Chapter 64 Childhood Friend'S Birthday
After lunch, Lukas, and Olivelle-san visited the forest again.
As soon as we stepped in, particles of light began to float around us from nowhere. They were spirits. Lukas gently reached out to them and whispered, "Please guide us to the source of the spring."
A particle of light landed on Lukas' finger and blinked a few times as if conveying a message. Lukas nodded in response, turned to me, and smiled. Although I couldn't hear the spirits' voices, I couldn't quite grasp the situation, but I smiled while tilting my head. Lukas started walking slowly, and Olivelle-san and I followed a few steps ahead. Beyond the bushes, we found ourselves near the Great Tree where The Drinking Water of the Spirits sprang.
"We can enter the barrier from anywhere, huh?"
Olivelle-san muttered. I nodded in response.
When we arrived at the spring due to a recent injury, Olivelle-san explained that this place was hidden by a barrier, and even if we wandered aimlessly, we could never reach it. However, since it was hidden within the barrier, if an entrance to the barrier could be created, it would be possible to enter from anywhere.
Surprised, Lukas turned to me and asked,
"Laura, what do you want to know?"
"Um, I want to know about the history of this spring... why the spirits chose this spring as their drinking water, and if there's any reason why this water holds great power for us humans... something along those lines."
It seemed like Lukas was asking the spirits the same question I had.
Multiple particles of light began to float around Lukas. They all blinked busily, as if talking eagerly like little children. Lukas seemed to be listening attentively to the spirits' words with closed eyes, while Olivelle-san and I, unable to hear the spirits' words, quietly watched.
――Perhaps Olivelle-san could hear the spirits' words too, as at the same time Lukas raised his eyelids and looked up at the nearby tree, Olivelle-san also gazed up at the tree.
Being of the Elven race said to have spirits as ancestors, it was quite plausible that Olivelle-san could hear the spirits' words.
"This tree is the great spirit that has now decayed and returned to nature. Before the Great Spirit returned, it seemed to directly impart power, but now it seems to receive power through this spring."
――Lukas explained. It was an unexpected answer.
I looked up at the tree as Lukas spoke. I couldn't help but approach and tentatively touch the trunk.
Instantly, there was a slight warmth in my palm. It might have been an illusion caused by being told that this tree was once the Great Spirit, but it clearly felt different from an ordinary tree.
"It must have been like a parent-child relationship. I'm honestly surprised that such a relationship existed among the spirits."
Olivelle-san murmured while placing her palm on the tree, just like me.
"The Great Spirit loved life—humans and animals, and often helped injured humans. Following that, these spirits seem to help humans who have suffered serious injuries or illnesses."
As I listened to Lukas' words, an image of a gentle smiling woman resembling a mother came to mind. It was an image my mind had conjured up of the Great Spirit.
The spirit who loved humans also appeared in "Last Brave." They had a friendly personality and found observing humans interesting. They willingly lent their power to the heroes. Therefore, it was understandable that some spirits paid attention to humans.
The Great Spirit of this land that had returned to the tree seemed to continue to share affection with the spirits and humans simply because they found them favorable. It felt more like unconditional love from a parent to a child rather than sympathy from the strong to the weak. However, fundamentally, this spring exists to provide power to the particles of light—the spirits.
"...In a way, it's like receiving the overflow of a parent's love, isn't it?"
I noticed Olivelle-san next to me faintly smiling at my words. When I inadvertently looked at him, he said with a smile in his voice, "That might be an accurate expression."
(Thank you, I'll borrow your power.)
I gently touched my forehead and murmured in my heart.
It's reassuring to be able to borrow the power of the Great Spirit who loved humans and animals. Although the origin of the spirit spring did not directly lead to the synthesis method, still...
――Yes, how about bringing Elvira directly to this place? If we show Elvira, who is suffering from a serious illness, maybe the Great Spirit who welcomed us and the spirits will lend us even more strength.
Whatever happens next, it's certain that we will be in their care. From their perspective, it may just be charity to the weak, but it's probably better to show gratitude at least with an attitude of thanks.
"Hey, Lukas. Do the Great Spirit and the spirits have anything they like?"
