Chapter 654: Hometown
“Do you know what this is?”
I lifted the engraved disk.
“It’s something you use when the sun is out.”
“You take it out and engrave with it several times.”
“Are you worried about time?”
“Or are you concerned about direction?”
“Thank you.”
I didn’t quite understand, but there were plenty of tools on Captain Cat’s ship that I had no clue about either, so surely one of its functions must be useful.
I began to arrange the horse gear and decorative items on the shelf. I was unsure of the order—should I line them up by the Northern Lands series or the Desert series, or perhaps by the “Traveler’s Stone” set?
For now, I had started collecting the “Traveler’s Stones,” so I had them gathered in one spot.
There was the “Sunstone” that the Earth Folk from the Northern Lands used to seek the sun, which Captain Cat had.
The “Blue Ring” charm that Esha, the Wandering People, carried.
The “Moonstone,” a travel charm held by travelers from Nakahara.
Es’s “Traveler’s Protection Stone.”
Etoru’s “Night Safety Stone.”
And the “Blue Light Stone,” used by the sailors of Chrisdrum, which points the way.
The last one remaining was the “Opaque Light Blue Stone” worn by the Wandering People Atlas.
Before he began wandering, he had lived on an island that sank into the sea long ago. I had asked around in the southwestern sea of the Talia Peninsula, where there were traces of that island, but I couldn’t find a stone that resembled it.
Retze knew about it too, so I thought I would find it quickly, but it ended up being the last one left. For now, I’ll go to the Labyrinth and search for it after I return.
There were also rumors about being chased by a black branch spirit, and if there were various things like the “Island of Ruin,” I wouldn’t be able to calmly go to the Labyrinth.
Since I had gathered plenty of “Blue Light Stones,” I would give one to everyone. I wonder if Captain Cat would want one too? After all, it’s a sailor’s stone.
I could display necklaces and rings here. I’ll skip over any crowns I come across! As long as they’re out of sight, they should continue to not exist in my mind.
I didn’t go all the way to the Northern Lands, but it was cold with the sea breeze nearby, so I soaked in the tower’s bath while gazing at the stars.
The constellations from Japan don’t exist here, but I’ve memorized quite a few of the constellations from this world. Perhaps because there are clearer landmarks on land, the constellations and types of stars I hear about from Kanum are quite few.
In contrast, in this area where many sailors travel the sea, the variety of constellations increases significantly. It’s interesting how the stars remain unchanged in the night sky, yet their presence can increase or decrease depending on the location.
A few days later, when we all gathered again, I reported that I had obtained the “Blue Light Stone.”
“Where did you end up finding the ‘Blue Light Stone’? What was it like?” Chris asked.
“I picked it up near Iswael. It seems that nowadays, ships often go directly to the Northern Lands, but long ago, that was the only trading post. I’ll show you the ‘Blue Light Stone’ after we eat,” I replied to the first half of Chris’s question.
It’s quicker to see it, and right now, it’s time to eat.
“Iswael, the country with the legend of the female pirate!”
Chris looked at me with sparkling eyes.
“Is it that famous?”
“In my country, everyone knows the protagonist of that adventurous tale!”
Chris placed one hand on her chest and extended the other dramatically.
As exaggerated as ever, but I’ve gotten used to it. It’s so typical of Chris.
“Wow, if it’s in a book, I’d like to read it.”
“My hometown has few books, so it’s more like bedtime stories or oral traditions. Ah, but in other countries, it’s published! Except for some parts that differ a bit and the ending being a grand finale, the main story is the same!”
“Wait, if the ending is different, doesn’t that change the story?”
Is it like the Mermaid Princess not turning into bubbles? I wouldn’t be able to learn about absurdity!
“Well, as a story, it’s more exciting that way, isn’t it? I wanted the protagonist to be happy too. —Though it does feel a bit off,” Chris laughed.
“Ugh. Then I guess I’ll listen to the story in Chris’s hometown before reading the book. If I read the grand finale first and then find out the truth later, I might get hurt.”
“I’ll introduce you to the best storyteller in the village!”
Chris winked at me.
“Oh, that sounds nice. I want to hear it too.”
“Then let’s invite Haulon along.”
The Great Sage was intrigued.
“You have someone else to invite first, don’t you?”
Retze said quietly.
“Retze too—”
I was poked.
Ah, I see how it is!
“Hey, Ash, I’m planning to visit Chris’s hometown soon. Want to come along?”
“Sure. It’s nice to relax sometimes.”
Ash agreed.
“This time it’ll definitely be a picnic. It’s just a quiet countryside, but there are rolling hills with sprawling grasslands. It’s a lovely place.”
Chris seemed to be reminiscing about the grasslands, spreading her arms and closing her eyes.
“Grasslands, huh? Can I bring Ruta along?”
“Of course!”
I readily agreed.
…
It seems Retze and the Butler were sighing, and Dean and Dinoss were giving me painful looks.
“Can I bring my horse too?”
Ash also wanted to bring his horse.
“Of course! Running horses there is exceptional. There should be space in the stables, so feel free to use them.”
Chris smiled brightly.
It makes me happy to see others interested in my hometown.
I often go riding with Ash, but we usually go to the same places, so a different scenery is something to look forward to.