Chapter 553: The Reason for Absence
The Spirit Note can only be used when the Spirits whose names are inscribed within it are collectively weaker than the Note itself. It seems to have a peculiar fixation on maintaining the thickness of the book—like when a powerful Spirit is mixed in, it’s specifically avoided.
Since the Spirit Note itself has been growing stronger, the range of Spirits I can handle has also expanded.
“Ah, this.”
“What is it?”
I hand a small pouch filled with watermelon seeds to Haulon.
“These are the watermelon seeds meant to replace water. They haven’t changed much from the original, but they produce a lot of fruit under the same conditions. Scatter them where needed.”
I only know the route that goes back and forth along the Es River.
“Thank you. I’ll use them to travel to the Salt Valley while raising goats.”
Haulon accepts them without hesitation. As expected of the Great Sage, she subtly adds an explanation for me.
“While the Salt Valley might be closer to Es in terms of location, you can’t reach it from the sea through the mountains due to the desert and storms. It’s quite a detour, but it’s a place you can only enter via a specific route.”
“A secret place?”
It might be enchanted so that only certain people can enter, or perhaps the Spirits of the Salt Valley refuse human entry.
“Yes, a secret. Most places where salt can be harvested are special, and Elichika is unique.”
The salt mine where Elwin is located has become a tourist spot.
“We’re making arrangements to welcome back some of the nomads who used to live in Es and wish to return to that lifestyle. I plan to join the first journey to the Salt Valley.”
“To avoid being discovered on the watermelon path.”
I don’t need to say it, but I give a warning just in case.
It would be quite the joke if someone followed the watermelon trail and stumbled upon the hidden Salt Valley.
“Yes, I’ll be careful.”
Haulon smiles.
“Alright, I’ll leave some snacks here for everyone.”
I place several dishes, including bread, and head back to the House.
I need to leave before I run into Retze; otherwise, he might figure something out. Even things I think I’m hiding might get exposed.
Fortunately, the Adventurer’s Guild seems to be busy with work from day to night over the past few days, so they’re not around.
Dean, Chris, and Ash are also busy because there’s been an increase in Demon Beasts in the Demon Forest. With Shulm’s full-scale intervention in Nakahara, it’s likely that the Black Spirits are increasing as well.
It might not be as severe as a large-scale magical incident, but I can’t help but feel nostalgic about the time we all went to investigate the Three-Horn. I want to go somewhere with everyone again.
Oh, speaking of which, didn’t they mention that the country that caused that incident was in the direction of Shulm’s invasion? I wonder what happened. I think Haulon said she would look into it.
Still, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious that both Haulon and Karn might have a near miss with the Heroes. If they chose not to break their contract with me anticipating that, it makes me even more nervous.
There are likely spies from Shulm around, and both of them stand out. While being conspicuous can be advantageous for scouting, it also puts them at risk.
Unlike Retze and Dinoss, Karn wouldn’t abandon his country and flee even if things got terrible, and Haulon would follow Karn, so if I’m going to provide an escape route, I need to be able to accept them along with their country. That would be a problem.
“Rishu, I’m home.”
I welcome Rishu, who rushes over, into my arms and pet him affectionately. This is an absolutely safe place.
I’m sure this place can be uncovered by beings stronger than me. The same logic that allows me to rewrite contracts applies here as well. For now, I’ll keep naming things, at least to maintain the Severance with the Heroes!
By the way, I haven’t seen the Gods around here lately, but I have a hunch about one thing.
“Um, could Van be coming?”
I nervously utter the words while gently squeezing Rishu’s pancake-like ears.
If nothing happens, it’ll be an embarrassing monologue, and if Van shows up after disappearing, that would be awkward too.
“…”
And then he came. Van, with a very sullen expression, averts his gaze.
“Good evening.”
“Ah. —If you’re going to call, do it sooner.”
Could it be that my power inadvertently surpassed that of the Gods who were protecting me, preventing him from entering this place?
“Rishu doesn’t seem to want to give me permission or deny it, so if you don’t wish it, I can’t enter.”
Just as I thought. Moreover, it seems that Van has become a retainer of Rishu? Now that I think about it, he lost to Rishu in the cuteness competition, didn’t he? Did that determine their hierarchy?
For now, it doesn’t seem like he’s been spending time in some volcano or having adventurous days.
“Should I just let him know that he can come and go freely here?”
“…Yes.”
Having a large Spirit around would be conspicuous and troublesome, so I’ve been asking for the visits of powerful Spirits to be avoided. The protective Gods, who used to be the ones setting up barriers, are now being blocked by the barrier I maintain…
It all started when Van lost to Rishu, and now that Van has become my—well, Rishu’s—retainer, the balance of power seems to have shifted.
The timing of the change in guardianship likely varies depending on whether the Gods lost to Rishu or to other Gods.
“I don’t have any particular business to confirm, but would you like to eat some Diamond?”
“…I will.”
This awkward exchange will likely continue for a while. Rishu, unconcerned, is playfully tugging at my leg.