Chapter 610: The Gods
Late at night.
Since I have the chance, I decide to soak in the bath at the tower. The moon shines brightly, leaving only a few stars visible. The light reflecting off the calm sea dances gently.
I peel a peach.
I enjoy the crunch of a firm peach, but today, I have a soft one. The skin peels away easily, and after a moment, the juice begins to seep out. I take a big bite, and the sweet juice spreads in my mouth, the tender flesh asserting its sweetness. Juice drips down, but I don’t mind! After all, I’m in a bath.
Atop the tower, blue roses are in full bloom. Among the roses, small flowers I don’t recognize sway gently.
The concept of “Blue Spirit Island” is overflowing with blue cloth and blue flowers. There are white flowers and pink flowers too, but the blue ones are planted in prominent spots. My tower is adorned with blue roses and some bluish-purple wisteria-like flowers.
Yeah. They bloom as if disregarding the seasons. Just because they’re perennial doesn’t mean they bloom all year round, right? Are they blooming? Well, whatever.
After finishing the peach, I gaze at the moon while enjoying sparkling white wine and pear sorbet. It’s a lovely night.
Once I’m done with the bath, I take a stroll around the island at night. It’s late, and the shops are closed, leaving no tourists in sight. For security reasons, tourists are discouraged from wandering around at night when the shops are shut.
With the good alcohol available, I’d prefer to keep the drunken revelers confined to the inn.
The residents don’t seem to find the quiet streets unusual, as the sound of water flowing through the canals echoes in the empty town. The moonlight casts a dark sheen on the water, illuminating the cobblestones and stone walls with a ghostly blue glow.
I wander through the streets.
Spirits of moonlight, spirits of the night’s stillness, spirits of floral fragrance, spirits of the night’s veil, and spirits of the overflow. No, I’d rather not have the overflow, thank you for your hard work. I’m not suspicious, so there’s no need to come check on me.
I quicken my pace to leave the town. I wish I could take my time and enjoy the sights. Let’s head somewhere quiet, somewhere peaceful.
“…?”
As I think this, I find myself arriving at a much worse place.
Beyond the iron grille, shadows clash, creating a clanging sound with each encounter. The island’s fields have truly become a training ground for the changelings.
Let’s pretend I didn’t see that.
“My lord,” Auro greets me cheerfully as I turn on my heel.
When did he get so close? And why is he holding grass between his fingers? Weeding at this hour?
“Good evening. Be careful not to get hurt, alright?”
“I am well aware of that. Those who neglect their duties cannot partake in the sweets bestowed by my lord,” Auro explains with a look that suggests it’s the most natural thing in the world.
What kind of understanding is that?
“Well, I’ll leave some sweets with you for replenishment. I’ll be back in a couple of days, so I’d appreciate it if you could let Soleil know.”
I hand Auro a bag of sweets.
With the increasing number of people, the quantity of sweets has grown, making me feel a bit like Santa or Daikokuten, with a handsome figure creating a delightful scene.
“Ah! You…!”
“It’s the middle of the night,” Auro swiftly throws something at Kiel.
Was that the grass he was holding?
“Tch!” Kiel swats away the thrown grass. With grass.
Wait, isn’t that grass moving with an unnatural speed and sound? Is it just my imagination? Could it be that this battle is also about weeding?
“Rest assured, this is what my lord has bestowed upon all employees, and there will be no embezzlement. Most of it has a sweet aroma, after all.”
Auro is not particularly fond of sweets, even though he eats them.
“Embezzlement of sweets” sounds like a strange phrase. But the two of them are having a serious exchange. Meanwhile, I can sense the presence of other changelings silently watching from beyond the iron grille. The tension in the air is almost palpable, all because of the sweets. What am I supposed to do about this?
“Well then, see you in a couple of days.”
I tossed the bag and teleported back to the mountain house.
I thought I might just sleep and not wake up, but I found myself waking up with the dawn. It seems my internal clock has been set to Rishu’s walk time.
“Good morning.”
I ruffle Rishu’s fur and refresh his water before changing clothes.
After changing, I drink some milk and set off for a walk. I stroll through the morning mist, checking on the mountains. Occasionally, I’m surprised by the mischief of the spirits, but it’s a beautiful forest of broadleaf trees. There are fruit-bearing trees and grasses as well.
I watch Rishu trot ahead, his tail and the back of his head looking adorable.
I greet Ish by the water and wave to Mishto, who is playing in the morning light. In the orchard and fields, I meet Kadal and Pal, discussing soil and trees.
After breakfast, Van appears and joins me for sword practice, while Haralfa watches with a sleepy expression.
As night falls, Rudil stands in the shadows. —I’d prefer if he stayed out of the bedroom.
Even when he’s present, there are times when his presence feels faint, and we often don’t speak. It’s probably when he’s revealing his true nature, or when he’s connected to his retainers, causing his individual consciousness to fade.
During those times, I don’t greet him either. If I were to speak, his presence would return, and a normal conversation would begin.
Interacting with the gods feels quite mysterious.