| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
“I see you’re back, Father.”
When I arrived home, my father had returned. Seeing him in his work uniform, it seemed he had to leave for work again soon.
“Yes. Natal’s condition has stabilized, and I was advised to fulfill my duties.”
My father’s expression was complicated. I could tell he was saying this to avoid worrying me, so I just nodded without saying anything.
“By the way, Leafa, how was school?”
Maybe he felt awkward about the silence, so he quickly changed the topic.
“The teachers are giving me their full support, and I’m preparing to synthesize the Black Stone Disease suppressant1. Tomorrow, I’m planning to go to the Almoria grass fields in the northeast of town to gather materials—”
“Do you really have to go?”
He interrupted me, showing just how dangerous he considered the northeast part of town.
“I’ve indeed heard rumors that dangerous people are gathering in the nearby ruins.”
I quickly shared the information I got from the magic shop. My father nodded and bent down to look me in the eye.
“That’s right. Moreover, that organization is said to be involved in the illicit trafficking of homunculi. Even though I taught her self-defense, taking Hom with you would be dangerous.”
It was the answer I had expected. From his response, I could tell that it was difficult for him to accompany me. As a father, he must have felt frustrated that he had to leave this to me. However, to maximize the effectiveness of the Black Stone Disease suppressant, time was of the essence.
“Arkecius will be with me. And with Alfe’s help, I plan to return quickly while it’s still bright. I want to stop Mother’s illness from progressing as soon as possible.”
“……”
My father didn’t respond immediately. I waited patiently for his approval. To persuade someone, it was important to give them time to gather their thoughts and calm down.
“I understand your intentions. As a father and a husband, it’s frustrating not to be able to lead the way… but that’s our situation. Right now, relying on you is the best option. Please don’t overextend yourself. With Natal in this condition, If something happened to you too, I—”
“It’ll be fine, Father. That’s why Hom is with me. I’ve also maintained Arkecius, so it’s ready to move at any time.”
I wanted to protect the happiness we had now. But I wasn’t willing to sacrifice myself for it. I knew there were people who would be saddened by that, and I wanted those people to stay happy.
“Take extra liquid aether with you. And carry a distress signal. I’ll prepare some military supplies for you. With this, I can come to your aid immediately.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Military supplies weren’t typically given to someone like me, even if only for emergencies. However, knowing that Father could come to my rescue at any moment was reassuring. The squad he leads is one of the most elite units in the military.
After talking with Father, I realized that Hom hadn’t shown up.
“By the way, have you seen Hom?”
“I have returned, Lord Rudra.”
Just as I asked, Hom came back carrying a spare tank of liquid aether.
“Perfect timing. Load these two tanks onto Arkecius’s back.”
“Are we going somewhere, Master?”
Hearing Arkecius’ name, Hom seemed to instinctively understand that we were going outside the walls. Sharing memories made explanations unnecessary at times like this, which was convenient. However, it also meant that secrets couldn’t be kept, which could be a bit of a problem.
“Yes, to gather Almoria grass, which is an ingredient for the Black Stone Disease suppressant.”
“I will accompany you as well.”
Hom’s response was as expected.
“Take care, Father.”
After seeing my father off to work, I began preparations for tomorrow with Hom. We loaded the spare tanks of liquid aether onto Arkecius and, as a precaution, activated it to ensure there were no issues.
“We’ll need to get going early tomorrow. Let’s head to bed once we eat dinner.”
“Yes, Master.”
By the time we finished our preparations and checks, it was already dark. If we weren’t careful, tonight’s dinner might end up being something haphazard again. I couldn’t make anything elaborate, but I wanted to put in a bit of effort. Since Hom seemed to like it, I decided to make the chahan fried rice Tao Ran taught me.
In times like these, spending time on cooking was important. It helped distract me from worries and allowed me to think about those who would eat it. Although the effort put into fried rice was limited, finely chopping vegetables and adding them could help improve our diet over the past few days.
Most importantly, I wanted to prove that I could handle things on my own when Mother got better. That way, I could be more helpful to her than ever before.
As I was about to leave the atelier, I noticed a package left on the shelf.
Oh, that’s right, I had postponed Hom’s secret technique celebration.
“What’s the matter, Master?”
“I forgot to give you a present, Hom. Would now be a good time?”
I asked Hom as I climbed onto a chair to retrieve the package from the shelf.
“Thank you, Master.”
Hom naturally supported the chair and nodded, taking the package from me.
“Thank you for such a wonderful package.”
“It’s just a package. What I want to give you is inside.”
Smiling wryly, I had Hom wave her hand over the simple unwrapping formula I had placed on the wrapping. Reacting to Hom’s aether, the package opened, revealing a pair of custom-made boots inside.
“The soles of these boots have a simplified Wind Flow formula inscribed on them. With these, you should be able to float and generate wind to move at high speeds.”
“May I try them out?”
When I nodded and gave permission, Hom changed into the boots and closed her eyes. The simplified formula on the soles reacted to the aether she controlled, glowing as her body lifted off the ground and moved smoothly through the air.
“Impressive. You’ve got the hang of it, Hom.”
“Thanks to you, Master. Thank you very much.”
Hom bowed deeply, formally expressing her gratitude.
“It’s alright. This is something I wanted to do—a gift for your hard work.”
Just as my parents, the adults around me, and Alfe had done for me, I wanted to give something to Hom. I wanted to find out what she liked and make her happy throughout her life. Perhaps it was presumptuous of me to think I could bring happiness to her, but as her master, it was my duty to do so since I brought her into this world.
