Otherwise, you can find another savior.

"That's what it seems at the moment, but what's really going on?" Shiomi looked at Grimm. "After all, I don't have the clairvoyance to see into the past and the future."

He was undoubtedly alluding to the eyes of the great god Odin, yet Grimm also shook his head.

"Unfortunately, I lack this information as well," Grimm replied truthfully. "I believe the great god Odin has considered this."

"You mean, investigating the entire historical picture of the past is also one of Tianxi's trials?" Jian asked with concern.

Grimm nodded repeatedly: "Perhaps that is the possibility."

"what……"

Shiomi let out a sigh.

Originally, today I just wanted to witness Jian ringing the first pilgrimage bell, but I didn't expect so many things to happen.

"Don't worry about it. You've come this far without knowing anything, yet you've managed to save the world step by step." Grimm grinned. "I'm counting on you, Junior Brother."

"I am also optimistic about myself." Xijian pursed his lips and smiled subtly but politely.

"Not bad! Warriors from the Shadow Country should have this kind of confidence." Grimm laughed heartily. "I'm really liking you more and more, Junior Brother! Let's spar with each other sometime!"

"Battle maniac?" Ash asked Shiomi with a little surprise.

"Pretty much. All of Master's disciples are like this... except me."

"……Really?"

When asked this question, Jian knew it was not a lie, but still looked unconvinced.

Chapter 38 Separate Actions

Since Grimm will be traveling with them as a companion, Shiomi feels it is necessary to introduce him.

"This is my wife. As you know, she's a fairy from Paradise. Her real name is Morgan le Fay, but she currently goes by the name Ash."

On the way out of the bell hall, Shiomi proudly introduced it to Grimm.

"Morgan? King Arthur's half-sister?" Grimm looked as if he had seen some rare creature. "No, should I say, an isomorph from a parallel world? Their origins and birth stories are completely different, right?"

"That's right." Xijian nodded slightly, then turned to Jian and said, "He introduced himself earlier. Although he now calls himself Grim, his real name is Setante, and he is also the one who was later known as 'Cu Chulainn of the Fierce Dog'."

"Is that the hero from the story about the battle to seize the bull?" Ash's face was filled with surprise. "I actually saw him alive."

Grimm was a little surprised: "You told me my story?"

"Well, I've told you everything I can remember about pan-human history," Xijian said. "If Ash likes to hear it, I definitely can't hide it."

Then, as if remembering something, he said, "Oh right, from now on, just call this guy Setant. He's just an agent anyway, so there's no need to call him by the alias of the great god Odin."

"I understand. Please take care of me, Setant." Ash nodded with a smile.

Grimm suddenly yelled, "I told you not to call me by that name! My spiritual power will drop!"

"Then I'll call you Odin." Xi Jiandan closed his eyes, "This way the output will be much higher."

"...or Setant..."

Grimm almost couldn't resist the urge to rush up and wrestle with Shiomi.

As expected of the disciple who has stayed with the master the longest, he knows how to torture people better than the master.

No wonder he was able to obtain the twin guns given by his master.

Fortunately, we didn’t become disciples at the same time, otherwise I would not have been able to stand practicing with someone with such a temper and would have run away early.

"So, where are you going next?"

After resealing the entrance to the Bell Hall's secret room, they left and walked all the way to the deserted streets of the Rain Clan. Grimm then seriously inquired about their future plans and warned them:

"In case you haven't heard it already, I'll tell you. That bell is no ordinary bell. When it rings, it can be heard all over Britain. And the same goes for the other bells."

"I roughly knew it after I knocked on the bell." Jian nodded.

Shiomi also showed a look of sudden realization: "No wonder the sound of the bell has such a special penetrating power, I see."

"The sound of the pilgrimage bell is the 'voice of the soul accepting sin'. You'd better be mentally prepared. Other clans may not accept you ringing their bells." Grimm added.

"I'm mentally prepared for this." Jian nodded seriously.

