Chapter 29 - Departure
In the blink of an eye, one year has passed since the Spirit Festival.
Having beco a sworn friend of the Seirei no Tami, Rio spent the remaining ti deepening his relationship with them further than he ever had with anybody from the human race.
He held nurous cooking classes, sparred with Uzuma and other Seirei no Tami warriors, and provided assistance around the village, among a variety of other things.
One day, near the day of his departure for Yagumo, Rio received a summons from the elder council.
「Umu, sorry for calling you so abruptly.」
Upon entering the room, Arthura, Dominique, and Syldra warmly welcod him.
「It’s not a problem. Was there sothing you’d like to discuss with today?」
Despite the age gap, they treated each other as friends.
Rio also greeted them with a light smile.
Then Syldra quickly cut to the chase and spoke on the other two’s behalf.
「That’s not why we called for you today. As a sworn friend of the Seirei no Tami, we would like to offer our assistance for your journey. First, please accept this.」
A mithril bracelet embedded with a spirit gem and system contract was presented to Rio.
「This is…」
Rio was amazed at its elaborate design.
「This is a spirit tool called the Space-Ti Repository[1]. When the spirit gem absorbs the Odo of its registered owner, the dinsion magic installed in it can create a spatially isolated domain.」
Upon completing registration, one would only need to inject Odo into the bracelet and chant『Storage』while touching it to stow away items. Similarly, to withdraw an item, they would need to supply the bracelet with Odo and chant 『Discharge[2]』 while picturing the object they wanted to remove. The amount of item that could be stored in the ring was proportional to the owner’s magical power[3].
「…I do not believe I deserve to be given sothing this valuable.」
Rio was surprised to hear the effects of the Space-Ti Repository and tried to decline the gift.
For the human race, it was a considerably precious artifact from the ti of the Demon-God War.
Rio could not even begin to imagine its worth.
「Don’t worry. Think of this as a symbol of our friendship. Besides, while you have received much from us, Rio-dono has also taught us many things.」
However, Syldra did not retract the gift presented on his outstretched hands.
While being taught about the Seirei no Tami from Arthura, Rio also imparted knowledge from his previous life to the Seirei no Tami which he deed beneficial to the developnt of the village.
He casually suggested everyday items such as glasses, nail clippers and scissors, cooking recipes and seasonings, farming tools, and even forms of entertainnt like chess, shogi, and playing cards. He even went as far as to intervene in passing of laws and legislation.
As such, Syldra drew up the various achievents he accomplished to pressure him into accepting the gift.
「But…」
Still, Rio did not feel that his achievents warranted such a valuable gift.
Unconvinced, he stubbornly continued to insist otherwise.
「It’s fine, just accept it already. It’s proof that you’re our sworn friend. Besides, it’s not the only gift.」
Domonique spoke in his usual characteristic fashion. [ED2: A laid back way of speaking; occasionally dragging out words.]
「My gift to you is a specially crafted set of dwarven-made armor. It was crafted a bit larger than your current size since you’re still growing. I’ll readjust it when you return to the village.」
He had noticed the suit of armor that was sitting in the back of the room earlier but never thought it would be presented as a gift for him.
「No way…」(ED3「Nai waa」)
He was bewildered because from just a glance, he knew that it was an unrivaled suit of armor.
「It’s alright, just take it already. It was crafted for your exclusive use. Nobody else will be able to wear it ‘cause they’ll be rejected.」
And so, Dominique began to explain the armor’s features.
A one-handed mithril sword, mithril fiber cloth armor, black dragon leather armor, gauntlets, boots, and long coat[4]. Despite none of the items even coming close to rivalling the value of the Space-Ti Repository, they were pieces of equipnt that even the greatest human blacksmiths would be hard-pressed to match.
At just 14 years of age, Rio, who was in the midsts of his growth period, was rapidly approaching 170 cm in height. At his current growth rate, it would be no surprise if he reached 180 cm[5].
Either way, he made the most out of his growth period.
