Chapter 5: Figurine of Good Fortune — Part 1: Strange Tanuki
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Warning: This content may contain explicit or mature themes and is intended for viewers 18 and older. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Translator's Note: Rather than using the simple term "Raccoon or Racoon Dog," I will keep "Tanuki" due to its mythological connotations.
Volume 1: Witch Carly Arc
Chapter 5: Figurine of Good Fortune
— Part 1: Strange Tanuki
"What is that?"
As soon as Magnolia entered the town, she noticed something strange.
It appeared to be an animal figurine, but it wore a hat and had an oddly endearing look.
"Is this a local specialty? They seem to be everywhere."
Aurelius noticed them too as he looked around. It seemed that it was indeed a local specialty.
As they continued through the town, it was filled with these figurines. There were also several shops selling the same type of figurine.
"With so many identical items, I wonder if they even sell. They might as well sell different kinds of figurines."
Aurelius couldn't understand why the same figurine was sold at different stores.
"That's true," Magnolia agreed.
"What are you talking about? Each one is completely different."
Suddenly, an old man passing by scolded them.
"Look closely. This shop's tanuki is calm, that shop's has large fangs and a fierce expression, this one has long claws and thick arms, and that one is round and plump.
Can't you tell the difference?"
Even after taking another look, Aurelius still couldn't see the differences.
"Well, as adventurers, we're not very familiar with such things."
"Very well, then let me explain. These tanuki figurines have what is known as the 'Eight Phases' and are considered very auspicious. The first one was—"
It seemed a lecture on figurines had unexpectedly started on the street. Aurelius, who wasn't particularly interested, decided to leave.
"Sorry, we need to head to the Adventurers' Guild and then find a place to stay, so we'll be on our way."
Cutting off the old man, who was still talking, they headed towards the Adventurers' Guild.
"What's that about?"
Magnolia was startled by the sudden question.
"Well, maybe he just wanted to show off those tanuki figurines so badly. It does have a certain charm, and it's not entirely unappealing.
More importantly, we need to go to the guild, collect the reward for the monsters we defeated, and find an inn."
After that, they reached the adventurers' guild without any problems—or so they thought.
"Ehh?"
The only issue was the large tanuki figurines flanking the entrance to the guild.
Inside, there were small tanuki figurines lined up on the reception counter. The place was filled with tanukis. Even so, they managed to exchange the monster parts for money without any issues.
When they arrived at the inn they were directed to, there was, unsurprisingly, a tanuki figurine there as well. There was even a small tanuki figurine in their room.
"I feel like this might even appear in my dreams."
Aurelius could only laugh.
During dinner that night, they learned that tanuki figurines were a local specialty and considered lucky charms in this town. Displaying them was believed to bring prosperity in business and ward off evil. Well, since they were just figurines, it might only be a placebo effect, but those who believed in them claimed they brought good fortune.
However, the figurines were too large for adventurers to carry around, making it impractical.
Without any particular trouble and with Magnolia not needing to go out for prayers, that night passed peacefully.
The next day, the two continued their journey east.
When Magnolia was washing her body last night, it looked so white—almost completely white—that it seemed she should consider praying soon.
It would be wise to pray in the town where they were planning to stay that night.
Since it was just the two of them and there were no monsters, they arrived in town a bit after 7 o'clock before evening.
Without asking the guild for directions, they entered a promising-looking inn. Magnolia, with her experience, seemed to have a knack for finding good inns.
"Hello, it's just the two of us. Is that alright?"
"Y-Yes. We have rooms available. Would you prefer one bed or two?"
"One bed would be preferable."
"In that case—"
While Aurelius was talking with the innkeeper, Magnolia pointed to the side with a look of surprise.
"Hey, look at that."
"Eh—"
He looked over, wondering if something was wrong.
"Eh—"
There, he saw a wagon loaded with goods and a tanuki figurine on top. He was surprised to see that town's specialty here, even though it was from the town they visited yesterday.
He didn't want to think that they might have followed him and Magnolia.
"Ahh, that tanuki? You see.
That's a merchant's wagon making deliveries."
According to the innkeeper, the tanuki figurine belonged to a merchant who handled deliveries as well.
Though they charged for transportation, many people used their services to save the trouble of carrying items themselves.
