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

 

 

Teacher

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The town of Medria was one of several that exist upon the Adlode Continent. It was not so large as to be called a city with a castle, yet it is a medium-sized town, sufficiently lively that people do not cease their coming and going. I had come there for that reason.

My purpose was to sell the jewel of a Jewel Turtle. At first, I had intended to sell it through the adventurers’ guild or one of the larger shops, but without connections and being but a child, I could not expect to be treated seriously by them. To avoid having my face known, I resolved to use an underground organization.

Melissa was one of the subterranean organizations in Medoria that deals mainly in illegal matters. After gathering information in a tavern, I succeeded in being invited to their headquarters, which lay belowground. There, in a dim room lit only by candlelight, I confronted a man who was a senior member of Melissa.

He was a burly fellow with a completely shaved head and several large scars upon his face. He displayed his well-honed muscles without concealment, seeking to intimidate me, yet compared to Laiol it was merely a breeze. That he wore a hooded robe which concealed his face suggested that he judged by ability rather than appearance. However, he was no fool at deception. When he revealed the item, the first purse of gold coins he placed before me contained only 20 pieces. By the outside market, 50 pieces would be a safe expectation, so I thought it was time for a little negotiation.

“This is not acceptable.” (Sirius)

I tossed the pouch of coins upon the table, snorted with displeasure, and leaned back.

“But is not this a fair price?” (Man)

“Do you take me for a fool? A brat unfamiliar with the market could not have come this far. Are you telling me that your organization judges solely by appearance and is so low in level?” (Sirius)

“To be thus regarded is most unfair. We are a widely known organization in this town, and we are not especially short of funds. If you prefer, we may cancel the transaction entirely.” (Man)

“That would be a lie. Something of this quality rarely appears, so you must desire it. If you prefer, another organization might purchase it.” (Sirius)

“Ha ha ha, you understand. However, there are ways to obtain it without money.” (Man)

When he raised his hand, several hostile presences stirred in the darkness beyond.

“Well then, what shall you do?” (Man)

He lowered his hand with a mocking laugh, and the surrounding hostility subsided.

Was that intended to mean, with my single signal I could have you eliminated? Such brazenness is to be expected of an underground organization.

“This is increasingly unacceptable. Do you think that you obtained this by accident?” (Sirius)

I tapped the table lightly and, employing Search, detected two presences above the ceiling, one in the left corner of the wall, and one beyond the door behind us.

“There are two upon the ceiling, one in the corner, one behind the door, and including you there are but five. If such a number could fell a Jewel Turtle, then come at me.” (Sirius)

One must not permit negotiations to be treated with contempt. Even if the position is disadvantageous, to utter weakness invites exploitation and may render any recovery impossible. One must maintain a firm stance, at times feigning a slight invitation to lure the other party, and thereby secure terms favorable to oneself. In the underworld, this becomes complex and difficult, yet in both past and present I have been capable of handling modest problems. Therefore, my posture is to be audacious.

“Shall the two upon the ceiling attempt to strike with knives while the man behind cleaves me, or will you restrain me here while the other four attack at once?” (Sirius)

I emitted an oppressive force into which I infused a little mana. The man before me began to perspire and swallowed his saliva.

“If I were to fight you, the organization would not emerge unscathed. That would expose a weakness to other organizations.” (Sirius)

Having said so, I ceased my pressure and produced a mithril knife for the man to inspect.

“Yet I have no interest in your organization. I merely wish to sell this jewel secretly. You may test me if you must, but shall we proceed to the main matter?” (Sirius)

Their attempts to lowball or threaten me were simply a test. They sought to determine whether I was a suitable trading partner. They used obvious methods to sift me out. In turn, I threatened them thoroughly until they recoiled, then I feigned indifference to afford them a sense of security and revealed a precious mithril knife to ensure they would not consider me ordinary. I expected that such measures would secure their acceptance.

“My apologies. I recognize your skill and your insight. I regret having subjected you to such tests.” (Man)

“Do not concern yourself. Such matters are to be expected when one lives in the shadows. Will you purchase it then?” (Sirius)

“We shall purchase it. The purchase price shall be, how about 50 gold coins?” (Man)

50 coins would be acceptable, but he still believed he could take advantage of me.

