Chapter 92: The Elusive Crosspoint

We couldn’t discover the Crosspoint that afternoon either, but the Elves said they felt like we were getting close. Since the sun began to set, we moved away from the lake and searched for a dry spot to set up camp. Once the campsite was decided, I brought out the tents with their interiors expanded by magic. Both the knights and Elves happily went inside. “Wow! It really is mysterious that the inside is so spacious.” “Even though it looks like a normal tent from the outside.”

I hope everyone can sleep well today. “Well then, see you tomorrow.” I provided pots filled with warm tea as usual, then teleported to the workshop with Ophelia.

Upon returning to the workshop, I went straight to the cafe to report to Baker-san. “Baker-san, the cherry pie was incredibly delicious! Everyone said it gave them energy.” “It was well-received, with everyone saying the balance of sweetness and acidity was good and that it seemed to relieve their fatigue.” “Oh my, the two of you are praising me too much. But I am happy if the sweets I made cheered everyone up.”

After telling Ophelia “good work” and finding myself alone, I headed to my room in the workshop. Since I have time today, let’s do some Appraisals. In the undeveloped lands, whenever I see unfamiliar plants or the like, I store them for the time being. Since I can’t take my time to Appraise things in dangerous places, there are still many items I haven’t Appraised.

We are exploring wetlands now, but I had found some fragrant herbs in the fertile-looking land near the Great River we passed before. I thought the scent was somewhat nostalgic. When I Appraised it, it was Sweet Basil!

In my original world, basil is associated with Italian cuisine, but it originated in tropical Asia around India, and there seem to be various theories about when it was introduced to Southern Europe. I had never seen it in this world before. Basil goes well with tomatoes and cheese, and is sometimes called the King of Herbs. It is also easy to cultivate. I’m glad I found something good.

The next morning, when I teleported to the exploration team’s campsite, Gilbert approached me with a smile. “Lord William, thanks to you, I slept soundly! Beds really are great, aren’t they?” “I’m glad to hear you slept well.” Other knights and Elves gathered around as well.

“Since the inside of the tent was spacious, I could relax!” “I didn’t have to worry about the humidity compared to sleeping on the ground.” “No bugs came in!” Everyone looks more energetic than yesterday. I’m glad the tents I made were useful.

We explored the wetlands around the lake today as well. The Elves, who can sense the leylines, search for the Crosspoint, while the knights proceed by guarding those Elves. Since we had already checked the lakeshore, we decided to check areas a bit further away. We proceeded with the exploration while exterminating the frog-like monsters that attacked occasionally.

The position of the sun gradually became higher. As the temperature rose, the humidity rose as well, making it a bit muggy. A faint layer of sweat began to form. It was a little early, but we decided to take a lunch break. Since it is more tiring than exploring the grasslands, resting early is important. Today’s lunch refreshment is the baguette baked by the head chef, along with ham and cheese.

After taking a breather at lunch, we explored the wetlands in the afternoon too. The Elves say they can feel the leylines strongly around the lake. However, the Leyline Crosspoint is hard to find. When the sun began to set, we cut the exploration short without pushing ourselves. After providing warm drinks as usual, I teleported back to the workshop.

Two days passed since then. Everyone is searching seriously, but the Crosspoint cannot be found. Although it is a large lake that seems to be the source of the Great River, it feels like we have exhausted our search. Everyone doesn’t voice it, but I can tell they are anxious, and signs of fatigue are visible.

“Lord William, do you have a moment?” James called out to me. I spoke with James and the Elf Exploration Leader, Aulasneal, a little distance away from everyone else. “Even though we gain energy from the Lord Savior‘s refreshments and can rest at night thanks to the tents, everyone is getting tired.” “We have to save enough stamina to return to the Fairchild Margravate, so I think we should turn back if we can’t find it today.” “I see. It is disappointing, but returning safely is the most important thing.”

“There is no mistake that we are close, though.” Aulasneal looked frustrated. “We have pretty much exhausted the search around the lake.” “Yeah, everyone worked hard searching through the wetlands. Where on earth could the Crosspoint be?”

“Well, if we are talking about places we haven’t checked, I suppose the only thing left is the island inside the lake.” There was a large island in the middle of the lake. “However, there seems to be quite a distance from the shore to the island.” “Swimming there is dangerous.”

“I wish there was a way to cross to the island. Maybe I can make a wooden boat.” “Ah, Lord William could probably make one. Since we don’t know what creatures are underwater, there is danger, but it would be better than swimming.” “If the Lord Savior could make a boat for us, we will try going to the island.” Hmm, a wooden boat does seem dangerous. I wish there was a way to cross to the island without danger.

Wait. I can teleport to places I have been to once, but to be accurate, it is places I have seen with my own eyes once. Even if I haven’t been to the island in the lake, since I am looking at it like this, shouldn’t I be able to teleport there? “James, Aulasneal. I can probably teleport to that island.”