After crafting the new species of Thunder Sakura, the next step is simply to replicate the prototype Sacred Sakura and move it elsewhere.
“So we’re going to use seeds from this tree to plant new ones?” Clementine examined the newly created species of flower, observing with interest how two different Elemental Powers circulated and merged into one within a single tree.
“It’s not like that.
If we had to wait for this tree to bear fruit and seeds, then plant them and wait for the Ward to grow on its own, it would take far too long.” Makoto paused after speaking, then added, “Oh, I almost forgot.
Dragons are a Long-lived Species, so you probably don’t feel like that’s much time at all.
But it’s different for humans; their lives cannot withstand such a long wait.” Clementine nodded nonchalantly, and Makoto continued.
“We can just take cuttings of new branches from the Thunder Sakura tree.
Cut the bottom of the branch at an angle to increase its contact with the soil.
If the temperature and humidity are right, the branch will grow new roots and eventually become a new tree.” “People seem to call this method ‘Cutting Propagation.’ I’m not that familiar with planting techniques, but using a bit of divine power to make up for that shortcoming should yield the same result.” Clementine responded with some emotion: “It sounds like you’re trying very hard to understand humans.” Makoto smiled slightly.
“After all, I am the Archon of humans, ruling over a human nation.
Only after turning my gaze toward them did I realize that when the scale of life shortens, its density often increases.
Lacking the capital to waste too much time, people instead pursue the light of every Fleeting Moment.” “eternity can stretch time very thin, but it is precisely because of the light of Fleeting Moments that people develop dreams to pursue, and these dreams make every moment of eternity shine brightly.” “That is why I want to protect the people of Inazuma and ensure that dreams can always be born on Inazuma’s soil.” Clementine thought back to when she and Makoto first met, when she said she wanted to “establish an eternal land of dreams.” Now it seemed she was indeed practicing this creed and working hard toward it.
A vision that combined both desire and boldness—it was very attractive to her.
She imagined it in her mind, unexpectedly stirring a strong sense of curiosity.
Curious whether such a vision could succeed, curious where the story would begin to unfold, and even more curious about what the person who proposed this wish was truly thinking.
The Thunder Dragon, who had always been good at speaking her mind, quickly responded.
“Since you want to build an eternal nation with dreams, then I can stay here eternally to watch the process.” This time it was Makoto’s turn to be confused.
“When I invited you to Inazuma before, wasn’t that exactly what I meant?
I wanted you to help build and protect Inazuma together, to be a participant in this process.” Clementine wagged her tail innocently.
“I thought it meant taking me in temporarily, giving me a place to stay, and in return, I’d help out with a few things.” Makoto looked at Clementine’s expression; she probably really did think so.
This caused her to feel a sense of worry.
Back when she thought it was temporary, this dragon had already helped her with so much; wasn’t she a bit too easy to trick?
Now that it had changed from temporary to permanent, she could probably get the whole dragon to sell herself to her.
“I haven’t been tricked, have I?
After all, I think Makoto is a good person,” Clementine spoke lazily.
Makoto was startled; had she been so shocked that she spoke her thoughts out loud?
“Besides, I definitely have things I’m hiding from you too.
Maybe I’m the one getting the better deal, tricking you instead.” So Makoto followed her lead.
“Then is there anything you’ve tricked me about?
Why don’t you tell me?” Clementine glanced at her.
“If I told you, would it still be called tricking you?” “So is there or isn’t there?” The Thunder Dragon thought seriously for a moment.
“Now there is.” This time Makoto was genuinely confused.
If mental activities could be written as Bullet Comments, there would definitely be several question marks right now.
Clementine visibly didn’t want to talk about it and stiffly changed the subject: “Didn’t you say you were going to plant trees?
Which branches to cut, and when are we going?
There’s no time like the present, let’s do it today.” Asking three questions in a row—it seemed she was indeed in a hurry, Makoto commented to herself.
She wasn’t too worried about the conversation just now.
Being able to wander near Inazuma, which was close to the Dark Sea during the Archon War, for a long time without being discovered by herself or Ei, it was expected that her background was somewhat special.
It didn’t seem strange that she had things she wanted to hide.
On the other hand, from the first moment she saw her, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with this dragon.
After getting to know each other, their relationship had quickly become close.
As a Archon who had existed for a long time, Makoto still trusted her intuition.
Besides, if she really had ill intentions, she could have acted long ago.
Normally, a schemer with ill intent wouldn’t spend so many days as a Corporate Slave, busy organizing documents and subordinates.
Thinking of this, Makoto almost circled back to the logic of her acting as a Corporate Slave to repay a temporary residence permit, and that a permanent residence permit would probably require her to sell herself to her.
Clementine’s expression became a bit strange where Makoto couldn’t see, and she urged her again to make up her mind quickly.
“Just five branches will do.
Choose shorter ones that look like new growth; they’re easier to plant.
We’ll head out in a moment.”