Chapter 12
Miragaia had said it would be a quick stroll, but he ended up flying way up high .
Maki said something to him and pointed in different directions and he would take her there .
“Maki seems to be very calm about it . ”
Arthur muttered .
“Maki is more accepting of things and people as they are . ”
Chiharu replied .
“And so you must be extra cautious to make up for that?”
“Not exactly…”
She wasn’t being cautious for Maki’s sake . She just didn’t like being in situations where she had no control . Of course, being easily swayed might look cute and have helped her keep her boyfriend… But still .
“Maki’s chill and accepting personality is what I like about her . You can relax when you are with her . ”
Chiharu said .
“And so there were a lot of people who tried to take advantage of that in the other world . People thought that she was too generous and lacked firmness . She would be hurt by people who forced their ideals on her, only to be disappointed later on . ”
“Do you think then, that she is trying to show everyone how she truly is?”
“I don’t know…”
She didn’t want to think too deeply about her friend . And of course, there were many things that you just had to endure when you had a job . But they both made an effort to be pleasant company when around each other .
“Something about you reminds me of my dead wife . ”
“Dead… Edwy’s mother?”
“She was very weak physically . She pa.s.sed away as soon as he was born . Everyone said that she could not be queen, and that she would not have children . But she was strong and supported me . ”
“I’m sure it was…an honor . ”
Perhaps that was why the prince was so spoiled . Arthur grinned a little and continued .
“I don’t know if I would call it an honor . My wife could be very black-hearted . ”
“Huh? But I am not black-hearted? I’m just uh, uh…”
“Yes?”
“I am just a little more honest than most . ”
“Hahaha . My wife must have also been very honest . Surely . ”
Arthur looked up at the sky .
“We had grown up together . I think that we knew each other quite well, but I often wish that I had known how she thought a little more when we were adults . ”
“I can honestly tell you my own black-hearted thoughts if you wish . ”
“Hahaha! As I thought . She would often talk to me like that . It brings back memories . ”
“She was not only your wife…”
“Hm?”
“But a very good friend to you then . ”
“Yes . Yes . ”
Arthur said with a gentle expression .
“CHIIIHAAARUUU . ”
“Maki-chan!”
Maki had come back . She came running towards Chiharu as soon as Miragaia let her down . I would probably be wobbling on my feet for a while in her place . That’s Maki for you . Chiharu thought .
“I got to see the city from above the palace! There a plaza with a fountain, and stalls, there were food stalls!”
“Food stalls! Coins! We need some change! Arthur, please convert our millions into coins!!”
“Uh? What?”
“Chiharu, calm down . It’s ridiculous to convert a million into coins . Well, we should be fine with maybe ten thousand per person . Let’s have the magic gem sold properly and convert twenty thousand into coins . ”
“Chiharu, calm down . It’s ridiculous to convert a million into coins . Well, we should be fine with maybe ten thousand per person . Let’s have the magic gem sold properly and convert twenty thousand into coins . ”
“Wait, wait . Maki and Chihaaru . It is too early for you to leave the palace grounds . ”
Maki and Chiharu swung around . Arthur pointed at the bird people .
“It’s not only the bird people that will swarm around you if they hear that the Saintesses are here . It will be dangerous if security measures are not put in place . ”
“There are people who would want to hurt us?”
Chiharu asked . Arthur answered .
“I do not think that anyone would want to deliberately . Except maybe the Doom Church . But they have been silent recently . ”
Wait, wait . Doom Church! That sounds terrifying! Why was he saying it so casually? Arthur continued before she could interject .
“But more importantly, many people would come to catch a rare glimpse of the Saintess, and I fear that you may be crushed . ”
“Then we will never be able to leave…”
“Maki…”
The king became fl.u.s.tered at Maki’s mounting sadness . He had little choice .
“Arthur . Is this the extent of the human territories?”
“No, this is the sh.o.r.e of a huge continent . There is much more to see along the coast and inland as well . ”
Hmm .
