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

 

 

Gentle Education (from a Single Perspective)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I gave an honest reply to Emilia’s confession. Specifically, I told her that I was still a child and her mentor, therefore I could not answer her feelings… which was a most cowardly response indeed. I thought she might become dejected.

“Please do not worry about it, since it is only me who is admiring you of my own accord. Um, if it is only from time to time, I would be glad if you patted me again.” (Emilia)

Thus, she answered with a beaming smile and returned into the house.

I believe her affection for me is closer to that of gratitude and admiration toward someone dependable, someone she longs to become like, as though I were a person who had accomplished great deeds. In other words, it is not yet fully romantic emotion. Safe.

As I exhaled in relief at being left alone, Noel appeared with a grin that could not possibly be broader. I was irritated, so I placed her in an iron claw hold.

“Nyaaahhh! G-Good job, Emi-chaaan!” (Noel)

What is this? Even while enduring pain, she was praising Emilia. Her resistance to pain has developed quickly. And so, it was indeed you who instigated Emilia. Today I shall deal with you most thoroughly.

Leaving the collapsed and limp Noel on the ground, it became time for breakfast. Today’s breakfast was French toast prepared by Dee. Erina ate with elegance, Dee nodded in satisfaction, and Emilia and Reus ate with delight and even Noel. She had just been lying on the ground moments ago, and yet she recovered quickly indeed.

Observing how the siblings devoured their food, Dee happily addressed them.

“How is it for you both?” (Dee)

“It is delicious. I have never eaten something this good before.” (Emilia)

“It is sweet and the best, Dee-nii. I cannot believe you can make something like this, that is amazing.” (Reus)

“This is a dish I learned from Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

““Eh?”” (Emilia & Reus)

The two then turned toward me, their faces divided into two expressions. One face shone with sparkling admiration, while the other was openly displeased. Needless to say, it is obvious which belonged to whom.

“There is nothing surprising about this. Almost all of the dishes Dee cooks are those taught to him by Sirius-sama.” (Erina)

“That is correct. A new world has opened up before me.” (Dee)

“Fwaa… that is amazing, Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“Hmph. Something like this is not tasty at all!” (Reus)

It seems Reus wished to oppose me to the very end, for even though he had just said it was delicious, now he said this. Even if he is a child, such words toward the one who cooked it are impolite.

I was about to scold him briefly, but Noel acted first.

“Hey! Reu-kun, you must not say such things.” (Noel)

“Ugh…” (Reus)

“Delicious food bears no sin. Look, if you put honey on it, it becomes even tastier, so try it.” (Noel)

“…It is good.” (Reus)

“Is it not? Since you could not have eaten that without Sirius-sama and Dee-san, you must apologize properly.” (Noel)

“…I am sorry.” (Reus)

“Very well done. As a reward, I shall reluctantly share a portion of mine with you.” (Noel)

…Who is this person? Could it be Erina disguised in Noel’s skin?

As I was marveling at how she had managed to make the sulking child apologize, Erina whispered softly into my ear.

“Though she is usually like that, she is very skilled at handling children. Especially with those two, since they have had similar circumstances, she treats them with genuine sympathy.” (Erina)

So, she is quite adept with children. Now that I think of it, up until now I had been the only one younger than Noel, and I hardly behaved like a typical younger child. With the arrival of these two siblings, I was able to see her area of expertise for the first time. I suppose I shall raise my evaluation of Noel slightly.

“Hey, Noel-nee. If you are about to cry, you do not have to give it to me.” (Reus)

“No! Because I am your Onee-chan, at least this much I must do!” (Noel)

“…Shall I cook another one?” (Sirius)

“We want it!” (Noel/Reus)

…Perhaps not, after all.

After breakfast, the siblings and I came into the garden. Today, at last, training was to begin. Everyone had changed into clothing easy to move in, and we began with warm-up exercises.

