Chapter 96

"Let's talk about sewing once in a while.

※Even if Yūri makes something, there are no enchantments other than quality improvement.

'Big brother Yūri, I'm done!'

'Done? Then pass it to the next person, okay?'

'Okay!'

When the girl called out with a smile, Yūri returned her smile and patted her head. In her hand was a piece of white cloth with a four-leaf clover outlined in green thread in the center. It was small, fitting in the palm of her hand. The leaves of the outlined four-leaf clover had a few green threads running through them like veins. It was a piece of cloth with a four-leaf clover embroidered on it, though it wasn't quite finished yet.

The gathering wasn't just of girls. Boys, who usually wouldn't be interested in embroidery, were also there. However, everyone was seriously adding color, stitch by stitch. There was a purpose to everyone taking turns to create the four-leaf clover.

Perhaps saying 'purpose' might be misleading. This was a very important task for them.

'...I wonder if big brother will be happy...'

The one who whispered softly was the girl sitting right next to Yūri, the one in the center. She was a girl who still had a hint of childishness, a few years past ten, usually a lively girl who helped her mother with housework. Today, however, she seemed unusually solemn. But Yūri patted her head with his usual smile.

'It's okay. Big brother won't be the type to not be happy with something everyone worked hard on, right?'

'...Okay.'

'Alright. When it goes around once, take turns embroidering again, okay?'

'Okay!'

In the center of the circle of children responding energetically, Yūri was working on something else. He was making a small pouch. It was really small, about the size of a small charm you might get at a shrine. In addition to the string to tie the pouch, there was a long string to wear around the neck. Yūri's hobby was to add small embroidery details here and there. However, despite the various touches, the design was simple. The fabric was blue, and the thread was white, as was the string. Apart from occasionally embroidering small petals in white, it was very simple. Specifically, it was something that wouldn't look out of place in a man's hand.

What Yūri and the others were making was a charm.

In this world, charms did exist. However, they were generally stones blessed by the church or papers with holy scriptures sewn into fabric bags. Homemade charms made by family members were not widely recognized. So why were they making charms now? It was to fulfill the girl's wish.

The story goes back about an hour.

Yūri was out shopping for small items with his familiar, Lux, to buy materials needed for his sewing hobby, such as fabric, thread, and decorative buttons. On such occasions, which could be considered typical girls' shopping, neither Culex nor Yak would come along. Of course, they had their own training and missions, so it wasn't always possible for them to accompany Yūri.

On the way, he saw a familiar girl looking dejected in front of the church. When asked how they were familiar, it was in the sense that they often met on shopping trips. She was usually with her mother or running errands, but Yūri had many acquaintances like her. Incidentally, boys would immediately become his followers if he shared the food in his magic bag.

So, Yūri, noticing that she was dejected, called out to her and asked what was wrong. When she saw Yūri, her eyes were filled with tears, but she was trying hard not to cry. When they moved to a corner of the square and talked, it turned out that her brother was going to become an adventurer.

'So, you wanted to give your brother a charm, but you couldn't afford the one from the church, right?'

'...Yes.'

Indeed, the charms made by the church were quite expensive. They were not something a child's allowance could buy. Still, she was worried about her brother becoming an adventurer and wanted a charm to pray for his safety, which is why she was looking at the church.

At this point, Yūri could have easily lent her money to buy a charm. After all, Yūri's income was more than that of a new adventurer. The reason was that his expenses were low.

However, that would have been meaningless. At least, Yūri thought it would be. But he also genuinely wanted to help the crying girl. So, the solution Yūri came up with was:

'How about we make a charm together?'

He suggested to the stunned girl that they make a homemade charm to give to her brother. Whether it would bring any benefit was uncertain. However, he had heard of a culture in some countries where people embroidered one stitch at a time to wish for a bride's happiness. Something made with everyone's wishes would surely have some effect on the recipient.

