Regarding Jutia-san's statement about being loved by nature, I do like nature, and I've been raising the World Tree.
However, I don’t think I’m more deeply connected to nature than Elves or others like them. So, could it be that this impression is heavily influenced by Shiro-san’s blessing?
[Isn't me being loved by nature because of Shiro-san's Blessing?]
[That might be part of it, but I don’t think that’s all there is to it. Like I said earlier, feeling "loved by nature" is something we sense intuitively, so I can’t say for sure...... But from my perspective, Kaito, you feel much more loved by nature now than when I first met you.]
[So, you’re saying that something happened between the time we first met at the White God Festival and now that has strengthened this feeling of being loved by nature? Hmmm...... I can’t think of anything in particular though.]
Jutia-san herself also said that this was a matter of feeling for them, so it’s not something that can be measured clearly, but since she’s saying this so definitively, it seems that I really am more loved by nature now than I was during the White God Festival.
If that’s the case, what could the cause be? It’s not like Shiro-san’s Blessing has grown stronger during that time, and I don’t recall any specific events involving nature.
[As I mentioned earlier, the Spirits and Fairies are intrinsically part of nature itself...... It’s hard for me to explain this but...... it feels like we're deeply connected at a fundamental level, like our roots intertwining in ways we can’t perceive. So, I think someone who is favored by many Spirits might naturally give off a sense of being loved by nature.]
[Ahaha, hearing you say that makes me happy. After all, I’ve gotten to know many Spirits and Fairies, and they're all such good people. I’d like to continue getting along with everyone if possible.]
[Unn, unn, that’s right. Getting along with everyone is nice! Well, anyway, you should be confident. It’s not just because Kaito has Shallow Vernal-sama's Blessing, you're definitely liked by Spirits and Fairies because of your charm. I can say that with certainty. After all, I’m one of the people who ended up loving Kaito after spending time with you!]
[T- Thank you.]
W- Well, I know it's purely affection as a friend, and there’s no hidden meaning behind it, but when she says she loves me with such a dazzling smile, I can’t help but feel a little embarrassed.
But still, being liked in this way is nice...... and it felt like my heart was warmer than just a moment ago.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [No, it definitely has a hidden meaning behind it! Jutia is the type who expresses her feelings in a straightforward and refreshing way, so it's hard to tell, but I'm sure she likes Kaito in a romantic sense too. Heck, she's probably aware of that herself...... Not only that, things would turn out that way, wouldn't it? If Jutia's guess is correct, then the more he gets close to a Spirit, the more other Spirits will be drawn to him...... So, if he conquers one, it's like getting a boost in favorability with the others too...... (shivers)]