“Listen carefully. In battle it is different, but before training you must always begin with calisthenics.” (Sirius)

“Why?” (Reus)

“If you move violently all at once, the risk of injury increases. You must loosen your body and switch it into a state fit for exercise, otherwise your reflexes dull in critical moments. In battle it is unavoidable, but getting injured during training would be disgraceful, would it not?” (Sirius)

“I understand. Come on, Reus, follow Sirius-sama’s instructions.” (Emilia)

“I got it…” (Reus)

They imitated my movements and continued stretching until their bodies began to grow warm, and then I told them to stop.

“Now then, first I would like to know the abilities of you two. Do you have combat experience?” (Sirius)

“I have a little. Though it was only against prey that Father had weakened.” (Emilia)

“I do not. But I am confident in physical activity!” (Reus)

“I see. Then I shall test your endurance. From now on, run around this garden.” (Sirius)

I turned my gaze toward the garden I had run in this morning. Running a circuit along its outer edge was about the same distance as a lap around an elementary school’s athletic field.

“That will be easy.” (Reus)

“How many laps must we run?” (Emilia)

“Until you collapse.” (Sirius)

““Eh?”” (Emilia/Reus)

“Why do you look so blank? Run until you collapse. In order to surpass your limits, you must first know your limits. Do not worry, there is someone to care for you when you fall.” (Sirius)

The caretaker was Noel, whom I had stationed at the edge of the garden with a towel and drinks prepared, waiting in readiness.

At any rate, endurance is essential. It is indispensable for taking action and training it is never wasted. Clapping my hands before the two who had frozen in shock, I brought them back to their senses.

“From time to time you shall also sprint at full power. Since I shall follow behind, I will not allow you to slack off.” (Sirius)

“Do not mess with me! What do you mean, suddenly running until collapse!” (Reus)

“Come, Reus.” (Emilia)

“Nee-chan!?” (Reus)

The sister’s decisiveness left the brother unable to conceal his surprise. Emilia’s expression, in contrast, was filled with seriousness.

“I have decided to follow Sirius-sama. Even if you do not go, I will run.” (Emilia)

“Tch… Fine, I will go too. But I will not acknowledge him!” (Reus)

“Call him properly, Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“Damn it, Sirius-samaaa!” (Reus)

Turning his anger into strength, Reus began running full tilt around the garden, while Emilia, smiling wryly at his recklessness, ran after him. Their pace was utterly without thought for endurance, but I let them do as they pleased. They would collapse and be cared for together in the end anyway.

“Come on, I am catching up. Put more strength into your legs.” (Sirius)

“D-damn it all!” (Reus)

“Reus, do not waste energy shouting, just run.” (Emilia)

“Keep your legs and breathing rhythmic and steady. Even if it is difficult now, once you learn it will become easier later.” (Sirius)

“Yes!” (Emilia)

“L-like I can do that…Aargh!” (Reus)

“Let us do a sprint now.” (Sirius)

“Haa… Yes!” (Emilia)

“Hii… hii… y-you have got to be kidding me.” (Reus)

“Your pace is falling. Are you nearing your limit?” (Sirius)

“Haa… haa… I can… still… continue!” (Emilia)

“Hahii… hahii…” (Reus)

“How many laps was that just now?” (Sirius)

“Haa… haa… hafuu.” (Emilia)

“…Ugh…” (Reus)

And thus, two corpses were born upon the garden. The two lay collapsed, gasping as if their lives would expire, while beside them Noel fanned them and tended to them.

“Yes, yes, I understand because I went through this myself. It is not your fault, it is because Sirius-sama is far too abnormal.” (Noel)

As Noel, who had once endured three days of training herself, spoke with heartfelt sympathy, I continued to run. Since the two could not even afford to respond, I intended to continue until they regained enough breath to speak.

Ten minutes later, Noel waved her hand and called out to me.

“Sirius-sama, Emi-chan and Reu-kun are probably fine now.” (Noel)

“Understood. I shall come after one more lap.” (Sirius)

After finishing one last lap at full speed, I stood before Emilia, who was trying to lift her upper body heavily, and Reus, who remained collapsed and unmoving.

“How is it, you two, have you come to know your own limits? Ah, do not force yourselves to speak.” (Sirius)

Emilia’s face was flushed red as she struggled to breathe, her hair sticking to her sweat-drenched face as she gazed at me in a daze. Reus, in contrast, lay with a pale face and did not stir. For a moment I thought he was dead, but his stomach still rose and fell with breath, so he was fine.

