Verdi's Perspective
Having a family is a challenging responsibility, much more exhausting than I had imagined. But as a man, it's something I must bear and fulfill.
I was born into the estate and lived the life of a pampered noble. If I wanted something, all I had to do was ask, and many would prepare it for me willingly. No one dared to disobey or reject me, and I lived in luxury.
In return, I had to uphold the family's responsibilities and ensure its name was never tarnished.
Over time, I grew tired of that way of living. When I learned I was betrothed to a girl I didn't even know, I decided to run away. To hell with nobility! I was fifteen at the time, and I thought I could live on my own.
Or so I naively believed.
I can't even recall what I was thinking back then, but…tsk, I must have been full of myself.
I was like a prince fallen from grace, dirtied in the mud.
Luckily, I was a mid-second-tier mage at that time, or I don't know what corner of the world I would've died in.
I lived as an adventurer for a long time - ten years, maybe more.
At first, life was extremely tough for a pampered noble-turned-vagabond. No servants to care for me, no proper meals, not even shelter; I was truly spoiled. There were times when I couldn't even find food for days.
But that rugged life as an adventurer and mercenary made me a man.
I saw so much and broadened my horizons. I experienced a lot and was no longer that pampered noble.
When the old man died, the news snapped me back to my senses and made me realize the importance of responsibility. Without anyone prompting me, I returned swiftly to take up the family's duties after my long absence.
Shortly after my return, I married Kuyomi, and we had Mizuki.
It was my wife who suggested her name. I didn't know its meaning or even what language it came from, but somehow, it felt fitting.
Mizuki behaved childishly, much like any other child. She loved games and always acted her age.
This didn't worry me because she was perfectly normal. I didn't know what normal children's behavior was since I'd never seen or raised a child. Watching Mizuki laugh and smile happily was enough to bring a smile to my face.
Unfortunately, I couldn't spend much time with her, being preoccupied with the duchy's affairs. So much work had piled up during my absence, and the old man hadn't bothered to handle any of it—his way of punishing me, perhaps.
Maybe she doesn't see me as a good father because of that.
The responsibilities are exhausting, you must be a good father and an ideal noble simultaneously.
Most nobles I know have forsaken the "good father" part and kept only the "ideal noble" aspect.
But I won't do that.
Nobility is nonsense! They're just a bunch of spoiled brats relying on their ancestors' achievements, having never seen blood or the world. Seeing them disgusts me, and it's even more revolting that I have to humor them in their nonsense.
Nobles care about only one thing: the continuity of their lineage.
Their mindset is as follows:
"Your lineage is good; you're my family."Your lineage is garbage; get out of my sight!"
Yes, being born a noble is a source of pride, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have your own character.
Anyway, Arai was born later.
He was our second child, but he died immediately after birth!
At that moment, I panicked and didn't know what to do.
A whirlpool of grim emotions flooded my mind, and I had no idea what the right course of action was. Not even when I was in the dungeon of the Smiling Beast years ago had I felt such terror.
Kuyomi was in a much worse state than me, but she didn't faint. She cried but remained calm…as always.
But then…a miracle happened.
He came back to life! I didn't understand how this miracle occurred, but oh, dear heavens, I didn't care about the how or why. His survival was enough for me.
Arai…this child…he's so peculiar.
Instead of playing, he loves reading books. Even when Mizuki plays with him, he just watches her. I once tried to make him laugh by pulling silly faces.
The result? He gave me a look as if I were a fool.
Or maybe I was imagining it, but it genuinely felt like he was judging me.
Instead of behaving like a child and laughing, he's strangely quiet.
"Is he even a child?"
That question crosses my mind sometimes. When I look into his eyes, all I see is raw curiosity and indifference, as if nothing truly matters to him. He watches us from a distance, interacts only minimally, and speaks only when someone prompts him to.
Like an observer.
The most shocking thing I've seen from him was his attempt to use magic.
Good heavens! A child of two and a half years trying to cast magic!
It's something I've never heard of, even during my time in the Western Continent. I was speechless when I found out. It gave me a sense of unease.
I stopped him immediately!
Truth be told, using magic at a young age isn't dangerous—in fact, it's beneficial. It helps one adapt to mana early, making it easier to use and understand after the awakening ceremony.
But despite knowing that, I stopped and forbade him.
When I told him he couldn't use magic until the ceremony, he made an expression suitable for a child for the first time—one of a wronged kid who just had his toys taken away.
This child…I feel that if I allow him to do as he pleases, one day, he'll fly away without looking back.
I don't know if this is just a parental instinct or something else, but I'm confident that Arai will do it.
I'm certain! He seems like that kind of person.
It's not that I don't want him to become a great mage, but balance is important. At his age, he should act like a child.
...
Mizuki's Perspective
I'm not talented in magic.
Damn it! I don't need anyone to tell me that—I know myself well enough.
It's not just about talent; I can't use mana at all.
