Chapter 14
My 10th Birthday
Months pass by quickly, And by fast I mean too quickly. Before I knew it my two siblings had just been born. 9 months pass by too quickly.
The daughter of Zenith's name is Norn. She takes a lot after her mother. She cries a lot too. But her hearty laugh is definitely from Paul, And she seems to like getting hugged while walking her around.
The daughter of Lilia's name is Aisha. If Norn takes after her mother then Aisha feels like a splitting image of Lilia. She is normally quiet but gives out a very cute laugh whenever she feels pleased. Also, she liked it when she got a head pat. So I always do it for her.
They both are so cute! I tell you when they just stare at my face and laugh is something I would die for! Yup, now this feels like a true baby. Rudy doesn't behave like that.
"Ha...Norn and Aisha are so cute- UhwaA! Shit!" Ow! Son of a bitch! Damn it! This is why I should not lose focus.
I got hit by a wood block and fell.
My training has bore fruit. As I now can coat my arm with a bit of mana without injuring myself. Oh and the training I've been doing by myself is going great. I increased the length of the poll to around 100 cm. And then add a hang wood to the mix, you know, to make it harder. Made it when I tested my sword after it got a coat in mana.
And how do I coat my sword in mana?
Easy, the thin mana that I coat around my right arm is moving toward the sword and coating it. How do I know even though I can see mana? Well, the way around It that I came up with is to use that mana and create a thin straight line of ice.
Although it was a bit cold, it won't give me frostbite and it will help me track my progress.
"...haaa...Why did I torture myself with training like this? Wait...I just speak to myself again? Well, it must be because it is always like someone is with me." As I slowly got up I heard footsteps from the side. Well well, it's Paul.
"What do you mean by torturing yourself? This is good training, you know?"
"Of course, you would say that! You, not the one doing it!" I retorted back and he just gave a hearty laugh as expected of Paul the meathead. "Why are you here anyway? Did you finally get kicked out of the house?"
"Nah…Well, almost… I kinda touched their butt and then got kicked the moment I knew what I just did." Paul said with his chest up. That…not something to be proud of…
"Sorry, sorry. I'm not gonna joke anymore. I come with a serious topic this time." Paul said his face turned serious and lacked all the childishness he had a moment ago. "Why do you want to get stronger, Lucy?"
"...Why did you suddenly ask me that?"
"Just answer the question."
Why do I want to become stronger?... That was a hard question. But I got an answer. I have it all along. "To meet them again. After all, I promise them to become a good adventurer when I meet them again."
"You know, you could just send a letter and they will come right away."
"Meh, Probably? But I mean Ghislaine can't read. Gesse is slippery and Talhand is…Probably out somewhere and will ignore my letter, As for Elinalise…I want to keep my promise."
"Well, I got some offer for you, wanna hear it?"
I just nod my head at Paul and wait for him to start.
"Philip sent me a letter Boasting about how he got a sword-king as a bodyguard around a week ago. And your birthday is in the next 2 months, right? So I just sent him a letter saying "Can I have my kid go train under Her and work as a maid." and he already gave me his reply" Paul smirked.
My face stiffens…No…It can't be.
"P-Paul…It's her? Right? Tell me it Ghislaine!" I cling to Paul's pants and pull them so hard it almost slips out of his leg.
"C-Clam down! You going to rip it off!"
"Ah…Ahem…Continues." I cough lightly…Mostly from embarrassment.
"Anyway…Yes, it is her. And you know what they respond with?" As he said that He hold out one letter in his hand already opening it. I snatched it so quickly that Paul didn't even notice it was gone.
I slim through the letter as most of them are just chit-chat like those high nobles like to do before getting to the main topic, Where…Ah here Found it!
"Let's see… "I Would be delighted to have your daughter come here to study under our Bodyguard, Oh and don't forget to have her learn some basic etiquette. Father doesn't like it when you have no basic Manners." Huh…He wrote two letters just to say I had been accepted?" Honestly, I'm baffled. I know that he needs to write a lot to evade some sensitive information but this is just a simple matter, right?
"Well, He tends to do it a lot. Even when we were at the academy. Sometimes I actually miss what his message was about too." Paul said, taking back the letter away from me. "So, After your 10th birthday, we decide to send you there after you agree. And your answer is?"
"Of course, it is Yes! Is it right after my birthday? or on my birthday?!"
