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

 

 

Past and Dream

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“…I see.” (Sirius)

“I am… sorry.” (Erina)

Erina-san, who reported the death of my mother, was looking down without wiping her tears. I could not tell if it was the guilt she had held silent until now, or the feeling of her own powerlessness.  However, I myself was calm like a calm sea. Normally, if you were told your mother had died, you would be upset. But my previous life experiences would not allow that. A life in which I had killed many people, and countless friends had died right before my eyes. Though there was sadness, not even tears would come. It was sadder that I had become numb to the life and death of people.

“Erina, I am fine.” (Sirius)

“But! I told a lie…” (Erina)

“You stayed silent for my sake. I can be grateful but never resent that, right?” (Sirius)

“Even so… I…” (Erina)

I returned my gaze to the picture. There were certainly many parts resembling me to make one think she looked like my mother. I wondered what kind of person she was in life.

“More than that, I want you to talk about Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Huh? About Ojou-sama?” (Erina)

“Yes. I want to hear anything. What kind of person she was, what she liked.” (Sirius)

“Yes. Mirialia… Alia-sama was a very innocent and carefree person.” (Erina)

Remembering my mother at that time, her expression softened just a little. Innocent and carefree. Judging by the picture, she looked pure and quiet.

“She was the only daughter of the Eldland Household, one of the nobilities. She was full of grace and a kind-hearted person who saved me when I was falling into despair from unhappiness. Though she often acted uncharacteristically for a noble, she had a mysterious charisma that attracted people. However, the Eldland Household lost the power struggle against other nobles and were stripped of their noble status together. There was a foolish noble who took a liking to Alia-sama. By marrying that noble, she secured the safety of her parents.” (Erina)

She sold herself for the family’s sake. I wondered how much determination she must have had.

“After that, it was terrible. The foolish noble lost interest in Alia-sama after only once dealing with her, gave her no position, and locked her up in this mansion. The three of us, having nowhere else to go, were hired to this mansion at Alia-sama’s recommendation. Fortunately or unfortunately, Alia-sama was carrying Sirius-sama. As soon as it was known, they gave a small amount of money and told us to raise Sirius-sama as a spare heir…” (Erina)

Her frustration came from deep within. She did not hold back because that hateful noble was my father. Fine, it was the frustration she had been holding in for many years. I thought she should pour it all out.

“It was later discovered that the power struggle was actually caused by that noble, who wanted Alia-sama. Her parents’ whereabouts were also unknown. I hated that noble so many times.” (Erina)

Truly despicable. If I had met him yesterday knowing this truth, I might have done something. I am confident I could do so without hesitation.

As I thought these dark thoughts, Erina-san suddenly wrinkled her brow, then gave a bitter smile.

“But Alia-sama was different. She happily played with my child, rubbing her large belly. That child of that noble! I said rude things, but Alia-sama said, ‘Because that man’s child, should I neglect him? That is absolutely impossible. This child is innocent, so he must be raised properly. Besides, father and mother must be living somewhere, and here there is Erina, Dee, and Noel. It is an environment where we can safely raise this child. What more do you want?’”. When she said that, I had nothing to reply. That person only wished for Sirius-sama and us to be safe, and that was all. Furthermore, she said this child is the child of all of us. Truly, she was a magnanimous person.” (Erina)

Resolute, or rather, really a generous person. Even without my mother, I wished I had met her once.

“As the due date approached, Alia-sama’s condition suddenly worsened. She was originally a somewhat weak person, so perhaps that was natural. To give birth with a weakened body was a suicidal act. Still, Alia-sama answered she would give birth, and then…” (Erina)

I was born, and mother died. That was what it meant.

“‘Your name is Sirius. My Sirius, I love you. Live believing in yourself straightforwardly without being bound by anything. That is mother’s wish. Erina, please take care of the rest. Love him for me, too.’” (Alia)

“That was Alia-sama’s last words. I was at a loss in front of the remaining Sirius-sama, but when I held you, the anxiety and confusion disappeared. Despite being the hateful man’s child, as Alia-sama said, the child bears no sin. At that moment, I inherited Alia-sama’s will and vowed to protect Sirius-sama. Though I vowed to protect him… I…” (Erina)

After that, Erina-san continued telling the current situation while crying. She said the noble from yesterday, my father, was named Baldomir Dorianus. She managed somehow on small financial support and self-sufficiency. They could only live in this house for five years. Erina-san, pouring her feelings out in emotion, finally calmed down and shyly held her head. She must have remembered the person she was talking to was a three-year-old.

“Ha… what a state I am in. I am sorry, I lost my composure.” (Erina)

“It’s okay. I understand everything.” (Sirius)

“Understand…? You can understand such things at three years old?” (Erina)

Erina-san made a puzzled face, but as I told her about yesterday’s conversation, she became filled with astonishment.

If she is that shocked from just eavesdropping, what would happen in the future?

