Kays Translations

Chapter 298: What on Earth Happened?

After leaving the bath, we headed to the salon we usually used afterwards. On the way, I asked Nero to fetch Rosalia’s fountain pen. With Nero, Lelie and Sister-in-law Meeka’s attendant present, there was no problem.

“Orange juice after a bath is the best.”

“Apple juice is delicious too, Brother Julius.”

“Kyu.”

“Grape juice is rather nice as well.”

Mira drank milk, still very much a child in some respects. While I enjoyed my drink, Nero returned. I told him and Lelie to help themselves as well, then handed Rosalia her fountain pen.

“This is your fountain pen, Rosalia.”

“Wow! It’s wonderful… This is Mira, isn’t it?”

“Kyu!? Kyu!”

At Rosalia’s words, Mira peered at the pen and gave a triumphant cry. They must have liked it, judging by the way they repeatedly bumped their head against me—Mira’s distinctive way of showing affection.

While Mira, who was still slightly damp, was being dried with the warm and cool air blower, I watched Rosalia eagerly trying out the fountain pen.

Perhaps drawn by the commotion, Brother Alex arrived looking rather tired. Had I burdened him too heavily? Perhaps I should help with the business myself. With an adult’s intellect, I surely would not be entirely useless.

“Brother Alex, are you overworked?”

“No, that isn’t it. Something else has happened.”

“Is it about the Snow Wolves?”

“…How did you know? Ah, I see—you heard it from Sister-in-law Meeka. And judging by her appearance… Julius, take care that Cain does not scold you.”

Brother Alex correctly guessed what had happened from Sister-in-law Meeka’s still-damp hair. I appreciated the warning, but I would have deserved a scolding only if I had intruded upon her bath. This time, it was the other way around!

“It’s complicated, but I’m not at fault. So, what is the problem?”

“I’m not sure I should involve you, but very well. The Snow Wolves appear to be coming down from the Cassius Mountains.”

“Cassius Mountains? That’s where the headwaters of the Toradel River are, right? Does that mean something happened in the Cassius Mountains?”

Many potion ingredients could be gathered along the Toradel River, so any disturbance in that region would be serious. Besides, I hoped to visit the Cassius Mountains one day in search of valuable ingredients. There might even be materials there that were completely unknown to me. The thought was exciting.

“So, we’ve decided to send an investigation team to the Cassius Mountains soon.”

“I see.”

Winter proper was already approaching, leaving very little time. The schedule would have to be tight; once the route was buried in snow, there would be nothing we could do.

Establishing the trading company and organising the investigation were both important. Having to handle them at the same time must have placed Brother Alex under considerable strain.

Father was also occupied with preparing the territory’s villages for winter. This was the busiest season of the year, and neglecting those preparations could cost people their lives. A lord could not allow that.

In that case, my experience leading the territorial knights might prove useful.

“Brother Alex, I’ll lead the investigation team.”

“That’s appreciated, but…”

“Of course, I won’t go alone. Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka can help, and the Snow Spirit’s blessing should prove useful.”

Brother Alex fell silent, clearly hesitant. The Snow Spirit’s blessing might at least prevent a blizzard during the investigation and place the weather on our side.

“Lord Alex, Cain will also be involved in this matter, right? If that’s the case, it’s reassuring to have as many collaborators as possible.”

At Meeka’s suggestion, Brother Alex released a long sigh. He had finally made up his mind.

He had probably hoped for my help from the moment he explained the situation in detail. The Snow Spirit’s blessing could greatly reduce the expedition’s risks.

“Got it. I’ll talk to Father about this matter. Sorry, Julius, for dragging you into this.”

“It’s no problem. After all, I’m also a member of House Heine.”

“I’m a member too, Brother Alex!”

“Kyu!”

Realising they might be left out, Rosalia raised her hand while Mira lifted a forepaw and cried, “Kyu!” Their enthusiasm was admirable. House Heine would have to face the problem together, though I hoped it would not prove serious.

Brother Alex planned to confer with the territorial knights the following day and assemble the investigation team. Once the search area had been selected, the full expedition would depart the day after that.

There was little time, but before departure I needed to make additional glass pens and prepare potions suitable for winter in the snowy mountains.

To protect everyone from the cold, perhaps I should make some hot cookies. Unlike an ordinary hand warmer, they would warm the entire body.

The main ingredients are flour and chilli peppers. They should be in the kitchen. Will it work?

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