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

 

 

Pure Love

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Only half a year remained before we were to attend the academy.

The season was called the Month of Snow Flowers or what one might call winter in my previous life. The days were cold, and the heating magic circle had been operating at full capacity.

I still possessed the jewel of the Jewel Turtle though I was now discussing with Dee and Erina whether it was time to sell it. Alongside that, I had savings accumulated over five years so there was no issue regarding funds. Training was proceeding well, and my two disciples were showing great enthusiasm since they had learned that they would be able to attend the academy together. I had initially planned a short-term schedule expecting that we would part ways around the time they went to school but that was no longer necessary, so I had adjusted it with a longer perspective. Even so, it was difficult for them but both of them continued to work hard and grow.

The destinations of our attendants had also been decided.

First was Noel. She had chosen to return to her home village. She had left that impoverished village and her large family under the pretext of working away from home to lessen the number of mouths to feed. Through several exchanges of letters she had learned that the current lord was competent and that the poverty had greatly improved. There had even been some development and since the village was tolerant toward beastkin she believed that with her current abilities she could find at least one form of work there, so she had decided to return home.

Dee was also planning to head to Noel’s village. He possessed experience as an adventurer and was skilled in cooking. Though he was not eloquent, Noel could serve as an intermediary and once people tasted his cooking none would be able to complain. He could easily make a living as a cook.
However, even after half a year had passed, he still had not confessed to Noel. I was beginning to lose patience, so I was considering whether to guide him into making a nighttime visit.

And Erina…

That day, I was engaged in a mock battle with Reus in the garden. Noel and Dee were handling housework while Emilia was receiving Erina’s instruction. Reus and I were clashing endlessly with wooden swords though at that moment I was helping him correct one of his habits.

“Aniki! I give up! I give up!” (Reus)

“How many times must I tell you? You get caught because you fail to withdraw your sword there.” (Sirius)

Since he left himself so open, I grabbed him in an iron claw hold to make him learn through his body.

“Now then, let us try again. Next,” (Sirius)

“Sirius-sama! Please come quickly! Right away!” (Emilia)

The voice of Emilia shouting from the window was almost a scream. Without even taking time to clean my body, I rushed back into the house and burst into Erina’s room and at that instant I understood everything.

“Erina-san… Erina-san has collapsed… She’s not moving…” (Emilia)

Erina, her face pale and drained of all color, was gasping faintly as she lay in Emilia’s arms. Emilia, on the verge of tears, continued to call her name again and again.

“Erina-san! Erina-san!” (Emilia)

“D… Do not worry… If I rest… a little…” (Erina)

“Do not speak! Move her to the bed immediately.” (Sirius)

“Please hang in there! Erina-san!” (Emilia)

“Emilia!” (Sirius)

“Ah!?” (Emilia)

I raised my voice sharply, drawing Emilia’s attention to me and speaking slowly to calm her down. I must not panic now. The top priority was to move Erina to the bed.

“Listen carefully. Move Erina to the bed first. Otherwise, I cannot examine her. Do you understand?” (Sirius)

“Y… Yes…” (Emilia)

Perhaps having a clear purpose helped her calm down, for Emilia gently laid Erina onto the bed as though handling a fragile object. Even in her distress, the technique with which she avoided placing strain on the patient was proof of her training as a servant.

As I stood by Erina’s pillow, focusing and raising my mana, I noticed Noel and Dee had already arrived behind me. They were clearly worried, yet stood quietly, waiting for me to finish the diagnosis. The siblings continued to hold Erina’s hands, weeping silently.

I used Scan to examine Erina’s body. From head to abdomen, from waist to the tips of her feet, I took my time and inspected every part thoroughly.

And then, I understood.

“It has come at last.” (Sirius)

It was neither illness nor injury. It was simply her lifespan.

She had once told me that in her youth, there were many times when she could hardly eat. On top of that, years of harsh labor and poor nutrition during her growth period had been far from sufficient to support a healthy body. That debt was now being paid. In my previous world, people lived close to a hundred years, but in this world without developed medicine, Erina might have already lived long for her time. Healing magic could not extend one’s lifespan.

There was one undeniable truth. She did not have much time left.

