Chapter 315: It’s Not the Explanation That’s Bad
“It seems the islanders are regularly visiting the donation box, judging by the amount of money collected. So, please take care of the bathing, cleaning, and awareness activities,” I said. While it’s stipulated by law, I want them to make it a habit on their own.
“My lord, we haven’t prepared the miniatures yet, but the instruments should be arriving soon,” Auro quietly informed me.
“Oh right, since there was a request for instruments, we’ll be setting them up, which means the instrument craftsman will be coming and going,” I replied.
“Instruments… from whom?” The Old Man asked, looking puzzled.
“Probably from the central branch, or perhaps from the Spirits that have gathered,” I answered.
“…” The Old Man fell silent.
“We might receive requests via leaf letters, but if they start asking for electric guitars or basses, feel free to tighten the reins a bit,” I added.
“Electric…?”
“Both the branch and its handling are absurd!” Orlando shouted.
“Seriously…” Soleil wiped her eyes in agreement.
“I understand that you want to break the mold, but we must respect the intentions of the country that granted us the branch. May I ask the name of that country?” The Old Man, surprisingly flexible, inquired. Even I was still getting used to that Haniwa.
“It’s not a country, so it’s fine. The black and white branches were given to us by the walking King’s Branch, and the central one is my partner’s branch,” I explained.
“…” The Old Man pressed his fingers to his forehead, deep in thought.
“Is my lack of understanding of what this lord is saying due to my own ignorance?” Orlando turned to Soleil, asking with concern.
“Don’t worry, I have no idea what he’s talking about either. This person often skips explanations, and even when explained, it’s often incomprehensible,” Soleil said with a troubled expression.
“If you want it to be clearer, then here,” I said, reaching behind me to pull out the Ex-Staff.
The staff elongated in my hand, and the branch and leaves that had been covering its tip popped open with a soft sound.
“Hey there! I’m the Konkon Staff EX! Feel free to call me Ex-Staff!” It introduced itself with a beaming smile.
“This doesn’t have the functions of the King’s Branch, so give up on the Spirit’s Branch too,” it added.
“Eh?! But it’s got a charming four-centimeter body and some amazing comfort benefits!”
“Yeah, comfort is a good thing,” I agreed.
“Right, right!” The Ex-Staff puffed up, and as soon as I affirmed it, it became all cheerful.
“No way…”
“Could it be that it’s the King’s…?”
“Eh, eh?” Orlando stammered, glancing back and forth between the Ex-Staff and the now frozen Old Man and Soleil.
Faramia stood behind Soleil, her eyes wide open.
“As expected of my lord…”
“Seriously?” Auro and Kiel chimed in.
Auro, though, was reacting strangely to the Ex-Staff.
“By the way, if the branch we received is also four centimeters in diameter, does that meet the conditions?”
“Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it can’t stretch or grow like me, so as long as no one wants to carve it, it should be fine,” the Ex-Staff replied.
“I see.” I confirmed, and it seemed like everything was alright.
“What are you talking about?! There’s no way anyone would want to carve the Spirit’s Branch!!”
“Orlando, remember you’re in front of the King’s Branch,” the Old Man admonished, but neither the Ex-Staff nor I cared. Besides, the Old Man’s gaze seemed unfocused.
“…Does the King’s Branch talk? …Wait, is it really the King’s Branch?” Soleil began mumbling, staring at a point in the distance.
Orlando’s attempts to comfort her were ineffective!
“That’s how it is, so please handle the finer details. Oh, Auro, here’s this week’s snacks,” I said.
“Why are you giving them to Auro?! Give them to me!” As I tried to hand the bag of snacks to Auro, Kiel lunged for it.
“There’s no way I’m giving them to you.” Despite being a bit dazed just moments ago, it seemed the existence of snacks made him forget everything.
“But Nii says that while what he says is strange, he doesn’t lie. Wait, does that mean there are walking King’s Branches in the world?!” Soleil was starting to panic.
“I need to calm Soleil down; she’s syncing with Orlando,” I thought as both of them muttered to themselves, heads in their hands.
“Ah, damn it! Don’t eat my share, okay?!”
“I’m not interested in sweets.” It seemed Kiel valued Soleil more than snacks, which was a bit reassuring.
“However, if it’s something salty, that’s a different story.” While Kiel was comforting Soleil, Auro was sneakily snacking.
Today’s treats were Florentine, with caramel-coated almonds that smelled delightful, and lotus root chips.
How did he figure out the salty ones so well? And how did he manage to shove them into his mouth without hesitation?
For a Changeling who had spent time without tasting anything, it seemed that the ordinary food of this world and Japanese cuisine were indistinguishable. Alright, before he gets used to the food here, I should let him try sushi and udon.
“Well then, I’ll leave the rest to you,” I said with a smile as I left the room, with only Auro seeing me off.