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The Hikikomori Girl Emerges…
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“Master, I examined the soil in this forest, but the soil here is not suitable.”
Mei returned with an indescribable expression on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“The soil here is not only fine but also damp. Additionally, there are many clumpy areas, so crops won’t grow well.”
“Isn’t there any solution?”
“Well… there is a way, but it requires cutting down the trees in the forest.”
“That… is absolutely out of the question.”
Vivar and the other Sirius returned from behind. Rico’s grip tightened again.
“If we were to do such a thing, we would incur the wrath of the forest we protect and the spirits within. When we cut down the trees in the forest, we have an agreement to consult with the trees through the spirits and remain in this land.”
“Hmm, it seems difficult.”
“If we can eliminate the moisture in this soil, we can cultivate it. The only issue is proper drainage… If only we could achieve that, we could cultivate without any problems…”
“Using my earth magic every time to till the soil is also inefficient…”
“It’s lisal’s fault. That person can’t handle the spirits properly.”
As Mei and I were contemplating, one of the Sirius spoke up.
“Be quiet, Sakitora. We should not blame lisal.”
Vivar reprimanded her.
“lisal?”
“She is the only one in our clan who can form a contract with the earth spirits. While there were no issues with contracting earth spirits in Lamaron, here, although the contract can be formed, it is difficult to control them effectively.”
“I see. And this lisal person is…”
Vivar lowered her head and looked apologetic.
“Iisal… due to her own failure, she has become despondent and locked herself inside her house.”
It appears there’s also a shut-in here.
“While Lisal was able to control the earth spirits, we were able to harvest crops somehow, but now, they don’t yield anything.”
“I see. So, you came to me…”
For now, it was decided that we would go to Lisal’s house. Her house is said to be inside a large withered tree.
“Lisal lives inside this already withered tree. We haven’t seen her for the past few months. She used to be a curious and talented girl, but to end up like this… As the clan leader, I feel responsible.”
With that, Vivar went down to the base of the withered tree and sat down, folding her knees. It seemed that was the entrance to the house.
“Lisal. Master Basam has come to visit. I believe he can help you. Why don’t you try talking to him? Lisal? Lisal?”
There was no response from inside the tree. It seemed like a complete shut-in.
“Master Basam, I truly apologize. It’s solely due to my poor upbringing…”
“No, I don’t think it has anything to do with how you raised them, Clan Leader.”
“Is that so?”
“Well… It’s hard to put into words, but I think it depends on how you approach it…”
I boldly approached Lisal’s dwelling. Upon closer inspection, I could see a small door. This must be the entrance, without a doubt.
“Ahem! Since we’re here, how about I tell everyone a little old story!”
I intentionally spoke loudly. The Sirius were taken aback.
“Once upon a time, in a certain place, there lived an old man and an old woman. The old man went to the mountains to gather firewood, and the old woman went to the river to do laundry. As the old woman was washing by the river, a big peach came floating downstream, goomba-ko, goomba-ko. The old woman was overjoyed and immediately took it home.”
When the old man returned home, he was surprised to see the large peach!
“Oh, Granny, what a big peach!”
“I found it by the river, Grandpa. Let’s eat it together.”
As the old woman took out a large knife from the kitchen to cut the peach, at that moment…
“Wait, Granny. …You’re not Granny, are you? …Who are you?”
“Heh, hehehehe… As expected of ‘Swift Takeru,’ you’re not easily fooled. However, if the pheasant does not cry, it will not be shot!!!”
The old woman’s body began to grow bigger and bigger! She turned into a gigantic demon! What will happen to the old man?!
“…..To be continued!”
“…Now, let’s continue this conversation over there,” I said, walking briskly.
“Wait! Wait!!” I heard a voice behind me. I turned around to see a cute Sorius peeking out from the trunk of a large tree.
“What happened to the old man?!” the Sirius asked.
“Are you Lisal?” I asked.
“What about the old man?” she replied, her face only partially visible through the hole in the tree trunk.
“If you answer my question, I’ll tell you,” I said.
…
“I understand how you feel,” I continued. “I’ve been there too. No matter how much effort and explanation you put in, some people just won’t listen. It can be exhausting to talk to someone like that.”
The woman remained silent.
“If that’s the case, you have a choice not to associate with such people, you know? Are there no other earth spirits around?” I asked.
“I can’t do that because it’s a gnome,” she replied.
“A gnome?” I inquired.
According to Vivar, gnomes were the highest-ranking earth spirits.
“Oh, wow! It’s impressive to have such a high-ranking spirit as your companion. You’re amazing,” I commented.
“I was called clumsy and stupid,” she said.
“I see. It must be tough to be called clumsy and stupid even though you’re trying your best. I’ve been there too,” I sympathized, sharing my own experience of training with Master Falco.
“So, you probably feel indebted to this clan, don’t you?” I asked again. Once again, the woman lowered her head.
“You’re kind,” I said.
“Kind?” she questioned.
“Yes, kind. You worked hard and tried your best for the sake of your clan. But you felt inadequate, didn’t you? Even though the clan leaders were kind to you, it became another burden, didn’t it? The fact that you can shoulder that responsibility as your own is proof of your kindness.”
…
“Perhaps you lack confidence in getting along with earth spirits from now on?” I asked.
The woman’s expression tensed up.
“I thought so. I understand. It’s unsettling. But you know, there’s a way to overcome that uncertainty… Would you like to hear it?”
After thinking for a while, the woman nodded.
“Once, there was a person who was plagued by anxieties, overthinking everything. That person was also incredibly kind. Well, they had a delicate heart. Being kind and delicate, they were more susceptible to feeling anxious. And they were overwhelmed by those anxieties. So, that person kept telling themselves, ‘Be strong.’ And you know what happened? They became really strong and no longer tormented by anxieties. They became an amazing person, possessing both kindness and strength.”
The woman looked at me with a bewildered expression.
“You’re kind. But you have a weakness of succumbing to anxieties. It’s proof that if you keep using strong words, you can become strong. Well, what I say isn’t absolute. It’s fine if you can’t accept what I say. You should follow the path you believe in. Well, I hope it serves as a reference.”
I turned to Vivar.
“Chief. Her becoming withdrawn is not your fault. It’s simply that she didn’t get along with the earth spirit. Perhaps there’s another spirit that suits her better? Why not try to control that spirit? If she can control a fire spirit as well, Lisal can indeed control fire spirits.”
“Well, there’s…,” Vivar hesitated.
“Master…” Mei interjected, looking apologetic.
“Could you allow me to have a conversation with that earth spirit?”
“What’s the matter, Mei?”
“Well, I have a suggestion… I thought maybe we could get the cooperation of the earth spirit.”
“Hey, Lisal. Can you let my wife talk to the earth spirit?” I asked.
“It’s probably impossible,” she replied.
“Why is that?”
“The earth spirit hates me. It said it would never appear before you again.”
Hmm, seems like there’s no way… or is there?
As I pondered, the Sirius whispered among themselves behind me. Regrettably, I hadn’t noticed until now.
“…To be able to talk to Lisal, who hasn’t spoken to anyone for nearly half a year, so easily…”
“Yes, he’s quite an outstanding person.”
“Then, I suppose he passes.”
“Should we speed up that plan?”
“Yes, I think it might be better to hurry with it.”
Several Sirius had smirks on their faces…