It's been almost four years since Zoe started teaching me magic and swordsmanship, and although at first the fear that my mana heart would explode due to my two cores kept me from practicing as I should, that fear gradually disappeared as I didn't feel any discomfort or anything like that.
Today is going to be a great day. I thought cheerfully after looking out the window and seeing that the sun had already risen. Since my race didn't need much sleep, I began using that time to refine my cores, and it wasn't long before I realized I had more affinity for dragonic energy, unlike demonic energy.
I wonder what mom cooked. I said to myself as I got ready to go downstairs.
Besides not sleeping like in my previous life, my lack of need to eat made family meals one of the most anticipated moments for me.
"Hi, Zoe." I said to my sister after finding her sitting in the dining room. "Good morning, Drake." She replied with good spirits.
Huh? Zoe is in a good mood too? I wondered, noticing the smile on her face. She must have mastered another new spell.
Zoe's appearance hadn't changed much since the first time I saw her, as she still looked like a 12-year-old human girl.
When I peeked into the kitchen and then heard the noise outside, I noticed that Irisha was still cooking, and Kadian was outside chopping some logs for firewood.
Seeing how relaxed I was, Zoe made a small gesture for me to come closer to her. I complied, and she leaned in close enough to whisper something to me.
"Drake, you seem pretty carefree. You know what day it is today, right?" She said softly. Huh? What did she mean by that? I thought, puzzled.
"It's… the third?" I answered awkwardly, not knowing what she was referring to.
Zoe, hearing that response, looked at me for a second before giving me a strong whack on the head.
"Ahhh!" I cried out in pain. "Is something wrong, Drake?" Irisha asked, hearing me from the kitchen.
Just as I was about to tell her that my sister had hit me for no reason, Zoe gave me another signal, but this time it was to let me know she'd kill me if I told Irisha. Huh?
"No-no, nothing's wrong, mom. I just accidentally hit my head on the table." I replied loudly. "Alright, Drake, be more careful."
What the hell is going on!? Is… Zoe intimidating me!? I thought, worried. Zoe, seeing my confusion, called me again to speak into my ear.
"You're an idiot." She said, annoyed. Yep, it's confirmed, she's intimidating me. I thought, nodding internally.
"Drake! How could you forget that today is mom's 100th birthday?" She finally said.
"Wh—" Zoe, seeing that I was about to make a fuss, covered my mouth before I could say a single word. "Shhhh… mom will hear."
Sh*t! I almost ruined it! I thought as I realized what was going on.
"Look," Zoe said as she slowly uncovered my mouth, "Dad and I want to throw a surprise party for mom, but we need your help." She said, looking into my eyes.
"Tell me more…" I replied more seriously as I moved a little closer to her.
Zoe's plan was simple because all I had to do was take Irisha out for a few hours while Kadian and Zoe decorated the whole house and the guests arrived.
Since she worked at a magic university, she had many friends and students who appreciated her a lot, so Kadian and Zoe had invited them to the party. I think it's a good plan because that way mom can enjoy this birthday with more people besides the three of us.
"I understand, leave it to me." I whispered after coming up with an idea to get mom out of the house for a few hours.
"Good, then the 'Mom's Party' plan will start after lunch." Zoe said with a smile.
Kadian came into the house after a few minutes, washed his hands, and sat in the main seat at the table, as was customary.
In Kadian's race's culture, there was a strange custom where the head of the family had to eat first, and only when he finished could the rest of the family start eating. Now that I think about it, at first, it seemed unfair that Kadian got to eat first, but now I'm used to it.
"Thank you so much, mom! The food was delicious!" I shouted after we finished eating. "Huh? You're welcome?" She responded a bit confused.
Damn! I need to act normal. I thought as I realized that mom was starting to suspect something.
"Mom! I know it's sudden… but I've been thinking these past few days and wanted to see if we could go to Birton today to buy me a weapon." I said after bowing my head slightly in a pleading gesture.
"What? A weapon?" She asked, puzzled. "So that's what it was, I thought it was strange that you said my food was delicious." She said sadly as she tried to wipe away some tears that had come out of her eyes.
What? I think I screwed up…. "Sorry, mom… I'll say it more often." I said, a little depressed.
"Haha, don't worry, Drake, I was just teasing you. Look, it's just water magic." She said, wiping her face with a napkin.
But what the— "I'll get ready after clearing the table, so… how about we leave in half an hour?" She said with a smile. "Alright…" I replied, a bit annoyed.
