Chapter 256: Distant Thunder |
About a month has passed since the discovery of purification magic.
As August was just around the corner, the days were hot. Summer was already in full swing, and small insects were everywhere.
The past month has been strangely busy.
That’s because letters addressed to me had started arriving again from the Royal Nobles. I thought I had cleared up the rush of thank you letters related to the Royal Capital social gathering in May, but now it has shifted to gathering information for the annual regular social gathering.
My father said that they’re trying to check on the movements of Wilk Quordenze, who was very active in the Royal Capital, for better or for worse. But to be honest, this is extremely annoying. I have no plans to go to the capital, so please don’t send me letters. My father is usually the only one who participates in these kinds of gatherings.
It would take time to complete even a single letter if it affected social interaction, and it would be essential to communicate with my father regarding the content of the reply. Thanks to that, I was never able to leave Newnelly City. If possible, I would have gone to Nambonan City and talked to Raeve directly.
[…I guess that’s it for now.]
After finishing the morning letter processing that had become my daily routine these days, I let out a breath.
As expected, the start of social gathering was drawing near, so no new letters had arrived in the past few days. I hope the letter that I just sent away will stop them
Although I had to work hard, I was able to relax knowing that I had something to gain. As I was thinking about this, a soft, fragrant scent wafted in the air. When I looked back, the maid was preparing tea.
[Master, here have some Castella.]
The person who said that was Eve, who was already waiting at the table. Her voice sounded very bright.
The reward for the big job of verifying the purification magic and confirming the acquired magic is castella. Ever since Eve tried it once, she was completely captivated by its deliciousness and now looks forward to the castella baked several times a week.
[Right, let’s have it along with some drinks.]
When I approached her to take a break, Eve happily sat back down in her chair. Rude behavior like leaving her Master alone and eating alone first is normally unacceptable.
[Is this all the remaining castella? It’s not much.]
There were only two slices each on Eve’s and my plates. Since I just had breakfast, I guess that means I shouldn’t eat too much.
[Still, I’m happy.]
Eve humming [Castella, castella] under her breath is cute and suitable for her age.
From the discovery of purification magic until today, Eve and I have been together almost every day. I think it’s thanks to that, but the distance between the two of us is rapidly shrinking. It is a great progress that I can now see this kind of natural appearance.
I don’t know how many times we’ve enjoyed tea together, but while we’re already used to this exchange, I picked up the cup of tea.
[Are we going to check my magic again today?]
[No, it’s a day-off.]
Checking all of Eve’s acquired magic was progressing steadily.
I have already verbally confirmed what kind of magic she remembers and made a list. Recently, my main task has been to take that list with me to the castle town to confirm its activation.
The reason for going all the way to the castle town is to maintain confidentiality. I’m sorry that I don’t seem to trust my own mother, but I can’t reveal anything about Eve’s magic just yet. In particular, it has been decided that purification magic will be treated as one of the secrets of Quordenze. What will happen in the future is undecided, but for now it needs to be hidden.
However, from what I’ve heard so far, Eve didn’t remember much magic. The only thing that catches my eye is purification magic.
After all, the most valuable source of information is her mother Raeve. I wanted to go to Nambonan City, and if that still proved to be difficult, I was thinking of calling her over and introducing her to Eve.
[Day off?]
However, the civil servants working in Nambonan City put a stop to Raeve and Eve’s reunion.
According to them, Raeve was currently mentally unstable. She usually lives her life without incident, but she seems to start getting frightened and crying when she suddenly remembers something. They also said that she is extremely afraid of losing trust in me as his protector. Well, considering what happened in the past, it might be natural.
That’s what the civil servants were concerned about. Revealing her true relationship with Eve means that the lies Raeve told will be revealed. I’m not blaming Raeve, but she must feel like her body is being torn apart. In some cases, the shock may even make it impossible to hear, according to a recommendation from a civil officer.
I felt like they’re worrying too much, but I also thought that the opinions of those close to me who watched Raeve should not be easily ignored. It was also reported that confirmation of acquired magic could be carried out in parallel in Nambonan City, so I decided to leave it to them for now.
