Chapter 671 - Chapter 597: Trendsetter
Wednesday
Even though it's late September, the lingering summer heat is still intense.
We skipped the rooftop and ate lunch in an air-conditioned classroom instead.
"The number of Kobolds has decreased considerably, and we're talking about heading beyond that forest."
"That's good. I want to focus on my own island, so can I leave it to you?"
I want to concentrate on the northern tower exploration before the end of the month.
I'd really like to get it done and over with this month if possible.
"I don't think there'll be any problems. By the way, I met Master Chef yesterday, and he was wondering if you'd come again."
"Huh, really? Hmm, I'd like to talk with him, but..."
I'll be starting the Remote Island Mutual Aid Association sooner or later, and I'll probably need his help then too.
No, I want to prioritize finishing my cabin first.
Come to think of it, I wonder if Sabana has settled in on her island yet? It kind of depends on that situation...
"You'll probably go again, but tell him it won't be right away. Oh, that aside, are you getting inquiries on your end?"
"Oh, tons of them."
Natto says with a laugh.
The people who saw me on Monday spread the word about what happened, and as a result, inquiries to Natto's guild have been enormous.
Of course, I did expect this...
"Are you okay?"
"Totally fine. I'm telling them they're acquaintances from another game, which isn't exactly a lie."
"Then you're fine."
"Hey!"
So the conversation circles back to Natto, who's apparently been identifying me as "friends from another game." It's not technically a lie.
And the content of these inquiries? "Please tell us how to contact you" is the most common.
Next is "If you have products for sale, please sell them to us too."
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it because the products you handle become the next hit products?"
Iincho says, looking exasperated.
I was about to say "What?" but Mion next to me is nodding in agreement.
She lists them on her fingers: Torotoro Dried Papu Fruit, pottery bottles as substitutes for glass containers, Spirit Stones, plant-dyed scarves... well, yeah, I guess so.
"What are you telling them?"
"They seemed convinced after I mentioned the azuki beans."
Natto says with a smile.
In that case, it should be fine to talk about it during today's live stream then.
I've come up with some desserts using anko, so I'll unveil those.
"Oh, right. I need more crystal ore again."
"I can get some for you, but do you really need that much?"
"I used quite a bit for the stained glass, and since it can be used as a substitute for glass, I want to make things like ice cream plates."
Natto looks exasperated at my answer.
He's probably thinking it would cost more than ten times what a regular glass container would.
"No, all the glass I've seen is colored. I want properly transparent glass. Is there any on the mainland?"
"No way!"
Apparently, you can't get beautiful transparent glass unless it's from ancient ruins.
The windows in the Mage's Tower south of the Principality are apparently "Magic Glass" that doesn't break... I want some.
"You're making that face again like you're going to cause trouble..."
"Huh?"
"With the colored glass thing and all, let me know if you figure something out?"
To be honest, I'm completely stumped on that front.
I hope I learn something from today's live stream...
...
...
...
"Please be careful."
"Unh," "Wah."
First, I pick up Lupi and use teleportation magic to move to the construction site we decided on last night.
Lupi has grown quite a bit, I think to myself as
"
I close my eyes and in the next instant, I'm back where I was yesterday.
I have Lupi quickly check the surroundings... and once she confirms there are no problems, I set up the teleportation magic circle.
"Mion. It's set up."
"Understood."
With her reply, Reda and Roy, along with Shar and the others, appear, followed by Pan and his group.
Next, Miss El and the White Dragon Princess arrive, then Sweee, and finally Mion and Emera appear.
"Um...?"
"Sorry."
"Princess Althena really wanted to come."
Why did both Miss El and Emera bring them along?
That's totally fine, but this place is so bleak.
"Got it. Then I'll summon Rigel too."
If they're going to explore the area, it's probably safer to have Rigel around.
The construction site might be dangerous for different reasons, but the grasslands should be safe, I think.
"Rigel, I'm leaving the White Dragon Princess to you."
"Bluuurun."
If monsters appear, they'd probably be Hogany Bulls, and with Miss El and Emera here, we should be fine.
Watching Rigel carrying Mion and the White Dragon Princess, I
"Wah?"
"Yeah. Reda and Roy, scout around the forest entrance. Don't push yourselves if anything happens."
"Wah," "Bow!"
That should be good. Next,
"Shar's group, watch over this area. Pan's group, please help me."
"Nya!", "Ryu!"
First, we need to start digging the foundation.
The soil we dig up will be collected by Pan's group to later make an earthen wall.
"Let's get started then."
"Ryu~"
...
...
...
After working for about an hour and setting up four pillars, Mion and the others returned.
"We're back."
"Welcome back. Anything happen?"
"Nn, nothing in particular. We went as far as where we could see a small island, but..."
Nothing unusual seemed to be happening.
Emera had wanted to fly over to check, but she came back because she needed my permission first.
"Thank you. I think it's fine to explore after we've finished the northern tower."
"Understood," "Nn."
Once everyone was gathered, we prepared to head back.
We'd be coming back here tonight, so we left the teleportation magic circle in place.
"Nya!"
"Huh? You want to stay behind?"
"Eh?"
It seems Shar's group wants to stay behind for security.
Hmm...
"Wah!", "Bow!", "Bluuurun"
"Lupi's group wants to stay behind too."
"Is that alright..."
I think we're fine from a combat perspective, and they can escape via the teleportation magic circle if needed, but...
"Th-that, I'll stay behind too."
Emera offered to stay as well, so I agreed.
It feels like excessive force, but there's no harm in being extra cautious in a safe area.