Chapter 627: The Legend of the Great Sage
Two days later.
“This is it.”
I placed the lantern prominently on the table.
It was dinner time, but instead of a meal, Haulon had requested drinks and snacks from the start. Dean was served meat, while Dinoss had a lighter meal.
“A lantern, huh?” Dean said, chewing on his food.
“It looks practical, yet elegant!” Chris remarked, sipping his wine as he admired it.
“…No seams.” Retze, ever observant, chimed in.
“It’s made of Spirit Silver.”
“…Spirit Silver, huh? It’s crafted by assembling parts. Just so you know, it usually doesn’t move.”
And indeed, it didn’t move.
“So, it’s an abbreviation of ‘Spirit Silver—therefore, its shape can change freely’… You really get it.”
“Someone thinks that ‘Spirit Silver’ makes for a seamless explanation. I thought you were going to talk about the material without touching on the seams,” Dinoss and Haulon bantered while watching my exchange with Retze.
“First, it would be wise for Retze-sama to hear the details and grasp the overview to minimize any damage.” The Butler said while slicing ham.
“Moving Spirit Silver is truly beautiful, but…” Ash said, gazing at the Spirit Silver bracelet. It shifted gently on his wrist, creating ripples.
“Ash-sama…” The Butler looked troubled.
“That one was made by Gene. Generally, it doesn’t move.” Dinoss added.
Today’s menu included:
A dish of new onions and sakura shrimp baked on a thin pastry. Fried Sea Bream, shrimp, and clams cooked in olive oil. Salted and fermented cabbage simmered with sausage in white wine. Herb-crusted sea bass. Roast beef, a salad with prosciutto, and various breads and cheeses.
I topped thin slices of bread with aquapazza and took a bite. The Sea Bream was tender and fluffy, with the flavors of shrimp and clams blending perfectly, and the sweetness and acidity of the cooked tomatoes added a delightful touch.
Dinoss and Chris seemed to really enjoy the shrimp, while Dean looked a bit put off by the heads still attached. He was fine with small fried river shrimp, but the larger ones were a no-go for him.
“So, what was it made for?”
“For repelling ghosts in the Land of Ruin,” I replied to Retze.
I had rushed in without any preparation, and it turned out to be a bit much. I didn’t like being touched, and there were too many hands reaching out. Even when I tried to avoid them, there were more waiting ahead.
I thought it would be better if they avoided me instead.
“The Land of Ruin…”
Chris suddenly froze, looking shocked.
“Ah, you’re close to home, huh? They say that an island where no one can enter isn’t just an exaggeration, right?” Dean confirmed with Chris.
“Not so much that you can’t enter, but once you do, you’re said to be ensnared and unable to leave. They say hundreds of black hands pursue you,” Chris said, his expression serious.
“At first, it’s not just to lure you in. Once you go a certain distance in, they really start to attack,” Haulon added.
“Have you been there?”
“Just to change the direction of the Weather Vane.” Haulon winked at me and reached for the roast beef.
So, there’s a famous episode involving the Great Sage, huh? With the legendary figures present and the rather dubious legends surrounding them, it seems they haven’t learned much about these legendary people.
King Wolf Balmoa, Shadow Wolf, Great Mage Haulon, Ice and Snow Shiva, and the Great Wheel Saint, along with the occasionally appearing woman with [Storage]. I believe her name is Fleur.
I heard from Soleil that she travels back and forth between Naruadeid and the Northern Lands, making quite a fortune. With [Storage], it must be quite profitable.
I suppose Note was active without being named, but I wonder what the Great Wheel Saint’s name is?
“What’s this Weather Vane about?”
“In the Land of Ruin, there’s the ‘Weather Vane that Announces the Dawn.’ If it’s facing east, all is well; if not, ghosts will overflow from the island. I shot arrows from a ship and barely escaped. Luckily, I hit my mark,” Haulon sighed, taking a sip of wine.
“I’ll recommend a good book later.” Dean said with a grin.
It seems the Great Sage’s exploits have been turned into a book. But if Dean is recommending it, it’s probably a book that showcases Haulon’s adventures while featuring Dinoss (Balmoa) prominently, right?
“What kind of effect does this lantern have? It can’t just be beautiful, can it?”
“Yeah. When a Spirit enters it, the magic circle for repelling ghosts activates, preventing ghosts and Black Spirits from approaching within the lantern’s light.” I answered Ash.
I made a smaller lantern with a bit more decoration for Ash, so I’ll gift it to him later.
“You really intend to go to the Land of Ruin, don’t you…” Dinoss said, his speech occasionally becoming peculiar.
It must be Haulon’s influence. He seems eager to go, even though he’s been there once.
“Want to go together?”
“Don’t invite me so casually!?”
When I invited him, the legendary King Wolf’s eyes widened in surprise.