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

 

 

The Road to Gaining Trust

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The settlements of the Silver Wolf Tribe exist scattered throughout the Adlode Continent.

One such settlement was the western settlement, the very place where Emilia and Reus once resided. It had been a peaceful settlement surrounded by forest, sustained by hunting and agriculture. It had been. The past tense is necessary, for that settlement has already been destroyed and not a single trace of it remains.

A little over a year ago, while Emilia and Reus were living in peace, their settlement was suddenly attacked by a horde of monsters. Naturally, they resisted, but the overwhelming number of monsters soon pressed them back. Emilia’s father, the chief and strongest warrior of the settlement, fought valiantly, yet he could not prevail against the violence of sheer numbers and was devoured before Emilia’s very eyes. Reus, who had been with their mother, was spared from witnessing that dreadful sight. Just as a weeping Emilia was about to be seized by a monster, her mother leapt forward and saved her at the last possible moment. The three of them fled desperately, yet when they were finally surrounded, the mother entrusted Emilia with her younger brother and, alone, plunged into the horde of monsters.

By sacrificing her life in that reckless charge, their mother granted the two of them a chance to escape.

They fled the settlement, running without any sense of direction. Eventually, when they collapsed from exhaustion, they were discovered by passing humans. However, as ill fortune would have it, those humans were slave traders. If they had treated the children properly as valuable merchandise, their fate might have been less cruel, but this was another world. The treatment they received was harsh in the extreme. Food was meager, and if they showed even the slightest resistance, beatings and kicks followed as a matter of course. Emilia lost her ability to speak when she unknowingly consumed poisoned food and her throat was ruined. It had been her attempt to act as poison taster for Reus, who refused to eat due to mistrust of humans. That devotion turned against her.

Even so, they continued to live on, determined not to allow the sacrifices of their parents to be in vain. They resisted again and again, demanding that they would only be sold together, and before they realized it, nearly a year of slavery had passed.

At last, a chance to escape arrived. The transport caravan of the slave traders was attacked by a horde of monsters. Though it was a tragedy that the same kind of horde had destroyed their settlement, ironically it became their salvation. In the ensuing chaos, the two of them fled, wandering through the forest in fear of monsters. With their collars constantly draining their mana, their legs unsteady, they encountered yet another monster. They ran desperately, but when they could go no further, they collapsed in exhaustion.

It was at that moment that I intervened.

“…Well then, that is the reason why the two of them were in that place.” (Sirius)

A few days after taking them in, I was relaxing at Lior’s house. Today was the day for sparring. We had just finished a fierce bout, and now we were taking a rest while drinking tea. When asked about the two children, I gave my explanation.

“Hmmm, so the settlement was attacked by a horde of monsters. And then followed by a life of slavery. Truly, their luck is wretched indeed.” (Lior)

“Indeed. Their injuries are nearly healed, and yet not a smile crosses their faces.” (Sirius)

“Since they saw their parents perish before their very eyes, the wounds upon their hearts must be deep. So, what shall you do?” (Lior)

“I shall begin by befriending them.” (Sirius)

The two of them possess a firm will to become strong. That determination is an essential quality for growth. However, each carries certain problems.

Emilia is obedient, for she understands that I am her savior, but inwardly she is extremely unstable. She acts strong for her brother’s sake, yet I have witnessed her quietly weeping when she is alone. The fear and anxiety that she has nowhere to turn should she be abandoned, combined with the sorrow of losing her parents before her very eyes, still remain unhealed. Bearing that grief in silence without anyone to rely upon, she continues to endure. If left unchecked, she may well collapse under the strain, and so I must find a way to release her grief little by little.

Reus, on the other hand, is a cheeky child, but that is merely bravado. In truth, he is afraid and wishes to flee, yet in his desperate resolve to protect his sister, he forces himself to stand tall. Erina perceived this and, when Reus was alone, she pampered him, whereupon he yielded with ease. Erina’s motherly kindness is extraordinary, of course, but Reus is still a child, and his yearning for a mother figure is only natural. Perhaps displeased that both Erina and his sister praised me, he rebels against me at every opportunity. With time and maturity, that obstinacy may fade, but I cannot simply ignore it.

In the end, the true cause is a lack of trust in me. The training that lies ahead must not be taken lightly, and in everyday life I must ensure proper communication with them.

