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

 

 

Reservation

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Okay, dash!” (Sirius)

“If I carry someone like me, I’ll get caught. Just leave me without hesitation!” (Elf)

“When you say that, I can’t leave you even more. Besides, Onee-san is light, so it’s okay, it’s okay.” (Sirius)

It is partly because I’m strengthened by ‘Boost,’ but seriously, this person is light. Her body is flexible, which is an advantage, but does she actually have muscles? Still, she has the strength to deflect knives, so maybe it’s because of the difference in race.

While enjoying the Elf-san’s flexibility, I continued to escape, but naturally, the men were pursuing us.

“Wait up!” (Leader)

“After all, they are kids. We’ll catch them before the paralysis kicks in!” (Bandit)

“Hmph, don’t think you can run away carrying luggage!” (Bandit)

They shouted loudly while running, but I deliberately kept a distance, neither too close nor too far. If I had really tried, I could have easily outrun them, but those scoundrels had to be dealt with for sure. It would have been easy to settle with gun magic that fired invisible magic bullets, but Elf-san was watching. Explaining it would have been troublesome, so that time I decided not to dirty my hands. The pursuers seemed to be keeping up well, but their bodies were starting to become stiff, perhaps because the poison was spreading. Checking their position, I stopped, thinking it was about time.

“Huff… huff… finally worn out, huh.” (Bandit)

“Huff… we don’t have time either, so let’s finish this quickly.” (Bandit)

“No matter how much you shout… huff… I won’t forgive you.” (Bandit)

No matter how you look at it, you are the ones worn out. But come on, guys, endurance is more important than anything else, so train harder. Ah, well, this time there’s poison too, so it’s understandable.

“I see, the running away was a time-gaining tactic for the poison to spread, huh.” (Elf)

“Half correct, maybe? More importantly, Onee-san, I’m going to fly, so don’t bite your tongue.” (Sirius)

“Fly? What do you mean?” (Elf)

“Here we go, ready, set!” (Sirius)

Activating ‘Air Step’, I leapt into the air, and a huge creature burst out, knocking down trees as it came. It was a giant bear about two meters tall, with four arms and a strangely large nose, so it was close to a bear. I had detected it lurking in this area beforehand with ‘Search,’ so I had escaped to lure the men here. After that, leaving it to that bear-like creature should have been no problem. Moreover…

“Eek! G-Giga Bear!” (Leader)

“R-Run… my body!?” (Bandit)

“Hey, there’s one here too!” (Bandit)

“Help! I can’t move!” (Bandit)

“This was their territory, damn it!” (Leader)

Their reaction was not just one but multiple. The paralysis should be starting to work soon, so they were truly desperate.

Five guests, welcome to hell~. When you are reborn next time, become a decent person.

With the echoing cries of agony behind me, I escaped the scene carrying Elf-san.

Having safely rescued Elf-san, I searched for a water source while carrying her. I had to give her an antidote, and I needed to properly treat her wounds, or scars would remain. It would be too wasteful for such flawless white and smooth skin to have any marks. However, she was strangely quiet. Normally, considering a child being rescued and flying in the sky, I thought she would not remain calm.

“…Hey. We’re flying, right?” (Elf)

“Yes, we are. If you’re scared, I can land.” (Sirius)

“No, that’s not it. It’s amazing, so amazing! Flying in the sky feels this good!” (Elf)

No, she was trembling with excitement.

Still, this Elf-san is tough. Despite what she went through, she is happily playing like a child with the pleasure of the sky. Because she is beautiful and hard to approach, seeing this side makes me feel close to her.

“Yes… that’s right, I’m okay. More than that, you guys always experienced this feeling, didn’t you? I envy you.” (Elf)

Just as I thought I had her secured, she suddenly started speaking to the void.

Is she an Elf receiving some sort of radio waves? Hmm… radio waves?

I felt that strange sensation again. The activation of magic without a chant.