“Take a thorough rest now. Once you recover, you shall run again until lunch.” (Sirius)

That utterance caused the two of them to tremble in alarm as though struck. Even if they wished to argue back, it seemed that they had already reached their very limits.

“Um, Sirius-sama. I cannot help but feel that perhaps you are pushing them a little too hard…” (Noel)

“Is that so? I am allowing them to rest properly, so there is no problem, and human beings are unexpectedly durable provided that they possess sufficient willpower.” (Sirius)

“It does not sound the least bit like there is no problem at all!” (Noel)

She may say so, yet in my previous life even during moments of rest I could never allow myself to relax. The moment I lowered my guard, my master would target me with rubber bullets. Because of that, I was forcibly made to acquire the brutal technique of resting my body while simultaneously sharpening my awareness to the absolute minimum level required.

That will be for later. For now, I must simply press them to their very limits and continue applying burdens upon their bodies. Through the endurance run just now I have grasped the boundaries of the two of them, and from here onward it is simply repetition. The essential matter is the adjustment so that their bodies do not break down, as well as the strength of will in both of them to endure such strain. If one only makes things severe, it will never last long. In the end, the very foundation of education is the carrot and the stick.

The carrot, is it? What would be best for the two of them? Feeding them delicious meals is a given of course.

“What should we have for lunch? Do you have something in particular that you would like to eat?” (Sirius)

“The cutlet sandwich we had the other day would be wonderful!” (Emilia)

“I would like that as well…!” (Reus)

“M-me too…” (Noel)

You lot… especially you two lying there as though dead. You were unable even to respond a moment ago, yet at the mention of food you react instantly. I am beginning to feel that perhaps food alone is sufficient for you. Could it be that the beastkin race are all such gluttons?

After the break ended, I set the two of them to running once more. This time the task was not to run until they collapsed, but to continue running without stopping until noon. I corrected their sense of pacing, and regardless of whether their speed fell to that of walking, I did not allow them to stop their feet. The training was to instill into their very bodies the lesson of recovering a certain degree of stamina while still in motion. Without doubt they must have found such training detestable, yet the two of them persevered with great patience, to the point that I had honestly underestimated them. I had thought that Reus, being so rebellious against me, would surely cause a commotion, yet seeing his elder sister silently continue, he too followed quietly. The two of them balance one another rather well in their own way.

At last, when they had accomplished the task, I spoke words of praise to the two collapsed figures with satisfaction.

 

—

 

““Thank you very much for the meal!”” (Emilia/Reus)

Despite having run so much, which ought to have robbed them of all appetite, the two of them requested seconds of the cutlet sandwiches three separate times. Each individual sandwich was quite large, greasy besides, and yet they devoured them with ease. It would seem that they possess admirably sturdy stomachs of steel. The ability to take in food under any circumstance is an exceedingly useful quality.

Having left them the task of tidying up after the meal, I placed drinks before the two who were savoring the lingering aftertaste of lunch.

“Um, this drink has all sorts of things floating in it, and its color is rather frightening…” (Emilia)

It was a mysterious green liquid in which white and red bits floated about. I understood why she would feel compelled to comment.

“It is a nutritional tonic. The taste is not the best, yet it contains plentiful nutrients which ordinary meals cannot provide.” (Sirius)

“Nutritional what? What exactly are you talking about?” (Reus)

“You do not need to understand the reason. Simply drink it.” (Sirius)

In truth, it was a mixture of various fruits and vegetables pressed for their juices, blended together with their most nutrient-rich portions minced within. I had added honey as well, so perhaps it was just barely drinkable. Having finished it off, the two of them wore faces of deep ambivalence. It is fine. I drink it as well, so they shall be all right.

“Would you like pudding as a palate cleanser?” (Sirius)

“““Yes!””” (Emilia/Reus/Noel)

Though a certain feline-eared beastkin had interjected herself, I chose not to mind it. After the dessert was eaten and the two looked content, I gave them their next instruction.

