New chapter of World Teacher is out! (1/1 chapter)

 

 

Erina’s Struggle

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I, Sirius, turned three years old.

My body grew larger, and I developed enough to run around without problems. Actually, at that moment, I was running a marathon around the yard. I kept running at a steady pace that stressed my body. When I exceeded my limit, I rested, then ran again, repeating this cycle.

“Phew, today’s part is finished.” (Sirius)

Having completed that day’s quota, I began the finishing stretching exercises. Next to me, Noel, who had joined the marathon under the pretense of dieting, was lying down, asleep.

“Hii… hii… Si-Sirius-sama… how are you… still okay?” (Noel)

“My stamina is low, but it’s because you don’t keep to your own pace.” (Sirius)

“Y-yes…” (Noel)

With those words, Noel lost her strength completely.

She only did about half of what I did. Was it really that tough?

I accepted it, thinking she was not a stamina type of person, and finished the stretching. At the same time, Erina-san offered me a towel and a drink.

“Good work, Sirius-sama.” (Erina)

“Thank you, Erina.” (Sirius)

By the way, Erina-san asked me to call her without honorifics, so I only add “-san” in my mind. While hydrating, I looked down and saw Dee taking care of Noel. These two have contrasting personalities, but apparently get along well, partly because they are close in age.

“Don’t overdo it.” (Dee)

“Thank you… phew.” (Noel)

Erina-san smiled kindly as she watched over them both. I smiled foolishly watching too. Then, I left the young ones and attended to my body’s care.

Looking into the well water already drawn, my new face was reflected. At three years old, the features of my face were clear to me; I thought it was not a bad face. My hair was black, and my eyes gave a soft impression. My face was more cute than handsome. Compared to the three others’ faces, there was no large discrepancy; it was an ordinary, safe face. At least it did not look like a failure, so I had felt relieved when I first saw it. However, the intensity of my gaze lacked force. Since intimidation was partly affected by appearance, that gentle face was probably a disadvantage. This was a future challenge.

After finishing body care, I started practicing magic. By the way, upon turning three, I had shown the three of them that I could use magic. Their eyes went wide, and they froze as if time had stopped. It had been quite a sight.

“Sirius-sama, it is almost noon, so Dee and I will return.” (Noel)

“Understood. I will practice magic before returning.” (Sirius)

Not only physical strength, but I was also steadily training my mana.

The duration of “Light” had increased from just over ten seconds to lasting up to one minute. That was a simple sixfold increase. If the book was correct, that growth rate was abnormal. Possible reasons included grasping the knack of magic and early practice from one year old. But the main reason was probably the cycle speed. I squeezed my mana to the limit, recovered, then squeezed again repeatedly. It seemed I recovered faster than others. That was why I could repeat that cycle more times than anyone else.

The number of magic types I could use had increased a little. Since the number of non-attribute magics was small, the book only listed three, including “Light”. How unknown it must have been. The newly learned magics were “Impact” and “String.”

First, “Impact” was magic that fired a lump of mana. I gathered mana in one place and launched it to collide. Whether that counted as magic was questionable, and unfortunately the power was also questionable. Mana itself had no mass. Forcing it to condense to have mass resulted in low hardness. It was like throwing a rubber ball. Furthermore, the range was short, and the mana dissipated into mist if it went too far. Honestly, throwing a stone was stronger. That was why no research had been done on it.

“String” was magic that created threads of mana. The mana threads extended and wrapped around things to pull them closer. One could think of it as a person shooting spider threads. Speaking of spiders, I had expected to be able to fly among trees by shooting mana threads like in a movie I saw in my previous life, but it had been impossible. Maintaining shape was difficult, and strength was weak. The best it could do was pull small branches or nuts; if it tried to support a person, it snapped immediately. Compared to “Impact”, it might have been slightly more useful, but its practical use was also low in general.

Though those two magics were disappointing, it all depended on how they were used. If one could not use attributes well, it was necessary to master those. That was why I had persistently used them and steadily raised my mana capacity. For now, I focused more on physical stamina improvement, but eventually I wanted to improve magic and conduct research.

Now then, I would quickly continue until lunch was ready. I aimed my hand at a target hanging from a tree and released “Impact”.

“From the depth sleeps the principle, magic breathing within me, from the root of power releases the demon’s shock, Impact!” (Sirius)

A colorless, transparent mana ball the size of a baseball shook the target. To a stranger watching, it would only have looked like the target was shaking. The mana ball size could be adjusted, but naturally, the larger it was, the more consumption and maintenance difficulty increased. At that time, I could reach my limit after about ten uses. Exactly ten times, I shook the target and finished.

Ah, no matter how many times I do that, the fatigue is tough.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I noticed Noel looking at me as if wanting to say something.

