Chapter 301: With Determination in Mind

I didn’t think there would be any problems, but just in case, I handed out one magic stone heater to each member joining the investigation.

“To use it, just insert the magic stone like this. If it gets too hot, take the magic stone out. That will immediately stop the heat.”  

“I see. It’s quite a simple magical device, isn’t it?”  

“We prioritized production speed. If there’s demand, Rosalia will make an improved version.”

When I looked at Rosalia, she puffed out her chest, as if to say, “Leave it to me.” Hmm, she’s still pretty flat though. I’m a little worried whether she’ll really grow up to be like Mother.

The knights immediately inserted their magic stones and tested the devices. The fact that they used them without any doubt is probably a sign that they trust me. It’s a bit embarrassing.

“If there are any problems, let me know right away, and I’ll fix them. How were the hot cookies?”

“They’re an amazing potion. Not too hot, not too cold—perfect. We’d love to keep them in stock.”  

“With these hot cookies, we’ll be able to carry out winter missions without freezing.”

The knights shared their desire for more. It seems we should keep them as a staple. Maybe I should also consider making “cold cookies” for summer. I’ll need to think about that.

After handing out all the magic stone heaters, I immediately returned to the mansion. The knights were busy preparing for the expedition. I didn’t want to interfere.

“Julius-niisan, are you going somewhere?”  

On the way back, Rosalia asked. It seemed she didn’t know much about this investigation of the Cassius Mountains. That makes sense—I didn’t want to worry her. But if I lied here, she would find out later anyway. The investigation won’t be finished in just one or two days. 

“I’m going to investigate the Cassius Mountains for a bit. It seems like there’s some kind of problem.”  

“I’ll go with you!”  

“No, Rosalia. The winter mountains are very dangerous. I can’t take you with me.”  

“Why are you going to such a dangerous place, Brother?”

Damn. Mentioning the word “dangerous” to get Rosalia to give up was a mistake. Her eyes were wavering, and she looked like she was about to cry. I had to do something.

“It’s because I have the protection of the Snow Spirit. See?”

As I said that, I held out my hand, and snowflakes danced in the air. When I waved my hand further, snow began to pile up around us. Of course, this was just me using magic. But Rosalia, not knowing that, surely thought it was thanks to the “Snow Spirit’s blessing.”

“That’s amazing, onii-san! You can even do things like this?”  

“Keep it a secret from everyone, okay? Nero and Lelie, you too, alright?”

The two of them pressed their lips together and nodded their heads up and down. Nero was erasing something in his notebook with an eraser. That was close. Another strange rumor almost started. I clapped my hands to make the snow disappear, then returned to the mansion as if nothing had happened. On the way back, my heart was pounding, worried that someone might find out.

Seeing how worried Rosalia was, my heart wavered. Should I tell Lady Fabienne about this? Without a doubt, it would make her worry, but if I went off to investigate without saying anything, how would she feel if she found out later? Would she be upset that I kept it a secret?

“What’s wrong, Julius? You look a bit down.”  

“Alex-niisan…”  

“If something’s troubling you, I’m here to listen.”

Sister-in-law Daniela gave me a warm smile. I thought it would be best to seek the opinion of a woman here. As a man, I might not find the answer no matter how hard I think about it.

“I’m unsure whether I should tell Lady Fabienne about the investigation.”

“Well, I think you should send her a letter. If you truly care about someone, you’d want to know even the smallest things.”

“I see.”

Normally, even if I sent a letter now, it would reach her only after I’ve already left. I would have to convince myself that there’s nothing I can do about it now. But we have rings with communication functions, don’t we? With those, I can contact her immediately.

Wanting to know even the smallest details. Alright, I’ll tell Lady Fabienne.

After that, I ran around trying to please Sister-in-law Mika. As a result, for some reason, I ended up taking a bath with both Sister-in-law Mika and Sister-in-law Daniela. And somehow, Rosalia, who had heard about it, arrived with Mother. It was memorable to see Nero huddled in a corner of the bath. Maybe he reacted to it? It seems unlikely at this sensitive age. I would have liked to join them if I could.

“I took a bath, but somehow I feel even more tired…”

“Yes, I feel the same…”

I collapsed in my room. However, this turned out to be convenient. I told the exhausted Nero to “prepare for tomorrow” and kicked him out of the room, then gripped the ring tightly. There was an immediate response. It made me a bit happy.

‘What’s the matter? Is something wrong?’

I heard a somewhat urgent and tense voice. It was accurate, so I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Sending communications like this could become a mental burden for the recipient. I need to be careful. I should avoid sending messages without a good reason.

“Yes, just a little. We’ve been seeing an increase in Snow Wolf sightings…”

I then told Lady Fabienne about the investigation. I explained as thoroughly as possible and mentioned that I was preparing hot cookies and magic stone heaters as measures for the snowy mountains in winter.

A brief silence. I could feel the intense emotion of wanting to say, “Don’t go, it’s dangerous.”

‘Um, is there any way I can go with you?’

“Lady Fabienne, that’s really not possible. I know it lacks persuasion coming from me, but I have to say it. It’s dangerous.”

An intensely painful silence. My chest ached. But she cared so much about me. If I had gone on the investigation without telling her, she might have been deeply disappointed.

‘Understood. Then please promise me. Promise that you will come back safely.’

“Of course. I will definitely come back safely. I promise.”

Now I’ve made up my mind. I’ll come back here no matter what it takes. And then I’ll go to Lady Fabienne to apologize. I’m sorry for making you worry.

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