“Next is a nap.” (Sirius)

““A nap?”” (Emilia & Reus)

The siblings looked at one another in puzzlement. Considering that the person who had just forced them to run to the brink of death now suddenly spoke of something so lenient, it was only natural that they found it suspicious.

“Although I call it a nap, it is more accurately a short rest. Afterward, you shall be receiving education from Erina.” (Sirius)

Training the body is important, yet one cannot neglect knowledge and culture. No matter how strong one becomes, if one is incapable of calculation or negotiation, it is meaningless. Erina had previously expressed a desire to conduct attendant training, and so I thought to combine that with a course in culture and refinement. The nap served both to aid recovery and to prevent them from dozing off during lessons.

“It will be about an hour. You may sleep there upon the sofa.” (Sirius)

Though some say that sleeping immediately after a meal causes one to gain weight, for these two who are far too thin it was exactly what was required. They must first put on some fat, and afterward transform it into muscle.

“You want us to sleep? That is rather sudden.” (Reus)

“Just go to sleep. If we are told to rest, then we should make the most of it.” (Emilia)

“Indeed. Rest while you are able. I shall sit in the center of the sofa, and I wish you two to lie with your heads upon either side.” (Sirius)

Although the two tilted their heads in confusion at my instructions, they complied. Sitting in the middle, I found their heads upon either side of me, gazing upward yet not closing their eyes to sleep.

“What is the matter, Reus? Will you not sleep?” (Sirius)

“I cannot sleep because it feels strange.” (Reus)

“Is that so? Then I shall cast a charm to help you sleep. Close your eyes.” (Sirius)

I placed my hand upon his chest and tapped with my fingers in a steady rhythm. It is best if it resembles the rhythm of a heartbeat.

“Wh-what are you doing? Why are you tapping my chest?” (Reus)

“Never mind that. Simply concentrate upon the rhythm of my fingers.” (Sirius)

Continuing the rhythm with my fingers, five minutes passed.

“Fuuu…” (Reus)

So easily swayed. Given that he was utterly exhausted from running, coupled with the fullness after the meal, this was only to be expected.

When I turned my head, the other side too was silent, so I thought she had slept. Yet the elder sister was still gazing up at me with delight. I had assumed, being such an obedient girl, that she would have gone to sleep without being told.

“Do not delight in it, go to sleep quickly. Your fatigue will not fade otherwise.” (Sirius)

“Yes. Um… would you please stroke my head?” (Emilia)

“…I suppose I have no choice.” (Sirius)

“Hehehe…” (Emilia)

When I granted her request and stroked her head, she smiled in satisfaction and closed her eyes. Astonishingly, within mere seconds she was already breathing softly in slumber. My hand must be… no, that cannot be.

“Oh… it is as though your hand is magical. Such technique, I too must learn from you.” (Noel)

“The conditions for sleep were already far too perfect. I merely gave a little push to relax them. Now, here begins the true part.” (Sirius)

I placed my hands upon their heads, and without disturbing their sleep I poured mana into them. The key is to permeate slowly and gently through the entirety of the body, administering a weak regenerative activation throughout, thereby magnifying the restorative effects of sleep.

After continuing for about thirty minutes, I removed my hands and moved to the table. Immediately, Japanese tea was prepared. As I drank and raised my eyes, I found Erina waiting with a smile.

“You have my thanks for your effort. Once the two awaken, it shall be my turn.” (Erina)

“I leave it to you. Since I was rather severe with them earlier, please be gentle.” (Sirius)

“Rest assured. I shall make of them splendid attendants, ones of whom there shall be no shame no matter where they go.” (Erina)

“Wait a moment, they have not agreed to become attendants. You need not go so far.” (Sirius)

“Attendant training is also a fine education. Besides, it is only a matter of time, is it not?” (Erina)

Erina cast her gaze upon the sleeping two, and Noel, who was observing alongside her, nodded repeatedly in agreement.

