Chapter 615: Progress of Amijin
It was a mistake to head out right after getting motivated by the kids. I was too relaxed, thinking about the convenience of Teleportation, and now I’m reflecting on that.
Next time, I’ll make sure to prepare properly.
By the way, I chose the time when the morning sun rises, thinking it would be when the ghosts are weakest, but it didn’t matter since that place is dark even during the day. It felt like a ghost realm 24 hours a day.
The good thing about those ghosts is that they can’t leave the island. I don’t have to worry about them following me after I escape.
Now then. I’m supposed to meet Soleil at three for tea and a discussion, but I haven’t had lunch yet. What should I do? The timing is a bit tight.
Until now, I’ve been enjoying my bento while taking in the scenery at my destination, but I definitely didn’t feel like relaxing there.
I’ll save my bento for another outing and just have some ochazuke for now. It’s too much trouble to grill salmon, so something simple will do.
Rice topped with chopped takuan, shiso leaves, and salted kelp, sprinkled with sesame seeds. —I’ll try making some arare later. Pouring warm dashi over it will make it nice and light.
The dashi, with just the right amount of salt flavor, and the coarsely chopped takuan don’t interfere with the lightness but add a nice accent.
I’m still a bit hungry, but it filled me up enough. I’ll just lounge around until it’s time; my heart needs to calm down after all that excitement this morning.
I lay back on the sofa and start reading. I’m comparing books about the legends and folklore circulating in Naruadeid and the Northern Lands. I’m curious about how the content has changed over time and the reasons behind those changes.
I’d like to compare them with books available in the cultural center of Nakahara, but since that center is in the country that summons heroes, I’d rather not get too close.
The sofa is lower than the bed, so I can see Rishu lying flat on the floor, gnawing on a rope. He’s stretched out with his back legs extended.
I hold the book with one hand and pet Rishu with the other. His fur is so fluffy.
After enjoying this calm moment, it’s time for serious discussions with Soleil.
On Soleil’s office desk lies a detailed map of Amijin and the floor plan of the revived fortress. Both are intricately crafted.
Faramia, who spreads out the documents at just the right moment, usually stands diagonally behind Soleil. Auro is next to me, while Kiel leans in during discussions about defense.
There’s a request for security measures in Amijin as well. They’re increasing on this island too, to the point where it’s becoming cramped. I should consult Old Man Paorul later about whether we can turn them into other sounds.
“—So, we’ll focus on cultivating these three types in Amijin. We’ll accept those among the Amijin people who wish to settle down and have them grow crops. We’ve also received repeated offers from those who chose a nomadic lifestyle, wanting to assist Nii-sama,” Soleil continues.
During the land contract, the goddess of Amijin showed up. The berries that will become the paint — or rather, the paint mixed with beast fat — are being prepared by the Amijin people, and it seems the vibrant patterns and drawings in the goddess’s cave are being added.
However, it seems they’ve decided that touching the goddess’s stone pillar is only allowed on the summer solstice, so the patterns on the pillar remain untouched.
They plan to select a few people from the community to trace the patterns on the pillar while ringing bells during the summer solstice festival. Those chosen will be doing something to enhance their magic power until that day.
I hope it’s not something like coca leaves or cannabis. I’d rather not deal with trip-inducing shamans.
“The goddess oversees fertility, and just worshipping her is already quite helpful,” Soleil says, but relying solely on the spirits could lead to collapse in various ways.
It seems Soleil, with his realistic and somewhat cash-oriented mindset, will ensure that various environments are set up. It’s like commerce is seeping into fantasy; he won’t allow anyone to slack off and believes that one should work within their means.
“While the goddess’s revival might be coincidental, I’m quite grateful for allowing access to the divided land through our contract. The Amijin people are skilled in textiles, so we’ve decided to ask those who chose a nomadic lifestyle to create textiles. But first, we need to increase the number of sheep that were reduced due to the drought,” Soleil says cheerfully, looking busy yet energetic.
The textiles from Amijin are made from sheep wool, distinct from the island’s blue cloth. They’re sturdy plain-woven fabrics without the pile of carpets, featuring vibrant and intricate patterns that are passed down through villages and households.
These patterns have meanings and are like words. After all, the diligent Language can read them. While the patterns are beautiful, if you’re not careful, they can look like scriptures… which is troublesome.
“Is that about it? The drought’s effects are still lingering, and the land is weakened. It should recover faster than the surrounding areas, but we’ll take our time growing vegetables and fruit trees without pushing it.”
With the fields in Talia and Marina damaged, many people are temporarily looking for other jobs. It seems they’re employing those people for a manpower strategy, and housing and infrastructure are already being set up.
I was surprised at how quickly things are moving, but when I mentioned it, Soleil looked away and said it’s still slower than the sudden revival of the fortress…