“This piece possesses high transparency and is entirely free of damage. If sold at auction, it would fetch a considerable sum. 100 gold coins.” (Sirius)

“You must be joking. We do not merely purchase and resell. Considering the effort required, 55 pieces.” (Man)

“But this is the raw stone, and even in this state it is beautiful. Once worked, eccentric nobles will compete to purchase it. 95 pieces.” (Sirius)

“You do not know how much labor the workmanship would require. 55 pieces.” (Man)

“I take delight in craftsmanship myself. Using other jewels taken from a Jewel Turtle I have created items such as this. 80 pieces.” (Sirius)

“This is extraordinary. Very well, how about 75 pieces?” (Man)

“That will do.” (Sirius)

“The negotiation is concluded. I shall prepare it at once, so please wait here.” (Man)

What I had given the man was a lamp fashioned by cutting extra raw rubies and affixing them upon it. I set numerous small jewels within it and drew magic circles that glow like lights upon each stone, producing an object that emits a gentle radiance for purely ornamental appreciation. It has no practical use, yet a connoisseur noble might purchase it. The work required some effort, but it had been created as practice for drawing magic circle and therefore was not particularly precious.

“75 gold coins. Will you confirm?” (Man)

“Of course.” (Sirius)

I did not distrust him so much as understand that within the underworld one must verify matters, otherwise one risks appearing careless and provoking suspicion. To place it into one’s pocket without inspection may be stylish in appearance, but to merchants and underground contacts it renders a person untrustworthy. In transactions of money and goods, demonstrating meticulousness engenders confidence. Although it is somewhat amusing, I do not intend to meet this man again, so perhaps such caution is unnecessary.

“75 coins, confirmed. I shall take my leave.” (Man)

“It was a profitable negotiation.” (Sirius)

He did not attempt to detain me with such phrases as Are you leaving already. I understood that he did not particularly favor me and that he would not pry further, for he accepted that I sought contact with the underground to avoid interference and inquiry. One other commendable aspect of this man was that, while a member of an underground organization, he appeared trustworthy so long as the contract were properly executed.

“Ah, this gold is now mine, and Melissa shall have no involvement whatever, shall she?” (Sirius)

“Indeed. We swear that Melissa shall not be involved in any way, no matter what occurs.” (Man)

“I have my assurance. Farewell.” (Sirius)

I hurriedly exited the underground premises, passed through the back alleys, and emerged onto the main street where I exhaled. Dealing with the underworld had left me mentally fatigued for the first time in a while. Nonetheless the sale fetched a price commensurate with the trouble, and I considered buying them a small souvenir. Walking idly along the main street, I selected items that caught my eye and purchased them. A ribbon for Emilia, sturdy gloves for Reus, and for Noel and Dee’s wedding present I considered something suitable. Baby items would be premature, matching pendants might be appropriate.

 

—

 

Having bought the desired items, I left the town and headed for the nearby wood. I could have returned at once, but there was a small task that required my attention.

“Come out.” (??)

The man dressed entirely in black appeared in response to my murmur. This man had been following me ever since I left the underground. When I examined the surroundings with Search, I sensed several presences, but I could tell that this one was among those who had surrounded me earlier. Some of the other presences were unfamiliar, yet they were certainly not friendly. It was best to take the initiative.

“It seems it was not by chance that you detected me. How did you do it?” (Man)

“Do you think a fool would tell you? More importantly, what is your business? I should have already received the money through a legitimate transaction.” (Sirius)

“Well, I thought it was too much for a child to have received. So, I, as an adult, have come to collect it.” (Man)

The man displayed a grin steeped in greed and pointed a knife he had drawn at me. I had expected this to some extent, but it was still amusing how obvious it was.

