Chapter 545: Speaking and Seeing
“Well, the master’s wishes are broad and lenient!” Ex-Staff said brightly.
“I have a simple question, though. Is it okay if the ‘King’s Branch’ isn’t in the country?” Captain Cat had his ears perked up, listening intently.
Looking at Ex-Staff, he seemed somewhat dissatisfied. Was he dreaming of the ‘King’s Branch’? Perhaps he was hoping to find it hidden deep within the Temple or in a treasure vault? Captain Cat seemed to be the type who wanted to see what was concealed, a fan of tantalizing glimpses.
“The master is his own king. Wherever the master is, wherever the master resides, that is where I belong.”
It sounded cool, but it also felt like he hadn’t considered the country or its people at all. He didn’t even know that such a place was meant to be a wish for those things.
And then, that meant the ‘House’ was the homeland! …Now that I think about it, it was given to me as my territory.
I averted my gaze, reminding myself to keep my mouth shut.
“…Are you alright?” the Butler asked Captain Cat.
“You look like you’re the one who’s not alright. I’ve heard about other ‘King’s Branches’ too,” Captain Cat huffed, exhaling through his nose. The Butler seemed to be in a bad spot.
“What are the other branches like?” I asked.
I’ve only seen the Horse’s Branch.
The Horse’s Branch was half-decayed and buried in the ground. I’ve seen several Spirit’s Branches, from the fake ones to Naruadeid’s Mail Wheat, but I’ve never had the chance to see a genuine ‘King’s Branch’.
From what I’ve heard, it seems like you only get to see one during the coronation or right after acquiring the ‘King’s Branch’ on the founding anniversary. Unless you sneak into a treasure vault, it’s not something you come across often.
“At least, it’s quiet,” I noted.
“Quiet,” Mail Wheat added. She usually kept to herself, but when she spoke, she had something to say. Could the ‘King’s Branch’ be like that too? Does it really not speak at all?
“You look unconvinced, huh? And it doesn’t move much. It seems like it can extend its branches, and Spirits can appear and guide, but that’s about it.”
“Ex-Staff doesn’t move either, does it?”
“Ha ha ha! That’s my identity! I can poke rabbit holes and even catch crabs!” Ex-Staff said cheerfully.
Recently, I had poked at some mushrooms too.
“Crabs…” the Butler muttered.
“Rabbits…” Soleil whispered softly.
“I’ve given up on poking things…” Haulon said, sounding wise.
“…You guys,” Captain Cat’s ears drooped even further. Poor ears.
“What about the ‘King’s Branch’ from Fire Country Shahira?” Captain Cat turned his gaze to Haulon.
“You’re not interested in rabbit holes or crab catching, right?”
“Yeah. Probably?”
Maybe he’d take down a passing Horned Rabbit, but I had never invited him to go crab catching, so I didn’t know if he liked it.
“Probably? What does that even mean? —It’s not like you’re chatty.”
“Yeah. Quiet.”
“It doesn’t move around much, does it?”
“Yeah. Especially when it’s cold.”
“It moves when it’s hot? —Wait, why does it feel like this is getting worse?”
The Butler and Haulon looked like they were at zero life points. Soleil and Mail Wheat were watching them, confused. Meanwhile, the crew seemed either lost in the conversation or uninterested, quietly standing in the corner of the room.
“Our king is a wonderful person… If you see him in person, I think you’ll understand. Once the country’s appearance is a bit more polished, I plan to make a declaration of founding both internally and externally. I’ll invite you, so please come,” Haulon said with a smile he had crafted.
“Oh? I’m looking forward to it,” Captain Cat accepted the invitation, albeit a bit hesitantly.
If you don’t understand that the ‘King’s Branch’ is the king, it feels like the conversation is going off track. It seemed Haulon and the Butler had no intention of explaining, and so the conversation remained slightly askew as they promised to invite Captain Cat and Soleil to Karn’s Country before dispersing.
I accompanied the Butler and Haulon as they wandered around Naruadeid, stopping by the Trading Company on the way back to pick up the shrimp Soleil had requested. We returned to Kanum via Teleportation.
“Thank you again for the wheat,” Haulon bowed his head.
“It was just the right timing. So, about the declaration of founding? When do you think it will happen?” I asked, having only learned about Mail Wheat recently.
“Now that we’ve cleared the food issue, it’s easier to gather people. I’ve already reached out to several groups and laid the groundwork—” Haulon paused thoughtfully.
“Let’s consult with King Tildonai and set a target. How about around the harvest day you wished for? We also need to secure Retze’s schedule.”
Haulon seemed to be enjoying herself.
I thought it would be soon, but it felt like it was still a ways off. Building a country is tough.
“I never expected even the Black Cursed Child to show up. All I’m left with is a chaotic impression, but it seems to have come together well…” the Butler said with a gentle smile.
“You were just standing there with a normal face, right? I wasn’t surprised by the assassination group from Blue Spirit Island since I had prior information,” Haulon shrugged.
Seriously, why does it sound so bad for the reputation?