Her body had already reached its limit. Over the past six months, she had spent more and more time sitting, and recently, she had been bedridden for much of the day. Even so, during Emilia’s training, she would stand, demonstrate techniques, and correct her mistakes. She had endured pain and forced her body to move, using what strength remained to impart as much of her skill as possible.

“Sirius-sama! Erina-san will be fine, right?” (Emilia)

“Aniki, you can heal her, can’t you?” (Reus)

Noel and Dee seemed to have realized the truth from my expression, but the siblings clung to the hope that was me. Unfortunately, I was not the type to believe in miracles that did not occur by my own hand, and I refused to rely on such illusions. I felt sorry for them, but I was no god. To alter the length of one’s life was impossible.

“Do… not say such… foolish things.” (Erina)

“Erina-san!” (Emilia)

Erina regained consciousness, though her face was still pale and her condition showed no sign of improvement. Stroking the heads of the crying siblings, she turned her face toward me.

“Sirius-sama, you have examined me, have you not?” (Erina)

“Yes, I have.” (Sirius)

“Then, please tell everyone the result.” (Erina)

“Are you certain?” (Sirius)

“It concerns me, so I am prepared. And everyone has the right to know.” (Erina)

Despite the harsh situation, she smiled softly. I understood now. She had already resolved herself.

“Erina, you have, at most, two months. No, one month left.” (Sirius)

At my words, the siblings collapsed in grief, and Dee and Noel cast their eyes downward in sorrow.

“Did you hear, everyone? My time is short. Therefore,” (Erina)

Erina looked at each of us in turn, and with a firm gaze, she spoke.

“Steel yourselves.” (Erina)

 

—

 

Several days passed, but her condition only worsened.

She could no longer rise from her bed and managed to live only with the care of Noel and Emilia. Everyone stayed by Erina’s side whenever they had the chance, but she was barely able to nod or speak lightly while lying down, and seeing her in that state was unbearable, as it presaged death. Yet this was Erina’s consideration; she deliberately displayed her frail state to convey this message.

‘I am going to disappear, so prepare yourself to accept it.’

The words she had spoken a few days ago, telling them to prepare themselves, carried this meaning. Once the siblings had finally recovered from the loss of their parents, she now presented them with a harsh reality they could no longer avoid. To make it somewhat easier for them to accept, she steeled herself and showed the frailty of her approaching death.

Even in such circumstances, training continued. Though the two often became distracted, moving their bodies allowed them to release some of their tension. Careful to avoid injury, the days passed in this manner.

 

—

 

Half a month went by.

Erina could no longer eat solid food and consumed only specially prepared nutritional liquids. Perhaps because of their prior despair, the siblings had already steeled themselves. They spoke to her with smiles, reassuring her by showing that they were all right. It may have been the right time.

What could I do?

With that thought, I scoured various texts and books, and I found something to propose to her, which she agreed to. What I intended to do was not commendable and could even be considered cruel depending on one’s perspective. Yet I could not remain idle, and I wished for her to be satisfied.

Having obtained her consent, I gathered the materials, soaring through the skies, and after several days, finally completed the item. I handed it to Erina, leaving only her decision to follow.

And then, the day arrived.

One month had passed since Erina collapsed.

The morning began with an extraordinary commotion.

“Good morning, everyone.” (Erina)

“Erina-san!?” (Noel/Dee/Reus/Emilia)

Everyone except myself shouted. Erina, who had been bedridden, was standing in the kitchen and cooking. While they were dumbfounded and uncertain, Erina hummed as she prepared the meal.

“Erina-san… have you possibly recovered?” (Noel)

“I will explain that later. First, let us have breakfast.” (Erina)

The breakfast laid out on the table consisted entirely of her usual dishes. Sandwiches, bacon and egg soup, the meals she had prepared brought excitement to everyone. However, in front of her, there was no food, only a glass of water.

“Erina-san, are you not eating?” (Dee)

“Just a little. Do not concern yourselves with me and enjoy your meal.” (Erina)

Though questions arose, everyone prioritized enjoying her home-cooked meal after such a long time.

“How is it? I hope it is not strange since it has been a while.” (Erina)

“It is not different at all.” (Dee)

“Ah, that is good. I was worried since it had been a long time.” (Reus)

“Yes, it is the same as always. The sandwich I have loved since long ago.” (Noel)

“I like it too!” (Reus)

After the pleasant breakfast, when Erina prepared tea, she revealed a shocking fact.