“I do not expect them to laugh during training, but at least during meals or moments of peace, I want them to smile. They are children, after all.” (Sirius)

“As for me, I find joy in nothing more than swinging a sword.” (Lior)

“That applies only to you, Jii-san. You are a deviant.” (Sirius)

“Hahaha. I am fully aware of that. You are the one at fault for taking in such troubled children.” (Lior)

“Say what you like. I shall raise them into disciples whom even you will envy.” (Sirius)

“Very well, I look forward to it. If you wish me to teach them the sword, I am willing to lend a hand.” (Lior)

“Hmmm, that may indeed be worthwhile. I shall consider it. Well then, shall I take my leave for now?” (Sirius)

“Concerned about your disciples, are you? I had thought of demanding another match, but it cannot be helped.” (Lior)

For reference, my record against Lior stands at 30 victories, 12 defeats, and eight draws out of 50 matches. Jii-san takes greater delight in losing than in winning. His greatest joy is to challenge the strong, so he never throws a match intentionally. A troublesome elder, to be sure. Though I narrowly secured victory today, Lior has been regaining his strength at an alarming pace. If I am careless, he will soon overtake me. Yet that very tension is a blessing, for a rival is truly invaluable.

After parting ways with Lior and completing some errands, I returned home in the evening. Descending from the sky, I landed before the gate and found Noel and Emilia cleaning the entrance. Noel appeared as usual, but Emilia widened her eyes in astonishment.

“Welcome home! Come now, Emi-chan, you must greet him as well.” (Noel)

“Ah… y-yes! Welcome home, Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“I am home. You seem strangely flustered. Did something happen?” (Sirius)

“Nothing in particular. Ah, now that I think of it, this is the first time I have seen Sirius-sama’s flying magic.” (Emilia)

“Indeed, when I rescued you, you were unconscious.” (Sirius)

“That was… magic…?” (Emilia)

“Apparently so. But if you start being surprised by every one of Sirius-sama’s actions, there will be no end to it. It is best to accept that he is simply such a person.” (Noel)

“I understand, Noel-san.” (Emilia)

“Wrong. Deduction of points.” (Noel)

Noel raised one finger and scolded.

Deduction of points? I am fairly certain she made no mistake. Could it be some subtle error invisible to anyone but a maid? It seems Noel has become a splendid senior indeed.

“That is correct. Now then… ‘Onee-chan?’” (Emilia)

“Good. Yes, when you call me, you must say Onee-chan… ow ow ow ow ow!” (Noel)

I punished her with an iron claw hold. Recently, it has become something of my personal amusement.

“Ouch. My face will become even smaller. Please, be more gentle.” (Noel)

“Apologies but calling yourself Onee-chan is out of the question. At the very least, say senpai.” (Sirius)

Though it was improper to reprimand a senior in front of her junior, the matter was so absurd that I acted without thinking.

“She is entirely agreeable to it herself. Is that not so, Emi-chan?” (Noel)

“Y-yes. I do not mind calling her Onee-chan.” (Emilia)

Though Emilia’s tone carried a faint air of bewilderment, since they seemed to be getting along, I decided to let the matter rest.

“You returned rather late today. Were you searching for something?” (Emilia)

“I was gathering ingredients for a new dish.” (Sirius)

“Oooh. Will it be sweet? Or spicy?” (Noel)

“Spicy, I suppose. I plan to make hamburger steak using ground meat and tofu.” (Sirius)

“I see. I do not truly understand, but I look forward to it.” (Noel)

“You never change.” (Sirius)

Passing between the two of them with a wry smile, I sensed Emilia’s gaze and turned back to look at her.

“What is the matter?” (Sirius)

“Ah… no, it is nothing…” (Emilia)

“Tofu hamburger steak is good for one’s health, so you must eat plentifully.” (Sirius)

“Y-yes.” (Emilia)

Hmm. She obeys orders, yet when it is only ordinary conversation such as casual talk, she suddenly becomes stiff. Has her wariness not yet been dispelled? She appears to have recovered to the point that she is able to help with work, so perhaps it is time to take some action.

“Ha-fuu… I feel as though I have opened yet another new door.” (Noel)

After supper, when the attendants had finished eating the tofu hamburg steak, they nodded with satisfaction.