"Well, Ghislaine is the one doing the pick-up. So I don't know when. But I'm going to send a response to this in a bit, ok? A lot of monsters start to pop up, so it may take a while to get the response." I nod at him. But more monsters start to show up? That's kind of strange.
"Well, I'm going to leave you to train now. Don't slack off!" Paul said that and walked away…
YOSHA! I can Meet Ghislaine! And what more trains under her too! Although she is a meathead like Paul but she is really good with swords. What's more, she should be able to help me break through my limit too. Ah…I can't wait!
…
"Hm..hm" I hum lightly as I make dinner. Yeah, I'm in a good mood. But Rudy somehow is not. He seems to want to ask Paul something. Hm…Well, I will know when he wants to talk.
Ah! We got some of those things that look like cabbage too! Maybe I will make some soup today? Let's see what spice I got. Hm…Salt, ground Pusioran It tastes like pepper but more bland. Well, all of this is costly, so that all I got for spice…
But the herp is a free game! I spend a lot of time gathering all these and drying them! I even stole Rudy's book for a bit. But no one knows…He...Hehehe!
"Father, Why did Big sister giggle creepily like that?"
"Don't ask me…She has always been weird."
OI! I can hear you two over there! Hm! They don't know the happiness of cooking your own food, only know how to eat! Anyway, let's just make some simple stew. After all, I got some meat from when I was training. That damn pig attacks me out of nowhere.
…
"Dinner ready!" I said as I slowly picked up the pot full of stew before placing it on the table that already had some clothes lying down. The pot is around 40 cm wide and the stew is full to the brim. Too much food? No no this is just our average-size meal.
After all, Our house ate a lot. Well, mostly Paul and I ate a lot…I'm not a glutton ok?! It uses a lot of energy to move around and use magic too.
"Ok. Then Let's start our usual prayer." Zenith said as all of us held our hands into a fist. This is the usual routine of our family. Since Zenith is a Millis believer she always prays before food. And we all do it too because it makes us all feel like part of the family.
Although I don't believe in Millis. I do it out of habit at this point.
After we finished Praying it was time for our meal. It consists of hard bread, something that looks like crackers, and my stew. Oh and with some cheese too. Although it is a low-quality one.
As we all begin eating, Rudy is still fidgeting in his seat. From how he looks I know he wants to say something. But he is not saying it so I can't help.
"U-umm...Father...Can I make some selfish request?" Rudy said with a nervous face.
"No-Ow!" Paul gets kicked by both Zenith and Lilia. Honestly, I'm surprised Lilia even dared to kick Paul but I guess having a child gives a mother the strength needed.
"Rudy, you can wish for anything. I will make sure your father grants it."
"Yes, young master. Please make any requests. I'm sure the Master will be able to grant it."
Both Zenith and Lilia support Rudy. Well, Rudy never demanded anything before so this must be some surprise for them too.
"Thank you, Mother, Miss Lilia." He takes a deep breath and then looks at Paul again.
"Father...I decided that I want to go to school. I want to go to Ranoa Magic University after your Talk with me...But when I told Sylphy she started to cry saying for me not to go. As Sylphy is not as rich as our household I want to ask you...Can you pay for Sylphy's Tuition?"
...So it was just this matter? I mean if he reveals that he can do countless magic he should be able to get in without a problem. And from what I saw he already teaches Sylphiette magic.
So how will you respond to this Paul? I looked at him and saw him place down the bread and spoon.
"...How old are you Rudy?"
"Eh? I'm turning 7 next month."
"...You are already 7...kid sure grows up fast huh?" Paul said as he looked at me. I just shrug at him.
"There are 4 reasons why I won't let you or Syphy go." He said, holding up 4 fingers. "1 You are too young right now, wait till you turn 12. 2 Your sword training is not up to my standard yet. 3 Our household is not that rich. True we could send you but not Sylphy. And lastly number 4. You are too weak, Rudeus." He said all this and did not mention anything about the free tuition or special student.
"...May I ask why am I too weak?" Rudy said with his head hanging down.
"You not only close your eyes when you fight, but you can't even hunt monsters by yourself. And can you fight against other People? Can you fight against humans?"
"...I-i don't know."...That...was a bit too harsh, isn't it? Although I grew up in between bars and adventurers where fights break out anytime. But not a single time Did I ever fight against humans.
