Chapter 15: Encounter – 21
Inside the log cabin, to my surprise, various tools and books were scattered about in disarray.
It seems that little is known about the ecology and lifestyle of the “Kin of Twilight,” but judging by Geshura’s dwelling, they appear to possess a culture and civilization similar to that of humans.
“There are no chairs made for humans. Just sit wherever you like.”
Geshura herself reclined on something resembling a sofa, propping her upper body up. It seemed this was her preferred sitting posture.
As I sat cross-legged on the floor, Geshura began to speak.
“Now then, you wish to know why I have made my home here, correct?”
“Yes.”
“To put it simply, I came here seeking peace. The ‘Garden of Twilight’—the name of the island where we, the Kin of Twilight, reside—has become somewhat inhospitable.”
“Seeking peace means you have no intention of causing conflict with the humans around here, correct?”
“Of course. Unless they initiate something, I have no intention of acting against them.”
“But if you intend to live here, how do you plan to secure food? I believe it would be difficult without interacting with humans.”
“Hmm…”
Geshura closed her eyes for a moment.
If she were to live here and maintain a lifestyle similar to that of humans, she would undoubtedly need various supplies. However, it would be challenging for her to acquire these within the rules of human society. I couldn’t imagine any human willing to trade with the Kin of Twilight.
“Indeed, that will become a problem eventually. Of course, I have no intention of resorting to plunder. No matter how strong I may be, I cannot defeat humans in greater numbers.”
“That seems likely. Among the Kin of Twilight who have crossed over here, those who caused trouble have mostly been dealt with.”
“Naturally, it is to be expected that those who willingly come here from the Kin of Twilight are rather peculiar. It would be troubling if you were to consider me the same as them.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
This was quite an intriguing conversation.
When people spoke of the “Kin of Twilight,” I had assumed they were all like Zaikal—berserk warriors with whom one could not communicate. However, it turned out that Geshura was a unique existence even among her kin.
“Hmm… You are called Soushi, correct? It seems you do not fear me, is that not so?”
“Yes, if we can communicate, there is no need for fear. Besides, I possess strength comparable to that of the Kin of Twilight.”
“Oh?”
Geshura narrowed her eyes, scanning my entire body as if to devour me with her gaze.
While her lower body was serpentine, her upper body could undoubtedly be described as that of a beautiful brown-skinned woman. Even though her vertically elongated pupils gave her a reptilian quality, being scrutinized by such a beauty made me feel rather uncomfortable.
“…I see, so that is why you remain calm in my presence. However, it is a relief to have someone I can converse with as an equal. Returning to the topic, I too am troubled about food. There is a human settlement nearby, but is it not possible to trade with them?”
“There are two issues. The first is that the humans on this continent are extremely fearful of the Kin of Twilight. If they were to learn of your existence, there would surely be humans who would seek to hunt you down. Naturally, this would make trading difficult.”
“I thought as much. And the second issue?”
“The second point is what you would offer in exchange for trade. What do you have to provide in return for food and other supplies?”
“I was considering offering my strength and skills. I can drive away monsters, and my magic should be useful to humans. The magical tools I create would also be quite rare.”
“I see…”
This was turning into a rather complicated discussion. However, this was something a mere adventurer could not resolve. For now, I would have to report to Sfenia’s father, Mr. Sarandol, and see how he would like to proceed.
“Understood. I will convey this to the town’s representatives. However, in the worst-case scenario, it may lead to discussions about expelling you, Geshura.”
“That would be troublesome. For example, this—”
Geshura skillfully used her tail to pull a bag resembling a student’s satchel closer to her.
“This bag possesses characteristics similar to what humans call an ‘Item Box’ skill. Surely, many would desire such a thing? I can create these.”
Geshura opened the bag and pulled out several chunks of meat and what appeared to be bags of grain. The items laid out on the floor clearly exceeded the bag’s capacity by more than tenfold.
Indeed, it seemed to truly possess the power of an “Item Box.” Having such a thing would be incredibly convenient… No, this was beyond mere convenience.
A bag with “Item Box” functionality would likely cause a tremendous uproar if it were to be revealed to the world. After all, it would have a profound impact on trade. It could even bring about a transformation in the very fabric of society. Moreover, Geshura claimed she could “create” such a thing.
The revelation was so shocking that I felt a slight dizziness wash over me.
“…That is certainly an extraordinary item, but it could also put you in danger, Geshura. Its high utility would likely attract the attention of those with power who would covet it.”
“Hmm, so humans are the same after all.”
“When you say humans, do you mean the Kin of Twilight as well?”
“Indeed. Because I possess such exceptional skills, I could no longer remain in the ‘Garden of Twilight.’ There were those who sought my power against my will.”
“I see…”
“Soushi, something is coming!”
At that moment, I heard Larni’s urgent shout.
The growling sound that followed was likely that of the “Twilight Hounds.” According to my Presence Detection, three entities were approaching.
As I stood up, Geshura rose alongside me. The furrow in her brow indicated she knew the identity of the approaching beings.
“It seems we have been tracked. You must leave here at once. There is no need for humans to get involved in the affairs of the Kin of Twilight.”
I felt that Geshura’s words contained information I could not ignore as I made my way outside the cabin.