Chapter 649: The Scramble
Captain Cat looks surprised.
Could it be that he thought Haniwa was just a decoration? That raises some serious questions about his taste. Or maybe he’s just been doubting it lately?
“There are two ‘Spirit’s Branches,’ but only the one in the middle has any real effect, and even that’s pretty weak,” Captain Cat says. He must be talking about Haniwa, right?
The main reason Spirits gather around here is that I come by often and tap my Ex-Staff here and there.
Haniwa doesn’t have a particularly strong effect on attracting Spirits. However, its lively and carefree demeanor does entertain the Spirits, keeping them here.
Environmentally, this place is like a ‘Spirit’s Branch’ itself, not just within its grounds. Many Spirits enjoy this island and choose to stay, while others are born here.
The ‘somehow comfortable’ effect of the Ex-Staff influences the Spirits through the waterways I’ve set up with Haniwa, and in turn, the Spirits affect the residents. But since we’ve also improved the facilities in the Material Realm, the burden on the Spirits is minimal.
“It says ‘Clean!’ on the ‘Spirit’s Branch’…”
“That’s something the residents affected by the ‘Spirit’s Branch’ should uphold.”
The rule to follow is ‘Clean.’
We regularly have cleaning duties for the island and the waterways, and thanks to the soft water from the streams, laundry is done frequently.
Every now and then, someone who hasn’t changed clothes for a month or an idiot who uses anything but the toilet gets caught and is forced to participate in cleaning activities as punishment.
Getting caught a second time means being exiled from the island, so it’s rare.
Haniwa just needs to maintain its 4-centimeter body, and as long as Karn is king, there’s no issue with Shahira’s counterpart branch.
However, Shahira doesn’t really affect the island, so even if things were to reverse, I doubt it would have much impact here.
I’m not sure what would happen in Karn’s Country, though.
What would happen to the various policies Karn has implemented as king? Would they be seen as benefits from the ‘King’s Branch,’ or would they be regarded as results of the king’s orders that the subjects worked hard to fulfill?
“Two branches…”
Captain Cat still seems unsatisfied.
His wandering gaze catches Soleil.
“If you think of the white and black branches as beautiful objects…”
Soleil looks away.
“Those were granted to us from the ‘King’s Branch’ of Shahira, ruled by King Karn.”
Captain Cat states.
“Bipedal…”
Soleil seems to be taking some damage!
“Bipedal?”
Captain Cat hasn’t noticed!
Well, yeah.
During the festival, Shahira also showed up in human form, so it’s not surprising that Captain Cat wouldn’t connect the dots about Karn merging with the branch. He was quite impressed.
Soleil, probably due to running a business, is sharp in various ways. He notices things he doesn’t really need to.
Still, about that ‘Spirit’s Branch’…
Sorry, but having a lot of them doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing. I understand that now, so I’ll apologize silently in my heart.
I haven’t brought out the third ‘King’s Branch’ from the ‘Land of Ruin,’ but based on how things have been going, did that place become my territory?
That’s a bit troublesome.
“Are you staying for a while, Captain Cat?”
“Yeah. Just for some business talks.”
At the inn where Captain Cat is staying, there’s a cat employee who snuggles up to him—wait, no, the guest is Captain Cat.
Maybe I should go to Kanum and have them make some daifuku for me.
“Oh, the skins are finished!”
“Seconds, please!”
“Me too!”
“Me as well!”
Hands shoot up from all around the small plaza. Some are hurriedly stuffing their mouths with what they had in hand.
Well, it’s impossible to serve everyone.
“For now, Faramia and Captain Cat, you and your crew get priority. Everyone else, please line up.”
A line formed before I could even finish saying “line up.”
Fast. The Changeling is quick.
“Ugh! Auro, give me half!”
Kiel, who was near Soleil, couldn’t get through because Soleil was blocking his way. Auro, who was next to me, had no trouble at all.
“Ho ho ho! Speed wins~♪”
“I’m glad to be by your side,” Marlu and Pamela chimed in.
Even though the ingredients for the Changeling are supposed to be decent enough to eat regularly, it seems like they’re still in high demand.
And so, the taco stand, which only serves those involved, wraps up its business as the ingredients run out. A scramble is happening in the narrow plaza, but with a bang, the shutters come down.