I saw a lot of blood. Whether it be a monster or a human. Heck, I even saw a severed head or a cracked skull. I grew used to it. But can I fight against a human or a demon?
Well...That is for the future me to decide.
"Then please find me a job. I can do the math and write. I can even teach magic. So there must be some job for me out there right?"
"Sure, I can do that. But you must complete this job no matter what." Paul said as he looked at me...Is he going to dump Rudy on me? Sure I would love to spend more time with him...What?...yup, no Lucy your imagination is going haywire again!
Ahhh I want to bang my head against a wall! Get this thought out of me!
"Thank you, Father! I promise I will finish it no matter what."
Everyone goes back to eating after that while ignoring my inner turmoil.
…
2 months have finally passed and here comes the day of my birthday! Finally! The punishment from the three families is already over and there is nothing to bind me in this place. These past 2 months I have been studying etiquette under Lilia and Zenith too.
And Paul said that Ghislaine is going to come stay over on my birthday and we will go the next day. I was so excited That I waited at the gate today!
Clark…
There! A carriages sound! And it is approaching our house too.
The carriages stop just a few feet away from our house. And then a figure came out. Tanned skin with a scar on the stomach, gray hair with an adorable cat ear, and a tail. Yup, that's definitely her.
"Ghislaine! Over here!"
"Hm? Lucy?" I rush at her and jump onto her with my arm wide open. She did the same and took me into a hug.
"You have grown up so much these past years. And you develop some muscle too. That's good." Ghislaine said as she slowly patted me on the head.
"Mh...I miss you." I bury myself in her.
"My, my. Ghislaine? You haven't changed one bit." Zenith comes out holding Norn in hand.
"Hello, Zenith. You change a lot. Is that your child?"
"Mhh, her name is Norn. She is a cutie isn't she?" She said holding Norn toward Ghislaine.
"Um...She looks cute like you did all those years ago." Ghislaine said while taking me out of her stomach.
"Right? She is very cute when she laughs too!" I said walking toward Norn who was still sleeping.
"Oh right, happy 10th birthday Lucy. I got this for you. Although I don't know your size so I brought the small one." Ghislaine said, handing me a small dagger with elaborate designs. Is it made out of silver?
"Thank you Ghislaine, but isn't this kind of expensive?" I ask while inspecting the dagger. Its craftsmanship was a masterpiece. While it is flashy it is very practical too.
"Hm? It's around 3 Asura gold coins so I don't think it's expensive."
… 3 Asura gold coins? That...around 300k yen or around 10k dollars? Just for a dagger? Isn't this too expensive?
"Ahaha...I will keep this safe at all times." I said As I put the knife back to its sheath. "How are you doing Ghislaine? From how you look it seems you are doing fine right?" I ask her.
"Well, I was getting by. And from how much you have grown It was the right choice to leave you with Paul and Zenith."
"...Yeah it's probably the right choice…Although the night noise is making me go insane. hahaha." I laugh dryly and zenith just blush a bit.
"Anyway! Since you come here there is one thing we must do right!? Spar with me! I want to spar with you since I pick up sword training!" I said holding my sword toward her.
Ghislaine smiled and pick up her sword too. "then, Where shall we do this?"
I smiled. Holding her hand and dragging her with me."There is a secret spot I've been using to train for a long time now." And we walk for around 3 to 4 minutes before reaching it.
"Hoh, did you build this yourself?" I nod at her and unsheath my sword. She did the same. We using real swords. My sword is the sword Paul gift me. It has grown on me and I've taking care of it ever since. It's my treasure.
And Ghislaine's sword is a symbol she receives from her master. The Sword god himself. It is a symbol that represents her status as a sword king. I want to reach her, surpass her. That's why I've been training. To meet her on the same ground.
"Let's see how much you have improved. I won't be going easy on you." She said ready her stance. I did the same. There is no way I can beat her. I know that but! I want to be acknowledged that I become stronger. That all my effort is not wasted.
"Huuu…." I took a deep breath, My grip on the sword tightened and without a word, both of us draw the sword at the same time.
Fwish.
In just a matter of seconds, our little duel ended. I feel something warm on my face. It was a drop of blood. Just one drop. I smiled. "I lost, huh? You guys are still a long way away from me."
I sigh to myself as I sheath my sword. Ghislaine did the same and walked toward me.
