Vol 6 Chapter 87 (1/2)
Chapter 087: Negotiations with the Hacchi race and the legend of the Philosopher
Translator: Tseirp
Reaching the Hacchi tribe’s settlement, unlike when miasma was drifting about, we now saw the Hacchi tribe people coming out.
“I guess such strong miasma was considerably poisonous.”
Upon muttering that, a number of the Hacchi tribe flew over and replied with smiles on their faces.
“Philosopher-sama, thank you for saving Queen-sama and the village.”
“If Philosopher-sama wasn’t around, I can’t fathom what would have happened to our village.”
“Philosopher-sama is our saviour.”
I was told such things but I wondered why they thought I was a philosopher so I asked them for the reason.
“It’s good that I was able to rescue you all. By the way, why do you all think that I am a philosopher?”
They replied with a mysterious look on their faces.
“In the legends, Philosopher-sama gallantly appears when miasma spreads through the forest and drives away the miasma by releasing bluish white light.”
“When the forest was once again covered in miasma, I was told that the 2nd and 3rd philosopher would appear.”
“Releasing bluish white light like in the legends, clearing the miasma, are you not Philosopher-sama?”
… So it’s completely the fault of Philosopher-san. What 2nd and 3rd philosopher. Is this some stage performance …
” … Unfortunately, I am a healer in training. This time, I came to negotiate with the Hacchi tribe but without Queen-sama it can’t be done right?”
“Eh? If that’s the case, I’ll bring Haniru-sama over.”
One of the Hacchi tribe individuals flew into a beehive above in the sky.
“Nevertheless, why was Queen-sama caught? And why did you all not flee from the forest?”
“There’s no way we can leave Queen-sama behind and run!”
A youth(?) raised his voice and began endlessly talking about how amazing the queen is.
“Please end it there.”
A dignified voice resounded and the queen, the elder from before, and a slightly larger youth appeared.
Immediately, the Hacchi tribe members in front of my eyes smoothly opened a path.
“Philosopher-sama, thank you for saving me and the village.”
The bowing queen had wings clad in magical power different from the other Hacchi tribe members, with the wing emitting a faint light.
“It is an unexpected development but I am glad to be able to save you all.”
“And I heard you wish to negotiate?”
“Yeah. My deduction may be wrong but I believe you all are able to create honey.”
” … Yeah. You are right.”
I’ll first properly explain to them my desire.
“My plan is to …”
I talked about my plan. And asked that they somehow cooperate.
” … I see. However, even if it is Philosopher-sama who saved the village, I cannot give you an immediate answer.”
“I guess so.”
It was a difficult proposal so I did not expect an instant approval.
” … Which is why, please guide my son Haniru and a couple others to Ienith.”
“What do you mean?”
“If we can be convinced that your word is completely trustworthy, I wish to be in your care as well.”
“Thank you.”
A smile naturally spilled from my expression at their unexpected offer to dispatch members to confirm the situation. I thought there was a need to conduct multiple negotiations so this was a really significant step.
“Nevertheless, Philosopher-sama sure thinks of interesting things.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I imagined that the human race was a lot more arrogant so I was surprised.”
I could easily imagine that something happened between them and humans in the past. I felt that I had to investigate the Hacchi tribe’s history … it was kind of an intuition.
“And so why did Queen-sama turn into that slime? Or why were you captured by it?”
” … About half a month ago during dawn, something was thrown into the forest when a flying dragon flew over. The youths from the village saw that and went to investigate, discovering a broken bottle containing that slime which had begun emitting miasma.”
Half a month ago … about the time we went to the labyrinth huh …
“All physical attacks against that slime were completely ineffective and because we have never seen a nucleus of that colour before, I, the only person who can use magic, attacked it with wind attribute magic but the slime suddenly leaped toward me … I have no recollection of any events after that.”
The Hacchi tribe elder continued the story.
“We tried using fire to attack it and save Queen-sama but the slime used Queen-sama as a s.h.i.+eld and we could not attack at all.”
An intelligent slime? Or was it defensive instinct? I looked toward Lionel but he was listening seriously and unusually did not notice my gaze.
“Gradually the slime became larger and that miasma attracted monsters which it began absorbing. Since yesterday, it began giving birth to undead monsters and we could only ask for help from the Spirit-sama of legends.”
Praying to spirits instead of praying to G.o.ds huh.
Looks like the faith in spirits in this world is considerably strong as well.