Chapter 146: Spirit Mage

Leave a Comment / Spirits' paradise and ideal life in another world / By IX

After concluding the discussion with the new guild master and preparing to leave the Adventurers’ Guild, I was approached by what seemed to be a spirit mage employed by the country. It appeared that I couldn’t leave just yet.

“Nice to meet you. I am Florid Barotta, a spirit mage serving the Chrysoberyl Kingdom. May I have a moment of your time?”

He looked like a serious middle-aged gentleman, but for some reason, I found him intimidating. It reminded me of the feeling I had when my high school teacher used to lecture me with strict reasoning. I appreciate his help, but being scolded like that is even more difficult than being shouted at.

In this case, since he seems to be associated with the country, it wouldn’t be wise to say I want to go home and meet again later. I understand that much.

I might have made a mistake by asking Silphy to observe the new guild master. Right now, only Dyne is by my side… There’s no doubt about her abilities, but she has a somewhat airheaded nature, which makes me a little anxious in situations like this. I briefly considered summoning Nomos, but since the other person is also a spirit mage, summoning a spirit would likely raise suspicion.

“Um, my name is Yuta. I can spare a little time.”

Beside Barotta-san, there was a lively girl dressed in a dress, who seemed to be around elementary school age. She was very interested in Dyne and didn’t pay any attention to me.

“Thank you. We can’t have a calm conversation here, so let’s move to another place. Don’t worry, it seems you don’t like confined spaces, so I will guide you to a more relaxed setting.”

…Should I follow him? But come to think of it, besides the inn and Gina’s dining hall, I don’t really know any other places in this city. I can’t request a specific shop to go to either, so I have no choice but to follow him.

While being guided, Barotta-san asked polite questions. He asked about my origin, age, and such, but since I can’t say that I’m from another world, I kept it a secret. It seems like there might be some connections in this country that can verify false information.

Also, I was concerned about the people following us from behind who seemed to be dressed in military uniforms and clearly not ordinary citizens. He informed me that they were Barotta-san’s escorts. Truly elite. It’s typical for military-looking people to act as escorts.

“Here we are.”

Barotta-san guided me into a shop, which had a calm cafe-like atmosphere. Maybe they have coffee! I’m getting a little excited.

“This place serves delicious tea, so I recommend it.”

I wonder if this person is familiar with the Labyrinth City? However, recommending tea… I don’t smell any coffee, and they don’t seem to have the tools for it. …It seems unlikely that I’ll get my coffee. My excitement quickly fades.

“I see. In that case, please recommend something.”

Barotta-san ordered two cups of tea, and after a short wait, the tea was brought to us. I took a sip of the tea… The refined bitterness, sweetness, and most importantly, the aroma are completely different. So this is the taste of properly brewed tea… It’s quite moving.

“Shall we talk then?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, of course. What would you like to talk about?”

I got a little carried away with the tea. I’d like to get my hands on some tea leaves and equipment for making tea.

“I heard about your conversation at the Adventurers’ Guild, so I understand that the chances are slim, but Yuta-dono, do you have any intention of serving the country? With your abilities, we can offer you very favorable treatment.”

As I expected, it’s that kind of conversation. I have money, and there’s no need for me to work for the country.

“I understand your point, but I have no intention of working for the country.”

Being hesitant and vague won’t work on the people of this world. I made a clear refusal with a stern expression… Uh-oh, Dyne and Barotta-san’s contracted spirits seem to have hit it off.

“Oh, I see. You’re quite serious. But Yuta-chan is amazing too. He’s diligent and hardworking. As his Oneechan I worry for him” Dyne says.

“Oh really? My contracted spirit is serious to a fault and carries everything on his shoulders, so I worry about him too.”

“Oh, I see. But isn’t that favorable for you as an earth spirit? Earth spirits tend to like serious people, don’t they?”

“Hahaha, that’s true.”

“Oh, how lovely.”

…I see, so she’s an earth spirit. I thought all humanoid earth spirits were like dwarves, but it seems there are normal-looking people too. However, listening to their conversation is giving me a headache. Especially Dyne, who has become somewhat flamboyant.

“I see, that’s unfortunate. However, the country won’t easily give up on someone who can defeat a Firedragon. Do you have any countermeasures?”

Oops, I need to focus on the conversation ahead. He seems genuinely disappointed. If someone with potentially superior abilities came to their workplace, I would be anxious, but it seems different for him. He appears to be a serious person without a doubt.

“In terms of countermeasures, all I can do is refuse and escape. I’ll also rely on the Adventurers’ Guild. “

“I see… I don’t like saying this, but honestly, I’m afraid of you, Yuta-dono.”

He suddenly said that with a serious expression—afraid of me?

“I don’t recall doing anything that would make you feel that way.”

Barotta-san shook his head and began speaking.

“The presence of your contracted spirit and my contracted spirit is completely different. It’s because the difference in power is overwhelming. While my contracted spirit possesses tremendous power, compared to your two contracted spirits, she would be incomparably weaker. I find it terrifying that such power could be directed at this country.”