「This much armor is…」
Rio muttered in fascination of the armor’s many features.
「Good craftsmanship right? I personally crafted various pieces of the armor.」
Dominique displayed a triumphant expression.
「Well then, Dominique isn’t the only one with a gift for you. I’ve prepared so common elven potions. I’ve included a mo with the various potions’ uses and instructions on how to use them.」
With that said, Syldra handed a piece of paper to Rio and notioned at a large wooden box sitting at the side of the room.
It seed like the potions were stored inside.
The elven potions were concocted with the use of spirit arts making them extrely valuable. Their effects were far beyond anything humans could create.
Listed on the mo were various potions including elixirs and panaceas astonishing Rio as he read through its contents. [
「Is it really alright for you to give elixirs and panaceas?」
「Hahaha, no need to feel reserved. Isn’t it possible for Rio-dono to make them as well as long as you have the ingredients?」
Glancing at Rio, Syldra spoke in carefree manner.
「Aren’t the ingredients quite valuable?」
Many of the ingredients used were incredibly difficult to grow in human territories.
Dryad’s sap was also included amongst them.
「Oh, they’re only difficult to find in human territory but that’s not the case around the village. Please don’t hesitate to take it.」
At a loss for words, Rio could only bow his head at their kindness.
「Now then, only I’m left. From , I’ve prepared enough food to easily last you five years. I’ve only brought a portion of the food with since all of it wouldn’t have fit in here. You can store the rest in your Space-Ti Repository later.」
Arthura told him five years worth of food was prepared for him, as if hinting for him to return after five years. Even though it was an absurd amount of food, all of it could be preserved without spoiling in the Space-Ti Repository. Never in his wildest imagination did he ever think he would receive a Space-Ti Repository as well as support from the three elders.
「But… I still don’t see how I deserve your generosity. Why offer so much…?」
Part 2
Rio could only mutter in confusion at receiving so much support.
「For saving our brethren Latifa, letting bygones be bygones, your various contributions to improving the village’s quality of life, as well as becoming our sworn friend and contracting with a Quasi-High Spirit. With everything you’ve done for us, how can we not return the favour? 」
Syldra answered Rio’s doubts.
「This is sothing that we, the Elder Council, have decided upon. Having seen what you’ve contributed to the Seirei no Tami, this is the answer we’ve arrived upon after much deliberation. By all ans, please accept our gifts.」
He spoke from the bottom of his heart in an unwavering tone.
Pressured by their gazes, Rio opened his mouth.
「…For all of your sincerity and generosity, I cannot thank you enough. If the ti ever cos when the Seirei no Tami faces a crisis, as your sworn friend, I vow to co to your aid.」
Bowing deeply to display his gratitude, Rio simultaneously pledged his support.
☆★☆★☆★
A few days after attending Spirit Festival for the second ti, the ti finally ca for Rio to depart.
「Everyone, for taking care of during these past two years, I deeply thank all of you.」
Rio expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who ca to see him off.
「Farewell Onii-chan!」
Regretful of his departure, Latifa persistently clung onto Rio.
「Latifa, don’t make it so difficult for Rio-san to part.」
Sara reprimanded Latifa who was stuck to Rio like super glue.
「Since we won’t be able to et for a while, I need to replenish as much Onii-chan energy as I can right now! If you want, this is also Sara-onee-chan’s last chance to get so skinship with Onii-chan!」
Having said that, Latifa finally separated herself from Rio.
「Wha— I— it’s not like I want a hug!」[ED2: Tsundere kita!!!]
Sara vehently denied Latifa’s suggestion with a flushed red face.
「Fu~nn. Even though Oufia-onee-chan and Alma-onee-chan are giving their proper farewells…」
Latifa sent a fleeting glance at where Rio was standing.
「Eh~ Ah!」
In the midsts of her hesitation, she noticed that Oufia and Alma had already approached Rio.
「Please take care of yourself Rio-san. Let’s cook together again when you return!」
Smiling sweetly, Oufia gave him her blessings and lightly embraced him.
