Third Outer World Story Series: Pumpkin Sorcerer - Chapter 62
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
Now, this was where the crucial question-and-answer session began.
In order to acquire the protection of the country, it was obviously out of bounds to fabricate falsehoods, yet revealing information that should not be divulged would be detrimental to Pumpkin’s side, resulting in a tricky situation.
“So, the first question is, please share information about the Spalpkin’s lifestyle to the best of your knowledge.”
“I understand.”
The first question related to the way of Spalpkin’s lifestyle.
As a lord, it would be appropriate for him to be aware of the lifestyle of his subjects, especially if he were to send someone like a consul later on.
If there was any discrepancy between what was told here and what was reported by the consul, there would be a need to investigate if one of the parties was deceiving them.
Therefore, Pumpkin will describe the current lifestyle of the Spalpkin race.
“Hmm. In other words, they are living a rather primitive life, aren’t they?”
“Well, I guess so, if I put it simply. We are still in the process of developing things.”
After the conversation was over, this was Count Kunuki’s reply.
As a matter of fact, it has been barely any time since the establishment of Samsara Egg Village… so this aspect can’t be helped.
“The next question, then, is this: What can you Spalpkins do compared to us Human?”
“About that…”
Count Kunuki made a plain question in a simple tone of voice.
So, the second question is, what can we do compared to the Human? That’s a brilliant question. You can learn a lot of things in one go, and not be able to conceal them.
Even so, there were things that could be disclosed and things that couldn’t be revealed, which meant that certain pieces of information would have to be well disguised.
“Right. As far as current understanding is concerned, compared to Human, as long as there is sunlight and water for us, Spalpkin, minimal food is needed, and basically, compared to normal Human, the amount of magic power is higher and body enhancement spells can be used, which is an advantage, right?”
“It’s fuel-efficient.”
“Pumpkin-kun. What about the ‘returning the curse and the channeling magic spell’ you used? Besides, what about that dance which can be used to interact with the Hunting Bees?”
When Count Kunuki uttered these words, Pumpkin looked at Kozo, but he blatantly averted his gaze.
Well, I have already predicted this much.
“Regarding the ‘returning the curse and the channeling magic spell,’ it is a kind of power technique that utilizes my unique skills, so simply being of the Spalpkin race doesn’t mean they can use it. The basic concept of channeling magic power has already been conveyed to Plein-dono of the God of Creation Association.”
“Well, it seems that things are going to be difficult over there…”
Count Kunuki gave a subtly bitter look at his words.
Judging from his expression, perhaps Plein’s research hasn’t gone too well… Well, after our discussion is over, I’ll bring out some of the [Overburst] related data from the Anregirat that I brought out when I was digging the channel.
“So what about the dance?”
“Well, it’s not necessarily a Spalpkin skill either. The intelligence of these Hunting Bees is not low to begin with, and as long as you know how to do it, there may be some compatibility, but I think it is possible to interact with them.”
“Hmm. May I ask you to enlighten that method later?”
“If it’s through the Adventurers’ Association of Kunukihappy, then yes, eventually.”
“Oh, that would be fine.”
As for the dance, it really worked that way, so Pumpkin just offered a direct answer.
He had to admit, though, that interacting with the Hunting Bee was easier than dealing with other races in their position, Spalpkin, because they had a contract in place and frequently interacted one-on-one.
“Now for the third question, if you can’t answer this one, you don’t have to answer it.”
“?”
Pumpkin looked quizzically at Count Kunuki’s words.
It was only logical to be wary of the fact that Count Kunuki was suddenly telling him that he didn’t have to answer his questions if he couldn’t. After all, each of the earlier questions had been requiring him to respond truthfully.
“For a sorcerer, the identity and details of the spells they use are the very essences of their life. Forcing a sorcerer to divulge the details of their own magic is akin to asking them to end their lives.”
“Hmm.”
“However, there are things that I must ask as a lord to ensure the safety and security of my subjects and my territory. Please understand that and answer my questions.”
“I comprehend.”
It must be a fairly substantial matter for him to go to the trouble of putting in this kind of remark.
Furthermore, the mere fact that he was willing to discuss such a matter with Pumpkin implied that his trust in him had been gained through this discussion.
If so, I’ll answer as much as I can.
“The earthquake that occurred the other day. I heard that the cause was the magic you used. Is this true?”
Earthquake… the aftermath of [Resonance Spell?Atomic Pumpkin]. huh?
“That’s true.”
“I am aware of the details surrounding your application of the spell, but that is not the reason I am addressing it. What I want to ask is how many times can you unleash a spell as powerful as that one? And can you and your Spalpkin perform the same kind of magic?”
“…”
Pumpkin fixed his sights on Count Kunuki. There was no hint of fear or greed in his eyes.
Then why did Count Kunuki ask such a question? It goes without saying. Count Kunuki, as someone who occupied a high position, was obligated to protect his citizens and his territory, and the spell Pumpkin used, [Resonance Spell?Atomic Pumpkin], had a great potential to harm them.
In light of this, it would be imperative for Pumpkin to return his honesty in kind.
“In conclusion, if some preparations are made, it is possible to use it again.”
“…”
“The only thing is, that spell has too many shortcomings, including earthquakes. Due to this, I doubt that I will ever use it myself in the future. While it is conceivable that magic itself, which shares the same foundation as that spell, could be used by someone other than me, that spell itself cannot even be activated by anyone other than me.”
In fact, [Resonance Spell] itself can probably be used by anyone with knowledge of the theory and training.
But if Pumpkin were to use [Resonance Spell?Atomic Pumpkin] in the future, it would be in a very dire situation, and the catalyst for that magic would be his own body. On top of that, an ordinary human being would definitely not have enough magic power.
Therefore, he can say that no one but him can use this spell.
“Are you sure?”
“I swear on my name and on my life as a sorcerer.”
“…”
Pumpkin locked his gaze with Count Kunuki’s.
After a few moments of exchanging glances, Count Kunuki shut his eyes and exhaled as if to release the tension.
“Fine. I will trust your word this time.”
“Thank you.”
Count Kunuki’s remarks likewise made him unwind.
“Well then, we’ll talk more about taxation… in due course. Right. I’ll send someone from here to you after the winter, and then we’ll see. We’ll need to do a lot of preparation and arrangements.”
“I understand. Please do so.”
And so ended the first meeting between Count Kunuki and Pumpkin.
Ah, I was so nervous. I may have to find someone who is good at negotiating with high-ranking officials like this one day.
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T/N:
Those who are confused with the word human, just look at the uppercase and lowercase. If it’s “Human,” that would mean the subject is a race, if it’s “human,” that would mean as in human being. It’s the same case with “Pumpkin” (name) and “pumpkin” (fruit)