NOVEL ONLINE FREE Ch66 - Alice, Mosura, and the Spirits ★
Chapter 66: Alice, Mosura, and the Spirits ★
A quiet and peaceful time always flows through the Stuart mansion, nestled in Toyria’s upscale residential area, except when villains intrude.
It’s the same even on the bustling day of the Spirit Festival.
Only the gentle rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of birds can be heard.
Alice Stuart, studying as usual in the mansion’s library, suddenly feels a stiffness in her shoulders and stretches with a groan.
Looking at the clock, she realizes two hours have passed since she started her afternoon studies.
She hadn’t noticed because she was so focused. No wonder her shoulders are stiff.
She reaches for her teacup… and remembers she already finished it.
Her eyebrows droop in disappointment, but Mosura, the butler, appears at the perfect moment.
“Good work, Alice-sama.
It’s 3 o’clock now, so I’ve brought you some baked goods and tea.”
Alice smiles brightly.
“Perfect timing, Mosura.
I was just thinking of taking a break.
Fufu, your ability to sense someone’s presence and feelings is getting even sharper.
I’m proud to have you as the Stuart butler.”
“Your words are too kind. I am deeply honored.
I will continue to strive to be worthy of serving as Alice-sama’s butler.”
“I can’t lose to you either.
I’m fully prepared for the commerce exam this time, but… there are still many common practices of commercial distribution that I don’t understand…
There’s so much I need to study. I have to work hard.
Since people tend to doubt my abilities because of my age when they first meet me, I need to compensate with solid responsiveness!
I will absolutely protect the Buyer Stuart brand.”
“I’m sure everything will go well.
Alice-sama is intelligent, and you’re working so hard.”
Perhaps a little embarrassed by their mutual praise, Alice and Mosura blush slightly and exchange smiles.
While they talk, Mosura continues working, elegantly arranging an afternoon tea set next to Alice’s spread-out papers and mountain of books.
The library table is long, heavy, and dark brown.
The white of the fine china stands out beautifully against it.
The reddish tea poured silently into the cups is apple tea.
Alice inhales the fragrant steam and relaxes with a happy expression.
This is a blend of handmade apple chip tea leaves from a small farm, introduced to her by an acquaintance recently.
Even without using [Appraisal Eye], Alice can discern the product’s quality just from its aroma and appearance.
It’s a true gem, with excellent taste, color, and aroma, but… due to its limited production, it can’t be sold on the general market, so she bought some of the stock at a price befitting its quality.
She had carefully stored it away, intending to use it for guests at the Stuart mansion.
I wonder if I should indulge myself…? Alice thinks wryly, looking up at Mosura. Sensing her thoughts, Mosura whispers gently, “It’s a festival day.”
It’s extravagant, even though I haven’t passed the exam yet… she thinks, but her large blue eyes are already glued to the teacup.
Both cups are filled with tea.
Finally, a single drop of sweet Thule honey is added to Alice’s cup.
Mosura’s cup receives a generous amount of Thule honey, enough to pool at the bottom. Butterflies have a sweet tooth.
“Let’s eat.”
They tilt their cups simultaneously.
In private settings without guests, Mosura joins Alice at the table as a friend while performing his butler duties.
One sip.
The tea glides smoothly down her throat.
The sweet and sour apple flavor pleasantly fills her nose, seemingly melting away her fatigue.
“Delicious…”
“Yes. A truly luxurious taste.”
“Isn’t Mosura’s tea mostly honey?”
“Not at all. The exquisite taste comes from the blend of the tea’s flavor and the Thule honey.”
“So, the Thule honey is the main attraction after all!”
Alice laughs playfully.
Suddenly, a soft breeze blows in through the window.
The Stuart mansion’s security is impeccable. There isn’t even a millimeter of space between the window and the frame.
…But the window wasn’t open? Alice and Mosura look towards the source of the breeze with slightly tense expressions.
Two incredibly beautiful girls are plastered against the window from the outside.
Their cheeks are pressed so hard against the glass that their beauty is somewhat compromised.
Alice and Mosura jump in surprise.
Seeing their reaction, the sisters burst into laughter.
This time, even Fine seems to be in on her younger sister’s prank.