"I'm glad you're spending more time together." Kadian commented. "Huh? Aren't you coming with us?" My mom asked Kadian, a bit confused.
"No, love, this time I'll stay home training with Zoe. I promised her yesterday that I'd teach her a great technique." He said, looking at Zoe. "Besides, I'm sure you'll pick out a great weapon for our son."
"Mmm… Alright, Kadian, but don't complain later if you don't like the weapon I choose." My mom said, getting up from the table.
"Well, with that said, Zoe, go upstairs and get ready to train." Ordered Kadian. "You too, go upstairs and get ready, Drake." Added my mother.
"Yes!" I replied before standing up and heading to the second floor with Zoe.
After getting ready, I waited for a few minutes at the front door until Irisha arrived. "Let's go, Drake." She said when she saw me excited. Wow, she changed really fast.
Without further delay, Irisha just took my hand, and we immediately left the house. Yes! My part is done. I thought, satisfied.
After leaving the house, we walked for several minutes until we saw the edge of the city of Birton. Living outside the city isn't as convenient as I thought. I reflected on the long journey.
Right! Now that I think about it, since I've only been to the city a few times, I still don't really know what the culture is like in these lands. I realized, acknowledging my ignorance. I think… I think I need to get out of the house a bit more.
…
"Look, Drake, this is the best weapon shop in the city. We'll find the perfect weapon for you here." Irisha said with a smile.
The peculiar shop in front of us was somewhat similar to those in my previous world. The store had three levels with several glass counters displaying weapons of all kinds.
This… This shop is really expensive. I wonder why we're here? I thought, confused, comparing it to our financial situation.
"Mom… are you sure this is the store?" I asked doubtfully. "Of course, Drake, this is where we'll find a great weapon for you." She responded cheerfully.
"But mom… this shop seems really expensive. I think it'd be better if we went to another one." I said, pointing to the surrounding stores that looked cheaper.
"No way, I want to buy you something decent, because after all, in these past 13 years, I haven't been able to spend much time with you, and besides…" She trailed off for a moment before continuing. "Besides, I felt somewhat bad for not raising you like a mother should." She said, tearing up.
No… I didn't think my mother felt that way. I reflected. All this time, I've been a bit distant from my family because I didn't feel like they were truly mine, but… I never considered how they felt about me. I thought before jumping up and giving my mother a tight hug.
Despite the fact that she has taught me the demonic language over these past years, I haven't cared for her as I should have. I reflected inwardly.
"Even so, I still love you, mom." I said, breaking the silence before hugging her again.
After a while, we separated and entered the store. After my hug, Irisha seemed very happy; I guess she needed this…
Since Zoe had only trained me to use a sword, I decided to buy a medium-sized one, but as I walked down the aisles, I saw that there was a great variety of them. Well, after all, I'm in a weapon shop.
"Oh no!" My mother suddenly said. "Drake, we have to go back home." "What!? Why!?" I asked, surprised.
"This morning, when I got ready quickly, I forgot the money at home." She said, searching for her wallet.
Damn it! If we go back now, everything will be ruined. I thought, worried. I need to do something!
"Mom, how about I go back home while you look for a sword for me?" I said with a smile. "Mmm… Are you sure?" She asked, concerned.
"Of course! I know the way by heart, and besides, I'm already 13 years old. I'm not a little kid anymore." I replied, trying to stretch to look taller.
"Haha" My mom suddenly started laughing. "That's true, Drake, you're not small anymore, but you're still a child. My child, to be exact." She said sweetly.
That hurt… I thought to myself. If only she knew I'm over 40 years old… but I suppose to someone who's turning 100 today, I'm still a child in her eyes.
"But it's okay, Drake, go ahead while I look for something for you." She said, stepping away.
"Wow… even though I'm just a kid, she trusts me a lot…" I whispered to myself after she walked away and got lost in the store.
After composing myself, I quickly set off for home, hoping that Irisha wouldn't follow me. I need to hurry. I thought, rushing.
When I arrived home, I noticed that nothing had changed at first glance. If she followed me, she wouldn't notice anything strange from outside, I hope everything is ready inside….
Rushing to the door, I started knocking and shouting at the same time. "Zoe! Zoe! Open up! Mom forgot her wallet, and I need to take it to her!"
A few seconds later, I heard some small footsteps approaching the door. Huh? Have the guests arrived already?
"Who is it?" A sweet voice asked from the other side of the door. "It's Drake! Drake Helkhar, and I live here, please open the door, I'm in a hurry." I said desperately.