“I will die today.” (Erina)

Everyone froze. Knowing the circumstances, I merely observed her speak calmly. Eventually, Noel raised her hand to ask a question.

“Um… could you explain, please? It is too sudden, and we do not understand what is happening.” (Noel)

“Of course. I have been able to stand and cook, but this is thanks to a certain medicine.” (Erina)

“Medicine… Is it not a healing drug?” (Dee)

“No. It is a forbidden drug that sacrifices life to enhance physical abilities. The effect will last until tonight, so I am able to move normally until then.” (Erina)

The Life Sacrifice Pill, or Life Boost. That was the medicine Erina had taken. Its effect was as she explained, and it was frequently used during wartime. Normally, it would wear off within a few hours and cause several days of incapacitation. I, however, had adjusted the drug to suppress the intensity of the effect while extending its duration. Yet the cost would be severe, and once it ended, her life would come to an end.

“Why would you take such a medicine? Erina-san, why?” (Reus)

“Even without it, I would have only a few days left, and I do not wish to spend it bedridden. Therefore, I will live normally today.” (Erina)

“Ehh…” (Noel/Dee/Reus/Emilia)

Everyone was astounded by her statement. I felt the same, yet it was an unusual act of self-indulgence for her, and I wanted to allow her this freedom. Even as all eyes were on her, Erina showed no agitation, and everyone’s gaze turned to me as if asking what I would do.

“As she says. I will also cease training today and spend the day relaxing at home. Erina, you may do as you please.” (Sirius)

“Thank you. Now, Noel, Emilia. We shall clean the house, so help me.” (Erina)

“Yes!” (Noe/ Emilia)

From that moment, Erina carried out household tasks just as she had before. Cleaning the house, laundry, preparing lunch, she continued with sincere joy. At first, everyone was hesitant, but seeing her act so normally, they gave up and helped with the chores. She petted Reus and Emilia extensively, enjoyed tea with Noel and Dee, and even rested her head on my lap. Throughout, she smiled.

After finishing dinner, she invited everyone to her room.

Without anyone instructing her, she lay on the bed and surveyed all of us around her before speaking.

“Today was truly enjoyable. The time has come, so there is something I wish to convey to all of you.” (Erina)

With a gentle smile, she addressed each of us by name. To Noel, she advised not to forget the basics and to express herself. To Dee, she urged him to overcome his lack of eloquence; to Reus, she gently reprimanded him to mind his manners, and to Emilia, she instructed her to use the skills she had learned to support me. Everyone listened with tears, but as I continued to hear her, a sense of anger began to rise within me.

When asked what I was angry about, the answer was Erina’s attitude.

“Why… why is this…” (Sirius)

“What has happened, Sirius-sama?” (Emilia)

Erina returned my gaze with a smile, but now that smile irritated me.

What is that smile meant to convey? And she speaks so calmly to everyone, as if this were merely a routine task of handing over responsibilities. Is that truly her honest feeling? Even though I went to the trouble of preparing the medicine, can Erina genuinely be satisfied with such an approach?

“Erina… is this really acceptable?” (Sirius)

“I am sorry, did I offend you in some way?” (Erina)

The change in my demeanor caused a stir among those present. As a servant, Erina desperately tried to soothe me, but my anger would not subside.

Offended? Yes, I am offended. How long will you remain a servant? Though our relationship is that of master and servant, speak to me as family, at least in these final moments. Speak to me as my Kaa-san once did when she caressed my head.

‘Erina is perfect for the role of a Kaa-san. I think of her as my Kaa-san too.’

‘What!? Th-thank you.’

‘It feels like we are two sets of parents, does it not?’

‘Hey now, that is not possible considering our ages. At least let me be the older brother.’

‘So, I am to be Sirius-sama’s Kaa-san. How wonderful.’

Ah, I understand now.

Erina’s insistence on remaining a servant is not only her choice but mine as well. I did not behave as an adult. I could simply receive her affection and accept it honestly without pretense.

“Sirius-sama, if I have displeased you, I apologize. Please, allow me to speak…” (Erina)

“I will listen. But I want you to speak honestly… as my Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

At my words, Erina’s eyes widened in surprise, but she immediately shook her head and gave a wry smile.

