Chapter 575: Records of History
“I’ve never seen this place before either, and I want to gather stories about Amijin. Some established theories might be overturned, while others could gain credibility. If we’re going to talk, I want to examine those aspects first. Also, regarding the individual goddesses we parted with, there might be some distortions, so it would be better to ask those who originally worshipped them how they venerate them,” Haulon said.
So, they really are separated from that big goddess, huh? Should I head to the Spirit Library and do a bit of research?
But I didn’t find much about Dogu-chan either. Most of what was written seemed to be hearsay, and maybe there’s a culture here that doesn’t leave things in written form, like oral traditions?
Unlike the shy Dogu-chan, the spirits here seem willing to talk, so I feel like I could just ask them. But considering Namina the Hero Summoner, there might be some alterations in the spirits’ memories. It might be better to do some research first before asking in detail.
“This face makes me feel like you’re thinking of something to shout about…” Haulon murmured.
“I was just thinking of tracing back a bit of history, that’s all,” I replied.
“Really?” Haulon shot me a suspicious glance.
“Really, really.”
“—It better be true. Just, the way you’re going about it seems a bit off.”
Come on, Retze!
“Well, I suppose there’s only one destination we can reach…”
“Facts are singular, but truths are many!” Dinoss chimed in, contrasting the butler’s summary.
But it’s true that there are various interpretations of a single fact; everyone perceives things differently.
“For now, let’s look for the people of Amijin, have them check this place out, and see if we can create another path to the surface,” I suggested. If they say creating another path is a no-go, then we’d only be able to enter from the fortress, so I need to think about usage and flow.
But first, before that…
“‘Is it alright to create a path from the surface to make it easier to come here? Or do you want to limit access?’” I asked the goddess, who had been watching our exchange with keen interest.
‘Either is fine. I dislike being touched, but I do enjoy lively gatherings. Anyone can come, but if many from Amijin visit, they are welcome. I desire drums and bells.’
“‘Alright, alright. I’ll set restrictions so that we can only approach to a certain distance and prepare to venerate with sound. What about the people of Amijin? Can they touch?’” I recalled that I was told to bring dye, right?
‘I will allow them to touch only on the day of the summer solstice.’
“Understood.”
Oh, right, Dogu-chan also had some kind of festival on the summer solstice. They really do seem to originate from the same goddess.
“Yes, it’s a curious way to use the fortress… Thanks to that, we can directly land here now. It seems I should start arranging for grape saplings soon. If we’re going to continue interacting with the people of Amijin, we need to consider that as well. From the flow of conversation and the appearance of the goddess on the stone pillar, she is indeed the goddess of Amijin… They probably won’t demand the return of this land due to the contract,” Soleil muttered.
Yeah, the goddess with the bow appeared during the contract. It feels like Soleil and the others have gotten too used to strong spirits showing up during contracts. I’m still surprised by it.
Not by the fact that spirits appear, but by the type of spirit that shows up. Initially, the spirits that appeared were among the protective gods related to me, depending on the contract’s content and the counterpart. Recently, however, it seems that gods with a strong connection to the contract partner are appearing, solidifying the contracts even more…
“Even though you speak Spirit Language fluently, no one calls you out on it…” Captain Cat was flicking his tail on Dinoss’s shoulder.
“Thanks to that, I’ve learned quite a few new words in Spirit Language. Whether we can communicate is another matter, though… It feels like there’s a significant renovation in the works here. Before that, I’d like to record it; do we have time?” Haulon smoothly shifted the topic regarding my conversation with the spirits.
“Go ahead.”
Haulon pulled out a sketchbook and began drawing. He did the same when we were dismantling the dragon, now that I think about it.
“Alright then, while Haulon is working, shall we have a meal?”
“Sure!” Dinoss replied, looking delighted.
“…What about dessert?” Kiel, as always, had a sweet tooth. He was happy about the flavors in the dishes, but sweets were something special for him.
Today’s menu consisted of rice balls and sandwiches. I had initially thought to enjoy them on the grassy plains above, but—it’s hot, so maybe this is just right? Let’s eat while gazing at the sea.
I handed a rice ball to Haulon and passed around some tea. Captain Cat eyed the rice ball suspiciously, sniffing it. If he doesn’t like it, he can have a sandwich instead.
For sides, I prepared meatballs, omelets, and mandarins, which go well with both rice balls and sandwiches.
“Oh! I love these meatballs!” Dinoss exclaimed, popping one into his mouth. Meatballs are quite popular in the Dinoss Family.
Dessert is donuts. I won’t serve them yet since Kiel is trying to grab one first!
While waiting for Haulon to finish, I discussed plans with Soleil and the others. Even though we’re planning, we still haven’t spoken to the people of Amijin, so things might change.
Captain Cat, Retze, Dinoss, and the butler shared their opinions while watching with half-open eyes.
Then, we decided to bring Haulon along again and head back to the ship. —This Haulon sketching seems never-ending.
“Wow…”
“…Meow.”
Dinoss and Captain Cat exclaimed in surprise.
Captain Cat, meow? Is that really a meow?
“You…”
“…The scenery has changed again, hasn’t it?” Retze and the butler remarked as they looked ahead.
On the opposite shore, construction for the spirit-sanctioned port was beginning.