“Open up♪”
The green-haired maiden knocks lightly on the window.
Alice and Mosura are still frozen.
Nessie, thinking it might be bad to pass through the window since it’s enchanted against intrusion, suggests they greet them and ask to be invited in.
Nessie beams, praised by her sister for being a good girl.
For spirits, entering a house is a trivial matter.
The library is on the second floor.
Moreover, the mansion’s outer walls are riddled with traps to repel villains, so it’s definitely strange for beautiful girls to be clinging to the window…
▽Alice is confused!
▽She hides behind Mosura!
“W-What should we do, Mosura!?
W-Who are those spirits!?”
“Please calm down, Alice-sama. You yourself said they are spirits.
…I sense Rena-sama’s presence from one of them. She’s not a fellow familiar, but they must be connected somehow.
Perhaps they came here for a reason.
May I open the window?”
“Y-Yes.
…Uu, I’m embarrassed for losing my composure…”
“That’s part of Alice-sama’s charm.”
Mosura smiles gently at Alice and quietly opens the window.
The maidens slip past Mosura and land inside the room.
As they pass, they both pat the butler’s glossy black hair.
Leaving the stunned Mosura for the moment, the maidens strike an idol pose!
They make cute peace signs near their temples.
“Sylphinesia’s Nessie♪”
“And Sylphine’s Fine♪”
“Are Rachelle’s spirit sisters! La la la～♪”
They perform a song of blessing right after meeting.
They’re so free-spirited.
Alice, who had the impression that spirits are noble beings deserving of reverence, blinks in surprise, but… she soon becomes entranced by the song.
The song of blessing is filled with natural energy.
It revitalizes the listener and has a calming effect.
Nessie and Fine bow gracefully after finishing their song.
Alice and Mosura, still immersed in the lingering melody, applaud sincerely.
“Spirit-sama…！ …Th-That song was wonderful!”
▽Nessie & Fine have gained follower Alice!
“It was a truly beautiful song… Rena-sama’s magic power was mixed within your voices, creating a wonderful harmony.”
▽The Red Queen has gained follower Mosura!
Rena, back in Rachelle, sneezes at this moment.
“Thank you,” Nessie and Fine say happily, waving their hands.
Alice, with childlike innocence, stares at the spirits with sparkling eyes for a while.
But… she soon comes to her senses and composes herself.
Mosura smiles faintly.
“S-Spirit-sama,
thank you very much for coming to the Stuart mansion today.
I am Alice Stuart, the master of this house! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
May I ask what brings you here today?”
“I am Mosura, the butler serving Alice-sama.
I also serve as Rena-sama’s familiar.”
“Ah! As expected.
I sensed Rena’s presence, so I thought one of her familiars would be here♪”
Nessie’s face brightens.
Looking at Mosura, she happily says that he must have received the blessing she gave to Rena.
Mosura immediately understands and bows deeply to Great Spirit Sylphinesia.
“I heard from Rena-sama that the wind magic [Cyclone] I acquired was a blessing from Great Spirit Sylphinesia-sama.
Thank you very much. I am honored.
I apologize for the delay in expressing my gratitude.
I was worried if it was alright for me, who didn’t contribute to the battle, to receive such a blessing…”
“It’s perfectly fine♪
Rena’s familiars are like sisters to me～♪”
Mosura blinks at Nessie’s words.
“! I apologize if this is a rude question… but are you, Sylphinesia-sama, Rena-sama’s familiar?”
“No, we’re friends♪
But, you see, Rena gave me a little bit of her blood. Then I was filled with power and became a Great Spirit!
I think that’s why you feel a connection to me.
I’d like you to call me Nessie♪”
“…Please refrain from speaking about the effects of Rena-sama’s blood in the future.
This mansion is protected against eavesdropping magic, but the outside is not.
There are many who would try to listen in on Spirit-sama’s voice.
It’s best for both of you if it remains unknown that Rena-sama’s blood… um… affected Nessie-sama.”
“Ah… Eheh, my mistake.”
“Oh dear. Let’s be careful from now on, Nessie.”
“Yes! Big sister!”
Mosura, who offered the cautionary advice, manages to maintain a calm expression, but he’s breaking out in a cold sweat inwardly.
