Chapter 588: The Pickup
“Ugh. There are so many Earth Folk right in front of me, but they’re all either busy crafting or interested in their materials, so I can’t even negotiate…” Soleil mumbled while snuggling into the cushion.
“There are so many different kinds of Earth Folk here…”
Different kinds?
Now that I think about it, there are villages that specialize in woodworking and others that focus on iron products. I brought Dogu-chan’s Great Tree and Dragon Material to Gamri, who I’ve had the most dealings with among the Earth Folk, at the Black Iron Pit, which has attracted a crowd from all over.
Normally, would I go to each one separately? It seems like all the villages are connected by underground paths, so I feel like they’re essentially one big community.
“Ugh… What’s going to happen to this temple? Will it be overflowing with the creations of the Earth Folk, with Golden Fruits and vegetables offered up, and real Gods residing here? Just how much magic can be unleashed from a single Golden Fruit? And this big one is a pumpkin, huh…” Haulon stood there, staring at the beautifully arranged Golden Series, muttering to himself.
“If it’s in the way, you can give Wanwan and Asas a couple of days to enjoy it, and then you can eat it, okay? Should I cut it up? The fruits can be eaten as they are, and the vegetables can be steamed or roasted,” I suggested.
While I can’t just bite into it, if it’s cut up, the Golden Series can be eaten normally.
“If I slice it thinly, with this level of dryness, it shouldn’t spoil, and it could turn into dried fruits or vegetables.”
“…” Haulon looked at me with a face that seemed on the verge of tears.
I’m sorry. But this Golden Series is so tempting that I’m at a loss about what to do.
If I leave it as is, the Spirits that see it will come to infuse their power into it. Unlike other places, my mountain is so densely populated with Spirits that they tend to cluster together. The Spirits that couldn’t touch the fruits and vegetables nearby end up sulking and pouring their power into them…
“If I don’t harvest them, they’ll just keep multiplying. I don’t want a salad or vegetable soup that’s all gold; I’d prefer fruits and vegetables in normal colors.”
“Is it a color issue!?” Haulon exclaimed, his expression changing dramatically as he looked at me.
“Well, the taste is normal… I can’t do roasted dishes, though.”
Roasted whole apples? That didn’t work out.
“Don’t try it!?”
As Soleil lay down and Haulon shouted, the Earth Folk continued to prepare the temple. They maintained the decorative style that Haulon and Soleil had established, making it beautiful and serene.
Even though they prefer practical and simple things, they are also skilled at creating vibrant and extravagant decorations.
…Maybe I should have skipped the pumpkin and cabbage. Their presence is a bit overwhelming.
Speaking of which, Haulon muttered something about the Rabbit Apple being focused on color as well…
“…Call Retze and the others.”
“Yes, yes.”
I was asked by Haulon to go pick everyone up at Kanum. Today, I’m the free taxi.
I used [Teleportation] to Kanum’s House.
I opened the large door at the entrance and looked around. It was still bright enough to be considered early evening. But in this area, during this season, the days are long. I wonder how much time has passed in the temple?
The meeting place is the living room of the rental house where Retze and the others live.
“Hello~! Is everyone here?” I peeked into the first floor of the rental house, calling out while checking the faces in the room.
“Gene, hello~!”
“Hello!”
“Hello~!” The children of the Dinoss Family greeted me.
Their parents, Dinoss and Shiva, smiled behind the kids. Tina jumped into my arms, causing Dinoss to make a funny face.
“Chris isn’t here yet. I think Ash and the others have already gone home, but it’s still a bit early, right?” Dean answered my question.
He usually drinks alcohol like water, but today, perhaps because of the upcoming banquet, he seemed to be drinking tea. Retze was also drinking tea, but since he often drinks tea, I couldn’t tell if it was for the banquet or not.
“Yeah, it’s still early.”
“What’s up? Did Haulon yell at you again?” Retze asked.
“Yeah. I took some fruits and vegetables to Wanwan and Asas, and he yelled at me.” I honestly answered, wondering how that conclusion was reached.
“What color are those fruits and vegetables?”
Retze squinted at me.
“Gold.”
“Whoa, those apples?” Dean asked, looking surprised.
Dean isn’t slow on the uptake. It’s just that Retze is unusually sharp, almost reading my mind.
“Yeah. I need to clean up my field soon, or it’ll just keep increasing.”
“Don’t treat the legendary Golden Apples poorly, okay?” Dinoss said.
“Is Dinoss here?”
“I’ll pass.”
That was a quick response.
Please don’t treat the fruits and vegetables that I worked hard to grow poorly.