"Drake? Wait, I'm going to ask." She said before I heard her footsteps moving away. "Hey! Don't go! I'm in a real hurry!!" I shouted while desperately knocking on the door.
If I take too long, Irisha will worry and come looking for m— "You're so noisy!" The same voice said as the door slowly opened.
What's wrong with this brat— I thought angrily before stopping abruptly.
But… but she's adorable. I marveled at a strange glow. It's as if an angel had fallen from the sky. I thought foolishly as I looked at the girl who stole my heart at first sight, despite how annoyed she seemed at that moment.
She wore a beautiful yet simple black dress with a dark green gradient that matched her hair. Her eyes were yellow, and her skin was fair and beautiful; everything about her was perfect, even the horn that protruded from one side of her forehead.
"And by the way, my name isn't 'Hey!' It's Angelica." She said, annoyed, looking me in the eyes.
Yes! Nailed it! She's an angel. I thought happily before remembering why I was in such a rush.
"Right! S-sorry Angelilica b-but I'm…" I stammered. What the hell is wrong with me!? "It's not Angelilica either, it's Angelica!" She said more forcefully.
Damn it! 13 years without talking to girls really has its consequences! I thought sadly.
"I'm s-sorry, Angelica, but I need to get inside." I said, pushing past her while looking down to avoid making eye contact and getting even more nervous.
"Huh? Drake? What are you doing here?" Zoe asked, confused, from the stairs.
"Ahh! Zoe, Mom forgot her money this morning, and I came back to get it for her." I responded before her expression changed to one of concern.
"What!? She didn't follow you, did she?" She asked, scared. "No, no, she didn't follow me." I replied, calming her visibly nervous state. "Phew… that's a relief."
"Is he your brother, Zoe?" Angelica asked as she closed the door. "Yeah, he's my little brother, his name is Drake Helkar, and don't pay much attention to him; he's weird." She said cruelly as she walked away.
So mean…. "Wait, Zoe." I said, following her. "Hey, do you know Angelica?" I asked quietly. "Huh? Of course, she's the only daughter of our neighbors next door." She said before leaving the room.
The neighbor next door? What!? I thought, shocked. Damn it! If I got out of the house more, I probably would have met her sooner. I scolded myself internally.
"Drake, weren't you in a hurry?" Angelica commented while looking at me, confused. "Right!" I shouted, scaring her a little.
After rushing to the second floor, I stopped halfway up the stairs, realizing I had forgotten something very important. "Angelica! I need to confirm something." I shouted. "Wh-what is it?"
"You're staying for the party, right?" I asked desperately. "Mm… yes? Why?" She responded, even more confused.
Excellent! I thought excitedly. "No reason, we'll talk later then." I said before quickly running up the stairs again.
She's a cutie! I thought foolishly as I entered my parents' room and started searching for the money. But before I try anything, I need to confirm her age; I don't want to seem like a creep, after all.
Although… Right! Even though she looked my age, she should be over 16 years old. I thought, comparing her to my mother.
…
Ahh!! Where is it!? I thought desperately after spending several minutes searching in my parents' room. If I don't get back soon, Irisha will come looking for me, and if she does… I'm a dead man.
I kept searching desperately until I found her wallet inside one of her coats. Yes!! Finally!
Excited, I quickly left my parents' room only to jump from the balcony we had overlooking our garden. Ahhh! I think I got carried away! I thought, regretting it mid-air.
Before hitting the ground, I remembered this was a world of magic, and I quickly infused mana into my entire body, making the fall painless.
Wow… This is the first time I've tried something like that. I thought excitedly. Mana is incredible!
After a few minutes, I finally managed to get back to Birton, more specifically to the shop where my mother was.
Where are you, Irisha? I wondered when I couldn't find her in the store. Damn it! Did she leave?
Fortunately, my worry didn't last long as I saw her coming to the waiting area with a short sword in her right hand. Yes! She's still here!
"I'm glad you made it back in time, Drake," She said with a satisfied smile, "because I was just heading to the counter to pay for your new weapon."
What? This sword will be my weapon? I thought, now calmer. Upon closer inspection, I saw it was a semi-short sword with a beautiful red hilt that had several slots for placing magic stones. Additionally, the pommel and guard were made of gold, making it shine even more.
Wow… I've never seen anything like this. I thought, even more surprised, as I unsheathed it and noticed that its blade had several runes, clearly indicating that it wasn't a cheap weapon.
