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

 

 

Erina

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I was born a poor commoner.

Every day was a struggle to find enough to eat, yet as long as my kind parents were beside me, I could endure it.  But when they perished from an epidemic, I was left utterly alone. I had no relatives to rely on and no acquaintances to turn to. Even so, I refused to die and clung desperately to life.

I worked myself to the bone, and when I had grown old enough to be regarded as a woman, a turning point came to me. A certain nobleman noticed me working in town and invited me to serve as his attendant. Although the work included attending to his bed, the promise of steady meals and a wage far beyond anything I could earn in my present life left me with no reason to refuse. Thus, I became the nobleman’s attendant, and while serving him, I learned many things and grew.

Several years passed. I grew accustomed to attending to my master and had earned a modest position within the mansion. Then I fell ill. Though I barely survived, my body was left frail and a dreadful aftereffect remained. I had become unable to bear children, and the family I had longed to create after losing my parents could never be mine.

To make matters worse, I was soon cast out of the mansion. No longer able to fulfill my duties in bed, I was completely abandoned. Having been driven out and robbed of the ability to give birth, I sank into despair. Nothing seemed to matter anymore.

Clutching my few belongings, I sat blankly in a corner of town, vulnerable to whatever might befall me. Then a young girl approached and spoke to me.

“Hey, Onee-san, what are you doing here?” (Unknown girl)

That was how I met Aria-sama.

She was the one who rescued me from despair. It was a fateful encounter.

 

—

 

From then on, I became Aria-sama’s attendant and watched over her as she grew.

Aria-sama was my benefactor. Though I never expressed it in words or manner, she became to me like a much younger sister, and I walked beside her.  Later, we met Dee and Noel. Even when the Eldrand Household fell into ruin, I lived solely for Aria-sama’s sake. And then, when Aria-sama conceived the child of the one I despised most…

“Aria-sama! Please look! It is a boy!” (Erina)

“Ah, thank goodness. He was born.” (Aria)

“Please stay with us, Aria-sama! Do you not wish to hold your child?” (Erina)

Cradling the newborn, I called out to her, but Aria-sama’s condition worsened. It was as I feared. Her body lacked the strength to endure childbirth. Yet I could not stop her.

I understood all too well how deeply she wished to bring this child into the world.

“Aria-sama! I beg you, live for this child, for all of us!” (Erina)

I could sense the flame of her life flickering out. My parents, and now Aria-sama, who had once saved me. Everyone precious to me was leaving me behind.

“No, I do not want this. I cannot lose anyone else dear to me.” (Erina)

“What are you saying? Loss is not the only thing that remains.” (Aria)

“But Aria-sama…” (Erina)

Aria-sama took the baby from me, showing me his face with a gentle smile.

“Look closely. This is new life.” (Aria)

“Ah…” (Erina)

“He is not a child you bore, Erina, but he is everyone’s baby. Please, raise him with love.” (Aria)

“No, we will raise him together, Aria-sama. All of us will help him grow into a fine young man.” (Erina)

“Yes, I would like that too. But I suppose it is beyond me now.” (Aria)

Please, stop. This cannot be happening.

“Your name is Sirius. My Sirius, I love you. Live freely, unbound by anything, and always believe in yourself. That is your mother’s wish. Erina, take care of him. Love him in my stead.” (Aria)

Entrusting Sirius-sama to me, Aria-sama…

“Aria-sama? Aria-sama…” (Erina)

She passed away, her expression serene, as though she had accomplished all she wished. And thus, only I and the newborn Sirius-sama remained. All Aria-sama had ever wanted was to bring happiness to her family and those around her.

Why did it have to end like this?

“Erina, he is not your child, but he is everyone’s baby. Please, raise him with love.”

At that moment, as I felt the warmth and cries of the infant, my senses returned to me.

Compose yourself. There is no time for grief. Only I can protect this child, Sirius-sama, whom Aria-sama left behind.

“Aria-sama, I shall raise Sirius-sama into a fine man. Please, watch over us.” (Erina)

That was how I met Sirius-sama. He became the one who brought me happiness, my most precious person.

 

—

 

A month later.

When everyone in the mansion had at last come to terms with Aria-sama’s death, I found myself completely enamored with Sirius-sama’s adorableness. His round eyes, inherited from his mother, and those tiny hands that grasped my finger when I offered it made everything about him precious to me.

