Chapter 5

Part 1

I chose a route and started walking, a route with the least people possible. And yet, I felt like I was attracting attention. It was probably because I was currently in disguise.

Something called one’s imagination.

But even so, others did not have much interest. No, I still felt the surroundings gazes.

But that should be obvious. Orsted had been using the office on the outskirts of town for a while now. There weren’t many people who had seen him in person, but there were plenty who knew of this appearance of his. A black helmet and a white cloak.

Right now, my outfit was the same as that of Orsted’s trademark. Walking through the town like this, it was natural I attracted attention.

In fact, without the curse, I might be giving a favourable impression to the townsfolk. Maybe I should try the main street. Doing good things to give someone a better image, like in the old days.

The main street was closer to the school too.

“Yep, that’s good.”

Killing two birds with one stone.

Improving Orsted’s reputation would be a plus for me as well.

Right, next time I should propose a『Dragon G.o.d Festival』where everybody dresses up in black helmets and white cloaks and dances in ecstasy.

With that in mind, I started moving towards the main street.

“Wha!?”

And, in that instant, I quickly turned around and hid myself.

I had glimpsed a familiar red haired person in the main street. And with that red haired person was the figure of a large white dog. And on the dog’s back were two children.

They were Eris and Leo. And on Leo’s back, Lara and Ars.

Leo, you two-timer! Even though you ran away from a walk with me, you went out with Eris.

No, it was different for me. That was a farce of a walk for my own satisfaction. What Eris and Leo were doing was territorial scouting.

But what do I do now?

I never thought I’d encounter Eris now and here of all places. No, I could probably talk my way past Eris. Like saying we could go visit Lucy together.

“…”

But how would I go about explaining this outfit. She wouldn’t immediately try and stab me right? I’m also worried about the kids. Right now, I was doing something I obviously shouldn’t. I broke my promise with Sylphy. Should my children be allowed to see this pathetic side of their father?

The answer is no.

……

Now that I gave it more thought, it really wouldn’t be a good idea. I even went to the trouble of a disguise. I should just go back home. I made it this far through a lapse in judgement, but wouldn’t waiting at home with Sylphy and greeting Lucy when she comes back be the better option?

…………

But I wanted to see Lucy in her hour of triumph. I know it’s selfish but it’s different from what Sylphy said. I definitely wasn’t doing this because I didn’t trust Lucy. And it’s not so I could help her out from behind the scenes. I promise. I swear to G.o.d.

Even if she looked as if she was about to cry, I wouldn’t lend a hand. At home, I’d properly hear the story from her and only then would I help her out and instruct her.

Nice one Rudeus buddy. That’s the line. That’s the line that wouldn't break my promise with Sylphy. Though I had decided on things on my own, without consulting with Sylphy first, but as long as I kept that promise, I wouldn’t really be going back on her words. But still, after all of this is over, I’ll properly tell her and apologise.

It was actually because I wanted to see Lucy in cla.s.s that I went to look. I’m sorry, I can’t hold myself back. Is that alright? Can I do it? Can she get angry if I am honest?

Alright. Good boy, Rudeus.

“Woof! Woof!”

Ah, in any case, it seemed that Leo had noticed me. His nose was twitching and he was looking in my direction.

“What is it?”

Eris noticed too. It’s not like it’s a problem if I’m found, but explaining this getup would take a while. Getting held up would also be a pain. Let’s take a detour.

“Whoever’s hiding there! Come out!”

But it was already too late, I was already found out by Eris. These clothes stood out too much…

Now then, what to do. Do I go out or not? If I do, how do I explain it?

No. But… Yes. There’s still quite a distance between us. She shouldn’t be able to clearly see me yet.

“…”

I showed myself from the waist up. Eris had her hand on her sword and Leo was wagging his tail. And on top of that, Lara, on top of Leo, and Ars sitting as if hugging her, were also looking at me.

The two of them were looking at me blankly, their gazes pure.

“Orsted…?”

Eris looked confused and removed her hand from her sword while I turned around. Nonchalantly.

With movements as if to say that I just coincidently came across you on the roadside, nothing to worry about.

“…Wait just a minute.”

“Tch…!”

Eris called me to a halt. Was my cover blown? Eris was a Sword King. A warrior who went almost toe to toe with the former Sword G.o.d. Looking at my demeanour, you could tell in an instant that I’m not Orsted.

“No, I’m just imagining things. It’s fine. Let’s go, Leo.

But as soon as I stopped, she said that, turned around and started walking. Leo was glancing in my direction but he didn’t chase after me and followed Eris.

