Ossan Saikyō Chapter 15 Part 5
The next morning, when we went to the Guild, Mariane informed us that Shizuna had been promoted to C-Rank.
“Isn’t that a little too fast? Surely I’m still too inexperienced to be C-Rank.”
I was a little surprised by Shizuna’s unexpectedly humble, or rather level-headed, response. Since I agreed with her, I glanced at Mariane.
“Actually, this is a conditional promotion. The condition is that she continues to act as a member of〈Saul's Guidance〉.
…
In other words, Shizuna-san is still D-Rank on her own. It is quite an exceptional measure, but when I asked the Grandmaster, they approved it.”
(E/N: About the Grandmaster, iykyk 😏)
“I see. If I am treated as C-Rank, that means it will be advantageous to〈Saul's Guidance〉in some way, does it not?”
“Exactly. A party with a D-Rank member cannot enter B-Rank Dungeons.”
“I see. That was something I had been wondering about as well. If that is the reason, then I shall gratefully accept the promotion.”
According to Guild regulations, the highest dungeon rank a party can enter is one class above the lowest-ranked member.
It was a rule intended to prevent various problems, but apparently the Guild had determined that those problems would not arise with〈Saul's Guidance〉.
“Soushi-sama, so we can enter the B-Rank dungeon in this city now?”
“That’s right. I do want to get to the hidden Elven village as soon as possible, but our priority should be becoming stronger.
…
We’ll receive our rewards tomorrow, and I’m thinking of entering the dungeon the day after. What do you all think?”
“I’m in!”
Rani answered immediately, and Sphenia and Shizuna agreed as well.
“Let us go.”
“I say we do.”
And so it was decided.
“Thanks for applying for this on our behalf, Mariane. This makes things much easier for us.”
“I’m glad I could be of help. I’m looking forward to the B-Rank dungeon myself.”
There was no question that Mariane’s presence was a major factor, but I also had to remember that the Grandmaster had his(?) own reasons for approving this exceptional measure.
(E/N: Again, with the "?", iykyk)
I was grateful for the special treatment, but it also meant that something was expected of us in return. As the leader, I should probably keep that in mind.
◇◆◇
The next day, all of us dressed as finely as we could and headed to the『Grand Spirit Shrine』.
At the Shrine, we were welcomed by Great Shrine Head Maiden, Miona and the shrine maiden, Seina.
First, we confirmed the rewards for this occasion in a reception room, after which we moved to a place called the “Inner Sanctuary”.
The “Inner Sanctuary” was a huge room about the size of a school gymnasium, with thick vermillion-painted round pillars lining it. At the very back stood something resembling the main sanctuary of a Shinto shrine.
The ceremony for our rewards proceeded without incident in the hall. Naturally, around 50 high-ranking priests of Orz attended the ceremony.
This formally recognized that〈Saul's Guidance〉would henceforth receive exceptional treatment in Orz.
I certainly understood that we had done enough to deserve that much in Orz. Even so, I also felt that half of our achievements were thanks to my【Bad Luck】skill, so I felt somewhat uncomfortable accepting all the praise.
Our rewards were the『Grand Spirit Order of Merit • First Class』, the highest-ranking medals in Orz; a《Grand Spirit Tree Sapling》, one of the country’s national treasures; and gold coins, that looked like and were actually called Koban, worth approximately 100 million Rom.
(E/N: Koban were the traditional , oval-shaped, gold coins introduced during Edo period and used until Meiji restoration. Check it out!)
After the ceremony was over, we returned to the reception room.
On the table was the actual《Grand Spirit Tree Sapling》that a priest had brought in. At first glance, it looked like a tree made of gold. Rani had been looking at it without hesitation, but after giving it a little poke, she tilted her head.
“It’s definitely pretty, but isn’t this just a golden ornament?”
“No, no. Despite its appearance, this sapling is alive. It is said that if it is planted in the proper land, it will grow into a great tree called a『Grand Spirit Tree』.”
“So it grows into a huge golden tree?”
“According to the legends, it looks like an ordinary tree. However,『Spirit Beasts』are said to gather around a『Grand Spirit Tree』. As a result, the land surrounding it is said to become extremely fertile.”
I see. If『Spirit Beasts』, like several Garuda Moths, gathered there, their scales would probably enrich the land. If that was really how it worked, it certainly was an interesting fantasy item.
“Hmm. But if we don’t know where this ‘proper land’ is, isn’t it useless?”
“I believe that wherever Soushi-sama eventually settles will become that ‘proper land’. The Great Shrine Head Maiden must have thought so as well, which is why she gave this to you.”
Freynil was trying to attach another strange title to me. I had absolutely no intention of receiving territory or anything like that.
“Whether I end up governing a territory or not, if I ever build a house and settle somewhere in the future, maybe I’ll plant it there.”
“Soushi-sama, when that time comes, I would like to live in your house as well.”
“Can I live there with you too?”
