Chapter 312: Our Branch
Dessert was an apple pie stuffed to the brim with apples. The island stays warm even in winter, so the apples must have been brought in from a bit further north. With plenty of sugar and butter, they pair perfectly with the tartness of the apples from this world.
I’ve seen this dessert in decent shops around here, but this one might just be the best I’ve had. Especially when it’s fresh out of the oven, it’s so crispy.
“Cinnamon…” Arina murmured.
“Do you like cinnamon? You can choose cinnamon toast for breakfast here,” Soleil said. Apparently, he’s been making a fortune lately from importing cinnamon sticks.
“Cinnamon bird’s nest, right?”
“Indeed.”
“Huh?” Orlando and the Old Man suddenly started talking about something bizarre.
“What kind of bird is it?”
“Well, I’ve only heard it described as a large bird. They say that those who dare to collect the nests of the cinnamon birds risk their lives atop the high cliffs facing south.”
Wait a minute. Isn’t that just the bark of the cinnamon tree? They’re usually just peeled and dried, right?! But then again, this is a fantasy world, so maybe there’s a chance it’s actually a bird’s nest!?
Lost in my swirling thoughts, dessert time came to an end, and we left the shop.
So, what should I do? Should I visit the Spirit’s Branch first, or should I go see Soleil?
“Is that the market over there? But we should visit the ‘Spirit’s Branch’ first,” Arina suggested.
Looks like the Spirit’s Branch won out. It’s closer, so that works for me.
Before I knew it, there were guards stationed at the entrance of the Spirit’s Branch. While their usual patrols are limited to specific areas, they have more authority when it comes to security. If it comes down to it, they can take decisive action.
As long as we pay the required fee and don’t cause any trouble inside, we should be fine… Just as I stepped onto the short staircase leading to the entrance, a guard opened the gate for us.
“Before making a donation, why is the guard opening the gate for us…?” Orlando murmured, and the Old Man looked at me.
I was also wondering if I should pay the fee at the reception, but it opened before I could decide. In this world, it’s common for those in higher social strata to pay on credit, but the custom for donations made upon entering the Spirit’s Branch is to pay in cash.
Wealthy individuals usually pay the minimum required amount on the spot and are considered smart if they donate gold or items later. Well, it’s rare for tourists to make donations afterward, but it’s common for those living in the town or who worship at the branch.
“Ah, the future looks promising…” The Old Man stopped and gazed at the courtyard.
The courtyard still had young trees that hadn’t grown much. Charles had arranged the flowers and grass to create a balanced look, but with time, it would surely become an even better place.
That could be said for the entire island. There are places where larger trees have been transplanted, but some had to be pruned to transport them, and others lost their leaves temporarily due to changes in soil.
Still, it seems Charles has been diligent in caring for them, ensuring they take root without withering. Meanwhile, the ones I brought from my house are thriving.
“I’ve heard rumors that there are three branches here, and they’re said to move, dance, and be quite noisy—but the building and garden are beautiful,” Orlando said, innocently launching a verbal attack on me.
As we walked slowly, heading toward the Spirit’s Branch room, two guards standing in front of the room, along with two more guards who approached with a rhythmic stride, opened the large, thick double doors for us.
No need to force them to open simultaneously… But wait, where’s the key? This room is still off-limits, and only a select few should have the key.
“Wow!”
A light breeze stirred the blue sheer fabric hanging from the ceiling, and the faint scent of incense wafted through the air. Light streamed in through the round window above, illuminating the area around the pedestal hidden by the fabric.
Climbing onto the roof at midnight and making a hole was worth it; it turned out to be a rather beautiful space. I hope they keep up with the maintenance. There’s glass fitted in, but skylights always give me the impression of leaking.
The sheer fabric fluttered, revealing a Haniwa. Wait, is that the pose it’s supposed to be in?
“Two branches? No, is that one set?” Orlando seemed confused!
“One branch that pierces the heavens, and the white and black branches appear to be a pair?” Arina mused. Is she referring to the Haniwa as something that pierces the heavens? It’s certainly standing upright, but is that how you’d describe it?
“It’s completely different from the wheat branch… No, is this even a branch?” The Old Man exclaimed. Didn’t we agree not to say that!?
“It’s individuality, individuality!”
“I’ve seen Spirit’s Branches that usually take the form of plants…” Wait, is that a rule!?
Clack.
“Huh?”
As I turned to look at the Old Man, I heard a sound coming from the pedestal.
“Branch-sama…?”
“Hasn’t its shape changed since earlier…?” Arina and Orlando also turned their attention to the Haniwa.
It feels like it’s changed, or rather, it seems to have returned to the form I saw last time! As I stared intently, the fabric began to gather unnaturally in front of the pedestal. Stop it! What if the person I was trying to catch escapes!?
“…Did you hear that clack?”
“It’s just your imagination. Shall we move on?”
I said with a smile, trying to brush it off.