Could it be that she is…

“Oh, sorry, I got so excited that I forgot myself. By the way, where are we going?” (Elf)

“We’ll land soon.” (Sirius)

At the moment she shyly asked, I found a river flowing across the forest. There were no enemies visible by sight or ‘Search’, so I landed quickly. The river covered in white gravel and rocks gave a good view, so if enemies came, we would notice immediately. I sat Elf-san on a rock and took out the antidote from my backpack.

“This is an antidote. Can you drink it yourself?” (Sirius)

“The numbness still hasn’t gone. Sorry, I’ll leave it to you.” (Elf)

She entrusted me as if to say ‘do whatever you want’. I brought the antidote to Elf-san’s mouth to meet her expectations. Unlike Erina, there was a strangely seductive feeling with her. For some reason, it felt like I was doing something wrong. It was a relief that I felt no sexual desire due to age.

“Mmm… phew. My body is starting to feel hot.” (Elf)

“That’s proof your sensation is coming back. Before the paralysis completely disappears, I will treat that wound.” (Sirius)

I untied the towel and checked the wound. The bleeding had stopped, but the wound was wide open. I washed the towel in the river and wiped the dried blood around the wound. Normally, this would hurt, but since the paralysis remained, she did not feel pain.

“I will keep my hand on the wound for a while, but please endure it.” (Sirius)

“Do you know recovery magic too?” (Elf)

“Hmm, it’s a bit different, but a way to heal?” (Sirius)

There was magic to heal wounds in that world. It was water-attribute magic that covered the wound with healing water. I had tried to learn it but gave up because of poor compatibility. However, I could do something similar.

Placing my hand on the wound, I focused mana and flowed it into Elf-san’s body. We remained silent for a while, but then she noticed something and made an awkward face.

“Ah… well, I haven’t said a single thank you even though you helped me this far.” (Elf)
“That’s true. But I did it on my own.” (Sirius)
“That won’t do. You saved my life, so it’s natural to be grateful. But first, will you tell me your name?” (Elf)

“I am Sirius. Usually, isn’t it the person who hears that should introduce themselves first?” (Sirius)

“Sorry, that seems to be one of the elf customs too. My name is Shemifia Aramis. Sirius-kun, thanks to you I was saved. Thank you.” (Fia)

She smiled brightly and thanked me with a full face of joy.

When a beauty says that, it makes you happy. Much obliged.

“Ah, I’m glad we are both safe. Shemifia-san… is that okay?” (Sirius)

“Call me Fia. I’ll call you Sirius too. By the way, what kind of person are you?” (Fia)

She was quite an aggressive young lady. No, since Elves are said to be a long-lived race, she might be far older than my previous life, so calling her a young lady might not be right.

“What kind of person? Can’t you tell just by looking?” (Sirius)

“Yeah, I can tell you’re a human child. But you look normal, you handle five adults so easily, and you use magic I’ve never seen before. I’ve traveled to many places, but I’ve never seen a human like you.” (Fia)

Just as Fia said, from others’ perspectives, I must be extraordinary. I look like a five-year-old child, after all. But even if asked what kind of person I am, I can only say I’m human. I was reincarnated with memories from my previous life, but I wasn’t granted any special abilities. This power is the fruit of daily training and effort. Even the magic is just something I developed based on my own principles.

“Even if you say that, I am genuinely human. I’m a child born only five years ago.” (Sirius)

“Born five years ago, your appearance fits that, but your movements don’t look like those of a five-year-old at all.” (Fia)

“Hmm, many things happened. It’s hard to explain, I don’t know how to put it.” (Sirius)

Really… why was I reincarnated with my memories intact?

As I gazed distantly, Fia misunderstood and began to panic.

