Chapter 358: The Second Room
“Lady Rosa may be calm in these inland waters, but she’s a notorious pirate in the regions around Clarets and Shulm. It’s fortunate that this island has an abundance of water as a base, but I wonder where she plans to dock her large ship,” Kiel remarked, his expression skeptical.
In this world, it’s common for ordinary merchant ships to transform into pirates when they enter enemy waters or come across hostile trade vessels. Thus, piracy outside of Naruadeid’s waters isn’t often scrutinized.
Typically, nations capture or sink each other’s ships, and free pirates like Lady Rosa are sometimes hired by countries to attack specific vessels while they’re at it.
Still, it seems Kiel is at least giving it some thought.
“While we’re organizing ourselves, this small island town is newly established. With the Spirit’s Branch and water available, it’s a tempting target for outsiders. The bay can be dug out if needed. The number of people involved in internal affairs at the residence is small, and if it comes to it, they could all be wiped out,” Auro said, his smile unchanged as he spoke chilling words.
“That might be the case in the end, but I wonder if they wanted to replace me? Even if I deny it, many believe I’m the Lord—Lady Rosa included. They might show their strength and try to get in Auro’s good graces…” Soleil sighed as he spoke.
“Indeed, there are one or two who mistakenly think I’m connected to the homeland that possesses the King’s Branch,” he added. “I’m not hiding the fact that I’m just a hired hand; I’ve honestly stated that I’m a deputy, not a lord.”
Perhaps it’s because Auro oversees the changelings and security that he appears to be the shadowy number one. Or rather, that’s exactly how it is. When Soleil denies being the lord, it seems my existence goes unrecognized, and Auro ends up taking the flak.
“Nobody would think the homeland itself is nonexistent, you fool,” Kiel spat.
“I’m grateful to the two of you for keeping internal affairs to a minimum so I can focus on negotiations,” Soleil said, turning to Auro and Kiel with a smile and a shrug.
While I can’t quite grasp Lady Rosa, I feel like Rosa has a bit of an obsession with Spirit Possessed individuals. It crossed my mind that the changeling might have a similar fixation.
“Seabird-kun’s message is destined for the second-highest chimney of Sattar’s house. If Lady Rosa doesn’t meddle, it can be left alone, but I thought I’d let you know. By the way, I dislike heroes, so feel free to squeeze them dry, but please don’t get too involved,” I said, imagining him buying up clothes, bags, and jewels, hoping to bankrupt him with fabric.
“Of course. I won’t get involved in the power struggles of nations, and as you mentioned before, our transactions are diversified, so you can rest easy. Even though the trading company is newly established, we’re handling valuable items and novelties, so we’re making sure to involve the guild of Naruadeid as an intermediary.”
“Yeah, safety first. Now, shall we move on?” I said, and then Soleil froze! He had been so lively until now…
First, we head downstairs. The first floor is a warehouse, accessible only from the outside. Descending the narrow staircase within the wall, we arrive at the BBQ venue.
“Ugh, the chairs and tables have changed. I can’t sit, and I definitely can’t cook on this wire mesh… But here, the lattice is against the rules… I’ve seen it once before…” As the sun rises high, the lattice flowers bloom beautifully, while during the hours from evening to dawn, the buds remain tightly closed—both are lovely in their own way.
“Soleil-sama, here you go,” Faramia offered a handkerchief to Soleil, who had begun to tear up.
“Oh? What’s wrong, my lord?” Seabird-kun chimed in, still present.
“Ah, I’m just checking out the tower. By the way, when I’m not on the island, I’m often away delivering new messages, so could you let someone here know? The magic power will be paid afterward,” he continued, realizing that his voice wouldn’t reach everyone, so he spoke in his mind to avoid sounding like he was talking to himself.
“Sure thing! I got it! With the magic power I received this time, I can fly faster and easier, so I’ll come back to share it with you before delivering. Ah, this feeling of freedom is just amazing!” Seabird-kun flexed his wings in excitement. Is it okay to flex with wings? Muscles?
“That was the spirit from earlier…” I muttered.
“Where is it?” Kiel asked.
“Right in front of the rule-breaking man,” Auro replied. So they’re calling me the rule-breaker, huh, Kiel?
“Can’t you see it, Auro?” Kiel pressed.
“It’s rare for a changeling on the spirit side to be visible. Conversely, changelings on the human side are often visible. It seems that once they choose to stop being a spirit and become human, that’s how it goes. Unless the spirit is willing to show itself, like just now, or if one gathers enough willpower to see the Spirit Realm…” Auro hesitated. If he gathers enough willpower, he might collapse, which could affect Kiel again.
“That’s surprising. Well, I asked Seabird-kun to let one of the four here know about Lady Rosa’s message when I’m away, so please take care of that.”
“Isn’t it a bit too casual to ask a spirit for favors?” Soleil murmured.
It’s fine; I’m asking within reasonable limits, and I’m paying the price of magic power. —Though paying often makes it easier to push limits.
“By the way, are there any contracted spirits from outsiders trying to invade this island?” I asked.
“There are some that come in with their contractors. Spirits that have settled on the island sometimes poke around for fun. So far, I haven’t seen any acting alone,” Auro replied.
“The important documents are in a glass box with a magic circle drawn on it, and Kiel will inform me if any spirits are eavesdropping, so I think any information leaks will be minimal,” Soleil said, recovering.
Glass is one of the few materials that most spirits can’t pass through. I see, so such boxes exist.
“Such a fickle person, huh? Is it like the saying about a woman’s heart and the autumn sky?” Seabird-kun commented, looking at Soleil.