The hard, sturdy, and durable nature of clay has proved it to be an effective material of construct, as seen in their usage in potteries, statues, buildings, et cetera. But, part of what makes it so reliable is not limited to just that, it is due to its ability to soften its texture when mixed with water, making it easy to change its shape as one would like.

A dampened clay, like the one I am handling right now, will lose its tough exterior trait, and it will adjust itself to comply with the forces given to it. This one is no exception. When I mixture it with little water, it makes itself easier to change its proportion. Its structure follows as my rough skin—whose texture does not contain the characteristics of plump, living, mammal skin and is relatively similar to coarse dirt—guides it to shape.

With the help of a potter's wheel, I change the clay mound in front of me to have a broad half-circle shape with its base facing upwards, then I press its lateral sides to shape it into a torso-like piece. After that, the wheel continues to spin as I pick one scraper from my side and use it to trim the base surface, leaving a hole in its medial area while the trimmed part peels into a spiral waste.

After being satisfied with my work, I bring the chest piece to my hold and turn around to the other being in the same room as me. The woman— pardon. The Goddess in my view is busy managing her latest project, a human-sized haniwa using a warrior helmet for its head and a lamellar armor for its torso, though the latter part is not complete yet as it is still in my hands.

I close my distance from my creator, her delicate blue hair flailing in the air as she solely directs her focus to her work. She is the being responsible for my existence, the only divine that is worth my faith, the sculpture goddess that has never committed any war crime throughout her time in Gensokyo.

"Keiki, my Highness." I bow respectfully as I show the result of my hard work to her. "I have finished my part. Take as you like."

The Goddess turns to face me, wearing her green apron that serves as a protection for her clothes from the dirtiness of the workplace. "Ah, thank you." She says cheerfully, clearly appreciating my contribution. She takes the clay torso and puts it into the uncompleted part of the haniwa. Brushing the sweat on her forehead, she takes one thorough view at the idol before setting her arms on her hips, an expression to show her satisfaction. "That's all we can work for now."

I feel slightly uneasy by hearing that sentence, she usually completes these sessions after giving the idol a soul for it to live on its own.

"Hey, Pawn."

I look at her face upon hearing her call.

"Notice that we're finishing earlier than normal."

I observe the lifeless haniwa. "Is not there something wrong?"

"We ran out of souls, I can't bring this one to life yet."

Putting my hands on my chin, I ensure she sees me quickly thinking of a solution. Gathering faith from the human village will not be practical since it risks for more trouble while finding help from another god is out of the list since it counts as betraying my faith in Keiki.

"Our primary source had also stopped producing more recently, all Rafflesia in our garden were dying."

Rafflesia, the flower that reeks of a cadaver—which trait is the opposite of the common—and is one of the only flowers in its kind that is rich in souls, rumors say that the smell comes from its nature of absorbing the dead.

"There is none left in Gensokyo, unfortunately." I give her my answer. "Though, there might be some in the Animal Realm."

"I need someone to get there, then." She hums in her thoughts. "You're one of the few people that knows how its seed looks. You've seen it before, no?"

"Correct, my Highness. Perhaps, you want not a favor from me?"

"This task might be too harsh, so I understand if you don't want to do this."

I hesitate for a second. "Surely, this risky mission will grant me a good reward?"

A grin surfaces on her. "What is it do you want?"

She is giving me the option here and I better not waste this opportunity. I glance over the things that will be beneficial to me before deciding on one. "I want you to promote me as your favorite pawn."

She gives me a smile that displays her teeth. "And what about the others? Do you want to get rid of your kin?"

"They can still work as usual, I just want you to deem me as your favorite."

Her snark grows bigger. "I'll do you a better one. If you complete this task, I'll make you the only pawn I use for things involving sculpture. Clay is your specialty, after all."

That surprises me to the point of disbelief. It will be an honor to have myself as her loyal clay thrower. "That sounds great, my Highness."

"So, you want to volunteer?"

"I surely want to," I say in a voice that, in my quick observation, does not sound desperate at all.

"I'll make sure of it then." She titters for unknown reasons. "No need to worry about the role taken from you. I'll partner you with an elite soldier as your company for the journey."

"Just one?"

"Sadly. I'm afraid the Animal Realm residents still have their bad view on us. Bringing an army might provoke another incident."

"That is not a problem," My voice comes out with absolute certainty. "I will not falter."

"Good," She heads to exit the room. "I'll talk to you again about this mission. Make sure you have everything ready while you wait."

"Understood," I say as she leaves me on my own, joy passing down on me. How can I not feel happy? I finally got the chance to shine brighter than anyone of my kind. With this, I will prove my worthiness as her servant, I will show her my unrivaled competence and get her approval.

I, as her pawn, will prove that I am worth of my existence.

I will earn her validation.