Compensation θ ~ I might be late for reincarnation, but since I was born as the talented eldest son of a prestigious noble, I might be on the winning side.

It felt like I was going on a trip when I had to leave Valenfield, but I was actually going back home.

I’m back. I’m home now.

—Cute child, here.

—Returned, huh?

—We waited, welcome back.

—Welcome back, Lyon.

When the lakeside mansion came into view, innocent voices were heard immediately. The little spirits flew from the lake, welcoming me.

—Welcome back.

Even though it hadn’t been that long, warmth filled my heart.

Not to be overly sentimental, but it came with a slightly nostalgic and ticklish feeling. So, I could honestly feel that this is where I should return, my home.

The purpose of this visit is, of course, to somehow obtain something in place of Lord Hugo’s remains.

So, as soon as I arrived, I headed to the mausoleum where the item I was looking for seemed to be.

“How is it? Did you find it?”

“No. I searched thoroughly, but I couldn’t find Lord Hugo’s belongings in either the catalog or the actual items.”

It’s a very troublesome situation. I had high expectations that Lord Hugo’s belongings would be in this mausoleum, but it turned out to be a disappointment.

“If it’s not here, where could his baby tooth be?”

“In most cases, it’s thrown into the lake, in the hope that they will be released back into nature.”.”

“Into the lake!?”

Even in my past life, there was a custom in some regions to throw baby teeth outdoors. It was a superstition to ensure that permanent teeth would grow in the right direction. The rule was to throw upper teeth under the earth and lower teeth toward the roof.

But a lake? No matter what, it’s impossible to obtain it. Even attempting it would be dangerous.

Finding a small child’s tooth in a vast lake is as difficult as searching for a needle in a haystack.

Oh no, what should I do? I came here with great hope, and now I’m suddenly at an impasse.

Lord Hugo lived roughly two hundred years ago. Of course, anyone who knew about that time is now deceased. Since there are no records of the individuals, there is no way to investigate anymore.

—Looks like you’re in trouble. Can we help if it’s okay with you?

A somewhat carefree voice suddenly echoed in my head. At the same time, starting from my left shoulder, my body gradually warmed. It’s been a while since I felt this sensation.

“Lord Lyon, the spirit mark!”

The voice, including Moriss-jii’s surprise, felt oddly distant. My vision suddenly darkened, and I couldn’t move a single finger.

Next is… yeah. It’s falling again, isn’t it.

Overwhelmed by a sudden floating sensation, my feet sank, and as if being drawn in, I fell down, down into a world that seemed like the bottom of an endless blue ocean.

This is my second time here. The state of sleep paralysis is still the same, but unlike last time; the one who call me here was in front of me from the beginning.

“Hey, long time no see. Sorry, I invited you without permission”

“Even if you say that now…”

“Ahaha. I guess so. But timing-wise, it’s perfect, right? Since my descendant seemed to be in trouble, I called you as a test for activating the spirit mark.”

“Activation test? So, does it mean that I can perform [Spirit Summoning] soon?”

“That’s right. Now, I opened a communication link through the spirit mark from here. It took a while for the power field in the spirit realm to stabilize enough for [Spirit Summoning]. So, I wanted to let you know as soon as possible.”

“Thank you for your consideration. And again, it’s been a while.”

The first head was as friendly as ever. I’m relieved and happy to see him.

In Valenfield, he’s worshipped like a god, but with this casual way of speaking, he feels like a reliable older brother from next door.

“So, let me reintroduce my spirit. I didn’t mention it before on purpose. Spirit King of Water, ‘Liquor.’ Remember that. Because you need the spirit’s name for summoning.”

They gave me the spirit mark, the First Lord Lucas and his partner, the Spirit King. They moved to the spirit realm from Valenfield a few years ago. At that time, they overwrote my covenant and formed a new bond.

It was said that eventually, through the spirit mark, I could perform [Spirit Summoning]. It’s been three years since then, and it’s finally unlocked.

“Yes. ‘Lord Liquor,’ isn’t it? Did your appearance change because you came to the spirit realm?”

Before, it looked like a huge ice crystal with the same pattern as the spirit mark (a combination of six-branched flowers and horn plates).

But now it’s different.

“Yeah, that’s right. Isn’t it beautiful? In the spirit realm, spirits can take any form without any restrictions. I had them mimic the image of ‘Liquor’ that I have. You can admire it as much as you want.”

The First Lord praising it is understandable, and the enchanting and mysterious form, like capturing flowing water in the shape of a woman, has a charm that makes you want to gaze at it forever.

It was like a work of art made of high-quality crystal glass. It’s pure, clear, and contains a sparkling brilliance like a jewel.

The graceful figure exudes an unwavering presence, as befitting a Spirit King.

“Yes. It’s very beautiful. Is this the form you take when you appear here?”

I think this blue world is called a force field constructed by them, and it’s probably a private subspace. If it’s influenced by the spirit realm, I wonder if the rules and laws apply even during summoning. That’s what I’m curious about.

“It depends on the time and situation, I guess? It’s up to our mood.”

Eh, is that so? That’s unexpected.

“I understand. When is it okay to summon ‘Lord Liquor’?”

“Anytime is fine. After all, I have plenty of time. Even if there’s no specific reason, I’d be happy if you occasionally called me when you need help. If it’s just a communication link, I can open it without permission and they’ll ignore me, but if I summon ourselves without the proper procedure, the world order might get noisy. Oh, and you don’t need ‘Lord’ when you call. Since ‘Liquor’ and I are always together, there’s no need for my name either.”

“I understand. Then, I’ll try summoning soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Really. I’m glad to see you. So, is there something troubling you now?”

He’s too big of a deal to rely on casually, but to be honest, I’m grateful to have someone I can talk to in the current situation.

“Yes. There’s something I’m looking for.”

“What is it?”

“A part of the body of the Fifth Head, Lord Hugo. I would be happy if I could get something like a baby tooth or a lock of hair, for example.”

“I see. That’s what you’re doing now. The timing was really good. You arrived just in time. I was also curious about Hugo and his spirit. Hugo has ascended to heaven. I feel sorry for his spirit as it is.”

“Do you know the spirit of Lord Hugo?”

“Of course. Because he was originally here. Even though he lost his spirit, that child is still bound by the covenant and is unable to move freely.”

“The spirit kept repeating the word ‘Promise.’ I’m thinking of trying to restore Lord Hugo’s broken grave to its original form, at least for now.”

“That condition is right, I guess? But you’re a little mistaken. What the spirit needs is not his remains but Hugo’s feelings.”

Oops, this is new information.

“Um, does that mean the remains are not needed? Even if I can get Lord Hugo’s baby tooth, it won’t be useful?”

“Yes and no. The remains should contain Hugo’s strong residual thoughts and feeling. Filled with affection for the spirit. That’s what’s needed.”

“That’s already nowhere to be found… right?”

“He died as a normal human being, after all. It’s probably impossible since two hundred years has passed. But well, you should be able to get it.”

“Get it? Where from?”

“Well, of course, from Lord Hugo himself. Get to him, seal the manifestation of his love vow to fulfill his promise… Look, your ride is here.”