“You act rather arrogantly for a brat, so I shall teach you about the world of adults. The tuition fee will be the money from earlier and your knife. Such fine items are meant to be owned by someone of a higher rank, like me.” (Man)

“I have no need for education from you, and you lack the refinement to wield a knife. Understand your own ability properly.” (Sirius)

“Tch, what an insolent brat. Hey, you all, come out!” (Man)

When the man raised his hand, I expected a group of burly men to appear, but none came. He looked around in confusion and waved his hand several times, yet nothing happened.

“Damn it, those bastards betrayed me!” (Man)

No, they did not betray you. They simply cannot come. While I was speaking with you, I detected them and already shot through all their skulls. If you search, you will likely find their bodies lying among the grass nearby. You are the only one remaining.

“That is fine. I alone am enough. I shall recover the money and rise in the ranks. I am superior to that bald fool, and I am tired of being under him!” (Man)

I see. So, he is not after the money itself, but the advancement of his position within the organization. Ambition for promotion is commendable, but superior to that man, you say? He is utterly deluded.

“Just because he is a little clever, why is he treated so specially? He even bows his head to a brat like you. I have no idea what he is so afraid of!” (Man)

What you lack is the ability to discern the strong. At the very least, that man understood my strength when he tested me, and he treated me with courtesy. In the underworld, one is constantly exposed to danger, and those who excel at crisis management are the ones who survive. You, who do not understand that, will soon perish. In fact, you shall perish here.

“It is because you do not understand that you remain at that level. Magnum.” (Sirius)

Unfortunately, I am no saint. If attacked, I strike back, and if goodwill is shown, I return it in kind. This man clearly targeted me, so I would show no restraint. In my previous life, I buried countless men like him. I would not feel guilt over this now.

“What are you–… gah!?” (Man)

The bullet I fired pierced through his skull, and without understanding what had happened, the man departed from this world. Come to think of it, this was the first person I had killed in this world, yet I still felt nothing. I did not intend to act unnecessarily, but sometimes one must kill in order to live. One day, I must have my disciples experience this as well.

I lowered my finger and confirmed that no enemies remained nearby. Since I had killed members of their organization, it could be considered as having declared hostility, yet I had already received assurance from that man that they would not interfere. This incident was clearly the lone act of this fool. They would likely settle the matter internally. I had already eliminated all witnesses, so if I fled swiftly, none would uncover my identity.

 

—

 

Carrying the heavy gold coins on my back, I returned home.

“Welcome home, Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“Welcome back, Aniki!” (Reus)

When I arrived home, the siblings who had been training in the yard came to greet me. Since each of them had already established their own direction of training, they had learned to continue practicing on their own unless I was required. Their degree of fatigue showed that they had been working earnestly.

“I am back. Did anything happen?” (Sirius)

“Nothing in particular.” (Emilia)

“Nothing at all, except that Noel-nee and Dee-nii turned all pink again.” (Reus)

Even though it had been a month since their wedding, those two still lived in paradise. They were diligent in their work and household duties, yet during meals or breaks they always sat together and flirted endlessly. It was good that their marital love remained strong, but Emilia had grown envious and started to act out, while Reus began to develop an aversion to marriage, saying, “If I have to make such a sloppy face, maybe I don’t want to get married.” I persuaded them that it would calm down eventually and that such behavior was like a temporary illness. Still, since it affected their emotional development, I could not simply tell the couple to stop. It had become a recent source of worry.

“I see. Have you both finished training for the day?” (Sirius)

“Yes. I have completed my quota. It can be later, but could you please watch my magic when you have time?” (Emilia)

“I am done too. Also, I kind of want to visit Lior-occhan’s place soon.” (Reus)

“Understood. I will consider it. But first, I need everyone to gather. I have something to tell you all.” (Sirius)

“I understand. I shall call Onee-chan. We are meeting in the living room, correct?” (Emilia)

“I will get Dee-nii.” (Reus)

As I watched the two divide their tasks and act on my intention without further explanation, I felt a deep sense of pride. Emilia had begun to resemble Erina-san, and though Reus was still childish, he now acted with firm will. We would only live here a little longer, but with more experience, those two could manage just fine on their own.

Rejoicing in their growth, I went to the living room and waited for everyone to assemble.

