Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 136

I hadn’t realized there was a town called Ou Renten Street within Amagi Castle.

Only former kings, queens, and consorts live there, but the butlers who manage the mansions work and live on-site. What’s more, it seems that couples are allowed to stay. Apparently, managing a mansion in Ou Renten Street is considered the highest honor for a butler.

“This is Grandma Sayuri’s mansion.”

Mana and Yuri led me to a mansion that was a bit smaller than the others. Honestly, didn’t it look like a samurai residence? I have a feeling it’s just the exterior, but it still felt like a long time since I had seen one.

“It has a different atmosphere than a noble’s mansion.”
“I hear it’s like the mansions in guests’ worlds. If it were up to her, she would have wanted to spread this style of mansion and house, but she says it doesn’t fit the town’s atmosphere, so she’s only kept it for her own mansion.”

Yuri added to Meena’s observation, and I could understand Sayuri’s feelings. The cityscape of Amister’s Royal Capital Float has a medieval European feel. If Japanese architecture from the past and present were built there, it would only create a sense of disharmony. Especially in the Royal Capital, the townscape can become the face of the country. Personally, I think Japanese-style architecture and trees go very well together.

“Well, let’s go in.”

Ou Renten Street is off-limits to anyone but authorized personnel, so there are no guards. Therefore, visitors are supposed to announce their arrival by striking a door knocker-like magical tool. It’s said that the sound of the knocker can be heard anywhere in the mansion.

“Prince Manalease, Princess Yuriana, welcome.”
“Yes. Is Grandma Sayuri here?”
“Yes. She is awaiting Lord Yamato of Wing Crest.”

Even though we arrived in such a large group, he was indeed a high-ranking, seasoned butler. Without changing his expression, he guided us inside.

“Please wait here. I will prepare some refreshments now.”

We were led to the reception room and as we sat down, the butler left. When I came here, I noticed that the interior design seemed to be a blend of Japanese and Western styles. The floor was paved with cobblestones, assuming people would walk with their shoes on, but it was still clear that a lot of wood was used in its construction. This reception room had large, open windows, offering a magnificent view.

“What an incredible view…”
“It’s beautiful…”

The Undine sisters, Flam and Rebecca, were captivated by the stunning ocean view. Seeing cherry blossoms and the sea simultaneously, I could understand their feelings perfectly. Moreover, since the World Tree never withers, one can enjoy this view at any time. Honestly, I envy them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. It’s good you could come.”

While we were admiring the view, Sayuri-sama arrived. Huh? You’re dressed quite casually, aren’t you? I know it’s still summer, but this is an outfit I wouldn’t expect from a former queen. A tank top and shorts? Are you about to go for a marathon?

“Grandma! What immodest attire is this!”
“That’s right! You are a former queen, after all. Please dress appropriately!”

Her two great-grandchildren shrieked. I was in my Arc Order’s Coat, Ed and Raus were in their Crest Armors, and all the ladies were in their dresses, so we were all in formal wear, a stark contrast to someone who looked ready for a marathon. In Japan, one would change into appropriate attire when receiving guests.

“Ah, I’m sorry. It’s been years since I’ve had guests other than family here, so I got careless.”

Sayuri-sama immediately used her Ee-quipping to don a dress. A Japanese-style dress, perhaps? Her legs were covered by a proper skirt, but she had a sash around her waist, and there were kimono-like sleeves. The design also looked like a kimono, and the collar and front had a distinctly kimono-like appearance.

“It’s a lovely dress.”
“Is it Torencia-style? But it feels different…”
“The reference was traditional clothing from my homeland.”

Lydia admired Sayuri-sama’s dress, while Ludia tilted her head, thinking it looked Japanese again. Speaking of Torencia, could it possibly be a Japanese-style country?

“Torencia might be Japanese-style, but its cityscape is similar to Amister’s. However, clothing based on kimonos is common, so it might feel strange at first.”

So, Torencia is a country where people in Japanese attire walk around a medieval European-style city. That’s certainly a jarring combination.

“Yamato, you probably noticed, but the common clothing in Torencia and the priests’ robes in the Priests’ Guild were designed by Kazushi and Shinichi, respectively.”
“I suspected as much. I’ve never been to Torencia, but I’ve had dealings with the Priests’ Guild for weddings and ceremonies, so I had a feeling.”

Especially the clothes worn by female priests looked exactly like shrine maiden outfits. As someone from a shrine family, they only resembled them in shape, and there were quite a few colors for the hakama.

“Ceremonies, Ee-quipping, and that Stellaring. How were you able to perform such magic? Even with game knowledge, neither I nor other guests could do it.”

