Chapter 416
With Liberta, the leader, temporarily absent, the question arises: who will take command?
"First, let's apply for permission to climb the mountain."
Among this group, it varies case by case, but the senior member, Claudia, often takes the lead.
"Please do. We are not familiar with Areiya, nor do we know the procedure for entering the Divine Mountain.""It's not that difficult."
There was little objection to this. After parting with Natal and the others, the group, led by Claudia, remained inside the Grand Temple and continued moving through the building.
"If we line up at that counter, we'll receive permission.""There's quite a line.""So many people want to climb?"
They emerged from an area restricted to personnel into an area accessible to the general public. There, they found not only visitors to the Grand Temple but also a reception area for those wishing to enter the Divine Mountain.It wasn't a makeshift reception; it was a proper setup with multiple windows.Since there was no concept of numbered tickets, people lined up orderly under the priests' direction.
However, the line was quite long.While there was a corresponding number of reception windows, the line was so extensive that they seemed understaffed to handle the crowd efficiently.It was no wonder Amina and Nell were surprised.
Looking at the line, they saw young lords and ladies dressed like nobles waiting their turn.
Although it was a peculiar sight—nobles waiting in line—this was the gods' own domain. Any misstep could invite divine punishment, so even nobles queued politely.
"Well then, let's line up.""Wouldn't it be better for a representative to line up? If we all line up, it might be inconvenient."
Claudia suggested having everyone except Liberta line up, but even with one missing, including guards, they were still a considerable group.Esmeralda questioned whether having everyone queue for the procedure might be an imposition, but Claudia explained:
"Although it's simplified, this is also an altar. To prevent those with malicious intent from entering the Divine Mountain, entry permits are not issued collectively. Anyone entering the mountain must individually undergo screening at the altar and obtain permission.""I see. So that's how it works."
Claudia's explanation satisfied Esmeralda's curiosity about the purpose of such a meticulous queuing process.
"While we're here, we should also arrange accommodation. The inns are likely fully booked, but we might secure a campsite near the hot spring area.""That hot spring rumored to beautify skin? By the way, Liberta mentioned bringing Shalia-san. What did he mean by that?"
As they moved to the end of the line, expecting a considerable wait, the group's conversation naturally turned to the hot spring that excited the female members.With Claudia's guarantee of its efficacy, their expectations were running high.
"Me?""Come to think of it, Liberta brought Shalia-san this time instead of Judeus-san.""Usually, it's whoever wants to come, right?""Right. We also have schedules, so being specifically requested like this is rare."
Shalia herself, the one requested to accompany them to the hot spring, tilted her head thoughtfully while resting her chin on her hand, deliberately showing off her well-manicured nails—a technique that drew the gazes of surrounding men.Genjirou, sighing behind them at the pathetic sight of men captivated by someone whose internal gender was male, was momentarily ignored.
"Didn't you ask why?""I did. He said there's something he wants me to investigate—to make contact with someone if they're around and extract information."
The surroundings weren't completely quiet, with people chatting idly.However, knowing that someone might be eavesdropping, Shalia chose her words carefully, slightly vague.Lowering her voice so only her companions could hear, she indicated that she had been given a secret mission.Ingrid subtly scanned their surroundings, vigilant for eavesdroppers, and Genjirou and the others responded in kind.
"Is it such important information?""Yes, apparently someone knows the location of materials needed to make that certain medicine.""That medicine?"
The medicine Shalia referred to was Elixir.The Elixir that Liberta claimed was so troublesome to make that preparing the necessary environment was a hassle.Information about one of its ingredients was supposedly held by someone among those frequenting this Divine Mountain.
This was news to Esmeralda and the others; their eyes widened.
"Why would Liberta withhold that information from us?"
It was information that should normally be shared. Esmeralda didn't think she wasn't trusted, but she wanted to know the reason for deliberately keeping it from them. Amina, Nell, Claudia, and Ingrid silently agreed with her sentiment, even if they didn't nod.
"Ahaha, maybe more like he couldn't bring himself to tell you? When I heard this info, I thought, 'So that's why it's me,' and it made sense.""As for me, what left an impression was how apologetically my lord made the request. Please understand that it was that difficult to say."
Sharia smiled wryly, indicating that such a reaction was understandable, yet apologizing that she still couldn't disclose it.Genjirou, also aware of the situation, similarly supported persuading the female members.
"So you both know. Is it something you cannot tell us?""It's not that we can't tell you, more like it's... awkward to say?""Indeed."
