Chapter 15: Encounter 05
The next morning, upon arriving at the guild, I was informed by Mariane that Shizuna had been promoted to C-Rank.
“Isn’t that a bit too soon? I think C-Rank is still a bit beyond her current abilities,” I remarked, surprised by Shizuna’s unexpectedly humble and composed response.
Since I shared the same sentiment, I exchanged glances with Mariane, who clarified, “Actually, this is a conditional promotion. The condition is that she must participate as a member of ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ In other words, Shizuna-san is still a D-Rank on her own. It’s quite an exceptional measure, but I requested it from the Grand Master, and it was approved.”
“I see. So, if I am treated as a C-Rank, it would benefit ‘Soul’s Guidance’ in some way?” Shizuna pondered.
“Exactly. If we have a D-Rank member, we cannot enter B-Class dungeons,” Mariane explained.
“That makes sense. I had been wondering about that myself. If that’s the case, I will graciously accept the promotion.”
According to the guild’s rules, the dungeons a party can enter are limited to one rank above the lowest member’s rank. This regulation is in place to avoid various troubles, but it seems that ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is deemed capable of handling those troubles.
“Soushi-sama, does that mean we can now enter the B-Class dungeons in this city?” Shizuna asked eagerly.
“That’s right. While I do want to head to the Inner Elf Village soon, our priority is to grow stronger. I plan to receive our rewards tomorrow and start exploring the dungeons the day after. What do you think?”
“I agree!” Larni responded immediately, while Sfenia and Shizuna chimed in with, “Let’s go!” and “That’s exactly what I was hoping for!” respectively.
“I’m grateful to you, Mariane, for submitting the application. This makes things much easier for us,” I said.
“I’m glad to have been of assistance. I’m looking forward to the B-Class dungeons as well,” she replied.
While Mariane’s support was invaluable, I couldn’t overlook the Grand Master’s intentions behind this exceptional measure. Although we were fortunate to receive such an opportunity, it also meant that expectations were placed upon us. As the leader, I should keep that in mind.
The following day, all members dressed in their finest attire and headed to the Great Spirit Shrine.
At the shrine, we were greeted by the High Priestess Miona and the priestess Seina.
First, we confirmed the details of our rewards in the Reception Room, then moved to a place known as the Inner Sanctuary.
The Inner Sanctuary was a vast room, comparable to a school gymnasium, lined with thick, red-painted pillars. At the far end stood a structure resembling a shrine.
The ceremony for our rewards proceeded smoothly within the Inner Sanctuary.
Of course, the event was attended by around fifty high-ranking priests from the Oz Country, officially recognizing that we, ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ would receive special treatment in this nation.
It was clear that we had accomplished something significant in Oz Country. However, I felt a twinge of discomfort, knowing that half of our achievements were due to the ‘Bad Luck’ skill.
The rewards included the Grand Order of the Spirit Cordon, the highest medal in Oz Country, a Spirit Great Tree Sapling, and gold coins worth one hundred million Rom… or rather, small gold ingots.
Once the ceremony concluded, we returned to the Reception Room.
On the table lay the actual Spirit Great Tree Sapling, brought in by the priests. At first glance, it appeared to be a golden tree sapling.
Larni, who was admiring it, poked at it curiously and tilted her head. “It’s certainly beautiful, but isn’t this just a golden ornament?”
“No, no. This sapling is very much alive. If planted in the right soil, it is said to grow into a magnificent tree known as the Spirit Great Tree,” I explained.
“A large golden tree, you say?”
“According to legend, it looks like an ordinary tree. However, it is said that ‘Spirit Beasts’ gather around the Spirit Great Tree, enriching the surrounding land,” I added.
I could imagine that if several of those Spirit Beasts, like Garuda Moth, gathered, their scales would indeed enrich the land. If true, it was quite an intriguing fantasy item.
“Hmm. But if we don’t know where this ‘right soil’ is, doesn’t that make it pointless?” Larni questioned.
“I believe that the place Soushi-sama governs in the future will become that ‘right soil.’ The High Priestess likely thought the same when she decided to give it to you,” Freinir suggested.
Freinir was once again attributing some strange significance to me. I had no intention of ruling over any territory.
“Whether I govern a territory or not, if I ever build a house, I might consider planting it there,” I mused.
“Soushi-sama, when that time comes, I would like to live in your house,” Seina chimed in.
“Can I live there too?” Larni asked eagerly.
“I also wish to live in Soushi-san’s house!” Sfenia added.