"You grow up. Even though you got taught by someone incompetent like Paul. You still grow up a lot. And from what I can feel you already use Touki. Even Lady Eris is still not to that level."
"Of course! I've working my ass off So this much is to be expected!" I work hard every day and getting acknowledged like this feels nice. "But what is a Touki? I never heard that term before."
"Hm. I expect this. paul never trains swords seriously after all. Touki is when you use Mana to surround your body part with it, Enhancing your Physical ability further." Ghislaine explain it to me.
Basically, You use mana and coat your body with it to make you stronger. The thing I train is called Touki/Battle Aura. And you suppose to already be able to use it subconsciously when you reach an advanced rank in any school.
But I use it consciously. "In your case, it is probably the North god technique. they have a technique that can manipulate their Touki and surprise their enemy." So North god has some technique like that.
"Then what are the main techniques of the other two schools?" I asked. I'm very curious about it right now.
"The sword god has a technique that requires to reach saint rank. It's called Longsword of Light, The technique I use is the downgrade version of it. It calls Longsword of Silence. The water god on the other, Requires you to master the Flow technique."
"Hm? Flow? you mean the basic of Water god?" Ghislaine nod. "Then could I be considered a Water saint If I master it?"
"You must be acknowledged by The water god herself if you want the Title." Oh…So it works like that.
Grumble…
Ah…that was my stomach…"Ahaha…Sorry, I kinda got too excited that I forgot breakfast…"
Ghislaine just laugh lightly. "Let's go back. Zenith must be worried already." I nod at her and then start to cling to her again. I don't care If I got treated like a child in this. I want to cling to her. I miss her all these past few years.
…
"Alright! Let's cheer for Lucy's 10th Birthday!"
"Cheer!" We all cheer loudly. the adult got alcohol while we kids got juice.
Today's dinner is a luxurious one. Whether it be a whole roast Pig. High-quality cheese, White bread, and a giant pot of stew with a lot of meat and vegetable inside. We even got fresh fruit that just got pick today.
The food is good and gets me full. Zenith is eating lightly while caring for the sleeping Norn. Lilia is Playing with Aisha who woke up from the noise. Ghislaine is eating a lot, just like the old time. While Paul just chucking every bit of alcohol we have. Rudy is eating silently beside me.
After we all finished eating and more show from Paul who is about to lie on the floor drunk, we finally got to my present.
"Here, Lucy. I just bought this for you." Zenith hand me a book. From the cover, it is about human anatomy.
"Thank you, Zenith! I will treasure this." Seriously This is what I need! Although it is just a basic anatomy to me it is an advanced subject in this world. my knowledge about anatomy is slowly fading so I need this to remind me.
"Next is my present, Here young lady. Please take this." Lilia hand me a coat. It was one size bigger than me. Probably consider my growth in mind.
"Thank you, Lilia!" I said taking her and Aisha into a hug. Lilia is just smiling sweetly at me.
"Yosh, Here. It's my present to you." Paul drunkenly throws me something. I grab it and take a look. It was gloves? "That glove was a magic item. I got it from some merchant thinking that was just a normal glove. But it was a magic item!" Paul said drunkenly.
"So…What does it do?" I ask before Paul got a chance to hit the floor.
"Hm? OH! Right. I test it and it drains my mana too quickly to see its effect. So you should use it now!"
…You just gave your daughter a potentially dangerous thing just because you don't know its effect? Ha…Well, Let's test it. I wear the glove in my hand and I can feel it. The mana in my body slowly got drained up.
It stops at a certain point. Hm? What will it do? nothing? I don't even know how to activate it. Well, since it does nothing I will just put it aside for now. I pull out the glove and nothing happened.
"Weird…Well, let's me see- OW! THE HECK!?" Paul suddenly screams out when he touches the glove. "What happened? My hand starts to feel numb all of a sudden."
Numb? sudden numb and he got hurt when touching it…I tried the glove on again and look at Paul. He is already sobered up. I can feel myself smile evilly. I touch Paul's side with the glove on and he screams out.
"OW! What was that!?"
"Electricity…This thing produces Electric when fueled by mana. Paul, you got something good huh?"
I said while ignoring Paul who is still in pain and getting healed by Zenith. The Left one generates high-voltage electricity. While the right one is used to store mana.