“Unlike simple roasted meat, this was very easy to eat. As expected of Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

“To think that tofu could possess such flavor and texture. Cooking is truly a profound art.” (Noel)

“Indeed. Next time, I shall challenge myself as well.” (Dee)

“Indeed, it was a humble dish.” (Sirius)

In contrast to the three who praised me, the two newcomers wore expressions that betrayed some dissatisfaction. Seizing upon that attitude without delay, Erina cut in.

“How was it, you two? You even asked for second helpings, so it seems it suited your tastes.” (Erina)

“Um… yes.” (Emilia)

“P-probably…” (Reus)

“In that case, you must express yourselves properly. To one who cooks, words of praise or gratitude bring joy regardless of whether they come from master or attendant.” (Erina)

“Yes. Sirius-sama, it was delicious.” (Emilia)

“Ugh… i-it was delicious…” (Reus)

“Very well. You need not force yourselves to say it. If you find it delicious, simply state it honestly, and that is enough.” (Sirius)

Erina is even diligent in the education of sensibility, and that is a great help. Yet I cannot understand. Reus is obviously only being rebellious, but Emilia is difficult to read. As the days pass, she appears to lose energy, so it may be best to hasten matters.

“Emilia, later come to my room.” (Sirius)

“Ah! Y-yes!” (Emilia)

“What are you planning to do to my sister!” (Reus)

“What, it is the usual. I apologize, but Erina.” (Sirius)

“Leave it to me. Reus, let us study a little.” (Erina)

“But Nee-chan, Nee-chan is… ah—!” (Reus)

Dragged off and forced to leave by Erina, Reus was removed from the room.

His reaction is suspicious, yet what I am about to do is by no means indecent.

“You two as well, do not approach for a while.” (Sirius)

“We understand.” (Dee and Noel)

Dee and Noel spoke in perfect unison. These two truly possess excellent compatibility. As I was about to return to my room, Noel called out, smiling while raising her thumb.

“Sirius-sama, you must be gentle with women–… ah-it-hurts-hurts! Not the face, nooo!” (Noel)

 

—

 

A few minutes after I returned to my room, a hesitant knock resounded.

“Enter.” (Sirius)

“…Excuse me.” (Emilia)

The door opened, and Emilia entered with a tense expression. She wore the oversized robe she had been given as a substitute for nightclothes, and before I even spoke, she removed it. Now in her undergarments, Emilia averted her gaze in embarrassment.

“Then, lie upon the bed on your back.” (Sirius)

“…Yes.” (Emilia)

I will repeat it once again, but what I am about to do is not an indecent act. At most, I find a seven-year-old girl cute, and besides, as I am still six years old, I have not yet developed sexual desire. The reason I summoned her is to erase her scars. In her case, the marks are almost entirely from cuts and bruises. That much can be dealt with, not through complicated means such as surgery or medicine, but by my mana metabolism.

Why do scars remain in the first place? When humans heal wounds naturally, various cells cooperate in repairing the injury. Yet even if the surface skin is perfectly restored, within it remains tissue called cicatrix. Since that differs in appearance, it is visible as a scar. In short, it is not the skin on the surface, but the underlying part that appears different, that makes the scar noticeable. Burns or gouged injuries are a separate matter, but those shall be omitted here.

By focusing mana at that point, and erasing the cicatrix through metabolism, the scar can be eliminated. It is a forceful method that only one with both mana and medical knowledge such as I could accomplish. If I possessed water-attribute recovery magic, it would surely be easier, yet my no-attribute element is truly incompatible with the other elements. When I attempted to use “Flame” and restricted it to the utmost limit, all that appeared was barely at the level of a match. Well, my attribute is irrelevant now. Let us begin the treatment.

“Today we shall start with your abdomen. I will touch you.” (Sirius)

“Please.” (Emilia)

The arms and legs had already been dealt with, leaving only the abdomen and back, which were hidden by clothing. For Reus, being male, I left the smaller marks untouched and mostly finished, but for a girl, care must be taken with the skin. Using “Search”, I carefully circulated mana. Blushing furiously, she endured with her eyes shut, squirming each time my hand moved as if it tickled. I continued the treatment without distraction, and at the sight of the scars vanishing from her abdomen, I felt satisfaction.