They sold goods to anyone who wanted them during their route, which is why the tanuki figurine was placed prominently on top.
The tanuki figurine was a charm for prosperous business, so the wagon was left at the inn's entrance.
The two paid it little mind and entered the room they were shown.
Magnolia spent the evening washing her body while Aurelius observed.
"Do you want to attack me?"
"No, I already did that before.
Seeing Magnolia in the hot spring made me aroused.
For now, I'II have to rely on Magnolia."
"That's true. I wish we could lift Aurelius's curse."
"Well, there's no helping it."
After finishing her cleansing, Magnolia wore only a loincloth and lay down in bed with Aurelius. They kissed and touched each other.
It was a tender and bittersweet moment between lovers.
As night fell and hunger struck, they both headed to the inn's dining hall.
Magnolia was dressed in her usual short yukata, and, of course, she was wearing her fundoshi and sarashi. Aurelius was also in his standard tunic.
The inn's dining hall was bustling just like in other towns.
As anticipated, the rare and beautiful adventurer Magnolia was greeted warmly and offered drinks.
However, Aurelius couldn't help but be fixated on the tanuki figurine.
"Are you interested in my items?"
A sudden voice caught his attention.
He looked up in surprise to see a man in his forties with a refined demeanor.
"Is that tanuki figurine yours?"
"Yes, I handle the transport and sale of Eight Phases of Good Fortune items.
It's quite a cute figurine, isn't it? Would you like to buy one?"
True to his commercial nature, the man quickly launched into a friendly sales pitch.
"It is indeed an intriguing figurine, but as an adventurer constantly on the move, I can't really carry something like this."
"I see. As expected, an adventurer wouldn't be able to make a purchase."
The man readily conceded.
Well, he probably hadn't expected to make a sale.
Intrigued, Aurelius asked, "So, did you make this figurine yourself?"
"No, I'm just responsible for transporting and selling them.
Since half of them are already sold, transporting them is my primary job, so I'm often called a transporter or courier."
"Then you don't know the details about the origins of this figurine?
There were so many of them, so I was curious."
Aurelius felt that the playful-look tanuki didn't quite fit with the name Eight Phases of Good Fortune. It was also strange that it came with a hat, a water bottle, and a bundle of papers. There must be some significance behind it.
And there was one more thing.
"No, you see I am also selling them, so I know a lot about Tanuki's Eight Phases of Good Fortune.
First of all, this figurine represents eight auspicious things, which are very favorable for those in business.
First—"
The courier began explaining the Eight Phases of Good Fortune, but Aurelius wasn't interested in hearing the details at the moment.
"Just a moment, please.
I would like to hear the details, but it's difficult to do so here. Also, it seems wasteful if I'm the only one hearing it.
Magnolia, could you come over for a moment?"
"Ohh, what is it?
Since my important person called me, I'll be going now.
Aurelius, do you need something?"
"Magnolia, you seem quite drunk already—aren't you already tipsy?"
"I'm still fine. This amount won't make me drunk."
Her face was slightly red, but if it's Magnolia, she should be okay. If Aurelius had drunk the same amount, he would definitely be passed out.
"You see, this person is the one in charge of the Tanuki figurine.
And the figurine is apparently called Eight Phases of Good Fortune.
We'll hear about its significance later, but would you like to listen together?"
"Are you planning to buy it? It's quite large."
"No, I'm just interested in hearing the story.
Also, if it seems promising, you might want to pray for it."
"Pray for it?"
Magnolia's expression became serious as she looked at the courier.
"Are we listening to the story together and also praying together?"
"We can listen to the story together, but it's fine if only Magnolia prays."
"I see, so I will be praying alone.
If Aurelius is okay with that, then I don't mind."
The courier, listening to their conversation, looked puzzled.
"Umh, this lovely lady, Magnolia, is accompanying us, and want to listen to the story and pray together?
Ehh, I don't mind that.
I will arrange a larger room and soon move this wagon into it.
Afterward, we will stay in my room, but is that alright?"
"That would be convenient for us as well.
Also, did you receive any divine message from a god?"
When Aurelius suddenly mentioned something strange, the courier looked confused.
"Divine message? I'm just a dealer, so there's nothing like that."
"In that case, it might be better to wait a little longer.
