"I don't know what a good, obedient imperial spirit is like here, but I could tell them specific things about your behavior that you want them to know about. If you were man-in-the-middle-ing my conversations, would that also let you spy on me when I was alone?"

The most obvious way to do it would be to lend you a Domain Seed. Temporarily. It is... Me, in the way that gods are in their shrines. When you are near it, I would be able to spy on you or translate for you. It will only function relatively nearby. The village would be fine; The next one over might not.

I would offer to escort you to a representative of the Ministries, who will at least know the laws best... But I don't want to deal with the paperwork. Or to the He clan, who might protect you hoping for gratitude... But I think the current generation are idiots. They've been going downhill ever since my partner founded the clan. They'd be idiots about this, too.

"Does the village have a more local government I should speak to first?"

They have a few people who suffice to count as 'a government', I suppose. The priest. The farmer-leader. The teacher-clerk. The governor. The warden. Which of these, do you suppose, is the most important?

The frog groans in satisfaction.

That is enough cranberries for now. I will fetch the Domain Seed. It will also suffice as a sign of my favor.

And it stands taller for a moment, looking majestic and powerful, before vanishing into the water.

It's back after just a few seconds, clutching in one webbed foot a knuckle-sized brown-hulled seed, showing green between it, that feels like it is obviously magic and special and could sprout into a healthy, sturdy plant at any moment.

"Should I return this to you before I sleep, so it'll be safe with you and I can have some privacy?"

I think that would be best, yes, for you to come here to receive it each day and return it each night. It is around noon, now.

"Thank you. Is this thing fragile or is there anything I need to do to take care of it?"

I don't think you could destroy it if you tried.

But don't try.

Spirits or cultivators might be able to harm me through it if they're strong or clever. I will be watching for this.

"Okay. Is there anything else we should talk about before I go talk to people in the village?"

Probably. But part of the fun will be seeing your outside perspective. You're not a barbarian, not quite, but neither are you imperial. The most wonderful innovations can come from this sort of thing.

"I'm from a different empire." Shrug. "I'm glad I met you."

And he'll take the seed and go look for someone else, if this person doesn't stop him.

For a few minutes' walk, the dirt path snakes around creeks and small lakes. Then it goes over a hill, and after that is a clear demarcation- A line of carved wood or stone statues once every hundred or so feet, extending off in both directions parallel to the path. Beyond it are crop fields, with people working in them. Mostly cranberry bogs, but also rice paddies on hills. The people haven't noticed him yet.

Crossing the ward line also feels like something. But it's hard to tell exactly what.

Crossing the ward line also brings someone running from the village, at a speed that looks like it's probably some kind of magic.

The man who approaches is dressed in much nicer clothes than the various farmers, and stops suddenly, assessing him from a distance before asking a question.

...That's Warden Ke. He says 'Be safe within our village, stranger. We were not expecting any visitors, especially from the direction of the shrine. Is there some trouble?'

You may think or speak your reply clearly, and I will listen, then provide sensations of the sounds you must make to convey your meaning. This will also help you learn.

Warden Ke gives the amulet a startled look.

"I don't think any trouble will follow me. I came by accident and I'm lost."

...He bows.

"If you have earned the approval of our guardian spirit, it surely is my duty to provide you hospitality." And watch carefully. "I am Ke Huang, a humble warden of the yellow rank. I have a guest room in my house, if that would be an acceptable place to rest."