Chapter 603: Haulon’s Explanation
There was something similar to an emerald, so after fixing it up, I ended up with an emerald necklace? A shoulder ornament? Maybe I should call it a neck ornament? It was the kind of medal that kings usually hang around their necks or shoulders.
…I thought all of them were emeralds after seeing the biggest crown, but it seems like the one hanging from the neck and the other jewels on the crown are mixed with peridot.
Well, at least I can’t tell the difference without [Appraisal], so let’s just go with emerald.
So, this emerald king set. If only I had a scepter and a cloak, it would be complete. I might as well make the scepter and give it to Karn. I still have some emeralds left.
Since it was buried in the sand, there shouldn’t be an owner, probably.
I chose the largest emerald from the lost items in the desert and started by shaping it. I swiftly cut it with the Zanzenken.
No way, if I polished it, I’d probably end up distorting it instead.
Then, I had the Spirit Gold read my image. While wrapping the emerald, I had it change its form.
What’s this? It’s heart-shaped with wings? What kind of magical girl’s wand is this? Is Haulon going to use it? No, he’s a king, so it must be for Karn.
Let’s redo that, Spirit Gold. I did think of something like a short staff, but this isn’t it. I can’t have it transform like this.
Oh, and no, a certain rider belt is also out of the question; it’s gone too far. While it’s more acceptable as an accessory for Karn than a magic wand, it’s still not right.
That’s it, make it like a British scepter.
I had a few mishaps along the way, but it turned out well. Alright, I’ll have Haulon deliver it tomorrow. I also need him to check Es’s Traveler’s Protection Stone.
When will Haulon come to Kanum next? Since it started with Retze, he probably likes this kind of thing, and if possible, I want to ask him about Es’s Traveler’s Protection Stone.
I looked it up in the Spirit Library, but this world has a lot of oral traditions, so what’s written in books isn’t everything. I want to know the current understanding, not just what was written in the past.
And that’s it for today! I’ll play with Rishu, take a bath, and go to bed!
“Rishu, shall we do some brushing?”
At the sound of her name, Rishu, who had been at my feet, looked up at me.
The angle of her neck as she looked up is just perfect! My little one is so cute.
◇ ◆ ◇
“So, tell me about the Traveler’s Protection Stone.”
After a few near misses, I finally secured Haulon and Retze.
I placed wine and food in front of Haulon as payment for the conversation, getting ready to listen while we ate.
Tonight’s menu includes red wine, bread, pumpkin soup, a salad with green beans and orange-colored mimolette cheese, and grilled salmon.
“Wow, I didn’t know there was something like this. Where did you find it?”
“It came from Es’s desert.”
Retze looked at the Traveler’s Protection Stone I placed on the table.
“I don’t mind teaching you, but how did you find something so close to perfect?”
As he said this, Haulon carefully repositioned the Traveler’s Protection Stone on a handkerchief.
“It’s a nice stone. The bright green and dark green create a pattern like peacock feathers, and the balance of the green shades is beautiful.”
It seems I’ve managed to acquire a good stone.
“This green stone is favored by the household guardian goddess Taure. It’s said that if you make it with heartfelt intentions and give it to someone leaving the house, it will protect them. Specifically, it’s said that the stone shatters when danger approaches the owner.”
“Wow.”
So, the original owner of this unbroken stone that came out of the sand wasn’t in danger?
In a world with spirits, I can really see such stories coming to life. I wonder if it was a charm made without any heartfelt intentions, or if the original owner just carelessly dropped it without being in any danger.
“There are quite a few variations in the way the cord surrounding this stone is woven. Initially, it was a bit more rustic with just one stone, but over time, more stones were added like side stones, and the weaving became more complex—this one is from the mid-period, I think. It has only one stone, but the weaving pattern is a bit intricate.”
Haulon said this and returned the Traveler’s Protection Stone to me while it was still on the handkerchief.
“I see. So, the methods of making it aren’t all strictly defined.”
“Is it still used in Es?”
Retze asked.
“No. It’s not surprising you don’t know. This is from the Era of the Boulder, now referred to as Ancient Es.”
Haulon denied it.
“Are the camels from Ancient Es the same as the ones now?”
“Why are we talking about camels?”
Retze looked puzzled.
“It seems you need camel hair to fix this.”
The rough cord is made from old, frayed camel hair.
“Stop it, just keep it as it is. It’s a historical artifact… I’ll give you a stone from the same Taure, so make a new one with that.”
Haulon stopped me.
“A historical artifact…”
It’s really hard to bring out the crown that I’ve already fixed.