“Especially Emi-chan, in her case it is certain sooner or later. Just like I once was, she cannot see any other path.” (Noel)

“I understand what you mean, yet I believe she merely admires me. I do not think romantic feelings have yet sprouted within her. Once she undergoes the training that lies ahead, she shall have no leisure for love.” (Sirius)

Once their stamina improves, there will be practical combat training, magic training, outdoor training… the tasks awaiting them are countless. A young girl’s infatuation will surely fade quickly.

“You are far too naïve. A maiden’s love is infinite! No matter the circumstances, she will fall all the same.” (Noel)

“You have read too many fanciful tales. In any case, Emilia is steady enough. The real issue is Reus.” (Sirius)

“That is true. I have spoken with him of his worries, yet the child is unstable.” (Erina)

“Huh? Unstable? But Reu-kun seems perfectly fine.” (Noel)

Erina appeared to have been thinking the same as I had, for she explained the matter to Noel while including her own perspective.

“Do you understand, the siblings are attempting to protect one another as they are each other’s only remaining family. It is indeed admirable, yet if one looks at it differently, one may see that this is all that they possess.” (Erina)

“Is that not natural? Is it not proof of how precious they are to each other?” (Noel)

“However, what if something were to happen to one of them? Applying this to Reus, the entirety of his reason to live exists because of his elder sister. Should Emilia suffer misfortune and perish, Reus may very well follow her into death. Although the two do support one another, they are simultaneously an exceedingly unstable existence in which everything collapses with but the deviation of one side.” (Erina)

“Since Emilia vented her resentment upon me, she has been striving to find a new goal. However, Reus still sees nothing but his sister.” (Sirius)

That Reus opposed me was undoubtedly born of jealousy. Since his beloved elder sister directed her gaze towards me, he could not bear the frustration.

“That child is still far too young. Though he pretends to be strong, the wound of losing his parents runs deep, and without realizing it he clings to his sister. We must help him to find some other goal.” (Erina)

“Indeed. Well, fortunately, at present things are safe. He is earnest in his training for the sake of protecting his sister, thus the only choice is to continue as things are.” (Sirius)

It is but two years more until we are driven from this place. I myself will be going to school, yet it is uncertain what will become of those two. Therefore, I must arrange something for them before then.

As Erina and I sat facing one another in shared concern, Noel suppressed her laughter.

“Somehow, the two of you resemble their father and mother.” (Noel)

“Come now, that is impossible by age. At the very least, make me their elder brother.” (Sirius)

“Then, does that make me Sirius-sama’s mother? How splendid.” (Erina)

Leaving Erina, who had suddenly been overwhelmed by emotion, to herself, we spent our time in a leisurely manner until it was time to awaken the two.

After precisely one hour, I roused them from their slumber. Although they seemed somewhat drowsy, their stamina had recovered, so they kept tilting their heads in puzzlement. As a further means of shaking off the sleepiness, I had them jog lightly, and thus at last Erina’s education in the ways of a retainer commenced.

“Then, let us begin our study about what it means to be a retainer. It will be difficult, but you must follow along properly.” (Erina)

“I understand.” (Emilia)

“Yeah.” (Reus)

They sat facing one another at the table in the living room, while I seated myself upon the sofa to observe the scene. Incidentally, Noel and Dee had stepped away to attend to cleaning and errands.
Since Erina was a master among maids, the sight of her instructing others fit her perfectly. Reus was also obedient towards her, thus there seemed to be no particular problems.

“Reus, at this moment I am your teacher. Do not say ‘yeah’, say ‘yes.’” (Erina)

“U… y-yes!” (Reus)

Thus, the education in speech had begun without delay. He appeared startled by Erina’s sudden transformation, for she was usually gentle and mild, but he proved to have the sincerity to amend what he was corrected on.

“A retainer is one who accompanies his master, and who supports him not only openly but also from the shadows. What is most important is the heart of devotion. When you meet a master whom you truly wish to serve, you shall surely understand.” (Erina)

“…Yes!” (Emilia)

“Eh~?” (Reus)

The two glanced briefly at me, each giving their own reaction. Emilia’s response was as expected, while Reus’s face displayed obvious displeasure. Immediately, Erina’s sharp gaze, rather than a piece of chalk, was directed toward him.

