Chapter 307: The Name of the Island
I walked through the dazzling corridor, heading towards the exit. It was a relief to be alone, as I didn’t want to be told later that something had gone missing.
“That woman is quite an unusual person, isn’t she?” I initiated the conversation to break the silence.
“She’s a remarkable individual who became the manager of the Spirit’s Branch in just a decade after being captivated by a Mugi no Ho that moved before her eyes in her childhood… While it’s one thing to manage decorative branches, being recognized as the manager of the real branches requires more than just luck or wealth; it takes something beyond that,” the old man explained with a serious expression.
So, aside from her eccentricities, Asmomii is competent? I wonder if she’s so capable that the weirdness can be completely overlooked, or if this old man just has a strong tendency to ignore it. If Asmomii has been in charge all this time, it’s probably the former.
“Why is it that the Spirit’s Branch resembles Mugi no Ho, yet there’s no good soil for wheat here?”
“Hmm. This is the Golden City, where gold has been offered to the branches since ancient times, and the city has thrived. Even though the correctness of this has been proven over time, they likely feel no need to offer something uncertain. I can’t imagine the people of this city would ever till the land,” he said, and I found myself agreeing.
“I’ve heard that thanks to Asmomii, the amount of gold has increased even more in recent years… I visited fifty years ago, so it’s only natural that things have changed.”
The old man suddenly stopped, gazing out at the courtyard from the corridor.
“Where did you go for those fifty years?”
“The Fortress City of Theoral, where I served the Light Spirit Namina. —What’s wrong?”
I instinctively took a step back.
“The distance from Anoma seems quite far, doesn’t it?” I asked, forcing a smile to cover my surprise.
“Indeed, it took a year and a half, even with money spent on ships and land routes.”
Traveling normally costs a lot, but it sounds like he spent even more to hurry things along.
“Why would you undertake such a journey?”
Long journeys in this world not only take money but also time, and can even cost lives.
“Not long before that, I began to question why I was serving Spirit Namina. Initially, I headed to Shulm, where the Hero summoning took place, to shake off my doubts. I heard that the spirit involved in the summoning, Namina, remained by the Hero’s side.”
Wait, so he crossed the continent to clear his doubts? It’s impressive how serious people can become when they’re troubled.
“You went to meet Spirit Namina?”
“Yes. Even though I cannot see spirits, I can perceive the strong spirits known as gods — I hope you can infer the outcome from my presence here.”
Alright, alright. If he has repented, that’s what matters most.
“Were you quite an important person?”
Given his voice and appearance, and the fact that he’s here as a guest.
“I used to be. There are hardly any curious souls who would follow an old man who abandoned a job where spirits are unseen, except for Thomas over there and his brother. I’m relieved that Thomas seems to have found a new master.”
Thomas must be Staff A, right? No, that sounds like a lot of trouble.
As I thought this, I noticed a kind-looking man who looked like an older version of Staff A.
“Master, I’ve returned. —Who is this?”
“I was just guiding someone who viewed the Spirit’s Branch to the exit.”
“That’s impressive for someone so young.”
I briefly wondered what was so impressive, but then it hit me — it must be the donation, or the amount of it!
“I happened to do well in business here, so I’m giving back a little.”
He wasn’t lying.
“Congratulations on that. Master, permission to travel to Blue Spirit Island has been granted for a month from now. I’ll provide more details later.”
He smiled at me and bowed to the old man before walking away.
“Blue Spirit Island?”
The name alone sounds a bit unusual. What’s going on there?
“Don’t you know? A nearby island has suddenly overflowed with rich water, and a beautiful town dyed in blue cloth has been built there. Access to the island is limited, and living there requires even stricter scrutiny. There are some unsettling rumors about many changelings being present, but — what’s wrong?”
“No, I just didn’t recognize the name, but I know the island well.”
I had been all set to go check it out!
“Tourism, is it?”
“Yeah. It seems that the island also has a real Spirit’s Branch, and they’re looking for someone to manage it. I don’t expect to be chosen, but it’s a chance to see a different real branch from the Mugi no Ho.”
“I see.”
“Hey, come here, Spirit!”
“Me? What is it?”
A spirit that had been swaying at the center of a yellow flower approached.
“Is it about me?”
Another spirit, who had been swirling its tiny arms in the sand gold, came over.
“What kind of person is this old man?”
Research, research.
“An invisible person! But I can sense his presence! He’s considerate of us!”
“We can hardly influence him, whether good or bad! Serious! With a touch of crap on top!”
The spirits shared their insights.
“What about that guy who was just here?”
“Ordinary! But he works a lot!”
“A hard worker! He’s efficient in taking care of the old man, but when it comes to himself, he’s a bit of a mess!”
“Alright, I’ll take them.”
“What’s going on?”
Serious and hard-working — I’m sure Soleil will be pleased!