I turned to Lukas and asked. He immediately conveyed my question to the spirits.
The particles of light blinked again, and Lukas nodded with a calm expression as if he understood.
"It seems like the Great Spirit liked flowers. That's why flowers bloom here."
I looked again at the white and blue flowers blooming around the large tree. Apparently, this place, arranged by the god (creator), not only had a good appearance but also seemed to reflect the intentions of the Great Spirit.
Fortunately, Flaria is famous for its flowers. That's probably why a Great Spirit who loves flowers arrived here, but regardless, it would be perfect to make a bouquet as a gift. Shall we make a cool bouquet with blue and white flowers similar to those blooming here, or should we go for a colorful bouquet with red and pink flowers not found here?
"I see, thank you."
With a smile, I left the large tree. At that moment, I noticed Olivelle-san next to me looking troubled and lost in thought.
I couldn't tell what he was thinking, and since he usually wore a gentle smile, the absence of a smile on his face made it difficult to approach him.
Being timid, I quietly left without speaking to Olivelle-san.
(I didn't get any hints about synthesis... But if the power of the spirits is the source, it's understandable that mere herbs can't interfere.)
I looked back at the large tree once more. I gazed up for a few seconds and then shifted my gaze towards the spring. In that instant, something glittered in the water.
I involuntarily approached to see what the light was — it turned out to be a transparent stone like a gem.
(It's so beautiful...)
I couldn't help but stare at it intently. My gaze was naturally drawn to the stone.
Suddenly, particles of light appeared behind me. The spirit blinked as if trying to convey something to me. However, not understanding the spirit's words, I just tilted my head in confusion.
Perhaps sensing my confusion, the spirit stopped blinking and entered the water. I was secretly surprised that it could enter the water. The spirit swiftly approached the stone I had been staring at and began blinking again. It felt as if the spirit was telling me to take it, as if it could be held in my hand.
I cautiously reached out to the stone. As I grabbed it, the particles of light blinked more brightly and larger than before. It felt like it was okay, as if 'he' was nodding.
I held the stone up to the sun to see through it. It was a beautiful stone that looked like a cutout of the clear water surface. I thought it would be perfect for a gift if processed — Lukas's face came to mind.
Lukas's birthday had passed recently. Although I had wished him a happy birthday on the day, I had asked him to wait a little longer for the present.
Lukas had given me a handmade cloth bag for my birthday. It wasn't a return gift, but I had been thinking of giving something handmade to my childhood friend for their birthday.
――If I could use this stone to make a present...
"Um, can I have this?"
The spirit blinked again in response to my question. Not only that, it swayed lightly up and down, a movement resembling a human nod.
Interpreting the spirit's actions to suit myself, I smiled at the light particles in front of me and said, "Thank you."
* * *
――The next day,
I received permission from Kasper-san to end the training early. Although it was just a few days early.
On the day this was decided, I had come to Flaria's famous flower field. I was there to make a bouquet as a thank you to the great spirits. It seemed that the flowers in this field could be picked for a fee — Luisa-san had told me — so I had been going back and forth trying to create a bouquet that the great spirits would like.
The bouquet I currently had in my hands was a refreshing one made mainly of white and blue flowers. For a first attempt, I thought it was quite nicely put together.
Now, if I were to add a little more, what kind of flowers should I choose? As I pondered this, I heard footsteps approaching from behind. Those footsteps were undoubtedly coming towards me. Wondering who it could be, I turned around to find my childhood friend standing there.
"Laura, what are you doing?"
"I thought I'd give a small thank you to the great spirit before heading back. What about you, Lukas?"
Lukas stood next to me. He tilted his head slightly to peer at my face and spoke.
"I couldn't see Laura around. You're heading back to the royal capital the day after tomorrow, right?"
My childhood friend's gaze shifted from me to the bouquet in my hands.
"I gathered flowers of similar colors since there were blue and white flowers blooming there. How does it look?"
"I'm sure they'll like it."
He smiled gently.
His kind smile that pampered me made me naturally rely on my childhood friend.
"Hey, Lukas, sorry to ask again, but will you accompany me?"
