108

Spirit of Norn

"This one isn't for sale; it's just for display," the maid informed with a smile.

"You heard her, Shilut. It's not for sale, so don't keep staring," Forseti reminded, tugging lightly on Little Stone Root's arm.

After a moment's hesitation, he continued, "I'm looking for some moderately priced gems... Let's say nothing over ten runes per unit."

"Right this way, sir," the maid guided him to a container where less extravagant gems were displayed, most with clearly marked prices.

Shilut still found himself distracted by the dazzling array of colorful gems on display.

Forseti asked him to choose, but none of the gems before him seemed particularly enticing.

After some consideration, Forseti decided to employ his divine appraisal ability. The Holy Deed's identification was renowned for its precision, maximizing the value of any item it assessed.

As before, he opened the Holy Deed, holding each gem in turn and referencing the excerpts inscribed within. Effectively, he was using the appraisal function to evaluate the gems.

[Secondary Item: Grants 31 piety with each donation]

[Secondary Item: Grants 45 piety with each donation]

Both gems were priced similarly, but the latter offered significantly greater divine favor. Naturally, it was the more economical choice.

After about half an hour, Forseti selected dozens of gems, all chosen for their cost-effectiveness, totaling more than 200 runes—a sizable investment.

Leaving the store with a bag of gems, Forseti watched as Shilut clutched the bag tightly, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Let's try one now," Forseti suggested, taking a gem from the bag and placing it in Shilut's mouth.

Shilut, lacking teeth—either due to youth or nature—simply swallowed the gem whole.

"Hey!"

"Let's go home and continue there," Forseti said, concerned that Shilut might fall asleep after eating.

Back home, he opened the bag of gems, feeding them to Shilut one by one.

Shilut eagerly consumed several gems without any signs of drowsiness, his spirits high and his eyes bright.

Forseti continued to feed him until Shilut finally fell asleep on Forseti's lap, having devoured over a dozen gems.

"What an appetite," Forseti sighed, a slight pang of regret at the more than 200 runes he had spent.

Setting Shilut gently on the bed, Forseti left once more.

A short while later, he arrived at Tialfi's residence.

Having claimed second place in the Hunting Festival, Tialfi now resided temporarily in a separate courtyard—a stark contrast to the hunter's hostel where most others lodged.

"Roar..."

The low growl of a young dragon echoed from within the yard.

"Dong dong dong." Forseti knocked on the door.

"It's you, Forseti," Tialfi greeted upon opening the door, his appearance disheveled, smoke clinging to his tattered clothes.

Forseti blinked. "You're..."

"It's this guy's doing," Tialfi pointed toward the young dragon chained in the yard.

The fiery young dragon flapped its wings, straining against its restraints.

"Roar..." Its angry roar was muffled by the shackles around its muzzle.

"It spat dragon fire in my face while I was feeding it," Tialfi coughed, a bitter expression crossing his face.

Forseti was at a loss for words. "Are you really attempting to tame it?"

"One can always dream. How will I know if I don't try?" Tialfi replied defiantly. "You know as well as I do."

"You're right. I hope you achieve your dream of becoming a dragon knight," Forseti encouraged.

Tialfi asked, "What brings you here today?"

Forseti hesitated. "I... need to brew a potion. I require young dragon's blood and wish to purchase some from you."

Tialfi considered. "How much do you need?"

Forseti produced a standard crystal vial used for potions. "This much."

Given the young dragon's size—similar to that of a goat—this quantity of blood wasn't excessive.

Tialfi nodded. "No need to worry about payment, but you must ensure it's treated after drawing the blood."

"Don't worry, you know I'm adept at healing spells," Forseti chuckled.

"Do you need it now?" Tialfi inquired.

Forseti replied, "Not immediately. I still lack a few ingredients. I'll return for the blood later."

...

Three days after the Hunting Festival, most hunters had departed Nornheim, leaving the stage set for the Dragon Sacrifice Ceremony.

Shilut was still asleep, but Forseti harbored no concerns. Shilut's growth had been evident during sleep, nearly ten centimeters taller since they had first met.

Forseti journeyed to the Cave of Time, where Hermond had already arrived.

The two found seats and conversed until the time for the dragon's arrival approached.

"Roar—" The enormous dragon lay upon a massive wooden platform, bound by numerous chains, slowly pulled closer to the vicinity of the Cave of Time by several oxen.

With the dragon's arrival, Odin, Hela, and others also appeared.

From Duke Norn's side came Karnilla, dignified and elegant in a pale golden gown.

Approaching Odin, Karnilla spoke, "Lord Odin, my mother is unwell and unable to attend. I will oversee the ceremony in her stead, accompanied by Karnira."

Odin appeared pleased to have Karnilla presiding.

Genuine warmth graced his smile as he remarked, "Karnilla, you're even more radiant than before."

Karnilla blushed modestly, smiling without reply.

Jorde, standing nearby, grimaced.

Observing this, Hermond murmured to Forseti, "Honestly, Lord Odin's marriage seems quite discordant..."

Forseti refrained from commenting.

Yet, it was evident to anyone with discernment that Odin's relationship with his current wife, Jord, lacked harmony—a factor likely contributing to Hela's later rebellion.

The dragon was ushered into the Cave of Time, and one by one, the attendees followed.

Karnilla informed Odin, "Later, I will rouse the Spirit of Norn and inquire about the future you seek."

She added, "Your conversation with the Spirit of Norn, including mine, shall remain confidential."

Odin nodded with a smile. "Agreed."

Karnilla approached the Waters of True Sight, leaning over to touch the water's surface, closing her eyes as she murmured softly.

The ordinarily placid waters of True Sight suddenly rippled, awakening a strange and ethereal presence felt by all, including Forseti.

Forseti sensed as though a pair of eyes had opened within the darkness, surveying all present before settling upon Odin, positioned directly before the pool.

Unmistakably, these eyes belonged to the Spirit of Norn.

Legend held that the Spirit of Norn embodied the collective souls of deceased Dukes of Norn.

A chilling, otherworldly voice resonated in Odin's mind, "Odin Bolson, what future do you wish to perceive for Asgard?"

The scene around Odin dissolved into a blank, snowy expanse, leaving only the spectral form of the Spirit of Norn.

The Spirit of Norn appeared vaguely feminine, her features indistinct, her form mere shadow and light.

Odin hesitated momentarily before asking, "Who shall be Asgard's next King of the Gods?"