Kays Translations

Chapter 308: The Brothers Get Scolded

Snow continued to fall and cover the exposed ground. Members of the investigation team congratulated one another on the successful battle, while the knights who had briefly lost focus were being lectured by Lionel.

"Well done, Brother Cain. You charged rather aggressively at one point, so I was secretly worried."

"You noticed, Julius? Keep that between us. For some reason my armour never became dirty, so I could swing my sword without hesitation."

He grinned with satisfaction, unaware that Lionel was closely watching him. Once Lionel finished with the other knights, Brother Cain would undoubtedly be next.

"Lord Julius's magic was extraordinary."

"Indeed. To melt that much snow over such a large area."

"Perhaps we were unnecessary. Hahaha."

"…"

The mages were making a commotion. They had clearly noticed what I had done, which was understandable: none of them had cast 'Overheat'. I needed to find some way to cover it up.

Nero watched me with shining eyes while his pencil raced across the page. Surely there was not that much to record. Was he keeping a diary? I might need to inspect that notebook later.

"That happened because I focused entirely on melting the snow. Your spells also carried attacking force, so the result was different."

"Is that really enough to explain it? Even if we used 'Overheat', I don't think we could melt that much snow."

"Exactly. That’s why we limited the spells we used to fire-element attack magic."

This was no good. I was only adding fuel to the fire. I’d better keep quiet. Time for the "silence is golden" strategy. But Brother Cain had no intention of letting me get away with that.

"Was all that snow melted by Julius's magic!?"

"Uh, well, maybe?"

"Hmm, I’ll have to ask Father about this when we get back…"

"Lord Cain, I need to speak with you."

"Li-Lionel!?"

So it was Brother Cain's turn. Lionel had arrived at an excellent moment; perhaps the earlier conversation would be forgotten. Well done, Lionel.

"Lord Julius is next, so please wait here."

"…Yes."

Smiling, Lionel practically dragged the flustered Brother Cain away. Apparently I was next, even though I hadn’t done anything wrong. Sniff.

In the end, Lionel lectured me after we returned to the base. If I possessed magic that powerful, I should have explained it beforehand; the commanders might have devised a safer plan with that knowledge.

He was right. Had I disclosed 'Magic Armour' and 'Overheat', the knights could have surrounded the Snow Worm and fought under safer conditions. I needed to remember that lesson.

"This is where we part ways with the Snow Spirit, then."

"Yes. The snow has been restored, so my help is no longer required. Do not forget our agreement."

"Two bags of dried fruit, right? I’ll definitely offer them."

"Please write my name down."

"Understood. I’ll do that."

Would writing the name ensure that the offering reached the correct spirit, or prevent another spirit from taking it? The household-shrine system remained mysterious.

The Snow Spirit departed after that. Snow management had to be especially demanding at this time of year, and the Snow Spirit had gone to considerable effort for us. I decided to offer three bags instead of two.

The base became busy with preparations for the following day's departure: clearing rubbish, organising food and packing supplies. The wounded were also treated, though fortunately no one had suffered a serious injury.

Those who had been hurt quickly became energetic after drinking the potions I had made. You guys didn’t just want an excuse to drink one, did you?

At the end of my suspicious gaze, Brother Cain was happily drinking an elementary stamina-recovery potion with a very pleased look on his face. I suppose it was fine for him to drink one, but I worried he might get addicted. Sister-in-law Meeka probably drank them too, which made me even more concerned.

That evening became a modest victory feast. We had defeated the Snow Worm, and although it was not proven, everyone agreed that the Snow Wolves had probably attacked the village because the worm had driven them from the mountains. For the moment, we could relax.

"I wish I could drink alcohol too."

"No, Brother Cain. You're considered a child until you graduate from the academy."

"I know. But it looks so delicious. And it seems so much fun."

Brother Cain gazed enviously at the knights singing around the fire. But we were not home yet. If something happened, anyone who drank too much might be unable to respond. Lionel was already watching the celebration with a grim expression.

As soon as dinner ended, I contacted Lady Fabienne.

"We defeated the Snow Worm. We’re heading back now."

It was a brief conversation, but she sounded reassured. Once I returned to the mansion, I needed to bring Lady Fabienne an apology gift for causing her so much worry.

Glass pens, fountain pens, hot cookies and magic-stone hand warmers—I would be busy after returning. I could only hope Rosalia had not used all the materials. I was counting on her.

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