“This is today’s result.” (Sirius)

When I lined the gold coins upon the table, everyone stared in astonishment. There were seventy-five in total. If converted to Japanese currency, it would be seven and a half million yen. Considering the cost of living in this world, it was an extraordinary amount.

“A-amazing! I have never seen so many gold coins before!” (Noel)

“I thought 50 coins would be the best we could get, but to think it would be this much…” (Dee)

“Onee-chan, I do not really understand how amazing that is.” (Reus)

“Well, imagine that one of these is worth twenty silver coins. Does that help?” (Emilia)

“Wow! That really is amazing! But I do not think I need that much money.” (Reus)

It was not his money to begin with, but the siblings truly lacked greed. That was unsurprising, considering they were born in a settlement where money held little value and had lived as slaves before becoming my disciples. Having stayed mostly at home rather than in town, they had little sense of needing currency.

“Emilia already knows this, but Reus, money is important. Without these gold coins, we cannot enter the school.” (Sirius)

“That is true. By the way, how many do we need for school?” (Reus)

“If I recall, 50 gold coins. It is a sum far beyond the reach of ordinary people like us.” (Emilia)

“So, for three people, that means 60 coins remain. What will you do with the rest?” (Dee)

In fact, 50 coins would have sufficed for the sale of the jewel, but I had gotten carried away during negotiation. Still, money was never a bad thing to have, and I had already decided how to use the surplus.

“Indeed. In that case, Noel, Dee, would you like to attend school as well?” (Sirius)

“No, I once wished to go, but I am married now, so I have no regrets.” (Noel)

“Even if we were under the school’s protection, we would still need money. Please use the rest for our living expenses instead.” (Dee)

I had spoken half in jest, but as expected, they declined. Having read about it, I knew that most students were young, and considering their ages, it would have been unreasonable.

“Then, I will decide how to use it. By the way, Dee, that person will arrive the day after tomorrow, correct?” (Sirius)

“Yes, he should arrive around noon the day after tomorrow.” (Dee)

“Good, we made it in time.” (Sirius)

There was less than half a month left before I was to be driven from this place.
Nevertheless, since the man had neither shown his face nor sent a single letter, I decided to summon him myself. If left unattended, it would only become troublesome, and I wished to settle the matter before departing for school.

The day after tomorrow, for the first time in my life, I would come face to face with my father.

 

—

 

And then, the appointed day arrived.

I was seated in the living room, facing my father, Bardomil Dorianus. Behind me stood Dee, while the beastkin, who were despised by him, waited in my room. This was my first encounter with my father, yet compared to the man I had once glimpsed, there were now more wrinkles and white hair, and he had grown somewhat plump, which made it plain that he had led a life of dissipation. He was undoubtedly at the brink of developing some manner of adult illness.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Sirius.” (Sirius)

“Oh? I would not have imagined such politeness from the child of that insolent woman.” (Bardomil)

He delivered an insulting jab without hesitation. Moreover, having been greeted, he did not even return the courtesy.

Was that not the most basic form of decorum?

“By the way, I see you, but where is that attendant of yours? Her name was, if I recall, yes, Erina, was it not?” (Bardomil)

“Erina passed away several months ago. At present, I am the one who manages this household.” (Sirius)

“I see, so she has finally perished. She was exceedingly capable, though an irritating woman when it came to that girl.” (Bardomil)

“It is thanks to Erina that I have grown to be as capable as I am today. She was not merely a servant, but a woman who stood in the place of a parent.” (Sirius)

“A woman of the highest order, you say? Perhaps she had brainwashed you and schemed to seize my household.” (Bardomil)

He truly had a talent for provoking others. The fact that he did it naturally made him all the more detestable. Dee, standing behind me, was tensing his body as he fought to suppress his rage, and even beyond the door, there was a restless commotion.

“Stop it, Reus! Even if you go, nothing will change!” (Emilia)

“Let go, Nee-chan! That man insulted Erina! I cannot forgive him!” (Reus)

“I understand your anger, Reu-kun. But Sirius-sama is there now. Please, endure it for his sake.” (Noel)

“Damn it…” (Reus)

When I enhanced my hearing, that was the exchange I overheard. I had told them to remain in the room, yet those troublesome children could not restrain themselves. I could only hope Emilia would hold Reus down.