Thus, they decided to embroider a four-leaf clover, a symbol of good luck, on white fabric. In this world, the four-leaf clover was also a symbol of good luck, so there were no issues. Yūri drew a four-leaf clover with a chalk pen from his sewing kit and outlined it with a darker green embroidery thread. Then, the girl and her friends started adding color to the leaves, stitch by stitch.

Incidentally, the fabric and embroidery thread were purchased with the girl's allowance. They had chosen a sturdy fabric that wasn't too expensive at a craft store. Yūri had checked the quality with his [Eye of God], so there were no problems. ...As usual, it was a waste of the strongest appraisal skill.

The girl's friends had also been helped by her brother. Especially the boys, who had been looked after by him as an older brother. So, even though they had never embroidered before, they were working hard, being scolded by the girls.

Incidentally, the small white flowers Yūri was embroidering on the pouch were inspired by daisies. He thought he wouldn't be scolded if they were small and in the corner. If asked, he planned to say that the four-leaf clover was inside. ...Why did he put so much effort into that?

'But, making a charm yourself, Yūri big brother, that's a great idea!'

'Is it great?'

'Because charms are supposed to be received from the church, right?'

'Hmm. Well, yeah. Charms are about asking for the blessings of the gods, right?'

Yūri didn't deny that and believed in the blessings. After all, students try hard to get charms for exams, and people visit shrines for the New Year for the same reason. However, Yūri also believed that charms made with heartfelt wishes by family members had their own blessings. He felt that handmade charms from grandmothers and mothers had a special, invisible power. He thought that charms made with someone in mind would have real effects. ...Although he had no evidence for this.

'But, I think it's okay because this charm, made with everyone's hard work and wishes for your brother's safety, will surely work.'

'Really...?'

'Yes, it will.'

Yūri said this with a smile to the girl who was tilting her head. He had no evidence. It was uncertain whether a clumsy charm made by children would really bring any blessings. Still, Yūri felt that if they believed in it, the charm would fulfill its role.

'Alright, this is done. When the other side is finished, put it inside and give it to your brother, okay?'

'Okay. Thank you, Yūri big brother.'

'You're welcome. I enjoyed making it too.'

Handing the completed pouch to the girl, Yūri smiled. It wasn't a lie. Yūri loved making things for others. The white cloth with the four-leaf clover, now with three leaves embroidered, would be finished with help from her parents at home. Then, she would give the charm, made by everyone, to her brother.

'Let me know how your brother reacts, okay?'

'Okay!'

As Yūri patted the girl's head, Lux, sensing their departure, jumped up. Lux, who had been quietly waiting at Yūri's feet, jumped up as Yūri stood. Today, Lux was a smart slime. ...Well, it was a rare, mutated species with a name, so it was natural.

'Charm bought with money certainly has its blessings, but I think homemade charms are great too.'

'Kyū?'

'Because it's the only one in the world, Lux. Don't you think that's amazing?'

'Kyui!'

Lux responded with a jump to Yūri's smile. Her big eyes looked up at Yūri. With a gaze so intelligent it didn't seem like a monster, Yūri laughed happily. Thinking about the clan members who sometimes returned injured, Yūri mused aloud, 'Maybe I should make something too.'

The idea seemed good to Yūri. It might be nice to have the clan members help with a stitch each. While a four-leaf clover was good, it might be nice to make something based on what each person valued. The idea made Yūri feel excited.

'Lux, can we go to the craft store again?'

'Kyū'

'Thank you.'

Of course, Lux, who considered herself Yūri's guard, had no reason to refuse. Being by Yūri's side was enough for her. What a convenient slime. This master and familiar were a perfect match.

A few days later, the clan members were overjoyed to receive the handmade charms from Yūri, as expected.

Charm is generally something you get from shrines or temples, but there are homemade ones too, right?

Like something made by your mother or grandmother.

This time, I made a charm with that kind of image.

I look forward to your comments and feedback.