Drawn Mochi Volume 3 Chapter 3.1: Mysterious Creatures and the Bamboo Fruit Observation Team*2

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　When I came to this world, I could not read.

　Now, I have learned to read some of them. I think I can read at least at the level of “hiragana” in Japanese. Yes, it was easy learning the alphabet. After all, it corresponded to Japanese sounds relatively well.

　…But when I look at it this way, I wonder why I am able to speak normally.

　How come I can speak normally?

“…I’ve heard that a long time ago, there was such a magic used by spirits.” (Laocles)

　Laocles answered, looking troubled.

“It was a magic to communicate with birds and beasts using speech… It might also be used by people from other worlds to communicate with people from this world.” (Laocles)

“But I don’t remember using that kind of magic.” (Tougo)

“Then your magic must have just leaked out. It’s your usual thing.” (Laocles)

　…I can’t deny it. Hmm.

“In the first place, I remember that you suddenly started to use magic after you came to this world.” (Laocles)

“Yes.” (Tougo)

　If you put it that way, it’s true. I’ve never had any magic power before. So I’m having a hard time controlling it now.

“Then, it can be hypothesized that you acquired magic power by coming to this world.” (Laocles)

“Yes.” (Tougo)

“At that time, you also received the ability to understand speech. …That’s all I can deduce.” (Laocles)

　Yes. That’s right. Unthinkable. Because there are too many things I don’t know.

“…But if you were using spirit magic, then you’re really a spirit.” (Laocles)

“That’s not possible.” (Tougo)

　I’m a human being. …No, I’m a little less sure. What should I do if the structure of my body has changed without my knowledge when I came to this world? I have no way of confirming it, and I’m not even aware of it… But just imagining it is a bit scary.

　I am scared, but it was useless to think about it, and I was too scared to think about it in the first place, so I decided to forget about it.

　For now, I am learning to write. I don’t know why I can speak, but I’ll just consider myself lucky. That’s right. I just won’t think about it too much.

　After studying for about three days, I started to understand some ideograms. I think they are about the same level as the kanji I learn in the third grade of elementary school, but I am now able to read most of them. I’m still not very good at writing, though.

“… I was surprised at your magic power control, but you are also quick to learn letters, aren’t you?” (Laocles)

“Yeah. I’m not good at studying.” (Tougo)

　Surprised, Laocles stacks newly bought books next to me.

　Now I’m not reading picture books, but something like the children’s books of this world. If I don’t understand something, I ask Laocles and update my knowledge each time.

　By the way, the one I am reading now is a kind of local legend of this world. It’s like a children’s version of the same thing. There are such things in Japan, too, aren’t there?

“There is a story about a boy who cared for and raised a dragon from a dragon’s egg, a story about a girl who became a fairy after eating a fruit given to her by a spirit, a heroic tale about a hero who defeated a demon king, a story about a woman who died at sea and became a ghost that kidnapped her child and drowned them in the sea, and so on. There are many stories.” (Tougo)

　Somewhat similar to Japanese folktales, many stories make me think. I thought that the legends are similar in some ways.

　While I was reading the book, I also practiced controlling my magic. As a result… my sealing tool has been upgraded to another level.

“If this comes off, you’re finally a full-fledged adult.” (Fay)

　Fay said happily while inserting a new stone for my new sealing tool.

“Soon, Tougo can have his own summoned beast!” (Fay)

　Yes. …I’m looking forward to it too.

“Have you decided what you’re going to have yet?” (Fay)

“Hmm… I’m still thinking about it.” (Tougo)

　But as much as I’m looking forward to it, I’m not sure which summoned beast I’m going to get.

　I’ve been looking at illustrated books and thinking about this and that…

　…What should I choose?

“Look, you can draw anything, right?” (Fay)

“Yes.” (Tougo)

“Then, you should choose who you want to be with the most.” (Fay)

　Apparently, in normal cases, you would have to go to a store specializing in summoned beasts or go out to catch wild creatures, but I don’t have to go through those steps.

　I just draw and materialize one. I don’t have to worry about whether it’s easy to catch, whether it’s expensive, or whether it even exists in the first place.