Esmeralda and the other party members sensed that the content was better left unasked.However, that didn't mean they weren't curious.Suppressing that nagging feeling and choosing not to ask required considerable restraint.Compounded by the fact that Liberta was undergoing a trial, they couldn't help but feel envious of Shalia for being trusted with a task.
"It's not that you guys are unreliable. This task just suits me, that's all. Don't worry about it and just relax this time♪"
Sensing their maidenly feelings, Shalia winked, advising them not to dwell on it.Her point—that it would be a waste not to enjoy the hot spring—was valid.
"You're right. Liberta also said we should take it easy. If we can't enjoy ourselves because we're worried about him, we'd be spurning his goodwill in preparing this break for us."
Claudia nodded at this and suggested switching gears to enjoy the hot spring leisurely.
"Indeed. We must see for ourselves the rumored beautifying effects. We have a duty to show Liberta!""Presenting our improved appearance is also part of our role."
Catching the mood, Esmeralda and Ingrid looked at Amina and Nell, further suggesting a change in mindset.
"You think so?""Yeah, Liberta went out of his way to give us this opportunity. As a merchant, I can't let it go to waste."
Judging that further stubbornness was inappropriate after all this, Nell and Amina also shifted their thinking, deciding not to press further.
"Lady Claudia, are there any other attractions at this hot spring?""Long ago, this mountain was a training ground for ascetics to hone their bodies. Even now, facilities for temple knights and priests to train exist all over the mountain, but some areas have been renovated as tourist facilities."
If you're going to enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself thoroughly.That was something Liberta had taught them, and putting it into practice was also his teaching.With that in mind, Nell decided the best course was to ask the person most familiar with the area—Claudia—and posed her question.Claudia gladly accepted and shared her knowledge.
"Only with a harmonious balance of mind, technique, and body can one properly serve the gods. To achieve this, not only harsh training environments but also facilities for food, clothing, and shelter to build the body were prepared."
It was a simplified explanation of this Divine Mountain's formation and development history, almost like a tourist guide.
"Among these, I would recommend the food sector.""Are there many shops? In the mountains?""More precisely, the idea is to take in ample nutrition before entering the mountain. It's not that there are many shops inside the mountain as Amina-san might imagine."
When one hears "Divine Mountain," they might imagine a strictly regulated, sacred place. Such places do exist, as do harsh environments like the one Liberta is currently enduring in his trial.However, on the flip side, it's also true that there are relaxed tourist spots.
"Nourishing the body with delicious cuisine made from the mountain's bounty and the blessings of the Divine Mountain allows one to grow up healthy. This, too, is a form of training. Many shops at the mountain's base offer not luxury items, but meals designed to cultivate the body.""Cuisine, you say?""Something Ingrid-san might be interested in.""Yes, Lady Claudia, please do introduce your recommended establishments. I would very much like Liberta-sama to try them upon his return."
The highlight was likely the culinary district in the village at the mountain's foot.A street of eateries run by priests, welcoming tourists.While lacking the lavish, opulent meals favored by nobles, having researched healthy and delicious cuisine throughout their long history, many dishes were well-balanced, nutritious, and invigorating.
"Is there anything else?""Well, there are massages that improve blood circulation? Using needles or manual kneading, they're popular among those who have completed their training and descended the mountain. Some use them to tune their bodies before climbing."
She also mentioned massages, and furthermore—
"Oh, and speaking of unique things, I once participated in a calisthenics class."
Claudia reminisced, digging up fond memories from the past.
"A calisthenics class? Did Lady Claudia attend for health reasons as well?""Yes, I wanted to increase my flexibility through some special exercises."
It was a nostalgic memory for Claudia, one she could now laugh about.
"However, I was slightly mistaken.""Mistaken? About what?""I thought I was attending a class for ordinary stretching exercises, but it turned out the establishment actually specialized in exercises to enhance certain female attributes.""No way.""Yes, way."
There were many such calisthenics classes beyond just health-oriented ones. Thinking a class popular among women would be good for her body, a younger Claudia attended without confirming the details—a failed anecdote never told in FBO.
"The staff were quite surprised too. They were bewildered that I would come. Finding out later, I was quite embarrassed myself."
Since the class wasn't explicitly advertised as a bust-enhancing exercise class, Claudia mistakenly thought it was for improving flexibility and attended.It was a story she could laugh about precisely because it was a shared memory among comrades.
As she gestured to illustrate, the other women had an understanding "Ah" moment, realizing that even Claudia had such embarrassing moments in her past.