So, some people did try it. However, I believe the difference in what was brought to the Helios Orb is significant.

“I was able to bring this Engraving Tool, so I referred to the games that had it.”
“That’s a smartphone, right? It’s nostalgic, but how is it working? The battery should have died long ago, shouldn’t it?”

Ah, it was normal for me, but smartphones from that era? They couldn’t be charged easily with inscriptions, so they wouldn’t work on the Helios Orb.

“I’ll explain. But first, Sayuri-sama, what year did you come to the Helios Orb according to the calendar there?”
“Let me see. I think it was during the Third World War, when they were talking about nuclear weapons on the news. It was March 2046.”

Just before the end of the war. And around that time, it was also when Engravers are said to have defended against nuclear missiles. At the time, it was treated as an urban legend, so it’s understandable that Sayuri-sama wouldn’t know about it.

I then proceeded to explain the history since then to Sayuri-sama. Prim and the others would also hear it, but it was also a good opportunity for them to learn about my world.

“I see, so that’s how things are now.”
“I didn’t understand most of it, but I know it’s amazing.”
“And Engraving Magic, I never imagined that Earth would have something similar to magic.”

So, Sayuri-sama didn’t know about Engraving Magic. Kazushi-san, Shinichi-san, and the other guests also seemed unaware, so it’s reasonable to assume that past guests were from around the time of the Third World War.

“And that’s an Engraving Tool, a further evolution of smartphones? Being able to charge it with your own magic, I envy you. My smartphone stopped working long ago due to a dead battery.”
“It’s not completely depleted, but I can’t use Engraving Magic without it. Running out of battery during a fight would be no laughing matter.”

In reality, Engraving Magical Tools can be used if they are created, but they are limited to the creator. Engravers apparently have other methods, but unfortunately, I don’t know about them. I should have asked properly.

“So Engravers really exist. I think I saw rumors about them online, but I thought it was just setting for light novels or anime.”
“It was an era where they had to emerge onto the world stage. But that revealed the existence of Engravers worldwide, and it caused another upheaval.”
“I suppose so. But from what I’ve heard, they seem to have gained citizenship and aren’t being persecuted, so they seem to have been well-accepted.”

That’s thanks to the Engravers of that time working hard. After all, they could even defend against nuclear missiles, so it’s no wonder countries were wary. There’s a rumor that it was the work of someone who could create Engraving Divine Artifacts, which are distinct from Engraving Magical Tools, but since it hasn’t been officially revealed, we don’t really know.

And the existence of Engraving Tools is also significant. Not only Engravers, but ordinary people too can use Engraving Magic if they have Engraving Tools, so the voices about Engravers have gradually diminished, and you rarely hear them now. Well, I do occasionally hear those who foolishly claim that Engravers should guide the world, and I’ve had to deal with them before.

“And Yamato’s father is one of the Seven Master Engravers, the highest-ranking Engravers in the world, and is called the Paladin King.”

My mother is called the Valkyrie Queen. When they were about my age, they were called Prince and Princess, and even then, they were so monstrous that people said I couldn’t beat them even now. But now… no, it’s impossible. I don’t have the slightest bit of confidence that I can beat those monsters.

“Why can’t Yamato win? He’s evolved into an Ancient Human now, even if he couldn’t back when he first came to Helios Orb?”
“I think so too. And since he can defeat Demise Species alone, even if the Seven Master Engravers are the strongest Engravers in Yamato’s world, I don’t think it’s impossible for him to win.”

Mana and Prim say so, but there’s a reason why I can confidently say I can’t win, even if I become an O-rank Hunter.

“My parents are called Divine Artifact Generators. In my world, there are Engraving Magical Tools called Engraving Divine Artifacts, and both my father and mother can create them. If they use them, they could easily blow away this Royal Capital, and perhaps defeat a Demise Species in one hit.”

The eight confirmed are the Divine Spear Gae Bolg, the Demonic Sword Laevateinn, the Sacred Sword Excalibur, the Sacred Chalice Calix, the Divine Bow Gandiva, the Sacred Sword Caladbolg, the Divine Bow Failnaught, and the Divine Spear Brunhild. In the past, there were also the Demonic Sword Dainsleif and the Demonic Sword Azoth. The Mythical-class Engraving Magic that can use them could, without exaggeration, blow away the Royal Capital in an instant and defeat a Demise Species in one hit.

“That’s… incredible. But there are eight Divine Artifacts, yet there are only seven Seven Master Engravers, as the name suggests?”
“That also becomes a troublesome issue.”

