NOVEL NEXT Episode 4: "The House Blessed by the Spirits"
Episode 4: “The House Blessed by the Spirits”
“――that’s the situation.”
“I see… It must be about Seira, right?”
“That’s what I thought too.”
On my day off, I decided to consult with Sasha about Mr. Nevil. There wasn’t anyone else I could discuss the “spirits” with. By the way, Seira was playing with the other children. I wanted her to make lots of friends her age. This area has really settled down. We used to see a lot of tough-looking guys around.
According to Sasha, thanks to Hale and the “Teldy Family’s” support, the security around the orphanage has improved significantly. Because of that, she decided to open a private school. She wants to teach the children how to protect themselves.
Back to Mr. Nevil, I think Seira has some connection with the House of Belgard. Skills like [Spirit Eyes] and [Spirit Sense] are extremely rare. It’s unlikely they just pop up from nowhere. Well, it’s not impossible, but the likelihood is much higher that a few generations back, an ancestor of hers was an illegitimate child of the marquis’ family.
“If Seira is indeed of the Belgard family, what will you do, Mine?”
“Well, that depends on what Seira wants. If they try to force her to go, I’ll resist with all my might. I’m her big brother, after all. But judging by Mr. Nevil, it doesn’t seem like they’ll resort to force.”
“I agree. I can’t imagine the House of Belgard, blessed by the spirits, doing something unreasonable to Seira, the ‘beloved child of the spirits.'”
“That’s true.”
I doubt they’d do something to make the spirits turn against them. At least, Mr. Nevil doesn’t seem like that type. But of course, I won’t let my guard down.
“If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to let me know. Whether it’s about Seira or yourself, Mine.”
“Thank you.”
Sasha is really dependable. Even though she’s younger than I was in my past life.
—
“First, let me thank you. Thank you!”
“””Thank you!”””
“Whoa, please raise your heads.”
A few days later, after setting up an appointment through Mr. Nevil, I visited the mansion of the Marquis of Belgard. As soon as we exchanged greetings, this happened. Imagine how a commoner like me felt, being bowed to by the head of the house, his eldest son, third son, and fourth son. To be honest, I came prepared to fight if necessary.
“Ah… You should start by explaining the situation properly. You’re making Mine uncomfortable.”
“Oh, sorry. Please listen to our story first.”
Thank you, madam. You’re a lifesaver.
The marquis explained that Seira is the daughter of his son and another woman, that he has been watching over his son’s family, and that she suddenly went missing. He also mentioned that he found out about the incident that happened to her family. Although I had considered the possibility of a blood relationship, I didn’t expect her to be the current head’s granddaughter.
No wonder they’re furious. It’s amazing they didn’t kill the bishop. I definitely would have, at least five times.
“We were struggling to gather information and were about to give up. But recently, Nevil told us about a girl with a strong presence of ‘spirits’ and a boy protecting her. From the names and descriptions, I was sure it was Seira. I wanted to visit immediately, but my wife scolded me, saying it would be inappropriate to rush in like that.”
The marquis hadn’t received any information about what happened to Seira and her family after they were captured. Back then, he was in such a hurry to spread the word that it was all he could think about. Plus, the capital was in chaos, and information was all over the place. I left the capital with Seira the next day.
Madam, you really did a great job. If someone had suddenly claimed “Seira is ours,” both Mine and I would have been ready to fight. Probably the spirits too.
“You’re the one who saved Seira from that place, right?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”
The Marquis’ family bowed deeply once again. This alone showed how much they cared about their family. After all, they didn’t even know about Seira’s existence until that moment.
“I have one thing to confirm.”
“…”
“Is that child, Seira, a ‘Beloved Child’?”
The Marquis’ demeanor changed as he suddenly brought up the question. How did he figure that out?
“Why do you think so?”
“Nevil said he felt a strong presence of ‘Spirits.’ That’s something we cannot feel so strongly because we are not ‘Beloved Children.’ For spirits, ‘Beloved Children’ are very special.”
“I see…”
If that’s the reason, it’s hard to hide it. The spirits are nodding vigorously too.