“Well then, might there be a country where women can wear veils when leaving the house? Or maybe we could disguise ourselves…”
“Veils… I believe the women of the desert countries do that . Though, that would still draw attention, I think . ”
“But it won’t cause a crowd to show up, would it?”
“I do not think so . I see . That could work . Although your hair and eyes are also unusual . ”
“We can wear wigs . ”
“And your eyes?”
“And your eyes?”
“We will just look at the ground . ”
“But your height . ”
“We will say that we are children . ”
“…You want to visit the street stalls that badly?”
“YES . ” “YES . ”
“…It cannot be today, but I will arrange for it to be done . ”
“AWESOME!” “AWESOME!”
They would be allowed to leave! Arthur grumbled to himself as the two rejoiced next to him .
“You can wear wigs and pretend to be n.o.ble children . That way no one would think it strange that you have guards . Edwy did it often . No, maybe we should just publically announce that you are the Saintesses and have Edwy show you around . We could a.s.sign much more guards if you are with the prince . Yes, I will discuss it with Edwy and Sera . No, first we must decide when we will make the announcement . ”
He seemed to decide, and then:
“Miragaia, this generation’s Saintesses say that they will meet with you . So you must go through the proper steps . And do not rush anything . Let them be, should they refuse! Also, one more thing . Since you are here, there is some business to discuss . Please come to my office with me . Well then, Maki and Chihaaru, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? You should go back now . ”
He said and walked away quickly . Miragaia looked longing at Maki, but he was at least satisfied enough now to go and follow Arthur obediently . The other bird people seemed to have calmed down, now that they saw their chief’s wish was fulfilled after so many long years . And they talked amongst themselves with some emotion . As for Sauro…
“Do you like high places too, Chihaaru?”
He invited her, but she…
“I’m not prepared to go so high yet . ”
…refused him . Still, she did have him carry her directly back to the balcony . Maki was completely used to it now, and Chiharu felt that she was getting close . It was a good thing that they hadn’t eaten yet . Sauro and Saikania would eat somewhere else, and so Maki and Chiharu were left behind with Sera .
“That was just splendid . You dealt with those birds without causing a fight . ”
“I guess it was like an unrequited affection he had for many years . Perhaps . ”
“The people of this world feel more strongly about the Saintesses than either of you realize . It may feel like a burden at first, but I am sure you will get used to it . Now, you should eat your breakfast . ”
Yesterday they had eaten the food of this world . There was soft bread that was the size or your palms, and jam, hams, and soups . And today there was rice .
Yesterday they had eaten the food of this world . There was soft bread that was the size or your palms, and jam, hams, and soups . And today there was rice .
“I thought this yesterday as well, but what do you use for the soup?”
Chiharu asked Sera .
“Kelp and dried fish . We also add dried mushrooms . ”
“I knew it . But I guess they didn’t learn about bonito flakes . ”
Sera seemed oddly excited .
“According to the records, a Saintess long ago said that she wanted to eat bonito flakes . However, we did not know how to replicate it . Fortunately, we had seaweed and small fish to make these other two things . The mushrooms were added to complete the flavor . ”
Interesting .
“Do you two know anything regarding the making of it?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t . It has something to do with mold I think, I have no idea how it is done . ”
“Neither do I . ”
“Mold, you say?”
“Yes . But, mold is usually bad for you, so it’s difficult to do . ”
“Hmm, I see . But perhaps the elves and beastfolk can study it, as they have longer lives . It is definitely something to consider . ”
And then they were served tea after breakfast .
“Huh, Sera, this…”
“It’s green tea…”
“Is it? So this is what it is! The color is a little on the yellow side, but as it was just the right season for harvesting the leaves, we tested some of the methods that Maki suggested to make this . ”
“While it is called green tea, it’s mostly just the color of the leaves . The actual tea is generally quite yellow . And this tastes exactly like it . ”
“I see, so it was quite simple to make after all . If only your predecessor could have drunk this…”
Sera seemed very moved . But really, we should be the ones that are moved, seeing as they made this in just two days . Both of them felt a sense of warmth over Sera’s affection for the late Saintess .
