Just A Reincarnation Story (Summoning Japan Edition)

Chapter 61: Fifteen

Augustusmens 9, 1615 Central Calendar, 08:42

Leiden, Enysfal Province, Holy Milishial Empire

Since Leiden rises from sea level to elevations of 800 meters on its northern slopes, it is not uncommon to encounter cloudiness, fog, and rain in the northern suburbs, while at the same time having clear skies in the south on the beaches. While this makes temperatures in the vicinity where Meteos resides tend to be slightly cooler, in peak summer months when the air is dry, venturing outdoors can expose one to a sweltering atmosphere, particularly around midday, especially when the sky happens to be bereft of clouds on that particular day.

If one doesn't feel like artificial air conditioning or wants something more natural, perhaps the allure of shaded havens beneath tall greenery can be a very tempting place, as one might find on the outskirts. Amidst Leiden's hubs of human activity, on the other hand, one such place was situated high on a hilly region overlooking the town and the rugged escarpment to the east. The Leiden Barony Botanical Garden, originally a personal collection of a local noble, was opened to the public a century ago after said noble's passing and the ownership was handed over to the family group, also offers an amazing view as a matter of course. It was then divided into six general areas including an expansive and dense arboretum that the vacation group found itself on the morning of this second Sunday of the eighth month.

Anette turned to ask the boy walking on Nadia's other side and asked, "What did one person really do to have a garden this diverse?"

A plain shawl made of silk draped around her shoulders complemented the modest lavender dress Annette was wearing, calculatedly highlighting a dignified refinement as an heiress of a noble family. Her friends were not plain-looking either; like unique flowers that stood out more than anyone else in town, a pair of silver-haired youth was flanking a golden-haired girl of exceptional beauty as they took the lead of the group in leisurely strolling onto the stone-paved path through rows upon rows of trees and shrubs.

Whenever they walked past a group of people, she could feel curious onlookers' stares coming from them, but these quickly became transient side glances, as the gazes swiftly redirected elsewhere and they proceeded to continue their day with mirthful nonchalance. A tacit understanding was ingrained in the people's minds that people carrying genetic traits like her and Meteos exist, albeit a rarity seldom encountered up close for them. Before deeming such an act useless, the other silver-haired youth once thought of covering his features, but Annette was different in that she had taken to show her beauty with pride.

"Well, of course it's not exactly this one person anymore who did all this," answering her inquiry, words flowed from Meteos' mouth. "But in capturing the former owner's passion, the family group really did an impressive job gathering collections from all around the known world."

"Hmm. That much I can see. Wanderlust, huh..."

From Quilan palm to vines endemic to islands at the western fringes of Leifor's sphere of influence, a multitude of exotic and unusual flora they never thought to see in the Middle Lands came into view one after another with many of the information plaques keep telling them names of places not even located on this continent. Even then, this collection still doesn't fully capture the entirety of the world's botanical wonders, that much Meteos had to admit but considering the situation, he'd rather save it for later when the mood is more contemplative.

Putting a relaxed smile, Meteos spoke. "Next to this area is a greenhouse and a flower garden. Which one do you want to see first?"

"Mm-hmm. What do you think, Nadia?" Annette without hesitation deferred to her blonde friend, tilting her head teasingly.