"You know, it's a good thing the fox deity has spare doggie beds like this."

palworld players : great you like your new labor camp.

And now, another episode of "Deep Thoughts".

After saving the forest, Brand got something he's never actually been given before: Respect, even admiration from the Forest sprites because he was able to bring the rain.

While on some level, he really does want to just go back to his body, and the old status quo, It's not clear that he really wants to give up the respect he gained from having Saida's body, especially considering how the townspeople he lived with treated him as a firegiver.

I think this is an excellent example of a character's wants not matching their needs. More than just respect, Brand needs someone to think of him beyond what his fire is worth. This came in conflict with his wants that he inherited from his people, which is a domain to rule over. I think he's very much realizing at this point that being above others is not all it's cracked up to be, as it makes it harder to create those personal connections he's needing.

Meanwhile, Saida is still holding onto the last gasps of Quetz superiority, and I don't think that's sitting well with Brand. Assuming that others need to be taught is a form of superiority complex not unlike charity organizations in the real world assuming they know what's best for those they benefit. Saida would just end up back where they started if she persued the path she described, since those she tries to teach won't listen all the time, which would be frustrating to someone like her.

What would probably benefit them both best, after all this is done, is to just settle down and use their unique skills to create rather than teach. Fire and water is the basis of smithing, but neither of them have this knowledge since neither's culture valued creation as a skill. So, this puts them on an even playing field with those who do know, and opens up the possibility of collaboration, from which true personal connections can be forged.

deep

A bit of Mononoke-Hime comes to mind: "No-one can change destiny. However, it is up to you whether to wait for it, or to proceed for yourself. There is something ominous happening in the Western Lands. Go there to ascertain everything with unclouded eyes."

Or, to put it simply: "You cannot alter your fate. But you may rise to meet it if you choose."

A life with the likes of Vetra-jou and Taran-ouji? A life with the likes of those nasty volcano dragons that beat the crap out of Brand-sama for doing the right thing?

The world is corrupt. It does not mean they must be as well. Kind of like Perry-denka did not choose to follow his sensei into darkness and corruption. Saida-hime understands what being a kami is really all about - to use your powers responsibly, to guard and protect. Even Brand's coming around to that way of thinking.

Or, to put it another way: "Destiny is hard to meet; it will hunt you down somewhere along the way."

Honestly, I think this conversation is showing Brand is further down that road than Saida. Saida clearly has some Quetz superiority left, while for Brand all of this has been humbling. I don't think he even wants to sit above others anymore, I think he needs people to see him as an individual rather than a force. Saida will eventually realize what he has, that it's personal connection which will ultimately serve her best in the long run.

To be fair Saida was doing most of the talking. Brand took a little convincing to agree with her point, but he ultimately did. He has to remember what his senpai did to him because he would not allow them to ransom - or eat - Saida. I think the thing both Raybrand and Saida have in common is they want to be loved -- not feared. Vetra-jou, Taran-ouji, mature volcano dragons - they're quite content being feared. Not these two, not any more.

Future Saidia the volcano dragon: Large as a mountain and belching smoke and fire.

"Hey you! You're doing something bad. Stop it now, or we're going to have 'the talk'."

Nobody said she couldn't threaten them with a bad time. We've already seen she's quite capable of that when pushed hard enough.

But i think she'd far rather be a kami like Sakuya-hime, the guardian of Mr. Fuji - a literal volcano. She also is the princess of cherry-blossoms, earthly life and volcanoes in general. It is believed within Shinto she keeps Mt. Fuji from erupting. She is a friendly kami, but has one of the largest and most famous shrines in Japan built in her honor.

I think Saida would be pretty happy playing that sort of role.

I do like how Saidia and Brand are getting comfortable about the idea of never swapping back XD

I notice Brand didn’t answer the question, though.
Saida did, but not him.

Wonder what he thinks?

Past chapters have shown that, deep down, he is a good person who does want to do the right thing, just needs a good outlet for it, Eh?

Nice Page.
Looking forward to seeing more.

These are the kinds of thoughts that only comes at midnight and prevents sleep

I am really hoping that Brand and Saida end up staying together after the plot of the story is done. They are great for each other, and their personalities balance each other well. Heck, I think that if they start to accept their new bodies as their future, that would help strengthen their bonds further.

❤️

(Also dear gosh I briefly glimpsed that first panel and thought he was breathing fire at first! XD
God that was so mindblowing, would've been such a shock and a twist! Absolutely revolutionary!)

Awww cute character development, love it