Chapter 55: Reflection (1/2)
Chapter 55: Reflection
As one would expect, Tomoe had planned to invite the forest ogre race to Asora.
But I couldn’t agree to it.
Right now, that guy is the only one who has that power, but after accepting them in Asora and getting involved with Tomoe and mini Tomoe, I feel like they will awaken one after the other.
If you call me a scaredy-cat, then yeah, that’s exactly what I am. There is no other reason behind.
The forest ogres were the same as the previous ones, they all agreed. They seemed to have no issues with coming to our Asora (or more like they are taking it as the holy grounds of Tomoe). There was no disadvantages for either side, so it was the logical conclusion. Even if they consider me a suspicious masked brat, Tomoe is a superior dragon they owe. And that dragon is telling them to come.
Don’t joke around.
I am scared of that so called Tree Punishment. Honestly scared.
The cursed disease that I saw at Rembrandt-san’s place was as well. At that time I felt fear. But even so, I had a lot of other emotions like anger mixed in, so I wasn’t as broken as I am now.
In this Tree Punishment, the only thing it left me was fear. Maybe it was because I couldn’t cure it, or it might be because I didn’t hold any other feelings since I didn’t know them, a part of it might be because I saw how it was truly used.
I didn’t think it was unforgiveable. It’s just that it gave a bad feeling like freezing down my spine. Like being poured cold water on my back. A feeling I couldn’t explain properly affected my body.
The moment I came here, I was seriously thinking about such ‘stupid things’ like accepting my desires. Now that kind of mood was completely blown away. Coming out directly from my throat. Well, I might be troubled again by it once we return though.
I couldn’t completely accept the forest ogres and say: “Now, go ahead”.
That’s why I talked about the area they were managing and the barrier Tomoe made and led the conversation to a different direction. There was no need for any special conversation skill. Because we were the ones that held the priority.
The right to decide was fundamentally on our side. *The cranes cry* perfectly describes this situation.
Tomoe was eager to invite them as residents because she saw favorably their quick-wittedness and combat power, as well as their appearance that was close to hyumans, but I was somehow able to persuade her. It seems that my opposition was actually unexpected.
Mio as well, even when she personally didn’t like them, she had a favorable view of the forest ogres’ plentiful knowledge in plants, and was in favor of the migration. It seems to be different to the ability of plant communication. Looks like Mio was also a bit surprised by my dry way of dealing.
Of course, it’s not like I want to deny everything. If we continue like this, the fight between Tsige and these people will definitely occur. There’s no doubt a large number of casualties will appear.
I clearly knew that my opposition was because of my fear, that’s why I wanted to reach a compromise and obtain an acceptable conclusion.
First of all, we will have Tomoe create a brand new barrier. This was definite. I didn’t want to leave them in this dangerous state after all.
I will also enclose the area where the Ambrosia is growing wild. No matter what happens from here on, as long as people are not let in, the dreams of becoming rich quickly in the wasteland will just increase by one. Of course, that pipe dream doesn’t affect us.
Next topic, it seems that the forest ogres don’t want to lose their relationship with us. I also like their way of associating with the forest that is close to forestry. The thing I don’t like is that Tree Punishment. But that seems to be a power that stems from their ancestors, and it’s a pride of them. How complicated.
Just like how Tomoe emphasized, the forest ogres have high combat ability and their appearance is pretty close to that of hyumans, so I think they could prove useful in the management of the company. Even if I am trying to find a cure for the Tree Punishment, it is better for us to have a good relationship with them.
Just like how Mio agreed, if they were to move to Asora, I think they would surely bring great benefits to the residents. Because the Asora of now doesn’t have a forest expert.
It’s like there isn’t a choice of not accepting them.
That’s why I…
……
…
“… I see, so that’s how it is”
After the first stage of the meeting was over, we bid farewell to the forest ogres for now and return to Asora.