Yet he was somewhat unusual. I had cared for infants before, but Sirius-sama never fussed or cried needlessly. Whenever I offered him food, he ate without spilling a drop. It was almost as if he understood my words. I even felt he might begin feeding himself with a spoon if I gave it to him.

“Still, Sirius-sama eats so neatly, does he not?” (Noel)

“Sirius-sama is special.” (Erina)

It seemed Sirius-sama developed faster than other babies. Truly, he was Aria-sama’s child.

Noel tilted her head in puzzlement but soon gave up worrying, too captivated by his charm. Lately, she had been trying to make Sirius-sama call her “Onee-san”, but for some reason, I felt that both Sirius-sama and I were exasperated by her attempts.

It made me happy to see him grow quickly, yet part of me wished he would grow more slowly. But that was a mother’s sentiment, one I must not indulge.

I am Aria-sama’s attendant. It is enough for me to watch over Sirius-sama’s growth.

 

—

 

Then, I collapsed, stricken by water magic disease. My senses were fading under the fever, yet I understood that death was near.

“Aria… sa… ma…” (Erina)

I still had things left undone. Is this truly where it ended? Aria-sama, forgive me.

I swore to protect your child, yet I… I am sorry… so very–…

“Just drink it! I will never forgive you if you do not!” (Sirius)

That black hair… Aria-sama? Very well. If it is your command.

I drank what was pressed to my lips, but soon I realized something was different. That voice and that hand were not Aria-sama’s. They were Sirius-sama’s.

“Once you have drunk it, go to sleep.” (Sirius)

Ah, Sirius-sama. You have grown enough to command me so. Continue to grow and to become–…

 

—

 

“Where am I?” (Erina)

I was alive.

Though weary, the burning fever that had tormented me was gone, and I knew that the water magic disease had been completely cured. Then, I saw Sirius-sama clinging to the edge of my bed, sleeping in an awkward posture. And I remembered.

It was he, Sirius-sama, who had saved my life. That earnest expression as he tried to save me resembled Aria-sama so much that it took my breath away. I wondered why he had such medicine, but as I looked at his innocent sleeping face, such a question seemed trivial.

Overcome by an affection too strong to contain, I reached out and gently stroked Sirius-sama’s hair.

“Erina!?” (Sirius)

“Yes, I am here.” (Erina)

Afterward, I told him the truth, and through his confession, I learned the reason behind his abnormal growth. It might sound impossible, but if these words came from him, then it must indeed be the truth. No, whether it was true or not no longer mattered to me. This young man had already grown to be one I could revere as my master.

From this moment forward, I would no longer serve as Aria-sama’s attendant but as the devoted servant of Sirius-sama for the rest of my life.

 

—

 

Sirius-sama was growing at an astonishing rate. Recently, he had fought Dee, a former adventurer with a much larger build, in earnest combat and had emerged victorious. He then stood at the center of our lives, not only supporting me but also inspiring Noel and Dee with dreams and hope. He had become a truly remarkable master.

Yet his growth was clearly beyond the realm of normal. He possessed the power to take a life with ease. To those unaware of who he truly was, he might have appeared terrifying. However, Sirius-sama understood how to wield his strength. He treated us as family and always showed us compassion. There was nothing frightening about him in the slightest. He was not merely someone dear to us, for he was our most precious master.

One day, Sirius-sama found a pair of silver wolf siblings and brought them back to the mansion. They had lost not only their parents but also their homeland to monsters, leaving them with nowhere to return. To be honest, we hardly had the means to support two more children, yet if Sirius-sama wished it, we could only answer his desire. Besides, this was the very first selfish request he had ever made, and for that reason, I was determined to grant it.

“Please pat my head more.” (Reus)

“Yes, yes, Reus, you are such a good boy.” (Erina)

“Mm…” (Reus)

While Sirius-sama treated Emilia’s scars, I lulled Reus to sleep.

He looked adorable as he slept with an innocent expression, but even so, I still found Sirius-sama’s sleeping face to be the most endearing of all.

Now that I think of it, when was the last time I saw Sirius-sama asleep? He rises earlier than any of us, and I cannot recall seeing his sleeping face for several years. While I am happy to see how mature he has become, I sometimes wish he would show a bit more of his age and perhaps act spoiled or selfish like Reus now and then.