“S-Sorry. I made you recall something unpleasant.” (Fia)

“No, that’s not it. Anyway, I’m just an ordinary human, and this power is the result of everyday training. People’s potential is infinite, that’s what it is.” (Sirius)

“I wonder what that means, but watching you, I feel I understand. Your thoughts rival those of adults.” (Fia)

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” (Sirius)

“Please do. But why did someone like you, who thinks like that, help me? Those guys were not amateurs. You might have been killed if things went wrong.” (Fia)

“I had a sufficient chance of winning, though?” (Sirius)

“Still, Elves are a rare race to humans. So, people like those just now will use any ruthless means to obtain me. I know you’re not that kind of person, though.” (Fia)

The reason I helped. At that time, I looked at all of them before deciding to help her. It wasn’t for humanitarian reasons. If Fia had been some kind of enemy to those five, I would not have helped. It was a world of survival of the fittest. They clearly captured Fia for money and lust to satisfy their desires. Thinking about it, I also helped her for my own desires.

“Because you are rare, I want to get to know her… maybe? Also, you are beautiful.” (Sirius)

Beauty is quite important.

Though I said it seriously, Fia looked taken aback, then burst out laughing loudly.

“Ha, ahahaha! You wanted to get to know me and because I’m beautiful. You’re the first person who said their ulterior motives so comfortably.” (Fia)

“I’m a man. What’s wrong with answering honestly?” (Sirius)

“Fufu, I’m glad I’m beautiful, even if I say so myself. And I’m glad I met you.” (Fia)

“O-Oh? In other words?” (Sirius)

“Yes, let’s be friends. No, I’m the one asking.” (Fia)

With my free hand, I firmly shook hers. Finally, I made an acquaintance besides Erina and the others. Moreover, she was an Elf and beautiful. It was a promising start.

“Yeah, the numbness has mostly disappeared, I think. Hey, Sirius. It’s nice that you want to heal the wound, but it’s my own fault, so you don’t have to worry about it.” (Fia)

“Well, well, it’s about time, isn’t it?” (Sirius)

When I removed the hand I had been touching her with, the wound that was there moments ago had disappeared as if nothing happened. Fia touched the healed area with admiration.

“The mana response was almost nothing, but that’s amazing. I’ve never seen such a quiet recovery magic before.” (Fia)

“It’s not recovery magic. Also, I’m attribute-less, so I’m not compatible with water attribute.” (Sirius)

“Huh? You’re attribute-less? You’re joking, right?” (Fia)

What I did was pour my mana into her body and stimulate her own self-healing. I originally made it to heal my own injuries, but it also worked on others. I casually call it regeneration activation. Unlike water recovery magic, it takes time, and since it stimulates the other’s mana, it requires precise mana control. But this is the only recovery I can do. Natural is good, isn’t it?

And sure enough, she was surprised to hear I was attribute-less. Elves shared the same view.

“You were flying just now. I thought you were wind attribute and using wind magic to fly.” (Fia)

“That was just using mana to run, not flying. Besides, didn’t you use wind spirit magic too?” (Sirius)

“…How did you know I can use spirit magic?” (Fia)

She made a face like a Noh mask. Did I mess up? No, I feel it’s better to be honest with her. I’ll just say it.

“At first, the wind you used against those men was powerful for the amount of mana used, maybe? Also, I feel a strange sensation around you.” (Sirius)

The wind used on those punks was a failure, but I felt it only used a tiny amount of mana. If the poison hadn’t blocked her mana, they would have been blown away just like she said. Touching Fia, I became certain the strange sensation wasn’t from her, but from the surroundings swirling around her. I think this sensation is a spirit, probably a wind spirit.

Fia responded with a difficult look.

“Can you see spirits, Sirius?” (Fia)

“No, I can’t. But I feel a strange sensation around you, so I think it’s a spirit.” (Sirius)

“I see. Is this your first time seeing spirit magic?” (Fia)

“Yes, it is. But that is…” (Sirius)

Yes, spirit magic was overwhelmingly strong like my gun magic. The documents said it was powerful, but seeing it for real, I thought it was even more so. With just a small amount of mana, asking a spirit produces that storm. If taken seriously, it might create tornadoes comparable to natural disasters.

“It was a failure, but amazing, wasn’t it? That’s why many people try to forcibly capture and contain it, so I hide it.” (Fia)

Certainly, with that kind of power, it would be perfect for use as a weapon. Elves are already easy targets, and if the secret of spirit magic were to become known, the danger multiplier would be tremendous.