“Yes, it has become beautiful skin. Indeed, a girl ought to be like this.” (Sirius)

“Thank you… very much.” (Emilia)

“Next is your back. Turn over as you are.” (Sirius)

She presented her back, but it too bore many scars. No doubt, when faced with violence, she instinctively turned her back, and the result is these painful marks. Weary of the sight, I sought to distract myself and, as I continued the treatment, I spoke to her.

“Have you grown accustomed to life here? Dealing with Noel must be tiring, since she acts according to her emotions.” (Sirius)

“Y-yes! Everyone has treated me very well. Noe… Onee-san is kind… truly.” (Emilia)

Why should she falter at the word “kind”? From my experience, it is because she is kind, yet excessively overbearing.

“Well, if anything troubles you, speak freely.” (Sirius)

“It is… it is enough. Already it is more than I deserve.” (Emilia)

This is troubling. Conversation does not flow. She only returns what she is told. I wish for her to reveal her true feelings, but this is no different from usual. If I could only find some foothold.

As I proceeded silently, nearly finished with the scars on her back, I came upon one that was different. Upon her shoulder was a mark, not a cut or whip lash, but a bite wound.

“Did Reus perhaps bite you? Shall I heal this one as well?” (Sirius)

“No!” (Emilia)

The instant I touched her shoulder, she sprang upright as if bursting forth, retreating from me. Her face was distorted in fear, and clutching the scar with her hand, she panted heavily. As if she might flee at any moment, I raised both hands and spoke gently.

“See, I am not doing anything. I am not angry, so tell me.” (Sirius)

“This… this one must not be touched…” (Emilia)

“Must not be touched, meaning the scar must not be erased?” (Sirius)

At those words she nodded again and again. Though she ceased trying to escape, she sat upon the edge of the bed, looking at me with imploring eyes. Her speech regressed from her usual adult-like tone to that of a child, and if I provoked her poorly, there was no telling what she might do. Perhaps I ought to summon Erina to calm her, yet this may be the foothold I sought. Now is the time to step into the depths of her heart.

“Can you tell me the reason? From whom did that wound come?” (Sirius)

“…Okaa-san.” (Emilia)

What, domestic violence? That cannot be. But what kind of mother bites her daughter’s shoulder?

“We of the Silver Wolf Tribe… as an expression of affection, we bite the one we love.” (Emilia)

Like puppies that bite one another, or a pet dog that nips its master in play. Indeed, I recall the dog I owned as a child often did the same to me.

“To bite the shoulder is proof of love. Okaa-san bit me… and then, she leapt into the horde of monsters!” (Emilia)

She must have remembered. She must have remembered the back of her mother as she plunged into certain death in order to allow her two children to escape. From Emilia’s eyes, tears overflowed.

“Why… why is it so! Okaa-san, why do you leave me behind! And Otou-san, why as well! Did you not say that you loved me! If you love me, then come back! Even if you entrust Reus to me, I cannot do it! Even if I am the elder sister, I am not happy. Without Okaa-san and Okaa-san, I cannot endure! What is this thing called slavery? Why am I struck? I hate the pain! Why, why must such things happen to me!? No… I cannot bear it anymore…” (Emilia)

Crying out and screaming, as if fleeing from everything, she buried her face in her knees and curled herself into a ball. For a seven-year-old child, to accept the sight of her parents dying before her eyes was too heavy a burden. Because of her younger brother she had no doubt forced herself to appear strong, but she had endured remarkably well up to this point.

“Emilia.” (Sirius)

“…No.” (Emilia)

“Listen to me, Emilia.” (Sirius)

“Ah!?” (Emilia)

Drawing close to the girl who rejected me, I placed my hand upon her head and stroked it, just as I had done when we first met.

“Was your mother skilled in battle?” (Sirius)

At my question she shook her head.

