Chapter 9

With the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Taking advantage of the moment, I added freshly made blueberry jam to the brewed tea, mixing it to create a blueberry tea. The sweet and tangy aroma that wafted softly made the corners of my mouth relax just a little. I think my tea-making skills have improved significantly since the old days.

When I offered it to Uncle Alan and Rinse, they both drank it and said it was delicious.

The tense atmosphere that had been present due to the topic of Reis seemed to waver and become a bit more relaxed with the warm steam.

"Still, leaving tomorrow morning is too sudden. We won't even have time to properly send you off with a grand farewell."

"That's fine, you don't have to."

"No, at least something as a farewell gift..."

Holding the cup, Rinse pouted in dissatisfaction and then murmured, "Ah."

She then took something out of a bag beside her and placed it on the table with a light tap.

"What is this?"

It was a wooden box with a lid, only slightly larger than my palm. It had a gold clasp and the woodwork was meticulous. The surface of the lid was carved with a design of a 'bell' entwined with vines. Even a layperson could tell it was a delicate piece, likely crafted by a highly skilled artisan.

"This is a popular item in the capital, called a 'Spirit Treasure Box.'"

"Spirit Treasure Box?"

"The church has approved it, and a popular spirit user and woodworker in the capital carves a 'Holy Bell of the Spirit Queen' into each box. If you keep something precious in it, it is said to bring the blessing of the spirits and good luck. It's very popular among the young people in the capital. It's quite difficult to get, but my brother managed to get it for me as a souvenir."

"Wow... It's a beautiful carving indeed."

"Isn't it? You can keep sentimental accessories or your favorite ribbons in it. I wasn't planning to visit Sue's house, so I was going to show it off to my other friends, but... I'll give it to you, Sue."

"E!?"

I opened my eyes in surprise.

Uncle Alan was impressed, saying, "Wow, as expected of the daughter of the Loterea family. You're so generous." However, after hearing such an explanation, I couldn't easily accept it. I learned that in the capital, noble daughters use it to store expensive jewels, and men use it to keep gifts from their lovers. Unfortunately, I don't think I can use it in such a fashionable way.

Just as I was about to refuse, Rinse pushed it towards me.

"Isn't this a perfect farewell gift for the Spirit Princess? Take it as a charm."

"But it's a gift from your brother. I feel bad. I don't have anything special I want to put in it..."

"It's fine. My brother will understand if I say it's for my best friend Sue. You can use it as a regular trinket box too, so at least take the box."

When she said, "I'm giving this to you for free," I had no choice but to accept it. Just like when she pushed the ribbon on me, I couldn't resist Rinse's assertiveness. I thanked her and took it, and she smiled with satisfaction, her lips painted a vivid red.

Upon closer inspection, the box was truly a first-class item. Actually, while the two in front couldn't see, Wol, who had been standing beside me, was staring intently at the box in my hand. He was shaking his blue fur and wondering, "I wonder if a strawberry pie would fit in it," but I told him to stop. It would rot.

"Well, it's about time we take our leave."

Uncle Alan put down his empty cup and slowly stood up. We had been talking for a long time. My mother and the others would be back soon.

Leaving the cleanup for later, I decided to see the two off at the door. The sky was turning a deep crimson, and a cool autumn breeze was blowing. Amid the rustling of the wind, I could faintly hear what sounded like the laughter of the wind spirits, who are known to be quite gossipy.

Rinse, who had mentioned she had another place to visit, left hurriedly with a final word of encouragement, "Good luck!" As I watched Uncle Alan's broad back about to follow her, he suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Hey, Sylia. I was hesitant about whether to say this, but I think I should tell you."

"What is it?"

"About Reis. It's not a big deal, but it's something I felt. When he came to see me, he didn't engage in any 'conversation.' He just gave a one-sided greeting and report and tried to leave quickly, as if he had no more business here. His attitude was emotionless, but he's always been a grumpy and uncharismatic guy... Still, something about it felt forced, like he was trying to act that way. I called out to him as he was leaving."

"What did you say to him?"

"It was spontaneous. I blurted out, 'Take good care of Sylia!' And then..."

He made a really displeased face and answered, 'Within the scope of my duty,' right?

That sarcastic and bitter response came to mind, but what Uncle Alan said was completely different from what I expected.

"Reis's voice was so soft, it could barely be heard over the fluttering of a bird's wings. But even in that soft voice, there was a strong will. He said, '...I know that.' He looked like he was in great pain, as if enduring something."

"Reis did?"

"Yeah. That was the only 'conversation' I had with my 'son' after a long time."

A hollow laugh escaped Uncle Alan, blending into the fading light.

"I have a feeling he's carrying something big on his own. I don't know what it is, and I felt a bit hesitant to tell you this now. But I'm like a parent to him, and I'm worried about Reis. I can't help but take his side a little. Sorry for saying something strange, Sylia."

"No, it's fine."

I shook my head slightly, and Uncle Alan smiled and bowed before finally leaving.

Left alone, I felt a vague, indescribable complexity. Overlapping the red of the setting sun with Reis's eyes, I stood by the open door for a while.

Thank you for always reading! The reunion chapter ends here. The next part will be the capital chapter. I hope you'll continue to follow.