That night, Sirius-sama finally decided to sleep in my bed. Though he seemed to be lost in thought, his serious expression was itself charming. Only a short time ago, he was so small. How splendidly he has grown.

“Um, you are staring at me so much that I am starting to feel self-conscious.” (Sirius)

“My apologies. However, I cannot fall asleep unless I face this way.” (Erina)

“Do not lie.” (Sirius)

“I am not lying. For tonight only, I must face this way to sleep.” (Erina)

Such a moment of happiness could never be wasted by something as trivial as sleep.

 

—

 

A few days later, Emilia and Reus came to understand the greatness of Sirius-sama and swore their loyalty to him. Especially Emilia, who, no matter what might come, would never betray her master.

She is a child who could inherit my place. I know now that I do not have much time left. Recently, my body no longer moves as it once did, and I find myself needing frequent rest just to complete my duties.

Age, too, is catching up with me, and I cannot remain by Sirius-sama’s side forever. To have someone succeed me, to entrust another with my devotion, is but my selfish wish. It is an act that may place a weightless burden on her and even decide her future for her.

Even so, when I confessed my feelings to her…

“I have decided to live for Sirius-sama’s sake. So please, Erina-san, teach me everything you know about being a servant!” (Emilia)

Emilia accepted my request with joy.

Sirius-sama, you truly have found a wonderful child. I will raise her into a worthy attendant for you. This will likely be my final duty.

So please, grant me a little more time.

 

—

 

At last, my body has reached its limit. But I have entrusted all my feelings to Emilia. All that remains is to share my final words with everyone, yet Sirius-sama scolded me instead.

“I will listen. But I want to hear your true feelings, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

And then, he called me Kaa-san.

I had not given birth to him. I am not his true mother. Is it really alright for me to bear that title?

Overwhelmed by the emotions I had long forbidden myself to feel, I could no longer hold back my tears.

“…Is it truly alright?” (Erina)

“Of course. We are family, so you should be honest with yourself. Otherwise, I might end up hating you, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Sirius-sama… no, Sirius… I do not want you to hate me. So, I will do as you say.” (Erina)

I will share my thoughts with everyone once more.

Reus, become more refined.

Dee, find your courage.

Noel, keep smiling brightly.

Emilia, cherish yourself.

And Sirius, as Aria-sama wished, live freely.

“Will you hold my hand?” (Erina)

“Of course.” (Sirius)

“Will you call me Kaa-san once more?” (Erina)

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

“Once more.” (Erina)

“Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“More.” (Erina)

“Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Hehe, you have not cried since the day you were born. And now, you are crying for me?” (Erina)

“Of course, I am.” (Sirius)

Because of the medicine, I could no longer feel the warmth of his hand holding mine, but I could sense his kindness nonetheless. And Sirius, who had never once cried since birth, was shedding tears. Even after learning that Aria-sama was gone, he had not cried, yet now he wept for me.

“I was happy too, Kaa-san, just like you.” (Sirius)

So, I was truly allowed to be your mother.

“My beloved Sirius, I love you.” (Erina)

“I love you too, Kaa-san.” (Sirius)

“Ah, those words are more than enough, Sirius.” (Erina)

 

—

 

Suddenly, my memories began to overflow.

Since the day I came into this world, I have endured countless hardships. I lost my parents, became a servant to a noble through near servitude, and lived each day in harshness. Then, I fell gravely ill and became incapable of bearing a child. I had sunk into despair. Yet, when I had lost all reason to live, Aria-sama saved me. And when I lost her, I nearly fell into despair again. It was then that I met you. When I first held you, the child Aria-sama left behind, my fate was sealed.

I decided to live to protect you. You were so adorable and so precious that I wished to protect you even if it meant giving up everything. There were difficult times, but whenever I thought of you, fear vanished.

You were my reason to live. To be called Kaa-san by you has made all of my struggles worthwhile. You have given dreams to Noel and Dee, and you have become a guiding light for Emilia and Reus, who are like grandchildren to me.

I am so proud of you.

Because you were here, I was able to come this far.

Because you were here, my world shone with light.

And so, I wish to tell you one last thing.

My beloved Sirius.

Thank you for being born.

 

—

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