“It is unusually noisy. Is it those demi-humans making the ruckus?” (Bardomil)

“Pay it no mind. More importantly, regarding the reason I summoned you.” (Sirius)

At the word “demi-human”, Dee’s anger grew even greater. He glared at my father with such intensity that he seemed on the verge of killing him with his eyes alone, yet my father remained entirely oblivious. That was almost impressive in its own way.

“Indeed, let us come to the point. Why have you summoned me? I am a busy man. There must be a suitable reason to call me here.” (Bardomil)

“Of course. The reason concerns my departure from this house. There remains less than half a month before the appointed day, however.” (Sirius)

At that, his expression twisted into one of irritation.

“No, absolutely not! Judging from your words, you must have heard it from the servants, but your departure from this house has already been decided. I will not allow any extension whatsoever!” (Bardomil)

“You misunderstand. Whether it be in half a month or even sooner, I have already resolved to leave this house.” (Sirius)

“Then, what is it? If you are already resolved, you could have left without summoning me.” (Bardomil)

“In truth, I have a request to make. It requires your authorization, but first, please have a look at this.” (Sirius)

I received the bag from Dee and emptied its contents upon the table. The sight caused my father’s face to fill with astonishment.

“T-This is… gold coins? And more than twenty of them! Where did you obtain this?” (Bardomil)

“I was fortunate, but I have also been saving little by little for several years. I present this money to you.” (Sirius)

“Hoh, how commendable of you.” (Bardomil)

The instant I said I would present it, he swiftly gathered the coins and tucked them into his breast. His hands moved with remarkable speed.

“When I said I would give it, I meant that I was returning it. That money is the child support you gave to Erina since my birth. She kept accurate records, so there is no possibility it is less than the total sum.” (Sirius)

“Hm, yes, that woman would indeed do such a thing.” (Bardomil)

“I have added a small surplus as compensation for using this house. Please accept it as such.” (Sirius)

“Very well, I shall accept it without hesitation. And what is this request of yours? Do not tell me you wish to become my heir?” (Bardomil)

“No, I have no interest in that whatsoever. What I wish to request is to renounce the name Dorianus. I would have a formal statement from the head of the house declaring that I am not even your son.” (Sirius)

At that unexpected request, my father froze. It was only natural, for I had handed him money and then asked to be disowned. In truth, being expelled from the house was little different from being disowned already. However, bearing the name of this declining family would only bring unnecessary obligations later. I desired to sever all connection with them entirely, even to the extent of receiving an official declaration of disownment from the family head himself.

I had neither attachment to nobility nor desire to cling to it. The money I offered was meant to finalize this severance once and for all. I was content simply to be Sirius.

“You would cast away the proud name of Dorianus of your own accord? You realize you would cease to be a noble?” (Bardomil)

“I understand perfectly. I shall live not as your son, but as the son of Milialia, simply as Sirius.” (Sirius)

“Very well. Since you were to be expelled anyway, it makes no difference. I, Bardomil, head of House Dorianus, declare this. You shall never again bear the name Dorianus, nor are you my son!” (Bardomil)

“I accept your decree.” (Sirius)

Not that I had ever thought of myself as his son, nor had I ever called myself Dorianus.

“The matter is concluded. I thank you for making the journey here.” (Sirius)

“Indeed. I would say it was worthwhile for me as well.” (Bardomil)

He seemed deeply satisfied by the weight of the gold coins in his pocket. Yet what a clouded gaze he had. I could already foresee the wasteful spending he would indulge in once back in town.

“So, half a month remains, does it not? I shall send someone then, so make sure you are gone before that time. If you linger, I shall have you expelled as a trespasser.” (Bardomil)

“Understood. I shall leave before the half-month mark.” (Sirius)

From beginning to end, Bardomil remained haughty as he departed. Thus, our first meeting as parent and child became also our last, and I was now nothing more than Sirius.

“Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

After seeing Bardomil off, Dee and I were left alone, and he spoke in a strained voice.

“Erina-san must have suffered each time she met that man.” (Dee)

“I would imagine so. I do not know how many times they met, but she was truly a strong person.” (Sirius)

“I am filled with frustration. To have Aria-sama, Sirius-sama, Lady Erina, and Noel all insulted, and to be able to do nothing, I am ashamed.” (Dee)

“No, you endured well. When one provokes a noble, there is no knowing what he might do, and you held back for Noel’s sake. You should take pride in that.” (Sirius)

“Your words are too generous.” (Dee)

“Besides, I am no longer a noble. At the same time, you are all released from service, so there is no need to act so formal toward me.” (Sirius)

“No, even if you are not a noble, my master will always be Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

“I feel the same way!” (Noel)

“So do I! I shall serve Sirius-sama all my life!” (Emilia)

“Me too, Aniki!” (Reus)

Before I knew it, everyone had gathered behind me. Their hearts were as one, and they all looked upon me with trust. The bonds we had built together had not been in vain.

“Sirius-sama, your father is…” (Noel)

“He is no longer my father, so you may call or insult him as you please.” (Sirius)

“Understood. That man is truly despicable. Even if you were a child born out of wedlock, to be so cold toward one’s own blood is unforgivable.” (Emilia)

“That’s right! And he even insulted Erina! If Aniki hadn’t been there, I’d have cut him down myself!” (Reus)

The Silver Wolf Tribe was a race that treasured family, and so they could not possibly forgive a man like that. They were angrier and noisier than I was, but perhaps it served as a good lesson that such vile people also existed in the world.

“As you have seen, he despises beastkin. When I lived in his mansion, I was often on the verge of being bullied, but Aria-sama and Erina-san always protected me, so nothing serious ever happened.” (Noel)

“What is it about beastkin that he hates so much? Noel is adorable.” (Sirius)

“Dear…” (Noel)

“Noel…” (Dee)

You two truly have no self-restraint, do you? At this point, I cannot even predict what triggers the creation of your little love world.

When I cleared my throat, both of them hastily composed themselves and returned the conversation to its proper course.

“E-even so, Sirius-sama, you endured admirably. If it had been me, I would have slapped him the instant he insulted Erina-san!” (Noel)

“That’s right, if someone hits you, you hit back. That’s the Aniki I know.” (Reus)

“Did you really think I did nothing?” (Sirius)

“Wait, could it be that you handed him a counterfeit?” (Noel)

“No.” (Sirius)

The gold coins I had given Bardomil were genuine. However, I had made certain modifications to the coins themselves.

“On several of those coins, I set an ‘Impact’ spell with a delayed activation. The force is greatly restrained, but in time, the coins will burst apart while releasing a shockwave.” (Sirius)

When ‘Impact’ was enclosed within dense mana, the mana gradually disperses over time, and the magic art activates with a delay. It was the same method I used during the Jewel Turtle incident.

Within a few hours of delivery, the spell would trigger, causing quite a commotion that would draw in everyone nearby. If he kept the coins in his pocket, he would take the shock directly to his body. If he had placed them elsewhere, he would only expose his pitiful figure as he scrambled to pick up the scattered coins.

Even if those coins changed hands, any complaints would still fall upon him. As I explained, wondering if I had gone a little too far, my attendants all raised their hands in wholehearted approval.

“As expected of Sirius-sama! It is a pity we cannot witness it ourselves but just knowing that he will be flustered is deeply satisfying.” (Noel)

“Heh, serves him right!” (Reus)

“Anyone who does not cherish family deserves to suffer!” (Emilia)

“It is his own fault.” (Dee)

After the lively commotion subsided, it was time to move on to the next task. I clapped my hands to shift the mood.

“Alright, enough about that wretch. Let us turn our focus forward. Is everyone ready for the journey?” (Sirius)

“Yes, nothing has been overlooked.” (Dee)

“The house has been thoroughly cleaned. It looks almost newly built!” (Noel)

“There are no issues.” (Emilia)

“I’m ready to go anytime!” (Reus)

Satisfied by their answers, I nodded and raised my voice with energy.

