Chapter 375: Completely Involved
“Hey, wait! Listen to me! You can see me, right!?”
“Hmm, I wonder if the rivers merge to become the Es River? That seems like a reasonable interpretation for where it originates.”
The little Spirit guiding me is pretending not to notice.
I can’t deal with this right now. I have a promise to go food hunting with Retze in the evening, so please, let’s save this for another day.
“Hehe, my dear~”
“Yikes!”
—What is that? There’s another presence behind me, and it feels huge! Stop it, I’m about to go on a food adventure…!
“Es…!?”
“Yes, my beloved. —You’re not thinking of running away, are you?”
Es!?
Wait. Before I even find the birthplace, the goddess of the Es River shows up? Right now? And she feels different from the vague image I had in my mind!
Should I keep pretending I don’t notice her? Or should I turn around? The little Spirits are trembling and inching closer to me, trying to use me as a shield.
“Now, now, Es. Asas is reflecting on his actions; it’s time to—”
A low, pleasant voice comes from behind.
More of them!?
“No way. If I let him go, he’ll just cheat again.”
Oh no, Es is definitely giving off yandere vibes.
Asas is the pillar, Es is his beloved, and she’s the one keeping him trapped. The owner of that low voice seems weaker than Es, but he’s trying to persuade her?
“Well, but—”
“Oh dear? Are you siding with the cheater?”
More of them!?
“Neneto, Skos is supporting Asas. I thought Skos was a devoted husband, but it seems men can’t help but stray when they’re out in the world.”
“My, my!”
Es appeals to the newly arrived Spirit, Neneto.
The low voice belongs to Skos, who seems to be Neneto’s husband? Do Spirits get married? I’ve never seen that in Kanum, so maybe it’s a trait of the Spirits on this continent? Baylis was getting cozy with Karn too.
“He’s not cheating! It’s just that he spent a night or two with a cute girl!”
The pillar rattles.
I think that qualifies as cheating.
“This isn’t about cheating. I’m saying that if this continues, the Sand Spirits will expand their influence again.”
Skos insists.
“Oh, beautiful Es. Forget about that cheater brother of mine and come with me—”
Another different voice, accompanied by the sound of rustling fabric.
“Stekar, you fool!”
The pillar that was half sticking out from the wall straightens up and begins to rattle.
“Long time no see, foolish brother! Shall I tear you to pieces and scatter you across the land again?”
Um, so this is it? The pillar Asas and Es are a couple, and the pillar’s brother Stekar is in love with her? Or rather, this pillar is the “Wet Seed”?
Huh? Could it be that because he’s trapped, plants only grow around the Es River? I guess the Sand Spirits’ retainers are also a factor.
I’m starting to understand the relationships here, but can you all stop talking while surrounding me?
Asas is in front, Es is right behind me, Skos is slightly to my left, with Neneto between Es and Skos, and Stekar to my right. I’m desperately trying to focus my gaze on the wall relief beyond the pillars.
“Hey, human.”
I think Es is talking to me, but I’m not involved. There must be another human around here somewhere.
“Hey, you with the King’s Branch.”
Lately, there are more people with King’s Branches.
“This! I know that the Spirits of my river have taught me that you can hear our words. And before you, we are speaking in a way that humans can see and hear.”
“What kind of hobby is it to make me listen to your love quarrel when I’m not involved!?”
I can’t help but shout.
If you know I’m here, just say so! I was trying to dash away!
“Indeed. From now on, I shall split Asas in half. You, who have entered this place, shall take Asas’s lower half and place it where you desire.”
Es declares solemnly.
“I can’t keep up with this conversation!”
This isn’t right! Don’t say such scary things!
“Just by being here, Asas brings forth grass and trees, granting fertility. It’s not a bad thing for humans either.”
The deep voice announces.
Skos seemed reasonable, but why is he ignoring the whole splitting Asas in half thing!?
Looking over, Skos is a large lime-green crocodile. When I glance back, I see a woman sitting on a chair and a huge pink cobra.
The woman sitting in the chair is Es, and the cobra is Neneto. That’s quite a striking color combination for a couple.
“Let’s just split him first.”
Stekar says cheerfully.
Stekar may act a bit off, but he’s a pitch-black dog. Cute—until he steps forward and transforms into a human, drawing a sword.
“Stop, stop! Aaaah!?”
He easily halves the resisting pillar.