“I would very much like to live in Soushi-san’s house as well.”
“Please build it in a city with a Guild. Then I could live with you too.”
“If you are going to live somewhere, I recommend Orz. The food is delicious, after all. Naturally, I shall be there too.”
“Huh…? Ah, sure, of course…”
I had only meant it as a casual joke, but their reactions were so quick that I was a little surprised. Well, considering that I had said we were practically family, it wasn’t as though I could say no.
Though, aside from Freynil, the others were probably only half serious.
(E/N: Nah, they're as serious as a devoted hermit.)
As we were talking about that, Great Shrine Head Maiden, Miona and the shrine maiden, Seina, Shizuna’s younger sister, entered the room.
The two of them walked over with graceful, unhurried movements and sat down across from us.
“Soushi-dono, thank you for going to such lengths to come here. I do not feel that this reward is sufficient to repay you for your achievements, but I hope you will accept the《Grand Spirit Tree Sapling》, as I believe it will surely be of use to you.”
“Having received a national treasure, I certainly cannot say it is insufficient. However, if you say it will be useful to me, is there some reason for that?”
“That is correct. Some time ago, I received a revelation from the『Spirit Queen』, who instructed me to give this sapling to the peerless warrior who saved Orz.”
“Such a thing happened…?”
As I nodded, Seina, who was sitting beside Miona, leaned forward slightly.
“Actually, I received the same revelation. Since Mother received the same revelation, the two of us discussed it and concluded that it must have been referring to Soushi-sama.”
“That is a great honor. But if there is such a revelation, then I suppose I am eventually meant to plant this sapling somewhere. Until then, I shall keep it safe.”
“Yes, I believe so as well. And when that time comes, I believe the《Grand Spirit Tree Sapling》will surely become a source of strength for you, Soushi-sama.”
“Thank you for your kindness. If the『Grand Spirit Tree』ever grows, please come and see it, Seina-sama.”
“Yes, I certainly will!”
Seina leaned forward even further as she answered.
She usually carried herself with a composure that put adults to shame, but seeing an expression appropriate for her age was somehow reassuring.
Once the matter of the《Grand Spirit Tree Sapling》had been settled, Great Shrine Head Maiden Miona straightened her posture.
“By the way, Soushi-dono, I would like you to tell us in detail about that『Gate to Another World』and what happened in Mekalinan. Would that be all right?”
“Certainly. I will relay everything.”
At my answer, two priests serving as scribes entered at Miona’s instruction. In front of them, I told them everything that had happened.
What particularly interested Miona was the change in leadership in the neighboring country of Mekalinan.
Since Orz had been subjected to various pressures after King Giselpha came to power, the change in ruler was an extremely significant matter for Orz.
“I see. I had not realized that such circumstances existed in that country as well. I had heard that their King had changed, but after that, the adventurers coming from Mekalinan became strangely tight-lipped, and we could not obtain any information.
…
However, if those adventurers themselves had been agents of Mekalinan, then that would explain everything.”
“It seems that the previous King Giselpha resorted to various measures that came close to crossing the line.
…
I believe Prince Ryūsha, who is to be crowned next, and Marquis Raghantz, who will support him, are both reasonable people, so I expect Mekalinan’s actions toward Orz will change for the better from now on.”
“I hope that is the case. There are also people who were abducted by Mekalinan. We may have to take some sort of action toward Mekalinan ourselves.”
“That’s right. Prince Ryūsha said that slaves abducted from other countries would be freed, so I think it would be wise to prepare to receive them.”
“I understand. However, if Mekalinan changes through Soushi-dono’s efforts and the people of Orz who were abducted return home, our debt to you will become even greater. We should have heard the full story sooner.”
“No, that really was just coincidence, or rather, things simply happened that way… You have already treated me very well, including arranging our accommodations, so please don’t worry about it.”
“You may say that, but… We shall decide how to respond depending on how things develop. By the way, what do you intend to do from here?”
“We’ll enter a B-Rank Dungeon starting tomorrow. After clearing it, we plan to travel from Vermilion to the Elven village.”
“It is a shame that you will be leaving Orz. Of course, Shizuna will be accompanying you on that journey as well, will she not?”
The meaningful look in Miona’s eyes was probably related to what she had told me before, about wanting me to “keep Shizuna by my side”. As far as I knew, I had technically refused that request.
“Of course. She is an indispensable member of〈Saul's Guidance〉.”
When I answered, Miona looked satisfied. Apparently, she still hadn’t given up, but I pretended not to notice and let it pass. If I reacted unnecessarily, I had a feeling I would only be digging myself into a deeper hole.
More than that, I was intrigued by the envious expression on Seina’s face. She was the next Great Shrine Head Maiden, but perhaps, like her older sister Shizuna, she longed to see the outside world.
—————————————
E/N:
I'd rather if Miona-sama herself joined the party instead of young ladies… 😏😂!
Stay tuned!
—————————————
————————————————————
————————————————————
Comments