"Ahem…Here, Big sister, This is my gift for you." Rudy said, He also ignore Paul. Handing me one Figure. It is a Figure of myself. and it creates to perfection. It even got the color of my skin right!
"Thank you, Rudy. I will treasure this too." I said while patting Rudy on the head. Today is a good day. And I will continue to have a happy day like this in the future as well. It's a happy day today.
We continue to party like that until non of us can go any further. paul is the first to knock out and needs me to carry him to his bed. While Zenith already goest o Bed with Lilia. taking care of our two little sisters. Rudy goes next cus he wants to get up in the morning and meet Sylphy. It's only me and Ghislaine now.
I was start to doze off while Ghislaine silently drink her alcohol. I feel myself getting picked up. it was the same warm as that day. The Day I was rescued. "Let's sleep now. We need to go out in the morning." A faint voice of Ghislaine is entering my ear. I don't want to move…I curl up in her embrace. It was really peaceful…
…
The next morning come fast and I was outside with everyone. beside me is a backpack Lilia pack for me and the other one is a backpack for Rudy. Although he didn't know that. It contains all of our cloth and other things. Today I was wearing The coat Lilia gave me. I must say, It looks really good on me. Although it is too big for me right now. it probably will be a perfect fit for me when I turn 15 or 16. The glove Paul gave me is in the Backpack.
Oh, Zenith and Lilia come out. With Norn and Aisha in tow. Welp, Time to say goodbye. I won't meet them for around 2 to 3 years after all. I walked toward them and take Norn and Aisha in both my arm. Yup, they are heavy. meaning they are healthy and ate a lot.
"Well, well. Norn, Aisha. Be a good girl and wait for me to come back ok? Big sis and Big bro will be gone for a few years but I promise I will come to see you again." I said while giving them a little kiss on the forehead. They both laugh at that. It was cute. I hand them back to Lilia and Zenith.
Rudy then comes out with Paul. "Big sister! please be safe on your way." Rudy said. He is waving at me. I look at Paul and saw two wooden swords in his hand. he throws me one and I grab it. While he forces the other one into Rudy's hand.
"Rudy, What will you say if I told you to stop being with Sylphy?" Paul asks as he grabs Rudy's collar.
"Eh? Isn't it obvious that I will hate that?" Rudy reply. He really is confused.
"Well, I thought so too. That is Why this is the best way to separate you two." Said Paul. As He throws Rudy toward the garden. I rush at him aiming to end this as quickly as possible. But he gains balance first and uses wind magic to push himself away.
I miss my first shot. damn. I can feel my face scowl up. I change my stance to sword god. I can hear Rudy being panicked about this. I rush at him again. and he still using the same tactic. but this time he use fire magic to create a burst of flame on his feet and launch backward sending me back while creating a smoke screen.
I slash through the smoke and see him touch the dirt. Suddenly my feet start to sink. So… this is his meld magic? I never use it before. I gotta say it was very impressive for a surprise attack. But it is not enough. Using my raw strength I pull myself forward and launch at him. In his moment of panic, he swings his sword downward.
I smile, He didn't close his eyes. he grows again. I slash his sword away with my full force and it slips out of his hand rather easily. still not gripping it hard enough. And with a quick turn, I was already behind him. With one last swing at his neck, he just knocks out, powerless on the ground.
I pick him up in both my arm. He is already starting to sleep. I smile lightly. "Sorry, Rudy. This is for you and Sylphiette." I didn't want to do this. But Paul and Laws already talk about this. I don't agree but I still do it in the end. "I hope you don't hate me with this."
I walk toward the carriage with Rudy in my arm. Inside is Ghislaine. She gestures for me to sit next to her. But I shake my head. I sit on the opposite of her and laid Rudy down on my lap. this will make him feel more comfortable.
"Hm? You love this boy?" Ghislaine's sudden question get me off guard.
"Hm…I love him like a family I think? It is the same feeling I feel for Paul and Zenith and Lilia so it must be Right. Besides I just want him to be more comfortable."
Ghislaine just nods and then hit the carriage with her hand. making the coachman drive the carriage away. I just silently look around.
I will be here until Bon Festival.
"I will be here until Bon Festival." Huh…"What did I just say?" I feel like somehow my body just says something on its own.
"What's wrong Lucy? Did you feel sick?"
"No…It's nothing."