Chapter 549: Hmm…

After that, we chatted about this and that until dinner finally came to an end. In the end, I never managed to bring up the topic of the plant nutrient solution.

It wouldn’t be good for me to be praised any more than this. For a while, it would be better if others took the spotlight.

If the researchers and Erwin-sama could accomplish something dramatic—something that looked like saving the Raven Kingdom—then naturally, I would fade into the background. The researchers could earn credit for purifying the tainted land, while Erwin-sama could be recognized for supporting them, and ideally, for performing purification with the Holy Sword itself. That would be the most balanced outcome.

“I probably shouldn’t say this, but… dinner was really exhausting.”

“Julius-sama, here you are.”

“Fabienne, you must be tired too, right? I feel a bit bad about this.”

Back in my room, I said as much while having Fabienne rest my head on her lap. It seemed she had noticed how much I liked lap pillows. Correct. They’re oddly calming. And the view from there is… well, impressive.

The only problem is Nero, who ends up looking a little lost and out of place. Sorry about that. But I can’t bring myself to stop.

“Julius-sama, is it really true that purification can be done with the Holy Sword as well?”

“I think I read something like that somewhere. I don’t know the method, though. But if you tried different things, you’d probably figure it out eventually.”

I gave Fabienne a very vague answer. I do feel bad for deceiving her, since I actually know how it works. Still, I think it’s better not to say anything yet. We’ve gained the help of the spirits, and there’s no need to rush. This isn’t the time to act hastily.

“It’s still a bit early to sleep, so I think I’ll write some letters.”

“Then I shall do the same.”

“Nero, could you prepare everything?”

“Understood.”

Nero promptly set paper out on the table. I think I’ll write to Father before going to bed tonight. Lionel will probably report to him as well, but since I’m the one who caused all the trouble, I should give my own account. That way, Father will be more at ease.

Will a letter from Sophia-sama reach Sister-in-law Daniela? If so, I might not need to write one myself… but if Sophia-sama mentions the gramophone to her, then it might be safer for me to write as well.

“Hmm…”

“Is something the matter?”

Fabienne, who had been smoothly writing her own letter, looked up. It would’ve been easy to say it was nothing, but that somehow felt wrong. So I asked her whether she thought I should write to Sister-in-law Daniela too.

“Well… you’re planning to give the gramophone to Rosalia-chan as a present, aren’t you?”

“She’s been feeling lonely. I was thinking she and Mira could share it.”

“If that’s the case, I believe it will reach Sister-in-law Daniela’s ears quite quickly. Then wouldn’t it be better to inform her beforehand? Just a feeling, but it seems likely it’ll end up being sold through the Heine Trading Company.”

“That’s true. All right, I’ll write the letter.”

So that’s how it is. In that case, I should also mention my concerns about rights and interests. If things move smoothly, then by the time I return to the Heine Marquisate, we might already be able to produce gramophones.

I wrote letters, took a bath partway through, and then went to sleep.

Incidentally, it seems the black mountain had become a trauma for Fabienne after all, so we ended up sleeping in the same bed. Of course, nothing indecent happened. We just… bumped into each other a little.

“Mm…”

“You look sleepy. Did you not sleep well last night?”

“No, I’m fine. I slept properly. Maybe it’s just that the purification test went well, and I finally relaxed.”

Sorry. That was a lie. I barely slept at all. Meanwhile, Fabienne slept soundly, looking utterly comfortable. Isn’t that a bit too defenseless? Or am I the only one who’s actually aware of things?

Ah—Nero is looking at us with an expression that suggests he’s figured something out. Please don’t report this. I’m begging you.

“Good morning, Julius-sama. You look rather sleepy today.”

“Morning, Lionel. I was writing letters last night. After breakfast, could you send both my letter and Fabienne’s?”

“Certainly. I was just about to send some letters myself, so I’ll take care of it together.”

It seems Lionel was compiling reports last night as well. He must have decided that what happened in that village needed to be reported quickly—that Julius had once again received the blessing of the spirits.

That part surprised me too, honestly. I hope he wrote that clearly.

Breakfast was with Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama. I’ve gotten used to eating with this group, so I was able to relax and enjoy the meal. Fabienne seemed fine as well, chatting happily with Sophia-sama.

“What is your schedule for today, Julius-sama?”

“I’m thinking of checking on the people crushing the magic stones. The work in the compounding room seems to be going smoothly.”

That’s what Giovanni-sama had told me during dinner last night. The bottleneck still seems to be the powdered magic stones, so we need to deal with that first.

I already told His Majesty the King yesterday that the purification powder was unquestionably effective, so production of magic stone powder may soon move into full swing. When that happens, all kinds of support and oversight will be necessary.

“I’m sorry for leaving everything to you, Julius-sama. Once the inspection is over, would you care to have some tea together? I’ll prepare some delicious tea and sweets.”

“Thank you very much. I’m looking forward to it.”

Sophia-sama may be in a rather difficult position right now. Erwin-sama is helping with the magic stone crushing, but there isn’t much she can do. Fabienne can make magical medicines, and the rest of us are constantly on the move. I wish there were something—anything—that Sophia-sama could do as well.