Chapter 654 - Chapter 582: A Friend You Can Always Count On
Saturday
"Alright, Sweee, if you please."
"~~~♪"
Sweee gave a firm thumbs-up, her mouth stuffed full of Camlus Fruit compote.
It had been quite a while since I last visited Gaju and the others on the Southern Island, so I brought the portions Mion made for us yesterday.
"Woof."
Following Lupi, I passed through the Divine Tree's hollow, and there it was, the Southern Island.
"Ju-ju-ju~♪"
"Gaju, long time no see."
I high-fived Gaju, who welcomed us with a cheerful "Welcome!"
Oops, I'd better move, as others are coming through behind us.
"Woof~," "~~~♪," "Nyaa~"
Today, it was just the four of us who came here: me, Lupi, Sweee, and Shal.
We came to ask if Gaju and the others knew about the kobolds becoming more active. And, of course, to pick up Emeralldia-san for today's live stream.
"Um, well, I came here today because I also needed to talk to Gaju and Emeralldia-san, but..."
"Ju-ju."
He pointed over there, towards the river at the back of the settlement.
According to Gaju, Emeralldia-san is teaching the Kijimunaa what vegetables are edible and how to cook with them. Seriously...?
We all immediately moved in that direction.
"Ju~"
"Ah, h-hi."
"Hello there."
It was surprising enough to see Emeralldia-san cooking, but what she had in her hand was...
[Kalo]
A perennial plant with large leaves. Its large rhizomes are edible. The leaves can also be used as a steaming tool.
Cuisine: Rhizomes can be used as ingredients in various dishes.
Kalo? It looks like taro... Oh, it is taro?!
"What kind of dish do you make with that?"
"Um, you steam it, knead it, boil it, then drizzle honey over it… It's also delicious with Alekesu Milk…"
Hmm, I see. Is it like potato mochi? I'll have to look it up later…
"Ju?"
"Oh, sorry. First, here. I brought some souvenirs, so please, everyone, have some."
First, I handed over a jar filled with Camlus Fruit compote.
I also brought seasonings we'd probably use often, like Grapeful Vinegar and Olive Oil.
"Ju-ju-ju~!"
Each time they received something, they'd raise it over their heads before passing it around, which was a little embarrassing. And then Emeralldia-san would clap enthusiastically every time, which was… well, also something.
"Anyway, moving on, I heard that you've been seeing a lot of kobolds nearby lately?"
"Ju-ju-ju~. Ju!"
Gaju clenched both fists tightly, brimming with motivation.
As expected, they had heard about it. And if the kobolds launched a major offensive, they intended to join the fight themselves.
"Ugh, I wish you wouldn't do dangerous things…"
"Ju-ju!"
Emeralldia-san pleaded with them, but Gaju and the others were still full of fighting spirit.
Well, it feels like they're fated rivals, after all.
"Nyaa-nyaa?"
"Huh? Shal and the others want to help too?"
"Nya!"
U-um…
It was fine last time we fought; it seemed like they could easily win on their own. But if they're joining, then I'll have to participate too, won't I?
Mion announced that she came to the island, so I guess it's already known that I can come to this island too.
"Sorry. I can't give an immediate 'okay,' so please let me think about it."
"Nya."
Shal is serious, so she doesn't make demands like that. I'm glad she understands.
"Ju. Ju-ju?"
"Nya!?"
"Ju-ju-ju~"
"Huh? Is that right?"
According to Gaju, the Cait Sith living in the church here also intend to join the fight. And they seem to be Shal's acquaintances?
"~~~?"
"Ah, that's right. I'll discuss it with everyone after we get back to the island."
I don't think it'll happen today or tomorrow, but I should probably talk to everyone soon.
After dinner, I consulted Miki about Gaju and the others being so enthusiastic, and even Shal wanting to join the fight.
As for me, I don't want to dampen their enthusiasm, but I'm curious if parties and alliances remain connected even when spanning different islands.
"Even if you're separated between the mainland and an island, parties don't disband. If they did, wouldn't it be a hassle every time you passed through a Transfer Magic Circle?"
"Ah, that's true. So, for now, that's fine then, I guess…"
"Even if you log out, the party remains intact. The management must have thought that through carefully."
"I see."
I'd rather not imagine it, but it seems the worst-case scenario can be avoided.
Still, letting Gaju and Shal fight while I just watch from somewhere safe doesn't sit right with me…
"If you're that worried, then Brother should join the fight too."
"Hmm…"
I really should discuss it with Mion too…
…
"In that case, should we go too?"
"That depends on the schedule. Yuki-san mentioned that there's a meeting scheduled with Viscount Amiera."
"Oh, that's right…"
As expected, Seth, as Guild Master and with her deep connections, apparently can't afford not to show up.
And it would be strange if only Bell-san joined.
"Well, I don't even know if it'll be resolved quickly once I go…"
First, I'll try to secretly check out the situation.
Still, Mion looked a bit worried. After all, it's not like she can come along.
"Hmm, how about contacting Natto-dono?"
"Ah, true. I'll contact him then…"
I can leave Shal and Gaju to him too, I suppose.
And I owe him quite a bit, so I'll ask him to do some reconnaissance before I go…
"Good evening~. It's almost 8 PM~, are you ready for the live stream~?"
"Ah, shoot!"
Before the live stream, I need to check if the Magic Transfer Box arrived at Azure-san's place!