Kays Translations

Chapter 309: Talented Siblings

The next day, we were busy from the morning with the preparations for departure. If we hurried, we could reach the village at the foot of the mountain before nightfall. Some of the knights would stay in the village to ensure that the Snow Wolves did not return.

The previous night's meeting had decided that the temporary base's earthen walls would remain in place. With nothing specific to do, Brother Cain and I passed the time with a snowball fight while we waited.

"You two look lively. It seems like it would have been fine to help out."

"That's right, Lionel. We're part of the investigation team too, so don't hesitate to give us some work."

Brother Cain spoke with a slight pout, apparently displeased that no one relied on him. I was content to remain idle, but Lionel could only smile wryly. It would hardly be appropriate to assign the margrave's sons routine labour.

Once the packing was complete, we travelled to the village at the foot of the mountains. The villagers had been notified in advance and welcomed us warmly. The village chief was overjoyed by Lionel's report; the Snow Wolves' appearance had caused considerable anxiety.

The following morning, we departed again and safely reached the House Heine estate by early afternoon. The entire family was waiting at the entrance. After confirming everyone's safety, I left the formal report to Brother Cain and Lionel and headed for the workshop.

"Lord Julius, aren't you tired? You should probably rest first."

"I will. But first I want to check our materials."

Nero's suggestion was sensible, and he had to be tired as well. We needed rest, but I first had to confirm that we had enough materials for my planned gifts. If anything was missing, I would have to order it immediately or delay my visit to Lady Fabienne.

"Brother Julius! Look at this! I improved the magic-stone hand warmer."

"Let me see. Oh, this switch turns the heat on and off."

"Yes, exactly!"

As expected of Rosalia, she had worked quickly. In only a few days she had added a switch to the magic-stone hand warmer, eliminating the need to insert and remove the magic stone each time. I planned to give one of the improved warmers to Lady Fabienne.

"You made glass pens too… There are more than I expected."

"This is something Lelie made!"

"?!"

Nero spun towards Lelie with astonishing speed. Lelie lowered her head in embarrassment. When had this happened? Could Lelie be developing the 'Craft' skill?

I examined one closely. The craftsmanship was remarkably good, and the handle had been shaped with thoughtful grooves that made it easy to hold. It might even sell as a 'Lelie model'. Who would have guessed she possessed such talent?

Nero had talent in swordsmanship and stealth, so perhaps Lelie's hidden ability should not have surprised me. I found myself wondering what their parents had been like.

I checked the remaining supplies. We had enough metal fittings and coloured glass. Perhaps I could use navy-blue glass and scatter gold foil across the barrel like stars in the night sky. I would bring the ingredients for hot cookies and make them together with Lady Fabienne; that sounded more enjoyable.

"Oh, I also need to make an offering of dried fruit to the Snow Spirit."

"An offering?"

"Yes. The Snow Spirit helped us greatly during the investigation, so I want to express my thanks."

"I wanted to meet the Snow Spirit too."

"Perhaps it's better that you didn't."

I did not think Rosalia would faint as Mother had, but the Snow Spirit's appearance might still frighten her. It would be better to wait until she was a little older.

"Kyuu, kyuu!"

"What's wrong, Mira?"

"Mira must be reacting to the dried fruit."

"Kyuu!"

Mira was rather greedy where dried fruit was concerned. I headed to the kitchen with Mira, Rosalia and Lelie.

After hearing what had happened, the head chef gladly gave me three bags of dried fruit. I felt guilty asking while the kitchen was already busy producing it. I would bring the cooks some elementary healing potions later; they would surely appreciate them.

After writing "To the Snow Spirit: Thank you very much for your help" on the bags, I went to the small shrine building in the garden. The household shrine inside was cleaned every day and had a neat, tranquil appearance.

I placed the three bags of dried fruit before the household shrine. They vanished before my eyes.

"Kyuu!?"

Mira immediately reacted to the disappearing offerings and repeatedly inspected the empty shrine. No matter how often I witnessed it, the sight remained strange. I wondered how the offerings were transported. If I could reproduce that function, I might create an automatic item-collection device.

I returned to the salon and had tea prepared, along with dried fruit for Mira. As I ate and drank, the weight on my shoulders finally began to lift.

Lionel had led the investigation team, yet I still felt responsible for its success. Leadership was difficult. Did Brother Cain feel the same way? I hoped so; a future commander could not afford to be irresponsible.

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