“I see, your mother was not strong. Yet, she willingly plunged herself into the horde of monsters. Why do you think that was?” (Sirius)

“…I do not know.” (Emilia)

“It was in order to protect you and your brother. And remember this. What expression was upon your mother’s face?” (Sirius)

“…She was smiling.” (Emilia)

“That smile meant that she did not begrudge giving up her life for the sake of protecting you. And that bite mark upon your shoulder. For such a scar to remain shows how deeply she bit. In other words, it was proof of how greatly she loved you. Do you understand?” (Sirius)

“…Okaa-san.” (Emilia)

“Do you remember your mother’s final words?” (Sirius)

“‘Live strongly, I love you’… she said.” (Emilia)

“Then, you must live strongly. Respond to your mother’s love by becoming strong. And furthermore, you must protect your younger brother, must you not?” (Sirius)

“Yes… I must protect Reus.” (Emilia)

“That is right. It is sorrowful, but you must accept it and face forward. I shall be here to watch over you.” (Sirius)

“U… ah… aaaaaah!” (Emilia)

With an impact that could be mistaken for a tackle, she hurled herself into my chest. At that tremendous force I nearly staggered, but I somehow withstood it and gently embraced her. When I had first taken her in, her hair had been disheveled and wild, but now it had become lustrous and beautiful silver hair, which I gently stroked.

“It must have been painful. Yet now it is all right. Here there is no one who will strike you, so cry with all your heart.” (Sirius)

“Yes… yes…” (Emilia)

“From now on you shall eat until you are full and sleep with peace of mind. By doing so, you shall grow strong. You must also strengthen your heart, just as your mother did.” (Sirius)

“Yes… I shall become strong.” (Emilia)

“Speak your will clearly. And when you are troubled, you must consult us as well.” (Sirius)

“Yes… I shall say it…” (Emilia)

“Someday you must find what you yourself wish to do. And when you do, I shall support you.” (Sirius)

“…Yes!” (Emilia)

At those words, the strength of her embrace grew, and she wept with all her might.

By the time the sobbing girl finally quieted down, the sound of calm breathing could be heard. After weeping so much, exhaustion was only natural. In any case, this should suffice as her release.

Wiping her tear- and mucus-stained face, I laid her upon my bed and covered her with a blanket. For tonight, she would not wish for her younger brother to see her face, so I decided to yield the bed to her. Leaving the room so as not to wake her sleeping with such a peaceful expression, I found in the corridor the attendants, save for Reus, waiting. After all that weeping and screaming, it was only natural that they would be concerned.

“You have worked hard. With this, her pent-up resentment should have been released. It was a splendid display of skill.” (Erina)

“Indeed. Had I failed, she might have broken, but somehow it worked out.” (Sirius)

Although the result had turned out well, I had nonetheless gouged at her unhealed old wounds. There had been the possibility that her mind might have collapsed, unable to endure the madness. That she bore it was a testament to the strength of her heart—or perhaps, also to the power of her parents’ love. I wonder what face she will show tomorrow. I hope that she will smile.

“Even so, Sirius-sama, you are entirely a lady-killer. Emi-chan has already been utterly bewitched.” (Noel)

“Listen here, I only treated her as a parent would. I did not act in order to make her my woman.” (Sirius)

“No, no, there is no woman alive who could fail to fall in love after being embraced in such a way.” (Noel)

“That sentiment will soon vanish. In a few days I intend to begin the special training I have prepared, and she shall have no time for such feelings.” (Sirius)

“Ugh! You mean you are going to do that? Do you not think you could be a little kinder to them…? No, I suppose you do not.” (Noel)

Recalling the training that I routinely performed, Noel turned pale and pitied the two children.

“How is Reus faring?” (Sirius)

“That child, though not as much as Emilia, has also released the emotions he had been bottling up, and has now fallen asleep.” (Erina)

“I see. Forgive me, truly, it should have been my role, since I was the one who took them in.” (Sirius)

“Because they yearned for a parent, I was suitable for the role. Besides, they were adorable.” (Erina)

“With you, Erina, you are the very image of a mother. Indeed, I also think of you as a mother.” (Sirius)

“Ah!? Th-thank you very much!” (Erina)

Erina bowed deeply with joy.

Was that truly something to be thanked for? Well, never mind.

“Since Emilia is using my bed, where should I sleep tonight?” (Sirius)

“In that case, please use my room.” (Erina)

How swift Erina is! Did she not raise her hand before I had even finished speaking?

“No, the sofa in the living room will do. Prepare a blanket.” (Sirius)

“That will not do. I cannot permit my master to sleep in such a place. I shall sleep on the sofa.” (Erina)

“I do not wish for the fatigued Erina to sleep there. Then what of your rooms, you two?” (Sirius)

Oi, attendants. Why do you avert your eyes? And you there with cat ears, do not try to whistle when you cannot.

