The Engagement of the Baron of Flowers and the Withered Tree Lady.

Chapter 44 The Seven Spirits

In the desert, a few hundred meters away from the hotel, a massive hole appeared as if a giant meteor had fallen, accompanied by a deafening blast.

Moreover, afterwards, a strange sound like ‘shushushu’ and ‘bokobokobokoboko’ continued for a while, and suddenly, black liquid erupted with fountain-like force.

It resembled the intermittent hot springs Hardis once saw in a volcanic region in the Eastern country. Although, this one was pitch black…

Uh-oh…

He accidentally struck oil. Hardis realized this instantly, and he immediately tried to cool down his thoughts.

Investing in oil drilling should be a reason for celebration, as they had struck a valuable resource. It would benefit the current government of this country, the suffering citizens facing economic hardships, and neighboring countries, including his own, which sought underground resources.

However, the problem was that he was the one who struck it.

If someone asked how he did it, he couldn’t reveal the secret information about the power of the ‘Green Spirit User.’ Besides, they wouldn’t understand that the ‘Green Spirit User’ was also responsible for the country’s defense… Hardis thought.

The hotel was in an uproar both inside and outside. Taking advantage of the chaos, Count Hardis Woodcliff slipped out of the hotel and returned to his homeland.

On his way, he sent a spirit message to the special forces waiting at the royal castle.

If it was confirmed that he was the one who struck oil, there would be serious consequences…

【Lord Hardis Woodcliff is a great sorcerer from our country who lent his power for your nation’s benefit. However, his existence is a top-secret matter of utmost importance to our country, so we request that it be handled with the utmost confidentiality. If this information were to leak, it would necessitate an immediate reassessment of our relationship, which we hope will not lead to reciprocating kindness with hostility.】

This message was conveyed in hopes of resolving the situation discreetly, ideally by attributing the actions to the “Black Spirit Master” from the Western nation.

After a week, a letter of gratitude arrived from the West to Count Woodcliff’s trading company.

【We express our gratitude for your financing, which has successfully led to the development of a new oil field. Going forward, we promise to prioritize exporting a determined amount of “Tears of the Black Spirit” mined from this oil field to your country. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship.】

The content of this letter was almost identical to the one received at the royal palace. However, it seems that this time, an additional explanation regarding the aftermath of the mining was included.

【Thanks to you, our own “Black Spirit Master” has finally developed a new oil field. Following your country’s advice, the king and the upper echelons of our nation humbly bowed and apologized, expressing gratitude to the “Black Spirit Master” for a long period of disrespect. This has somehow resolved the issue.

For two years, the “Black Spirit Master” had been reluctant to proceed with the mining, as it was a protest against their mistreatment, only being used for the discovery of underground resources.

The dissidents exploited their resentment, urging them not to engage in mining activities such as oil field development, in an attempt to incite rebellion within our country.

The true role of the “Black Spirit Master” is not solely focused on demand but also to consider the balance of nature and responsibly develop underground resources. However, these resources are not infinite, and mere exploitation is not acceptable.

Our king and government had lost sight of the importance of nurturing resources (producing and increasing underground resources with the help of spirits). This led to the “Black Spirit Master’s” resentment, and we deeply regret this oversight. We are grateful for being reminded of this.】

The king and the prime minister didn’t say anything, but there were probably inquiries about him from the Western nation.

On the top floor of that desert hotel, only dignitaries from his country who were inspecting the oil field development were staying. Just after Hardis read Romand’s letter and let out a scream, there was an explosion. Naturally, the people in the neighboring rooms would have suspected him.

If they checked the hotel’s guest register, it would have been evident.

The prime minister probably responded as instructed. In return, the Western nation not only sent a letter of gratitude but also provided a candid explanation of their domestic situation. As the prime minister continued reading with a sense of unease, he came across something utterly shocking, causing him to shudder in fear.

【It seems that some of the individuals who were plotting to overthrow the state and some of the “Black Spirit Masters” are now holding a grudge against Count Hardis Woodcliff, believing that he is the reason their plan failed.

We are conducting a thorough search for them as well, but please convey to the Grand Sorcerer that he should also take precautions for his own safety.】

The prime minister speculated that this message was specially sent to him to kindly request protection for the Grand Sorcerer, Hardis Woodcliff. Was it intended as gratitude for the oil field development? Nevertheless, it would be much appreciated if they could apprehend those suspicious individuals over there.

It’s quite a burden for the Defense Minister, who should be responsible for the nation’s security, to end up relying on the invaluable shadows for protection. Normally, their role is to safeguard key positions like the royal family and the Prime Minister from behind the scenes. In the past, Hardis would have declined such assistance, as he believed he could protect himself alone.

However, when it comes to his beloved daughter, who is more precious to him than himself or even the nation, he couldn’t afford to take any chances. That’s why Hardis entrusted Julia’s safety to the country.