“Just by giving mana and making a request, it activates, but if you let emotions take over, the spirits overdo it. It’s quite nerve-wracking.” (Fia)

She spoke with a laugh, but it was a forced smile with a hint of shadow.

Because of that power, she must have borne many hardships. The suffering of those who possess power too great… it seems.

“Already… it’s my problem, so you don’t have to make that kind of face, Sirius.” (Fia)

“No, I don’t understand spirits, but I do understand hiding power.” (Sirius)

That’s right, this must also be some kind of fate. To her, who struggles alone, I will make her understand that she has comrades.
Just as I was about to show magic to Fia, who was tilting her head at my words, I noticed something huge approaching.

“…Something is approaching.” (Sirius)

“Eh… ah! Yes, the spirits are definitely agitated. And that is!?” (Fia)

Looking upward, I saw a large creature flying toward us. It was a living being with the body of a lizard and wings, a monster said to be a subspecies of dragon according to books.

“A wyvern, huh. I only see one, though. Did it get separated from its group?” (Sirius)

“Don’t calmly observe it, let’s hide. It’ll be troublesome if it targets us.” (Fia)

“A little late for that. It seems it has already found us.” (Sirius)

The wyvern emitted a high-pitched cry and flew straight toward us. It was probably about three times my size, but according to the books, there are even larger individuals.

“A young dragon? Even so, it’s quite large.” (Sirius)

“That’s why! Well, I suppose now I can at least…” (Fia)

Fia tried to cast magic while sitting, but maybe because the poison was not completely out of her system, she could not concentrate her mana well. I placed a hand on her shoulder to reassure her, then stepped forward as if to shield her.

“Step back, Sirius. You can’t defeat it, but you can at least drive it away.” (Fia)

“It’s alright. Leave this to me.” (Sirius)

The wyvern was now right in front of us. Finding its prey, it dived at us. I pointed my index finger at the wyvern.

“Listen, Fia? Spirit magic isn’t the only powerful thing. I’ll show you that.” (Sirius)

“Wait, what are you saying–…” (Fia)

“‘Magnum.’” (Sirius)

The mana bullet, which I have repeatedly fired over these years and improved in accuracy, was released from my fingertip. Imagining a bullet that causes an ‘impact’ upon hitting, the bullet pierced the wyvern’s eye in an instant and sent a shockwave through its brain, causing its head to explode. Naturally, the wyvern could no longer be alive, and with the momentum of its dive, it continued gliding past us and fell to the ground.

Fia was dumbfounded, staring at the instantly dead wyvern, but after a while, she restarted and slowly turned her face toward me.

“What was that just now? What exactly did you do?” (Fia)

“It’s one of the original magics I can use. The power is as you saw, but what do you think, Fia?” (Sirius)

“I have no words. To cast such a powerful magic without even chanting…” (Fia)

“So, it really is amazing even to you, Fia. Don’t tell anyone about this magic, okay?” (Sirius)

“I’m not planning to tell, but why? If you can use such magic, invitations from nobles and royalty would be endless–… ah!?” (Fia)

“It’d be annoying to have lots of people trying to use a child, right? See, just like you, Fia.” (Sirius)

So, it’s not just Fia who hides tremendous power. In other words, if we share our secrets with each other, it will be good.

“I see… okay. Then I’ll keep quiet about before, so you keep quiet about mine, okay?” (Fia)

“Understood.” (Sirius)

Yes… Fia and I are comrades who share the same secret.

Understanding my intention, she finally gave me a genuine smile.

While waiting for Fia’s recovery, I examined the wyvern’s corpse. Since its head was exploded and blood was scattered, I had to finish processing it before other monsters gathered. As I inspected the parts that might be valuable, Fia, now able to walk, groaned while looking up at the wyvern.

