第１４７５堀：夜の泉は空の色 (Part2)
"Sorry to interrupt you while you're marveling at nature's artistry, but what’s the plan from here?"
"Right, good point. What does the data say?"
"Unfortunately, there’s no significant fluctuation in magical energy or any other sensor readings."
"No signs of a spirit manifesting, then?"
"Well, we don't really know what those signs look like, do we? We only managed to interact with the forest spirits because they had a permanent dwelling. This is a water spirit; we don't have any baseline data to work with."
It seemed Steve and his team had already been scouting, but they hadn't turned up anything. I tried scanning the area myself, but I couldn't sense a presence of any kind.
"Well, what to do... I suppose there's only one way."
Yuki turned around as he spoke.
"Hmm. In that case, leave it to me."
Queen Miyabi stood there. Ah, right—we had asked Queen Miyabi to accompany us since she was the only one with prior acquaintance with the spirit.
"Um, what about me?"
Standing beside her was Narjia. She had been invited to join us as well, given her proximity to the nature of spirits. The Dragonkin, Gaul and Coral, were also present.
"Let’s start with just Queen Miyabi. If we show up in force, we might spook it."
"True. The spirit is likely aware of our numbers already, but I agree that a smaller party is better for conversation."
It was true that the spirit probably knew we were here, but being aware of a crowd and actually sitting down to talk were two different things. Still...
"Yuki, is it really okay to send Queen Miyabi in alone?"
I couldn't help but worry about the lack of an escort for a queen.
"Don't worry, Labyris. If she dies from something like this, then that’s just her fate. She hasn't grown so soft that a mere water spirit could kill her. Besides, she’s the one who helped it out in the first place."
"Whoa, hold on. That’s news to me."
Yeah, that was news to me, too. I’d only ever heard that she’d stopped by with the Hero. A strange silence fell over the group as we all exchanged glances.
*“Still the same as ever. It wasn't you who saved me; it was Touya.”*
A voice echoed from an unexpected direction. We turned our gaze toward the lake, where a mass of water was coalescing into a humanoid shape. Its magical signature was... there, but it was incredibly faint. It wasn't just weak; it was arguably less than that of a human child.
But was that even possible? Spirits were supposed to be manifestations of pure mana, weren't they? If so, how could its energy be so low? Wait—if that were the case, forming a humanoid shape should be impossible...
As I wrestled with these questions, the conversation continued.
"Hmph. You were just a fool who couldn't do anything about a mana-absorbing magic stone."
*“Rich coming from you, considering you didn't notice it either. Regardless, it is good to see you well, Miyabi.”*
"Indeed. It is good to see you well, too."
They had been trading insults a moment ago, but now they were greeting each other with smiles. Well, the water spirit didn't have a face, but it certainly looked like it was smiling.
*“So, why are you here? Where is Touya? And who are these people?”*
It seemed to be fully aware of our presence, as it turned its gaze toward us.
"Hmm. Explaining the details of that would take some time..."
*“Time is of no concern to me.”*
"Would it be alright if everyone here joined us?"
*“Hmm. Dragons, fairies, and most of you are kin of the gods? My, the little girl from back then has brought quite the entourage.”*
"You recognize them?"
*“How could I not? Very well. I have no objections. You don't seem to have any hostile intent, and I doubt I could resist you even if you did.”*
Oh, so it understood the power gap as well. That made things easier, but...
"Hey, Yuki, are you sure about setting up shop here? We’re supposed to be keeping a low profile, aren't we?"
"I have a plan for that. Queen Miyabi, can you get the water spirit to talk?"
"I have no objections. What about you?"
*“If they were brought by Miyabi, I am interested.”*
"Nice to meet you. I’m Yuki. Before we talk, I’d like to find a place where we can settle in comfortably. Can you move?"
*“Move? I would prefer not to stray too far from this spring.”*
And so, Yuki began his negotiations as usual. With no cause for concern, we turned our eyes back to the spring, content to enjoy the natural scenery. It’s not every day you get to see a lake surface as still as a mirror.