Miragaia had said it would be a quick stroll, but he ended up flying way up high
.
Maki said something to him and pointed in different directions and he would take her there
.
“Maki seems to be very calm about it . ”.
.
Arthur muttered
.
“Maki is more accepting of things and people as they are . ”.
.
Chiharu replied
.
“And so you must be extra cautious to make up for that?”.
“Not exactly…”.
.
She wasn’t being cautious for Maki’s sake . She just didn’t like being in situations where she had no control . Of course, being easily swayed might look cute and have helped her keep her boyfriend… But still
.
“Maki’s chill and accepting personality is what I like about her . You can relax when you are with her . ”.
.
Chiharu said
.
“And so there were a lot of people who tried to take advantage of that in the other world . People thought that she was too generous and lacked firmness . She would be hurt by people who forced their ideals on her, only to be disappointed later on . ”.
“Do you think then, that she is trying to show everyone how she truly is?”.
“I don’t know…”.
.
She didn’t want to think too deeply about her friend . And of course, there were many things that you just had to endure when you had a job . But they both made an effort to be pleasant company when around each other
.
“Something about you reminds me of my dead wife . ”.
“Dead… Edwy’s mother?”.
“She was very weak physically . She pa.s.sed away as soon as he was born . Everyone said that she could not be queen, and that she would not have children . But she was strong and supported me . ”.
“I’m sure it was…an honor . ”.
.
Perhaps that was why the prince was so spoiled . Arthur grinned a little and continued
.
“I don’t know if I would call it an honor . My wife could be very black-hearted . ”.
“Huh? But I am not black-hearted? I’m just uh, uh…”.
“Yes?”.
“I am just a little more honest than most . ”.
“Hahaha . My wife must have also been very honest . Surely . ”.
.
Arthur looked up at the sky
.
“We had grown up together . I think that we knew each other quite well, but I often wish that I had known how she thought a little more when we were adults . ”.
“I can honestly tell you my own black-hearted thoughts if you wish . ”.
“Hahaha! As I thought . She would often talk to me like that . It brings back memories . ”.
“She was not only your wife…”.
“Hm?”.
“But a very good friend to you then . ”.
“Yes . Yes . ”.
.
Arthur said with a gentle expression
.
“CHIIIHAAARUUU . ”.
“Maki-chan!”.
.
Maki had come back . She came running towards Chiharu as soon as Miragaia let her down . I would probably be wobbling on my feet for a while in her place . That’s Maki for you . Chiharu thought
.
“I got to see the city from above the palace! There a plaza with a fountain, and stalls, there were food stalls!”.
“Food stalls! Coins! We need some change! Arthur, please convert our millions into coins!!”.
“Uh? What?”.
“Chiharu, calm down . It’s ridiculous to convert a million into coins . Well, we should be fine with maybe ten thousand per person . Let’s have the magic gem sold properly and convert twenty thousand into coins . ”.
“Wait, wait . Maki and Chihaaru . It is too early for you to leave the palace grounds . ”.
.
Maki and Chiharu swung around . Arthur pointed at the bird people
.
“It’s not only the bird people that will swarm around you if they hear that the Saintesses are here . It will be dangerous if security measures are not put in place . ”.
“There are people who would want to hurt us?”.
.
Chiharu asked . Arthur answered
.
“I do not think that anyone would want to deliberately . Except maybe the Doom Church . But they have been silent recently . ”.
.
Wait, wait . Doom Church! That sounds terrifying! Why was he saying it so casually? Arthur continued before she could interject
.
“But more importantly, many people would come to catch a rare glimpse of the Saintess, and I fear that you may be crushed . ”.
“Then we will never be able to leave…”.
“Maki…”.
.
The king became fl.u.s.tered at Maki’s mounting sadness . He had little choice
.
“Arthur . Is this the extent of the human territories?”.
“No, this is the sh.o.r.e of a huge continent . There is much more to see along the coast and inland as well . ”.
.
Hmm
.
“Well then, might there be a country where women can wear veils when leaving the house? Or maybe we could disguise ourselves…”.
