Chapter 106: Wood Carving

Without delving deep into the origins of the Puppeteer Clan or mentioning the names of the so-called “Father” and “Mother,” after clearing Vilyric’s curiosity, Inee returned to the main topic.

“So, what brings you all to the Puppeteer Forest? Did Sister Iwen send any messages?”

“Actually, we…”

Just as Vilyric was about to explain that they were merely passing travelers, the Mage Wolf, Aistel, suddenly interrupted.

“Iwen did ask me to relay a few words to a Puppeteer Clan member named Inee. She said, ‘Remind that guy not to loaf around at home all day. Now that he’s the chief, he needs to take responsibility. I hope that when he returns, the promise has been fulfilled.’ Something like that.”

“Tsk.”

Inee furrowed her brow like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. While her expression didn’t visibly change due to her doll-like nature, her noticeably sulky demeanor indicated that Aistel’s words didn’t sit well with her.

“That guy… running off on his own and still trying to manage everything, does he really think he’s everyone’s guardian? Hmph, promises, promises—what a joke!”

“…? ”

Despite her clear disdain, the fact that Inee didn’t kick them out showed she wasn’t truly angry; it felt more like a sibling tantrum with close acquaintances.

While Inee was processing this “message,” Aistel winked slyly at Vilyric, who could only respond helplessly with a nod.

Although it seemed rather foolish and potentially risky, it must be admitted that Aistel’s clumsy attempt did effectively bridge the gap between them, at least proving they were indeed familiar with Iwen.

This was undoubtedly an excellent conversation starter.

As expected, once Inee calmed down, she no longer clung to their reason for visiting, and with a contemplative glimmer in her nearly human-like eyes, she finally stepped aside to let them enter her small house.

“You’ve come a long way; please come in for a bit and have some tea.”

Vilyric nodded but curiously asked, “If it’s not too much trouble, what is this promise you mentioned that makes you so uncomfortable? Perhaps we can help?”

“Oh, it’s nothing… just hanging wind chimes on the trees in this forest, it’s rather troublesome, isn’t it?”

“Uh…?”

Hearing this, everyone instinctively looked up at the wind chimes jingling under the eaves, glancing at each other. But when they returned their gaze to Inee, she had already ambled into the house, leaving behind her somewhat slender figure.

“Lady Vilyric, don’t you think this Inee lady is a bit strange?”

“Ahem… Anyway, let’s go inside first.”

Although her behavior seemed a tad odd, Inee’s attitude and handling of their visit was quite reasonable and relatively friendly. They could inquire about the Puppeteer Clan’s internal matters later.

After greeting and leaving the mountain wolves outside, Vilyric and the others entered the small house. After all, Inee’s home was only about a hundred square meters, and while it could fit a few people, those massive wolves wouldn’t squeeze in.

Inee’s little house, though small, was exquisitely decorated. It consisted of one room and one hall, with no bathroom or kitchen in sight.

It appeared that, despite their demeanor and actions resembling real humans, as puppets, they ultimately lacked the usual physiological functions, not requiring any excretion or food. This left Vilyric curious about what their internal structure was like.

As everyone settled in the living room, scanning the surroundings, Inee seemed to truly enjoy herself. The room was not only well-lit but also quiet and tidy, with all sorts of furniture well-provided.

Hardwood and soft cushions made up the sofa, and the crackling fire in the autumn fireplace occasionally popped. It looked nothing like a room inhabited by a mere doll. Most notably, the expertly crafted magic lamps and various carvings almost filled every corner of the room.

Especially the latter; while most appeared to be wood carvings, their designs ranged from cute birds, cats, and bunnies to fierce, intimidating magical beasts that emanated an invisible sense of pressure just by looking at them. It was evident that the craftsman poured tremendous effort into each cut and detail.

Like the others, Vilyric was captivated by the wooden decorations, glancing back at the doll-like lady sitting across the sofa, who seemed to be lost in thought.

“Inee, did you create all these wood carvings yourself?”

“…Ah? Oh, you mean these? Of course! In fact, not just the carvings; everything in this room, including the furniture, magic lamps, and even the wooden house itself, was made by my own hands. Although, some parts were helped by other sisters in the clan; it’s like passing the time.”

“Impressive… your craftsmanship is truly remarkable. Is it that all Puppeteer Clan members are skilled at similar crafts?”

Inee nodded, turning her gaze to the plethora of wood carvings around and picking up an unfinished piece from the table, holding it up as if she were talking to herself.

“Pretty much. After all, as puppets, we have an inexplicable empathy for these lifeless objects and tools, or if I had to say, it’s a talent. Plus, since we don’t have a concept of lifespan, nor do we need to eat or drink, except for the necessary time to maintain our cores while sleeping, the rest of the long, idle time is only filled with such activities to pass the boredom.”

“Of course, this varies by individual. I’m just someone who enjoys peace and quiet, which is why I focus on creating such things. Someone like Sister Iwen is more fond of excitement, so it’s likely difficult for her to take the time to indulge in arts and crafts.”

At this point, Inee’s expression seemed to show some confusion.

“Aren’t you all friends of Sister Iwen? Has she never shown you the creative abilities of the Puppeteer Clan when she’s with you?”

“Uh, well…”

As for this question, Vilyric couldn’t possibly answer, quickly casting a pleading glance at Aistel sitting beside her. The latter immediately picked up on this and took over Inee’s question.

“Occasionally, but everyone has their own groups, and we don’t always stay together with Iwen, so we’re not particularly aware of these details. Besides, she loves to wander, scouring the mountains to help those magical beasts in need, making it rare to meet her.”

“Is that so… that makes sense. Sister is indeed a kind-hearted person, especially abhorring those who bully others or engage in enslavement. If it weren’t for her back then…”

Inee instinctively agreed but then abruptly changed the topic as if avoiding something.

“If possible, could you tell me about Sister Iwen’s activities outside? Anything at all, because the Puppeteer Forest is remote, and it seems to have been considered a racial territory, making it rare for outside creatures to visit for decades, resulting in a lack of current information.”

Upon hearing this, Aistel readily broke into an straightforward smile.

“Of course, let me tell you…”

They chatted back and forth for a long while. Although Aistel mostly talked about trivial matters, it was clear that Inee was genuinely interested and her fondness for their group was steadily increasing, with more smiles appearing on her face.

After a while, while Aistel took a breather, Vilyric seized the opportunity to voice her curiosity.

She pointed to the previously held but now returned to the table unfinished wood carving—a very challenging creature to carve. Its serpentine body needed a single piece of wood to reproduce, requiring exceptional skill and meticulous patience to accomplish.

It was a sculpture of a snake.

“Inee, this piece seems to be encountering some difficulties. Is it your first attempt? If you don’t mind me asking, what made you suddenly think of carving something like this?”

   

---