"Do you like it?" Irisha asked after handing it to me.
When I held it tightly, I noticed it wasn't as heavy as I thought, and after trying it out, seeing that no one was around, I was even more amazed.
"It's perfect." I finally said before showing a genuine smile. "I'm glad you like it, come on, let's go pay for it."
"Yes!" I replied happily, following her. I can't believe I finally have my own weapon.
After paying, we went to other stores to buy things for the house, and when the sun was already setting, we decided to finally head back. Today was a good day, and the best part is, the best is yet to come! I thought excitedly.
As we approached, I didn't notice anything strange, and once at the door, I saw that everything was as usual. If they hadn't told me there was going to be a party, I wouldn't have believed it. I thought, surprised. Everything is well hidden.
Once we opened the front door, we walked in and immediately headed to the living room. Upon opening the door, a light came from the other side of the room, blinding us completely.
What? What the hell is going on? I thought, alarmed, as I instinctively infused mana throughout my body.
"HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, IRISHA!!" Several voices shouted in unison from inside the room.
What? I thought, confused, as I began to calm down.
By the time my vision returned, I could see about 15 people in our living room, including both young and old, men and women, and most strangely, of different races.
"H-how?" Irisha said nervously as tears began to form in her eyes.
…
Once all the excitement passed, we started celebrating the big party after everyone personally congratulated Irisha.
Since Kadian and Zoe had invited several people close to Mom, I got to meet a human named Yataco Relish, who is one of my mother's students.
As the party went on, I decided to sit on a couch in the living room because there was a rather interesting conversation nearby. "—exactly! With the birth of the Fleming's son, the kingdom of Alum might enter into a civil war, which would severely impact trade in the port of Bin—"
"Drake?" Said a female voice beside me. "Huh? An-Angelica, did something happen?" I asked, still shaken from the scare. "Of course! You said we'd talk later, but you didn't come to find me." She said, a little annoyed.
She's right, with all the surprise and new people, I got distracted easily... I thought, while showing a fake smile and scratching the back of my head.
"That's true, I'm sorry, Angelica." I said, standing up and giving myself some space. "Let me introduce myself properly. I'm Drake Helkar, first son of House Helkar. It's an honor to meet you." I said, making a small bow in the style of the nobility.
Yes! The movies I watched in my past life are paying off now. I thought after replicating a greeting I remembered.
"Ohh… I see you do have manners after all. That's good." She said with a sweet smile that instantly captivated me.
"In that case, I'll introduce myself too." She said, making an unusual bow. "I'm Angelica Yue, third descendant of the Yue family and… and the one who wants to be your friend." She said with a mischievous smile while extending her right hand toward me in a strange gesture.
Wait wait! What just happened here!? I thought, confused, not knowing how to react.
After a few seconds of silence, Angelica lowered her hand with an embarrassed look. "Sorry, Drake." She said, blushing. "I forgot that your race has a different culture."
Ahh… I get it now, what she did is probably something customary in her culture. "Don't worry, Angelica, I'm sure that now that we're friends, we'll learn more about each other in the future." I responded, seizing the opportunity she gave me.
"You're right!" She responded happily upon hearing my words. "That's right, Angelica, but… just out of curiosity, how old are you?" I asked, showing a fake smile to avoid arousing suspicion.
"Huh? I'm 17 years old right now." She responded, confused, while looking at me with questioning eyes. Phew… What a relief....
"It's nothing special, I just wanted to know a little more about you." I said, smiling again. "Ahh… I see, in that case, you can come to my house one of these days; after all, it's not very far from yours." She said, standing up happily with a jump.
"That sounds perfect, I'll stop by in a couple of days." "Done! It's a promise." She said with a sweet smile. She's perfect!
She's 4 years older than me, but for our races, that's like half a year in human years. I thought with an evil grin. I'll do everything I can to make sure that when I grow up, she'll be my future wife.
We kept talking for a while until the party finally came to an end. After saying our goodbyes, I started helping my family with the guests.
After several minutes, there was no one left in the house except for my family. Due to the party, everyone was emotionally exhausted, so we just cleaned up a little and then went to rest.
"Today was a very special day, I hope there will be others like it, or even better." I said quietly from my room before starting to meditate on my cores.
I'm happy I came to this world… I thought joyfully as I let myself be carried away within my mana heart. Yes… very happy….
Next Chapter:
Chapter 9.5: Today I Met a Strange Man.