It was a custom of the Seirei no Tami to embrace the other party in such a fashion when expressing their affection to a person they were especially close with. However, it was definitely not sothing to be done casually with soone from the opposing sex of the sa generation. To be able to unabashedly do so in front of others could be attributed to Oufia’s sincere nature. Her slightly airheaded personality and naturally sunny disposition always brought a smile to those around her.
「Of course. I’ll be on the lookout for new recipes and ingredients during my travels. And of course good tea leaves too.」
Oufia loved to cook as her hobby and with only the exception of during cooking classes, often cooked together with Rio.
Aside from that, she was considerably fond of tea and frequently discussed thods of preparing tea with Rio during their teati.
Rio made a ntal note to buy any good ingredients and tea leaves for her when he had the chance.
When Oufia released her embrace, it was Alma’s turn to bid him farewell.
「Ple— Please take care of yourself. I pray no harm befalls you on your journey.」
Having said her farewell, Alma lightly embraced Rio with a reddened face. Since their heights differed by nearly 40 cm, if one did not know, they would have thought the two were adult and child. An intelligent girl who would constantly try to exceed her limits, that was Rio’s impression of Alma. And yet there existed a discrepancy in her character. As a result of being pampered too much, she occasionally lowered her guard towards the other party.
「Thank you. If I find any notable liquor, I’ll be sure to bring so back for you.」
「Uh— …Yes. I’d be grateful if you can bring so.」
Whether it was due to her natural disposition as a dwarf or that she was born with the love for alcohol, Alma was quite a heavy drinker. Rio was able to grasp her preferences from exchanging drinks with her on many occasions. Rio wondered if liquor was an appropriate souvenir for her. With her reddened face, Alma was unable to deny her curiosity for exotic liquor and requested Rio to procure so for her.
「Look, Sara-onee-chan too!」
Seeing Oufia and Alma had finished up their farewells, Latifa pushed Sara towards Rio.
「Wah! Hey, Latifa. Ah— uhm, Rio-san!」
Sara was frozen stiff from embarrassnt in front of Rio.
They often sparred against each other though it always ended up being Rio’s victory. Feeling mortified with each further loss, Sara gradually turned desperate and her attitude beca that of a sore loser. Once she realised it, she panicked and beca incredibly flustered; such an amusing girl. On the other hand, she was an earnest girl who was generally softhearted to everyone, though could beco stern when the situation called for it. She trained in martial arts under Rio for a year and even referred to him as shishou[6].
「Yes, what is it Sara-san?」
Recalling the tis when he was able to catch a glimpse of her embarassed face during their mock battle, Rio could not help but smile.
「Ple— Please allow to train under you again when you return!」
Sara blurted out the first thing that ca to her mind and hurriedly gave Rio a light embrace.
「Of course. I will also find so souvenirs for Sara-san so please look forward to it.」
「Yes. I’ll be waiting. Take care of yourself!」
Smiling brightly, Sara also prayed for Rio’s safety.
And then ca Uzuma, who was patiently waiting for Sara to wrap up her farewell.
「Rio-dono. Take care of yourself. Like Sara-san, I’m also looking forward to our next match. I will continue refining the martial arts skills you have taught .」
Uzuma was one of the few opponents who forced Rio to go all out during their mock combat. He respected her as a strong, polite, and proud individual. Not only that but their compatibility was quite high as well. Before he beca aware of it, she had beco a worthy rival for him. Moreover, she was also one of those who studied martial arts under Rio.
Unlike the human race, the Seirei no Tami never fought amongst themselves, only ever taking up arms for hunting or against demons. As a result they did not possess anti-personnel combat techniques. They fought solely based on instincts resulting in being able to perform at only half of their combat potential. Therefore despite their trendous physical prowess, against an opponent well-versed in anti-personnel combat, their opponent could easily exploit their dull movents. That was the primary motivation behind why Rio decided to teach them martial arts for the year.
