As construction of the castle advances, our lives change little by little.
We’ve been explaining things like the spirit trees and Mister Douroean to the people constructing the castle.
People of Rezzed are quick to accept even things they can’t see, like spirits. That’s because Mister Shuongalve believes in them.
A lot of beast people live here, so it should have ornaments related to that… So they’re making ornaments related to wolves. That’s because Gaius has become important to beast people ever since he gained the ability to turn into a wolf.
It feels nice seeing unique decorations for the castle, that really make it feel like it’s ours.
“Did you have a castle like this where you lived?”
I ask Mister Shuongalve as we watch the construction.
Rezzed was one of the small countries of the confederation. It’s interesting to me to think about what kind of place Mister Shuongalve and the others lived in.
…A lot of people came here from Rezzed, but I want to go see Rezzed one day.
“This castle is a lot bigger.”
“Eh? Is it?”
“Yes. Everyone agreed the castle where the miko lives should be bigger. By the way, does this village have a name?”
“…Hm… We thought that it should have one, but since we weren’t really involved with the outside world, we never settled on one. I think everybody calls it something different.”
“I think it should have one, now that you have a castle, and are going to be more involved with others. And you might want to call it a country instead of a village.”
…I felt like we should think about it, but I didn’t think it was that important. But with the castle and a higher chance of other people recognizing us, I guess we need it if we’re going to be involved with them.
“It doesn’t really have enough people to be called a country.”
“That doesn’t matter. If you call it a country and people around you see it as such, it’s a country. You should think of a name that has to do with you, Lerunda. That would make things simple.”
“Really?”
“Maybe some people will target this place because they know the miko is here, but I think there will be many more people like me who don’t want to be your enemy. If it becomes known that you’re here… Well, you should think about the advantages and disadvantages before doing anything. But I think it would be good.”
“…And what if people come after me?”
“This place has a lower population compared to other countries, even if we count my people. But at the same time, there’s a lot of power here, isn’t there?
I just got here, but I know about the monsters contracted to you, for example. And I think the simple fact that the miko is here will protect this place, so… I think it will be fine.”
He says with a light tone.
I can tell he really feels that way. He might look casual, but he’s the kind of person that thinks before talking.
Back when Gaius and I made a vow to turn this place into one where we wouldn’t have to lose anyone… We didn’t have any power.
We didn’t have a lot of friends either. We just wanted to change this place slowly because we didn’t want to lose anyone else.
But hearing Mister Shuongalve, who came from outside, talk about it… Makes me think about how we have gotten stronger.
“Yes… Maybe. I think we could manage even if we were attacked by lots of people. And at the very least, I can’t be hurt by someone.”
“The miko can’t be hurt… That’s really incredible.”
“But it’s not like I can do everything. Even if I don’t get hurt, people around me… Might. You made me realize that I should show people that I have power, in case that happens.”
“Well, yes. The miko isn’t a being to just be protected. If you show people you have powers that go beyond what they even imagine, I think there’s less of a chance of them going after you. But I think there will still be more than a few people who will try to take the miko for themselves.”
“Yes. I have lots to think about!”
I nod.
His words are like magic, and sound very convincing… That makes me want to make a decision right away, but I should talk about it with the others before deciding anything.
—Girl and Rezzed – Part seventeen
(The miko thinks about various things after talking to the king.)
