Kays Translations

Chapter 240: The Snow Spirit

I invited Nero and Lelie to take tea with me. They were hesitant at first, but eating alone was lonely, so I insisted. With my brothers away, no one could object.

The Spirit of the Lake departed immediately with the medicine. Apparently, several spirits were in serious danger. I had included some ordinary mana-restoration potions too, and hoped they would help.

“After exhausting all your mana, nothing is better than something sweet.”

“I thought my heart would stop.”

Lelie nodded emphatically at Nero's words. I had frightened them both badly. I apologised several times and promised to avoid repeating the incident. Neither looked satisfied, but sometimes a man had to do what had to be done.

“So you can make potions without any tools, Lord Julius?”

“Yes, though it is an extremely unusual method that I cannot show anyone.”

“That is amazing!”

Lelie had recovered her spirits after eating the delicious cake and now watched me with shining eyes. Was she interested in potion-making or simply impressed by me? Either way, I could not teach Laboratory. The skill was far too unusual in this world.

After the three of us had enjoyed tea for a while, the others returned.

“Julius, have you finished the potions?”

“Yes. I gave them to the Spirit of the Lake, who left immediately.”

“I see. The spirit must be very busy.”

Brother Alex laughed, though relief showed on his face. He probably regretted allowing the request, and I agreed. It would have been easier if the spirit had retained an ordinary turtle's appearance.

“I feared we might be unable to leave tomorrow, but it appears there will be no problem.”

“I am fine. Please continue as planned.”

“Very well. There is still time today, so you should visit the town too, Julius.”

“Then I shall take Nero and Lelie.”

The three of us went out together and apologised to the inn staff for the disturbance. Naturally, a knight followed as our escort.

The innkeepers saw us off the following morning. I would have liked to relax longer, but our schedule allowed no delay.

“Oh, it has begun to snow.”

Looking from the carriage window, I saw soft white flakes drifting down. The snowfall was still light, but it unmistakably heralded winter.

Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela looked out when they heard me.

“How strange. This seems rather early for snow.”

“Does it?”

Sister-in-law Daniela frowned with concern. Would this be a harsh winter? If so, the territorial capital would need abundant firewood. We would also sell many hot-and-cold air blowers, which meant preparing enough magic stones to power them.

Firewood should not be a problem. I had worked hard to arrange supplies, and Father was surely continuing the preparations.

“We should reach the territorial capital before snow blocks the road. Does the north receive much more snow than this region?”

Brother Alex was worried about the road being closed by the unexpected snowfall. His reaction confirmed that snow this early was unusual. We had left the royal capital before most nobles precisely to avoid being stranded on snowbound roads.

We continued with growing unease. Snow fell until we reached the next inn town, although the advance party reported that none had accumulated yet. Yet. Would it begin piling up overnight?

Snow dominated the conversation at dinner.

“If it becomes any heavier, we may be unable to continue.”

“Then we would be stranded in one of the towns ahead?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, none is large enough to accommodate our entire party for long.”

That would be disastrous. Snow would disrupt transport, making food and firewood difficult to obtain. Supporting so many unexpected guests would place an enormous burden on a small town. Those worries followed me into the next morning.

The next day was completely different: clear skies, no snow, and noticeably warmer air.

“Something is strange.”

“I agree.”

Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka had noticed it too. Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela also looked puzzled, while the knights and servants seemed relieved.

“Perhaps a cold air mass simply moved south yesterday.”

In my former world, brief cold spells sometimes arrived before winter officially began. I tried to explain the event in those terms, but apparently this world did not make matters so simple.

“Do you mean the Snow Spirit descended into this region, Julius?”

“What? No. I only mean cold northern air moved south. I was not saying that an actual Snow Spirit had appeared…”

At precisely that moment, a knight rushed into the room.

“I have a report. The Snow Spirit has arrived and wishes to thank Lord Julius.”

Every eye turned towards me. Please do not look at me as though I caused this. I was innocent. Even if I was technically involved, I intended to maintain my innocence.

I hurried after the knight, with my brothers following close behind.

A bipedal turtle stood at the inn entrance, this one wearing a white mask. A faint squeak sounded behind me—probably one of my sisters-in-law. The sight was certainly startling.

“Are you the Snow Spirit?”

“Indeed. I am the Snow Spirit. I have come to thank my friend Julius.”

Good grief. Without realising it, I had become sworn friends with the Snow Spirit.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter