Chapter 186 - Many Things That Can't Be Measured
Tuesday
"Looks like things are getting troublesome, huh..."
Natto said with a displeased look.
It was Tuesday afternoon. The weather was a bit gloomy, so we ate lunch in the classroom.
Since Iincho also knew about yesterday's Amiera Territory incident, I completely left the detailed explanation to her.
"There's no point in stubbornly arguing and causing trouble, is there?"
"That's true, but..."
Natto looked unconvinced, but I agreed with him on that point.
However, it was a decision made by Seth (Miki) and Bell-buchou, so it was out of my hands.
"Even if we can't go to the Ancient Ruins, are the Amiera Territory's settlements fine?"
"Yes, they're simply doing agriculture and dairy farming, and the surplus is shipped to the Capital. In return, they buy things like wheat, I suppose."
Since it seems to be on track as a perfectly normal rural village, that's a relief.
In addition, it was supposed to be a source of ore and spoils from the Ancient Ruins, but... well, that's out.
"What are you going to do, Iincho?"
"I'm undecided. Yuki-san told me it's okay to go with Seth-chan and the others, and I'm also tempted to go somewhere a little different..."
Well, that's natural.
She's not a character who would seclude herself and focus on crafting like the production-oriented players, and since she's quite capable in combat, I imagine she wants to go on an adventure.
"Why don't you just go?"
"Well... I don't know what Leona-sama will do."
...Is this a 'kimeshi'? Well, she does have a lot of fans for that kind of thing.
Mion, meanwhile, was searching for something on her tablet... Ah, the preliminary results for the Fulldive Virtual Idol Championship (FVCS).
"Iincho, look. Leona-sama has smoothly passed the FVCS preliminaries, so I don't think she'll log into IRO until the finals this weekend are over."
Mion nodded vigorously.
"Is that so? Then, perhaps I'll go with Seth-chan and the others..."
"By the way, where are you going?"
"Ah, they're going to follow the river flowing from the Capital to a fishing village by the sea."
It was my spur-of-the-moment suggestion, but it seems both of them are after 'Mermaids'?
So, I really hope Iincho accompanies them and acts as a sensible stopper.
"Sounds interesting. Do they have boats or something?"
"I'm curious about that too. Though I don't think there are any big ships that could come to my island."
Come to think of it, there haven't been any traces of a port on the island so far.
I suppose their usual travel was by Transfer Magic Circle, but I still wonder how they first came to that island.
Did they have magic airships or something similar in the era of ancient civilization...?
*
"Ah, sorry. Did I keep you waiting?"
"It's fine. I just arrived."
Opening the club room door, Bell-buchou quickly put on her VR HMD.
Was there something urgent?
"Did something happen?"
"I forgot to ask yesterday, but where is Marie-san now?"
"Eh? Uh... sorry. I don't know either."
It feels like 'why don't you know?', but Marie (Mashiro) Onee-san's actions are completely unpredictable.
Seth probably wouldn't know either.
"I see, I'm sorry."
"Is something wrong with my sister-in-law?"
"No, Season-san should be with Marie-san."
"Ah, she's still dragging her around..."
Bell-buchou, as guild master, apparently wants to keep guild members informed about Witch Bell's whereabouts and activities. Well, that makes sense.
If the outcome of the Amiera Territory conflict isn't shared, she'll come back and be like, "Huh?" won't she?
"How about Shou-kun or Seth-chan sending a message?"
"Yeah, well, I'll send one. But she reads them and then forgets, you know?"
"Oh, it's fine. We can just have Dimaria-san message Season-san."
Apparently, the two are cousins, so she can contact her that way.
Yeah, that's more reliable than me or Seth trying to contact Marie Onee-san...
*
After that, I had Bell-buchou confirm today's video (the Mountain Cabin renovation compilation) before publishing it.
While monitoring the comments, I asked Bell-buchou about the units of length and weight in the IRO world, and it was quite interesting.
Apparently, there's a Meter Standard Magic Tool at the Merchant Guild, and ropes measured there are used as the basis.
Regarding weight, copper coins are the standard, with 200 coins equating to 1 kilogram.
There was even a player who actually measured if it balanced with 1 liter of water (0.001 cubic meters)... amazing, right?
"I can't measure either of those on the island..."
"You're right."
Since there's no Merchant Guild on the island, no copper coins, and no way to measure 1 liter of water (0.001 cubic meters), the map skill is on hold...
"Alright, then, I'm opening it."
"Okay."
Today, first order of business is receiving the magic tools (?) sent by Silver Dragon Argenta downstairs.
After that, maybe I'll go upstairs and look for some wild vegetables?
The area beyond the church to the north is scheduled for exploration at night...
"4725."
I opened the Unlock Code door and checked inside.
Yep, no more Skeletons coming out.
"Woof."
Lupi led the way, indicating it was safe, and I followed.
Sweee was with me today too, but I thought I heard snoring coming from inside my hood...
"Then there's the Goddess Statue, huh?"
"The specific Goddess differs by church, doesn't it?"
"It's oddly detailed, isn't it? Well, I guess it feels very Japanese."
I had Bell-buchou watch yesterday's video from around where we exited the cave after the centipede fight and asked about the empty altar at the very back.
Apparently, that's indeed where a Goddess Statue is placed, but which Goddess it is differs by location.
"Do you want to try Buchou's idea?"
"Hmm, maybe when things settle down a bit more."
Bell-buchou's idea was for me to craft and display the Goddess Statue...
But I've never even seen a Goddess Statue before.
We descended the Transfer Elevator and arrived in the massive transfer room. The ceiling lights were still on.
I didn't put much MP into the emergency Magic Crystal Stone, but it's lasting quite a while...
"Woof."
"Oh, there's something placed here."
A luxurious small box sat alone in the center of the smaller Transfer Magic Circle.
It looked expensive, but I wonder if it's okay for me to take it.
"Shou-kun, Appraisal."
"Ah, right."
First, I Appraised the box.
[Magic Transfer Box]
"Transfers its contents to a corresponding Magic Transfer Box by infusing MP. The crystal on top flashes upon arrival."
"Whoa, this looks like a really expensive item..."
"Shall we open it?"
"Roger. I'm sure there's something inside."
Probably the first letter or something?