In the end, the forest ogres will be doing commerce with us separately in the form of cooperation with Asora and the company, without migrating the whole village.
With this, they are now able to safely sell and buy. Moreover, their jobs will increase. More concretely speaking, we will be teaching them how to look after the business first before giving them work regarding negotiations. There is also… information gathering.
Yes, they are through and through shinobis.
Well, I actually don’t want to think about the benefits and just create a distance from them though. That’s why I found annoying how persistent Tomoe was.
To my surprise, Tomoe-san was seeing them as an *Iga or Koga* group. She was making strangely sound arguments like the benefits for the company or their living basis becoming more stable, so I look like an idiot for seriously trying to accept them.
Even though we were in the middle of a meeting, I should have been able to confirm our wills anytime with thought transmission.
I am seriously surprised by my lack of flexibility.
The talk was able to proceed and end in a calm manner.
After that, we were able to move to Asora without hiding it, and decided to do the guiding and touring for the forest ogres. Afterwards we had the recruitment of people that wanted to migrate, by the way, this has a number limit. If all the people wanted to migrate and ended up moving the whole village, it would be like invalidating everything I have said. I was able to impede that from happening.
I feel like Tomoe was aiming for that, but once I know her line of thinking, it is easy-peasy.
“Tomoe, the shoguns put their best shinobis in a place close to them” (Makoto)
With one sentence I was able to K.O her.
While they were touring Asora, the other residents were explaining Asora’s region details. Tomoe-mini played a big role. Ema-san also did a nice assist. A number of the forest ogres were able to speak in common language, so the language issue seems to somehow be able to resolve itself.
… At this rate, the common language will end up being the main language here. I have to learn that groaning soon. Isn’t there something I can do? I don’t want to lower my head to that bug so, isn’t there a way to negotiate and get the blessing?
If Japanese were possible, it would be incredibly easy for me, but if I think about the data warehouse and the important information, it is better for only a part of the people to understand. No choice.
I will have to use my pseudo-writing communication at Academy Town, and I will always need one of my followers accompanying me. I won’t be able to have peace of mind. I want to have time alone where I can mingle with people of my own age after all.
More like, just thinking about having Mio and Tomoe beside me all the time, I feel like at some point I will end up like a ventriloquism doll. 4-digit level and a level 1. There is no need to think about who will be looked as the extra.
“But Waka, the unique skill of status abnormality is something that Waka shouldn’t have to worry about. Why are you so scared of it? I don’t understand” (Tomoe)
It’s Tomoe. The previous ‘I see’ case was also her.
In this place, there is right now only 4 people. At my house in Asora. In my own room. Well, it seems to still be temporary though. This is sufficiently big you know? It’s fine if you don’t make a new one you know?
I was explaining the reason of my behavior at the meeting once more.
I, Tomoe, Mio, and the other person who was in the middle of resting.
“Even I don’t understand. The moment they explained me that everything in that forest was actually hyumans and demi-humans, I had a strange chill” (Makoto)
“Fumu…” (Tomoe)
“I am really sorry, I didn’t notice at all” (Mio)
I really don’t know why. I was probably psychologically displeased by a factor in that practice. Tomoe was nodding while having a thoughtful face, and Mio was apologizing by the fact that she didn’t notice my mood. It wasn’t like Mio was at fault anyways.
“Sorry” (Makoto)
“Waka, there is nothing to apologize for” (Tomoe)
“That’s right-desu!” (Mio)
“Then, let’s put on hold the plan of awakening the power of the forest ogres. Regarding that man, let’s order him to cooperate and restrain himself” (Tomoe)
I don’t know if we will be able to hold him down with simple words, but it seems that Tomoe has some sort of plan. Let’s leave it to her. No matter how hard I try, I can’t handle that ability.
Ah, at any rate, it may be because the matters have been put in order, or because I told everything, I feel a lot better.
For now… Let’s return to Tsige.
I-I feel like I am forgetting something…