The creators of Gae Bolg, Laevateinn, and Excalibur are not a problem, but Calix is created through a legendary Engraving Magic called Dual Heart Fusion Technique with Excalibur, and Gandiva is also created through Dual Heart Fusion Technique. However, Caladbolg was created by my father, Failnaught by my mother, and Brunhild is said to be the Dual Heart Fusion Technique of Caladbolg and Failnaught. So, frankly, it’s nonsensical.

“That is indeed a troublesome matter. So, out of the Seven Master Engravers, only five can create Engraving Divine Artifacts.”
“That’s right. Two Seven Master Engravers are never chosen from the same country.”

Moreover, the creator of Excalibur is Australian, but the person who created Calix through Dual Heart Fusion Technique with Excalibur and their own Engraving Magical Tool is Japanese. Although they are married and have moved to Australia, their daughter is my older brother’s girlfriend and fiancée, so I know them well.

“In a way, it’s an incredible story. If those people came to the Helios Orb and harbored ambitions, any country could be destroyed in an instant!”
“You don’t have to worry about that. For one thing, the Seven Master Engravers dislike such troublesome matters. My parents often grumbled about wanting to retire soon.”

I answer Prim’s concern, but the Seven Master Engravers are the pinnacle of Engravers and world mediators, so retiring easily is impossible. Especially for Divine Artifact Generators, even if a country tries to keep their existence secret, their presence inevitably leads to rumors and their existence is eventually pinpointed, making concealment almost impossible.

“So, you were trained by your father and mother, which is why you had already evolved into a High Human when you arrived at Helios Orb.”
“Probably.”

By the time I arrived at Helios Orb, I was a level 55 High Human.

“That’s likely. I practiced Aikido and Karate, but even then, I was only level 40 when I arrived at Helios Orb. I imagine many people from Yamato’s era, with Engraving Magic, could evolve into High Class immediately after transferring.”

I agree with that. Especially my family and masters – there’s a low chance they might even evolve into Ancient Humans. At least my parents and a few others are guaranteed. After all, one of them is said to be Surpassing my father in swordsmanship alone and has even defeated my father, who created Caladbolg. They say they didn’t use Mythical-class Engraving Magic, but even so, that’s excessively incredible. Me? There’s no way I can fight those monsters.

“But if my prediction is correct, guests may not be coming to the Helios Orb in the future.”
“Based on what you’ve said, that might be the case. I don’t know why a snake monster was on Earth, but I was swallowed and then ended up in Helios Orb, so it doesn’t make sense.”

Like Sayuri-sama, I also ended up in the Helios Orb as a result of being swallowed by a snake monster. Sayuri-sama was almost caught off guard, but I managed to inflict a fatal blow, so there’s a high probability that the snake monster died. Of course, I have only myself to blame for letting my guard down at the very end and getting swallowed.

“Speaking of snakes, the Sky Serpent I defeated the other day comes to mind first. Did a monster like that exist in Yamato’s world?”
Rudia’s question was understandable, and I also thought of that snake when I saw the Sky Serpent.

“No, there isn’t. There are large snakes, but they aren’t as massive as the Sky Serpent.”
“They are more like yokai or divine beasts, related to myths and legends. Since the guests are all Japanese, I think we can focus on Japanese mythology alone.”

Even so, there are many. And when it comes to snake-like monsters, the only one that comes to mind is Yamata no Orochi. If we consider myths from around the world, they can even appear from creation stories, so the number increases rapidly.

“I only know of Yamata no Orochi, too. Then there’s Hydra and Naga, but those are from foreign myths.”

To that extent, Yamata no Orochi is famous enough that anyone Japanese would know it, and Hydra and Naga have similar appearances, so it’s less likely that people wouldn’t know about them.

“Whoa, wait a minute! Does the guests’ world have monsters with that many heads?!”
“I’ve never heard of such a thing!”

Rudia and Meena were surprised, and it’s understandable. After all, in Helios Orb, there are no monsters with multiple heads, not even among the Demise Species.

“They don’t exist on Earth either. It’s just that there are legends and myths about them.”
“Yes. I believe the motif for Yamata no Orochi was inspired by the flooding of river tributaries causing water damage, wasn’t it?”

Therefore, Yamata no Orochi was also a water deity.

“The river tributaries are the heads, and the main stream is the body, isn’t that right? It makes sense when you put it that way.”
“You’re quite knowledgeable. I guess that’s to be expected from the son of a shrine family?”
“It doesn’t have anything to do with my family.”