"Of course."
――And so, we returned to the base of the great tree once again.
It seemed like I would have to ask Lukas to accompany me frequently in the future. Judging from the recent behavior of the spirits — when they showed me the beautiful stone — I believed that they had recognized me to some extent. I would ask Lukas later to guide me even when I came alone.
"Um, this is a really small token, but it's a bouquet as a thank you. I think I'll be relying on you again soon... so please take care of me then."
I gently placed the bouquet next to the big tree. The light particles slowly gathered around the bouquet. Whether they were wary of the strange object the girl brought or delighted by it, I couldn't tell.
Glancing at Lukas's expression, he seemed to be happily watching the spirits, so I took it positively that they were pleased.
――Now, I'll present another gift. I took out a charm that I had processed with the help of Lina-senpai, Chelsea, and Luisa-san from my jacket pocket. It was made from the stone I had obtained the other day. It was too big to be made into a necklace or bracelet—it was about the size of a 500 yen coin in the previous life—so I made it into a small keychain-like shape that could be attached to clothes. It didn't have much practical use, but I hoped the sentiment behind it would be enough.
"Also, Lukas, it's a bit late, but happy birthday. It's a handmade charm, so if you like..."
Lukas's eyes sparkled at my words as he approached. Despite feeling a bit overwhelmed by his enthusiasm, I handed him the present.
"Thank you! I'll treasure it, I'll treasure..."
"Since it's made from the stone I found here, I'm sure it has the protection of the great spirit."
Seeing how delighted he was, I felt a bit embarrassed and quickly rambled on in a teasing manner.
Lukas held the stone up to the sunlight and commented in a cheerful tone, "It's a beautiful stone." Feeling a bit embarrassed to have the present mentioned further, I tried to smoothly change the subject.
"Lukas, you're 15 now..."
"I've finally caught up to Laura. In three more years, I'll be an adult. It'll come in no time."
"Isn't that a bit premature? You just turned 15."
In this world, adulthood is considered to start at 18 years old. It feels like just yesterday that Lukas, who is about to reach adulthood, awakened his memories and approximately six years have passed in the blink of an eye. However, he must overcome the huge obstacle of defeating the demon king to truly become an adult.
On the day he reaches adulthood, he may look back at his 15-year-old self and wonder how far he has come. And I wonder, what memories will I hold dear of today?
Suddenly, the image of a young Lukas overlapped with the one before me. His eyes sparkled, his cheeks flushed with joy, making him look surprisingly young. Because of that, I couldn't help but feel deeply moved by how much he has grown.
"It feels like just yesterday he was so small."
"Isn't that the same for Laura too?"
Without missing a beat, Lukas interjected. Every time I sense Lukas's growth, I can't help but feel sentimental.
As I looked up at his face, it seemed higher than before. Even his slightly upward gaze seemed more mature, as if he had shed some of his youthful innocence.
"Before you know it, you've grown taller, your features have become more mature. Your voice has changed too... What's so funny, Lukas?"
"Well, Laura, you're saying things like my mom."
Lukas's words left me wide-eyed.
I hadn't consciously thought of it that way, but upon reflecting on what I had said, it did seem like I was reminiscing about my son's growth like a mother. In reality, the emotions I harbor for Lukas may be akin to what a mother feels for her son. More accurately, it could be likened to the feelings an older sister has for her younger brother.
"We're practically like a family now."
"Yeah, that's right," Lukas nodded pensively. He then fastened an amulet to his belt. The stone that shimmered at his waist, reflecting light, seemed to be quite a tasteful accessory for a hero to wear.
Lukas gazed at the amulet once more. Then, he shifted his gaze towards me, slightly bending his knees to align our eye levels, and slowly spoke.
"Thank you so much, Laura. I'll treasure this amulet."
Lukas smiled, and I smiled back. In that moment, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the trees, illuminating Lukas and me. It felt as though we were being blessed by a great spirit with such perfect timing. Perhaps it wasn't entirely wrong to think that way. He is destined to be the Hero blessed by the world.
――Lukas Kamil, 15 years old. Just under 2 years until he becomes Hero-sama.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)