“My room… is too shabby.” (Dee)

“I was thinking perhaps I might sleep beside Emi-chan. After all, when she wakes, being alone would be lonely.” (Noel)

“Then that would leave a room vacant. I shall borrow your bed, Noel.” (Sirius)

“Well, you see… recently my tail has been shedding much, so my bedding is covered with fur…” (Noel)

How poor your excuses are, yet I have discerned your intent. So that is how it is, that is how it is.

“Sigh… Erina, shall we sleep together then?” (Sirius)

“Yes! Then, I shall at once prepare the bed!” (Erina)

It was a smile of full radiance. Though walking, she returned to her room at a speed three times the ordinary.

“It is a little early, but I shall also prepare to sleep. Sirius-sama, I shall borrow the bed.” (Noel)

“Ah, yes, do as you please.” (Sirius)

I already feel exhausted. Upon reflection, it is only natural that I should be tired, since I had fought with Lior today. Judging from the situation, Erina’s preparations will likely be finished in no time, so I too shall go to bed.

“Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

“What is it?” (Sirius)

“I thought it might be impertinent for me to speak out of turn, but with regard to those two children, Sirius-sama has not done anything wrong.” (Dee)

“Is that so?” (Sirius)

“Yes, it is. At the very least, those two will be able to live fulfilling lives under your guidance. They will never fall into misfortune.” (Dee)

“…Thank you.” (Sirius)

With a bow, Dee, who had offered these final words of reassurance, returned to his own room.

Yes, that is right. I do not know what paths the two will follow in the future, but their courses will change depending on how I raise them. It would be best if they could discover their own paths, but I must at least guide them so that they do not choose a life of regret.

“You know… when you stare at me so intently, I cannot help but feel unsettled.” (Sirius)

“I beg your pardon. However, I am unable to fall asleep unless I lie facing in that direction.” (Erina)

“Do not tell lies.” (Sirius)

That night, Erina continued to gaze at me with a blissful expression upon her face.

In the early morning, when the sky was still faintly bright, I rose from bed, careful not to wake Erina who was sleeping beside me, and changed into my exercise clothes laid out in the living room. After taking in a good amount of water, I went outside, stretched thoroughly, and once my body was loosened, I began my jogging with vigor.

Since I ran around the garden, I took care to move stealthily so as not to disturb those who were sleeping. This too was a form of training. Starting lightly, I gradually increased my speed, and once I had sufficiently warmed up, I activated “Boost” and charged into the forest.

I did not fly through the sky, but instead dashed through the forest, treating the trees as obstacles without slowing my pace. I kicked off branches, leapt across rivers, used goblins as stepping stones, and scaled cliffs as though I were flying until I reached the peak of the tallest mountain in the vicinity, which served as my goal.

There, I deactivated “Boost” and commenced muscle training, focusing on push-ups, sit-ups, and running. This was the so-called high-altitude low-oxygen training. Roughly estimated, this altitude was about three thousand, and because of the reduced oxygen and pressure at such a height, the burden placed upon the body was great. By training under those conditions, the effect was dramatically increased. Endurance too rose visibly, so I could recommend it without hesitation.

By the way, in the case of Shishou, I had been forced to undergo such training in snow-covered mountains exceeding five thousand in altitude. I truly thought I would die, and it remains one of the many incidents that I endured.

Since the time for breakfast was drawing near, I ended my training here after about an hour. On the return, I descended by flying gradually lower through the air, for to descend too suddenly would risk bodily disorders caused by the difference in air pressure.

Upon reaching the house, I finished with cool-down exercises. Thus, concluded my morning training regimen. Magic made it easier to move and was truly of great assistance. Without magic, it would have been nothing more than climbing and descending mountains.

As I wiped away the sweat that had risen to the surface, I headed toward the entrance, but felt a sense of incongruity. Ordinarily, after my exercises, Erina would appear with a towel and a drink. It was unusual that she had not, and I tilted my head in thought. Then, hearing footsteps behind me, I turned.

“Did you oversleep, Erina? For you, that would be unusual. Hm?” (Sirius)

“G-good morning, Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

Standing there was not Erina, but Emilia. She held a canteen and a towel, yet her face was flushed crimson, and she lowered her gaze in embarrassment.

Ah, I suppose, after her disgrace yesterday, such a reaction is only natural. Perhaps it is an act of mercy to let the matter pass without remark.

