Chapter 410 – The Table of Halbaronis

Led by Sion and the others, we were guided to a room on the upper floors of the tower.

…Somehow, the architectural style reminded me of Theoreme Castle in Termwills.

Considering both originated from the moon, it made sense… but I could also see Nahalbia’s influence in the interior design, like the carpets spread out for comfortable lounging that I’d seen in the mansion of Masmadol’s lord in the desert city.

That said, the temperature inside Halvaronis was neither hot nor cold, maintained at a comfortable level.

“Please feel free to use this room and the one next door. You can come and go from the town and tower as you please, and we can guide you if you wish. We’ll be in the room across the way.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded at Sion’s words.

“What are those facilities? You’re growing some kind of crop, right?”

Ashley asked Sigritta while overlooking the townscape from the tower window.

“That’s… a rice paddy. It’s hard to grow outside, so we’re cultivating rice inside.”

“…Rice?”

…She said something concerning.

I also went to the window and looked down at the town, and sure enough, there were rice paddies spreading out in the distance. They seemed to have already been harvested… This must have been an area hidden in the tower’s shadow when we entered the town. Though underground, magical light showered down, allowing crops to be grown.

Beyond the rice paddies, a section of the underground water vein was enclosed by walls… perhaps they were farming fish there. I could see Halvaronis residents transferring fish from nets into fish baskets.

Anything lacking was supplied through hunting and gathering from the forest above. They must have created an environment where complete self-sufficiency was possible within Halvaronis and the barrier’s interior.

“It’s called rice. It’s delicious when cooked. You can harvest a lot, and it stores well too.”

Marceska said with a bright smile.

“They say it’s the Moon King’s mercy. When he exiled us to the surface, he entrusted us with seeds for several crops.”

“Halvaronis has abundant water… so we grow rice like that.”

“…So you grow it by flooding fields with water like that.”

Claudia nodded while looking at the rice.

“Have you eaten it before, Claudia?”

When I asked, Claudia shook her head.

“Before the Magical Storm occurred, they said it was sent from the surface and they were researching how to grow it.”

I see… If the moon ruled the surface, they could gather crops from various regions. Since communication was cut off after Claudia descended to the surface, this must have been brought to the moon before the great disaster of the Magical Storm.

Still, the fact that they haven’t forgotten their gratitude to the moon’s royal family despite being exiled might be partly because they left them with food-related kindness.

“…I’m interested. I was thinking of bringing back useful plants and food growing in the forest too.”

“In that case, we’ll help. Hmm… Rice seed probably… can be taken back too, I think?”

Sion nodded at Rosemary’s words.

Hmm… With Sion and the others’ cooperation, who originally did gathering in the forest, various things should progress smoothly.

The fact that we can bring back rice is one thing, but personally, I’ve become looking forward to tonight’s dinner too. The only thing left is wondering about the rice variety. Personally, I’d be happy if it were similar to Japonica rice.

“–So, we can stay in Halvaronis tonight.”

Since there was still time before dinner, I decided to briefly return to the Sirius to contact and consult with Elliot and the others.

“Understood. Let’s consider it as ‘half-watch relaxation’ and swap shifts compared to when we were in Masmadol.”

“That sounds good.”

“Sion! There was an amazing mole! It was eating rocks!”

“…A large mole. There were Hippogriffs and Wyverns too. I have to draw them later.”

While talking with Elliot, Marceska and Sigritta—who had been exploring the Sirius—entered the bridge with Sheila and Irmhild. Sion, who had been listening to our exchange, shook her head slightly at their behavior.

“You two… We didn’t come here to play.”

Hmm. These two are rather free-spirited, with the serious Sion acting as the organizer. Sion probably has her hands full normally.

We needed to inform the guards when coming and going from Halvaronis, so we had Sion and the others accompany us. We invited Marceska along to show her the Sirius since she seemed interested.

We’ll be relying on them for town guidance and forest gathering too, so we want to build good relations from our side as well.

“Sion, you should come take a look too. We’re done with communications.”

“Really?”

Sion made a happy expression. She actually wanted to join the ship exploration too. Personality-wise, she somehow reminds me of Charlotte.

