Chapter 189: Research Location
I returned home in the evening, played with Rishu, and took a bath. Then, off to the Library with Rishu!
Passing through the temple, which still looked like it might crumble at any moment, we made our way to the Library. After navigating the dark corridor, I opened the door, revealing a bright and spacious area. No matter how many times I come here, the stark contrast and change in atmosphere never cease to amaze me.
The librarian, a young boy, widened his eyes just slightly, as if he was trying to contain his surprise.
“Can dogs come in? She doesn’t shed, doesn’t bark, and doesn’t cause any trouble.”
“—Spirits are not prohibited from entering,” he replied, granting us permission.
I patted Rishu and stepped inside.
“I’d like to know about the coloring methods preferred by Glass Spirits and about Changelings, please.”
The librarian nodded silently and began to walk.
The mosaic floor here is intricately designed with subdued colors. Rather than being beautiful, it gives off an impression of magnificence, existing without disrupting the Library’s atmosphere.
This must have been crafted by a Spirit. I wonder what kind of effect it has? As soon as I decided to create something myself, my curiosity piqued.
So, I decided to look for additional books on mosaics. After borrowing the books I needed, I retreated to a private room and took out some tea. Rishu lay at my feet, ready to chew on the Ex-Staff.
I lightly patted Rishu and opened a book. First, I looked into mosaics and Spirits. In this world, it seems that mosaics, objects, and specific arrangements of stones can serve as substitutes for Magic Circles.
Typically, a Magic Circle is used to summon a designated Spirit and make it perform a task, but mosaics appear to summon Spirits in a more gentle manner. It seems that by using mosaics, I can choose the types of Spirits that gather, rather than just placing a Water Basin.
Since I’ve decided on an arabesque pattern, I might as well check out the patterns of mosaics and which Spirits are likely to be attracted to them. I could skim through them later if I have time, but I don’t particularly feel the urge to create a mosaic of a giant statue wielding a club.
Next up is coloring. I’ve learned about the Japanese method of coloring glass in the Material Realm, but I’ve been gently warned that it wouldn’t work here, so I came to research it again. I plan to make the mosaic out of glass.
Let’s see… When choosing colors, the easiest method is to use a Magic Stone as a catalyst. Of course, I need to infuse it with Magic Power, but I also need to drop a single drop of dew from flowers or leaves of the desired color. Just a tiny bit, along with something that symbolizes the Spirit of the desired color.
This is quite fantastical. But then again, it says to use the original materials, so maybe it’s practical too?
If I’m arranging an arabesque pattern around a water source, blue would be the way to go.
Reading everything would be a hassle, so I’ll check the pages on the colors I plan to use first. …Ah, it also mentions what happens when the Spirit’s effects manifest. I see, I can guide the desired effects to some extent with the catalyst.
It states that it’s not guaranteed the Spirit will be interested and come over during the crafting process. But I’ve been asking them normally. Since I’m the one requesting, I should prepare an environment they’d like.
The main body of the well’s Magic Circle has been adjusted to produce soft water by balancing the minerals. Ideally, I want the water flowing to the castle and town to be sterilized and free of organic matter, preventing it from rotting or growing moss. But I’d like the rest to flow as water where fish can thrive.
I’ve heard that the “Nunobiki Water” loaded by sailors in Kobe remained fresh and delicious even after crossing the equator. That’s the kind of water I want to aim for.
Ah, I wonder if growing vegetables in hard water would be interesting? The minerals packed in can enhance the flavor of the vegetables but can also introduce bitterness. The main tower and the village well have hard water, so it might be fun to compare.
I jotted down a few usable color recipes and closed the book. Rishu pulled her mouth away from the Ex-Staff, looking up at me as if to ask if I was done.
“Just a little longer, okay?”
I said, lifting her onto my lap and reading the book over the back of her head. Supporting her with my hand on her chest, I enjoyed the fluffiness—two birds with one stone.
Now, about the Changelings of Black Spirits. When a Spirit holds a grudge and is obsessed with hatred towards a target, it acts when that target has a child.
So, it’s an interest born from hatred, huh?
It exchanges a child created from a part of its own power with the target’s child, or it steals something from the target’s child and infuses that stolen part with its own power to harm the target’s child. Sometimes, the Spirit itself attaches, but that’s referred to as becoming a Demon Beast.
Ah, when a large Spirit uses its power, smaller ones are born, but does it really infuse its power to create a doppelgänger?
The Changelings of Black Spirits cause the skin and hair—especially around the eyes—to turn black.
Wait? Just like a Demon Beast, dark circles? Is Faramia hiding it with makeup? Huh?
As I continued reading, it seems that unlike becoming a Demon Beast, there aren’t any skin changes like bumps or wrinkles, but dark circles are definitely a possibility.
In conclusion, it seems Faramia is not a Changeling of a Black Fairy.
And then I accidentally read about what happens when a child is taken to the Fairy Realm without anyone noticing until morning, and I was taken aback. Treated like a pet, or worse, like a pet.
But then again, I’ve got Rishu as a pet too. I hesitated for a moment, but it’s too late to return her, and I don’t want to.
When I rubbed my face against hers, she licked me. It tickled.