Chapter 553: Spirit-sama's Interest

Mogu mogu

Momu Momu momu

(*munching SFX)

Fran still looked in low spirits when we returned to the inn at night.

She wasnt visibly depressed, but she didnt look like her usual self. Her smile was somewhat weak, even though she was eating.

The menu consisted of stew with lots of meat and potatoes with red bean paste. With the addition of three kinds of bread which were, black bread, rye bread, and b.u.t.ter rolls. A salad with fish in oil, homemade pickled vegetables, and cheese pasta. Considering what they had the other day, the meal tasted perfect.

However, Frans eating speed did not increase much. It was about the same speed as when she was at the cafeteria of the academy. This was quite unusual for her to be like this. If it were the usual Fran, she would forget most of her worries if she ate a good meal.

Urus.h.i.+, who was eating next to her, was not as energetic as usual because he was worried about Fran. He was eating his meal while glancing sideways at Fran from time to time.

Fran, are you still worried about Romio?

Nn

Yikes. As soon as she heard Romios name, Frans expression became visibly clouded over. It seemed that she was still worried about hurting Romio. I think that no matter how much I said that it was unavoidable, she didnt seem to be able to get over it.

Her spoon had stopped, but then an old lady, the innkeeper spoke out to Fran.

Did something happen today, young miss?

Nn

Dont worry, I wont ask for the details, but Is that something you need to worry about this late?

That is

There is this Elven saying New shoots come from the ashes of the deep forest

??

An Elven saying?

Even if the forest you live in burns down, one day the trees will grow back and a new forest will be born. In other words, anything can happen as long as youre alive, but its what happens after that that counts. Some things are irreversible. You may not be able to get back what you have lost. But we have to live with them as our strength

Maybe it was an Elf-like outlook considering their long lifespan. They lived much longer than humans, and Im sure their lives would be filled with many incidents and events. If they were to worry about all of them and regret them, their heart would probably be overwhelmed.

Hmm?

Fran seemed to be trying to understand the words. However, she immediately crossed her arms and tilted her head. I can grasp the meaning of the words, but to be honest, Im not sure if I understand them.

So that might be a little difficult for Fran, who has only lived for thirteen years, to understand.

Hmm You dont get it, do you, young miss? Well, its a phrase that has finally sunk in for us old Elves at this age

Im sorry

Im sorry too. I didnt mean to pester you. But can I tell you something?

Nn

A good meal tastes even better when you put your mind to it, right?

!! Certainly!

The old lady had said many words to try to comfort her, but in the end, the last one seemed to impress her the most.

And it seemed that the two of them were on the same page. They then stared at each other for a moment and then nodded at each other.

Eating while thinking about other things is disrespectful to the meal

Yup, youre right

Nn

Then Fran began to shovel in her meal steadily.

She was not fully cheered up, but she was getting back in shape. And I could see a slight smile on her face. I hope this can help her regain her usual self

However, when I thought so, Frans hand stopped again.

Did she just pretend that she was fine? I thought so, but the old lady had stopped moving too. And both of their eyes were locked in the same place.

Hohou? Why have you shown up?

A spirit?

Apparently, the spirit of the ancient tree had come out near the entrance of the dining room, and both of them were looking in its direction.

When the old lady noticed that Fran was looking at the same place as her, she asked Fran in surprise.

Can you perhaps can see it?

Is there, something?

She couldnt see it, but when Fran replied so, the old ladys eyes widened for a moment, and then she immediately started laughing.

Hohoho. You must have been very well-liked by Spirit-sama then

What do you mean?

Even if you have the talent, you wont be able to feel it if the spirits dont like you. Hmm, spirit-sama is watching you and it seems to be worried about you

!

If it doesnt like you, itll just kick you out Its been decades since Spirit-sama has been so attentive to someone other than an Elf

Spirit-sama allowed me to be here?

The old ladys words made Frans eyes widened this time. But I wonder why the spirit cared for Fran so much.

It had only been one night, right? Or maybe, the spirit was attracted by Frans cuteness. So, even a spirit was charmed by Fran, huh? Yeah, that must be the case.

But, I didnt do anything special

Spirit-sama likes a pure and gentle person after all

Well, it wasnt her cuteness but Frans pureness that the spirit was attracted to. Well, she cant see it though.

Fran also tried to activate her detection skills to detect the spirit even more. However, her face soon looked pensive.

Whats wrong?

(Even after I used the skill, I still cant detect it)

Apparently, she still couldnt detect it. The old lady who saw this then gave her some advice.

You wont be able to detect it with the usual way

Is that so?

In order to see spirits that are not visible, you need to have Spirit Magic skills or spirit eyes. It is said that those who have either of these qualities can sense them slightly

What was next was to get some kind of trigger and let her skills blossom. The fact that she could feel it was a sign that she was on the verge of sensing it. However, the old lady couldnt give her more advice as Elves could see spirits before they could even remember.

Spirit-sama?

Fran called out to the place where the spirit was supposed to be. But as expected, she got no response. Fran didnt know what was going on, but the old lady was smiling while narrowing her eyes.

Hmm, Spirit-sama was glad

What did Spirit-sama do?

It looks so happy. It has gone back to the tree though. Its a whimsical fellow after all

I see

Well, if it looks like that, Im sure itll come out again

Im looking forward to it

But at this rate, she might actually learn Spirit Magic while we stay at this inn.