Chapter 298: Soleil’s Wish
“Everyone here is quite… unique,” I muttered to myself. Must be the strong influence of the Spirits.
Auro casually remarked while organizing the documents, “If there’s no reason or if they’re too eccentric, they’ll get bored and abandon their bodies to disappear.”
It seems like a suspicion is arising that oddballs are gathering among the Changelings. But in this case, does “odd” mean more human-like?
“I’ll compile this in book form,” I said.
“Please do,” Soleil replied. The situation with the Gods appearing has rendered the contract somewhat meaningless, but if we keep it in proper book form, we won’t have to worry about the Spirits’ pranks.
“Now, has Soleil calmed down?” I left her half in tears earlier.
Upon returning to the conference room, all the Changelings were gathered.
Wait a minute. In the heart of the Island, there are only two ordinary humans: Soleil and the bakery’s wife! Soleil may be at the top, but the ratio is alarming.
“It seems the priests dispatched from the two Temples hurried back. They’ll likely report to their superiors about the possibility of a new country acquiring the King’s Branch. They might come back to investigate which country got it, but we can just say, ‘It’s not disclosed which country has the King’s Branch.’ That should suffice,” Soleil explained. I couldn’t help but think they might have already been asking about it. If a Spirit’s Branch suddenly appeared, of course, they’d inquire.
It’s not hard to imagine they were also probed for more details. Thank you for your hard work.
If a country publicly claims to possess the King’s Branch without the necessary power, they risk being bombarded with requests for branches or getting entangled with larger nations. Therefore, some countries are rumored to keep it secret. From the perspective of a country that received a branch, they likely can’t name the country that possesses the King’s Branch without permission, so it’s a clever excuse.
However, possessing the King’s Branch is the highest status for a nation. Shulm rules over multiple countries, so it’s an empire, but he refers to his homeland as a kingdom. In fact, countries that publicly declare they have branches seem to include “kingdom” in their titles. Conversely, countries without branches rarely call themselves kingdoms, even if they are ruled by a king. I just learned that recently.
“They should know that if the Spirits summoned by the Branch belong to a different system than the God they serve, attracting the Temple is impossible. The type of Spirits we summon will significantly impact the Island’s future development, so I want to know,” Soleil said, her focus shifting back to work.
This conversation seems to be for the benefit of the others present. However, I sensed she might feel like she was being dodged when it came to which country obtained the Spirit’s Branch. If she’s satisfied with that explanation to avoid a lengthy one, then that’s fine.
“We welcome all who come. There are no restrictions on Black Spirits or Demon Beasts. However, the ideals we must uphold are not overly strict. Well, as more Spirits gather, the Black Spirits will likely find it harder to stay, so if we create an environment that Spirits prefer, the Black Spirits will be pushed out.”
Since we are close to Naruadeid, where branches are abundant, there are many Spirits around. If a powerful Demon Beast arrives, it will likely prey on Spirits that fall outside the Branch’s effective range. However, the Demon Beasts that fly in the skies are usually dragons that are quite territorial, so they rarely come.
“By the way, we did discuss the conditions for cleanliness habits for residents under the guise of the Branch, right?” I asked.
“We should have,” Auro confirmed.
“It was about the Public Bath, my lord. Cain, the blueprints,” Auro called out to Cain, who, along with Abel assisting him, spread the blueprints across the conference table.
“Theo, if we use a Fire Magic Stone to heat the water here, what would the maintenance cost be?” Auro inquired.
“Even if we keep the water hot for half a day, firewood would be cheaper. Of course, that’s different if we have a Magic Circle,” Theo replied. He was a Magic Stone craftsman with straight white hair tied back, wearing glasses.
Most Fire Magic Stones burn well, but they emit high temperatures instantly and then quickly extinguish. His mention of the Magic Circle likely stems from knowing I once flooded the Tower.
“I’ll prepare the Magic Circle,” I said. The new guy we just contracted stirred a bit at my response. Then Faramia and Marlu began distributing coffee and cookies, causing even more commotion.
“The taste… Is this really how it is…?”
“This is a cookie…! Right now, I could craft the finest cookie with goldsmithing…!”
What’s the point of making cookies that can’t be eaten?
“I appreciate the thought, but I’m fine,” I said, as the stern-looking Flower Fairy received a properly salted cheese cookie.
“So this is what butter tastes like!”
“Darling! I’m so glad…!”
Please, no flirting between the two bakers.
And Kiel, stop radiating that killing intent since no one is taking any—oh, he’s competing with Marlu. At least eat your own share first; why are they both after each other’s?
“…I have a favor to ask,” Soleil said, sounding a bit tired and weak.
“What is it?”
“Please hire some ordinary humans!” I understand her feelings, I really do.
“I didn’t gather these folks myself. Besides, Soleil, you’re hiring too, right?”
“It’s hard to find someone who can fit in here. I want Faramia to feel free without worrying about others’ gazes.”
It’s true that there are far more people working diligently. The blacksmiths from the north are quietly crafting various things. And Kiel, your charm is losing out to Soleil’s favor for Faramia!
“The Town also needs a straightforward and honest leader,” Soleil added. Ah, so she knows about Auro’s behind-the-scenes work with the Changelings.
“And I need a sensible person who will loudly declare when something is wrong…!”
So that’s the main point!