Chapter 529 - Chapter 471: Kouyouju Divine Tree
"Juju~!"
"No, no, lift your head. We help each other when in need."
I quickly stopped the Kijimunaa leader (?), who was about to drop to his knees and bow deeply. With words of encouragement from Sweee and Pan, the Kijimunaa finally lifted his face. He was a sharp-eyed boy with red hair tied back with a grass-braided scrunchie.
"Juju."
"~~~♪"
"Ah, yeah."
Just as I shook the Kijimunaa boy's hand with both of mine,
[Kijimunaa Guardian: +3 SP Acquired!]
[Island Population Exceeds 200: +5 SP Acquired!]
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"The Kijimunaa have become our island residents, too."
"Eh?"
Mion was surprised, and her expression was cute. No, no, 'Guardian' aside, counting them as island residents feels like a bug. I should definitely send an inquiry about this...
"~~~?"
"Ah, sorry. Um, for now, I think we defeated all the Kobolds that attacked, but was that all of them?"
"Juju! Juju-juju!"
He shook his head, indicating that wasn't all. In that case...
"Shou-kun. The Kijimunaa-chan..."
"Yeah. I want to help them, but... what should we do?"
It would be best if we could go out and clear out the Kobolds, but we simply don't have enough time today. I'll definitely tell Bell-bucho, but...
"For now, maybe fix the fence?"
"That's right. I think I'll make Heal Potions in case of injuries."
"Oh, good idea."
There's the issue of expiry dates, but it's no use being stingy about it. According to Bell-bucho, if they're properly sealed, they should last about a month.
"Nya nya?"
"Ah, um..."
"What's wrong?"
"No, Shal's group is asking if they should stay here for a while."
Most of the Cait Sith, aside from Shal, are young, but they seem quite strong, probably due to daily training. Even with Ato's group providing backup, they handled the Kobolds with ease. If we're just thinking about defense, that might be the best option? And Mion and I won't be able to come here for a while starting Monday...
"~~~?"
"Juju. Juju-juju~"
"Eh, there's a Divine Tree?"
"Ah!"
If there's a Divine Tree, that changes things. If Sweee is here, we can come and go, and staying won't be such a hardship.
"Juju-juju~"
"Eh? You'll guide us... Is that alright?"
I understood it was because we helped the Kijimunaa, but I was still surprised to be trusted so quickly.
"Juju!"
"Ah, the Jade Goddess-sama..."
"Ah..."
It's probably because Mion officially became the Jade Goddess-sama, but whenever fairies see Mion, they exclaim, "The Jade Goddess-sama!?"
"Wafu."
"~~~♪"
Lupi's group and everyone else gave their approval, so we all followed the Kijimunaa chief. The Kijimunaa settlement was interesting, with large banyan trees scattered everywhere, each topped with a treehouse. When I appraised one passing by, its name was [Kouyouju (Kouyouju)]. Like Hermit Bamboo, IRO sometimes uses kanji names. I wonder why...
"Juju!"
"Whoa, it's huge!"
"It's amazing!"
What the Kijimunaa pointed to was a giant Kouyouju tree. It was just under 10m tall, but its branches spread about 30m wide, and its trunk was over 2m in diameter. This was their Divine Tree, and the settlement was built around it.
"Ryuu~!" "Kyukyu!"
Pan and True seemed genuinely moved by its size, comparing it to the Divine Trees in their own villages. On the other hand, Sweee and Shal didn't seem particularly surprised...
"Nyafu."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"What's wrong?"
"No, the island Shal's group was on, Ramune-san's island, apparently had a Divine Tree of this size too."
According to Sweee's explanation, there are a few types of Divine Trees: those grown from saplings given by the Jade Goddess-sama to the fairies, and those that became Divine Trees after fairies gathered around an existing large tree.
"~~~♪"
"This banyan, the Kouyouju, apparently became a Divine Tree because the Kijimunaa raised it."
"It's cherished so much."
While talking about such things, we approached the Kouyouju Divine Tree, and saw many leaf-made containers lined up, seemingly to catch falling water droplets.
"Are these collecting rainwater?"
"Juju."
This Divine Tree apparently collects rainwater, and they gather it for drinking. In return, the Kijimunaa climb the tree to remove pests, making sure no bad insects infest it.
"So they live with this Divine Tree."
"Indeed."
I was thinking about moving them to our island in case of emergency, but it seems I can't offer that option.
"~~~?"
"Juju."
Sweee got proper permission before approaching the Kijimunaa and the Kouyouju Divine Tree. We stopped a little short. The roots were raised, and we couldn't go further without stepping on them.
"~~~♪"
"Ohh~..."
From Sweee's small palm, a green, jade-colored light overflowed and was absorbed into the Divine Tree. Slowly, happily, the branches swayed, and the sound was very pleasant.
"Ryuu~!" "Kyuu~!" "Nya~"
Pan's group began to pray, so Mion and I imitated them, and the roots in front of us slowly opened, forming a large tree hollow.
"~~~♪"
"Juju~"
Sweee explained that the Fairy Path had been created, and the Kijimunaa seemed delighted, which was good.
"Um..."
"It's almost 10 PM now."
"Thanks. Since we can go home easily now, shall we divide the tasks?"
"Yes."
Pan's group and I will repair the fence. The wood we cut to make beds is still lying around, so we'll carry that over and use it. Mion, Raz, Sweee's group, and Ato's group will search for herbs and make potions. True's group wanted to go fishing with the Kijimunaa, so I asked Lupi's group to guard them.
"Nya?"
"Shal's group, I have a favor to ask. Can you ask the Kijimunaa here if they have any problems?"
"Nya!"
We decided on our roles and agreed to work hard for about an hour. But then...
"~~~?"
"Ah~, a name. Can I name him?"
"Juju!"
Um, my naming sense is zero, so I have no choice but to ask Mion.
"How about Gaju-kun?"
"That's it!"
Yep. It's probably named after the banyan tree, but it fits perfectly. Mion really has a good sense for these things.
"Alright, Gaju. Nice to meet you."
"Juju~♪"