Chapter 96

December 30th.

Today is the last day of the year 3012 in the Tria calendar.

Despite the strange nickname, we have been hunting monsters smoothly and have become sixth-level adventurers.

Our status and skills have also improved significantly.

Since obtaining the armor in November, we have mainly fought humanoid monsters like ghouls and orcs, which has improved our close combat skills, including swordsmanship.

My current level as a swordsman is 22, and my swordsmanship skill is 27, which means I am on par with a sixth-level mercenary, or a fully-fledged mercenary, in terms of skills alone.

Not only that, but my magic has also improved significantly. My wind attribute has reached level 27, making me comparable to a mage in a typical adventurer party.

According to Beatrice, my progress is incredibly fast. Since leaving Rasmoor Village, my swordsman level has increased by six, and my swordsmanship skill and wind attribute magic have each increased by four levels.

Apparently, once you surpass level 20, it usually takes about six months to gain one level, and at most two levels. Since my swordsmanship is supposed to grow three times faster, I don't feel too out of place.

I have been improving both my swordsmanship and magic levels simultaneously, and I believe this is the result of my hard work. However, seeing Sharon's growth, I realize there is still room for improvement.

Sharon has raised her wind attribute to level 22 and her fire attribute to level 21. Despite having less total magic power than me, her level increases are significant, which is a testament to her efforts.

Incidentally, according to the letters, Mel and Dan in Rasmoor Village are also leveling up steadily. They haven't provided specific numbers, so they probably intend to surprise us when we return next summer.

As for the academy, I still receive guidance from Professor Raspede twice every five days.

As a result, I feel that my levels in attributes other than my main wind attribute are also improving quickly.

And today is New Year's Eve.

At home, Sharon is happily cooking, while Ridi and Beatrice are out buying wine and bread.

As for me, of course, I'm in charge of the bath.

I fill the bathtub with water and heat it up.

Today, I decided to do something a little different. I added chamomile leaves as bath salts.

From my memory, chamomile has a calming and relaxing effect, and its sweet apple-like scent is pleasant.

I suddenly thought of this a month ago when I drank herbal tea.

Since it was a special occasion, I decided to surprise the three of them and secretly bought chamomile leaves.

Winter in Doctus is quite cold, though not as much as in Rasmoor Village.

Especially the wind coming over the Saerum Mountains to the northwest is bone-chilling.

Today was cold from morning, and my hands were numb while cleaning the bath.

I thought it would be nice to soak in a warm, fragrant bath on such a day.

By around three in the afternoon, Sharon's cooking was mostly done, and I started warming up the bath.

Once it was heated, I added the chamomile leaves wrapped in a cloth, and a sweet scent filled the bathroom.

The bathing order today is Sharon, me, Ridi, and then Beatrice. When Sharon, who went in first, came out with a pleasant scent, she excitedly said it was the best bath she had ever had.

When I, Ridi, and Beatrice came out of the bath, there was a faint sweet scent in the living room.

Ridi said, "It felt great. Let's do this more often," and Beatrice was in a good mood, saying, "What a luxurious bath. Even nobles can't afford this."

My chamomile bath plan was a huge success.

Before starting the meal, we also gave thanks to the gods and toasted.

I spent a moment reflecting on the turbulent year.

This year, I decided to enter the academy and asked Nicholas—my steward in charge of internal affairs, Nicholas Garland—to check the admission requirements. I announced to my family that I would take the exam on my birthday in May.

I went on my first journey.

I met many people.

Byron—my traveling companion, Byron Seedorf.

Kitri—Ridi's old friend, Professor Kitri Elbain.

Professor Raspede, Councilor Wagman...

And Beatrice.

There were also farewells.

To Mel and Dan in Rasmoor Village, Nicholas and the stewards, and my family.

I faced death for the first time.

I must have been a bit sentimental, as I didn't notice the three of them looking at me. When I realized, Ridi spoke up.

"You were thinking about something again. But let's enjoy the meal first."

I nodded and started savoring the food Sharon made.

Sharon's cooking has improved significantly since we arrived here. She apparently learns from the neighborhood ladies from time to time, and we now have dishes that aren't found in Rasmoor Village.

"Your skills are really improving. It's really delicious."

When I said this, Ridi and Beatrice also praised her, and Sharon blushed and smiled happily, saying, "Thank you."

After the meal and cleanup, we spent a relaxed time in front of the fireplace.

The only sound in the room was the occasional crackle of the logs in the fireplace.

Ridi slowly started, "I have something to discuss."

When she said, "It's about Beatrice," Beatrice looked at Ridi with a start.

