Chapter 76

After receiving a thorough explanation from Kinera, I left the Magic Academy.

As I passed through the gate I had entered, the sun had risen higher in the eastern sky, and it was almost noon.

I moved along, thinking about where to have lunch.

"Did you understand everything, Mui?"

"Hmph, don't underestimate me."

I exchanged a few words with Mui, who was walking beside me.

Most of the explanation at the Magic Academy was basic. It covered the establishment of the academy, the overall curriculum, and the rules and regulations of the dormitory, including room assignments and curfews.

Incidentally, living in the dormitory is not mandatory. The Magic Academy is the only one in Baltrain, so it is mainly open to students who find it difficult to commute from far away, such as those from outside the capital. People living nearby can commute from home.

However, it seems that parents are cautious about their children's surroundings, so many students opt to live in the dormitory.

Lucy said it wasn't a problem because there was a dormitory, but she should have explained that properly. While she is quick to act, she can be a bit sloppy in some areas.

"Let's grab some lunch somewhere, shall we?"

"Hmm."

Today, the main focus was on receiving explanations and greetings, so Mui will start attending the Magic Academy next week.

It makes sense that it will take some time to get everything set up.

"But, are you okay with it?"

"...What do you mean?"

It was early in the morning, and we were walking in the North District, which is usually quieter compared to the Central and West Districts. Mui's reaction to the question was a bit awkward.

"Even if you don't live in the dormitory?"

"...It doesn't matter. I can commute from home."

That's right.

Mui had declined to live in the dormitory.

I understood that it wasn't mandatory, and I was fine with it. However, since most students choose to live in the dormitory, it shows how important the life at the Magic Academy is.

Even though Mui's home isn't that far, commuting from home every day would take more time than living in the dormitory, and it would be easier to focus on classes. Living in the dormitory would also provide food and accommodation.

While the accommodation might not be much different from home, having meals taken care of is a significant point.

Since we will be living together, we will have to share household chores. I don't intend to push everything onto a young child, but Mui will have to help out a bit.

Additionally, the commuting time isn't negligible. I view my commute to the Knight Hall as part of my exercise, so a bit of walking isn't a problem, but for someone Mui's age, it's normal to want to save time.

"...What's the problem? Is there something wrong?"

"No, if you're okay with it, that's fine."

As I looked at Mui's face, she responded with a slightly angry voice. She's right; there isn't really a problem. I've lived with others before, so I can manage. Mui has also lived with her sister.

However, it feels a bit uncomfortable that she chose to live with me instead of in the dormitory.

But, pressing her on this might not be productive. I also received this house with the intention of living together, so I'll do my best to make it work.

"...What about you, old man?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"About... your work today."

Oh, that.

Of course, I didn't skip work without permission. At my age, I understand that building trust is hard, but losing it is easy. I've already talked to Alyssia about everything, including getting this house and living with Mui.

When I talked to her, she seemed to lose all emotion for a moment, but I won't dwell on it.

"Don't worry. I've adjusted my schedule."

"...Okay, then."

Besides, it's not like I have to go to work every day.

Initially, I planned to commute regularly from Bident Village, so my schedule wasn't that tight. I just got into the habit of showing up every day because I had nothing else to do after being kicked out of my home.

"So, I'm taking the day off today. Mui's future is more important."

"...Hmph."

Maybe it sounded a bit corny. Mui turned away from me again.

But, once things settle down, I'll probably stop by the Knight Hall. I've gotten used to practicing with my sword every day, so I want to do at least some sword swings.

"By the way, for lunch, is there anything you want to eat?"

"...No, anything is fine."

As we boarded the shared carriage to the Central District, I asked, but her response was lackluster.

Mui has always been reluctant to express her preferences or whims. I'm not sure if it's due to her upbringing or if she's just being considerate of me. Probably the former. She likely didn't have the luxury of being picky about food.

However, I don't intend to let Mui live a life below average. With my income and savings, I can provide for her. I want to convey that it's okay for her to express her preferences, but she's not the type to nod and agree easily. This is something we'll have to work on gradually as we live together.

"Let's just find a place to eat, then."

"Hmm."

In the rattling carriage, I decided to go to a place that caught my eye when we got off in the Central District. It's a waste of time to overthink it.

Moreover, Baltrain has a wide variety of restaurants, especially in the Central District, which is the heart of the city. The number of people and the prosperity of the area are evident. Compared to Bident Village, this is a completely different world.

Soon, the carriage arrived in the Central District. After paying the fare and getting off, the street was bustling with a different kind of noise than in the morning.

"...Hey, how about that place?"

"...Anywhere is fine."

Baltrain is a well-planned metropolis. The stone-paved roads stretch in a regular pattern, and various shops line the streets at regular intervals. It was lunchtime, so the streets were lively with the sounds of bustling shops.

I noticed a flag of a restaurant. It's a charcuterie. Sounds good. I like sausages, so let's have lunch here.

"Excuse me."

"Welcome!"

The shop attendant greeted us warmly. The place was fairly busy for lunchtime, but it seemed we could still find a spot for two.

"...Hmm? Teacher?"

"Hmm?"

I was thinking about where to sit, and I didn't want to share a table with strangers, especially with Mui. Then, a woman at a table called out to me.

"It's Srena, what a coincidence."

It was Srena Lisandra, a top-ranked Black-class adventurer from the Adventurer's Guild. She had entered the restaurant a little before us and was about to bite into a sausage.

"Would you like to join me?"

"Yes, that would be great. Thank you."

Eating with someone familiar is better than with a stranger. I'll accept her offer gratefully.

"...Teacher, who is that child?"

"...Oh."

Srena shifted her gaze from me to Mui. I forgot to tell her about Mui and the house.

What should I do?

But, there's no other way than to be honest.

I appreciate all the comments, even though I can't reply to each one. Thank you.

The first dose of the vaccine was painful in the arm, but otherwise, it went smoothly.

In terms of the story, I hope Mui and I can have a peaceful life, but that's not possible, so I plan to have the old man work a bit harder.

I hope you will continue to enjoy the story at a leisurely pace.