The plan was a success.

“…”

My eyes suddenly met with Lara’s and Ars’ on top of Leo.

The dazed Lara and the puzzled Ars. They watched me from Leo’s back.

As if they were sending me off, I left that place.

Part 2

I arrived at the school. I avoided the front gate, climbed the wall and breached the compound. And then aimed for the cla.s.srooms.

I may not have partic.i.p.ated in many cla.s.ses, but I did seriously attend the school for many years. I did know where the first year cla.s.srooms were. I avoided students getting taught in the schoolyard and those walking during the intervals, heading for the first year cla.s.srooms.

This place hadn’t changed much either. It hadn’t even been a decade since I graduated, but it really felt like that. Though the number of unfamiliar students had increased.

It also felt like there had been an increase in Elves, and Beast and Dwarf races since my time as a student. There also seemed to be a large number of Demon races.

I heard from Roxy in the dining room that the main members of the student council were from the Elven race, and the next chief of the Dwarf race, so that seemed to be reason.

It was something that couldn’t be seen when Ariel was president.

The amount of other races had increased, but the fact that they were not arrogant anymore was most likely due to the remains of Norn’s presidency. Basically she simply did not permit any type of racial discrimination. And that was what caused the current atmosphere of the school.

A small portion of the n.o.bility of the Magic Triumvirate apparently did not approve, but they are like that, proud by nature.

I was walking down the hallway pondering about such things, when suddenly, while I was turning a corner:

“Uff.”

“Ah.”

Almost immediately, someone came from around the corner as well. That person was being followed by five students. No, rather than being followed it was more like being surrounded. When I said being surrounded, it gave off a bad feeling, but it was basically a popular student walking to cla.s.s with other people. I could see some of the surrounding students holding notebooks, it seemed that there was something they didn’t understand and were asking about it.

It’s a very admirable thing to do. Yep, that’s right, that person would be able to answer anything. And what came out from that person’s mouth would undoubtedly be the truth.

Well, sometimes that person might be wrong, but that mistake also includes the truth.

Those who ask will receive revelation. Liberation.

Let those words resound within you ─ grasp their meaning, and any may attain strength. Oh students who earnestly accept those words ─ ponder their meaning and think about how you must live. Oh students, right now, all of you are in bliss.

“…Orsted?”

That person, with suspiciousness lurking beneath those slightly sleepy eyes, looked up at me. Several seconds later, those eyes opened up wide.

“No, Rudy? It’s Rudy, isn’t is. It’s Rudy, right?”

As expected of Roxy. That keen insight of her’s wasn’t something I could fool.

“…How did you know?”

But I asked nonetheless, because the foolish I couldn’t help but seek the truth. Though it was clear to me that it was the wisdom of Roxy. I asked whether she had reached the truth without any real reason.

“It’s obvious, the only person with the courage to wear that (Imitate Orsted), would have to be Rudy.”

There was a reason. As expected of Roxy!

“Is Orsted-sama aware of this situation?”

“Yes, this was a suggestion from him after all.”

“I see… Then that means that there’s some reason for it.”

Roxy nodded her head and began scrutinising my outfit. I felt like she had some kind of convenient misunderstanding.

“…”

But is that alright? Should I deceive Roxy? Should I lie to Roxy for a momentary period of selfishness? Is that fine? Rudeus, is that fine with you?

“No, there’s no important meaning to it.”

There’s no way that’s fine. I cannot lie to Roxy. Lying to Roxy has a different implication than lying to Sylphy or Eris. The thought that lying to Roxy in an important situation is something is wrong, that can’t be helped. If I lie here, the next instant, I will come flying in from 20 years in the future and hit myself with a Stone Cannon. Or this very second, I, having lost my ident.i.ty will suddenly have my limbs melt and turn into an indeterminate existence.

“Then why are you wearing that?”

“Well… I wanted to see Lucy…”

“…Wanted to see? What about your promise with Sylphy?”

“I’m not secretly helping her out or being over protective.

It’s just that, I just─ I just wanted to see what she was like in cla.s.s…”

While I fl.u.s.teredly said that, Roxy silently looked at me, with reproachful eyes. The surrounding students too were perplexed at such a sudden development.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

“…I understand.”

But, Roxy relaxed her gaze.

“As long as you honestly watch over her without lending a hand, I’ll pretend I didn’t see you.

I just saw that Orsted had simply come to the school to inspect it.”

“Sensei…!”

“Just this once.”

“Of course. When I get home, I’m going to apologise to Sylphy too.”

