Kays Translations

Chapter 241: Worries That Melt Like Snow

　I was about to invite the Snow Spirit to have some tea when the spirit stopped me.

“No, thank you. I heard from the Spirit of the Lake that everyone is in a hurry. You need not concern yourself with me.”

　Apart from the colour of the mask, the Snow Spirit looked almost identical to the Spirit of the Lake. From a distance, it was difficult to tell them apart. As I glanced back at the others in confusion, Brother Alex noticed and stepped forward. As expected of my dependable elder brother.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Julius’s brother, Alex Heine. May I ask you something?”

“Oh, I have heard of you. I was told that you are a very understanding person.”

“Thank you. Was the snow that fell the other day caused by you?”

　The Snow Spirit’s mouth tightened at Brother Alex’s question. Had we caused offence? It was something that had concerned me too, but I had not intended to press the matter.

“Indeed. My power had weakened, causing snow to fall at a time of year when it normally would not. Even more snow fell in the north than it did here.”

　The spirit’s voice sounded sombre. Apparently, the early snowfall had occurred because the Snow Spirit could no longer restrain it. Even more had fallen in the north? Father and the others must have been startled.

“But do not worry! The magic potion my friend Julius brought me has restored my strength. The same mistake will not happen again.”

　With that, the Snow Spirit grinned and struck a muscular pose for everyone to see. Where had the spirit learned that? Sister-in-law Daniela looked taken aback, while Sister-in-law Meeka seemed strangely delighted.

“I-I see. I’m glad the magic potion I made was useful.”

“Indeed. And I am not the only one. I am certain that many spirits will be saved by you, Julius.”

　The turtle-like spirit folded its arms proudly. Had providing the potion been a mistake after all? No, I could not simply allow the natural environment to deteriorate. Nero and Lelie were staring at me with sparkling eyes, as though they were looking at a deity.

　They knew I had made the potion even though it exhausted me to the point of collapse, and they seemed determined to deify me for it. I wanted them to treat me like an ordinary person.

“Then does that mean it will not snow again for a while?”

“Yes, that is correct. As you may already have noticed, the snowfall has been increasing because my power was weakening. From now on, conditions should gradually return to normal, so please rest assured.”

　Had the snowfall around the territorial capital been increasing every year? I had been born ten years ago, yet I had never noticed. Brother Alex nodded as though he had been aware of it. Brother Cain, on the other hand, looked just as puzzled as I did.

“I’m relieved to hear that. Father and I were discussing what measures to take before the entire territory was buried in snow.”

“I apologise for causing you so much concern. Please tell your father that there is no longer any need to worry. No, perhaps I should go and tell him myself—”

“Snow Spirit! If you appeared in public, it would cause an enormous commotion. Your kind intention is more than enough.”

　Brother Alex hurriedly stopped the spirit. If the Snow Spirit appeared at the mansion in this form, Mother might faint from the shock. It was best to persuade the spirit to abandon that idea.

“Is that so? If you insist, I shall refrain. Oh, I nearly forgot. I must bestow my blessing upon Julius.”

“What?”

　I had been glad the Snow Spirit had forgotten about that. Was I now going to receive the Snow Spirit’s blessing as well as the Spirit of the Lake’s? Was that really all right?

　I could hardly refuse, so I stepped forward. With a sharp flash of light, the Snow Spirit marked the back of my hand with a snowflake. Was this the Snow Spirit’s blessing? It was my second mark after the turtle-shell pattern. They were beginning to look like badges from a game.

“Thank you.”

“There is no need to thank me. I am the one who must thank you. Because of my friend, I was saved from extinction and am steadily regaining my strength. I swear that I will always come to my friend’s aid.”

“Th-thank you very much.”

　Did receiving a blessing provide any particular benefit? The Snow Spirit had said I could call whenever I needed help, but I could not summon a spirit casually.

　Having completed the purpose of the visit, the Snow Spirit waved goodbye and departed.

“Now, let us continue to the next town. We no longer need to worry about the snow, so we can proceed to the territorial capital in peace.”

“We may even reach the territorial capital ahead of schedule.”

　My elder brothers began moving as though nothing extraordinary had happened. It seemed they intended to act as if the incident had never occurred.

　Surely they would at least report it to Father, right? Or would I be made to report it myself? No, surely not. Brother Alex was the one in charge, so the responsibility should fall on him.

“Lord Julius, we should prepare to depart as well.”

“Yes, let’s. Nero, do you think I’ll be the one made to report what just happened to Father?”

“Of course, my lord. Receiving a spirit’s blessing is an extraordinary honour. It would be unthinkable for you not to report it personally.”

　Nero’s eyes shone as he spoke. From an outsider’s perspective, I supposed that was the natural response. House Heine was different. After all the incidents I had caused, Father might simply say, “You again?” I was beginning to wish the snow would block the road home.

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