Chapter 635: Spirit Communication

My explanation had darkened the Green Spirit’s mood. Having finally returned only to discover that the world’s natural order was beginning to deteriorate, the spirit’s reaction was understandable.

Hoping to offer some comfort, I recommended something the spirits loved.

“Green Spirit, this is dried fruit. It’s extremely popular with the other spirits. Since it’s made by processing ordinary fruit, I believe it should be safe for you to eat.”

The Green Spirit might have different tastes, so I added that small caveat. As I offered the dried fruit, Mira casually popped a piece into their mouth.

It appeared to be delicious. Mira pressed both paws to their cheeks and closed their eyes.

“I’ve heard rumours, but this is dried fruit? I shall try some.”

The Green Spirit chewed thoughtfully, and the surrounding atmosphere immediately seemed to brighten.

I sighed with relief and ate a piece too. Yes, it tasted even better than before. The cooks appeared to be improving their skills.

“It’s delicious. No wonder everyone is so fond of it.”

There was no longer any doubt that the spirits were connected in some way. Were they connected through the celestial realm? I was too frightened to ask.

Lady Fabienne and Rosalia immediately began boasting to the Green Spirit that I had developed the dried fruit.

Naturally, I was pleased, but I feared the Green Spirit might see through the things I concealed. I would have preferred them to leave the matter alone. Their praise, however, made the spirit even more curious about me.

I couldn’t see the expression behind the mask, but I felt an intent gaze fixed upon me.

“I sense something else within you, dear Julius. I can’t identify it, but perhaps some extraordinary power lies dormant inside you.”

“What? No, I don’t think anything like that’s sleeping inside me. I’m merely an ordinary boy who loves making magic potions.”

Inside, I was terrified. An unpleasant sweat ran down my back.

Thankfully, the Green Spirit merely tilted their head and didn’t question me further. Perhaps the spirit had sensed that the subject should be left alone. If so, I was grateful.

The Green Spirit also ate cake, biscuits, and other sweets before departing in an extremely satisfied mood. Thank goodness the spirit hadn’t announced an intention to live here from now on.

The moment the Green Spirit left, all our fatigue descended at once. We remained slumped in the salon for some time.

“Come now, everyone. We can’t sit around like this for ever,” Mother said, clapping her hands. “Let us attend to what must be done.”

Mother apparently intended to write her letter here in the salon. I saw a servant place stationery on the table.

She would be writing to Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Mica. A telephone would have been convenient at a time like this.

Magic tools capable of long-distance two-way communication did exist, but only Lady Fabienne and I possessed them. Should I make one for every member of the family to use in emergencies like this? Unfortunately, they were completely beyond the world’s current technology. Creating more would be dangerous.

If only there were communication magic.

Hmm? Wait.

Come to think of it, a spirit had once used their power to let the knights speak with one another. If so, perhaps people who possessed spirit blessings could do the same.

Every member of our family now shared the Green Spirit’s blessing. There was a strong possibility it would work. I would test it with Lady Fabienne first.

I lightly clenched my fist and channelled mana into it.

“Lady Fabienne, can you hear me?”

“What’s this?! Lord Julius’s voice is coming from the back of my hand!”

Everyone’s attention turned towards us.

Oh, no. I should have explained the experiment to Lady Fabienne first.

Her face turned bright red. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I had to repair the situation.

“Erm, I was experimenting to see whether a spirit’s blessing would allow us to speak to someone far away.”

“Lord Julius…”

“I’m sorry, Lady Fabienne. I should have told you beforehand. I regret it.”

She stared at me resentfully, and I apologised with all my strength. I didn’t want something like this to create a rift between us.

Watching us, Father nodded as if everything had fallen into place.

“Come to think of it, when the Snow Worm was defeated, I received a report that a spirit’s power allowed people far apart to converse. So that’s what you were testing, Julius?”

“Yes. If this works, I thought we might speak to Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Mica immediately.”

I glanced at Brother Alex. He checked the time at once, then nodded.

“It’s currently their morning break. This may be the perfect time to try.”

Everyone gathered around me. Thinking that I had caused yet another incident, I held out my clenched fist so they could see the method. This time, taking care not to startle anyone, I spoke gently towards my hand.

“Brother Cain, can you hear me? If you can, lightly clench the hand bearing the flower pattern and channel a tiny amount of mana into it. Then send your voice towards me.”

“L-Like this? What on earth is happening?!”

“Cain, didn’t you just hear dear Julius’s voice?”

“I did. Julius’s voice came from my fist. Is this another of his pranks?”

“It isn’t!”

Apparently, Brother Cain regarded me as a mischievous little boy.

Another prank? I had never played a prank on him in my life!