The "Friendship Oak" was a gift the Hermits of the Forest gave to their friends. Anyone holding one could contact the Hermits. Shade naturally did not have one; Miss Danist had taken it out, so he avoided the question.
"I'd like you to take a look at this."
As he spoke, he pulled a wooden holy emblem from his pocket, bearing the symbol of a white oak. It was the holy emblem of the Old God White Sacred Tree, one of the two items Shade had discovered in the hidden space beneath the tree hollow. The other was an Elven-style lantern.
"A holy emblem?!"
Mr. Van Buren, who had been curious about the pair's identities, froze for a moment before looking at Shade in astonishment.
"This is Mr. Oak's holy emblem! May I ask where you obtained it?"
"A few days ago, while taking a walk in the woods, I found it in a tree hollow."
That was not exactly a lie.
"Returning it to its rightful owner, it should belong to you."
He handed the holy emblem to the Hermit across the table. The man was even more startled. Once he recovered, he hurriedly wiped his hands on his robe before reverently accepting it. He briefly examined the emblem, then held it and softly offered a prayer.
As the words, "May the sacred wood endure, and may fortune endure," were recited, the holy emblem emitted a faint glow. Even the red-haired girl beside Shade glanced at him in surprise. This was no ordinary prayer emblem; it had at least two divine arts enchanted upon it.
"Mr. John Watson, you are our friend."
Holding the holy emblem, the Hermit rose and spoke respectfully. Shade smiled and shook his head.
"Please, don't be so formal. A friend of mine is already