“Please stop joking. Your Kaa-san is Aria-sama alone, and I am merely your servant.” (Erina)

“That is not it. I have my biological Kaa-san and my foster Kaa-san. And my foster Kaa-san is you, Erina.” (Sirius)

“Me… a Kaa-san?” (Erina)

“I consider myself very fortunate. I have two Kaa-sans. Therefore, I want you to speak as a Kaa-san, as family, rather than as a servant. Please, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“…Is that truly permissible?” (Erina)

“I now see you only as my Kaa-san. So please, or else I might come to resent you.” (Sirius)

Tears streamed from Erina’s eyes. They were tears of joy, and she looked directly at me without wiping them away.

“Sirius-sama… no, Sirius, I do not wish to be disliked by you. Therefore, I shall do as you say.” (Erina)

Though Noel and the others were unsettled by Erina’s familiar tone toward me, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction.

That is correct. I should have addressed her as Kaa-san much earlier and interacted this way. I was far too late in realizing it… damn it.

“I am sorry to everyone. Once again, I would like to convey my words to all of you. May I?” (Erina)

This time, Erina’s true heart was revealed.

“Reus, chew your food well. I have told you repeatedly, but you must savor it. Otherwise it is disrespectful to the person who prepared it.” (Erina)

“Th-that… you need not say it now…” (Reus)

“No, it is precisely because it is now that I must say it. Also, you should learn proper manners. If your character is doubted, it will trouble those around you, so be careful. Understood?” (Erina)

“Y-yes!” (Reus)

“Next, Dee. Though you are the eldest, allow me to give you a single piece of advice.” (Erina)

“…Yes.” (Dee)

“Being cautious is fine, but yours is only cowardice. Have more courage. People are waiting for your words, so act before it is too late.” (Erina)

“I… understand.” (Dee)

“Noel… my dear, clumsy little sister. You have truly troubled me.” (Erina)

“Is that… a compliment?” (Noel)

“Yes, it is. The more foolish the sister, the cuter she is, is it not?” (Erina)

“That is cruel.” (Noel)

“Not at all. I love the foolish, innocent you the most. So remain as you are.” (Erina)

“Y-yes… I will do my best.” (Noel)

“Emilia, apply what I have taught you. I have asked you many times, but your resolve remains unchanged, correct?” (Erina)

“It is unchanged. My place is beside Sirius-sama, and nothing else matters.” (Emilia)

“Good. Do not overexert yourself. If you are injured, it is Sirius who will grieve. Even self-sacrifice must be measured.” (Erina)

“I hear that often.” (Emilia)

“Perhaps too late. But truly, value yourself. You are the one who will support Sirius from now on.” (Erina)

“Yes… I will… support him.” (Emilia)

“Sirius, I have nothing more to say to you.” (Erina)

“What is that supposed to mean?” (Sirius)

“Because you are capable of doing everything alone, are you not?” (Erina)

“Ah… well, not everything.” (Sirius)

“You do not completely deny it. But indeed, you are capable of anything. Kaa-san guarantees it.” (Erina)

“That is reassuring.” (Sirius)

“As Aria-sama said, you should act freely, unrestrained, and live straightforwardly.” (Erina)

“Leave that to me. That is my specialty.” (Sirius)

“That is comforting. But I have a request… may I?” (Erina)

“What is it?” (Sirius)

“Call me Kaa-san once more.” (Erina)

“As many times as you wish, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“One more time.” (Erina)

“Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Louder.” (Erina)

“Kaa-san!” (Sirius)

“I wish for you to call me Mama.” (Erina)

“Very well, Mama.” (Sirius)

“Kaa-san suits me best, after all.” (Erina)

“Understood, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Fufu, I have never seen you cry like this. You cry for me, do you not?” (Erina)

“Of course… I do.” (Sirius)

“Sirius, I am so happy right now.” (Erina)

“That is good to hear.” (Sirius)

“Yet it is my only regret that I cannot see your growth any longer.” (Erina)

“Then, you are not happy.” (Sirius)

“Perhaps not. But I am happy. Though my life was full of hardships, I am satisfied. To be sent off by a family I love so dearly… I am truly happy.” (Erina)

“I was also happy to be with you, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“My Sirius… I love you.” (Erina)

“I love you too, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Yes… those words are enough, Sirius.” (Erina)

“Thank you.” (Erina)

 

—

 

— Erina —

 

Before I knew it, I was standing in a boundless white space.

