Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 449: Blessing of the Forest Spirit
“So you really did come, Julius. My friend of the heart!”
Overcome with emotion, the pervert… I mean, the spirit, hugged me. Even Lionel and Nero, as expected, seemed unable to lay a hand on a spirit and looked flustered, unsure of what to do. I figured it was best for them to just stay put.
“Please calm down. I believe this is the first time we’ve met a spirit… You’re the forest spirit, right?”
“That’s correct. What, the one from the lake didn’t tell you? That one is so thoughtless.”
Is it okay to complain about the lake spirit like that? I’m not entirely sure what kind of relationship spirits have with each other, so I decided not to comment.
At the very least, it was now clear that the forest spirit already knew about me.
“So the forest spirit lives in this place?”
“No, not exactly. I live in all forests. This is just one of them.”
I see—so typical of a forest spirit. Quite a grand scale. That must be how it knew we planted the World Tree seed here. I wonder if it was a bad idea to plant it without permission? Doesn’t seem like it’s angry, though…
“Ah, Forest Spirit, allow me to introduce you. This is Margrave Draken of the Frontier and Marquis Mulan, who govern this area.”
“It is an honor to meet you.”
The two looked humbled. Normally, you’d expect someone to doubt whether this was really a spirit, but they didn’t. Maybe because of the overwhelming aura? Still, I wish it had shown up in a more respectable form. For some reason, the spirits really like this look.
“Ah yes, the descendant of that one, huh? You look very much alike. Thank you for keeping the promise.”
“Promise?”
“What, you planted it without knowing? It was I who entrusted the World Tree seed to your ancestor long ago. I told them to plant it when the seeds of calamity began to sprout in this land.”
“…I didn’t know that.”
When Margrave Draken admitted that honestly, the forest spirit laughed happily.
“No need to worry. The promise was kept because it was engraved in your soul.”
The forest spirit nodded enthusiastically. I wonder what it would think if it knew Margrave Draken planted the seed here just to play a prank? Oh—Margrave Draken is looking at me expressionlessly. Probably means “don’t say anything.” I nodded slightly in return.
“I’d heard from the lake spirit, but I never imagined it would grow this much.”
Looking up at the tall and grand World Tree, the forest spirit said that with a deep sense of emotion.
That said, it wasn’t the kind of massive World Tree you read about in legends. It was only slightly larger than the surrounding trees. When I think of a World Tree, I imagine one as big as a mountain.
“I never thought I’d get to see the legendary World Tree. This will be a good story to tell.”
“I see, I see. That’s wonderful. Normally it would take a thousand years to reach this size. It’s amazing how well it’s grown.”
A thousand years… and I did that in just a few minutes? Is the World Tree okay? It’s not damaged, is it?
I checked using appraisal. Yep, it’s healthy. Seems like there’s no problem.
“Julius, is everything okay?”
The ever-worried Isidore looked at the World Tree with concern while asking me. The others were also staring up at it, murmuring “a thousand years” just like me.
“It’s okay. It looks like there’s no problem. Still, just in case, I won’t give it any more plant nutrients.”
“Yeah, that might be a good idea.”
Isidore was worried about the rapid growth of the World Tree. Such a kind soul. I hope spring comes for him soon too.
Oh right, what happened to the magical stagnation? Hmm, just as I expected—completely gone. We probably won’t see any more mutated monsters appearing.
“Ah, right. Julius, I must thank you for raising the World Tree so well. Also, for the dried fruits.”
“Ah, right.”
Apparently, the dried fruits we offered are being distributed among the spirits. I kind of figured, but hearing it confirmed makes me feel complicated. Like I’m baiting spirits with food. Is that really okay?
“Julius, I shall grant you my blessing.”
“Thank you very much.”
With a zap, a beam of light shot out and a leaf pattern appeared on the back of my hand. Yay! Now I’ve got four spirit blessings. Is this really okay? As a person, I mean.
While forcing a smile as I looked at the mark, everyone gathered around.
“As expected of Julius-sama!”
“Let me see too! Wow, it’s really four!”
“Master, you never cease to amaze…”
“So this is a spirit’s blessing. Looks like it could bring good luck.”
“Julius-sama, may I see it as well?”
So I ended up showing everyone. Just thinking about the report I’ll have to write once we’re back is already giving me a headache. Well, all I can do is tell it exactly how it happened. After all, in the end, this will save the eastern lands. I probably won’t get scolded.
After that, as expected, the attitudes of Margrave Draken and Marquis Mulan became more respectful. Yay.
Loyal Margrave Draken asked the forest spirit whether they could use materials from the World Tree.
The forest spirit replied that as long as they didn’t harvest enough to make the tree wither, there was no problem. Hearing that, Margrave Draken swore that the Draken household would take full responsibility for its management and shook hands with the spirit.
This encounter with the forest spirit will probably end up written in the Draken family head’s diary. I wonder if they’ll describe the spirit exactly as it looks now? That’s a bit worrying. The Mulan family will likely record it too. Leon might even write about it himself.