“Good morning, Emilia. May I have the towel?” (Sirius)

“Y-yes! Here it is!” (Emilia)

Accepting the towel she thrust out with great force, I wiped away my sweat, but I felt eyes upon me. It was not only Emilia, who was blushing yet staring intently at me, but also four faces peering from behind the tree in the background.

Just what are those people doing?

“Do your best, Emi-chan!” (Noel)

“Damn it, Nee-chan is falling for that guy. Mngh!” (Reus)

“Be quiet… all right?” (Dee)

“Ah, such is youth.” (Erina)

I enhanced my hearing to listen, and my head ached at once. With a light “Impact” against the tree, I gave them a scare, whereupon they scattered and fled like pigeons.

“Um, please also have this drink.” (Emilia)

“Ah, thank you. I shall take it.” (Sirius)

Though after exercise a warm drink is better for the body than a cold one, this child seemed to understand that well. After I slowly finished drinking and returned the cup, Emilia seemed much calmer. Taking several deep breaths, nodding once with determination, she suddenly bowed deeply.

“About yesterday… thank you very much!” (Emilia)

“Are you already all right now?” (Sirius)

“Yes! Though it was embarrassing, I feel refreshed now.” (Emilia)

True to her words, I no longer sensed the gloomy air that had clung to her yesterday. Though her face was still a little red, she now bore a clear and tranquil expression.

“Although I am still a little sad, I am all right now. I shall become strong. I wish to become strong like my mother and father. Therefore, please, I ask again. Please make me strong!” (Emilia)

“Will you follow me? There will be training harsher than what you endured as a slave. Even so, will you accept it?” (Sirius)

“Yes! I shall follow Sirius-sama!” (Emilia)

“I see. You have overcome the deaths of your parents well.” (Sirius)

“Ah…” (Emilia)

Without thinking, I patted her head. Though she froze for an instant, she soon narrowed her eyes.

“…Ehe.” (Emilia)

She smiled for the first time.

It was a charming, flower-like smile such as a girl of her age might show. Yes, indeed, there is nothing better than seeing a child’s smile. Incidentally, because she is of the Silver Wolf Tribe, she has a fluffy tail, and as I stroked her, it wagged with tremendous vigor. Was she pleased, I wondered, and so I tried ceasing my stroking.

“Ah…” (Emilia)

Her tail stopped, and she even looked sorrowful. I stroked her again.

“Ehehe.” (Emilia)

Her tail resumed wagging. This is dangerous. It is amusing, as though she were a switch. I experimented by stroking her even more firmly, to the point that her hair was tousled.

“Kyaa!” (Emilia)

She let out a cute scream, and her tail wagged so fiercely that it seemed to leave afterimages. Ordinarily, one would dislike being petted so roughly. Even though her hair was disheveled, I wondered what could this mean.

Finding her too adorable and fearing that I would become addicted, I stopped at that point. Though she looked disappointed when I withdrew my hand, I restrained myself. Shifting my focus, I intended to speak to her about breakfast, when I realized something.

“Sirius-sama…” (Emilia)

Wait a moment. The look in her eyes was unmistakable. Yes, they were the eyes of a girl in love. Noel’s words from last night returned to me.

‘Even so, Sirius-sama, you are entirely a lady-killer. Emi-chan has already been utterly bewitched.’

No, no, let me stop and think. Certainly, the way I comforted her could lead to such feelings, but this was never my intention. In my estimation, I had meant to become a stand-in for her parents, a guardian figure.

In fact, in my previous life, I had taken in a girl similar to her, and I had consoled her with words much like those I gave Emilia. The next day, she called me father and relied upon me as though I were truly her parent. Therefore, Emilia too should have been inclined to do the same, or rather, to view me as her father, should she not?

But let me consider. In my previous life, I was over 50 years old, and the girl was about seven. In my present life, I am six years old, and the girl is seven. This is, without mistake, a boy-meets-girl situation. With such a small difference in age, I am not seen as a father but as a boy. If a boy gently embraces her when she is vulnerable, naturally she will fall in love.

No, in any case, I have succeeded in earning her trust. She has overcome her past, and from now on she will grow strong. That is enough. It means I can train her without worry.

As a master, having a disciple who is attached to me is not a problem. Yes, there is no problem at all.

“Sirius-sama, I love you.” (Emilia)

I guess I went too far.

 

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