What a precarious Great Spirit.
…What chilled him even more was the fact that his master’s blood has an incredible growth-promoting effect.
He had heard from Lily, “When I drink Master’s blood, I feel like I become stronger!”, but he never imagined it would affect even spirits.
Perhaps it affects all living beings, including humans.
This information must absolutely not be leaked to outsiders… I have to tell Rena-sama to be careful again, he sighs deeply in his mind.
Alice also has a complicated expression.
Although she didn’t say anything because Mosura cautioned Nessie, she’s now fired up to collect even better equipment to protect Rena.
Her collection of cursed equipment will progress rapidly.
There are surprisingly many items with exceptional magical effects that are sealed away due to the intense grudges they harbor.
She’s already thinking about which dealers to contact…
“You both seem rather shaken…
Didn’t Rena tell you?
Patricia-san seemed to know beforehand.
When Rena awakened as the [Red Queen], Nessie, who had ingested her blood, also grew into a Great Spirit.”
Fine drops a bombshell.
She didn’t know that Rena had told Patricia, “If it seems like it will interfere with your exam studies, let’s tell Alice about the curse incident after the exam.”
It’s an unfortunate accident.
Rena had briefly explained to Mosura the circumstances of his acquiring wind magic using the [Message] skill, but she only conveyed the bare minimum information.
Mosura and Alice, maintaining calm expressions, manifest Hannya masks behind them… Patricia’s future interrogation is now certain.
“Uruuru-chan.”
“Gyaooo!”
When Nessie calls the Soap Dragon’s name, Uruuru, waiting outside, pokes her nose through the window frame.
Startled, Alice takes a half-step back.
Nessie unhesitatingly reaches into the Soap Dragon’s open mouth and pulls out four jewels.
Fine takes out a parchment.
“Hello! Spirit Delivery!”
“We’ve come to deliver your items and certificate♪”
What an extravagant delivery service.
The client is undoubtedly Rena.
Alice cautiously receives the jewels with both hands and her eyes widen.
The jewels are perfectly round, about 4 cm in diameter, with a star-like sparkle on their surfaces. They are garnet, sunstone, turquoise, and angelite.
If imbued with high-level magic, how valuable would they be!
…She assesses their worth with her ☆5 [Appraisal Eye], but there are parts she can’t quite grasp. They are truly valuable gems.
Their origin must be Kureha and Izumi, who have undergone class changes.
It’s such a shame she can’t see the magic imbuement durability, which is crucial for working with jewels…！
Fine hands Alice the parchment as she bites her lip in frustration at her own inadequacy.
“This is the appraisal certificate for the jewels♪”
Of course, it’s made by the Red Missionary.
There’s no more reliable source of information.
Hardness, composition, magic durability, and dozens of examples of suitable magic combinations are written in elegant script.
Even Alice gasps at the sheer amount of detail.
“Were these created by the ‘trustworthy old friend’ Rena-sama mentioned?”
Mosura asks.
“Yes♪ …Um, his name is Jimmy!”
“You were careful this time, Nessie.
Actually, Jimmy is an alias… you should ask Rena or him directly for his real name.
It seems he has complicated circumstances, so it’s best if we don’t talk about it.
She said she would use the summoning whistle soon. She’s going to pet Mosura a lot.”
It seems they’ve made another troublesome connection.
Mosura and Alice exchange wry smiles, seemingly resigned.
They’ve also dragged Rena into some troublesome situations… but even with familiars, is it really okay for her to travel with a man?
Fine referred to him as “him.” A slip of the tongue.
If Lily allows it, he must be a good person, but…
Another lecture for Rena has been added to the list.
“How much do these jewels cost…?”
“Um… whenever is fine!”
Alice asks, anticipating the answer, and Nessie winks and gives the expected reply.
Entrusting such valuable jewels without demanding immediate payment must mean Rena trusts Alice as a merchant.
This motivates her.
“Oh, okay…
Then I absolutely have to pass this exam and make my merchant debut soon.
And I’ll sell these jewels to a trustworthy dealer under the best possible conditions. Good products deserve to be given the proper recognition and monetary value.
