Part 257: Theo at the Shrine

Theo at the shrine is pretty adorable.



I see... I’m sensing mysterious presences here... They’re different from the Shadows.
See, there’s one behind you...

> ...Behind you!?

...Please don’t glare at me so. I was only joking.
Now then... The first order of business is to worship at the shrine, correct?

Do you know how?

O-Of course I do.
First, I put the coins in this wooden box...

> Theo pulled out a wallet while saying so.
> ...!?
> Theo began dumping such a large quantity of coins that the offering box is straining to hold them!

I couldn't help but feel a little sore that it was probably my money to begin with.

After which I must immediately swing the rope...
Lastly, I call out my wish...
...
...Hmm.
This isn’t good... I’m drawing a blank on what to wish for.
But it would be improper not to call out a wish...
...
Ah, of course. I’ll wish for your safety.

> Theo began praying enthusiastically.

I wish that my dear friend remains...
...

> Theo fell silent...



It’s odd I admit, but for some reason I don’t feel comfortable knowing that you’re listening...

> Theo is mumbling...
> ...Theo seems to have concluded the ritual by whispering his wish.

Everything will be all right now. You’ll be protected for all eternity.
Do you intend to pray for anything?

For your safety.

For... mine?
But I am an avatar of power.
I don’t believe I’m quite weak enough to require prayers for my safety...
But this must be your generosity of spirit in action.
Thank you very much.

> You put your hands together and prayed.



If that’s so, then why didn’t you...
Well, never mind.
Excuse me... I’ve been wondering since our arrival, but these structures over here... Could these be...?

> Theo is gazing at the park built near the shrine.



Is this... a house?

You play with them.

You... play with them...?
...
Play...!?
H-How does it work?

> Theo's eyes are glistening...
> Theo squatted under the slide for some reason...



And like this!

> Theo eagerly stood on top of the horizontal bar...

It's... quite difficult... to maintain... one's balance... on these...

It takes practice.

S-So I see.

> Theo is desperately trying to keep his balance...
> ...?
> Theo jumped down.

...Why are you laughing like that?
This isn’t for standing on, is it? Hmph... You could’ve said so sooner!

> You spend an invigorating afternoon with Theo.



...
I must let you go home soon...
But...
...
I wonder what this is... I don’t... understand either.
...
...Let us return.
Ah, we’re approaching the stairs. Please mind your step...

> You returned to the Velvet Room with Theo.



The balance of spiritual and physical health present there is something I will have to reflect on later.
As it happens, I've asked my master about implementing a set of horizontal bars here.
I argued that they would serve in maintaining one’s physical condition, but he refused immediately.
Ah, yes... I have a very special reward for you.
With this, you can fuse Thoth.
He comes in the form of a beast, yet possesses knowledge beyond that of any human...
Try him out and see for yourself the wisdom it may grant you.
...I'd like it if I could walk with you again in your world someday.
Please take this as your reward.

> Obtained Book of Ancients.