So it’s about the difference in presence. I don’t really understand what presence means because I appear normal. And he thinks I have two contracted spirits… I wonder how he would feel if I told him that I also have two more higher spirits contracted? He would probably think it’s too dangerous… or maybe he already does.

“I don’t have any intention of deliberately provoking the country. I believe I would choose to escape because it’s troublesome. However, if they cause trouble for me or those around me using power or malicious methods… I can’t guarantee what I would do. Could you please report it in such a case?”

It sounds like a complete threat, but if I’m dealing with the country, it’s better to say something like that. Even if it’s a good country, there are likely dark aspects within, so I can’t let my guard down. It may increase the perception of me being a dangerous person, but it’s better than having people meddle with me.

“…Understood. I will make the report, but as a spirit mage who takes time to cast spells, I cannot counter the darker aspects. It would be advisable to refrain from provocative actions. I should ideally refrain from giving you this warning, but in your case, a half-hearted failure could be terrifying, so I will advise you. Please be cautious and avoid any reckless behavior.”

He’s really concerned. I want to give him some advice too, but it’s dangerous to do so with someone who serves the country.

However, considering that a mid-level spirit can have its own will and do various things, it wouldn’t hurt to let them know that communication is possible. This person seems to be from a prestigious family with a long history, so maybe they are bound by their traditional ways, similar to Mel’s case?

“I will be careful since there’s no room for complacency. Thank you for your advice.”

I can’t afford to be careless, so I’ll make sure to have at least one high-level spirit by my side while in the Labyrinth City.

“Well, it’s necessary for Yuta-dono’s power not to be directed at this country.”

He seems incredibly afraid. He probably understands the power of mid-level spirits well, and that’s why he finds the power of higher-level spirits scarier.

“Well, I’ll be cautious. If there’s nothing else to discuss, I would like to leave now. Is that alright?”

I’d prefer to smoothly part ways. As it is, we can end safely without any disputes.

“I see… I wanted to hear more about Yuta-dono, but do you have a little more time?”

I do have time, but I feel like I might accidentally say something unnecessary. Let’s just leave quickly. I’m also curious about Dyne and the mid-level spirit child getting along so well.

“I apologize, but I have other plans, so I’ll take my leave now.”

“I see… Understand. Please do your best not to lose your temper.”

Once again, he emphasized it at the end. Does he really not trust me that much? …Come to think of it, I did cover the guild with plants. If he knew about that, it would make him uneasy.

When I tried to pay for the tea, Barotta-san promptly paid for my portion as well. He said it’s only natural since he invited me for the conversation.

After parting ways with Barotta-san and walking back to Marie-san’s mansion, I asked Dyne about it.

(The girl who became contracted with him, what was she like? By the way, I didn’t even greet her or know her name.)

“Oh, she was a cute girl. Also, she doesn’t have a name. Her contract was established through a ritual, not through naming. Contracting through naming is easier, but ritual-based contracts became mainstream because they look more impressive.”

…Hmm, but Melal has a name, right? She mentioned evolving into a mid-level spirit in the past. Did she make a contract through a non-mainstream method? But isn’t it inconvenient to not have a name?

(She didn’t ask for a name or for assistance with communication?)

“Nope!”

Dyne answered cheerfully, perhaps because she’s in a good mood after making friends with a new spirit.

(Is that so? Since she seems to like her contractor, I thought she might want to become closer.)

“Little ones like Bell-chan have a strong curiosity, so they rejoice in having a deep connection with their contractor. But once a spirit has spent a certain amount of time, they don’t get that deeply involved even with someone they like. Well, occasionally there are overprotective ones like Melal-chan…”

(Melal is different, huh? I can understand that a bit.)

“In addition, she mentioned that the current level of closeness is just right. Being too close would make parting more difficult.”

Hmm, spirits really have various traits. And naturally, since humans die faster, it’s natural for the one left behind to feel sad. When Melal talks about the previous generations, he seems quite sorrowful.

(Thinking about it, it’s really fortunate that everyone made a contract with me.)

“Hehe, in Yuta-chan’s case, you can see, talk to, and touch the spirits, so it’s a bit different. It’s nearly impossible for a High Spirit to make a contract with a human. That’s why Yuta-chan is amazing. If you wanted to create larger springs or ponds in the Land of Death, I think Onee-chan would easily make them happem.”

…The topic of conversation suddenly changed. Is she talking about wanting more bodies of water? It seems like Dyne has various plans related to bodies of water, and she thought it’s a good opportunity to share them all.

Until then, we were talking about the flow of time for spirit mages and spirits, with a somewhat melancholic tone… Did she change the subject out of consideration? It’s difficult with Dyne because she could naturally change the topic. But what I understand is that she’s not joking with her plans now and genuinely wants to make them happen.

Since I’m grateful for all the help she provides, I do want to fulfill her requests as much as possible. However, I don’t need a waterfall inside the house. I’ll try to steer the conversation away from Dyne’s plans while we make our way back to Marie-san’s mansion.

Talking with the new guild master and the spirit mage serving the country was less challenging than listening to Dyne’s plans.