Chapter 653 - Chapter 581: A Relaxed Mountain Walk
"So, shall we take it easy?"
"Yes~!" "Woof~" "Chirp~" "Okay~!"
The weather was nice, so we decided to take a mountain walk for the first time in a while, heading to True and the others via the observation deck.
The Transfer Magic Circle was still set up, so we could get there instantly if we used it, but Lupi, Raz, and I wanted to go check out the Opal deposit.
Since it's a rather rare gem, and there's a chance it could be completely mined out, we decided to check on its status first.
"Althena-chan, are you okay?"
"Yes!"
"Rigel, I'm counting on you."
"Rrrrumble."
Mion and White Dragon Princess-sama rode Rigel, with El-san and Shal providing support.
After visiting the graves at the observation deck, Lupi, Raz, and I would take a different path. We planned to go to the Opal cave after meeting Leda and Roy's family.
"Oh, right. You already delivered the alcohol, didn't you? Thank you."
"No, don't worry about it. Lord Azure, Lord Vermilion, and Lord Argenta all wanted some too."
"Ahaha…"
They delivered three barrels of their favorite alcohol for each of them. And apparently, five more barrels of wine for Geira-san and the others in the Necropolis. I'm really grateful.
"I should send something to Emeraldia-san too."
"Right. Maybe she can come over here tomorrow? The World Quest has settled down too."
Come to think of it, Emeraldia-san still hasn't met True and the others.
It's perfect timing. We can hold a live show at the port, and have them meet before that.
…
…
…
We parted ways with Mion and the others at the base of the observation deck and descended to the south.
The Drab Wolves quickly joined us, and we searched for Clefol (wasabi) together.
After successfully gathering a decent amount, we took a break by a small waterfall.
"Try this. Be careful, it's pretty tough."
"Woof."
"Bow!"
The jerky I made for a snack used the sinewy parts of the meat from the Hogany Bull.
It was quite chewy, but they tore through it, eating with gusto.
Come to think of it, will the Drab Wolves multiply if we establish a nation? I'd be happy if they did, but... will there be enough space for them?
"Woofn."
"Okay, let's get going. If we take it too easy, we won't have time to see the opal."
It was already past 9 PM. Mion and the others would worry if we didn't get to the port by a little after 10.
Once we returned to the base of the observation deck, we said goodbye to the southern Drab Wolves.
On the way to the cave with the opal, we then met up with the eastern Drab Wolves.
"Could you guide us?"
"Woof."
"Bow!"
Perhaps because we hadn't been here in a while, weeds had overgrown again.
Maybe I should thoroughly pull the weeds once, then lay down some Stone Pavement.
"Oops, for the light."
It felt like ages since I'd asked a Light Spirit for light. Lately, I'd been relying entirely on Sweee and the others.
"Alright, Raz, if you please."
"Chirp~chirp~♪"
I asked Raz, who had been relaxing in my hood, to check the Opal deposit.
Raz climbed onto my shoulder, nuzzled my cheek, then scampered down my arm and onto the ground.
"Chirp~chirp~♪"
Lupi and I quickened our pace, chasing after Raz who was running nimbly, singing happily.
There were several opal mining points on both walls, but Raz bypassed all of them, heading deeper inside.
"Chirp!"
"Oh, this is it. Thanks."
I carefully dug out a fist-sized chunk, including the surrounding rock, using a pickaxe and hammer, then used [Appraisal].
[Rare Opal Ore]
*Raw opal that can be processed into a jewel. Highly iridescent and rare.
Stonemasonry: Can be processed into opal jewels.*
"Alright. Thanks, Raz."
"Chirp~chirp~♪"
When I handed him an Ocher Nut Fruit as a reward, he held it with both hands and returned to my hood.
"Thanks for coming along, Lupi and everyone. Now, let's head to the port."
"Woof."
"Bow! Bow!"
…
…
…
"Are you going to sell today's opal?"
"No, I thought this would be nice for White Dragon Princess-sama. I think matching Mion would suit her."
I knew Mion was making clothes for everyone, and I'd already left sewing and dyeing to her, which was fine, but I wanted to do something myself. If they're matching, I can make them instantly with [Self-Replication Arts] as long as I have the materials.
"I'm so happy!"
I'd already given Sweee a Healing Earring before, which she wears as a bracelet, and I've given weapons to True, Pan, and Shal.
I'd like to make better items for Pan (his hoe) and Shal (her rapier). I hope I can make something for Kuro and her two sisters as well.
"How about over there?"
"I was making this."
"Oh, Camlus Fruit Compote."
Mion explained that Sweee and White Dragon Princess-sama had pleaded with her, and they went gathering together. And then they immediately asked her to make it...
"I'll have one."
"Okay. Open wide."
"Uh, mhm." I took a bite of the compote offered to me.
"Delicious."
"That's good."
Mion looked relieved. Sweee and White Dragon Princess-sama also seemed to be enjoying it, so Mion really is good at picking things up.
"Huh? By the way, where are True and the others?"
"Oh, they went to get fish, so I think they'll be back soon."
Alright, then I'll start preparing dinner.
I'd like to make simmered dishes soon, but I really need soy sauce.
I wonder if Haku on Sabana's Island has been found yet?
Sorry to bother you suddenly. Do you have a moment?
"Ah, Club President."
"Hey there. Something up?"
We received a report that the Kobolds on Southern Island are becoming active. We've just returned to the Kingdom, so we don't know the details yet…
" "Huh?" "
Whoa, seriously? They did say there were regular raids.
Well, I was planning to go pick up Emeraldia-san via the Divine Tree in Selkie Village tomorrow at noon anyway, so I'll ask Gaju about it then.
Please do. Let me know if you find out anything.
"Understood."