Yoko brought a guest with her, a rare occurrence.
The woman introduced herself as Niz and offered a polite greeting. She struck me as an incredibly humble person.
Apparently, she wanted to perform a Dedicatory Dance before the World Tree. While it was a religious ritual, she pleaded so earnestly about simply wanting to celebrate the tree’s growth that I gave her my permission. Yoko even went so far as to personally guarantee her behavior.
I wondered if they were friends. No? Just acquaintances? I see.
"Indeed. To call us friends would be far too high an honor for the likes of me."
Far too high an honor, she said... She was certainly a silver-haired beauty, but to my eyes, she looked like nothing more than an ordinary village girl bundled up for the cold.
"It’s Mimicry," Yoko explained. "To put it simply, she’s an existence similar to the Fairy Queen."
I see.
"I’m loath to admit it, but she’s an excellent Speaker of God. Albeit one specialized in the Snake God. I have nothing but respect for the way she endured such grueling training to be recognized by her deity."
It was rare to hear Yoko be so complimentary.
"I find combat more enjoyable, so that’s where I focused my efforts. When it comes to religious matters, I don't hold a candle to her. Though, in a fight, she wouldn't hold a candle to me, either."
Yoko called out to anyone who had a moment to spare, suggesting it would be an educational experience, and urged them to observe the dance. I decided to watch as well.
The performance took place in front of the World Tree, which meant we were outside. It was freezing. I couldn't help but feel she didn't need to pick such a frigid time of year, but... I wondered if the tree had only grown because I’d used the Universal Farming Tool to prep the soil and plant it.
Normally, they likely grew during the spring or summer. If my meddling had caused this out-of-season growth, then I was the one responsible for her having to dance in the cold. I felt a bit guilty.
Niz changed into an outfit resembling a shrine maiden's—likely her ceremonial attire—and her performance was truly magnificent. Every movement, no matter how small, carried an air of dignity. The atmosphere felt sacred, much like the presence Progenitor-san exuded when he actually took things seriously.
However, I couldn't help but wonder why she kept her eyes cast down. With a dance that beautiful, I felt she could have stood to look up a bit more.
Ah, wait. One of the cats approached Niz mid-dance and gave her a start. I felt bad for her.
Still, it was a wonderful performance. According to Yoko, it was customary to offer a monetary gift in exchange for such a ritual. I felt a bit odd about paying someone who had practically forced the performance on us, but her dancing was certainly worth the expense. The World Tree seemed pleased as well.
Yoko had already prepared a bag of coins, but I added some of my own for good measure.
"Please, take this."
"No, no, please don't be so modest."
Honestly, Yoko. Don't say such blunt things about her life being a struggle.
"We’ll arrange a room at the inn, so please, stay the night. Dinner is also—"
Oh? You're leaving already? Don't be like that...
That’s a shame. In that case, please take some souvenirs. Don't be modest.
Insisting that a long stay in the dead of winter would only be a bother to us, she made her departure early.
Hmm. She was a truly admirable woman. I could finally see why Yoko had spoken of her with such deference. I did have my doubts about her wearing such heavy clothing, though I suppose it was because of the cold.
Now then. Since I was already out in the cold, I decided to head over to the Great Tree to offer a prayer.
Ah, everyone else doesn't have to join me. It's cold.
I understand. Let's all pray together.
If Niz had stayed longer, I would have liked to ask her to perform her dance before the Great Tree as well. I felt it wasn't right for only the World Tree to receive such a dedication. To me, the Great Tree held far more significance.
...
I wondered if I should dance instead of just praying? No, after seeing that magnificent performance, it would take a lot of courage to try and imitate it. Besides, I didn't want to wake Zabuton or her children while they were sleeping up in the branches. It’s the thought that counts for things like this.
I offered a greeting at the Shrine as well and then withdrew. I’d have the maids prepare a warm drink for us back at the mansion.
A few days later.
"Niz has decided to take up residence in Village Five," Yoko informed me.
"Is that so?"
"Personally, I'd prefer she keep pushing forward without getting mired in secular affairs. She will eventually reach godhood, after all."
"I'd like to support her in that. The village will cover her living expenses."
"I have already made arrangements with that in mind. During her stay, she will apparently work at the church. Seles will likely have a report for you soon."
"I understand. If anything happens, I'm counting on you."
"Umu."
It would be safe to leave it to Yoko. I suppose I'm just an ordinary man at heart, given how easily I'm intimidated by such divine presences.
Hm? What's wrong, cat? Do you want me to play with you? I'll give your belly a rub.
Do you want one too, Yoko? Hahaha. What do you mean, "too much of an honor"?
Back at the mansion, Galf and Daga were sparring. Naturally, they were using wooden swords. It was just a mock battle, but Daga was winning roughly five matches for every one of Galf's.
Watching the scene, Urza spoke up.
"Uncle Galf's sword is easy to read. Uncle Daga's is hard to read."
Galf pondered over what that meant, but I simply asked Urza for clarification.
"The timing of his strikes is just really obvious."
Is that true? I watched their practice with that in mind.
...
............
........................
I didn't understand it at all. Galf's attacks were incredibly fluid, varying in both speed and rhythm, but I couldn't see any patterns. I was completely lost.
However, I could tell that what Urza said wasn't a lie by watching Daga's movements. It seemed Daga knew exactly when Galf was going to strike. He intercepted Galf's moves several times as if he were looking into the future.
Hmm. Perhaps it was a world that an amateur couldn't understand. But if that was the case, what did that make Urza, who could understand it?
Was she some kind of sword-fighting prodigy? I wondered if I should encourage her to pursue the blade seriously. I watched her for a bit as she happily swung her own wooden sword around. If she wanted to do it, that would be fine, but for now, it was just self-defense training.
While I was watching Urza, Galf let out a shout.
"Uoooooh!"
Galf finally managed to land a clean hit on Daga. From that point on, he started racking up consecutive victories.
During their break, Daga questioned him.
"It seems you've noticed."
"Yeah. I figured it out. That's cheating, you know. You could have just told me."
"It won't be fixed unless you notice it yourself."
"Well, that might be true, but..."
"In any case, do not be conceited. It simply means I have lost one of my advantages."
"I know."
"Umu. Keep at your devotion."
Since I didn't understand the meaning of their conversation, I asked Urza.
"Uncle Galf’s tail twitches upward right before he attacks. You can’t really see it from the front, but if you watch the fur near his flank, his timing is a dead giveaway."
...
She really might be a genius.
Ah, Urza. Don't look at me. I’m no good at this. Go ask Galf or Daga to be your opponent.
"I can't," Daga said. "Galf, I'll leave her to you."
"Do you have an errand?"
"I’m going to go tell Ria-san and Ann-san that his little habit has been officially discovered."
"...Eh? Were there people other than Daga who knew?" Galf asked, looking stunned.
"Most of the village already knows about it," Daga replied. "No one’s been talking about it behind your back; everyone just noticed it on their own."
"...Th-that’s unbearable."
Even as he said that, Galf looked like he was having fun.
Galf and Urza squared off next... but Galf won simply due to his superior reach.
"Th-that was close."
"Papa, I want a longer sword."
Hahaha.