I've tried to use mana countless times and memorized so many spells, but it's all been useless.
What's frustrating is that I can't even sense Mana's existence. Forget using it, simple physical enhancement or the most basic zero-tier spells are impossible for me!
A few months ago, I saw Arai secretly trying to use magic in the backyard.
At that moment, I thought, "If he can do it, then I can too!" Unfortunately, the result was the same as always.
I silently consoled myself, thinking that some talents only awaken during the ceremony.
But…the ceremony shattered the last shard of hope I had. I awakened nothing.
Even the examiner gave me a skeptical look and said, "I'm sorry, Miss, but your body rejects mana. Awakening is impossible."
The mana within the magic circle refused to enter my body.
What did he mean by "rejects mana"?! I felt like crying at that moment.
I have no future! I can't grow stronger!
The nobles present at the ceremony all sneered and whispered among themselves. Their faces were painted with mockery and disdain.
But I'm a strong girl—I endured it silently, showing no reaction in front of them. When I returned to the estate, I wanted to cry, but no one was there to console me. Father had gone off on some business trip. Mother was sleeping in her strange coma. And my little brother, Arai? No way! I would never cry in front of him.
Where would my dignity as the elder sister go if I did that? The only solution was to cry before my sleeping mother.
I don't know what happened to Mother, but she's been sleeping excessively for months now. Sometimes, she sleeps for days.
It hurts me deeply. What's happening to her? Even Father doesn't know.
Her warm hand was enough to calm me after I cried for a while.
When Arai found out about my results, he consoled me in his own way. He even put down his books and started playing with me more often.
He, who was always immersed in books, who usually slept in the library, did that!
"Don't worry! Live as you want, and leave the rest to me and Father."
That's what he said, in his incredibly soft voice.
The boy who always claimed indifference…had this gentle side? Tsk, Arai, you've surprised this noblewoman.
Around that time, Father returned from his trip. He seemed to have already learned of my result, which was why he bought me a magical artifact.
I overheard from one of the maids that nobles despise useless children—those who can't use magic.
I felt nervous, distressed, and very afraid. I was scared I'd be thrown out of the estate or used as a political marriage card.
But Father didn't do any of that! In fact, he gave me a grade-3 early artifact, something expensive, to protect myself in times of danger.
I brushed it off, having somewhat expected that, and started thinking:
"How do I grow stronger, too?"
As I pondered this, I wandered aimlessly around the estate.
I wasn't paying attention, so I ended up bumping into someone and falling.
"Are you alright, little lady?"
With a strange expression, he extended his hand toward me.
"You…huh? Who are you again?"
He looked familiar—I swear I'd seen him before.
"Haist Gorion, at your service."
Haist? I remembered!
"You're the estate's guardian?!"
Haist Gorion, the four rank swordsman and the estate's protector after Father. He's always around when Father travels a lot, guarding the estate in his absence.
"Yes," he replied, his tone devoid of any pride.
I glanced at him from head to toe. After seeing the sword strapped to his waist, a spark ignited in my mind.
Hadn't I just been thinking about an alternative to magic earlier?
Yes! I could just learn swordsmanship instead!
"Sir Haist, right? Teach me swordsmanship, please!"
His lips parted slightly, and his brows furrowed in confusion, but he nodded and said, "Follow me."
Perfect! He didn't refuse me.
We went to the training hall on the estate grounds.
It was a large grassy field equipped with wooden dummies and practice swords.
I held a sword in my hand, it was heavy and solid. My soft hands struggled to grip the hilt properly.
I tried swinging it a bit, and suddenly, I felt as if I'd found the missing piece of myself.
This is…comforting. It's strange but familiar, like Mom.
"The test is simple. Try to hit me, and I'll judge you myself," Haist said, readying himself with a wooden sword.
"Alright, attack whenever you're ready."
I leaped at him, and immedktly, I felt my body become lighter.
"Clang!!"
Hahaha, this is amazing!
I didn't even feel the weight of the wooden sword anymore. I swung it in several strong, swift arcs! With just a slight swing, I could gather great momentum.
I jumped back, crouched slightly, and positioned the sword horizontally behind my back. Then I dashed forward again!
Haist raised his sword slightly, prepared to block my strike.
But I wasn't going to make it that easy. I'd attack multiple times! The sword suddenly felt weightless, so I was confident I could manage.
"Clang!"
"Clang!"
"Clang!"
Damn it! I tried hitting him from different angles quickly, but he blocked them all! His sword was unbelievably fast!
"No, not yet."
I jumped and tried striking from the front, but as my wooden sword clashed with Haist's…
…It broke!
"No!"
I felt his sword coming toward me. No, I couldn't see it, but I could feel it.
It was fast! Way too fast!
I got hit on the head by Haist's sword and fell to the ground, nearly losing consciousness.
Damn it! Swordsmen are powerful! One day, I'll defeat him.