Reporting personnel arrived from Nambonan City about once a week, and interviews seemed to be progressing smoothly. It seems like the conversation is progressing well, and they were able to confirm the existence of purification magic on Raeve as well. They are currently investigating whether there are any other useful magics.
Once I’ve confirmed the general details, I’m going to meet Eve again and ask her about more details.
[Yes. I have to see my father off today. I don’t have time to go to the castle town.]
My father would be leaving for the Royal Capital in the afternoon. To participate in regular social gatherings, assess the current situation of the Kingdom of Levios, and decide on the policy for the invasion of Spierzeig.
This time, it seems that he will also meet up with some of the Quordenze Nobles in the location that is a little further across the Obieto River, and head to the Royal Capital together. Therefore, it is not the first thing to leave in the morning.
[…Ah, this castella is leftover as a souvenir.]
I was wondering why the castella came out even though I didn’t give any instructions, but I figured out the reason myself. I guess they had baked a large quantity to make a souvenir for my father. Both Fanny and Plume love castella, and it was well received in the Royal Capital. There must be many people who want to eat it.
[What should I do if I have a day off…?]
[You can do whatever you want. A mage will come to the castle to report to my father, but Eve doesn’t have to meet him.]
There are also magic specialists among civil officers. They strive to research magic acquisition, improvement, and new development, and are also entrusted with magic sharing activities within the territory.
A master who guides the path of magic is called a mage. Several experts have been summoned to check all of Eve’s acquired magic.
[Ah, I see.]
Eve was not good with such people. When I told her that they don’t have to meet, she clearly showed a sign of relief.
Although there are many female mages in the Quordenze family, all of the mages summoned to Newnelly City were male. This isn’t to say they’re harassing Eve, it’s just the result of simple subtraction.
The targets of the learned magic hearing are Eve and Raeve. And since I couldn’t leave Newnelly City at the moment, I had no choice but to leave Raeve’s response to the civil officers and mages of Nambonan City. However, it is not good for Raeve’s mental health to have a large number of male civil officers and mages crowding in. Therefore, I gave instructions to send female mages to Nambonan City with priority, and as a result, male mages gathered in Newnelly City. This is perfect for Eve.
Eve dislikes the government officials who serve Quordenze. She seems to be able to talk to the male employees of the Pioneering Association, so I think she’s scared of adult men who are brusque, serious, or formal in their responses. …..Isn’t it limited to men? She also tends to avoid maids from knight families, so she probably doesn’t like adults who are strict and straight.
By the way, the old mage and uncle-like mage who are being avoided by Eve are normally very friendly people. Learning magic involves interacting with people, so in order to make a living doing it, it is important not only to have a delicate sense of magic power, but also to have high communication skills. However, in front of me, the next head of the family, they quickly transform into honest government officials. A harmonious magic confirmation time will never happen. For Eve, it means being stepped on or kicked.
[It must have been tough for Eve for a while now. You should get some rest today. If you want to meet Minith and Mimon, you can go out and play.]
[Then, I will.]
[Please tell them I was worried. It’s Minith’s first childbirth and she must be really anxious. I actually want to go see her…]
I couldn’t go see her because I’m blocked by the midwife’s defense. I’ve heard about her recent situation through letters, and it seems like she’s about to give birth.
I’ve heard stories in my previous life of people being unable to hold their wives after attending childbirth, so I think all the midwives wanted to keep me away from them as much as possible.
[Alright. I’ll make sure to tell her.]
Then, Eve agreed with a little excitement.
I heard the other day that there is no superstition about baby jealousy in Eve’s hometown. Therefore, even pregnant women get along well with their husbands, and if anything, it is seen as an important time for the couple.
Eve is the only one who sympathizes with my worries about wanting to be closer with the pregnant women. For this reason, recently I have started using her to send messages to pregnant women. She also seems to enjoy this role, so no one is losing out.
[Please give my regards to Mimon too. It’s not the first time she gives birth to a child, but that doesn’t mean she won’t be anxious. …Minith and Mimon are both important people to me. I want them to be happy. I also want to make you happy.]
[Yes.]
