The Nyuniudaphne were a race that usually looked like trees or stumps, but they could take human form when they wished.
While their official home was technically Village One, they lived scattered across the Village of the Great Tree, Village Two, Village Three, and Village Four. This was done in the hope of utilizing the emotional telepathy unique to their race. The goal was for them to deliver word to every village the moment trouble arose; effectively, they served as our alarm system.
Well, that alarm hadn't actually been put to use yet. That simply meant everything was peaceful and trouble-free, not that the Nyuniudaphne were failing at their jobs. Besides, it would be a problem if the alarm were constantly going off.
There was another reason they were spread out: their role as "Village Lights." When in their tree or stump forms, they could make their branches, leaves, and fruit glow. This was incredibly useful. Few residents walked around at night, but the presence of light provided a sense of security.
Now, while these Nyuniudaphne could eat when in human form, they generally didn't need to. Sunlight, soil, and water were usually enough for them. Because of that, they were mostly concerned with finding sunny spots, rich soil, and water at the right temperature.
However, there was one thing they loved to eat in human form: mushrooms. They devoured them with surprising enthusiasm. I wondered if it was a racial preference.
"Mushrooms are our enemy." "They are the foes that steal the nutrients—the power—from the soil." "By eating that enemy, we are reclaiming that power for ourselves."
That was what they told me during the Summer Harvest after-party, their mouths full of grilled mushrooms.
Right. Well... sure, why not.
Mushrooms could be mass-produced with the Universal Farming Tool, so it didn't matter how many the Nyuniudaphne ate.
"Oh, this one is tingly and delicious!" "This one has a deep, savory flavor." "Hyaaah! It's spicy! Spicy but so good!"
Hey, wait, those are the poisonous mushrooms for Lu's research!
It was impressive that they were immune to the toxins, but it would be a disaster if anyone else ate them by mistake. If you must eat those, do it where people won't see you. Also, use a dedicated grill for the poisonous ones; we can't have the toxins transferring to other food.
"Understood! We'll be careful!"
At least they were responsive. I decided to bring them some more mushrooms—edible ones, naturally.
The inspection of the Multi-purpose Humanoid Mobile Heavy Equipment—the Artie Horses—and their related gear was finally finished. It had all belonged to Lana-san's husband, and it was now being moved to the Village of the Great Tree.
Yor was absolutely ecstatic. Crim shared in the joy, keeping Yor company. However, once I saw the actual number of machines and the volume of equipment, I found myself in a bind.
There was just too much.
For starters, there were forty Artie Horses. The associated gear filled ten Large Storehouses, each of which could hold four machines. No wonder the inspection had taken so long.
Yor started to dance. Not metaphorically—she was actually dancing. It was a freestyle performance, something like contemporary dance, maybe? Crim was dancing along, though she seemed a bit embarrassed. Her face was bright red. You really don't have to push yourself, kid.
I considered where to put them. If we accepted everything here, the Village of the Great Tree would turn into an Artie Horse maintenance facility. Given our needs, the four units already in the village were plenty. We didn't need forty more.
Should I turn to Village Five? They could probably use them there.
...Or could they?
One or two units might be manageable, but forty? That was asking too much. They would have been a godsend during the early days of Village Five's construction, but the village had already grown into a full-fledged city. While it was still expanding, there weren't many large-scale engineering projects left that required that much heavy machinery. I had already finished the roadwork, which would have been the primary use.
Even if we trained pilots, they would likely just sit in storage for the foreseeable future. Maybe Yuri would pull them out for battles at the Stadium? Even so, she wouldn't need forty.
Hmm. I wanted these tools to be used as tools. Where was a place that actually needed Artie Horses? A developing city? A fortress under construction?
Wait... the city Urza was using as her base! They could definitely use them there. We would need to train pilots, but that was a hurdle we'd face anywhere. It felt a little strange to take items gifted by Lana-san and send them right back to where she lived, but it was better for them to be where they were needed.
I'll talk to Urza once she's back.
With that, the plan to bring the Artie Horses into the Village of the Great Tree was scrapped, along with the associated equipment. When I broke the news, Yor collapsed in despair. Crim was there to comfort her. It was heartening to see them so close.
Look, Yor, we're still having the pilot suit that fits you brought to the village. You can still ride the four machines we have here. I can even ask Zabuton to make some adjustments to the suit. I had delayed the trip to collect the pilot suits anyway because of this delivery from Lana-san. I could do at least that much.
She wanted a new machine? Well, even if you ask...
Fine, fine. Just one. A personal custom unit? I can't do that. These are village assets. However, I'll give you permission to paint one machine in custom colors.
I had a feeling Bell would tell me I was being too soft. She did.
Urza still hadn't returned. I wondered if something was wrong. The Angels who went with her hadn't come back either. Usually, if there was trouble, at least one of them would fly back to report. But there was nothing.
Hmm. I felt torn between my anxiety and my desire to believe in Urza.
Beside me, Hakuren had already shifted into her dragon form to go find her, and Zabuton was seeing her off, telling her she was counting on her.
Wait, wait, wait!
"Are you coming too, Village Head?"
No, that's not what I meant.
"It's no use stopping me."
I knew that. But I was worried about letting Hakuren go alone. I didn't think she would launch an unprovoked attack on Urza's city, but... they might attack her first. And while it would be fine if Urza was there, it would be a nightmare if she wasn't. If Urza was missing and Hakuren got angry, I didn't think Asa or Earth would be able to stop her.
"So?"
"We need to send some negotiators."
Consequently, the Angels Granmaria, Kudel, and Corone were selected. Kudel was carrying about five horned spears.
"Is this not allowed?"
"No, I'm just wondering if that's enough. Something might be preventing Urza from leaving, after all."
"I'll load as many as I can onto Lady Hakuren!"
Right. Go ahead, take as many as you need.
Zabuton suggested that if that was the case, we should send a few of her children along as well. Good point. If Urza was being held captive, we would need to infiltrate and rescue her. A few of the children who were good at stealth...
Just as the plans were finalized, an Angel arrived with news of Urza's safety.
Thank goodness. What a relief.
And... I suppose I wasn't being very calm either.
Hakuren, the mission is off. Zabuton's children, thank you for gathering, but the departure is canceled. Sorry, everyone is dismissed. Granmaria, Kudel, Corone, you too.
Hmm? You want to do a drop drill with the horned spears? Fine. I got your hopes up, so you can throw a few extra. Just do it far away from the village. The sound of those spears exploding is massive.
Nyuniudaphne: "Shiitake, nameko, oyster mushrooms... the ones that grow on trees are our greatest enemies." Village Head: "So you mean they're your favorites." Dragon Village: "We're bringing the delivery over!" Village of the Great Tree: "How much?" Dragon Village: "This much!" (Forty machines + extras) Village of the Great Tree: "...We have nowhere to put all this!" Raimeiren: "..." (Has experience with her daughter running away.) Hakuren: "..." (Has experience running away.) Dose: "..." (Believes Hakuren only remembers to act like a dutiful daughter when the mood strikes her.) Hiichiro: "Grandma and Mom really get along well, don't they?"