I’ll get the best possible price for Rena-neesan!
Um… red accessories are good, right?”
“That’s right～♪”
“I’m sure Alice-sama will be very successful.”
“You’re putting pressure on me, Mosura?
But I work harder under pressure.”
“I know.”
“Fufu, thank you!”
Seeing the master and butler laughing happily, the spirit sisters seem to want to join in the fun.
They perform another song, this time a “song of victory,” a luxurious live performance for an audience of two.
Having finished their business, the spirit sisters slip out the window again.
“See you later～♪”
“We’ll come play again.”
Basking in the radiant smiles and divine aura of the waving idols, Alice sighs dreamily, jumps in fright at the sight of the very real Phantom Black Dragon waiting outside the mansion, and then finds herself busy dealing with the interesting seeds Patricia gave her, which have grown due to the song of blessing.
Well, that’s a story for later.
A peaceful atmosphere returns to the Stuart mansion after the spirits leave.
The tea has grown cold, but they discover that it’s also delicious cold, so it’s a fortunate turn of events.
They enjoy the taste of the cooled tea.
Alice comments that it’s a truly good product, and Mosura smiles.
“I had chilled the tart crust in advance to pipe the cream, so it’s a bit later than the planned break time, but I hope you enjoy it.”
Mosura offers the plate of baked goods, and Alice reaches for it happily.
“Anything you make is always delicious.
I’m sure it’s wonderful.
It already looks delicious!”
Today’s treat, made by Mosura, is a cheese cream tart, worthy of the discerning Alice’s praise.
Sweet, white cheese cream is piped in beautiful waves onto a mildly sweet cookie crust.
Blueberries and bright yellow-green grapes decorate the center.
The combination of white, blue, and green is a special celebration of this year’s Spirit Festival.
“Let’s eat.”
“Please enjoy.”
Unable to wait any longer, Alice excuses herself, picks up a small tart with her bare hands, and takes a bite.
The cheese cream melts smoothly on her tongue. The fruit, its sweetness enhanced by a ripening magic tool, is delicious…
Lost in the moment, she quickly finishes the substantial tart.
She looks longingly at the plate with two more tarts.
“Here you go, Alice-sama.”
Mosura, having finished his own tart, places a second tart on each of their plates without a word.
“Ugh. I’m going to gain weight…”
“If you wish to exercise later, I will join you.
As the one who made them, I would be very happy if you enjoyed the second one as well.”
“…Let’s eat.”
“Yes.”
Alice looks at the genuinely happy Mosura with a slightly resentful look and smiles wryly.
But as soon as she takes a bite of the tart, her face lights up again.
Alice usually eats small portions because she’s conscious of her slightly soft body, but she loves eating.
The tarts made by Mosura, whose purpose in life is to serve his master, are made with carefully chosen ingredients and are as low in calories as possible.
Hearing this, Alice looks at him with longing again, so when Mosura says, “There’s a third one in the kitchen,” she nods shyly.
In the end, they each eat three tarts.
It’s the Spirit Festival! is Alice’s weak excuse.
Alice suddenly notices Mosura touching his hair.
His black hair is neatly styled with hairdressing pomade. It’s unusual for him to touch his hair while working.
Alice, with her keen perception, grins and speaks to Mosura.
“I have a special hair treatment. Shall I bring it out for you?
You were worried about whether your hair is worthy of being petted by Rena-neesan, weren’t you!”
“…As expected of Alice-sama.
You don’t miss a person’s desire for a product.
…Please, if you would.”
Mosura averts his gaze slightly, his expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
Alice, who had been teased until now, smiles triumphantly.
“I’ll give you the employee discount, half price. It’s a treatment made from camellia flowers from the Eastern Kingdom. It smells wonderful.
But I think Mosura’s hair is already beautiful enough.”
“Thank you for your kindness.
…Not yet. I want to improve myself as much as possible for my masters.”
“You truly are the best butler!”
Good fortune comes to those who see spirits.
The gift given to Alice and Mosura was a small but peaceful and happy time.
In the library, faintly scented with a sweet aroma, Alice resumes her studies with renewed motivation.
Mosura leaves for the kitchen to prepare another healthy and delicious course meal.