Kays Translations

Chapter 239: You Will Have More Companions!

Brother Alex turned to me with a deeply troubled expression. I was troubled too. Since he did not forbid the request outright, the decision was apparently mine. That was a great deal of responsibility.

“You want the potion I made. Are the other spirits suffering the same loss of mana as you were?”

“You understand quickly, my friend Julius. Yes. Human faith is fading, and the rivers, meadows, forests and mountains are becoming polluted and losing their former radiance.”

Since when had we become friends? Still, if humans were causing the problem, I could hardly refuse. I could not bear to see this world's natural beauty disappear either.

“I understand. I will help as much as I can. However, the potion requires a rare material: mandragora. Obtaining enough at this time of year will be difficult.”

“Do not worry, Julius. I have already asked everyone to gather it.”

The spirit raised a thumb with a confident expression. Apparently, every escape route had been closed before I could refuse. It was fortunate I had agreed. At least this should improve the spirits' opinion of me.

“Then I only need to make the potion. How many bottles do you require?”

“As many as possible.”

“What?”

“Make as much as the gathered materials allow.”

The turtle's expression was completely serious. Some spirits must truly be in danger. I had suspected this was merely another chance to boast, and felt ashamed for doubting it.

“I understand. Brother Alex, may I make the potions here?”

“Very well, Julius. You have my permission.”

Brother Alex looked as though he understood the burden. If anything went wrong, responsibility would now be shared. Diversifying risk was important.

After leaving the bath, I asked a servant to obtain apples and honey. They would make the medicine easier to drink.

While I prepared in my room, a woman screamed next door. I rushed out and found both sisters-in-law sitting on the floor, clinging to each other.

The Spirit of the Lake stood before them. Yes, that reaction was understandable. Apparently, the spirit had finished bathing.

“I-I apologise, Spirit of the Lake. I did not realise you were here…”

“Forgive me. I had heard that the Spirit of the Lake sometimes visited this town…”

“Ho, ho, ho. Young ladies who see me for the first time are always equally astonished.”

The turtle laughed. It believed they were overwhelmed by meeting the Spirit of the Lake, when its appearance was the real shock. No one wanted to hurt its feelings—or risk angering a spirit—so we all remained silent.

Brother Alex and Brother Cain, also drawn by the screams, hurried into the room. One look told them what had happened.

“The Spirit of the Lake was waiting for Julius at the hot spring. The spirit has asked him to make a potion.”

“Is it the legendary medicine Lord Julius used to heal the Spirit of the Lake?”

“Yes.”

It was only a sustained mana-restoration potion, but the story had gained embellishments every time it was repeated. I gently corrected Sister-in-law Daniela, though her expression showed she remained unconvinced.

“Lord Julius, will you make the potions here?”

“Yes. Brother Alex, I will use that room. The process is confidential, so please do not enter.”

“Oh… I wanted to watch Lord Julius make medicine.”

Sister-in-law Meeka pouted. Brother Cain patted her head to soothe her. I was not jealous at all. Not even slightly.

Once the servants brought the extra ingredients, I began. When the turtle produced the mandragora from a pocket, my sisters-in-law screamed again. Mandragora were unsettling, after all. I grasped the leaves firmly and carried the plant into my room.

The materials should yield roughly twenty bottles. Any leftover apples and honey could go to the inn staff. We were scheduled to leave the next day, so I needed to hurry. I activated Laboratory.

“Lord Julius, please drink this. I shall bring something sweet in a moment.”

“Thank you, Nero.”

After handing me the drink, Nero hurried away. Lelie stood nearby with tears in her eyes, and I gently patted her head.

“I am all right. I am merely tired, so please do not look so worried.”

I had pushed myself too far and collapsed to my knees after consuming a tremendous amount of mana. The noise must have been louder than I realised, because Nero burst in immediately. He soon had me seated on the sofa while Lelie watched anxiously.

Fortunately, my brothers had gone sightseeing. They would have made an enormous fuss if they had seen me collapse. Nero returned carrying cake, with the Spirit of the Lake behind him.

“I am sorry, Julius. My request forced you to overexert yourself.”

“It is not your fault. I have not undertaken such a large job recently, so I misjudged my limits. The potions are over there—twenty-two bottles in total.”

“Excellent. I will give them first to the spirits in the worst condition. They will come to thank you later.”

“There is no need to thank me. Ha… ha…”

I meant it. They would probably arrive offering divine blessings just as the Spirit of the Lake had. I did not need any more turtle companions.

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