"It's been about three months since we met. I think it's time for you to live here. You like it here, right?"

When asked, Beatrice froze for a moment and only said, "Ah."

"I think you're probably being considerate of me... What do you think, Sharon?"

Sharon nodded with a smile, "I'm all for it."

Ridi nodded back with a smile, "Then it's settled. You were planning to stay overnight anyway, but can you stay here from tomorrow on?" she confirmed with Beatrice.

When I jokingly asked, "Aren't you going to ask for my opinion?" Ridi chuckled,

"You wouldn't say no, would you? I didn't bring it up because I find it hard to socialize."

That was true.

I considered bringing it up when I was seriously injured in November, but it had only been a month since we met. Considering Ridi's social anxiety, I thought it would be too soon and planned to bring it up in the spring.

There was another concern.

Beatrice herself.

She has been an adventurer for about fifteen years and has lived in inns for a long time. In other words, she has never lived in a residential area, and I thought she might find it uncomfortable. She also believed that small children were afraid of her. She was worried about the three young daughters of the Novello family next door.

This is a neighborhood with relatively close community ties, and we have a lot of interaction with our neighbors. We share the meat of the monsters we hunt, and they share their cooking with us. I think she was worried about young Sharon taking on the role of a housewife.

It wouldn't be surprising if Beatrice thought she didn't want to disrupt these relationships.

"Of course, I have no reason to object. I welcome you with open arms, but are you really okay with it, Beatrice? Living alone might be more comfortable for you... If Ridi is rushing things, feel free to say so."

Beatrice shook her head slightly and, in a rare, almost inaudible voice, said, "No, that's not it."

Then, looking at the three of us,

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden. You've known each other for over six years, and I've only been here for three months. For someone like me..."

"Time doesn't matter. We trust each other with our lives. Don't worry about it."

I interrupted her and said, "Then it's settled," and picked up a drink.

"Let's toast. To the new family."

The three of them echoed my words.

The year 3013 in the Tria calendar began.

Last night, it was decided that Beatrice would live with us, and we ended up staying up late.

Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I headed to my daily training routine.

It was still dark, around 6:00 AM.

As usual, I went to the small backyard and started swinging my sword.

After about thirty minutes of continuous sword swinging, my body gradually warmed up, and sweat started pouring out.

Usually, around this time, Sharon would wake up and start preparing breakfast, and Ridi would join me in sword practice if she felt like it.

I told Sharon that it was okay to start breakfast late today, so she was still sleeping.

While swinging my sword, I was thinking about something.

(Now that Beatrice will be living with us... Should I tell her my secret? If I do, when should I tell her? I want to tell her today. I trust her, and I believe Father and Grandfather would approve of telling her. But this isn't just about that. My family and Ridi and Sharon accepted it without resistance. But for most people, such an unbelievable story would be hard to believe and might even be unsettling. After we've built such a good relationship...)

While I was lost in thought, swinging my sword, Beatrice had silently stood behind me.

"You're full of energy in the morning. But what are you thinking about? You don't seem very focused."

I chuckled, caught off guard.

"I'm a bit troubled. Usually, swinging my sword clears my mind, but..."

"Is it about me?"

When Beatrice said this, I stopped my practice and turned around.

"If you're worried about me, please don't hide it."

She said this with a serious expression, and I struggled to find the right words.

"Alright. I'll talk about it later, when Ridi and Sharon are here."

When I said this, Beatrice silently took out her spear and started practicing next to me.

When Sharon woke up and the smell of breakfast wafted through the air, I stopped practicing.

I went to the bathroom, filled the shower barrel with water, heated it, and washed off the sweat. I told Beatrice, "The water is still warm, so feel free to use it," and went to change.

Beatrice, wiping her steaming hair, said, "What a great start to the New Year," and walked through the living room.

By then, Ridi had come down with a sleepy face.

The leftover bread from yesterday and freshly warmed bread were on the table, and we started a more luxurious breakfast than usual.

After we started eating, I brought up what I had been thinking about.

"I have something I want to talk to you about, Beatrice. It's about the secret that Ridi and Sharon already know."

Ridi stopped tearing her bread, and Sharon, surprised, put her cup down with a clatter.

Ridi's eyes said, "You're going to tell her," and I nodded slightly.

"I have a secret that only my family and a select few trusted people know."

With that, I started talking.

I have memories from before I was born, and they are from a different world. I was told by the gods to guide a chosen one, and I might have to fight someone the gods consider dangerous.

I spoke without any emotion, calmly.

Beatrice listened intently, but occasionally shook her head slightly or widened her eyes.

