Chapter 195: Simultaneous Progress
Today, like any other day, I find myself at the Forest House. The rainy season has finally come to an end, and I want to finish everything during this pleasant time. With the roof completed, I feel a sense of relief, but half of the structure is still wooden.
Between the pillars, I’m applying a layer of mud mixed with straw and water, which has been fermented to adjust its viscosity. I plan to coat the earthen walls with plaster later. The lower half will be stone walls, while the upper half will be a pristine white plaster. The steep roof covers much of the house, so it doesn’t stand out much from the outside, but inside, it should have thick, dark brown pillars with white plaster walls and ceilings.
The first layer of mud I applied cracks significantly when it dries. Now, I’m pushing a mixture of sand and fine straw into those cracks to seal them. With a higher proportion of sand, this layer won’t crack. By pressing it into the fissures, I can prevent it from peeling off.
I continue to apply and dry the layers, over and over. There are probably various methods out there, but just the base coat takes an incredible amount of time. Reaching the plaster stage feels like a distant goal.
Rishu is once again gnawing on the Ex-Staff. If he strays even slightly from the barrier, Yukihyo and the Deer come bustling in, but today is still quiet.
This place, slightly to the north, is pleasantly cool. I can hear the chirping of birds and the occasional cries of demon beasts. I wonder what to do with the garden? It’s bright here, with sunlight pouring in like a spotlight, so maybe I’ll plant some flowers to create a contrast with the forest.
So, while the walls dry, I’ll tend to the tower. I’ll use Teleportation to work inside. One room—or rather, one floor—will be left empty for Teleportation purposes.
I’m thinking of a bath, a bedroom, an empty room, a kitchen, a guest room, a hall, a storage room, and a living room with a view of the sea. It would be better if it were a bit closer to the ocean.
First, I’ll start with the bedroom. I mark the spots for the windows with chalk, aligning them with the height of the bed. I plan to install cool stone slabs on the floor, a luxury after a bath. Since it’s warm here even in winter, I don’t have to worry about heating.
Next, I need to work on the water pipes, which must connect to the kitchen. The chimney from the kitchen will run through the thick walls, and I want the pipes to be hidden within the walls. But before that—
“Are you there?” I knock gently on the stone wall.
A blue Lizard pokes its head out from the wall.
“Hello.”
“Can you see me?”
As I greet it, it looks puzzled but slips out smoothly.
“I can see you and hear you.”
“Hello.” The Lizard bows its head slightly.
“Are you the spirit living in this tower? I might make some noise or cause some walls to fall, but is there anything you’d like me to stop doing?”
“If you don’t destroy the tower, that would be great. I live here, but I’m not strong, so I’m fine with just a few walls remaining.”
Since this place used to be a crumbling fortress, there aren’t many strong spirits on this island. Occasionally, the spirits of wind and sea come by, but that’s about it.
“I’ll be making various renovations, but I won’t destroy the whole place. I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise.”
With my greeting to the resident spirit complete, I return to my work.
The Mountain House and Kanum are known locations, so spirits seeking Liberation wander about, but this island remains quiet for now. Still, spirits occasionally come seeking names. Unlike Kanum, I’m not stopping them from gathering here, so it might eventually become as populated as the Mountain House.
First, I’ll set up the plumbing. While I’m diligently constructing the Forest House, I’m eager to utilize my abilities to create a fantastical tower here.
I step out onto the balcony of the top floor and prepare to create holes in the designated stones using magic. Even with few named spirits around, I can manage this with the help of unfamiliar spirits.
I envision a heated stone sphere melting through ice and dropping straight down. The location is on the floor near the parapet, and the tower walls are thicker than the parapet itself.
I pull out my pocket watch and place it where I can see it.
A bright red sphere appears in my hand, and as I drop it, the floor easily gives way. The sphere descends slowly, melting the stone as it goes.
The speed of the red sphere is entirely under my control. Since my pocket watch doesn’t have a second hand, I deliberately slow the sphere’s descent. While watching the watch, I count in my head to measure time and distance.
Exactly one minute later, I dispel the magic, creating two pipes: one for drawing water from the aqueduct and another for drainage. The intake leads to the kitchen, and since the drainage pipe already exists, I didn’t need to move the kitchen’s location.
Due to the reef and tidal currents, boats can’t pass directly beneath—rather, they can only navigate a course that’s easy to target with arrows. The drainage will flow down the cliff into the sea, so even if it splashes a bit, it shouldn’t bother any boats below.
I worry slightly about whether it needs purification, but even if I wash dishes or cloths, leftovers or ash used as detergent, or the juice from soapberries… it’ll just become fish food.
I measure the sizes for the kitchen sink, shelves in the storage room, and other furniture and equipment. I’ve measured the tower’s interior before, but since I’ve decided on the placement of larger items, I need to do it again.
I’ll add beams to the ceiling for lighting. I’ll leave the window openings for later, once the interior is more complete.
Should I plant roses on the rooftop? Are there varieties that can withstand the sea breeze? Since I have a gardener, I should ask Charles.
Both the tower and the Forest House are enjoyable to work on.