Then, I raised my hand towards Eve, suppressed the output as much as possible, and activated the magic power diffusion of goodwill.
[Of course, I care about Eve too.]
So feel free to get pregnant with my baby, or rather, let’s have babies… I want to say that out loud, but I don’t think I’ll go that far. The tower of trust that is being rebuilt turns out to be the tower of Babel.
[…Eve was probably cooperative when it came to magic. Many people have spoken highly of you.]
[Is that so?]
[Yeah. To be honest, up until now, Eve hasn’t been well-received by the people in the castle. They didn’t look at you in a good light even when I ordered them to. However, from now on, things like that won’t happen. It’ll be less. I’ll feel a little better too.]
Eve is not interested in the evaluation of those who serve Quordenze. So, let’s add some information to get her interested.
[Because of that, they seem to be putting more effort into finding your mother than ever before. The motivation of the civil officers has become completely different than before.]
Then, Eve’s expression changes to one of joy, then one of despair in the next moment, and finally one of motivation. It was a little interesting to see how things moved around.
[I will cooperate more!]
As expected, she caught on fast.
In short, what I said was, “The civil officers of Quordenze didn’t take the search for Raeve very seriously because Eve’s bad attitude made them angry”.
At first, Eve was happy that her searching options would increase, but she regretted it when she realized that the reason for the decrease in the first place was because of her low evaluation. Thus she decided that her attitude in general was important for the search for her mother, and voluntarily offered to cooperate more.
[Now that I think about it, the civil officer in charge of the search was reacting strangely. Maybe he’s found some clues. Or maybe he’s been silent until now because…]
[!!]
[Maybe there will be some report soon.]
Well, the story about Eve’s attitude is not true. The fact is that Raeve has been in Nambonan City all along, and everything I said was just sweet lies.
However, it is necessary for Eve to understand the logic of this lie. This input is also necessary to pave the way for reuniting her with Raeve.
[Master. I’ll do my best!]
I could feel Eve’s determination. She was really motivated.
[I see. Glad to know you feel that way, Eve. But, today is a day off.]
[I’ll do my be…]
[Yes, yes. For now, give my regards to Minith and Mimon. I have to see my father off today.]
[…..yes.]
I tried to share the castella that I hadn’t touched yet with Eve, who was feeling depressed. Then, with a disappointed expression on her face, she still ate the castella cake.
===========
After Eve went to the castle town to play, my family gathered together for lunch.
After that, we all moved to the entrance of the castle to see off my father. Soldiers were already gathered there.
My father hugged my mother tightly, and then hugged Fanny as if to reassure her. My turn came last.
[I plan to return in mid-September. It may be a little more or less depending on the situation in the capital. Until then, I leave Newnelly in your hands.]
[Yes, please leave it to me. …Also, please be careful, father. We have not yet heard from the Levios family that they have succeeded in apprehending the priests.]
A considerable amount of time has passed, but we hadn’t heard anything about them escaping or being killed. It’s strange to say the least.
[Don’t worry. I will be escorted by another Highlord, so it’s unlikely that we will be easily taken out.]
It looks like they’ll be bringing an old man from the branch family with them this time. It seems that they were reluctant to let him go outside of their territory, but as expected, they cannot disobey my father’s order. From the outside, it looks like elder abuse, but it can’t be helped for safety reasons.
In any case, regardless of whether or not they have combat experience, the wall made of Highlord is thick. It won’t be broken that easily.
[Before I leave, I’d like to say it again…]
Then, my father glanced at my mother for a moment.
[…There’s no need to rush to conclusions regarding that matter.]
I wonder what he meant by that, the purification magic or the Spierzeig invasion. Well, from what I could tell here it’s probably the latter.
[I know.]
I know that I need to handle it carefully. Because it is not as simple as I think.
[That’s good.]
Then, my father gently placed his hand on my shoulder and hugged me lightly. It wasn’t a strong hug, but I could feel the heat of his body.
[….I’m going now.]
My father got into a carriage and left the castle with many soldiers in tow.
Then one day, about two weeks after my father left.
News of grandpa Galfis’s crushing defeat arrived at Newnelly Castle.