Chapter 219 - A Hard Worker Despite Appearances
"Well then, I'll log off now~ It's Saturday, but don't stay up too late~"
Yata-sensei said that and casually left. Guess it means there's no point worrying about it.
"It's kind of creepy and I don't like it…"
"Yes, indeed. Your first live stream was a collaboration with the President, so perhaps you've been marked?"
Probably something like that, but she couldn't directly interfere with the island. So,
"She might ask Mion to collaborate?"
"A collaboration with anyone other than the President is a bit…"
Right.
She was originally a fan, and she knew the real Bell-bucho, so that was fine. A thought crossed my mind: should I just refund this super chat? But then that would probably become another topic of discussion.
"Well, let's talk to Bell-bucho when she arrives."
"Yes."
No point imagining bad things that haven't happened, so I shelved it. More importantly, I should prepare answers for questions that will surely come up during Wednesday's live stream.
Regarding meeting Argenta-san, probably just a rough explanation of the big room in the basement? Something like, after putting mana into the emergency Magic Crystal Stone in the basement, Argenta-san noticed and Transfered there. Also, receiving a box that can transfer small items, so I can contact them if I learn anything about the island.
"How does that sound?"
"I think that's good. We're keeping the Transfer Magic Circle a secret, right?"
"More like, I won't bring it up myself. Some people might figure it out, but I'll smoothly deflect those kinds of questions."
"Yes!"
Can they Transfer to that basement from somewhere in the Dragon Capital? If so, I should ask them not to use it. Putting obstacles to block Transfers here would be most certain? Since Argenta-san can fly here.
While discussing this with Mion, Seth (Miki) and Bell-bucho appeared just before 11 PM.
"Brother! You seem to have messed up again!"
"Was the live stream okay?"
Seth was as always, but Bell-bucho was worried, which made me truly apologetic.
"I think it all stayed within the 'mostly okay' range. Except for this super chat…"
Bell-bucho froze for a moment upon seeing the large super chat from Princess Anshia, but then,
"J-Just ignore it! D-D-Don't react strangely, that's exactly what they want!"
I think she's the one reacting strangely, but ignoring it is probably safest.
"Ignore those wannabe strategists. More importantly, Brother's screw-ups!"
"It's amazing, Seth-chan."
"Indeed! To already have connections with the Dragonkin, Brother is amazing!"
"Even when he first met the dragon, he was incredibly calm!"
Was I that calm? I feel like I was just so surprised that it circled back to calm.
"Oh! Is there no footage of that?"
"Apparently, the video was protected. And I have a promise, so I won't say what we talked about."
"Hmm. If that is the case, then it cannot be helped."
Seth seemed satisfied with that answer and didn't ask further. And Bell-bucho also regained her composure.
"To even have it protected, it must have been something significant…" she said, sounding a bit exasperated. Doesn't seem like she intends to probe deeper. Well, no one wants to ask about something that clearly spoils the story.
"How was today's archive?"
"Oh, today's is fine. Um…"
"Yes."
Mion quickly fast-forwarded to where Argenta-san appeared, showing the scene to the two of them. Looking closely, while I was looking up with an "Ehh?" face, Sweee had a "Blegh!" face… Her guts are truly something.
"Sweets… so you became friends over food?"
"Well, I just intended it as a small offering."
Honestly, I didn't expect to be so favored. Or rather, I sent her an extra month's supply, and she just casually finished it all? Just how much does the Princess eat?
"I see. First, one must know what happened in that land."
"And in addition… from that line, it seems like a title. Shou-kun, you had a Guardian title, didn't you?"
"Ah, yes. [Fairy Guardian]."
If the Selkie who visited today also becomes friendly, will he get a title too?
"If the Necropolis investigation requires knowledge and a title, does that mean the Dragonkin make the judgment?"
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"If it's the pattern Lady Mion suggests, the game system would check player flags and NPC responses would change accordingly."
Ah, that's what she meant. It was quite common, or normal in RPGs: if event flags were set, NPC dialogue would change…
"It feels out of place in IRO…"
"It does."
I don't think they'd look at someone's face and say, 'This guy has a flag, so he's okay,' that's too game-like.
"About that, there's unconfirmed information. Someone who properly listened to the Dragonfolk guards watching the Necropolis apparently heard a condition: 'If they possess any Dragon Coin.'"
"Dragon Coin?"
"Dragon Coin is a currency of dragons. Not for actual currency, but as proof of a person worthy of trust from the dragons."
So, clear some other quest or something, and get that Dragon Coin, huh?
"That certainly makes sense. If you have it, they let you through."
"Yes, indeed. But how do you get one?"
"That's where the conversation between Brother and Argenta-dono comes in."
"What happened in that place in the past, and a Guardian title, perhaps."
I see… And I knew what happened in that place, and I had a Guardian title.
"Brother, didn't you receive a Dragon Coin from Argenta-dono?"
"No, not at all. I feel like he'd give me one if I asked."
During the investigation of the island's Ancient Ruins, or as thanks for sweets, he said to ask if I needed anything, but I didn't really need a Dragon Coin. Also, if I told Bell-bucho I got a Spatial Magic Grimoire, she'd probably get mad…
"Um… why does Seth-chan know the dragon's name?"
"Eh? Oh, right?"
That's right! I made sure not to say Argenta-san's name during the live stream!
"Kukukuku! Argenta-dono appeared in the Amiera Territory before coming to Brother's place!"
"That's probably what Argenta-san meant by 'another matter'. We had a lot going on here too. Really, a lot…"
Something happened in Amiera Territory… related to the Winged Folk? Seth was in a good mood, so it probably didn't turn out badly.