“Reus, instead of speaking in such a way, you must respond with ‘I do not understand.’” (Erina)

“But I never said I wanted to become a retainer… eh, I did not say so. Does this have any meaning… does it indeed have meaning?” (Reus)

“That is so. As you say, there is no necessity for you to become a retainer, and the meaning of learning this may indeed seem faint. However, a master is not limited to Sirius-sama, and there is no loss in learning. For example, in one’s manner of speech.” (Erina)

To Reus’s reasonable statement, Erina replied firmly, yet he tilted his head, still not fully comprehending.

“Manner of speech is most important. If you can speak politely to your superiors or to those you respect, you will leave a good impression, and above all you will appear graceful and intelligent. Reus, do you remember how those adults who mocked you spoke?” (Erina)

“…I did not really understand, but it was terribly vulgar… yes.” (Reus)

“If one does not study and learn refined speech, one will inevitably become so. Do you wish to become like that?” (Erina)

Perhaps loathing being compared with such people, Reus shook his head vehemently, his expression filled with true dislike.

“Therefore, let us study. Observe me and your Onee-san and slowly learn.” (Erina)

“Yes! I understand.” (Reus)

“That is right. Good boy.” (Erina)

She immediately patted Reus’s head and praised him. It was a straightforward method of reward and reprimand, yet for a childlike Reus it was exceedingly effective. Indeed, his face broke into a broad smile. Erina truly knew what she was doing.

“For now, we shall leave aside your speech. Let me show you several movements of a retainer.” (Erina)

She rose silently, displaying the movements of a retainer before the two. Although I saw them every day, when I watched carefully, I was reminded of just how splendid they were.

Even her mere walking was elegant, with nearly no sound from her steps. The angle of her bows and the skill of carrying a tray without disturbing the water upon it were precisely the ideal movements of a retainer. The normally gentle, maternal woman now showing her professional face captivated the two entirely. When she finished a variety of demonstrations, the siblings clapped their hands without thinking. Without being told, they offered applause, such was the brilliance of her display.

“Thank you. Though it was simple, what I have just shown are the basic movements. Now, let us try them.” (Erina)

“Yes!” (Emilia/Reus)

Thus, the siblings attempted to imitate the movements of a retainer, though naturally they could not possibly succeed at once. Their footsteps rang out, their bows were too shallow, and there was no end to what could be pointed out. Yet Erina did not correct anything save for the most glaring mistakes, and had them repeat the practice multiple times. Her policy was evidently not to attempt to correct everything at once, but to guide them gradually.

Since walking was something I could also teach, I joined in. They were surprised when I demonstrated walking without making the slightest sound, though in truth that was not the skill of a retainer but the technique of an assassin. Still, it was useful in other ways, so I taught them a few tips.

“Let us end here for today. What is important is daily accumulation. Even before you sleep, you should carefully recall what you have learned.” (Erina)

“Thank you very much.” (Emilia/Reus)

The education of a retainer had lasted somewhat over two hours. Since there were still other things to be done, I had them conclude at that point and prepare for the next lesson. However, before that…

“Well done, Erina. Let us rest while having some sweets.” (Sirius)

In the spare time I had prepared rusk and brewed tea, which I set upon the table. The two siblings sat down with eyes shining, waiting for Erina to be seated before touching anything. Their restraint in not eating until permitted was the fruit of education. Erina expressed her thanks as she sat, and a small tea party began. At some point a cat-eared beastkin had slipped in, but I paid it no mind.

“It is so crisp and delicious. Noel-nee, what is this?” (Emilia)

“Since I did not make it myself, I do not know. Sirius-sama, this is bread, is it not?” (Noel)

“Yes, it is a sweet called rusk, made from bread.” (Sirius)

It was bread cut into long bite-sized strips, fried in oil, and coated with sugar. When I explained how it was made, they marveled at how something they normally ate could be transformed so much by such simple cooking.