“Erina, what I am about to say is outrageous.” (Sirius)

“What are… you saying?” (Erina)

“It is my secret. You may not believe it, but please listen and then judge.” (Sirius)

There was no innocence left at all. The atmosphere I gave off was like intimidation.

How would she perceive me?

We stared silently at each other, but Erina-san smiled.

“Please do not wear such a worried face and tell me. No matter what happens, I am on your side.” (Erina)

Hmm, is it showing on my face? Maybe the control of my expression is weak because of my young body.

“Erina, do you dream?” (Sirius)

“Yes, sometimes, but I often do not remember.” (Erina)

“What if you could see it clearly and remember it?” (Sirius)

My previous life was in another world, and I have memories of living past 60 years old. No matter how I explain, it just becomes troublesome. In that case, I should just make my entire previous life a “dream”.

“Since I don’t remember exactly when, I have been continuously seeing the life of a certain man in my dreams. It is as if I have become that man, experiencing various things every day and studying many things. Even after waking, it remains in my head, and before I know it, the knowledge has settled in.” (Sirius)

“That kind of thing… um, do you still have that dream now?” (Erina)

“I keep seeing it. The other day, I participated in a war and learned how to fight. The reason I was able to defeat the goblin was because of that. I don’t understand why this happens, but I think it’s good. Because this way, I was able to help Erina.” (Sirius)

“…” (Erina)

Ending on a good note, I spoke my secret, but Erina-san looked thoughtful.

Honestly, my growth rate is abnormal enough that being called a monster wouldn’t be strange.

Her response was… an embrace.

“You hardly ever cry, and within just one year you have learned to read letters and understand magic. I had many questions, but it seems such circumstances were behind it. Moreover, war… you have endured hardships, haven’t you?” (Erina)

Hmm, I did not expect her to believe me so readily. Kaa-san is said to be a great woman, but Erina-san is no less impressive. No… that’s wrong. She is unconditionally on my side. Even if I were a criminal, she would continue to protect me.

“That is my secret. So, I understand the current situation. I will probably be kicked out in five years, right?” (Sirius)

“Yes, that is correct. If only I had more power…” (Erina)

“That’s not true. Because you worked hard, Erina, I am here. Dee and Noel can smile, too.” (Sirius)

“Such kind words are undeserved.” (Erina)

Erina-san’s feelings toward me seemed nothing but the love of a parent for a child.

But Erina-san wishes to be a servant. I think she could express herself a bit more, but considering her position, I will respect her will. If she is a servant, then the words I should say are these.

“Thank you again, Erina. I look forward to your continued support.” (Sirius)

“Yes!” (Erina)

Somehow, things settled peacefully. I was able to explain my situation, and from now on, I should be able to act boldly.

“Sirius-sama, if you do not mind, would you like to tell Dee and Noel about what we just discussed?” (Erina)

“To both of them?” (Sirius)

“They, like me, were taken in by Alia-sama and have shared hardships. They are trustworthy people.” (Erina)

“Alright. I will explain when they return. I wonder what kind of faces they will make when they learn the truth about this situation.” (Sirius)

“They will surely be surprised. I look forward to seeing the usually expressionless Dee break his face.” (Erina)

Erina-san and I laughed as we imagined their actions. Noel making a fuss, Dee calmly soothing, and Erina-san smiling.

Not only are things back to normal, but from now on, everyone, not just me, will become stronger together.

 

—

 

Afterwards, I cleaned the kitchen, boiled water, and wiped Erina-san’s body. She had been very reserved, but when I wiped her, she smiled happily.

I made tea again, and as the sun began to set, the two who had gone out returned. They returned, but were strangely noisy. They ran around the house with loud footsteps, and without knocking, the door to the room opened.

“Erina-san! Are you safe?” (Noel)

Noel rushed in out of breath. Dee followed a step behind. At the excessive noise, Erina-san sighed, placing a hand on her forehead.

“You are noisy, Noel. First, report your return to Sirius-sama.” (Erina)

“Ah, yes! I’m back, Sirius-sama! But, no, Erina-san, medicine! Magic water disease is spreading in town, and we hurried back!” (Noel)

“Understood, so calm down and explain calmly.” (Erina)

Calming the completely confused Noel was tough.

To summarize her story, it seems that recently a magic water disease had begun to spread in town. The town was in chaos, but it settled safely thanks to medicine kept on hand. However, our household had run out of medicine. They had planned to replenish it on this shopping trip, so this timing was an unexpected problem. But since our house was far from town, we thought it would not spread so much. Then, they remembered why they had come here.

This shopping trip was to avoid meeting my father, but that father was going to meet Erina-san. And the magic water disease was also spreading in the neighboring town he had departed for. Since Erina-san is water attribute, the possibility of infection was very high. They realized this today and hurried back.

After finishing the explanation, Noel finally calmed down. Dee was expressionless but also calm, and seeing Erina-san safe, both sighed in relief.

