Chapter 444: Shouldn’t Be Participating…
“I’m curious about what kind of alias Gene used, but for now, is it alright if we head to Elichika?” Haulon continued the conversation.
He was referring to the orangutan known as the Sage of the Forest.
“Elichika, is that the place famous for salt?” Retze confirmed.
“Is that where the pickaxe was stuck?” When it came to salt mines, I remembered visiting and encountering that massive white whale.
The Spirit named Elwin had a pickaxe embedded in its salt crystal body, but the reason behind it remained a mystery when we parted ways.
“Yes, the pickaxe—what a strange way to remember it. Although it’s in a different country, it’s close to the Fortress City, and we receive information through the Spirits that travel back and forth. There’s no Adventurer’s Guild there, yet tourists come, so there’s a flow of people. You won’t stand out while walking through the town.”
There was a mountain between the Fortress City and us, making it impossible to use Uma, and despite how close it looked on the map, there was hardly any interaction between the towns. But Haulon had a carpet, so it didn’t seem too difficult for him to go directly. It seemed to be farther than from Kanum, though.
“If we’re going to be on the run for a while, let’s discuss the details with the person involved and the location,” Haulon suggested.
Ah, he seemed to know something about the pickaxe. As expected of a sage! But it was better to hold off on asking at this moment and save it for when we arrived.
Haulon’s activities were primarily focused on the King’s Branch, so he mainly operated from the northeastern part of this continent. The destinations for his teleportation were determined by his ancestors, so they were likely scattered all over.
“I can go there, so I’ll send you,” I said.
“Please do, but let’s wait until morning. It’s cold outside at this time of year,” Haulon replied. Just as he said, there were no inns open at this hour. Even if there were, it would be too conspicuous to check in.
“Then I guess I’ll take another nap now that I’m warmed up,” Dean said, standing up and diving back into his bedding. He was asleep in three seconds.
“I’ll rest a bit longer too. It seems better to hear the story from the young lady before trying to piece together what’s happening,” Chris, who usually sparkled with energy, also looked tired.
“If it reaches Dinoss, he might worry, so please let him know I’m safe,” Retze said, busying himself with some light maintenance on his gear, preparing to sleep again.
Ah. Did Vine-chan get washed when I went outside? I noticed him putting Vine-chan, wrapped in cloth, back into its scabbard.
“I’ll let Dinoss know first thing in the morning,” I said, adding more firewood to the Fireplace to stoke the flames. I prepared a bundle of firewood and filled an empty water jug with plenty of water for when I woke up.
“What about Ash? If you’re not feeling sluggish, how about taking a bath at my house in Kanum?” I glanced at the Butler, hinting that the invitation included him.
“It’s an enticing offer, but I somehow lack the confidence to come up with an excuse if I’m asked why I’m all cleaned up,” Ash replied, glancing at the sleeping young lady.
So.
I took Rishu for a walk at the mountain House as dawn broke, delivered freshly baked bread while visiting Dinoss’s house in Kanum, fed Karn breakfast, and sent everyone who woke up at the Forest House off to Elichika.
“Alright, you’ll wait in Kanum,” Dean said.
“Eh?”
“It’s better if this young lady doesn’t see your face,” he added.
“Indeed,” the Butler and Ash agreed.
“If word gets to the Royal Capital about Gene, it’ll spread in no time. Dealing with the Lord—nobility is a hassle, you know?” Chris, who had been handling the interactions with the nobility in Dean’s stead, spoke with conviction.
“I appreciate the help, but I’ll fill you in on the results later, so just stay quiet. I’ll pick up some souvenirs,” Retze added.
After waking the young lady, I made my exit before she was fully awake. You could say I was kicked out. They probably thought I was oblivious to everything, and I couldn’t help that.
From here on, it seemed the negotiations with the Lord and others would take precedence, and they likely didn’t want to draw attention to me. That was fine, I guess. Fine, but still…
I should play a prank on the Lord’s mansion. The firewood in the Fireplace tends to pop out easily, and the smoke could backflow into the room. The well water is slightly bitter, and the meat is either undercooked or burnt. What else?
Ah, I should have the Vice Guild Master’s glasses absorb a bit more magic power. After all, the Adventurer’s Guild wasn’t directly involved; the request was made with suspicion towards the Lord, so I’d let it slide with just that much.
Oh, right. I should distract him so he can’t make a move on his sister or whoever. If he tries, I’ll have something flashy planned as a prank. I want to ensure that when everyone decides to help, they won’t be too late.
I also needed to gather some information to find out if it was the Lord’s decision or the Royal Capital’s intent.
I was deciding what to ask the Spirits of the Fortress City. This was a bit of a venting session! I’m sure I’m more troublesome than the nobility!
And then, I thought…
“Fire! Fire!”
“The room of the man with the beard exploded!”
“Since Gene was angry, everyone just stood by and didn’t help put it out!”
“I worked hard to spread the flames!”
“The smoke was everywhere, you know?”
Well, it seems the Lord’s family is headed to the Temple for treatment… There, the Spirits are reportedly turning a blind eye, and the treatment isn’t going well.
Ah, right. Spirits can read my thoughts, can’t they…?