“Excellent, then let us hold a party! Tonight, we shall celebrate until morning!” (Sirius)

“Yes!” (All)

Our preparations for departure were complete. Tomorrow, we would leave this house. I had decided long ago that we would depart the day after Bardomil officially disowned me.

Having handed over that many gold coins, he would surely assume I still possessed more and might even come to seize them by force. It was best to leave quickly. He had given me half a month, yet he would never imagine that we would vanish the very next day. I could already picture him discovering the empty house and grinding his teeth in frustration.

 

—

 

“Sirius-sama, I have been wondering for some time. What will you do about your family name?” (Noel)

“Ah, that is true. I will need one once we are outside.” (Sirius)

While preparing for the party, Noel suddenly asked me that question.

A family name such as the Dorianus name I had just abandoned, or the Silverion name borne by the siblings. In my previous life, it would have been akin to a surname. Noel and Dee had them as well, but for commoners, such names were rarely used, so they were mostly omitted.

Family names were primarily the domain of nobles, and since I had lived secluded here, I had never needed to use one. Nevertheless, being without a family name was socially awkward, so I would need to think of something suitable.

“Ordinarily, it would make sense to take Aria-sama’s family name, Eldland.” (Noel)

“I would like that, but Eldland, though fallen, was still a noble house. If any branch family remains alive, it could cause unnecessary complications.” (Sirius)

“Then, let us create a new name and carry it forward. A newly founded house rising step by step. It sounds like something out of a story.” (Noel)

“I have no intention of rising in the world, though.” (Sirius)

“That is impossible to avoid. With your strength, Sirius-sama, I can say with certainty that your name will become famous.” (Noel)

I only wished to train disciples, not to make a name for myself. Yet while I was still mulling over it, Noel gathered everyone for an impromptu discussion to decide upon a new family name.

“The first meeting of ‘Let us decide on Sirius-sama’s family name’ shall now commence! Everyone, applause!” (Noel)

I have a feeling she said that on impulse but is there really going to be a second meeting?

Ignoring my silent protest, everyone began clapping, and the attendants eagerly started offering their ideas.

“In my opinion, something regal or that sounds powerful would be good.” (Dee)
“How about something with ‘dragon’ in it?” (Reus)

“Well, if you do not mind, you could share ours. Sirius Silverion. It sounds nice, like a son-in-law.” (Noel)

“What are you saying, sis? Still, if he shares our name, I agree! He really is our Aniki!” (Reus)

No good. If I leave it to them, there is no telling what kind of name they would come up with. Before anything strange is decided, I should choose one myself.

Hmm… I thought about using the name from my previous life, but as always, I could not remember it. Something not too ostentatious, yet meaningful. Something symbolic would be ideal. Symbolic… I was aiming to become an educator… after all, Teacher?

“Teacher.” (Sirius)

“Tee-cha? Aniki, what kind of word is that?” (Reus)

“It comes from an ancient text, meaning ‘instructor.’” (Sirius)

“An instructor… it suits you perfectly, Sirius-sama. I think it is an excellent choice.” (Noel)

“Me too! Sirius-sama is both our master and our teacher.” (Emilia)

“You know everything, and the name itself reflects exactly who you are. It fits you.” (Dee)

“It is decided then.” (Noel)

“Yes. My name shall be Sirius Teacher.” (Sirius)

And so, my family name was determined.

That night, we held a grand party and spent our final evening together in this home.

 

—

 

The following morning, once our preparations were complete, we lined up before the house. I had lived here for eight years, and naturally, I felt a deep attachment to it. To tell the truth, I did not wish to leave. Though the siblings had lived here for less time, this house was still their home, and they wept as they bid it farewell. Dee and Noel also stood silently, gazing up at it in reminiscence. Yet we could not cling to our memories forever. Someone had to take the first step forward, and that someone would have to be me.

I placed a hand on the siblings’ shoulders and turned my back to our home. Listening to the sound of my attendants’ footsteps behind me, I walked on without looking back.

I will be going now, Kaa-san.

 

—

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