“But… it really is amazing. You defeated the wyvern just by pointing your finger.” (Fia)

“It’s not just anywhere. I aimed for the soft part. The eye isn’t covered by scales, after all.” (Sirius)

“Just being able to aim such a small spot is enough. But what are you doing?” (Fia)

Although it was not a particularly large specimen, as expected of a dragon species. I was trying to skin it, but no matter what, the blade wouldn’t go through even the wing membrane spreading across the wings.

“I want this wing membrane, but this knife won’t do. It’s sturdy and flexible, so I want it somehow.” (Sirius)

“Ah, that small knife won’t work. Here, I’ll lend you this.” (Fia)

Fia threw me a knife that shone entirely in green. I have seen many knives in my previous life, but this was the first time I had seen such a beautiful and apparently practical knife. It looked like a work of art and feels wasteful to use, but Fia smiled as if saying “please”, so I accepted it without hesitation.

“Oh… this is amazing.” (Sirius)

“It’s a knife made of mithril metal, which is light, durable, and allows mana to pass through easily.” (Fia)

Just by lightly stroking the surface, the wing membrane, which did not even get scratched before, was easily cut. Surprised by its sharpness, I continued skinning and, having secured it, I stepped away from the wyvern with satisfaction.

“No, thank you for lending me such an amazing knife. Thanks to it, it ended easily.” (Sirius)

“It’s fine to this extent, but are you done? There are scales and other parts to skin too.” (Fia)

“I already have a full load just from the wing membrane. If I get greedy, it’ll interfere with flying.” (Sirius)

With such a flexible and sturdy wing membrane, it seemed it could be used for many purposes. Fia looked at me with a curious expression as I folded the wing membrane and carried it on my back.

“Such lack of greed. The adventurers I have seen would strip every sellable part down to the bone. Especially since Wyverns are a dragon species, they sell for a high price.” (Fia)

It seemed like selling would bring money, but having Dee sell it and raising suspicion about the source would be troublesome. So, I secured just a few scales, enough to bluff that we found them.

“It’s a complicated position, you see. I can’t just easily go sell materials. How about you, Fia? You don’t need them?” (Sirius)

“I’m on my way back home, so even if I took them, I wouldn’t be able to sell them. I don’t need them.” (Fia)

“Then, we’ll just leave the rest. By the way, how is your condition?” (Sirius)

Fia moved her hands, hopped around a bit, and smiled as she placed her hand on my head and stroked it.

Hm… Being stroked by a beautiful woman isn’t so bad.

“There is still some numbness left, but if it’s just moving, it seems fine. Thanks to you.” (Fia)

“Then, shall we move soon? Monsters might gather around the Wyvern’s corpse.” (Sirius)

“Yes. Then, please.” (Fia)

Fia smiled and extended both hands toward me. I had intended it from the start, but I never thought she would ask me so directly.

“I guess I have no choice. Then, I will carry you.” (Sirius)

“Fufu, thank you. Oh, but don’t misunderstand. I’m only entrusting my body to you because it’s Sirius. It’s not like any man will do.” (Fia)

“I’m honored to be trusted that much. Then, milady, shall we go?” (Sirius)

“Yes, go ahead!” (Fia)

Once again, I carried Fia in a princess carry and kicked off the ground to fly through the sky. The destination was Fia’s hometown, which was not too far from here, so I thought to carry her there. While flying, Fia and I chatted casually in high spirits.

“In our Elf village, there is a custom to travel outside the world once reaching a certain age. A few years ago, that time came for me, and I have been traveling the world ever since.” (Fia)

“What a coincidence. I also plan to travel the world when I grow up.” (Sirius)

“Oh, that’s nice. Although there are many hardships and troubles, traveling is truly fun.” (Fia)

I had heard Elves were a closed-off race rarely leaving the forest, but Fia gave no such impression, genuinely laughing joyfully.