“What is it, Noel?” (Sirius)

“I just thought it was amazing how well you can use ‘Impact.’” (Noel)

“Is it amazing? It does no damage at all.” (Sirius)

“Being able to use it this fast is already amazing. Are you really three years old? Are you lying about your age?” (Noel)

“It is thanks to you showing me magic many times, Noel. I got the knack from watching that.” (Sirius)

“Oh? Then I am the reason! Am I the teacher of a future great magician?” (Noel)

Noel-san was easy to manipulate. Though it was a diversion tactic, it was true that I could not have come that far without her. I brought along Noel, who was tired but raising her arms in triumph, and returned home.

Three years had passed since I was born. Watched over by Erina-san, goofing around with Noel, eating Dee’s cooking. Those were safe and happy days. But even that closed paradise, isolated from the outside world, would one day end.

Its footsteps were surely approaching.

 

—

 

A few days later. Usually, the morning is slow and calm, but today was somewhat hurried. I awoke puzzled, dressed, and headed to the dining hall for breakfast.

“Good morning.” (Sirius)

“““Good morning.””” (Noel/Dee/Erina)

At my greeting, the three answered in perfect unison. Just as I was about to sit down, I noticed Noel and Dee’s clothes were different from usual. They were not maid or work clothes but outfits for going out or ease of movement. This must be their attire for going shopping.

“Ah, are the two of you going out today? Didn’t you just go shopping recently?” (Sirius)

“Actually, the fire magic circle broke just now. It’s a bit sudden, but we decided the two of us should go.” (Noel)

Our household was somewhat self-sufficient, but there were things like magical tools that we could not make ourselves, so every few days we went to town to buy supplies. I had never been there myself, but from what I had heard, even the nearest town was about half a day’s walk away. We spent half a day traveling, stayed overnight in town, and returned, so just going shopping took two full days. It was strange why we lived in such a remote place, but since I did not feel inconvenienced myself, I ignored it.

“If Noel with the fire attribute goes with us, won’t she be unable to light fires? Erina-san has the water attribute, right?” (Dee)

“If it is today or tomorrow, it is no problem. We have fire stones.” (Erina)

A fire stone was a mysterious mineral that emitted intense heat when struck with a hammer or something similar while charging it with mana. The drawback was that it had to be about the size of a fist to be usable. The way to use it was to place it among flammable materials and strike it from above with a hammer.

“Do you have any requests for souvenirs? I can’t handle anything too big, though.” (Dee)

“Not really. As long as you two return safely, that’s enough.” (Sirius)

“Uu… I am moved by Sirius-sama’s kindness.” (Dee)

“…Leave it to me.” (Erina)

Dee seemed to have been an adventurer before, so he had plenty of knowledge about travel. He had done supply runs many times, so he was not actually too worried. After finishing a somewhat hard black bread and a soup of stewed meat and vegetables, the two of them departed early.

I also finished my meal and went about my daily running and mana depletion. I silently completed my quota and was reading a book when noon arrived.

“Sirius-sama, shall we eat outside today?” (Erina)
“That’s right. Let’s do that.” (Sirius)

By Erina-san’s suggestion, we ate lunch at the table in the garden. That day’s lunch was sandwiches handmade by Erina-san. Dee’s cooking was delicious, but Erina-san’s was also exceptional. My favorite was the one with salted meat and several kinds of vegetables. The perfect balance of meat and vegetables was the best. I wanted to learn how to make it next time.

“Here is tea after the meal.” (Erina)

Once full, a citrus-based herbal tea called Eriki was served. It has a slight bitterness, but I quite like this Eriki tea.

Today is a clear sky. Elegantly enjoying the tea after the meal… hmm?

“…Erina, do we have any Apu? I want dessert.” (Sirius)

Apu was a fruit shaped like an apple. It looked just like an apple, but it was a little smaller and tasted close to strawberry.

“Understood. There was some in the kitchen, so I will get it.” (Erina)

Erina-san smiled and disappeared into the kitchen.

Once she was completely out of sight, I took a sip of the tea and spat it out, letting the contents soak into the ground. The moment it touched my mouth, I felt a familiar sensation from my previous life. It might be my imagination since this is a new body, but if my intuition is correct, this is a sleeping drug.

But it is puzzling. What scheme would make someone want to put me to sleep? Sell me? No, that is impossible. Someone who shows so much affection would not do such a thing. I do not understand the intention at all, but for now, I will pretend I drank it. Although a small amount was absorbed by the mucous membranes of my tongue, perhaps because it is slow-acting, no drowsiness has come yet.

After that, I ate the Apu with Erina-san, and as I felt a slight sleepiness, I began to act.