“That’s for the best.”

I’m pardoned. I am no longer any match for her. From now on, I will bow three times in Roxy’s direction, five times a day.

“Well then, I have to teach these children until the next cla.s.s begins… By the way, do you know where Lucy’s cla.s.sroom is?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Well then.”

Roxy said that, gripped my hand once tightly and continued down the hallway. The students saying “Who was that just now!?” followed after her. She’s quite popular. It’s only natural. She’s my teacher after all.

“Alright.”

After I had once again fired myself up, I set off down the hallway.

Part 3

I arrived at the cla.s.sroom. I was peeking into the cla.s.sroom from the hall, but then I thought that looking from the hall wasn’t a very good idea and circled around. If a rumour that Orsted was peeking begins to circulate, our company’s reputation would be affected.

While pondering such things, I made a part.i.tioning screen near the window of cla.s.sroom. Near a window which was not visible from the surroundings...

“...Wait? Couldn’t I have just claimed that I was doing a cla.s.sroom inspection?”

Roxy said I could after all. I felt like I could have gone and gotten permission to watch. If I had explained it to Jinas, he probably would have done something like that.

I messed up.

Well I guess it’s fine. As long as I can see Lucy, I’ll be satisfied.

While thinking that, I activated my clairvoyance and looked inside.

Several desks were lined up in the cla.s.sroom. Students fit to be called first years were sitting in rows. Most were over 15 year old adults. There were some 10 year old kids too but there was basically n.o.body as young as 7. There were some kids that looked about 7 but they were mostly from the Dwarf race.

Normal humans, Demon race, Elf race, Dwarfs and Beast races. Peaceful people, arrogant people, kind people, there were plenty of them. Sitting in the back of the cla.s.sroom was someone who looked like an adventurer, giving off an eerie vibe. Wouldn’t getting involved with him get you bullied? No, no matter who they are, they wouldn’t pick on a 7 year old child.

But where’s Lucy… Aah, there she is, in the front row. As expected of my daughter. Sitting right in the front row full of motivation.

Is what I thought, but it seems her desk was too big. Her desk was so big it’s hard to see the front. She’s seriously listening to the teacher's words and taking notes, but because of the size of the desk she looks like she’s having a hard time. After she gets home, it might be good to let her carry a cus.h.i.+on or something to sit on.

Sitting next to her was a girl of about 10. Most likely a Dwarf. No, from the feeling she gave off, she seemed human. From the way her hair was arranged, most likely a n.o.ble. She occasionally talked to Lucy while looking at her own magic textbook. She probably didn’t think that taking notes was the norm.

Lucy looked at the girl’s magic textbook with a serious face and said something while pointing. Because she was whispering, I couldn’t really hear her, but she seemed to be teaching her something.

She seems to have already made a friend of a similar age. Have they become friends?

It’s still only the first day of cla.s.s and the teacher didn’t seem to have any intention of teaching anything too significant. Looking at the blackboard I could see that they’re starting from the basics of the basics. Lucy had already learnt this stuff years ago.

An easy victory.

“Sensei!”

Is what I thought, when Lucy raised her hand.

“Yes?”

“Aggregate magic power isn’t decided the moment you’re born, it increases when magic is used during childhood. I think what you just said is wrong!”

Compared to what’s taught in schools, what Sylphy and Roxy taught her was slightly different. But I feel like it might have been better if she had left it unsaid. Having their own failings pointed out isn’t something teachers like very much.

“What’s your name?”

“It’s Lucy. Lucy Greyrat.”

“Greyrat… Which meant you’re Roxy-sensei’s Daughter?”

“Yes!”

“Right, you must have received a special education since you were young.”

The eye’s of the teacher shone.

This teacher, I don’t want to imagine it, but he isn’t about to disrespect Roxy is he?

He wouldn’t disrespect a parent in front of their daughter would he?

I had decided that I would hold back today, I had decided that, but starting tomorrow, your way to home might become a danger zone, you know?

“It’s true that that theory is one explanation. It’s true that may have been the case for your father and mother. It could also have been the case for your father's apprentice, Juliet-dono. But whether or not it’s reliable has yet to be confirmed. Your father, mother and Juliet-dono may have been special cases. Or it may not apply to Magic and Beast races. It may just be that your father and Roxy are mistaken. There has not been any significant investigation. I will not engage in such research. Therefore, I will teach “Aggregate magic power remains the same throughout one’s life.” Because that is what I believe.”

The teacher spoke in a torrent of words. In order to persuade Lucy, or maybe to persuade himself. Lucy listened to that with a serious face.