“You seem a bit different from the Elves I’ve seen in books.” (Sirius)

“That’s true. It may sound strange coming from me, but I’m a bit of an oddball among Elves. Ordinary Elves shut themselves in the forest and don’t want to go outside. They have a strange pride, but I’m the opposite. I wanted to know the outside world, so when I reached the age of the custom, I happily ran outside.” (Fia)

“Haha, I don’t dislike that kind of personality.” (Sirius)

“Fufu, I’m glad to hear that. So, I was enjoying my travels, but after ten years I had to return home. And that’s when I got attacked on the way back.” (Fia)

“Couldn’t you have handled those guys, Fia?” (Sirius)

“Well, I could have easily with spirit magic, but I let my guard down a little.” (Fia)

On the way back, running out of travel money, she took on a group job where those guys were present. There were also novice adventurers, and Fia was teaching them as a senior, but those guys tricked the novice adventurers and secretly poisoned Fia with paralysis poison.

“They apparently fed them lies without me knowing, and the novice, unaware of anything, treated me to a drink as thanks. I noticed the poison they secretly mixed only after drinking, and I escaped before the paralysis fully set in…” (Fia)

“They caught up and that’s when we met.” (Sirius)

“That’s right. Well, those guys got their comeuppance, but now I might even be a little grateful. Because I met Sirius.” (Fia)

“You say such embarrassing things so casually. Well, I feel the same way.” (Sirius)

“I don’t hide my feelings. I’m glad if Sirius thinks the same.” (Fia)

I only helped her, yet she expressed such sincere feelings directly. While receiving that pleasant affection, we continued flying, and the forest abruptly ended as if cut out, revealing a grassland.
It wasn’t a very large grassland, but curiously no monsters were visible there.

“The forest beyond that grassland is the Elf territory, protected by a barrier that repels people and monsters. This grassland is the border.” (Fia)

If we went straight in from the air, we would be recognized as enemies and attacked, so under Fia’s guidance, we landed just before the forest.

“This is enough. This forest is like my garden.” (Fia)

“Wow, as expected of the forest folk. By the way, what happens if I enter this forest?” (Sirius)

“The barrier detects any intruder other than Elves immediately, and they get bombarded with arrows. Even if you somehow get past that, your sense of direction would be thrown off, and I don’t think you could reach the village.” (Fia)

“So, the security is strict. That would greatly reduce danger from outsiders.” (Sirius)

“True, the danger is low, but it’s because of this that Elves become reclusive. I’m a little worried about the future.” (Fia)

Fia smiled wryly but did not enter the forest. She sat on a nearby rock and patted the spot beside her as if inviting me to sit. It was still morning and there was plenty of time, and I hadn’t finished talking yet, so I sat beside Fia, who smiled when our eyes met.

“By the way, flying in the sky was really fun. The distance that would normally take one or two days went by in an instant, and above all, it felt good.” (Fia)

“If you go too fast, the wind pressure is harsh, but I agree it feels good.” (Elf)

“Hey Sirius. Earlier, we stopped midway, but I want to ask again. Could you teach me how to fly in the sky?” (Fia)

“You mean ‘Air Step’? That one consumes a lot of energy, so I don’t recommend it.” (Sirius)

“That’s fine. I’ve tried many times to fly, but I keep falling, and it’s not fun at all.” (Fia)

Apparently, in the past she tried flying by directly hitting her body with spirit magic wind, but it was more like being blown around than flying, unable to float in the air and just falling down, she lamented.

“I barely survive by hitting the wind just before falling, but no matter how many times I try, I can’t do it well. Still, I can’t give up on flying in the sky. So please!” (Fia)

She seemed serious, putting her hands together in front of me and making a request.

“If it is something I can do, I will do anything for you. When I grow up, I might even become your lover.” (Fia)

“Putting lovers aside, Fia, you should give up on my way of flying.” (Sirius)

“…I guess it really is impossible?” (Fia)

“That’s not it. Since you can see the wind spirits, if you practice, you will be able to jump.” (Sirius)

“Practice? But you just said the wind only blows me away, didn’t you?” (Fia)

“No, it’s all about how you use the wind. Listen, there is a phenomenon called lift…” (Sirius)

Because airplanes that existed in my previous life fly in the sky by using the phenomenon called lift. However, if I explained it in detail, I thought Fia wouldn’t understand, so I made a model airplane carved from wood and hung it with a string, then had her blow wind on it to show the actual thing while continuing the explanation.