“I’m really relieved. I’m glad Erina-san isn’t infected.” (Noel)

“That’s good.” (Dee)

“I was infected.” (Erina)

“…Eh?” (Noel)

Noel’s smile froze.

“Come on, you’re lively and well. Stop joking.” (Noel)

“This is no joke. I was infected with the magic water disease, but took the medicine and is completely cured.” (Erina)

“But you were out of medicine… Ah, actually you had one left.” (Noel)

“We were out. Sirius-sama prepared it.” (Erina)

Erina-san reached out to stroke my head but stopped, then grabbed my hand and forcibly stroked it. She probably thought it was rude knowing my true nature, but she had stroked it normally before, so I showed with my body that it was fine to stroke without hesitation. It seemed to be understood, and she stroked.

Even though inside I’m an old man, I’m still a child, so that’s fine.

“Heh, as expected of Sirius-sama. I didn’t think you could prepare medicine either… W-w-what!?” (Erina)

“Erina is still recovering, so be a little quieter.” (Sirius)

“Y-yes! But how did you prepare it? We didn’t even have water magic herbs at home.” (Erina)

“I have something to talk about. Dee, Noel, what I am about to say is strictly confidential.” (Sirius)

“Eh? Eh? What do you mean?” (Noel)

“Alright. Noel, calm down a bit.” (Sirius)

Noel began to get confused again, but Dee took on the pose of calming Noel while listening carefully. Erina-san looked this way, so I nodded and urged her to continue. I left the explanation to Erina-san. It was not because it was troublesome, so it would be easier to understand if she explained it, and if she was wrong, we could point it out.
While inserting interjections into Erina-san’s explanation, by the time the story finished, the sun had completely set. Now, the two who knew the secret…

““………”” (Dee/Noel)

As expected, there was silence. Noel’s face showed various emotions one after another, while Dee furrowed his brows with a blank expression and sunk deeply into the whirlpool of thought.

That’s right, being suddenly hit with such information, it is not normal to remain calm. Since the silence seemed long, I brewed tea again for the three of us and placed it in front of them, finally restarting the conversation.

“There are many things I cannot believe, but there are points I can understand. Also, this too…” (Noel)

Noel drank the tea I made and nodded with satisfaction.

“This tea is not a flavor that can be served easily. Or rather, it tastes better than mine! How frustrating… no, Dee-san, have you ever taught Sirius-sama how to make tea?” (Noel)

“…No, I have not.” (Dee)

“Neither have I. Erina-san as well, right?” (Noel)

“Of course not. Brewing tea is our job.” (Erina)

This young lady sometimes shows sharp insight. As Noel said, I have not been taught by the three of them. Shishou in my previous life was a tea enthusiast and forced me to learn it. I do not care about it, but if she drank the tea of this world, the lecture in a formal sitting posture would be inevitable.

There is a golden rule for tea, a basic principle, which in this world is rather crude. The water temperature is low, the steeping time short, and various points could be criticized, but I enjoy it deliciously.

I digress. In any case, Noel was convinced by the fact that I can make tea in a way she was not taught.

“Ugh… it’s delicious but frustrating. Dee-san, don’t you think so?” (Noel)

“It is delicious, but not frustrating. Please teach me next time.” (Dee)

“Ouch! To be taught by my little sister… well then, I also ask you!” (Noel)

The pride of this sister is cheap. Well, I drink it too, so next time I will show it to the three of them.

When everyone was satisfied, Noel’s stomach growled. Her face turned bright red, but the dinner time had already passed, so it was inevitable.

“I will exchange the magical tools and prepare it immediately.” (Dee)

“Ugh, please.” (Noel)

“Dee, since the fire I lit earlier is still burning, I think the exchange can be done after cooking.” (Sirius)

“Understood. Handling fire stones, as expected.” (Dee)

“Actually, the box fell over and all the stones broke, it was a big problem.” (Sirius)

“““Eh!?””” (Erina/Dee/Noel)

Is there something strange?

All three of them were speechless with their mouths open.

“Dee, you should not have had any backup magic circles, right?” (Erina)

“There were none.” (Dee)

“I, the fire attribute user, was also out.” (Erina)

“Sirius-sama, I apologize, but how did you prepare the fire?” (Noel)

“I made a fire source by friction heat, but is that bad?” (Sirius)

“Friction heat?” (Noel)

The conversation did not seem to mesh well. Proof over argument, I prepared the same thing as yesterday in the bedroom and just made a fire source.

Good children should not imitate this too much.

“No incantation? Then, this is not magic?” (Noel)

“This is amazing. With this, neither magic circles nor fire attribute users are necessary.” (Dee)

“I’ve never seen this before. This is a revolution.” (Noel)

Such a primitive method is a revolution? I do not quite understand the common sense of this world. Wait.

At that moment, I realized that I was making an incredible misunderstanding. With this single inspiration at the end, this incident was concluded.

 

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