Chapter 551 - Chapter 491 The Person Beside Me
Friday
It was past noon on Friday. When I arrived at the Virtual Club Room, only Mion was waiting for me.
Seth, who had left earlier, was apparently investigating the Southern Island's Ancient Ruins and mining facility with Bell-buchou and the Silver Manor members.
"The recording schedule has been decided."
"When does it start?"
"It starts next Monday."
It would be from 2 PM to 4 PM, for about a week. No weekends, though.
Apparently, there would be one day of recording in a real studio, not just the Virtual Studio.
"That takes quite a while."
"No, I think that's quite short. Mom says some people take months."
"Seriously…"
Well, if it took that long, the second semester would start, and the school wouldn't allow it anyway.
Perhaps considering that we're students, they would record Mion's singing first, then compose the music to match it.
"Then I'll clear my schedule too."
"Yes!"
Tsubaki-san would probably be with her, but Mion would feel more at ease if I were there too.
That aside,
"Ah, I received an invitation from Polly-san."
"Roger."
Apparently, Nat's group had developed a new harbor, and the first sailboat would be launched from it.
I had received an invitation to watch, and Iincho had apparently sent one to Mion as well.
"Can you hear me?"
"It's fine. Shou, if you can see us, reply."
"Yeah, I can see you."
The two were surprised by my response. They're close, huh.
"O-oh. So, can you see it?"
"Yeah, I can see it. It's pretty big…"
"It's amazing!"
Nat was showing us a sailboat, just under 30 meters long, sitting in a dock.
It was apparently built from scratch using the blueprints found on Ramune Island.
"Is it heading somewhere after the launching ceremony?"
"Nah, today's just a practice voyage. They're going to circle the island visible offshore."
"Oh~… Is that an Uninhabited Island?"
"Who knows? Well, if someone was living there, we'd probably have noticed long ago."
Apparently, they planned to circle it to check for things like that.
However, they had to keep their distance from the island to avoid running aground.
"Speaking of which, I think I heard something about mermaids being there before."
"Ah."
"Wasn't that about Cleene? The island visible offshore there, that's where mermaids are rumored to live, right?"
"That's it, that's it."
I think I heard that from Bell-buchou?
I remember hearing that the NPC residents were worried about disputes affecting fishing if mermaids were involved.
"Cleene is a fishing village further north from here. That's not related to this island, so it should be fine."
"Ah, then it's okay."
"Oh, it's about to start!"
The camera turned towards a player dressed in a very theatrical outfit, announcing the start of the launching ceremony.
I thought 'theatrical,' but it's more like a pirate ship captain's uniform, isn't it?
"So, there really are [Boating Skill]s and stuff, right?"
"Yeah, the regular [Boating Skill] is Common. And when it reaches Level 5, you can get the Uncommon [Sailing Skill]."
[Boating Skill] is for steering a ship with a rudder, and [Sailing Skill] is, as the name suggests, for manipulating sails.
They also said a [Cartography Skill] would be good, and thinking about it, being able to use Spatial Magic for positioning might be even better.
"Ah."
"It's launching."
Oh, I almost missed it.
As the thick rope tied to the stern was cut, the ship slowly slid into the sea.
Polly said it was a method called a slipway launch.
"Oh! It seems to have gone well!"
"Amazing."
"It's amazing!"
Next, they would change direction, apparently by sending wind with Elemental Magic towards the unfurled sails to steer.
It feels a bit unfair, but it would be too difficult otherwise.
"By the way, are you two not boarding?"
"My guild is providing the harbor. Another guild actually built the ship, so they naturally have priority."
"I see."
In real life, there are shipping companies, so in IRO, would it be a shipping guild?
After the trial voyage, they were apparently heading to the harbor Bell-buchou's group was building.
It would be sailing within sight of land, but once that settled down, I wonder if they'll start searching for new continents…
*
"Speaking of which, why was Iincho… I mean, Polly there?"
"Apparently, it's because she's the acting representative of the Silver Manor. Bell-buchou, Seth-chan, and the others are all in the Necropolis, so…"
"Ah, I see."
The fact that Bell-buchou's group is in the Necropolis means they're coming to the Southern Island, so I can't help but feel it's indirectly our fault.
"Hmm, I feel a little bad."
"I think it was good, actually?"
"Hm? Oh, I see."
Mion understands too? Or rather, Iincho does as well?
"Nyan" "Bururu."
"Ah, Shal, Rigel, good morning."
Rigel ended up following us continuously and now lives in the stable next to the church.
Pan was conveniently there and offered to prepare Carrotta (carrots), Regucorn (corn), and Mauvepra (sweet potatoes).
The fields had expanded, so he guaranteed that Rigel could eat as much as he wanted.
"Bururu?"
"I'm going to make horse tack, so when that's done."
"Bururun."
Rigel's "Aren't you riding?" appeal was nice, but today I planned to be holed up in the blacksmith forge to make horse tack.
After researching various things, it seems the bit and stirrups are metal, so I'm thinking of making them out of Mithril.
If I have time left, I'd like to make a new main weapon, but first I need to make Heavy Silver Steel Ingots.
"Oh, right. We're having a live stream on Saturday, aren't we?"
"Yes. It's been a while, so cooking, chatting, and… what about the piano?"
"Hmm, if I can play it, then sure."
Azure-san is scheduled to bring the repaired piano tonight.
I plan to have Mion play it first, but I also plan to learn a bit myself…
"Alright, then, I'm going to seclude myself, so let me know when it's time."
"Yes." "Wafun." "Kuru ru~." "~ ~ ~♪."
Mion, along with Lupi, Raz, and Sweee's group, was heading to Pan's settlement today. While I was busy blacksmithing, they would go pay their respects to the Urisk's Divine Tree.
I feel a little lonely; perhaps I've grown too used to being with her.