With only a year of training, they still had a long way to go but they all displayed great potential. Uzuma did not embrace Rio like the others had but instead the two promised a rematch with a firm handshake.
「Likewise. Please look forward to a souvenir from too, Uzuma-dono.」
「Thank you very much. May the fortune of war watch over you. Take care.」
Floating a refreshing smile, Uzuma bowed and retreated back to the others.
「Haha. Well then, since I’ll feel bad if you’re held back for too long, I will bid you farewell on behalf of the other elders. Rember that you are always welco in the Seirei no Tami village. This is your ho as much as it is ours. 」
The three eldest of the Elder Council ca to see him off on behalf of the others.
「That’s right, co back anyti!」
With a hearty laugh, Dominique firmly grasped Rio’s arm with his small but solid body.
「Indeed, all of us will be waiting for your return. May the spirits guide you on your journey.」
With a serene smile, Syldra recited a short prayer for Rio’s safety.
「I am greatly indebted to everyone here. Allow to say it once more. Thank you very much.」
Rio bowed deeply causing the three elders to beco slightly embarassed.
「Well then, I guess I should depart soon. Prolonging this any longer would make it increasingly difficult for .」
「You’re right. Then, before that…」
Arthura glanced behind her.
「See you later! Onii-chan!」
As if to proclaim it was the final farewell, Latifa ca over once more and strongly hugged Rio.
「Yeah, I’m off. See you later, Latifa.」
He gently caressed Latifa’s head and before long with great reluctance, turned on his heel.
「Everybody! It is my[7] greatest honour to be able to spend ti with the Seirei no Tami. Despite my unworthy self, you have allowed to beco your sworn friend. For this and everything you have done for , I would like to express my most sincere and heartfelt thanks.」
Saying so in a loud voice, Rio invoked spirit arts to manipulate the wind and slowly ascended his body into the air.
「Well then! I look forward to the day we et again!」
Bidding his final farewell, Rio lightly waved his hand and soared towards the horizon, vanishing into the distance.
The Seirei no Tami people continued waving until they could no longer see his figure.
「He’s gone isn’t he?」
No longer being able to see Rio, Alma murred in a daze.
「Sara-onee-chan, Oufia-onee-chan, Alma-onee-chan, I definitely won’t lose.」
Latifa spoke up while still gazing off into the sky.
「…E~tto, you won’t lose?」
Sara responded in bewildernt to Latifa’s abrupt claim.
「There exists a person who has already occupied Onii-chan’s heart. That person isn’t or anyone of us. Nevertheless, soday I will have senpai Onii-chan notice . So I wanted to let Onee-chans know that I won’t back down even if any of you are also aiming for Onii-chan. Well, I don’t think I have to watch out for Sara-onee-chan since she only sees Rio-onii-chan as an elder brother.」
Latifa sent Sara a fearless grin.
「Wha— I— It’s not like I particularly care!」
With her face redder than a tomato, Sara said so vague words that could not be clearly interpreted.
「Fufu, you’re not being honest Sara-san.」
Oufia poked so fun at Sara while smiling mischeviously.
「Honestly. It’s no good for you to be shy to the point of dishonesty.」
Alma only shook her head in disappointnt as if to say “it can’t be helped”.
「I— Isn’t it the sa for you!?」
「I properly displayed my appeal back then though.」
Alma spoke quickly, turning her head to the side.
Thanks to the many years they had spent together, Sara undersood that Alma’s attitude was one where she was trying to conceal her own embarassnt.
「See, I was right! Aren’t you also shy and not being honest with yourself?」
「Now isn’t the ti to argue about sothing like that.」
With that, the rivalry between the four girls began to heat up.
If Rio was present, he would have amusingly watched them from the side with a smile.
The surrounding Seirei no Tami also sent the four noisy girls heartwarming gazes.
998th year of the Sacred calendar.
Seven years had passed since Rio had regained his mories.
The historical mont that changed the world was drawing near.
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