My family’s main deity is Amaterasu Omikami.

After that, the conversation shifted to the alloy I proposed and the dishes Sayuri-sama had popularized. It seems that other guests had proposed similar ideas for alloys, but fortunately or unfortunately, they were able to obtain Divine Metal and the idea was forgotten. Sayuri-sama also received Divine Metal from those guests when she evolved into a High Class, and she apparently uses Fighting Tools made from it. While I have a desire to craft things from Divine Metal, it’s not as strong as my ability to create Lapis Laz. Sayuri-sama seemed interested, so I gave her a few ingots of Lapis Laz that Ed had, though.

“After this, if we could make ramen, it would be perfect.”

Among the dishes Sayuri-sama popularized are udon and soba. Pasta already existed, and soba seeds are cultivated in Torencia, so I daresay there’s a good variety of noodle dishes. However, no matter how much they tried, they couldn’t make ramen. I’m not very knowledgeable either, but isn’t it made with wheat flour, just like pasta?

“Yes, but we couldn’t find kansui, so we had to give up.”
“Ah, I think I’ve heard something about that.”

My Engraving Tool doesn’t have a cookbook, so I have no idea if there were any substitutes.

“Sayuri-sama, does wanting to recreate that ramen mean it’s incredibly delicious?”
Marina asked with a curious look. It’s certainly delicious, but taste is subjective.

“It’s undeniably delicious, but it was simply something we ate normally in our world. So, I have a desire to eat it again after a long time.”

I agree. After all, ramen is my favorite food. Curry has been recreated, so I can eat it, but I could never find ramen no matter how much I searched. Since even Sayuri-sama couldn’t recreate it due to a lack of ingredients, it’s confirmed that it doesn’t exist in Helios Orb…

“Technically, we can make noodles that resemble it using baking soda, but it’s not quite the same.”
“Let me try it!”

I blurted it out reflexively, but if I can eat it, then that’s fine!

“Alright, but don’t get your hopes up too high?”
Sayuri-sama smiled wryly, but she keeps baking soda on hand because she sometimes craves it.

After a while, Sayuri-sama brought out servings for everyone. This smell, it’s undeniably ramen!

“Th-this soup is incredibly rich.”
“Well, it’s made by simmering Rock Boar bones for days.”

And it’s tonkotsu, wonderful!

“Then let me try it right away… Oh, it’s delicious!”

It’s more decent ramen than I expected! And it’s soy sauce-based! This is good enough to sell!

Miso and soy sauce were perfected by Yukari Minato Torencia, a guest who arrived in Helios Orb around the same time as Kazushi and Shinichi, over many decades. They have become popular seasonings in Helios Orb. As her name suggests, she married Kazushi and apparently evolved into a High Human as well. Sayuri-sama met her, but I heard she passed away a few months after their meeting. That Yukari-san, remarkably, even recreated bonito flakes, for which I am truly grateful.

“It really is delicious.”
“The soup also has a very deep flavor. So this is what Rock Boar bones taste like when simmered.”
“Sayuri-sama, this is incredibly delicious!”

Everyone praised it wholeheartedly, and I did too. I could cry with joy after eating it for the first time in so long. However, it’s not without its flaws.

“Yamato noticed. That’s right, it’s just pasta noodles boiled with baking soda, so we can only make straight noodles. The taste is fine, which makes it even more bothersome.”
“I understand. But this is delicious as it is, aren’t you going to sell it?”

I believe curly noodles are the standard for ramen, but this is perfectly acceptable as it is. Especially this tonkotsu soup is exquisite.

“Unfortunately, baking soda is quite expensive. It can only be collected from the salt lake in Retisencia. With border closures and severed diplomatic relations, obtaining it in the future is almost hopeless.”

I almost collapsed. I don’t know how baking soda is made, but it’s abundant in a salt lake called Mine Lake in Retisencia, making it a specialty of Retisencia. Mine Lake is close to Libertà, so traders affiliated with Libertà apparently go to purchase it. However, naturally, they take advantage of the fact that it can only be harvested at Mine Lake, and sometimes they are made to wait for days, only to be robbed of their money and expelled. It is said to be harvested from small lakes near the Imperial Capital as well, but these are ignored and left unattended.

“If we destroy Retisencia, we can go and get it whenever we want…”
“I understand how you feel, but calm down. Although it’s expensive, I don’t think it’s impossible to buy from traders in Libertà.”

Sayuri-sama stopped me with a wry smile.

Damn Retisencia, always getting in my way. Seriously, I want to destroy that country. It’s not solely for the sake of ramen, you know?