The Spirit Sofia would newly contract with was also a Tribal Chief, a high-ranking Undine… But was it really alright for her to agree so easily?

“Um, is it really alright?”

Sofia, who seemed to have the same question as me, spoke up.

“Amaria, you’re the Tribal Chief, aren’t you?”

“Oh, that’s fine. If I contract, I’ll have to hand over the position of Tribal Chief to someone. Well, it’ll work out somehow.”

That’s surprisingly vague… Is it really going to be alright?

“There are some who want to be Tribal Chief even though it’s nothing but trouble. If you can wait just one day, I think I can get things sorted out.”

“…Since Amaria herself said so, shall we leave it to her?”

Lefin suggested this to us. I had no choice but to nod, and Sofia and Sylvie also indicated their agreement.

“Then, I’ll go sort things out quickly.”

Saying that, Amaria walked past us and disappeared into the depths of the Forest.

While I was thinking, ‘What was that all about…?’ Lefin said,

“I guarantee her abilities.”

“I don’t doubt that, but… just to confirm, is Sofia alright?”

When I asked somewhat casually, she seemed perfectly fine.

“Since Amaria said she would contract, there shouldn’t be any compatibility issues, and I personally have no problems.”

…It seemed like she made an immediate decision, to the point where I couldn’t tell if she was even considering compatibility issues… Well, since she served as Tribal Chief, she must have high abilities and be able to discern such things. Probably.

“So, it looks like we’ll be staying here for a night… What should we do?”

Lefin asked. I’m fine with sleeping outside, but Sofia and Sylvie also said they were fine.

“Then, let’s wait here today. We should probably ask Amaria where to rest.”

Lefin spoke, and the conversation ended… then Lefin looked at me.

It was only for a moment, but I understood what he wanted to say. Lefin immediately started talking with Sofia, and Sylvie looked around at Spring and Forest.

Meanwhile, I… looked in the direction Amaria had left, and another thing I had to do here came to mind.

According to the Undines, there are Beasts here, and also Humans who hunt them. The Spirits coexist with these Humans, and there’s a Hunter’s Cabin, so we decided to rest there today.

However, the Spirits interfered unexpectedly, and it turned into a bit of a feast. It seems the reason was the skirmish I had with an Undine right after arriving in Forest.

That said, there was no alcohol, of course. We talked while eating fruits harvested from Forest. Sofia listened endlessly to those who wanted to talk, and Sylvie recounted events that happened in Ganaize. Meanwhile, I spoke about things I encountered on my journey, and seeing the laughing Undines, I felt like I was being entertained.

However, talking was quite tiring… and then midnight arrived, and we finally disbanded. The Spirits returned to Spring, and Sofia and the others decided to rest.

“Um, Lord Ruon…”

“It’s fine. Besides, I have the most stamina.”

There’s only one bed in the cabin, and it’s too small for three people to sleep. So I ended up resting outside… I repeatedly said “it’s fine” and pushed Sofia and the others inside.

However, this is also good for me, as it’s the Capital City.

After that, I decided to wait a bit… The contract with Undine ended easily. Amaria’s power is also vouched for by Lefin, and Sofia’s abilities have undoubtedly been further strengthened.

From here, what I need to do is head to the location of the Spirit God, Water King Azua. Regarding the location, it’s not known by as many Humans as Garuku’s Sanctuary, but Lefin said that Amaria likely has that information, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

However, at least it’s further south from here… a place that reaches the sea, which is also mentioned in ancient texts. So I need to head further south.

“About how to explain it to Sofia and the others… well, there’s only one way.”

One idea came to mind. It would also lead to further strengthening Sofia and the others, so it would be the best… While I was thinking that, Lefin came over to me.

“Lord Ruon, hello.”

“Ah. The two of them?”

“They’re asleep. By the way, Rokuto doesn’t seem to intend to participate in the discussion.”

“Huh, is that so? Why?”

When I asked, Lefin shrugged his shoulders.

“It seems he held back because it’s a discussion between the Queen and the Tribal Chief… though Amaria will be the former Tribal Chief tomorrow, anyway.”

“…Is it okay for me to be included in that?”

“Lord Ruon is the main character, after all.”

I can’t really argue with that… Well, whatever. Anyway, let’s get moving.

—Lefin and I had decided beforehand to talk with Amaria. Although, originally, we hadn’t planned on talking under the premise of Amaria making a contract… well, let’s just say it made the conversation clearer.

Lefin and I silently left the cabin and headed to the Spring where Amaria was. At first, there was no one there, but sensing our presence, Amaria emerged from the Spring.

“What are you two doing here?”

She tilted her head and walked towards us from the Spring. Incidentally, her clothes were not wet at all. It seemed she was deflecting the water with Magic or something.

“The purpose of coming here also involves a Spirit Contract… but there’s something else we need to do.”

“Is that something I can solve by answering questions?”

“Probably… I’ll explain it from the beginning.”

Lefin and I began to explain to Amaria. Garuku even appeared midway, and Amaria listened, surprised, and eventually said,

“I see… So, besides strengthening Sofia, you also have to do various other things.”

“That’s right. And here’s the main point. According to Lefin, Amaria knows the whereabouts of Water King Azua… Is that true?”

“To be precise, I’ve never visited Lord Azua’s dwelling either, so I can’t say for certain.”

Amaria replied with a shrug.

“Besides, Lord Azua moves his dwelling around.”

“Moving around, huh. Is it difficult to find?”

If we can go to the sea, I don’t think it will be difficult to investigate.

Then, it’s decided that we’ll continue further south.

When I said that, both Lefin and Garuku agreed.

But there’s one concern.

Amaria then began to speak.

Lord Azua doesn’t tolerate anyone who trespasses into her territory…

She sounds like a troublesome Spirit God. Well, considering my first encounter with Garuku, I can expect it.

Anyway, it seems a fight is unavoidable… I’ll ask Garuku, just in case.

Can’t you negotiate with her?

I’ve had some conversations with Feus, but not with Azua. A fight is probably unavoidable.

…I see.

Are you going to fight?

Amaria’s eyes widened. In response, Garuku spoke.

He is a gentleman with the power to defeat me. He likely has more than enough chances of winning.

—Hearing that, even Amaria gasped.