She Who Knew All (FE3H)

23. An Encounter

Another day had passed, and I had decided to go through with my plan to continue donating to the people of the Abyss.

As such, while in disguise, I purchased a wagon and filled it with food and other supplies like simple cloth clothing of various sizes.

I had also written down a manual for Yuri regarding survival skills from my own world, such as how to purify water and ways to treat injuries with certain plants.

It didn't have much information in it since I wasn't a survival expert, but it held what I did know, and that would be enough considering the times we lived in.

Pulling the wagon with me, I had also discovered that if I held an object with Sneak activated, it would also turn invisible, albeit with a higher mana cost than usual.

And so, I had taken the usual route I took and carried the cart to Yuri's room.

Letting go of the cart, I pulled the letter and the manual I had made out of it and carried them into his room, where I saw him organizing his things.

Knocking on the door, I threw the letter at him.

It became visible as it left my hands, and he caught it.

"Another one...?" He questioned as he opened the letter and read through it.

I waited outside, grabbing the cart again as it became invisible.

Once he walked out, I became visible, causing him to jump slightly.

"Greetings, Yuri. As promised, I've come with the donations I mentioned." I said as he looked at the cart behind me.

"Where did you get all that?" He asked suspiciously.

"I purchased it." I said as I handed him the small journal.

"That journal contains useful information from my homeland, such as methods to purify water, and the special uses of certain common plants in medicine." I said as he hummed.

"What's your angle here?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"There is no angle. I simply believe your people deserve better than what they have. After all, my sole goal is to help people regardless of their station." I said as he nodded.

"I'll accept that answer for now, but keep in mind that I still don't entirely trust you." He said as I frowned.

"You wouldn't be the first, and you're surely not the last. Now, I must go deal with other matters. Do take care." I said as I vanished from view and left the Abyss.

Turning visible once I was back in my room, I removed my armor and switched back into my usual clothes.

Heading out into the market, I decided to treat myself for a job well done.

Looking around, I could see a few new merchants had set up shop today.

Among them was a familiar head of dark pink hair.

Heading over to her stall, I held my coin purse in my hands.

"Oh, hello there, welcome!" She said, spotting me.

"Ah, hello!" I said with a smile.

She laughed as she headed over.

"Anything in particular you're looking for?" She asked.

I shook my head.

"I'm actually just browsing at the moment. Though, now that you've asked, I could probably use something for my room." I said as she hummed.

"A decoration then?" She asked.

I nodded.

"In that case, I have a few items. Small boxes for jewelry, vases and pottery, and some paintings." She said as she placed a finger to her chin.

"Could I take a look?" I asked as she nodded and led me to her stall.

Looking over her selection, I noticed a few nice things, but they were all a bit pricey.

I was debating between buying a cheap vase for flowers or a plate that reminded me of my grandmother, when a stone statuette in the back suddenly caught my eye.

"What's that?" I asked as she followed my gaze.

"Oh, that old thing is something someone sold to me on my way here. They said it was a religious idol of some sort, but I didn't recognize it. Still though, it was a good quality sculpture, so I just had to snag it!" She explained as I nodded.

"It looks vaguely familiar. And it's a good size to put on my counter..." I said as she hummed.

"Ya know, most people turned their noses when I said it was a religious idol from some other country, but you seemed interested. So tell you what, I'll give it to ya for free!" She said as I raised a brow.

Anna was giving me something for free...?

"Of course, you have to promise to save up and buy something nice next time I come through!" She said as I smiled.

So that was the catch...

"Alright, I'll take it. When should I expect you next?" I asked as her eyes widened.

"Ah, well, I'll be back sometime next week!" She said as I nodded.

She then looked at the stone statuette.

"Can you carry that?" She asked.

I nodded and lifted it up relatively easily.

"Alright then, take care, and it was a pleasure doing business with you!" She said as I nodded and smiled back.

Taking it to my room by the greenhouse, I placed it onto the wooden counter along the back wall.

Staring at it, I finally realized why it was familiar.

"Seiðr?!" I exclaimed as I then heard a laugh from the small statue.

"So, you found a relic of my past then, did you Laneiya?" It asked as I flinched.

"Jeez, Seiðr! Warn me next time!" I exclaimed as she laughed.

"My apologies! It's just been forever since I last spoke through my idols!"

"Is there a reason for that?" I asked.

"Indeed. I'm a god from a smaller nation, and since you are within a nation that worships another god, my power is far smaller here than it is elsewhere." She said as I nodded.

"So it's a matter of location and belief then?"

"Right!" She said as the statue seemingly became less worn looking.

"That aside, I've seen you spreading my will quite well, so I'd like to give you a gift as thanks!" She said happily.

"Your will?" I asked, confused.

All I had done so far was what I considered to be the right thing...

"You spread hope." She said as I nodded in understanding.

"Ah, okay."

"As for the gift, this is one I am bestowing for your work in spreading hope." She said as I nodded.

"I have decided to grant you a special gift, that of a crest." She said as my eyes widened.

"I'm sorry, what?!" I exclaimed.