Chapter 241: Worries That Melt Like Snow

　I was about to lead the way to have a cup of tea when I was stopped by the snow spirit.

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

　Well, except for the color of his mask, he’s almost the same as the Spirit of the Lake. It’s hard to tell the difference if he wasn’t masked. I wondered what was going on and looked at everyone coming from behind me, my brother Alex noticed this and stepped forward. As I expected from my brother. He is dependable.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Julius’ brother, Alex Heine. Is it okay if I ask you something?”

“Oh, I have heard of you. I have heard that you are quite an understanding person.”

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

　The snow spirit’s mouth tightened at my brother’s words. Could it be that we have offended him?　It was certainly something that bothered me, but I don’t think it was enough to pursue the cause.

“Indeed. Because the my power has weakened, this has caused snow to fall at a time of year when it normally would not. It’s snowing more in the north than here.”

　its voice had a somber tone. Apparently, the reason it snowed earlier than usual was because the snow spirit couldn’t stop the snow from falling. But still, more snow fell in the north? Father must have been surprised.

“But don’t worry!　The magic potion brought to me by my friend Julius has restored my strength. The same mistake will not be repeated.”

　With that, It grinned and struck a Muscle Pose for everyone to see. Where on earth did they learn that pose from? I wonder. Oh, sister-in-law Daniela’s face is drawn. Meeka sister-in-law looks …… kind of happy!

“I-I see. I’m glad that the magic potion I made is of use to you.”

“Hmm. I am not the only one.　I am sure that many spirits will be saved by you, Julius.

　For some reason, the turtle proudly crossed it’s arms. Maybe it was a mistake to provide the magic potion after all? …… No, but I couldn’t just let the natural environment deteriorate. Nero and Lelie were staring at me with sparkling eyes as if they were looking at God.

　They seem to have taken it upon themselves to deify me because they know that I made the magic potion even though I was exhausted to the point of collapse. boo-hoo-hoo. I wanted them to treat me like a normal human being.

“So you’re saying it won’t snow for some time to come?”

“Mm-hmm. Yes, that’s right. As you have probably noticed, the recent increase in snowfall is due to the weakening of my power. From now on, things will gradually return to normal, so please rest assured. ”

　Was the amount of snow falling in the vicinity of the capital increasing every year? Ten years have passed since I was born, but I had not noticed it at all. Judging by the way he was nodding along, it seems that brother Alex was aware of it. Just as expected. Brother Cain… just like me, he has a “huh?” look on his face.

“I’m relieved to hear that. I was talking with my father about taking action before the territory was completely snowed in.”

“I am sorry to have caused you so much worry. Please tell your father that there is no need to worry. No, it would be better for me to go directly…”

“Snow Spirit! If you were to appear in public, it will cause quite a commotion. Your kindness alone is enough.”

　My elder brother said in a flustered tone. Well, it is true that if the snow spirit in this form appeared at the mansion in the capital, it could cause mother to have a stroke. It would be better to ask It to cancel that plan.

“Really?　If you insist that much, I will do so. Oops, I almost forgot. I must give Julius my blessing.”

“Eh?”

　I’m glad I got him to forget all about it. Will I also receive the protection of the snow spirit after the lake spirit? Are you okay with that?

　As expected, I couldn’t refuse and stepped forward. The snow spirit fired something like a ray of light with a shibibi, and a snowflake appeared on the back of my hand. Is this the blessing of the snow spirit? This is the second one after the turtle’s shell pattern. It kinda looks like a gym badge.

“Thank you.”

“There is no need to thank me. Rather, I must thank you. Thank you very much, Julius. Thanks to my friend, I was spared from extinction. On the contrary,  I’m steadily regaining my strength now. I swear to you now that I will always be of help to my friends.”

“Oh, thank you very much”

　Speaking of being a source of strength, is there any kind of benefit from divine protection? He said he would come if I called him anytime, but I can’t call him that casually.

　After finishing what it had to do, the snow spirit waved at us and left.

“Now, let’s leave for the next town. It looks like we don’t have to worry about the snow anymore. Now we can proceed to the capital with peace of mind.”

“We may be able to reach the capital ahead of schedule.”

　The older brothers began to move as if nothing had happened earlier. It seems that they intend to pretend that nothing happened.

　…As expected, you will at least report to father, right? Or maybe it’s a pattern where I will have to go directly to report. No, no, no, I don’t think so. I’m sure the blame will end up being on brother Alex.

“Julius-sama, let us get ready to leave as well.”

“Yes, let’s do that. Hey, Nero, do you think I’ll be the one to report to my father about what just happened?”

“Sir?　It is a tremendous feat to receive blessings from a Spirit. It is outrageous that you yourself would not report such an honor,  Julius-sama!”

　Nero said that with his eyes shining. I see, if you look at it from a third person’s perspective, that’s what it looks like. But, that is not the case for the Margrave Heine family. Because I’m making so many mistakes, people might say, “It’s you again.” What should I do? I’m starting to wish for the snow to block my way home.

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