“Students, I’d like to hear it from you too. From here on out, you students will study a variety of things. In magic and otherwise. In school and perhaps after graduation, you will study. While you are at this school, we, the pioneers of the art of magic, will teach you all kinds of things. You, as students, may believe in those teaching or not, it is your choice. When things have been proven as wrong, we will admit our mistakes. And if you do prove a mistake in our teachings, it will be you who is teaching us. And if it is what you are saying that is truly correct, we will consent.”

Hmmmmm. A way of thinking with high flexibility. It didn’t seem like he was a bad teacher.

In fact, he seemed like a good teacher.

“That is all. Lucy, do you have any further questions?”

“None! Thank you very much!”

“Good. Please be seated. I will continue with the cla.s.s.”

The teacher gave a hearty laugh and Lucy sat down. And the applause burst out from the cla.s.s. Lucy looked backwards surprised, her face became red and she looked down.

It’s alright Lucy. You just said something correct. Putting aside whether you’re truly correct, those who think you are are giving you applause. So raise your head.

And as I thought that, the girl hesitantly reached out and pet her head and said something.

To which Lucy looked up and gave a big smile.

Hmm, hmm.

Please get along with my daughter. It’s ok to fight, just get along with her.

Part 4

After that, I continued to watch Lucy’s cla.s.ses for a while. There were some good and bad teachers. But Lucy didn’t hesitate and continued to berate the teachers with questions and doubts. The teachers answered, avoided the questions and occasionally pointed out her mistakes and cla.s.s continued like that.

Lucy stood out. A seven year old girl wilfully motivated to take cla.s.s was quite rare. During break, while Lucy was eating her lunch, she was surrounded by quite a crowd, and by evening Lucy was already quite popular.

They were surrounding Lucy and asking her all kinds of questions. About her parents, her family, where she lived and about herself. She was without a doubt popular.

Some among them were probably just trying to b.u.t.ter up to my daughter. But that’s fine. You can only meet a person once, the starting point may have been self interest, but there are all kinds of ends.

Life is long so it’s better to let her seldom a.s.sociate with bad children.

“Haa.”

The last cla.s.s ended. I was satisfied. I was able to learn Lucy’s daily life at school. Of course, I wasn’t worried. She was Sylphy’s daughter and had been properly taught by her, Eris and Roxy.

There were no worrying factors.

No, well, if I did have a worry, it would be that she was my daughter. Spending everyday in the corner of the cla.s.sroom with her head down on her desk, was a possibility. No, realistically, that wouldn’t have happened. From here on out, there’ll probably be plenty of painful things but it’ll probably be fine.

After this she’ll go to school every day and I’ll be content with hearing her stories during dinner each day. While remembering what I saw today I’ll be able to eat rice smiling.

I guess I’ll go home now. For now, I’ll return the cloak and helmet to Orsted.

While thinking that, I removed the mud wall made part.i.tioning screen by rescinding the magic.

“…Ah.”

Standing on the other side of the mud wall was a single woman. White hair and a slender body. Pants that looked easy to move in and a sleeveless top. The white arm extending from her shoulder, her hands placed on her hip and a face with a mix of anger and disappointment.

It was Sylphy.

“Ahem… Do you need something?”

I tried my best to mimic Orsted.

“Rudy, what are you doing here?”

Of course, it was futile.

“No, um… Sylphiette-san, what are you doing here?”

“Lara said that she saw her father hiding his face in a weird outfit while she was out for a walk.”

“Aah… Indeed.”

It was Leo. He betrayed me. He didn’t see me, he confirmed it with his nose. Or maybe because Orsted’s scent was mixed in, rather than Leo, Lara noticed. Leo and Lara can understand each other after all. No wonder Lara was looking my way.

“…Going as far as to wear that.”

Sylphy’s shoulders were shaking. She was very angry.

Sylphy gets crazy when she’s angry. I can’t say specifically how. I can’t say it, but whenever she gets angry or is sullen, I’m generally the one in the complete wrong and I’m pierced by reproachful eyes by everyone in the family. Everything becomes very hard. And for at least a week, I’ll be spending the night alone.

“Can you really not trust Lucy and I that much.”

Tears started flowing from Sylphy’s eyes.

Gloomy. This is a gloomy person. A gloomy person, not an angry one.

For now, I kneeled in front of her right then and there.

“No, that’s not it, it’s not like that. I just wanted to watch Lucy in all her glory.

I wanted to see her in cla.s.s, asking the teachers questions. I wanted to watch her diligently studying.

