When I returned to the main house, I headed to the room where Kurt and the others were, intending to ask if Fine could join us for magic practice.
“Well then, we’ll talk about this later.”
Just as I finished speaking, it seemed like the discussion had concluded, and I saw riscoming out from inside. Behind her were Kurt and Diana.
“Oh, if it isn’t Nero. It’s been a while.”
Ayra said this in her usual straightforward tone.
“It’s been a while. Since the magic power assessment, right?”
As I replied, she briefly looked surprised, like she had been caught off guard.
“It hasn’t been that long since then, but you’ve become quite mature… I heard from Kurt that you can already use magic, is that right?”
“No, I’m still struggling with the basics, so it’s still a long way to go.”
“Haha, have you even learned to be humble? Your potential is already showing in various ways.”
She smiled and then noticed Fine behind me.
“Fine, were you playing with Nero?”
“Yeah…”
“Our discussion is over. It’s time for us to head back.”
“Uh… okay…”
Ayra took Fine’s hand and headed outside. Oh no, I need to bring up Fine’s training soon. I thought about stopping her, but…
“Ayra , let me walk you home.”
“It’s fine. It’s not that far, and it’ll be good exercise.”
“No, no, it’s cruel to make a little girl walk. I’ll call for a carriage.”
“You’re really overprotective. If you had a daughter, you’d probably be a total doting parent.”
A conversation with Kurt had started, and Diana joined in.
“What are you talking about? Kurt is still a doting parent.”
“Ah, that’s wrong. It must be true.”
“Hahaha.”
With that, all three of them continued chatting as they made their way to the entrance.
“Well then, we’ll take our leave here. We’ll get in touch again.”
“Are you sure it’s alright?”
“You’re being persistent, Kurt. But wasn’t it your persistence that won Diana over?”
“Shut up! Just go home already!”
“Alright, alright.”
Ayra smiled and took Fine home with her.
I completely missed the timing to bring it up…
Fine’s gaze, as if she was being pulled away, pierced my heart.
But in the end, it might have been better that I didn’t bring it up now. It wasn’t the right time to talk about something like this, and I wouldn’t know the circumstances of the other party without asking their parents.
So, I decided to ask about it in a more relaxed situation—during tonight’s dinner.
Later, in the evening, we gathered around the table with the arranged dishes. There was soup, bread, and a main meat dish.
It was simple, but it was exceptionally delicious.
The food was prepared by our one maid, Iris, who serves only our household. Her cooking was superb, and I had become completely enchanted by it since reincarnating in this world.
It’s normal for maids to eat in a different place than their masters, but due to my parents’ wishes, Iris was also seated with the family.
“Iris, today’s meal is delicious as always.”
“Thank you, Nero-sama. It’s an honor to hear you say that.”
The red-haired maid smiled sincerely, looking truly happy.
Iris was slightly younger than Kurt and the others. She was probably around seventeen or eighteen.
“It really is delicious.”
“Ah, Iris’s cooking is the best. It’s always a big help.”
“Kurto-sama… such flattering words…”
“No, it’s the truth. We’re really grateful to have you here.”
“Even you, Diana-sama…”
She looked a bit embarrassed and lowered her gaze to the soup in front of her. Just then, Kurt spoke up as if remembering something.
“By the way, Nero, were you playing with Fine during the day?”
“Uh… yeah.”
“It’s been since the magic power assessment, hasn’t it? Do you think you can get along well?”
“Yeah, we talked too.”
“Good, that’s great. Since you two are like classmates, you’ll eventually be fighting together as magic knights, so it’s best to get to know each other well.”
The topic of magic knights had come up perfectly. If I was going to talk about it, now was the time.
“Dad?”
“What is it?”
“I want to ask about Fine.”
“Oh? Are you maybe thinking about how to confess to a girl you like?”
“Not that!”
“Then what is it?”
“When does practice for becoming a magic knight typically start?”
“Normally, you start practicing a little after you finish your magic power assessment and determine your magic attributes. From six years old, you’ll learn at a magic knight training facility. Some talented individuals even start working in the field as teenagers.”
After saying that, Kurt seemed to understand what I wanted to know.
“Fine’s case is a bit special. Do you remember when I mentioned that magic attributes for magic knights are largely inherited?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Fine has, of course, inherited her mother Ayra ’s attributes.”
But how does that explain the delay in her practice? If she’s going to become a magic knight, it’s better to start as early as possible.
“Ayra ’s magic attributes are quite unique. She has no attribute.”
“Huh… so, nothing at all?”
“Right, it’s more like the absence itself is considered an attribute. However, it doesn’t mean she can’t do anything. Rather, she has turned that characteristic into a powerful tank… basically, a shield for everyone. So, it’s tough for Fine to endure until she has developed her body to some extent. Moreover, the amount of magic she consumes is also significant, making it challenging for Fine, who is still in a growth stage. Also, magic of that kind requires putting oneself on the line, which has a high casualty rate… As a mother, I want her to become strong, but at the same time, I think there’s a part of me that hesitates. Fine’s temperament is also a bit too gentle to be a magic knight…”
I see, so there were circumstances like that.
However, even so, delaying her practice doesn’t seem beneficial for Fine. It would be better for her to learn how to protect herself early, and even if she decides not to become a magic knight later, she would still have that option.
More than that, since she’s eager herself, allowing her to practice could greatly enhance her potential.
“Is that what you wanted to know?”
“Yeah, that’s part of it, but I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“I want Fine to join the practice that I’m learning from you and Mom.”
It seemed like an unexpected request, as my parents looked surprised.
“Is that not alright?”
“Well, it’s not that it’s a bad idea, but…”
“Is there a problem?”
“What we can teach are swordsmanship and offensive magic, and I thought it might not align with Fine’s attributes…”
“I think that’s fine.”
“Eh?”
Just because she has a defensive attribute doesn’t mean she shouldn’t train in offensive techniques.
Even if it’s not her strong suit, it wouldn’t hurt to learn.
If she can’t practice techniques suited to her talents right now, it’s even more reason to train in other areas.
You never know when or where monsters might attack.
“Monsters can appear in the city like before, right?”
“Yeah, that can happen.”
“If nothing has been trained, wouldn’t she be taken down immediately?”
“That’s true, but…”
“Even if it doesn’t fit her attributes, I think she should practice enough to hold on until you guys come to help. Besides, Fine is really motivated.”
“…”
My parents looked taken aback by my statement for a moment.
But when they regained their composure, they showed soft smiles.
“…You’re right. Maybe what Nero said is true. I’ll talk to Ayra about it.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“However, I can’t believe you’re even considering her circumstances. What a compassionate child you are, Nero. That’s wonderful! This must be the work of love!”
So not that!