"When the bell rings, will all the fairies on the British Isles hear it?" Shiomi looked south. "Then it won't be long before another investigation team from each clan arrives."

"So it's best to leave here as soon as possible," said Grimm, "unless you want to fight a battle."

"There's no need for that right now," Shiomi said casually, "but Ash and I don't plan to leave Orkney for the time being."

Grimm grinned. "Is that so? So—"

"Since you want to help us, we can take this opportunity to split our forces into two groups." Shiomi said.

"What does Tianxi mean?" Jian was very curious.

"Of course, let Grimm return to the mainland first and begin gathering intelligence on the various clans." Shiomi pointed at the bell-ringing hall. "What is that mural? What happened between the god Cernunnos and the six goblins? Without sufficient intelligence, it's impossible to know its meaning."

What this means is that Grimm should start the investigation before Shiomi and Ash return to their homeland, which will be more efficient.

"Sure, I have no objection." Grimm tapped his shoulder with his staff. "Anyway, you're just annoyed that I've been following you around and disturbing your private time, right?"

He bluntly exposed the real meaning behind Shiomi's reasonable plan.

Shiomi's attitude was very calm, and Jian was not surprised.

"Tianxi's senior brother is so precocious." She covered her mouth and complained about Grimm.

"I just happened to manifest as a Servant like this!" Grimm was furious. "I also had a wife and children in my lifetime!"

Even his son died in his own hands.

Xi Jian thought about it and decided that even if it was true, the words were too hurtful, so she didn't say it.

"Anyway, I'm glad you understand. After we finish dealing with things here, we will go directly to the Mirror Clan." Xijian raised his hand and waved, "Brother, start investigating the clans in the south."

"I know, I know." Grimm was speechless. "You really know how to order people around. I'll be leaving now. Take care."

After saying this, he turned around and left.

There is no need to leave any means of contact or arrange a meeting place.

Since we are all magicians, we can quickly connect with each other by using the same rune magic.

Watching Grimm gradually walk out of the city, Jian, who stopped on the street to watch him, said:

"Next, we're going to the World Tree."

This was the route they had planned on their way back to the Rain Clan's homeland.

"It feels like I promised you a long time ago, but never did it." Xijian agreed.

Moreover, in the route they had discussed and planned together, investigating the World Tree was the first stop after Ash rang the pilgrimage bell.

Although Shiomi and Kazue care about different things, it can be said that they have the same goal.

"It's not too late now." Jian took his hand, "I'd rather feel at ease if you were by my side."

"Rather than asking that question, how are you doing now?" Ximi asked.

"Huh?" Jian was stunned.

"After ringing the pilgrimage bell, your strength has experienced a qualitative leap." Shiomi said, "Are you still getting used to this change? Do you need to go back and rest?"

Jian originally wanted to say that he was full of energy and it would be fine even if they set off for the World Tree now, but when the words came to his lips, they turned into something else.

"I feel a little tired." She opened her arms and threw herself into Xijian's arms. "You're right, I need to rest. Anyway, there's still plenty of time, so there's no need to rush to set off right now."

"What I'm more concerned about now is the reaction of the clan fairies." Shiomi said softly, "This is a good opportunity to observe them."

"Try to cover up our tracks with magic and pretend that no one has been here."

"Ah."

Chapter 39: Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake, a vast lake located north of the Rain Clan's homeland, almost divides the northern lands into two and is surrounded by boreal forests.

Whether it is frozen in winter or the ice and snow melt in other seasons, the lake water is as clear as a mirror, which is why it is named so by the Rain Clan.

To the north of this vast lake stood a towering tree, known to the British elves as the "World Tree." However, because the lake nearly cuts off the northernmost lands, crossing the Mirror Lake was the shortest route to explore the World Tree, saving nearly a day compared to the detour along the shore.

"Is everything okay?" Jian held onto the side of the boat and carefully observed the lake.

