Chapter 357

Preparing for Departure to Retrieve the Kiblinki Saltas
The thought crossed my mind—was it really okay to fly into another nation's territory unannounced?
However, Marquis Vardmoi seemed to have determined that there was no issue.
Since the location was surrounded by a large river and towering rocky mountains, this particular area technically belonged to no one.
Nationally, it was considered foreign land, but since no ruler claimed it, entering freely wouldn’t be a problem… quite the outlandish reasoning.

"In reality, when entering unclaimed land, the question is who to seek permission from. Given that, it's better to slip in quietly and slip out just as discreetly."

"Is that how it works?"

"That is how it works."

I didn’t fully understand, but I decided to trust Marquis Vardmoi’s judgment.

Thus, it was settled—I would go retrieve the young Kiblinki Saltas.
Of course, that required proper preparations.
Specifically, the Tamer’s Guild needed to procure a large number of familiar contracts.
Marquis Vardmoi made the request, and the guild arranged for the necessary paperwork.
According to their response, the preparations would take about a week.

That meant I had time to make my own preparations.
I started by stocking up on fresh vegetables, stuffing my backpack full of them.
In short, they were literal bait to lure in new Kiblinki Saltas recruits.

(Mhm. Fresh vegetables that can only be found in human settlements—an excellent choice.)

"Right? Is there anything else we should prepare?"

(The vegetable soup from the Spiderling’s Nest would be ideal, but I suppose bringing enough for hundreds is impossible?)

"Yeah, carrying that much soup for so many would be a bit… unrealistic."

(Then how about cooking the soup on site?)

"I could do that, but if there are hundreds of them, each serving would be tiny."

(Rationing it strategically is part of the plan. If they want more, they'll have to come along.)

Wow. This vegetable-loving spider is surprisingly cunning.

But making vegetable soup means I’ll need cooking supplies, too.
Maybe I should bring a stockpot and some seaweed for broth?
The Kiblinki Saltas apparently eat seaweed, so that should work.

As I prepared for the vegetable soup strategy, the week passed, and the Tamer’s Guild completed their preparations.
Everything on my end was also ready—it was time to depart.

Now, how exactly were we supposed to leave?

(As I said before, we’ll use our silk to catch the wind and fly. To carry humans, we’ll create basket-like seat… which means at least six of us need to go.)

"You mean six including Talat?"

(No, six in addition to Talat. He’ll help, but since we know the route, we have to lead the way. Getting back will be easier, but for now, we must take the lead.)

That made sense.

However, this time, we couldn't use the Lumite Grand Wing.
As a result, my only personal bodyguard was Plum.
If I didn’t do anything reckless, Plum alone would be enough…
Wait, do I really cause that much unnecessary trouble?

For the Tamer’s Guild personnel, I arranged for Keuko to act as their bodyguard.
She should be more than capable.

With all preparations complete, all that remained was to take off toward the Whirlpool of Chaos where the Kiblinki Saltas awaited.
Flying with spider silk sounded terrifying, but… it would be fine, right?
Yes! I just had to believe in it!

What do you think about this chapter?