“In this manner, even ordinary things can be changed in many ways depending upon how they are done. This is a principle common to all. The important thing is never to halt your thinking. In other words, what matters most is to never cease moving forward.” (Sirius)

“It is merely moving one’s legs. There is no way one would stop walking… no, there is no way I would stop walking.” (Reus)
“The meaning is different. When you grow older you shall understand. For now, what matters is to keep thinking. That shall one day become your sustenance.” (Sirius)

“…I do not really understand.” (Emilia)

As usual, he directed a sour face at me, though it seemed to have become slightly better. The women watched our exchange with laughter.

“The manner of preparing tea must also be taught at some point.” (Erina)

“Of course, what is to be taught is none other than Sirius-sama’s method of preparation.” (Noel)

“It is not my own unique method, for I merely added a little to the original manner of preparing it.” (Sirius)

“That is not so. I had believed that I had mastered it, yet I was made keenly aware that there exists still higher refinement.” (Erina)

“Was this tea prepared by Sirius-sama?” (Emilia)

“That is right. Sirius-sama possesses skill beyond my own. In particular, he is even able to perform etiquette and conduct that I have not taught him. How are you able to do that?” (Noel)

“I learned by watching.” (Sirius)

“““Ehhh!?””” (Emilia/Noel/Erina)

What is with those faces, do they not believe me?

“Then, let us attempt what Erina displayed a moment ago. Erina, I ask that you play the role of master.” (Sirius)

“It is an honor.” (Erina)

Thus, I attended to Erina as though she were the master.

The graceful bow, the handling of tableware without producing sound, the natural intervention that does not obstruct the master’s movements, all of these I had memorized through observation of Erina’s conduct. Observation of one’s opponent is an indispensable matter in battle. If one cultivates that habit, then to reproduce the movements of a retainer is not particularly difficult. However, this is merely imitation, and with time my deficiencies would naturally be revealed. To compare myself with Erina, whose body has been steeped in the discipline until it flows forth naturally, would be arrogant in the extreme.

At the end I prepared the tea, bowed, and thus concluded the service.

“It was perfect. Both body and heart of mine are fully satisfied.” (Erina)

“Ugh, what is this sense of defeat? However, Sirius-sama is my master and not my rival. Therefore, it is all right. Is that not so, Emi-chan?” (Noel)

“…The angle… and then the feet… is that how it is?” (Emilia)

Emilia closed her eyes and muttered to herself. Could it be that she is performing image training?

“Emi… chan?” (Noel)

“She appears to be quite serious. Noel, if you are careless you may very well be overtaken.” (Erina)

“In that case it must be special training. As an Onee-chan, I cannot lose to those beneath me!” (Noel)

I do not know where she intended to go, but Noel dashed out of the living room in high spirits. How strange, it has become oddly noisy and I do not feel that this has become much of a rest. Well, the source of the disturbance has departed, so it will surely become quiet now.

“…Nee-chan.” (Reus)

I chose not to look at Reus as he whispered in a lonely tone.

 

—

 

When the rest ended, I began the next education. It was the time to drill into them the basics required for living, such as reading and writing, simple arithmetic, and fundamental knowledge. This was something I would teach together with Erina.

“Now then, letters and arithmetic are extremely important. Do you know why?” (Sirius)

“Hmmm… Nee-chan, do you know?” (Reus)

“Reus, what became of us who did not know that?” (Emilia)

“…We were deceived?” (Reus)

“That is correct. In other words, by knowing those two things, the possibility of being deceived is reduced.” (Sirius)

There exist traps scattered throughout the world, such as unlawful embezzlement and errors in documents.

For instance, if one who can neither read letters nor perform arithmetic accepts a job for ten silver coins and signs the documents, only to receive six silver coins when the work is complete, he will naturally protest. Yet upon the signed documents it is written that thirty percent shall be taken as an introduction fee, and he has no choice but to reluctantly give up. Moreover, without understanding the meaning of thirty percent, he cannot realize that one additional silver coin has been embezzled from him.

If one knows basic knowledge, such things can be avoided. Knowledge is required to expose dishonesty, to guard against deception.

