Kays Translations

Chapter 304: The Snow Spirit Appears!

The next morning, the weather was clear. Warm light poured down from the open ceiling. With this weather, the mountain investigation should go smoothly. I wanted to go on the investigation too. If I used the ‘Exploration’ skill, I could find anomalies faster.

There are knights with the ‘Exploration’ skill as well. It seems we have brought one of those skilled individuals with us this time, but I think having more people to investigate the surroundings is better.

“Lionel.”

“No.”

I was denied even though I hadn’t said anything yet. How did they know what I was going to say? Next to me, Cain-niisan was making a tense face. He probably intended to say the same thing as me. As expected of siblings.

When the final equipment check for the investigation team was completed and it was time to set off, it happened.

“Y-Your Highness, there is someone who wants to see you…They are here…”

“What? In such a remote mountain?”

“Yes.”

The knight who was giving a rather ambiguous expression. Lionel’s face was tense, as if he had sensed something abnormal, and Cain-niisan was tilting his head. Since there was no point in staying here, I headed towards the entrance of the base. Lionel, Cain-niisan, and Nero followed behind me.

“Oh, my friend. You have grown stronger.”

“No, Snow Spirit-sama, it has only been half a year since we last met. It’s not that easy to change.”

“Is that so? Hahaha.”

Hearing my reference to the ‘Snow Spirit-sama,’ the knights’ faces turned pale. Well, that’s understandable. A bipedal turtle with a white mask—clearly suspicious. Now that I think about it, when the River Spirit visited the Heine family, the knights weren’t present either.

And it seems that none of the knights who escorted us from the capital to the domain are among us. Could it be that they’ve been dismissed? If that’s the case, it’s partly my fault as well.

Oh, but I need to focus on the Snow Spirit in front of me right now. I can worry about that later.

“Please come in. It must be cold outside.”

“Thank you. Are you heading out for an investigation?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Hm.”

The Snow Spirit seemed to be deep in thought. Perhaps they know the cause of the anomaly? If so, it would make things quicker. With hope in my heart, I looked at the Snow Spirit. They definitely look suspicious, though.

“How do you plan to keep in contact?”

Saying this, the Snow Spirit turned its gaze to Lionel, who was standing behind me. Lionel stepped forward.

“We are supposed to return here and report before dusk.”

“I see. So if something happens on the way, there will be no way to contact you?”

“That’s correct.”

“Then let’s do this. I will connect you with these people.”

The Snow Spirit pointed to Lionel and the investigation team, who were just about to set off. The knights, looking confused, had puzzled expressions on their faces. They probably don’t know what a telephone is, so it’s not surprising they look that way. In the game, we used to create groups and chat, but I wonder how it will work here. I’m a bit curious.

“Snow Spirit-sama, could you explain a bit more?”

“Oh, yes. I have the power of telepathy and the ability to communicate with those far away, as we call it. I was thinking of temporarily using that ability with those here.”

“Oh!”

The base became lively. Before I knew it, everyone had gathered around. Especially the mages seemed very interested. They were probably thinking if it could be used in magic. Such a spell would indeed be useful.

“But it’s impossible to include everyone. Please select a few.”

“Understood. Then, this person, and this person…”

Lionel chose the leader of the investigation team, including himself. It was a safe choice. There shouldn’t be any problems with this. I was a bit dissatisfied about not being chosen, but it wasn’t just me; Cain-niisan looked equally displeased.

Thanks to the Snow Spirit’s somewhat mysterious power, it seemed telepathy was granted. We were taught how to use it and tried various things. It seemed to be a special magic only spirits could use, and it’s unlikely that humans could replicate it. Still, the mages talked about it extensively.

“Thanks to the Snow Spirit-sama, our preparations are complete. It’s a challenging mission, but make sure to carry it out properly.”

“Understood!”

The investigation team headed towards the snowy mountains one after another. The members remaining at the base saw them off until they were out of sight.

Back at the base, we gathered around the fire.

“Snow Spirit-sama, do you have any idea about the anomaly?”

“Well, I’ve considered it, but I have no clue. My responsibility covers all areas where snow falls. It’s not just here; the range is too vast. Avalanches and such are happening everywhere.”

I see. The range is so broad that it’s hard to pinpoint what’s abnormal. If I were to ask, I should have inquired with the spirit of the Cassius Mountains. Though, I’m not sure if such a spirit exists.

The first day ended without finding any significant anomalies. I felt relieved that everyone had returned safely. However, there was something strange.

“Have you not seen any monsters? That’s certainly odd.”

Lionel, after hearing the report from the investigation team, pondered. The Cassius Mountains are home to various kinds of monsters, not just Snow Wolves. It’s strange that none of them were seen.

“Yes. But it’s also true that we were able to return without having to engage in combat, thanks to that.”

One of the leaders of the investigation team said. In that case, the possibility points to the Snow Spirit. Since everyone seemed reluctant to ask, I asked without hesitation.

“Snow Spirit-sama, have you done something?”

“No, nothing. All I can do is manage the snow. Unless it’s something significant, I don’t deal with monsters.”

Ah, that’s an unsettling remark. So, you usually don’t interfere, but if something happens, you might take action? If the spirit were to act, it could cause tremendous damage. We need to avoid that as much as possible. Using the spirit’s power should be a last resort, kept as a trump card. And if possible, it’s best not to use it.

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