“When wind is blown in this direction, the rear part rises. What’s important is the direction of the wind.” (Sirius)

“…Amazing, I’m starting to feel like I could actually fly. But controlling it looks difficult. If I fail, it might be more than just an injury.” (Fia)

“I’m here, right? If it gets dangerous, I’ll save you, so don’t be afraid to fail and just practice.” (Sirius)

“Not afraid to fail… I see, I have no choice but to challenge!” (Fia)

Fia, motivated, immediately began practicing. Since it seemed difficult to stand and receive the wind, she first lay prone on the ground.

“Looking at me now from the outside, I must look uncool.” (Fia)

“You’re only being watched by me. Besides, once you get used to it, you might be able to fly normally.” (Sirius)

“That’s right, flying comes before looking cool. By the way… how do you move?” (Fia)

I was standing next to Fia but moved slightly toward her upper body.

“I don’t want to say it, but you can see under the skirt, right?” (Sirius)

“If it’s you, Sirius, I don’t mind being seen.” (Fia)

“…Enough, just start.” (Sirius)

“It’s true though. Well then… wind, please!” (Fia)

At the same time Fia whispered, a strong wind blew from the front. I wondered if it was okay to receive that wind pressure in her face, but Fia controlled the flow of the wind, so it did not hit her eyes or mouth. I was impressed by her considerable control ability as the wind increased in strength, and finally she succeeded in lifting off the ground.

“Y-yes! I finally flew in the sky–… ah!?” (Fia)

Maybe because she was too happy and relaxed, she lost control of the wind for a moment, which became a violent gust, and Fia was blown far up into the sky in an instant.

“Alright, recovered.” (Sirius)

But before she fell, I flew to rescue her. Catching her in a cradle hold, Fia excitedly hugged my neck.

“I finally flew! Thank you, Sirius!” (Fia)

“That’s good. So… what will you do next?” (Sirius)

“Of course, I will try again. Next time, I will fly even higher. I might cause trouble, but please help me.” (Fia)

Once she landed, Fia immediately resumed practicing. Each time she tried, she flew higher and more freely, but naturally fell more times as well. Each time I rescued her, and by now the number of falls had easily passed double digits, but she never gave up and continued to challenge herself. I wondered if all these falls would give her trauma, but before the fear of falling could numb her…

“Oops, failure again. Thank you, my prince.” (Fia)

“You don’t give up, do you?” (Sirius)

Being rescued midair seemed like a princess in a story, and she rather joyfully enjoyed it. I admired her attitude of trying to enjoy everything fully. By practicing like this happily, her skill improved quickly, and by past noon she had perfected altitude maintenance.

We took a break and tried to eat lunch, but since she had hurried away from the men, she didn’t have any food. So, I shared the sandwich I had with her, and she was so impressed by the mayonnaise I made that she eagerly demanded to be taught how to make it. I didn’t mind sharing the recipe but warned her it was hard to make, so do your best. I also reminded her not to overeat.

After the break, practice resumed, and having caught on to the knack, the number of falls decreased. She could even do somersaults in midair. Though her skirt revealed everything beneath, she genuinely didn’t care. By the time she could safely land without me, it was already around sunset.

“Yeah, no complaints. You pass.” (Sirius)

“Yay! Thanks to you.” (Fia)

At last, we high-fived in joy, but I looked toward the deeply sinking sun. If we didn’t return soon, Erina and the others would get worried. When I looked at Fia to tell her we should go back, she also noticed and wore a slightly sad expression.