“Fua…” (Sirius)

“Are you tired? Shall I prepare a bed for you?” (Erina)

“Yes, that’s right. I will take a short nap.” (Sirius)

“Understood. I will finish it quickly, so please wait in the living room.” (Erina)

I just yawned, and she prepared the bed… huh. The possibility that Erina-san put the sleeping drug in is strong. I hope it is just my imagination. Still, the sudden shopping trip by the two of them and Erina-san’s behavior feel strange. I cannot run away, so for now, I will go with the flow.

Lying on the bed in my room, I closed my eyes and raised my mana. Maintaining the state before magic activation activated the body, so even light sleepiness would disappear. At that moment, I appeared to be sleeping on the surface. I waited quietly for the moment, ready to respond no matter what happened.

Several minutes later, a light knock came from the door. I did not respond and waited. The door opened silently. Naturally, Erina-san appeared, probably checking if I was asleep.

Well then, what will happen? I hope no sudden knife stabbing.

“…I will…” (Erina)

I braced myself for a knife or whatever, but it was a needless worry. In a voice too soft to hear, she whispered while stroking my head. That felt good, and I almost really fell asleep, but when she was sure I was completely asleep, she left the room again without making a sound.

While groaning, unable to solve the mystery, I heard an unfamiliar sound outside the window.
The sound of horse hooves and neighing, and a man’s voice, not Dee’s.

No one has visited for these three years, so what is going on? In any case, this must be the reason for Erina-san’s suspicious behavior.

Peeking outside from a crack in the window, a four-person covered carriage was stopped in front of the entrance. Two people arrived. An old man, the coachman, sitting on the driver’s seat, was stretching and resting. Then, my eyes naturally turned to one man trying to get off the carriage. He wore refined clothes, had a full beard, and looked like a nobleman. He seemed noble, but a little fat and unreliable. His face was poor compared to Dee’s. Just as a bad premonition began to surface in my mind, the man stepped into the entrance.

I pressed my ear to the floor to find their location. My room was on the second floor, but the two sets of footsteps were headed for the guest room on the first floor. This might be my chance to clarify the previously unclear part. Quietly slipping out of my room, I sneaked to the guest room door. The door is thin, so I could hear voices inside well.

“…Thank you for coming today.” (Erina)

“Hmph, indeed. Why must I come all the way to such a remote place?” (Man)

The conversation had just started.

But what is this? Erina-san’s voice is mechanical and completely emotionless. I have never heard such a cold voice from her before. The man’s voice was as expected. It was the sample line of an arrogant, selfish, and spoiled bad boss I saw in my previous life.

Perhaps… no, for now, I will concentrate on their conversation.

 

— Erina —

 

Finally, this day has come. Honestly, I never want to see him again, but it cannot be helped.

“…Thank you for coming today.” (Erina)

“Hmph, indeed. Why must I come all the way to such a remote place?” (Man)

For you who have been locked away here to say that, do you have some memory disorder?

“By the way, where did that unsociable man and the demi-human go? It is rude not to greet the master when he has come.” (Man)

“They have gone out shopping. They will not return until tomorrow.” (Erina)

“Then, fine. Just seeing their faces makes me sick.” (Man)

He says to greet them even though he does not want to see their faces. Does he realize the contradiction? Moreover, he calls the beastman Noel a demi-human, which is an insulting term. He is as petty as ever. I heard that lately he has been adding wives unnecessarily and that his poor skills have made him fall from grace.

“What about that one? Why does he not show his face even though his father has come?” (Man)

“Sirius-sama is resting. He has a slight fever, so he is isolated.” (Erina)

“Sick? I do not want a weak body. If the spare is weak, it is useless.” (Man)

What spare? Sirius-sama is not your tool.

To satisfy his own desires, he forcibly violated Ojou-sama and insults the born Sirius-sama. I want to slap this man’s face immediately. But, this person also holds the money and power to raise Sirius-sama. I must endure. If I endure, Sirius-sama can remain safe.

“But now, no spare is needed anymore.” (Man)

“…What do you mean?” (Erina)

“My lawful wife finally gave birth to the second son the other day. With this, I can cut unnecessary expenses.” (Man)

“Ah!? C-Congratulations.” (Erina)

Such… this is bad, bad.

Sirius-sama, though an illegitimate child, is the second son. So, as a backup in case something happens to the first son, money was secretly spent to raise him. And now, if my own second son is born, am I no longer needed? Is Sirius-sama a nonexistent child?

I hate being involved in the heirship or inheritance of such a man, but if Sirius-sama grows up safely, that is enough. That is the promise with Ojousama. My wish.

So think carefully, Erina. Sirius-sama is only three years old. I must… protect him.