When I finished, the table was silent. No one said anything. The only sounds were our breathing and the occasional crackle of the logs in the fireplace.

I don't know how long the silence lasted, but Beatrice started speaking in a hoarse voice.

"...I know you're not joking. But I wish it was a joke... Still, I can understand. I've felt that you have a mature mind since the first time we met... I'm sorry. The story is too big for my head to process..."

She said this, looking down at the table.

"We can pretend we never had this conversation. But I have one request. Please don't tell anyone about this. Well, even if you did, no one would believe you."

Beatrice said nothing, remaining silent.

I thought her silence was due to finding me unsettling.

"You don't have to force yourself. A mind like yours, in a child's body, would be unsettling to anyone."

Beatrice sharply said, "No!" and tried to clear up my misunderstanding with a serious expression.

"I don't think that! It's just... stories about gods... they only appear in fairy tales. It's hard to just say, 'Yes, that's right...'"

Ridi, who had been silent, started speaking quietly.

"It's not strange that you think that. I was also surprised when I first heard it. But you're better off. I found out when this child was four, when he was small enough to sit on my lap."

Beatrice listened silently to Ridi.

"But once I heard the story, I quickly understood. Because he doesn't talk like a child. You agree, right?"

Beatrice nodded.

"To be honest, I don't fully understand Zack's mission. I don't think he's lying, but I also don't understand why he would. But, to me, it doesn't matter."

Beatrice countered, "It doesn't matter? It's important, isn't it?"

"Is it? If I can be with Zack and this person, it doesn't matter to me. If this person is in danger, I'll protect them, even if it means taking their place. But there's no point in thinking about it now. It's more practical to help this person think and act. So, for now, as long as I can be with this person, everything else is fine."

Beatrice nodded with a smile,

"You're right. Zack is definitely better at thinking than I am. All I can do is protect this child."

It seemed Ridi's thoughts were understood by Beatrice.

Suddenly, Ridi asked me, "Since you're welcoming Beatrice, are you prepared?"

I tilted my head in confusion and then understood.

"Prepared? Ah, you mean, even if Beatrice were to betray me, I wouldn't regret it?"

Ridi said, "No, that's not it," looking displeased,

"Beatrice wouldn't betray you. You know that, right? The preparation I'm talking about is being ready to respond to this child's feelings. Do you understand what I mean?"

Beatrice, blushing, said, "Hey... What are you bringing up?"

Ridi ignored her and looked at me intently.

I was at a loss for words.

"I understand, but... this isn't something to talk about in front of Sharon."

Ridi smiled,

"Sharon is old enough to understand. Besides, this concerns her too. I'll ask you again. Are you prepared to respond to Beatrice's feelings?"

I hesitated, "That's..."

"You're thinking about us, but Beatrice and Sharon, and even Mel, who isn't here, have feelings for you. It's cruel to welcome someone when you have no intention of accepting their feelings. Are you aware of that?"

Beatrice and Sharon blushed and looked down.

I weakly countered, "Beatrice hasn't said anything."

But Ridi, with a calm face, said, "Is that so? Shall we ask her?" and turned to Beatrice.

"What do you think? About Zack?"

Beatrice blushed even more and fell silent, "S-Such a thing..."

"You're quite innocent, aren't you? But you won't get anywhere if you don't say it. Or are you giving up from the start?"

Beatrice looked up at Ridi's provocation.

"I... I am indeed attracted to Zack. After hearing today's story, I understand the reasons. But to suddenly bring this up..."

Ridi said, "That's fine. Do you understand now?" and turned to me.

I understood what Ridi meant.

But I can't love four women at once.

As I struggled to respond, Ridi spoke first.

"You don't need to worry about me. I don't intend to lose to Beatrice, or to Sharon or Mel. Do you understand why I'm saying this?"

I shook my head.

"I like these children. I don't want to see them sad. I also don't want to ruin our current relationship. I don't think it will break immediately, but if you don't respond to Beatrice's feelings, she will leave. I would do the same in her position."

"So... bringing this up..."

"You also find these children attractive, don't you? If you do, just be honest with yourself. If you don't care about these children, I wouldn't say such things."

I sighed,

"Do you understand what you're saying? Women who say such things are called 'convenient women' because they are convenient for men..."

"Oh, that's not the case. I have no intention of giving up 'my first'... Well, it's fine. Not making a decision right away means you have good judgment. Beatrice, keep that in mind."

Ridi then said, "Let's finish breakfast and go to town," and ended the conversation.

Honestly, I don't understand what Ridi is saying.

Usually, people try to monopolize the