　…that’s why I’m confused.

“…Fay, what do you think is good?” (Tougo)

“You’re asking me… Hmmm, yeah. I’d have to say a dragon! They fly! They’re strong! They’re cool!” (Fay)

　Yeah. A dragon. …A dragon is very much like Fay. Strong, cool, and flies.

“But if it’s Tougo, it won’t be a Red Dragon, right?” (Fay)

“Yes.” (Tougo)

　I think red is Fay’s exclusive color before I think about whether it looks good on me or not.

“Well, I am thinking of a very Tougo-like color… Pink, I guess?” (Fay)

“No.” (Tougo)

“I think it suits you, pink…” (Fay)

　…I think a Pink Dragon might be cute if they existed… but I’m not sure.

“If you want to use other colors, maybe a whitish one.” (Fay)

“Whitish?” (Tougo)

“Oh. Somehow Tougo has a whitish impression, right?” (Fay)

　Even if you think so.

“Well, that’s why I recommend a dragon! …Well, it doesn’t have to be a dragon, but it would be much more helpful if it was someone who could fly. I have a fire spirit in the form of a bird. They help me a lot. Also, someone who can give me a ride. The one that takes the form of a wolf carries me around all the time, and they help me out a lot too.” (Fay)

　I see. The ones that can fly and the ones that give rides are definitely helpful.

“…Wait, is Pegasus no good? There are many in the forest, right?” (Fay)

“Yeah… I feel like there’s going to be a fight…” (Tougo)

　Pegasi can certainly fly, and they can carry me, but if I try to make just one of them a summoned beast… They are going to get into a fight, I think.

“Hey, Laocles. What should I have as a summoned beast?” (Tougo)

“A creature that can fly. A creature that can run fast with you on it. A creature that is highly stealthy. Creatures that protect you. Four should be enough.” (Laocles)

　It quickly grew to four of them.

　…I had thought that I would be fine with just one, but when I thought about it, I realized that Fay, the first one I had met. When I think about it, Fay also had four fire spirits with him when we first met. I see. I guess that’s how many fire spirits are needed.

“…I’m sure Pegasus and Alicorn, for example, can carry you, run with you, and even fly. They may even fight to some extent. But that’s it. You’d better have one of those stealthy creatures with you.” (Laocles)

“Um, why is that?” (Tougo)

“If you are kidnapped and disarmed, you will be helpless. If you have a summoned beast that you can release secretly to act as a liaison in such a situation, the situation will change dramatically.” (Laocles)

　Apparently, Laocles has given a lot of thought to this. He is a professional escort, so he is very helpful.

“Fay said it would be good to have someone to give me a ride and someone who can fly. He recommended a dragon.” (Tougo)

“ Oh, dragons. A dragon would be fine. In fact, I heard that everyone wants a dragon as a summoned beast as long as they have money.” (Laocles)

　Dragons are very popular, huh? Well, they are cool, so I understand why.

“Also, I was told that white ones would be good.” (Tougo)

“…that’s right.” (Laocles)

　You agreed. Why?

“Well, you might want to consider convenience, not looks. It’s a summoned beast to protect you.” (Laocles)

“Yes.” (Tougo)

　One that can fly, run, carry you, and also fight. And one that’s good at hiding. …The point is, I’d like a handy guy to be my summoned beast.

　Hmmm….

　Convenience.

　What would be convenient?

“…I’d rather have a creature of any color than a pure white.” (Tougo)

“……really.” (Laocles)

　When I said it, Laocles looked a little confused.

“Why is that?” (Laocles)

“If there is a creature with many colors, even when there is no more paint, I can use their colors to make paint.” (Tougo)

　As soon as he said this, Laocles looked at me with a dumbfounded expression… and then nodded his head in agreement.

“Certainly, is that the best for you, right?” (Laocles)

“Yeah. So I thought it would be nice to have a creature like that for now.” (Tougo)

“…I know that a creature of conspicuous colors wouldn’t be suitable for covert action.” (Laocles)

“Well, I’ll think about that another time. It’s hard to find one that’s good at flying, running, fighting, and hiding in any case…” (Tougo)