第１４７６堀：精霊とお話 (Part2)
"It was on the other side, wasn't it? Perhaps you can verify it now using your dungeon skills?"
Prompted by this, I activated the monitor to take a look. Let's see... we entered from this direction, so it should be around here, right?
"Oh, how convenient. It’s as if one were looking down from above. So, this is what it means to be a Dungeon Master."
The Water Spirit, seemingly intrigued by the schematics, leaned in to peer at the display. I zoomed in, scanning the area until I located the altar.
"Is this it?"
"Indeed. That is the one. ...Hm? There appears to be something placed upon it."
"Ah, someone arrived the other day and left another offering."
"..."
We exchanged glances. After all the commotion that had transpired, could it be the Litesa Holy Church?
"Samantha. Contact Rurua and Lilishe in Weed. Find out if the Litesa Holy Church of Suurus has made a pilgrimage. Also, consider the possibility that the Suurus government acted on its own accord; sound out our diplomatic channels. Keep it subtle, just a casual inquiry."
"Understood."
Samantha turned on her heel immediately to relay the instructions. We had all collaborated on the design of this makeshift dungeon, so dedicated workspaces were established to ensure we could handle business at any time. It might be a bit of a grind, but without private rooms, we wouldn't be able to conduct sensitive discussions.
"May I take a closer look at what was offered?"
"By all means. Given what we have just discussed, it is possible they intend to use it to manipulate me."
With that, I instructed Steve to retrieve the items from the altar. My dungeon skills hadn't flagged them as hazardous, but I wanted to gather more information before bringing them here.
"By the way, you knew there were offerings, so why didn't you go to collect them immediately? Was there some kind of summons?"
"Yes, there was a call of sorts. There were more people than usual, and I sensed a certain gravity to the situation, but I assumed it was due to the Great Flood or the wars."
Ah, so that’s how they interpreted it. Well, I suppose if one isn't directly affected, that’s the only logical conclusion to draw.
"Is it normal for you to meet them face-to-face?"
"No, we rarely meet. Moreover, few people ever call upon me. Litesa and Yuki were the exceptions."
"Well, spirits are said to possess immense power, and it is considered impossible to align them with human desires. People generally believe that merely summoning one invites disaster."
"Then, what about these people who came recently?"
"I did not show myself. They were brandishing weapons, so I assumed they had come to hunt monsters. That happens from time to time."
"They mistake you for a monster?"
"Spirits are notoriously difficult to communicate with; if you offend them, they attack. They are no different from monsters. It was only because of my husband and Litesa that they were considered a rarity."
"That may be true. Though, I have never attacked anyone unprovoked."
"You don't exactly look like a creature that would ask for peace, so of course they would be wary or attack. To an outsider, you look like a superior species of slime."
Ah, I suppose that makes sense; being a mass of water, the "superior slime" comparison is apt.
"What are you saying? If you want to talk about superior species of slime or anomalies, you have one right there."
The Water Spirit directed its gaze—or whatever it used to look—toward Surakichi-san.
"Eh? Me?"
"Indeed."
"I mean, I am a slime, but being called an 'anomaly' by a Water Spirit is a bit much..."
"No, you are definitely an anomaly," everyone agreed in unison.
"Well, let's leave Surakichi-san aside for now. The point is, these people came, didn't they?"
"Yes, they did. But perhaps because I did not reveal myself, they eventually left of their own accord."
"They wouldn't have known if you were even there. However, if those individuals belong to the Dark Guild... it means they are on the move."
"That would appear to be the case."
Now, were they reaching out to trade in rare species, or was a Dungeon Master plotting something? Or perhaps, in an unexpected turn of events, the Litesa Holy Church really did send people to scout the situation?
Regardless, the one thing I confirmed is that the Water Spirit is safe. That alone makes this visit a success. It’s surprisingly easy to emerge and hold a normal conversation when you bring an acquaintance along—that’s the golden rule for these things.