In front of Amel-san’s house, there’s a large window that allows us to see the village of the Wingeds. Since Amel-san’s house is situated at the highest point in the village, we can get a panoramic view of the entire area.

[Somehow, this is different from what I imagined. There are more things here than I expected. There are quite a few shops within the village too.]

[I get how you feel, my sworn friend. It’s true that the Wingeds is a closed-off species and is often seen as living contrary to the progress of civilization. However, being closed-off doesn’t mean we exclude everything around us. We integrate useful technologies like magic tools into our lives. While most Wingeds generally lead lives that are self-contained within the village, some engage in trade and procure goods from outside.]

I see. So, while they’re not eager to interact with other races, they do occasionally acquire things from outside when necessary…… Come to think of it, even though their attendance in Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festival is more of a formality, they do set up small stalls every year selling accessories. It seems that, just like how Lilia-san does things, they also engage in transactions that require connections.

[Well, the Wingeds’ village is located on a high mountain, so we need to source some ingredients like seawater fish from outside. Personally, I think they should engage more with the outside world but…… dealing with the weight of centuries can be troublesome. Time can become a chain that binds thoughts. Breaking that chain requires time……]

[It’s tough to suddenly tell people who haven’t interacted much with other species for years to start doing so more. As you said, taking your time might be the best approach.]

[Yeah, but by actively engaging with the outside world, I believe the Wingeds’ awareness would gradually change. Though transformation takes time, there are signs of progress.]

[Indeed, Amel-san active involvement with outsiders could likely increase the others’ interest in external interactions. To think of such a thing and implement these changes, as expected of the Wingeds’ Chief.]

[Ehehe, you think so? Hearing my sworn friend praise me makes me hap——— Hrnn!? My gratitude for the compliment.]

Amel-san seems to be genuinely working hard to change the Wingeds’ way of life. Her participation in events like the Harmonic Symphony’s afterparty is probably part of her effort to gradually shift the tribe’s awareness by showing herself as an active leader interacting with other races.

[Do other species rarely visit the Wingeds’ village?]

[I wouldn’t say no one visits, as there are some exceptions. First, there are those who visit through the legal process. This requires approval from several high-ranking members within the village, and the application process is extensive. Even if you apply, it’s not guaranteed to be accepted, so it’s quite a hassle.]

[Speaking of which, you mentioned that the procedures to allow me into the village were complicated last time I visited.]

[Yeah, but as my sworn friend has the Blessing of the God of Creation, you’re an exception. In your case, it’s just like another exception, my sworn friend is more like the one being invited by the Wingeds. This exception applies mainly to Gods. The Wingeds are extremely religious, especially in their worship of the Great Natural Elements like the sky, earth and sea…… and the origin of all those things, God of Life-sama. For important ceremonies, we sometimes invite Gods, and in those cases, none of those legal procedures is needed.]

I’ve heard that the Wingeds are highly religious, so I understand them inviting Gods. I’m curious about who actually comes———— perhaps someone like Elune-san?

[I see…… By the way, who usually comes? Is it the Low-Rank Gods stationed in Archlesia Empire?]

[Sometimes Gods with temples in Archlesia Empire, like God of Fertility, will attend, but generally, it’s one of the Gods serving God of Life-sama. It’s usually decided by the divine beings themselves, our side doesn’t designate anyone from our side…… Ahh, but God of Ocean Marine-sama graciously participates in the ceremonies quite frequently.]

[Marine-san? ……Ahh, one more question: How do the Wingeds view Eingana-san?]

[The Sea Dragon seated in the Great Oceans? Isn’t she an Executive of the Earth-Shaking Dragon King…… Is there anything else about her in particular?]

……I see, so that’s why Marine-san participates so frequently in the ceremonies. It seems that the Wingeds don’t regard Eingana-san as the God of Sea unlike the other Humans and clearly worship the God of Ocean Marine-san as the God of Sea.

For Marine-san, who is quite concerned about people’s recognition of her, it’s likely that she favors this tribe that clearly sees her as superior to Eingana-san in matters related to the sea.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Ahh~~ I see, that makes a lot of sense.]

? ? ? : [The Wingeds praise Marine-san as the God of Sea and worship her sincerely, so Marine-san is happy to be treated with such affection and unless she has other plans scheduled, she attends the winged tribe’s ceremonies as much as possible.]