Chapter 1621: Chapter 1621

The beautiful spirit vanished as if programmed to speak only a limited set of words to new Players, leaving the rest of the party slightly perplexed.

"So that's a thing in some worlds, huh?" Partner wondered, glancing at Maria chasing Nyx around.

"Yes, some worlds have no tasks or urgent need for help. They are quite competent on their own," Ferleen said.

"I love Blossomveil, though. It's so peaceful! I wish we could bring our entire tribe to live here, but the rulers of this world are strongly opposed to the idea," Melianna sighed.

"They don't allow migration here?" Emeraldine asked.

"No, they're overprotective of their lands. They'll let you stay for up to a month before a group of spirits comes to escort you out," Ferleen sighed.

"Well, that's one way to protect your world, I suppose," Jonathan said, chuckling softly. "Let's get out of here then. Where's the exit?"

"You mean the entrance? We're going backward here!" Melianna said. "But yes, the entrance is in that Mountain Town to the east, about two hours if we walk, but much faster if we fly."

"Can you all fly?" Celes asked.

"We do possess the magic for it," Ferleen nodded.

"But it's exhausting..." Melianna sighed. "Big brother, can you carry me? I'm sleepy..."

"Fine," Ferleen said, promptly hoisting his sister onto his back as he began walking with Maria's family.

In the end, they caught little Nyx and brought her back, prompting giggles from Alma and Emeraldine as Maria and Lucifer appeared with their long hair tangled with flowers and branches, looking disheveled.

"Ugh, I need a bath," Maria sighed. "We spent three days in that world that had nothing for little people. Maybe we should visit a place with a restaurant to eat and a bath, like an onsen. Do they have those here?"

"They do. They're really good, though not as exceptional as those in Onsenkai," Ferleen said. "But they're decent."

"That sounds wonderful. Let's take a look, at the very least," Maria said.

The group traveled along a long road leading to a city nestled beneath the mountains. The road was bustling with carriages carrying many people, some filled with Players, others with inhabitants of this Realm.

The people here resembled Asian humans. Maria guessed that if the Gods were referred to as "Kami," they likely came from the same world as Shuten Doji from Onsenkai, suggesting the inhabitants were similar to Japanese people.

However, there weren't only Asian-looking humans. There were also pale-skinned people with blue or white hair, taller and exuding a slightly chilly aura, as well as tall, crow-like beings and multi-armed, red-skinned men. The diversity of inhabitants was striking, though there were no other types of humans, beast people, or similar races.

While admiring the endless gardens and ponds, occasionally fishing colorful carp, catfish, and eels to eat later, Maria and her family reached the grand city of Plum Blossom Garden after an hour of walking. Every house in the city looked distinct and elegant, and poverty seemed nearly nonexistent, as Maria saw no poorly dressed individuals or anyone begging on the streets.

People of all shapes and sizes strolled through streets adorned with cherry trees and statues of Kami and Yokai. Though no festival was happening today, the aroma of delicious food filled the air, enticing the hungry children. Thıs content belongs to NoveIꜰire.net

"Mama, Mama, let's eat already!" Nyx said, wagging her cute dragon tail.

"I'm hungry..." Celes said.

"I hunger!" Arachne protested.

"Hmm? Brother?" Melianna slowly opened her eyes. "Smells like smoked fish... is it lunchtime already?"

"Haha, I guess it is," Ferleen said.

"Well, we should grab a bite then!" Maria said. "Ferleen, do you have a place you recommend?"

"Yes, there's a great restaurant with affordable prices and good food," Ferleen said. "But there's also a more premium one next to the onsen, if you're interested in taking a bath before continuing your journey."

"Let's go to the premium one. We're certainly not poor around here," Maria said smugly.

With guidance from the fox siblings, Maria's family quickly found the place Ferleen described. After climbing several rows of stairs, they reached a large establishment with far more clients than the one in Onsenkai.

There, Maria and her family secured a spacious spot next to a pond, an open area less requested because people preferred warmer spots due to the chilly mountain wind, which Maria and her family didn't mind.

Amid falling cherry petals, they ordered a lavish feast of mostly Japanese cuisine, including Chinese and Korean-style dishes and a mix of various cultures. They even found Indian food featuring an array of curries.

Nyx, Celes, Arachne, and Melianna ate like four little black holes, trying everything they could. Melianna and her brother had never dined so extravagantly, so the snarky little fox girl seized the opportunity.

"Hmmm! This curry is delicious and pairs so well with the rice. There's even chicken in this one," Maria said, enjoying a large plate of white rice with colorful curries on the side. "Oh, this one has coconut? So unique!"

"I've never tasted such flavorful food before," Lucifer nodded. "It's all so delightful... I'm glad we stopped here to eat." The dragon king was in high spirits, savoring fish and chicken dishes he loved, alongside the Rice Wine he had grown to adore.

"Burp—Ah! I'm so sorry..." Alma covered her mouth after burping accidentally. "I'm so full..."

"Haha, don't worry," Maria giggled. "I'm glad you ate without worrying about your diet. Opportunities to enjoy such delicious food are rare."

"Heheh... yeah," Alma nodded, patting her belly. "Ugh, I think I ate too much... I'm sleepy now."

"You could always sleep inside my Soul Realm," Maria said. "Don't worry, there's a large castle with rooms, beds, and everything."

"No, I could never! I don't want to miss the new worlds we'll visit. I'll endure," Alma said with a gentle smile.

The children, however, didn't endure as well, quickly falling asleep after eating more than they ever had.

"Sorry about this. She always falls asleep after a big meal," Ferleen apologized.

"It's fine. We'll take a bath at the onsen. We should bring them along, and they'll wake up in the warm water," Maria giggled.

"Good idea. I'll leave her to you then, Maria, if that's fine," he said.

"Yes, don't worry," Maria nodded.