[ there's a pause as he tries to suss out how he should address her - he's worked with both people from europe and the far east, so he's aware that sometimes people give their surnames first. judging from how she looks, she's probably in the latter.

not that he would want to call her by her given name, though. she is older and there's that automatic reminder to be polite. ]

I've found a garden. I think that is where most of the spirit servants procure their cooking ingredients from.

[ he kneels down by the dirt, pressing a hand into the soil. it's most, and he can feel the seeds beneath, somehow - they're there, still asleep. ]

If you don't mind, I would like to test if my ability works here.

[ he closes his eyes, willing his awareness to venture out beyond the confines of his form. it's not visible from aboveground, but - small tendrils protrude out from his palm, burrowing through the soil until they reach one of the seeds. it's easy to will his magic to work after, the seed taking root both in the soil and into his body. one tendril entwined with the other, plant and animal.

soon, a seedling breaks through the soil, growing to about three inches in height. there isn't much visible change in julius' expression - his willpower lets him suppress the discomfort that comes with his magic ]