"Yawn." Yoshirata stretched his arms above his head, clearing the sleep from his eyes with both hands. Sunlight peeked through his window, illuminating his room,it was morning. Finally, the day had come for him to set off for the academy. He sprang out of bed, excitement propelling him as he hurried toward the living room. To his surprise, his grandfather had already prepared breakfast, and everything he'd need for the journey was laid out neatly, waiting for him.
"Grandpa..." Yoshirata's voice was filled with surprise, but his grandpa just smiled warmly and said, "Did you sleep well, kid?"
"Yes, I did. But, Grandpa, why are you up so early? Not only did you wake up before me, but you also made breakfast and arranged all my stuff." Yoshirata's tone softened with worry. "Grandpa, remember the village doctor told you to take it easy..."
"Don't worry, your grandpa's still strong," Keimoto chuckled, waving a hand dismissively and scratching the back of his head. "A little manual labor won't hurt me."
"But, Grandpa..." Yoshirata began, concern flickering in his eyes, but Keimoto cut him off, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I just wanted to do one last thing for my grandson before you head off to the academy."
Keimoto's gaze softened as memories washed over him. "When your parents passed, I was so worried about you. I didn't think I'd be able to raise you alone. I thought about sending you to your aunt, but... I'm glad I chose to keep you here with me. You're so much like your mother, and you've got your father's golden eyes."
"Grandpa..." Yoshirata replied in a tender voice, the warmth of his grandfather's words settling over him.
"Don't worry, kid," Keimoto said, trying to lighten the mood. "I didn't mean to make you sad, especially on the day you're leaving for the academy. But... the house will feel empty without you."
Tears welled up in Yoshirata's eyes. Unable to hold back, he ran to his grandpa, wrapping him in a tight hug. "Thank you, Grandpa... or should I say, thank you, Dad."
Hearing Yoshirata call him "Dad," Keimoto's eyes widened, a mix of shock and joy flooding over him. He chuckled and, regaining his composure, said, "Silly kid. Now, come on—let's eat. We don't have much time. The cavalry will be here soon to take you to the academy."
"I understand, Dad," Yoshirata said, a soft smile on his face as he sat down, digging into the breakfast Keimoto had prepared. Keimoto watched his grandson devour the meal, a proud smile crossing his face as he committed this moment to memory.
___
After eating and suiting up for the journey, Yoshirata stepped outside, with Keimoto walking beside him. Just before they parted, Yoshirata turned to wave, calling out, "I'm off, Dad! Goodbye! Take care of yourself, and make sure to take your medicine. I'll write to you often!"
Keimoto nodded, his voice full of warmth. "I will, son. And take care of yourself, too. Remember, don't talk to strangers and stay out of trouble."
"I'm off, Dad," Yoshirata said one last time, smiling as he started down the path toward the cavalry's gathering spot in the village. Keimoto stood at the edge of their home, watching Yoshirata's figure until it disappeared into the distance.
___
Arriving at the cavalry station, Yoshirata was met with an unusual sight: several men with swords strapped to their waists stood nearby, looking alert and focused. His curiosity sparked, and he wondered to himself, *Who are they?* He scanned the crowd, hoping to spot a familiar face. Finally, he noticed the blacksmith and he quickly rushed over.
"Hello, sir! What's going on?" Yoshirata asked, his brows furrowed in confusion as he glanced at the armed men around them.
The blacksmith gave him a reassuring nod. "Ah, the cavalry hired some mercenaries. There's been news of evolved demonic rabbits along the path you'll be taking to reach the magic academy," he explained, his voice steady.
"Oh, so they're mercenaries!" Yoshirata's eyes lit up with excitement, a spark of wonder dancing in his gaze. "This is the first time I've seen any in real life. Are they adventurers too?"
The blacksmith chuckled, tousling Yoshirata's hair. "I wouldn't call them adventurers, kid. Just remember, mercenaries work for money. Be careful around them." With that, he patted Yoshirata's head one last time and walked toward the cavalry owner, continuing their conversation .
As the blacksmith wandered off to talk to the cavalry owner, Yoshirata stayed put, his gaze still fixed on the mercenaries. Each man had a hardened look, their faces lined with battle experience, and their hands resting naturally on their swords as if it were second nature. It felt strange to be so close to people who'd actually fought in real battles. Yoshirata's eyes sparkled as he took it all in.
"Whoa…" he whispered to himself, unable to hide his admiration. These were men of action, people who faced danger head-on. They reminded him of the stories he'd read and the tales his grandpa had told him late at night. Being here, in the presence of such warriors, made the journey feel real, almost like the beginning of an adventure.
"Kid, don't stare too much," a voice behind him broke his thoughts. Yoshirata turned to see one of the mercenaries,a tall man with a scar running across his left cheek, giving him a fierce look. Yet, his eyes were surprisingly kind. "We're not as glamorous as you might think. You got a long trip ahead, best save that energy."
"Oh, sorry!" Yoshirata said, bowing slightly, cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "It's just… I've never seen real mercenaries before. It's kind of exciting."
The scarred man chuckled. "Exciting? That's a first. Usually, folks look at us like we're trouble." He ruffled Yoshirata's hair, an amused smile playing on his face. "But I like your spirit, kid. What's your name?"
"Yoshirata!" he said proudly, standing up straighter. "I'm headed to the magic academy."