This is strange. I was under the watch of Sirius and lying in bed… how is it possible that I am here?

‘You arrived far too soon!’ (Aria)

That… is that Aria-sama!?

‘Indeed. It has been a long time, Erina.’ (Aria)

It has been a long time, Aria-sama. Your child has grown admirably.

‘Yes, yes. I have been watching all along, so I know. And that is incorrect. He is not my son alone; he is our son, is he not?’ (Aria)

That is correct, Aria-sama.

‘Moreover, your manner of speaking is stiff. We are no longer master and servant, we are simply mothers now.’ (Aria)

Your words bring me joy, yet I have my habits. More importantly, where is this place?

‘Hmm… how should I put it? Perhaps you may think of it as a dream?’ (Aria)

A dream, is it? Judging from your words, Aria-sama, we can observe Sirius from here, can we not?

‘Oh, you adapt too quickly. I thought you would be more surprised…’ (Aria)

Being near him, one becomes accustomed quickly. Furthermore, it is trivial if I can watch over Sirius.

‘I see. There is space next to me, would you like to sit?’ (Aria)

Even if you tell me to sit, there is neither chair nor anything else.

‘Do not worry about that. Look, you can see Sirius.’ (Aria)

Indeed, I can. Ah… no matter how many times I see him, he is adorable.

‘Ah… my son is an outrageous heartbreaker. To have ensnared Erina so thoroughly, he is quite the sinful man.’ (Aria)

I have been ensnared since the moment I was born and cradled in his arms.

‘If you say that, I have been ensnared even before being born. No one can surpass the depth of my love.’ (Aria)

What are you saying? My love is deeper.

‘My love is deeper!’ (Aria)

No, mine is deeper.

‘It seems endless. Shall we agree that we both love him to a depth beyond measure?’ (Aria)

Yes, let us settle on that. Yet even so, I believe my depth remains unseen.

‘Ugh, your stubbornness in strange matters remains unchanged.’ (Aria)

Aria-sama, you are likewise unchanged.

‘Indeed. Now, Erina, we can only observe, but there is something I wish to tell you.’ (Aria)

I will listen.

‘Thank you. And… thank you for your efforts.’ (Aria)

…Yes. I have had a happy life.

 

—

 

— Sirius —

 

The following day, we arrived at the flower field where we had previously gone for a picnic. We had come specifically to this place to create a grave at the base of the tree at the center of the field.

Funerals in this world, aside from the nobility, are conducted quietly among family. Corpses are cremated completely until only bones remain, and the remaining bones are crushed to powder. This is because corpses have been known to absorb mana and become zombies.

Following this precedent, we began to dig the grave while holding the wooden box containing Erina’s powdered remains.

No one spoke a word. Everyone silently continued digging until Erina had been fully laid to rest.

“Aniki, this.” (Reus)

We placed the gravestone that Reus had carried and engraved her name with a mithril knife. Simply engraving her name felt insufficient, so we considered adding a few more words.

“Everyone, does anyone have suggestions for what else we might engrave?” (Sirius)

“Hm, I cannot think of anything.” (Noel)

“Indeed.” (Dee)

“I want to engrave my name… and that I dearly loved Erina-san.” (Reus)

“It is improper to engrave one’s own name on another’s grave. Yet it is acceptable to engrave sentiments, such as love or admiration.” (Noel)

“Hm… then what about this?” (Sirius)

Everyone nodded in agreement with the words I engraved. Finally, we all observed a moment of silent prayer.

Thus, Erina’s funeral concluded.

In my previous life, I never knew my mother, and Shishou who took me in and raised me was little more than a guardian than a parent. Even in this reincarnated life, I could not see my mother’s face, yet there is no doubt that it was Erina who taught me the love of a mother.

I had believed that I had exhausted all tears after enduring countless sorrows in my previous life, yet… I cried for her. It was a nostalgic sensation. I truly believe that the love of a mother that evoked such feelings is magnificent.

Pure and untainted love was poured generously upon me by Erina. For the sake of family, for my sake, she continuously supported me from behind. Farewell, beloved one who first taught me the warmth of a mother.

May you rest in peace.

 

— Words Engraved on the Gravestone —

‘Erina, the loyal retainer loved more than family… rests here.’

 

—

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