“Is this… farewell?” (Fia)

“Yeah. But I remember the place, so I will come to see you again.” (Sirius)

“…Sorry. After I return from the journey, I probably won’t be able to leave that forest for about ten years. So, for a while, it might be impossible…” (Fia)

“What’s that about? It seems like it will be impossible for me to enter the forest too.” (Sirius)

“That’s right. Anyone other than elves will definitely be turned away, and even if I enter, it might be difficult for me to protect you.” (Fia)

“It’s a problem between races, huh. Such trivial problems exist everywhere.” (Sirius)

“Exactly. Even though you and I have become so close, what kind of race problem is that! And what is this purification ritual? They say it cleanses the external defilement, but there’s no need for ten years.” (Fia)

Muttering complaints, she kicked a stone at her feet. After sulking for a while, she remembered something, dropped to her knees and crouched down, meeting my gaze.

“I have said it many times already, but truly, thank you, Sirius. I want to thank you properly, but there is not much I can give you.” (Fia)

“Don’t worry about it. I enjoyed a lot myself since I met you, Fia.” (Sirius)

“I’m not satisfied with that. Besides that, is there something else… oh, I will give you this. You said it was amazing after all.” (Fia)

She said that and handed me the mithril knife she had.

To be honest, I wanted it, but is it really okay to just hand over such an expensive item? Also, if I look closely, there seems to be some kind of engraving.

“Isn’t this something that’s passed down through generations? You shouldn’t give it to others.” (Sirius)

“It’s fine. I received it with the words ‘take care of yourself more than the knife’, and without you, Sirius, I wouldn’t have returned safely. Please accept it without hesitation.” (Fia)

“…If you say that much, then I will gratefully accept it.” (Sirius)

“There is one more thing I can give you, but will you accept it?” (Fia)

“Just this is enough, but if it will satisfy you, then…” (Sirius)

“Then, close your eyes just a little.” (Fia)

I did not think she would do anything at this point, so I obediently closed my eyes. A few seconds later… I felt a soft sensation on my lips, so I opened my eyes without thinking, and Fia’s face was right before me. I thought again how beautiful she was, when she opened her eyes and, with a slightly red face, stepped back and smiled shyly.

“Geez… I told you to close your eyes.” (Fia)

“…Normally, wouldn’t it be the cheek or forehead?” (Sirius)

“Huh!? You’re not surprised at all. It was my first time… that’s unfair.” (Fia)

“I am definitely surprised. But suddenly a kiss on the mouth, elves have an extreme way of expressing affection.” (Sirius)

It was our first day meeting. I helped her in various ways, but I could not think she was in love with a child. Different races have different customs, so this must be something like gratitude to a close friend.

“No, I am serious. It’s strange even to myself, but it seems I have truly fallen in love with you. So, this is a reservation. I said before noon, if it is something I can do, I will do anything.” (Fia)

“I thought it was a joke. Also… what kind of reservation is that?” (Sirius)

“In ten years, Sirius will be a fine adult, right? So, when that time comes, I want you to take me. Oh, but if you have two or three marriage partners in ten years, then I can be a mistress.” (Fia)

“…Are you really okay with that?” (Sirius)

“Of course. I am currently 252 years old, so even when you become an old man, I will still be in my prime and a bargain. This is my one-sided opinion, so if it is impossible, I will give up…” (Fia)

She smiled, but when she said she would give up, her face looked a little sad. Being confronted with such pure feelings, I must respond properly.

“I don’t really understand Elf ages. Ha… fine. When we meet again in ten years, if your feelings have not changed… I will take you.” (Sirius)

“Really!? Don’t worry, they will not change.” (Fia)

Fia smiled broadly and hugged me.

Come to think of it, Fia is beautiful and not a bad personality. She is a woman too good for me. Not bad at all.

“Well then, Sirius, let us… meet again.” (Fia)
“Yes, when that time comes, I will come here again.” (Sirius)
“Yes, I will be waiting.” (Fia)

We shook hands one last time, and Fia disappeared into the forest while waving her hand energetically. After confirming her figure completely vanished, I ran through the sky and headed back to the mansion. Thus ended my encounter with the elf woman Fia, and our reunion was set for ten years later.

I do not know what will happen from now, but I look forward to seeing her again.

 

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