Kays Translations

Chapter 238: An Unexpected Reunion

The road back to the territorial capital was busy. That was hardly surprising. Once deep snow closed the mountain pass, travel to and from the royal capital would become extremely difficult. Everyone had to complete their journeys before then.

Our carriage passed many wagons, but encountered no trouble. The advance party sent no unusual reports. I hoped we would reach the territorial capital without incident.

Despite tempting fate with that thought, we arrived safely at the hot-spring town. It was completely transformed: lively streets, rising steam and thriving shops. One street had even been renamed 'Julius Shopping District'. What was that about?

“Lord Alex, your accommodation has been prepared. You will use the rooms traditionally reserved for House Heine.”

“Very good. Lead the way.”

The reporting knight saluted, and our carriage followed him. Brother Alex pretended not to notice the shopping district's name. Should he not at least ask why someone had named a street after his brother without permission?

“There is a street named after Lord Julius. Even the royal capital has no streets named after members of the royal family. That is remarkable.”

“Thank you… I think?”

Was it remarkable? I found it mortifying. But with Sister-in-law Daniela patting my head, I could hardly contradict her.

The inn welcomed us warmly.

“We have awaited your arrival, House Heine! Thank you for staying with us. I am delighted to see you well, Lord Julius. Thanks to you, our town has sprung back to life—indeed, it is prospering more than ever!”

The innkeeper's enthusiasm almost made my cheeks twitch. Endure it, Julius. Our rooms occupied the top floor as before, offering a view across the entire town.

“I have never seen anything like this. Is all that white steam rising from the hot springs?”

“I believe so. I cannot be certain, because none of the springs produced steam during my last visit.”

“Then we must try them all.”

“Good luck, Sister-in-law Meeka.”

“You are coming with me, Lord Julius.”

How had this happened? Sister-in-law Meeka had lifted me into her arms so we could look out of the window together, even though I could see perfectly well on my own. I felt like a much younger child and could only endure the embarrassment.

Nero stood close by, uncertain whether he ought to intervene.

“Lady Meeka, I am afraid we cannot stay long. If we delay, snow may trap us on the road.”

Brother Alex rescued me with a strained smile. Brother Cain was nowhere to be seen, which was worrying. Sister-in-law Meeka looked deeply dissatisfied.

“Then we shall choose one spring. Come along, Lord Julius.”

“Wait, Sister-in-law Meeka!”

“Leave Julius here.”

At last I was released. Sister-in-law Meeka went to bathe with Sister-in-law Daniela instead. Apparently, a new spring called the Beautiful Skin Hot Spring had become extremely popular among ladies.

“Brother Cain, I know Sister-in-law Meeka wanted a younger brother, but this is excessive.”

“I know, Julius. But I cannot stop her. When she clings to me and asks with those eyes, I cannot refuse!”

Brother Cain looked ready to weep blood. He was completely under her thumb. Still, Sister-in-law Meeka was sensible where it mattered, so perhaps that was fine.

“Since we are here, let us bathe too. There must be a spring that eases mental fatigue.”

Brother Alex led us to one of the private baths reserved for nobles. When we undressed and entered, someone was already waiting.

“S-Spirit of the Lake!?”

“I have been waiting for you, Julius.”

“It really is the Spirit of the Lake…”

Even Brother Alex was bewildered. Brother Cain, who had met the spirit before, stared into the distance. Come back, Brother Cain. Do not leave me alone.

With a splash, the four of us entered the bath. If the spirit had waited specifically for me, there had to be a problem. My head began to ache before I even heard the request.

“I have a favour to ask, Julius.”

“What is it…?”

“You see, I became much stronger after drinking your potion.”

“Yes.”

The bipedal turtle struck a muscular pose. Its skin was shinier than before and its muscles bulged impressively. Brother Cain looked envious. Brother, drinking a sustained mana-restoration potion will not turn you into that.

“So I went to boast about it to the other spirits.”

“You did what!?”

What was this turtle thinking? Showing off to other spirits could only create trouble. Brother Alex and Brother Cain wore exactly the same ominous expression.

“And now everyone wants the elixir.”

It was not an elixir, merely a sustained mana-restoration potion. And no matter how pleadingly the turtle looked up at me, an elderly-looking spirit peering from below was not remotely endearing.

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