“Please build it in the city with the guild. That way, I can join you,” Larni insisted.
“If you’re going to live somewhere, I recommend Oz. The food is delicious there. Of course, I would join you as well,” Shizuna said.
“Huh…? Ah, well, of course, I don’t mind, but…” I stammered, taken aback by their quick responses. I had intended it as a lighthearted joke, but their eagerness surprised me. Since we were like family, it wasn’t a bad idea, but I suspected that most of the members, aside from Freinir, were only half-joking.
As we continued our banter, the High Priestess Miona and Seina, Shizuna’s younger sister, entered the room. They walked gracefully and took their seats in front of us.
“Soushi-dono, I apologize for the trouble this visit has caused. I feel that the rewards we presented do not fully reflect your accomplishments, but I hope this Spirit Great Tree Sapling will be of great use to you,” Miona said.
“Receiving a national treasure is more than enough. However, is there a specific reason you believe it will be useful, High Priestess?” I inquired.
“Indeed. Not long ago, we received a revelation from the Spirit Queen, instructing us to present this sapling to the unparalleled hero who would save Oz,” she explained.
“Such a thing…” I murmured, surprised.
As I nodded, Seina, who was seated next to Miona, leaned forward slightly.
“Actually, I received the same revelation. Our mother received it as well, and we discussed it together, concluding that it must be referring to you, Soushi-sama,” she said earnestly.
“That is quite an honor. However, if there is such a message, it seems I should plant this sapling somewhere in the future. Until then, I will keep it safe,” I replied.
“Yes, I believe that is correct. And when the time comes, I trust that the Spirit Great Tree Sapling will surely aid you, Soushi-sama,” Seina said with conviction.
“Thank you for your kind thoughts. If the Spirit Great Tree grows, please do come to see it, Seina-sama,” I invited.
“Yes, I would love to!” Seina exclaimed, leaning forward even more. Though she usually maintained a calm demeanor befitting her age, it was heartwarming to see her youthful excitement.
Once the discussion about the Spirit Great Tree Sapling concluded, High Priestess Miona straightened her posture.
“By the way, Soushi-dono, I would like to hear more about the ‘Gate to Another World’ and the situation in Mecalinan. Would that be alright?” she asked.
“Of course. I will share everything,” I replied.
As I said this, two clerks entered at Miona’s direction.
Before them, I recounted everything that had transpired. Miona seemed particularly interested in the news of the royal succession in the neighboring Mecalinan. Given the various pressures faced by King Giselfa since his ascension, the change in leadership was a significant matter for Oz.
“I see, so there were such circumstances in that country. I had heard about the change in the king, but the adventurers coming from Mecalinan have been unusually tight-lipped, making it difficult to gather information. If those adventurers were indeed agents of Mecalinan, that would explain it,” Miona mused.
“It seems the previous King Giselfa resorted to some questionable tactics. I believe the newly crowned Prince Ryusha and Marquis Lagantz, who supports him, are reasonable individuals, so their future actions towards Oz should improve,” I explained.
“That would be ideal. Additionally, there are those who have been taken by Mecalinan. We may need to take some action regarding that as well,” Miona noted.
“Indeed. Prince Ryusha mentioned that he would release any slaves taken from other countries, so we should be prepared to accept them,” I added.
“I understand. However, if Mecalinan changes due to your influence, and the captured citizens of Oz return, it will deepen our gratitude towards you, Soushi-dono. I should have sought this information earlier,” Miona said.
“Please, it was truly a matter of chance… You have already been so kind to me regarding the inn and other matters, so there’s no need for concern,” I reassured her.
“While you say that… We will respond according to future developments. By the way, what are your plans moving forward, Soushi-dono?” Miona inquired.
“We will be entering B-Class dungeons starting tomorrow. After we conquer those, we plan to head to the Elf Village in the Kingdom of Vermillion,” I explained.
“It is a shame to leave Oz. Of course, Shizuna will be accompanying you on this journey, correct?” Miona’s gaze held a significant weight, likely tied to her earlier request for me to keep Shizuna close.
“Of course. She is an indispensable member of ‘Soul’s Guidance,'” I affirmed.
Upon hearing my response, Miona appeared satisfied. It seemed she had not given up on her earlier intentions, but I chose to ignore it. Reacting too strongly could lead to complications.
What caught my attention more was Seina’s envious expression. As the next High Priestess, she might also share her sister Shizuna’s longing for the outside world.