Chapter 348: The NPCs in Yamamura
[WARNING! Filler Chapter]
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"As you embark on this quest, may you gain insights into the threads that connect our worlds. Yamamura Village welcomes those who seek understanding with open hearts. May your actions speak of a future where Yokais and humanoids coexist in harmony."
With these words, the giant drapery fully enclosed Lady Satomi, veiling her from sight once more.
The servants then presented white medallions to Xin and the others, each adorned with an engraving of a Yokai Kitsune from front to back.
"This will allow you to enter and explore our village freely," they announced.
Victor expressed concern, stating, "Ah, we still have others outside wanting to come in here."
"Don’t worry, just bring them here to the castle, and we will provide them with medals as well . . . after Lady Satomi gives her approval, of course," assured the servant.
The hall fell into silence once more, and Xin and the others rose from their kneeling positions.
"It looks like we’ve got to stay and explore the town," Seraphim remarked.
"What are we going to do now?" Victor asked Sylvan, who remained on the ground, refusing to leave.
"Ah, consider your mission a success, and I’ll wire you the money later," Sylvan declared.
"Does this mean that . . .?" Xin couldn’t believe his ears.
Sylvan nodded seriously, his eyes still fixed on the figure behind the curtain. "I just wanted to see the Yokai, the Golden Tail Kitsune, but I got to see their leader instead. I am already beyond contented. Good work."
Xin and Victor exchanged glances, unable to believe that their mission had ended without even capturing the Golden Tail Kitsune.
"But what about Ignis and the others?" Victor asked.
"You go and tell them," Sylvan replied without care. "As of this moment, our group is officially disbanded."
A lingering silence filled the air, broken first by Seraphim.
"Well then, as long as I get my end of the deal, I’m happy with whatever the outcome."
Victor sighed. "Looks like we’re free to log out as well. What are you going to do, Lord Scrooge?"
Xin checked the time and said, "It’s still early, so I think I will look around."
"Let’s go together then," Victor suggested.
Xin briefly glanced over at Seraphim, who beamed and said, "I think I will do the same too."
Victor raised an eyebrow at her but decided to leave it be.
"There’s also the part where I need to inform Ignis and the others about the situation," Victor added as they walked out of the castle.
"Could we just message them? Or, can they enter here without us?" Xin asked.
"That’s what I’m worried about," Victor replied. "Let’s meet them at the entrance and escort them back to the castle."
Xin nodded, and they proceeded to make their way toward the entrance.
As Xin, Victor, Hilda, and Seraphim made their way around the village, the atmosphere was notably different from their first entrance.
The Yokai inhabitants, once wary and almost hostile, now regarded them with a more accepting curiosity.
The group walked leisurely, not pressed for time, and took in the sights and sounds of Yamamura Village.
They continued their exploration of Yamamura, and found themselves drawn to the outskirts of the village, where Iden Farms thrived. The small collection of crops and pastures exuded a sense of tranquility.
At the heart of Iden Farms was Toru, an old Yokai who took pleasure in cultivating the land. Despite Toru’s age, his spirit was vibrant, and he enjoyed the rhythmic dance of the seasons on the farms.
The group had the opportunity to converse with Toru, learning about the joy many Yokai found in farming as they grew produce used in the grand market.
Their journey then led them to The Grand Market, a place where Yokai gathered to practice interaction and try out new personae.
The market, though having only a half-dozen stalls, served as a unique space for cultural exchange. Here, the group encountered Sawa, a lively fire Yokai who delighted in pretending to be a vendor and finding the perfect items for discerning customers.
Onaga, a wind Yokai, played the part of a snob with finesse, adding a touch of humor to the interactions.
Feeling the need for artistic expression, the group ventured to the Theater of Roken. The second fanciest building of Yamamura, the theater was adorned with lacquered wood, silver, and iron inlays depicting monstrous outlines.
Roken, an earth Yokai, took the craft of performance seriously, judging aspiring playwrights harshly but without prejudice toward humanoids.
Inai, a water yokai, showcased her talent as a smooth-talking actor with a contagious laugh.
The Archives, a tall building with well-carved stone and minimal wood, housed Aoki, a fire Yokai with perfect control over flames.
Aoki’s awareness extended throughout the archives, ensuring the accurate preservation of records.
The Tailor’s workshop, managed by Kudo, an ice Yokai, drew the group’s attention. Kudo, with a chilly persona, found reward in the art of sewing and rarely parted with his creations.
The exploration continued to the Magician’s Guild, where Hironata, a storm Yokai, served as the primary instructor. The Yokai’s gift for the arcane was evident, and Hironata took her duties seriously.
The Kozakura Vineyard, run by Kozakura, a water Yokai, offered a lively atmosphere filled with laughter. Kozakura was passionate about wine and freely shared her thoughts on achieving the ideal flavor.
In the Saionji Jewelry, Saionji, a fire/earth Yokai, crafted jewelry with metals provided by customers. Stoic and religious, Saionji’s rituals and controlled emotions set him apart.
The Resplendent Bathhouse, managed by Noburo and Shizen, offered a variety of baths catering to different tastes, from saunas to ice baths.
The Gallery & Studio, a light-colored wood building, provided a space for Yokai to create art or admire recent creations.
Tokuma, an ice/storm Yokai, curated the gallery, selecting pieces that shimmered and danced with magical infusion.
The Arboretum, a small nature preserve, was tended by Utsuno, an earth Yokai who took the form of a sparrow.
Lastly, the group visited the Memorial Cemetery, a testament to the Yokai’s unique approach to burial.
Kotobuki, a storm Yokai, maintained the cemetery and eagerly asked non-spirit visitors about the burial customs of their people.
Throughout their interactions, Xin and the others discovered the rich diversity of Yama-mura, appreciating the Yokai’s unique perspectives and enjoying the cultural exchange that they experienced in every corner of the village.