“…Later, I’d like you to let me sketch those moles and Wyverns. My drawings become stronger when I draw while looking at the real thing. Since I need to draw within Magic Arrays, I’ll need them to come to Halvaronis.”

Sigritta said something like that.

“Hmm. That’s fine, but shouldn’t we get permission from Forset-san and the others first?”

“Understood.”

“Well, since we’re here on the bridge, let’s have carbonated water next.”

Irmhilt began introducing the ship’s facilities in a somewhat cheerful tone. Perhaps being from an orphanage, Irmhilt enjoys interacting with Sion and the others.

“Mmm… Something’s popping in my mouth.”

“Ahaha. What is this?”

“Interesting…”

Sion and the others exclaimed while tasting carbonated water. Marlene and Seraphina watched the scene with smiles.

Princess Stephania, Princess Adriana, and Auria closed their eyes and nodded in sync with Sion and the others’ reactions… well, business as usual.

If they’re enjoying themselves, that’s what matters most. Perhaps donating things like cards and carbonated water servers as tokens of friendship with Halvaronis might be good too.

“That said… I’d feel relieved if travel between the old capital and Halvaronis became easier. It’s quite a distance from Masmadol.”

Grace, who had been smiling at Sion and the others, turned back and said that, prompting Princess Elham to nod.

“Regarding the old capital, I’ll discuss it with my father after hearing Forset-sama’s opinion. Considering the current reduced threat of Demons in the Forest of Lost Ways, I think we should actively work to restore Old Capital Naharbia too. Let’s also consider sending Clerics and Shrine Maidens to the Moon Temple.”

“In that case, visiting the old capital’s temple ruins beforehand would save trouble. I think it will start functioning once the power of faith is restored. As for Halvaronis… well, they still seem to respect the royal family, so connecting a Transfer Gate shouldn’t be difficult. We’ll need to discuss this later too.”

Hmm. If things work out, we might be able to come directly to Old Capital Naharbia and Halvaronis.

And… that evening. The dinner prepared for us in the dining room on the tower’s upper floor turned out to be quite pleasing for me.

“Somehow, it’s slightly sweet.”

“It has stickiness, yet it melts in your mouth.”

Sheila and Grace shared such impressions after tasting the white rice.

I also tried the rice… Yeah. The variety is quite close to Japonica rice. For Theodore, it’s the first time eating it, but as Kagehisa’s memory, it’s a nostalgic taste or texture.

I’ve never eaten rice close to wild varieties, but perhaps they’ve made Improvements in breeding at the moon or Halvaronis. I really want to get some seed rice from them.

Other dishes on the table included grilled white fish and soup made by simmering slices of palm crab-like creatures found in the forest to extract broth.

Perhaps because rice became the staple, the seasoning of the fish dishes and soup seemed designed to complement the rice.

“This is delicious.”

“I’m glad it suits everyone’s taste.”

When I shared my impression, Forset smiled.

The dinner proceeded peacefully, and when the meal settled down, Forset said to Sion and the others.

“Continuing our earlier discussion… after everyone talked it over, we’ve reached a consensus that it would be good for you all to go see the outside world.”

“Really!?”

Sion’s expression brightened.

“Yes. But don’t overdo it. Don’t forget that you’re dealing with Demons.”

“Yes! Forset-sama!”

Sion and the others held hands and rejoiced.

“Forsset-sama, there are several matters I’d like to discuss…”

“Of course.”

As their conversation wrapped up, Princess Elham broached the subject with Forset, explaining what we discussed inside the Sirius.

“–Restoration of Old Capital Naharbia and installation of a Transfer Gate, is it?”

“If things go well, the raw materials for the memory-erasing Magic Potion might be obtainable in the Labyrinth.”

Perhaps to support the Transfer Gate installation, Rosemary said something like that.

“I see. That possibility certainly exists. Both are matters I can’t decide alone… I’ll need to consult with the elders again.”

Forset nodded quietly.

“Then there’s the mole. The big one.”

When Marceska spoke, Sigritta also nodded.

“Mole? What are you talking about?”

“There was one in the ship. They said it was Her Highness Stephania’s Familiar.”

“…Can I call it to Halvaronis? I want to draw it.”

“Ah. I see. That’s fine with me. I’ll inform the townspeople too.”

Forset seemed to understand Sion and the others’ words as he nodded with a wry smile.