“Veils… I believe the women of the desert countries do that . Though, that would still draw attention, I think . ”.
“But it won’t cause a crowd to show up, would it?”.
“I do not think so . I see . That could work . Although your hair and eyes are also unusual . ”.
“We can wear wigs . ”.
“And your eyes?”.
“We will just look at the ground . ”.
“But your height . ”.
“We will say that we are children . ”.
“…You want to visit the street stalls that badly?”.
“YES . ” “YES . ”.
“…It cannot be today, but I will arrange for it to be done . ”.
“AWESOME!” “AWESOME!”.
.
They would be allowed to leave! Arthur grumbled to himself as the two rejoiced next to him
.
“You can wear wigs and pretend to be n.o.ble children . That way no one would think it strange that you have guards . Edwy did it often . No, maybe we should just publically announce that you are the Saintesses and have Edwy show you around . We could a.s.sign much more guards if you are with the prince . Yes, I will discuss it with Edwy and Sera . No, first we must decide when we will make the announcement . ”.
.
He seemed to decide, and then:.
.
“Miragaia, this generation’s Saintesses say that they will meet with you . So you must go through the proper steps . And do not rush anything . Let them be, should they refuse! Also, one more thing . Since you are here, there is some business to discuss . Please come to my office with me . Well then, Maki and Chihaaru, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? You should go back now . ”.
.
He said and walked away quickly . Miragaia looked longing at Maki, but he was at least satisfied enough now to go and follow Arthur obediently . The other bird people seemed to have calmed down, now that they saw their chief’s wish was fulfilled after so many long years . And they talked amongst themselves with some emotion . As for Sauro….
.
“Do you like high places too, Chihaaru?”.
.
He invited her, but she….
.
“I’m not prepared to go so high yet . ”.
.
…refused him . Still, she did have him carry her directly back to the balcony . Maki was completely used to it now, and Chiharu felt that she was getting close . It was a good thing that they hadn’t eaten yet . Sauro and Saikania would eat somewhere else, and so Maki and Chiharu were left behind with Sera
.
“That was just splendid . You dealt with those birds without causing a fight . ”.
“I guess it was like an unrequited affection he had for many years . Perhaps . ”.
“The people of this world feel more strongly about the Saintesses than either of you realize . It may feel like a burden at first, but I am sure you will get used to it . Now, you should eat your breakfast . ”.
.
Yesterday they had eaten the food of this world . There was soft bread that was the size or your palms, and jam, hams, and soups . And today there was rice
.
“I thought this yesterday as well, but what do you use for the soup?”.
.
Chiharu asked Sera
.
“Kelp and dried fish . We also add dried mushrooms . ”.
“I knew it . But I guess they didn’t learn about bonito flakes . ”.
.
Sera seemed oddly excited
.
“According to the records, a Saintess long ago said that she wanted to eat bonito flakes . However, we did not know how to replicate it . Fortunately, we had seaweed and small fish to make these other two things . The mushrooms were added to complete the flavor . ”.
.
Interesting
.
“Do you two know anything regarding the making of it?”.
“Unfortunately, I don’t . It has something to do with mold I think, I have no idea how it is done . ”.
“Neither do I . ”.
“Mold, you say?”.
“Yes . But, mold is usually bad for you, so it’s difficult to do . ”.
“Hmm, I see . But perhaps the elves and beastfolk can study it, as they have longer lives . It is definitely something to consider . ”.
.
And then they were served tea after breakfast
.
“Huh, Sera, this…”.
“It’s green tea…”.
“Is it? So this is what it is! The color is a little on the yellow side, but as it was just the right season for harvesting the leaves, we tested some of the methods that Maki suggested to make this . ”.
“While it is called green tea, it’s mostly just the color of the leaves . The actual tea is generally quite yellow . And this tastes exactly like it . ”.
“I see, so it was quite simple to make after all . If only your predecessor could have drunk this…”.
.
Sera seemed very moved . But really, we should be the ones that are moved, seeing as they made this in just two days . Both of them felt a sense of warmth over Sera’s affection for the late Saintess