With a sigh, Count Hardis Woodcliff reflected on his life so far. It had been filled with various challenges, from the passing of his bedridden mother, the conflicts with his father, the sudden death of his brother, the demanding role of the “Green Spirit Master,” to the heart-wrenching separation from his beloved wife and daughter.

Despite facing unbearable hardships, he had always managed to maintain control over his emotions. As a wielder of spirits, he had seen it as a testament to his greatness and dignity. However, this time, he lost himself in anger, and he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of guilt, as if he had committed a taboo.

“Why didn’t you hold me back, Filam? You could have done it, right?”

Though he knew it was unjust to vent his frustrations onto his long-time friend, he couldn’t help but utter words of resentment.

“Well, you see… You’re incredibly, no, abnormally patient. I’ve always thought it’s essential for you to let off some steam from time to time. Your pent-up anger, sadness, and regrets were getting too much, and I was worried that they might explode all of a sudden. So, I thought the desert would be just the right place for it. Once you’ve learned your lesson, I suggest you remember to release things little by little more frequently,” replied Filam.

The Green Spirit King, Filam, nonchalantly spoke, as if he never had any intention of stopping Hardis from his actions.

“But seriously, discovering an oil field… Is this really just a coincidence? Did you lead him to it? Perhaps not only the ‘Black Spirits’ but even you ‘Green Spirits’ can find underground resources?”

“Yeah. For instance, we ‘Green Spirits’ can sense ‘Black Spirit Gems’ to some extent. They are formed over time by the transformation of plants. Of course, our power can’t compare to the ‘Black Spirits.’ Similarly, ‘Black Spirit Tears’ can be sensed by ‘Water Spirits’ due to their origin from marine creatures.”

Hardis was astonished by the new information about the spirits that Filam provided.

“I thought spirits only interacted with their own kind.”

“No way! It’s just like humans. We can communicate with other races too, and occasionally we even interact with each other. Although our abilities might overlap a little, each spirit has its own expertise, so we respect and admire each other.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Sometimes, when crops grow too abundantly and become troublesome, we might be haggled for cheap prices. But on the flip side, during poor harvests when the quality of agricultural products is so bad that they can’t be eaten, you know what happens? It’s not like the citizens of the Western nation are consuming those crops. They use them as raw materials to create ‘Black Spirit Gems.’ The ones who create those gems are the ‘Black Spirit Masters.’ They make the plants decay and then send them underground in the desert to produce ‘Black Spirit Gems.'”

“Wait… So…”

Even the fearless Hardis, who had faced numerous formidable enemies, paled at this revelation.

“Hey, Filam, I’m praising you for your greatness, but isn’t this risky? Aren’t the ‘Black Spirits’ natural enemies of the ‘Green Spirits’?”

“Don’t worry. The seven spirits have a symbiotic relationship, and we get along reasonably well. If an all-out war were to break out, it would be evenly matched. Spirits don’t engage in such wasteful things. However, there are some strays out there, and dealing with them can indeed be troublesome. Both us spirits and the spirit masters like Hardis need to unite and face them together. I’ve also talked with the leader of the ‘Black Spirits’ in the Western nation just in case.”

“As expected of my best friend! I can always count on you!”

“Well, well, my best friend’s daughter is also a treasure to me. I’ll protect her as well. Well, she has Spati with her, so I think she’ll be fine.”

“Spati? I’ve never heard that name before, but I guess it’s probably the spirit Julia has formed a contract with.”

Spirits and spirit masters form contracts through their hearts, connecting their existence as a sense. As their bond deepens, the spirit gradually reveals its name, and eventually, they can communicate through conversation. However, spirit masters who can achieve such a level account for less than ten percent of the whole.

Though it had been nearly ten years since Julia became a spirit master, it seemed she hadn’t been told her spirit’s name yet. She used to talk to her spirit, addressing it as “Mr. Spirit,” and believed she was having conversations with it from a young age.

“Spati can be quite temperamental, and she’s shy, so she doesn’t initiate conversations easily. But since she formed a contract with your daughter, it means she really likes her, so there’s no need to worry. Spati specializes in protection and is quite powerful.

Moreover, Pakiran, who will be your future son’s contracted spirit, excels in offensive capabilities, second only to me. So, Spati and Pakiran make a perfect combination.”

Having been assured by Filam, his most trusted buddy, Hardis felt a sense of relief.

* * * * *

★The Seven Spirits★

Green Spirit ・Spirit of Plants

Black Spirit ・Spirit of Underground Resources

Red Spirit ・Spirit of Light and Fire

Blue Spirit ・Spirit of Air and Wind

Aqua Spirit ・Spirit of Water and Aquatic Life

Yellow Spirit ・Spirit of Living Beings

Brown Spirit ・Spirit of Soil and Earth