Chapter 236: Suck.
On the way back, I was nearly pulled into a rabbit hole again by Karn, but I managed to return to Kanum. I handed out two pears each to everyone, fresh and ready to eat. For Shiva and the Butler, who seemed likely to process them, I also shared some peaches.
The European pears won’t ripen on the tree, so I need to store them at around 4 degrees Celsius for about ten days after harvesting, then let them ripen at around 20 degrees. According to the [Appraisal] results, I’ve made a cooling box, so I’ll give it a try. They say they turn juicy and sweet, with a melting texture. I’m looking forward to it.
I also gathered another type of European pear that doesn’t seem suitable for eating raw. This one will be used to make pear wine. The natural yeast sticks to the outer skin, so once I squeeze the juice, fermentation will begin naturally. It’s a common type of alcohol around here.
As for the peaches, I’ll make jam and syrup. I diligently split them in half and remove the pits. Given the quantity, this task is the most time-consuming. Thanks to [Storage], cleaning up afterward is dramatically easier.
The syrup for the syruped peaches consists of water, white wine, sugar, and lemon. I’ll make both a clear and a pink version.
For the pink one, I’ll choose the ripest red peaches and gently simmer them with the skin on. Carefully and cautiously. For the white ones, I’ll blanch them like tomatoes before cooking. The taste will be the same, but I plan to make a two-colored peach pie later.
“It smells wonderful.”
“Haralfa.”
Just as I thought the room had brightened, Haralfa stood beside me, peering in.
“Want to suck?”
Haralfa, who governs light, love, and beauty, definitely treats scents as food. Oops, I almost imagined Haralfa sucking on a cat’s belly.
“Indeed. Just being here, I can smell what you’re making.”
“Peach in syrup.”
“I prefer the scent of flowers, but this is nice once in a while.”
I chatted with Haralfa, who was sitting cross-legged in mid-air, looking down at me. —Is this what they call an air chair? Also, if she comes closer, I might be able to see, but am I wearing pants?
“I’m currently undergoing a major renovation of the island, but it seems like it might attract heroes…”
“Oh? But you’ve severed ties with the Hero, haven’t you?”
“I have, but it looks like it’s shaping up to be a place the Hero would like, so I’m a bit worried.”
“You’ve only severed ties with three people—no, with Namina included, it’s four, right? The Hero only receives protection from Namina, and that’s divided among three. The Hero cannot surpass Namina, and since Namina cannot exceed her own power, there’s no need to worry.”
I don’t quite grasp who Namina is, but I know she’s the one who summoned me here with the Ball of Light.
I received protection from the Spirits on the first island I was sent to. The protection is established by receiving abilities in exchange for the lifespan of my original world.
I don’t fully understand the mechanism, but using the abilities granted to me strengthens the protecting Spirits. When I use an ability, I consume the Spirit’s power, and when I return, I feel like I’ve grown a little. It’s similar to how the Gods become stronger through faith, I guess?
I’ve also received the protection—or rather, the power—from the Ball of Light. Since I didn’t want to get directly involved, I’ve been channeling the power of the Ball of Light through Haralfa and Mishto, who share the same Light Attribute, into the Severance.
Normally, the abilities granted don’t affect the Spirits that gave them, but in my case, I’m not just receiving from the Ball of Light, so I’ve been able to use Severance without hesitation.
When Haralfa said, “There’s no need to worry as long as you cannot surpass your own power,” she was likely referring to the state where the Ball of Light becomes stronger, thus strengthening the Severance as well.
As the number of targets for Severance increases, the number of people involved also grows, which seems to dilute the abilities. It creates a state where both the targets themselves and the surrounding people are influenced, leading to things like forgetting about me or unconsciously shifting to other topics.
I’ve only used Severance on the Hero and the Ball of Light, and since the Ball of Light, which protects the Hero, has a strong sense of conviction, it’s been quite effective.
The Ball of Light is a Spirit born from battle, known for charging forward with its own sense of justice. It seems to get along well with my sister. It governs sword techniques and offensive magic, but it’s apparently not good at healing, despite being a Light Attribute.
“For now, both you and the things you create are unconsciously avoided. If it passes through someone else’s hands, the presence and attachment of others will change that.”
Haralfa chuckled, as if recalling something.
So, it seems that if something has already been sold and is out of my hands, or if someone else imitates and creates something, it would work out fine.
“When the flowers bloom, I’ll stop by the island eventually.”
Saying that, she devoured the freshly made peach in syrup and vanished.
…So she can do more than just suck. Come to think of it, she also drinks the morning dew on flowers.
Alright, I’ll make a ton of immovable things on the island. That might attract something other than the Hero, but I’ll leave that to Soleil; that’s settled.
Now, what should I do with this syruped fruit? It feels like it’s become a Haralfa-branded item.
…Well, it’s fine. I have a set range for distribution.