Chapter 595: The Blessed Land
I placed the herb-grilled Suzuki on a plate lined with banana leaves.
Then, I added a chunk of dragon meat!
I had grilled the thick cut to a medium-rare using the Spirit’s Power, but with the roast pig outside, it felt a bit lacking in impact. It was too large to turn into a T-bone steak, so I gave up on that idea, but I should have at least tried.
When it comes to celebratory dishes, it’s not just about the flair and impact; there’s something special about sharing them that really lifts the mood.
Next, I prepared some easy-to-eat dishes to enjoy with drinks. Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and shrimp, various sandwiches, and a bunch of small round tarts arranged like flowers.
The wine was pure red wine, no additives. Since coming here, most of the wine I’ve encountered has had spices and other things mixed in. Even outside, Soleil’s famous wine was being served from barrels. I had brought my own drink too, so even with the Earth Folk joining us, we shouldn’t run out.
“Well then,” I said, and everyone raised their glasses.
“Wait! My beloved and I have yet to join you. Come inside!” Es peeked through the door.
Of course, the door wasn’t open. Please don’t make a strange entrance. Just as we were about to toast, Es interrupted us.
Upon seeing Wanwan, Es quickly retreated inside. Wanwan looked at me, entrusted me with a bone, and followed Es through the closed door. Passing through such a thick door—
“Wanwan, you were a Spirit all along…”
“I have always been a Spirit,” came the soft reply from the Butler.
“Indeed. Dogs do not speak, Gene,” Ash remarked.
“That’s true,” Rishu added, not one to talk much.
“I feel like Gene has come to a very unpleasant conclusion…” Haulon said quietly.
“Don’t try to predict Gene’s thoughts too much. Today is a celebration, and we’re just getting started,” Retze said to Haulon.
What does that even mean?!
“…” Karn stood up, prompting everyone to follow suit.
We decided to [Store] everything for now and re-enter the room. Haulon’s Spirit spun something resembling a sacred fire stand, and flames roared to life.
As the slowly opening door revealed Es sitting on a chair, I noticed Asas—who had a proper lower body. On the opposite side—who was that? Oh, it’s Wanwan in human form!
And there were a pink cobra and a lime-green crocodile. Neneto and Skos must have been hiding until their little spat was over. There were also some unfamiliar Spirits, most of whom had animal faces or had animals or plants stuck to their heads.
It seemed like many of the old Gods were present here, and perhaps the Spirits of the plants and animals around the Es River had gained power over the long years.
“To the land where my beloved husband resides, to the place where my master’s heart lies, I shall bestow blessings from myself and my retainers. Water shall flow endlessly to nourish this land.”
“The trees shall rustle their leaves, the flowers shall bloom, and fruits shall ripen, bringing forth fertility.”
“Enemies shall be thwarted by the winds of sand, pierced by swords, and fall to the desert.”
As Es, Asas, and Wanwan wove their words, fine particles spread from their bodies, disappearing into the pillars, floor, walls, and ceiling.
“Blessings!”
As Neneto and the others raised their voices in unison, the same fine particles scattered around.
“I thank you. My people and I promise to be with the Spirits and offer flowers daily,” Karn stepped forward and bowed his head.
“Hehe, if you so desire, you could absorb us, couldn’t you?”
“…That’s out of the question. To dominate Mother Es, my own memories would hinder me, but I’m not that magnanimous. I can’t take you in without understanding you, and I don’t believe I could ever grasp you.”
Karn responded to Es’s casual tone.
I didn’t actively seek to absorb anyone, you know? Also, I have no intention of dominating or understanding anyone.
Thanks to Es’s insistence, I had signed a contract and entrusted my name, so I wouldn’t be dominated by the Hero, and if anything happened, I could revive from that name. It felt like I was just being shown a piece of papyrus with my name written on it.
My method of contracting is primarily through naming, and that memorandum has very weak power, but it serves as a sort of contract. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m contracted, but it seems to stabilize the Spirit side. If they’re unstable, they might merge with me, the contractor.
I had no idea that number had such an effect until I asked the Gods.
When a Spirit writes its own name, it’s said to entrust part of its power, creating a backup in case something happens to the main body. Of course, it weakens, but if they gather their strength, they can return to normal.
That was news to me.
“Then let the banquet begin! Surely, there’s enough of that food for us too?” Es looked at me with eager eyes.
“Ah—” I replied, glancing around.
There was still a faint trace of water on the floor, likely from Es’s earlier excitement. Where should I lay the carpet?
“Excuse me, could the water droplets Spirit and the wet floor Spirit please pull everything toward the drain? I want to lay down a carpet.”
“Sure!”
“Got it~”
I distributed a bit of magic power evenly, and the water on the floor receded, drying up in no time.
“Even though I, the main body, am here, my avatars and retainers listen to your words. You could just tell me directly,” Es said with interest.
If I did that, Haulon would collapse before the banquet even started!