You know, cause I haven’t really been here very much while she was growing up.”

During my fl.u.s.tered explanation, Sylphy looked at me with her tear-stained face.

“Really?”

“It is. It’s just, I couldn’t hold back any more, I had intended to tell you after it was over.”

“…That’s a lie isn’t is?”

“It’s true. I had intended to apologise to you.”

“You wanted to see Lucy in cla.s.s that much?”

“Yes.”

I said that and Sylphy put her hand out and helped me up. She had already stopped crying.

“Then I’m in the wrong here, because even though you only thought about just watching and went so far, I forbade you to even look.”

“No, you did nothing wrong. I had agreed to it beforehand after all.”

“Yeah… You did.”

As we were talking and such, Sylphy’s gaze suddenly raised up. The look on her face said she messed up. When I turned around, I understood the reason.

“Aah…”

Before we noticed, the students were already looking at us through the cla.s.sroom window. And with them, was obviously, Lucy.

Lucy looked at the both of us with a somewhat sullen face.

Part 5

“Um, today, I made friends with a girl called Belinda-chan.”

In the end Sylphy, Lucy and I ended up making up and going home together. Holding Lucy’s hands, the three of us were lined up. I thought she would get mad that I came but she wasn’t.

One by one, she explained all the fun things that happened today in school.

“You know, Belinda-chan is the daughter of a minister of the Ranoa Kingdom. She’s still little, but she’s really smart, so that’s why she came to school. She says she’s going to become the best in the school and make her father notice her.”

“Really? That’s amazing.”

“And guess what, the first cla.s.s was with Blue-Mama. At first, everyone made fun of her and I almost got mad, but then Blue-Mama, she showed us a little bit of magic and everybody was like “wow”. And then Blue-Mama said, “Well, it’s up to you whether or not you listen to my cla.s.s.” She was so cool!”

“Why don’t you tell that story to Blue-Mama. I’m sure she’ll be happy.”

The plan was thrown out of whack but that in itself was a good thing. Holding Lucy’s hand, walking along with Sylphy. Walking along in a line, blocking the path probably isn’t a good thing, but what does it matter. This was my city.

“Did you have fun at school Lucy?”

“Yeah!”

Lucy nodded with extreme happiness. When I saw that I thought that there was nothing to worry about.

“See, Papa. Lucy was fine right?”

As if reading my mind, Lucy said that.

“Yeah, you were just fine. Good girl.”

“As expected of Papa’s daughter right?”

“Ahaha, way more amazing than Papa.

Lucy was outstanding. No matter how you look at her, she’s outstanding. Compared to her father who’s not alright at all. A guardian was necessary.

“By the way Rudy.”

Suddenly, Sylphy raised a finger.

“Hm?”

“How long are you going to keep wearing that?”

I looked down at myself. A thick white coat and a black helmet. Up until now I’ve been Fake-Orsted.

“I’ll return it tomorrow.”

Yeah, right. It won’t be a problem tomorrow. I didn’t say I’d have it back by the end of the day, and Orsted isn’t in any rush. But still, this cloak, the fabric sure was nice. It felt similar to a Red Dragon’s pelt, if I asked Aisha, would she know?

“By the way, Lucy.”

While I was thinking that, a question came from my mouth. It was a small question, for the sake of confirming something.

“What is it Papa?”

“It’s a problem. What’s the colour of my hair?”

This questions definitely wasn’t because I didn’t trust her. It’s just to make sure.

“Brown!”

“Correct. Lucy’s smart. I can expect good things from you in the future. As expected of my daughter.”

“Geeze~ Don’t make fun of me~”

As I was laughing at the sullen Lucy, I happily walked down the path.

“But Rudy, you broke your promise, so I’ll have you bear with it for three days.”

“Okay.”

I’ll have to bear with it for a little while, but I’m happy.

Part 6

The next day.

An odd rumour began circulating around the town. Orsted was aiming for Lucy. It’s probably because I was walking around dressed like that.

Rumor lasts for only 75 days. I obviously knew that it’s groundless, and since Sylphy and the rest of my family knew that too, it was fine.

While thinking that, when I went to Orsted to return the coat, Orsted was glaring at me with a scary face, and I had to come up with an explanation…

But that’s a different story.

Orsted’s Coat: The material is the pelt of an ancient White Dragon. It carries an absurd amount of magic power, and possesses high physical and magical defence. It possesses self-restoration against ageing and damage. Because the Ancient White Dragon is now extinct, it’s a unique Item