tend to be more lenient with those who pay them well.”
“So they caught a glimpse and conveyed it positively?”
Good to know, it seems like the recognition of the Unicorn isn’t skewed.
“If it’s not the influence of a Spirit, is he really a pervert?”
“Tina is cute, but it’s troubling.”
“Reed looks like a prince, but he’s a bit creepy~.”
The opinions of the parents and the straightforward thoughts of the child.
“It’s not like he’s trying to curry favor with me just because I’m Gold Rank.”
“If you could tell me that five years from now, that would be great.”
Dinoss said, looking perplexed, and Shiva echoed with a troubled expression.
“What about the baker’s son?”
I witnessed Tina receiving flowers in front of the shop the other day.
“John wipes his nose on his sleeve, so gross~.”
“There was snot on the flowers~.”
“I can’t buy bread~.”
…Is John sick or is it allergies? At least use a handkerchief. Still, I occasionally see him running around with a few others, so he must have friends.
The Dinoss Family has a surprisingly good sense of hygiene for residents of this world. That’s one of the reasons I stopped visiting other farms and started going to the Dinoss Family.
I wonder if it’s because Shiva was a noble? Her background is vague, but if that Spirit has been with her since birth, it must have been a tumultuous life, so I’m hesitant to ask about her past. It feels like she might have discarded her past along with her status.
…Isn’t there too much baggage around me?
“Either way, no way. Tina is with me! She said I’m her daddy’s bride~!”
“No way~! Tina is now Jean’s bride~!”
Tina says, for some reason, while playfully pushing her arms out.
“Brides~!”
“Brides~!”
Baku and En chime in.
The usual exchange begins, and in the end, everyone settles on being my brides. They probably don’t genuinely want to become brides, but they like me enough to want to be together. The proof is that more and more people like Ash, Dean, and Chris are joining in.
By the time I leave the Dinoss house, it’s already night.
“Rishu, I’m home.”
I teleport from Kanum’s House to mine and ruffle Rishu’s fur as he runs up to me.
I prepare tea for myself and water and meat for Rishu. Water can be drunk anywhere, and he probably doesn’t need to eat meat, but I serve it on a special plate for some reason.
After that, we play for a while and brush his fur. Even though it’s getting hot, Rishu hasn’t changed to his summer coat, and his chest fur is fluffy. He looks hot, but he’s adorable.
Tomorrow, I should go visit Chris, no, Retze. And while I’m at it, I’ll ask him to help with making mattress pads. Since it’s for the beds and sofas in the Island and Forest rooms, there are quite a few to make. Also, I need to assemble some lamps. I think I’ll ask him to work part-time at my place on rainy days.
By the way, is there any material that could serve as a substitute for foam for the sofa? I also want bamboo for ear cleaning, and once I finish drawing the Magic Circle for the Island’s Water Source, I might wander around a bit.
With those thoughts in mind, I get out of the bath and crawl into bed. I’m drinking milk, but I wonder if I’ve grown taller? I see Rishu sprawled out on the Chilling Plate and turn off the lamp.
Then, the next evening, since it feels odd to go early in the morning, I bring some alcohol and snacks for a visit. This rented house has a human door that opens to stairs in front, with a kitchen to the right and a door leading to the living room.
When someone is around, this door is usually left unlocked and open. Today it was ajar, so I peeked in, but it seems no one is here, or rather, someone is bathing in the well.
It was hot today, so they must be refreshing themselves after work. For me, it’s not that hot yet, but the people here tend to be quite sensitive to heat. Dean, for instance, wears short sleeves or sleeveless shirts all year round.
I decide to head to Retze’s room and climb the stairs. Retze’s room is at the end of the second floor. The door from the street doesn’t have a lock, but naturally, the door to his room is locked.
“Hey, what’s up?”
I knock, and he comes out. Is Dean the one bathing in the well?
“First, the bribe.”
I shove the basket filled with alcohol and snacks at him.
“Stop making it impossible for me to refuse first.”
Retze takes it, looking exasperated.
“Delicious!”
“Don’t speak in broken sentences. Come on in.”
“Excuse me.”
I could chat with everyone downstairs, but since someone is bathing, I feel free to explore Retze’s room, which is filled with all sorts of interesting things.