“Indeed, Seira possesses the [Spirit Eyes].”
“I see…”
The Marquis exhaled deeply and fell silent.
The problem now is how to handle Seira. The Marquis family would undoubtedly want to keep a ‘Beloved Child’ close. I, however, want to respect Seira’s wishes. But if they resort to force, I have my own plan. Even if it means standing up to Seira’s grandfather.
“You should explain properly.”
“Hmm? Ah, I apologize if there was any misunderstanding. We do not intend to take Seira away.”
“Is that so?”
“If the spirits have chosen you as Seira’s guardian, then it must be what’s best for her. Our family will not oppose it, though it does sadden me as her grandfather.”
“Really?”
[[Yes, indeed.]]
[[Make sure to protect her.]]
“Of course.”
“””—!?”””
“What is it?”
“…You?”
“..Brother?”
When I asked the spirits, they confirmed it. I had planned this from the start, so no complaints here. Mine also cares deeply for Seira.
Meanwhile, the Marquis, his eldest son, and Nevil were staring at me in shock. The lady of the house and the fourth son just looked at the three of them with puzzled expression. …Ee, What’s going on?
“Can you see and talk to spirits?”
“Well, yes, sort of.”
“Are you also a [Spirit Eyes] holder?”
“No, I’m not.”
Mine is just an ordinary person with a bit of talent for magic.
According to Nevil, [Spirit Sense] is a skill that allows one to sense the presence and emotions of spirits, but its sensitivity depends on the spirits’ mood. Usually, it’s just a vague feeling, and hearing a spirit’s voice is so rare that it’s celebrated as a special event.
So, of course, they’re going to be surprised if I spoke to them normally.
“Um, if recognized by the spirits, it seems one can see and talk to them.”
“Really?”
“By the way, could you show yourselves to Seira’s grandfather and uncles?”
[[Hmm, what to do…]]
[[Maybe just for a bit.]]
[[I don’t want to.]]
[[I’m okay with it.]]
Though they didn’t say it, they seemed eager to see, so I asked, and about half agreed to show themselves.
“””Ohhh…”””
“Well… it’s an adorable sight.”
[[[dehehe]]]
“…Hey, I can’t see it!”
[[[Neville is no good]]]
“Oi, why am I not allowed?! That voice just now, you’re kidding!”
[[[Kyahaha]]]
The marquis, the eldest son, and the fourth son were at a loss for words, while the lady of the house lovingly admired the ‘spirits’ with a beaming smile, and the ‘spirits’ were also affectionate. They looked like small children or animals. Their personalities were innocent and cute. Sometimes their innocence led to trouble, though.
Nevil, it seems, quickly became their toy.
“Oh, I can see them too! They’re kind of small.”
[[Oh? Got a problem with that?]]
[[You wanna go, huh? You wanna go?]]
[[[Alright, go for it, Mine!]]]
“I’m not going to.”
[[[Boo!]]]
These guys are lively. Actually, Nevil and the ‘spirits’ seem to get along incredibly well. Though, he probably won’t become one of their ‘beloved children’ character-wise.
“……Sorry. I lost my composure.”
“No, it’s fine…”
With the ‘spirits’ gone, they finally had a moment to breathe. The marquis and his eldest son, who had even shed tears, looked a bit embarrassed. The lady of the house had a satisfied expression, having thoroughly adored them. The fourth son, seeing ‘spirits’ for the first time in his life, was deeply moved. Clearly, ‘spirits’ hold a special place for this family.
Nevil seems to be a bit worn out from being teased so much.
“Ahem, anyway, our marquisate will never forget our gratitude to you. Thank you very much. If you ever need anything, please feel free to visit us.”
“Thank you. I’ll come again with Seira when the opportunity arises.”
“……Is that alright?”
“Yes. Of course, only if Seira wishes to.”
“That’s more than enough. Thank you.”
He is Seira’s grandfather after all. If they were troublesome people, I’d never let her meet them, but with this family, it should be fine. It’s important to cherish these kinds of connections.