“My second and third wives were also daughters. That is fine, but I want two male heirs after all. By the way, my eldest son began writing letters at five years old. He is promising and I look forward to him, hahaha.” (Man)

Five years old, huh. I think that’s relatively early, but Sirius-sama wrote letters at two years old. His growth speed must surely seem abnormal to others. But every day I feel happy to see his great growth. I want to watch over that person who will grow endlessly, endlessly. However, if such a man knows of Sirius-sama’s talent, he will surely try to use it. Yes, Sirius-sama is two levels beyond ordinary people. Twelve… no, if he reaches ten years old, I am sure. I will do everything I can.

“That is promising. I have seen many children, but such growth is rare, I think.” (Erina)

“Indeed. The second son will surely grow well. Our family’s future is bright.” (Man)

“Excuse me, but how is the child’s health? I have heard rumors of an epidemic recently.” (Erina)

“Hm? The eldest is healthy, but the second son is still a newborn.” (Man)

“Sirius-sama is not ill, just tired. But infants are weak against epidemics.” (Erina)

“Hmph, I know what you mean. You want me to continue supporting that one, is that it?” (Man)

“…Exactly.” (Erina)

There is no guarantee that this man’s second son will grow up healthy. Preparing for the worst case, I want to gain support for Sirius-sama for as long as possible. That person will surely be strong enough to face the world after ten years.

“He is not as good as your child, but from my perspective, Sirius-sama is excellent. He will surely be useful.” (Erina)

“The child of such a daughter? She was a disappointing girl aside from her appearance.” (Man)

What do you know about Ojou-sama!

I tightly clenched my fist under the table until it hurt. Suppressing the anger with nowhere to direct it, I continued wearing a mask of lies.

“I will educate him so that he never rebels. So, please support him until he is twelve.” (Erina)

“I cannot take care of him that long! Five years. I will not pay any more money, and you will leave after that.” (Man)

“Such! Five years is still a child!” (Erina)

“I don’t care. Then, educate him in five years. If you hate it, leave immediately.” (Man)

“…Understood.” (Erina)

I am… so powerless.

“This is the money for this time. There will be no additions, so remember that.” (Man)

I received the money pouch thrown on the desk and checked the contents.

No matter my condition, it is necessary for Sirius-sama. I have discarded my pride. As I thought, this is clearly less than last time.

“Oh, by the way, I am busy too. I don’t know when I will come next.” (Man)

“In that case, why not send a subordinate?” (Erina)

“What if the subordinate says he delivered it but never comes here?” (Man)

…That’s right. You had little trust from your subordinates. And that is not the only reason, right? I know. On the way here, you play with the town prostitutes.

“Let us take our leave soon. Make sure to educate that one well.” (Man)

“Understood.” (Erina)

I saw them off to the entrance and finally sighed after the carriage departed.

Fatigue had built up more than expected, and my body felt heavy. Sirius-sama should be waking soon, so I must check on him. But I have no face to meet Sirius-sama with, having failed to get the desired result.

This paradise… five years. Too short to tell the truth. When he wakes, he will smile without knowing he was drugged or about his father. That healing myself brings is both joyful and sad.

Ojousama, I…

 

— Sirius —

The two finished talking, and before being found, I returned to my room.

Lying on my bed, I recalled the recent exchange.

I do not want to admit it, but that bastard is my father. It makes sense why Erina-san used a sleeping drug to keep me from meeting him. Just as a child cannot choose their parent, a parent cannot choose their child either. To that man, I am nothing. Neither of us wants to meet, so that is fine. I prefer Erina-san over such a bastard. I am truly being saved by that person. I am glad to have met her rather than my father. Someday I will surely repay her kindness.

The problem is my position. A noble child born of a fling, but considering my father’s attitude, I should not think of myself as a noble. Also, this safe place ends in five years. I will be eight then, but since adulthood is considered thirteen here, that is not enough time. With five years of training, my skills will be fine, but my young appearance will cause lots of trouble.

There is also Erina-san, Noel, and Dee. What will they do in five years? No, speculation gets me nowhere. I will think simply. There are two things to do.

One, train myself relentlessly. Build a body capable of dealing with anything. No further explanation needed.

Two, share information with the three. They are surely allies. I want to know what they will do if I am expelled. Next year, I will reveal a little of my secret and plan with them. I should prepare a reason why I have knowledge. Suddenly saying, “I have memories of another world!” would be strange.

I continued considering the setup.

“Yes, this is decided.” (Sirius)

Though a bit forced, I made a somewhat reasonable setting. Getting up from bed and stretching, I realized.

Erina-san is late. She should show up at least once to prepare dinner soon. Maybe she feels guilty and does not want to show her face? If so, that is misplaced. I have nothing but gratitude for Erina-san.

I left my room and went to look for her. If she was down, I would cheer her up with all my strength, thinking as I went down to the first floor.

Erina-san was found immediately. She collapsed in the kitchen.

 

—

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