Chapter 667: Those Awaiting Us in the Royal Capital

Sister-in-law Daniela paled after hearing that the spirits’ blessings were disappearing from the neighbouring continent. Naturally, I was worried too, but at present, we had no means of influencing that land. There was nothing I could do, and the same was true for her.

Relations between the Spencer Kingdom and the Lazar Empire on the neighbouring continent were poor. The Spencer Kingdom could hardly approach them with advice.

“Thank you for this valuable information. We’ll consider every precaution available to us.”

“You have my word.”

“I’m counting on you. If we learn anything else, we’ll inform you immediately. Both of you possess our blessings, so may we use telepathy?”

The Spirit of the Lake looked between us. Apparently, the spirit already knew that Sister-in-law Daniela had received the Green Spirit’s blessing.

“That will be fine.”

“Certainly. I shall tell His Majesty in the royal capital immediately.”

“That would be helpful.”

The Spirit of the Lake evidently believed the spirits had reached the limits of what they could accomplish alone. Humans held authority in the present age, so that conclusion might be unavoidable. In the past, greater faith from humanity must have allowed spirits to wield much more power.

Wait. Hadn’t the spirits been gaining unprecedented strength from the magic potions I gave them?

Ah, I see. Perhaps their power had become so great that using it could have a tremendous effect upon the world. If so, naturally, they would hesitate.

That meant I was partly responsible. Oh dear. Would I have to reap what I had sown?

After we exchanged news about our recent activities, the Spirit of the Lake returned home. Naturally, I gave the spirit chocolate as a souvenir. I was glad I had brought extra in case something like this happened.

After our conversation, we went to the hot spring. Naturally, we had rented a private bath. Even with swimming costumes, we could not allow strangers to see us.

“Hot springs are wonderful. I heard this one beautifies the skin, and I think that may be true.”

Sister-in-law Daniela stroked her porcelain-smooth skin. Was it truly all right for me to be here?

Staring would be inappropriate, so I continued the conversation.

“It’s also said to improve lower-back pain, stiff shoulders and injuries.”

“Perhaps this spring contains the blessing of the Spirit of the Lake.”

We laughed softly. The Spirit of the Lake seemed to visit this town occasionally, so that was entirely possible.

“What do you think about the matter we discussed, Julius?”

“I believe something is happening on the neighbouring continent. It may have been caused by the Lazar Empire, or it may not. If it wasn’t, then the Lazar Empire might be trying to escape the continent.”

“I see. They could be seeking a new land and targeting our continent. It’s certainly possible.”

Sister-in-law Daniela rested a hand beneath her chin and thought deeply. We did not know the truth, so our only choice was to gather information. She must have understood that as well.

She would surely discuss it with His Majesty during this visit home.

The atmosphere in the hot-spring town became somewhat sombre, but we departed the following day as cheerfully as usual.

Worrying endlessly here would accomplish nothing. It was better to enjoy ourselves.

Several days later, we arrived safely in the royal capital. First, we would visit the House Heine townhouse and spend the night. We planned to go to the royal castle the following day.

Naturally, we informed the castle that we had arrived safely.

“Welcome back, Julius. Welcome home, Sister-in-law Daniela. It’s wonderful to see you too, Mira.”

“Welcome home.”

Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka welcomed us at the townhouse. Apparently, they had returned temporarily to coincide with our arrival. I had wanted to see them, so the timing was perfect.

“Brother Cain, Sister-in-law Meeka, thank you for having us.”

“Cain, Meeka, I’m glad to see you both looking well. The Green Spirit’s blessing must have surprised you.”

“Very much. Part of me wished you had warned us, but I suppose there was nothing you could have done.”

Brother Cain smiled wryly. Exactly. Who could have predicted that outcome? It was certainly not my fault. So would both of you please stop looking at me as though to say, “Here we go again”?

“Still, I never expected to see Julius before the summer holiday,” Sister-in-law Meeka said. “I thought I would have to wait until then to use this.”

She waved the ticket that entitled her to a sparring match with me. Ah, yes. I had sent it as an apology because I had not returned in time to see them off to the academy. I had never imagined she would use it in the royal capital.