For Shiomi and Ash, who were planning to head to the foot of the World Tree, the current condition of Mirror Lake was one of the worst.

There was no ice, but it was not suitable for crossing the lake by boat.

Because there are floating ice on the lake, if you are not careful when rowing, you may hit it, causing the hull to be damaged and water to enter, and then the boat will sink.

"Let's just apply the runes of navigation to this wooden boat. The solid ice is nothing to be afraid of." Xijian slowly rowed the boat and answered Jian in his usual calm tone.

As if to prove his words, the wooden boat, which was obviously just made from felled trees, was able to move forward on the solid ice on the lake. The floating ice, which was as thick as a hand standing upright, would automatically crack when it encountered the hull and flow to both sides, opening up a not-so-wide but stable road on the lake.

"Is it tiring to row alone? How about we take turns?" said Jian.

"Are you interested too?" Xijian shook his head to indicate that he was not tired, and then guessed what Jian was thinking.

"After all, whether we're back home or on the island, you're the one who takes care of all these things." Jian rested his hands on his knees, his favorite wand resting diagonally on the boat. "When I think about it sometimes, I always feel like I've taken your kindness for granted."

"It's only natural." Xi Jian said calmly, "Or do I have to get some benefits before I treat you well?"

"Hmm..." Jian couldn't say anything for a moment.

Xi Jian laughed: "If I have to say it, it can only be because of our relationship. All aspects must be taken into account."

"Then I'm not at a loss." Jian gently moved his feet and hummed softly, "After all, I'm really happy."

"As long as you're happy." Shiomi nodded, "So if you want to be fair, then please."

He paused and held out an oar.

The two oars are fixed in the middle of the boat, so it doesn't matter who of the two people sitting opposite each other rows the boat.

"Okay." There was a hint of excitement in Jian's voice.

"Just like a little child." Xijian said lovingly.

Jian blinked and said, "I actually felt that my husband was more like a child the day before yesterday than usual."

"Oh?"

"No, I should say I never thought you were that naive." Jian adjusted his description again. "From the moment I met you, Tianxi has always been steady and considerate, always being thorough in his actions."

"Really? I think I'm pretty unreliable." Shiomi said with a smile, "After all, luring a fifteen-year-old fairy girl to taste the forbidden fruit, and then coaxing her into marriage, is already a serious crime in our place."

Jian's face flushed immediately, and she lifted Xijian's foot: "Don't deliberately distort the facts. Tianxi would never touch me if I didn't want to. I know everything."

"Ah."

"Also, don't change the subject." Jian changed the subject while rowing the boat. "Anyway, I've never seen you behave like that... It's not so much that you're losing control of your emotions, it's more that you have a..."

"What does it feel like to take off your disguise?" Xijian asked.

"It's not a disguise, but I'm even more reckless." Jian shook his head.

She saw clearly that he had always treated her sincerely and without any falsehood.

"Because I have no concerns." Xi Jian thought for a moment. "After all, we're not particularly familiar with each other. We're only together because we share the same master and the great god Odin. Saying a few unfriendly and strange things is fine."

"Rather than being unfriendly, it's more like being friendly." Jian shook his head.

"Bad friend." Xijian gave a word. "I have to say, even though we've only met a few times, Setant and I actually get along quite well."

"That should be the case." Jian suddenly stopped rowing the boat.

Shiomi also stopped to prevent the boat from veering off course due to only one person rowing.

"tired?"

"No... I was just thinking that Tianxi could be a little more like this in front of me in the future." Jian emphasized with a pout, "Seeing Tianxi showing a side of him to others that I've never seen before makes me a little jealous."

"...How come even men are jealous?" Xi Jian complained quietly, but was not too surprised.

Morgan is the type who has such a strong possessiveness.

"So it works?" Jian asked.

"As for men, it's inevitable that they will be a little hypocritical in front of the women they love." Xi Jian explained helplessly, "I want you to see a better and more perfect me, so-"