Kays Translations

Chapter 450: So Something Did Happen After All

We bade farewell to the Forest Spirit and began the journey home. We obviously could not bring the Forest Spirit with us. If we did, Marchioness Mulan, Caro and Lady Hilda—none of whom had developed any resistance to the spirits’ appearance—might faint from shock. That would not be good.

“Julius, what benefits does a spirit’s blessing provide?”

“At present, the only effect I know of is reduced mana consumption when using magic.”

“I can’t really tell if that’s amazing or not.”

“Yeah, same here.”

Reduced mana consumption would be most useful when casting grand-scale magic, such as wide-area annihilation magic. Naturally, I had no opportunities to use anything like that, so the blessing was largely wasted on me. Ah, it also made certain types of magic easier to use.

“We learned in the academy’s history classes about people who received spirit blessings, but no one received four.”

“R-really? Perhaps they did not mention it because one blessing was already enough. Lord Leon, please keep this matter from becoming public. It is hardly something worth boasting about…”

“Is that so? Well, if Master says so, then I won’t tell anyone.”

Good. Leon’s recognition of me as his master had finally proved useful. After that conversation, I believed no one else would disclose the matter either. They would not, right? I glanced around.

“It’s fine, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Yeah. I don’t want Julius setting his sights on me.”

“You’re awfully honest, Axel…”

Should I be pleased or not? I had the impression that they were afraid of me. Still, perhaps that was better than allowing rumours to spread. My feelings were complicated, but Nero was nodding in agreement, so I decided to regard it as a success.

After stopping at the House Draken estate, we returned to House Mulan. Margrave Draken invited us to remain for a while, but I declined, saying that I was worried about Fabienne, whom we had left behind at the House Mulan estate.

Had we remained at the House Draken estate, I probably would have been forced to discuss the many incidents I had caused. That was close. I would have to thank Fabienne when we returned.

The gates of the House Mulan estate came into view, with Fabienne and the others waiting before them. Only then did it truly feel as though we had returned. To me, Fabienne was the very embodiment of comfort.

“Welcome home.”

“I’m back, Fabienne. Nothing happened while I was gone?”

“No, nothing at all. And you, Julius-sama?”

“Ah, um…”

“…So something did happen after all, didn’t it?”

She said “after all”! Fabienne really said “after all”! Am I seriously thought of as a troublemaker? I don’t see myself that way at all. Trouble always comes to me. It’s not my fault!

…Well, perhaps some of it is my fault. I do get carried away and create all kinds of things, which probably leads to situations like this. I may need to apologise sincerely to Fabienne one of these days.

Holding hands with Fabienne, who had a slightly troubled look on her face, we headed to the salon. Tea had already been prepared there.

“You must be tired, right? Everyone, please relax.”

“Thank you, Marchioness Mulan.”

“I am relieved that everyone returned safely. Caro prayed late into the night every day because she was so worried about all of you. It was quite exhausting.”

Marchioness Mulan chuckled wryly. Everyone’s gaze shifted to Axel. He was unquestionably the reason. Axel and Caro both turned red. I had not expected to witness such a scene immediately after returning.

Hm? Fabienne is also blushing and looking down… Could it be that she was doing the same thing in her room? I’m grateful.

“It appears that everything was resolved without trouble?”

“Yes. The eastern region is safer than ever, and we have also secured access to World Tree materials.”

“Oh my! That’s a wonderful achievement.”

“It is all thanks to Julius-sama.”

The ladies looked at me in surprise. Only Fabienne, who had already realised that I had caused another incident, maintained her smile. What lay behind that smile?

“Would you mind telling us the details?”

Thus began a report disguised as a tea party. Naturally, I also had to show everyone the blessings I had received. Fortunately, Marquis Mulan discreetly ensured that everyone kept the matter quiet, so I did not think the story would spread any further.

“As expected of you, Julius-sama. I wish I could have seen the World Tree too.”

“The forest should be safe now, so perhaps you can visit someday. Margrave Draken may even have a road built to the World Tree.”

Once a road to the World Tree was established, managing and guarding it—and gathering its materials—would become much easier. I thought it highly likely. No one would be reckless enough to tamper with a World Tree personally managed by Margrave Draken.

“By the way, Julius-sama, did you bring back some World Tree materials?”

“Of course. I’ll show them to you later, Fabienne.”

“I look forward to it.”

I wanted to use the World Tree materials to make a full recovery potion. Such a potion could even restore missing body parts. It would undoubtedly be useful if disaster ever struck. Better safe than sorry.

“Master, please teach me how to make a magic potion using World Tree materials.”

“Hmm, even if you say that, I haven’t actually made one yet. I don’t think it’s right to teach how to make a potion that may or may not work.”

“You’re right… That makes sense.”

Leon looked disappointed. Of course, I was lying, so I felt a little guilty. I had made countless magic potions using World Tree materials. Both making them and teaching someone else how to make them would be easy for me.

Still, if I handled World Tree materials that I had supposedly obtained for the first time with expert ease, people would certainly become suspicious. Even I understood that much.

Since leaving House Heine, I had already caused several incidents. If I added any more, Father might take to his bed. That would be a serious problem.

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