第１３３３堀：本人からの意見 (Part1)
Chapter 1333: Opinions from the Source
Side: Samantha
Spirits.
They are spoken of in our Iff Continent as the very foundation of magic.
Well, Narjia-san of the Fairy tribe, who is with us now, is also spoken of as a similar entity, but for Weed, the Fairy tribe is a commonly existing race.
Initially, I had wondered how I would explain the existence of these fairies to the dignitaries of the Iff Continent, but Narjia-san and Covil-san turned out to be quite capable, so such problems were avoided.
Above all, the magical tools they produce are incredibly convenient and often one-of-a-kind, so it is unlikely anyone would try to force their hand.
They are also quite adept at magic—not just as a mere hobby—and for the Iff Continent, where aptitude for magic is low, they are a presence we would wish to welcome with the utmost courtesy.
Unfortunately, inviting the Fairy tribe to my homeland, where the phenomenon of magical depletion is severe, is quite difficult, so there is no prospect of that for the time being.
I hope that such issues will be resolved someday...
As I was thinking about this, a log cabin came into view, standing alone at the entrance to the forest in the section set aside for Weed’s outdoor activities.
"It’s been a while. I wonder if the Forest Spirit is doing well?"
"Who knows? I get the feeling that gentleman is immune to illness."
When Ria asked about the Forest Spirit’s health, I could only tilt my head.
Honestly, our relationship with the Forest Spirit isn't that deep.
Unlike goddesses such as Lilishe-sama, he doesn't actively try to interact with us.
Following his request to be left alone, we provided him with a residence, and since then, we only ask for his opinion on the cultivation of the surface forests occasionally.
I can understand that he isn't a bad person, given the current cooperative relationship, but he is still a difficult person to get a handle on.
Well, I found some clarity on that reason after hearing the speculation in our earlier discussion that "spirits are substances that have gained consciousness."
Since they were originally matter, perhaps the capacity for emotion is difficult to cultivate.
Because there is little movement in his heart, I suppose he is quite difficult for us to deal with, as we rely on reading others' hearts for diplomacy and the like.
As I was thinking about this, the bus came to a stop.
"Alright. Yayui, can you park it?"
"Yes."
Responding to Yuki-sama’s words, Yayui-san backed the vehicle into the parking space with ease.
This is a large bus, yet she drives it as if it were nothing.
We wives have also had vehicle operation techniques drilled into us as skills, but I don't think I could do it this smoothly.
While I have the knowledge of the skill, I lack the familiarity.
In other words, practice is essential.
Being good at handling a sword alone won't make you a master.
This applies to everything; technique is merely one of many means, and it becomes a greater power when combined with a wealth of knowledge.
Even if you have a strength of ten with a sword, you cannot win if you are comprehensively defeated by other factors.
That is why we also practice to a certain extent; for my part, I fight using a combination of magic and martial arts.
Yet, Yayui, despite not having practiced that much, moves the vehicle as if it were an extension of her own limbs.
"Yayui is really good at driving, isn't she?"
"Yes. She certainly is."
In other words, Yayui likely has a natural talent for it.
I know that such people exist occasionally.
Specialists who can strike down everything with just that one thing—be it a sword or magic.
Well, I feel like Weed is full of such people, but Yayui is particularly rare.
She must have an aptitude for vehicles.
This is a talent we never could have discovered ourselves.
I was surprised when Yuki-sama first said he would let Yayui drive, and I found it strange that no one around us opposed it, but now I see why.
"I’ll have to ask her for driving tips later. Yuki-san always gets scared when I do sudden starts and stops."
"Ahaha..."
Ria-san is, how should I put it, the type who seeks speed.
I have come to understand that being able to drive does not equate to a comfortable ride.
And that skills are not omnipotent.
I look forward to seeing how well Yayui can handle Ria-san.
Thinking about such things, we stepped off the bus, and a gentle breeze brushed against us, accompanied by the sound of swaying trees.
"Phew. It’s quite soothing, isn't it?"
"Yeah. We’re always surrounded by indoors or artificial things now. It reminds me of the time I spent in the village."
"Indeed. It reminds me of my hometown as well."
Weed has so many artificial structures that the awareness of being in nature becomes faint.
To mitigate that, we have planted trees along the roads and prepared parks, but the sensation of stepping into nature like this is truly different.
Taking a deep breath and inhaling the scent of the forest makes me feel even more at ease.
It reminds me of how I used to play in the forest behind my house.
"Oh my, it’s noisy today."
Suddenly, that voice reached my ears, and when I looked toward the source, a person who looked like an old man was standing there.
There shouldn't have been anyone there a moment ago, but that is just the kind of person he is.
Yes, this person is the Forest Spirit.
"Yo. We’re here."
"I am aware. However, there are quite a lot of you today."
"Yeah, it’s about some work."
"Hmm? I thought the talk regarding the forest expansion was already finished?"
"Not that. It’s about spirits."
"About me?"
"Yeah. Are you aware of recent developments?"
"Indeed. I do take an interest in human life, after all. It seems the exchange student program is finally beginning. Now, it’s small, but please, come inside."
Yuki-sama and we entered the Forest Spirit’s home while talking.
It was a log cabin made of wood, with a design that felt the warmth of nature, and the furniture was also centered around wooden items, but...
"Would you like some coffee?"
"Yeah."
For some reason, it is strange that the tools for brewing coffee, as well as the kitchen, are at the standard Weed level.
Well, it’s convenient, so I don't mind.
"So, what is this matter you wished to discuss? Does it involve the exchange student program?"
"Yeah. To explain in detail..."
Yuki-sama began to explain the protection of rare species while drinking the coffee offered to him.
Even though he is a difficult person to grasp, he is capable of conversation, so he seemed to understand Yuki-sama’s intent without any particular issues.
"I see. So, you wish to know the definitions and appearances of us spirits, then."