“But if I become strong, then there will be no problem… no, I believe there will be no problem.” (Reus)

“Will you simply clash head-on as with a magic beast? To one who takes by force, such an opponent is nothing more than easy prey. Listen well. No matter how strong you may be, there could come a time when, without even realizing it, you have been made to sign a contract binding you with a collar of slavery. Learn in earnest, protect yourself from the adults who will deceive you, and guard those whom you wish to protect. Yes, knowledge too is strength.” (Sirius)

So, children dislike study even in another world? However, unlike my previous life, this is a world with far less margin for safety. If it is made clear to them that it is necessary, they will have no choice but to receive it with seriousness. Since they have personally experienced the depths of slavery, it is only natural.

“Erina-san, please teach me the words of Sirius-sama just now in writing.” (Emilia)

“It seems you too were deeply moved.” (Erina)

“Yes. I thought those words were truly great. I wish to preserve them, and so I wish to learn letters quickly.” (Emilia)

“Very well. Later I shall show you my records. I have written down many of his past great sayings.” (Erina)

“Please do!” (Emilia)

Wait a moment, to say that you wish to learn letters in order to compile a collection of my great sayings, what is that supposed to mean? And when did Erina begin such a thing? I do not mind that they are so eager to learn, but honestly it is quite embarrassing, so I wish they would stop.

I had prepared a quick reference chart of letters, so while showing it I taught them the names of various objects by comparing them to the chart. Since letters are used in daily life, if one has patience and time they can certainly be memorized.

When that was finished, arithmetic followed. I taught them numbers up to one hundred, and had them repeat single-digit addition and subtraction in order to make them understand numbers.
I even had them experience simulated shopping by giving them a copper coin, which was money, and having them attempt to purchase the leftover cutlet sandwiches from lunch. I told them they could eat if they calculated correctly. Perhaps because they were in their growth period, they were slightly hungry and very eager to eat, so they applied themselves with desperation.

“Let us say that this cutlet sandwich costs three iron coins each. Now then, if you buy two of them, what change will you receive?” (Sirius)

“Ummm… one copper coin is iron coins…” (Emilia)

In this world, all currency exists in the form of coins, with value determined by material. Converting the types and approximate values into Japanese yen (only as a reference), it is as follows.

Stone coin is one yen.

Iron coin is fifty yen.

Copper coin is five hundred yen.

Silver coin is five thousand yen.

Gold coin is one hundred thousand yen.

There are also higher currencies such as platinum coins and dragon gold coins, but since they are impossible to obtain at present, they are omitted. As a guideline, with several silver coins a family of four can manage to live for about one month. Prices vary by location and sometimes barter is used, so it cannot be stated absolutely, but that is the general sense.

While Emilia was earnestly calculating the amount, Reus handed the copper coin to me and said this.

“I want as many as there are. Since I can eat more.” (Reus)

I accepted the copper coin and as change I bestowed an iron claw hold (weak version).

“Eh!? Why am I receiving the same as Noel-nee? Stop it, stop it please, it hurts a little!” (Reus)

“To forsake calculation entirely is most audacious. From now on, whenever you perform such foolishness, I shall apply this.” (Sirius)

“I understand! Ah, Emilia, what is the matter?” (Reus)

“Do not mind it. Now then, with one copper coin, what is the change?” (Emilia)

“It is four iron coins.” (Reus)

“That is correct. Here, receive the cutlet sandwiches.” (Sirius)

I released Reus from my grip and handed him two cutlet sandwiches. Emilia immediately passed one of them to her younger brother.

“Nee-chan, I did not answer correctly…” (Reus)

“It is fine. I do not need two. Here, take it.” (Emilia)

Reus looked toward me, but together with Erina I deliberately turned my gaze elsewhere as if I did not know. The two of them bit into their cutlet sandwiches and smiled.

“Even when cooled, it is delicious. Next time you must properly calculate and obtain it.” (Emilia)

“…Yes!” (Reus)

The bond between sister and brother is indeed favorable.

Erina and I continued to watch that heartwarming scene with gentle expressions.

Yet…

“Very well, once you finish eating that, we shall run outside.” (Sirius)

““Eh!?”” (Emilia/Reus)

My training is not yet finished.

After that, we continued running together until dinner.

 

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