Chapter 339: Present Situation of the 『Fae’s Bough 』
Auro followed me, staying behind me diagonally as we made our way towards the 『Fae’s Bough』. Actually, I find it hard to hold a conversation when we’re walking like this. It would have been better if he walked beside me.
「I am not a knight, so being in this position makes it easier for me to deal with any ruffians that might appear. 」
That was his reply when I asked why he maintained his distance, still diagonally behind me.
I gave up trying to reason with Auro and his dangerous assumptions, and meekly continued on our way.
「The key of the『Fae’s Bough』was already handed over to Paulor-sama. For now, the Bough’s opening time to the public is set at dawn. 」
I listened to Auro’s report as we passed through the gate that had been left open, when Orlando came out.
「We sincerely welcome you. 」
「Hello, I came here to check how things are going. Is there anything unsatisfactory? 」
Ooh, Orlando-kun is so polite — I thought as I asked him.
「This island is so comfortable to the point that it is somewhat scary, but there is nothing to be unsatisfied about. It’s just — 」
「Hm? 」
I nodded to encourage the hesitant Orlando-kun to speak.
「Some sounds come from the room enshrining the Spirit Bough during the night, but even if I open the door right away, I would only find the cloth swaying… 」
「… Ahh. 」
I averted my eyes.
You see, there’s a mysterious phenomenon occurring there, alright? But, I already know the reason, so I don’t want to address it.
Orlando-kun lead the way as we walked through the 『Fae’s Bough』. The garden was as beautiful as ever. The water flowing through the waterways around here received the influence of spirits, and it can be drawn. However, folks seem to bring proper offerings first before scooping, so this place receives offerings despite the sparse population of this island.
Generally, the water flowing through the 『Fae’s Bough』 is circulated, so they have covered culverts under the stone pavings for the times when they allow the water to flow outside the Bough. That’s not the case on our island; the water flows uncovered.
Thus, I thought it wouldn’t be strange if some folks scooped out from there — but I saw several green frogs at the point where the waterways cross the wall. They were stretching their tongues and hitting the water in a huff, splashing water with dissolved teeny tiny spirits onto the nearby rose bushes.
Eh, perhaps there are spirits that don’t like folks ladling the water for free? Are they like money toads or something…?
Not only that, those frogs were so huge you would need two hands to carry them. Aren’t they a bit too huge for a place that’s newly built? I wonder where they came from and how they settled here.
Fluffy Zabuton cheerfully floated beside me, greeting the spirits here and there. Zabuton is unexpectedly a social butterfly, huh…!
Not only that, many spirits were also restlessly moving around. Ack, if this continues on, then this island would no longer be a serene place…! Ah, maybe this is normal for new towns?
The castle’s Blue Lizard-kun is calm, so maybe the ancient ones are serene? The spirits that just came here as well as those newly born were also lively, probably.
Oh no, watching the spirits made me feel that there are more things I have to worry about.
「Welcome, Ny-sama. 」
「Pardon for the intrusion. This place is newly- built, and there are still many areas that are lacking, but do you think it can operate well? 」
Zabuton happily jumped to Gramps’s chest when he came to welcome us. It kinda looked like a pillow fight…
「Yes, it’s all in order. The preparations have been made to this extent, so there shouldn’t be any problems. 」
Gramps smiled.
What about the sounds, you’re not bothered about them?
「By the way, may I ask when the musical instrument artisans are expected to arrive? Unfortunately, this old man is not versed in music, and even musical articulation is beyond my capabilities. 」
Gramps must be aware of Haniwa’s shenanigans, huh.
「The artisans are set to arrive tomorrow, as well as the miniature instruments too. 」
I glanced at Auro, and he responded with the schedule.
「How about the guards of the 『Fae’s Bough』? They are presently deployed from the castle, but if Paulor-sama has the intention to make the 『Fae’s Bough』 independent, it might be best if you appoint them.」
Ah, I think I already explained to him back then how our system here decentralizes power, and also serves as check-and-balance to prevent both parties from forcing what they want because of self-justified reasons. While I don’t mind amicably and constructively working together, this kind of approach might be too heavily influenced by personal character, after all.
Ah, but I think being too rigid from the get go won’t work either. Besides, this island is small, and we’re still in the developmental stage so we still need Soleil and the others to lead us. There’s too many ferrymen here, so it won’t work even if we were to tell them to go to the mountain.
「However, I am not well connected in this matter. How about we let Auro-dono pick a few candidates and I’ll appoint a few guards from them? 」
「Yes, I think we can do that until things become more stable here? The town itself is just finished, so things aren’t settled yet. So, Paulor-sama too — 」
「Ny-sama, please feel free to address me as Paulor. 」
Eh, he himself changed from ‘dono’ to ‘sama’ when addressing me — both Orlando-kun and Gramps are being too polite in speech!! Eh, is it because I’m their employer that they’re being careful like this?
「Gramps Paulor, please feel free to raise any concerns you might have to either Soleil or Auro. And please be at ease when speaking to me, alright? 」
「Well then, there is one thing, no, two? I do not have the Sight to see the spirits, but I am quite knowledgeable regarding magic circles. Allow me to create a few protective and defense ones within the town for safety. Moreover, I wish to select a few people and teach them this knowledge. 」
Magic circle class, huh~ Hmm, I wanna join too.
「…Paulor-sama, is it true that you are willing to bestow that knowledge to this island? 」
Soleil’s shocked voice resounded from the entrance.
I saw Orlando-kun’s smug face from my peripheral vision when I turned to look at Soleil!
Notes
T/N: Money toads 😀
NEXT CHAPTER
RELEASE RATE
I Got Transferred in the Middle of a Mountain
Speed up schedule by 10 hours
Current schedule: Every 80 hours
Thanks for the treat.