After about an hour, we will go to the courier's room, so please tell us the story then. We will also pray later.
Since you're in business, you must be part of the merchant guild. You might receive a divine message if you visit the guild."
"HAA—"
The courier was left puzzled, unable to make sense of the conversation.
They stayed in the dining hall for a bit longer, then wrapped things up and returned to their room together.
The courier also brought the wagon into his room and then went out somewhere. He probably went to the merchant guild.
"Aurelius, is this alright?"
"If Magnolia doesn't like it, it's fine to just listen to the story.
But you need to pray either today or tomorrow. I thought it might be okay for the courier to join you in prayer.
If you don't want to, we can skip the prayer."
"Alright, if Aurelius is okay with it, then I don't mind.
But being together in the room is not acceptable. I don't want you to see us."
Magnolia felt even more embarrassed and sensitive because she had been held by another man while he is looking at her face in the hot springs. She was also concerned about being disliked if seen.
Even though Aurelius reassured her, her anxiety persisted.
"I understand. I'll leave halfway through. So, don't worry."
They embraced and kissed each other on the bed.
Meanwhile, the courier likely went to the merchant guild and purchased information about them. If he didn't do so, he planned to skip Magnolia's prayer.
After about an hour, Aurelius and Magnolia headed to the courier's room together.
Knock-knock-knock,
"Yes, welcome."
The courier opened the door for them.
"Please, come in."
The room was quite spacious.
Even with a wagon loaded with valuable goods brought in, there was still plenty of room. It seemed to be a room for merchants who frequently stayed in this town and needed to bring in their carts.
There was also a bed. Next to it was a long bench, and in front of it, a waist-high pedestal with a tanuki figurine. No, it was the Eight Phases of Good Fortune figurine. Apparently, this room was also used for display and sales.
"Welcome."
The two sat on the long bench. Magnolia sat near the bed, while Aurelius positioned himself near the entrance for easy access.
"I should mention, we are adventurers, so we can't buy that figurine.
No matter how lucky it is. We'll just pray."
When Aurelius said this, the courier smiled with his mouth but kept a serious gaze on the two.
"Ehh, that's perfectly fine.
Will you both be praying?"
"No, only Magnolia. I won't be."
"In that case, this Eight Phases of Good Fortune figurine cost one gold coin, but it wasn't too expensive, was it?"
The courier seemed to have obtained information from the merchant guild.
"Indeed."
Aurelius nodded with a serious expression.
"Magnolia, that's fine with you, right? You'll pray alone?"
"Ahh, if it's fine with you, Aurelius, I don't mind praying alone."
"Understood. Thank you very much."
The courier with a smirk, bowed his head.
The courier stood next to the tanuki figurine. It seemed he was about to give a thorough explanation.
"Now, I will explain the 'Eight Phases of Good Fortune' as requested by Aurelius.
This tanuki figurine is designed to bring good fortune.
Moreover, it carries eight auspicious symbols, hence it is called the 'Eight Phases of Good Fortune'.
First, this umbrella here—"
What he thought was a hat turned out to be an umbrella. It wasn't a handheld umbrella used by nobles, but a working umbrella placed on the head.
"This umbrella is said to protect the head from things falling from the sky, which means it averts disasters.
These large eyes symbolize observing the surroundings well and making correct judgments.
This smiling mouth means we should be friendly and cheerful."
Apparently, this tanuki has eight auspicious meanings, which is why merchants often display it. While it certainly seemed to bring good luck, Aurelius's purpose wasn't to learn its meaning.
To avoid being noticed by Magnolia, Aurelius stepped away slightly and used magic to make himself inaudible.
"This large belly signifies being calm and composed, acting with poise and tranquility."
Then the courier looked towards where Aurelius was.
"What the— Where did Aurelius go?"
"He was just beside me a moment ago, where did he disappear to?"
Neither the courier nor Magnolia noticed Aurelius, who was close by.
Aurelius had used a spell to conceal his presence. Thanks to this, although they could see him, they weren't aware of his existence. However, they would notice if they touched him.
So, Aurelius moved away from Magnolia.
He slowly stood up from the bench and moved towards the wagon without touching either of them.
Now, neither Magnolia nor the courier could tell where Aurelius was.