Chapter 24

Living in an ordinary part of town was something I had thought about when I first came to this city.

At that time, not knowing what to do, I had followed a child who seemed to be living independently. As a result, I ended up living in this slum.

Due to my ignorance, I ended up living in this slum. If it were just ignorance, it could be managed. I could do research or ask people. But when I came to this city, there was no one I could consult.

Now, I do have someone to consult.

A few days later, I asked Mr. Gustav.

"So, I want to try living in the city."

"You've suddenly changed your mind...!?"

It's amusing to see Mr. Gustav, who is usually expressionless, show a surprised face.

Coughing to regain his composure, Mr. Gustav said in a lecturing tone,

"Well, it's not going to be possible for a while."

"Why not?"

"It's an age issue."

Mr. Gustav looked down at me and pouted.

"How old are you? No, you probably don't know. How many winters do you remember?"

Hmm, I counted on my fingers.

"I'm five years old."

"Five winters, huh... So, including the ones you don't remember, you're probably around seven or eight..."

Mr. Gustav put his hand to his mouth and thought. But he seemed to be misunderstanding something.

"No, I'm five. I remember everything."

"Haha, that's not possible."

Mr. Gustav laughed it off at first, but then, seeing my expression, he became serious.

"...You don't seem to be lying."

"Yes, I was abandoned right after I was born, and I remember everything from that moment on."

"I thought you were unusual, but I didn't expect that much."

Mr. Gustav sighed in exasperation.

"Anyway, let's get back to the age issue."

"Yes, you said it's not possible to live in the city for a while due to my age."

Ah, and after a moment, Mr. Gustav explained.

"If you want to live in the city, it's easy for a normal person. All you need is a place to live. You can rent a place in the city or buy an empty house. If you can pay, I can arrange it for you. But in your case, it's difficult because you're so young."

"You mean, a small child can't be allowed to own such things?"

"Yes. In some cases, the authorities might even confiscate them."

I'm still young. That's the biggest problem.

There's nothing I can do about it. I just have to wait for time to solve it.

"By the way, children living in the city usually have adult parents. They live in the property owned by their parents, which is why they are recognized as citizens."

"So, it's tough without parents. Small children can only rely on their parents, right?"

Hearing this, Mr. Gustav muttered softly.

"You say that, but you're doing pretty well for someone living in the slums and earning a living."

"Haha, I've been lucky."

In fact, if I couldn't use magic, I would have been eaten by stray dogs and died right after birth. Not having parents makes this world treat us harshly.

"But that means I have to wait until I'm an adult, right?"

I couldn't hide my disappointment. I sighed involuntarily.

"Well, by the official method, that's true."

But Mr. Gustav nodded with a meaningful look.

"By the official method? Is there an unofficial method?"

"Unofficial is not the right word. It's more like a loophole."

"Of course, there must be something."

Smiling, I said this, and Mr. Gustav looked smug for a moment.

"Earlier, I said children can't own property, but there's no official rule against it."

"Well, I thought that might be the case."

However, it makes sense that stores and authorities would think it's not a good idea to let children make big purchases.

"This can also be seen as a matter of trust. Children are thought to lack the ability to handle property and large sums of money."

"I suppose that's true."

"But there are exceptions, right?"

"Exceptions, you say?"

Examples of children handling large amounts of money, like gold coins... Is there anything like that?

Mr. Gustav spoke deliberately.

"...Nobles' or rich people's children."

"Oh."

I snapped my fingers.

I hadn't thought of that because I've never dealt with them, but that makes sense.

I imagined a spoiled young master walking around in expensive clothes, with servants in tow, shopping.

"Grandpa, I want that."

"Yes, yes, young master. This house, right? Ah, just two thousand gold coins, what a bargain!"

...I felt a bit irritated.

"They can make expensive purchases using their parents' credit and money."

In other words,

"If I have credit, I can own a house, right?"

"Yes. If you have a title or status, the authorities won't confiscate it."

"If I had that, but I don't have either. If you say that, do you have any ideas?"

"This is a bit tricky."

Mr. Gustav squinted one eye and made an indescribable face.

"Get a job."

"Get a job?"

It seems easier than being born into nobility, but is that enough?

"Yes. Titles and status sound impressive, but in reality, you can get both by working. 'I'm a merchant,' 'I'm a guard,' that sort of thing."

"It has nothing to do with nobility."

What was the point of the earlier conversation?

"That was an extreme example, and they're using their parents' status. In your case, you don't have parents, so you need your own credit."

"So, you're telling me to work."

"Yes. You're smart and strong, and you have the ability to work normally."

It's flattering and embarrassing to hear that.

"But there's one last issue."

"An issue? You mean age?"

"Yes."

We were the only ones in the store, with sunlight warming the merchandise through the windows.

Mr. Gustav took a swig from a bottle he had pulled out from somewhere, as if he was thirsty.

"Do you know how most people get jobs?"

I shook my head silently.

If I had known that, I might not have ended up in the slums.

"First, until they become adults, they help their parents. Rich people and nobles mostly send their children to school or hire tutors, but for the average commoner, they have no choice but to help their parents until they grow up."

"Everyone helps with the family business, then?"

"Most people do. And when they grow up, they usually take over the family business."

But, Mr. Gustav continued,

"Those who don't take over the family business become apprentices somewhere when they grow up. Where they go depends on their own wishes and the store's convenience."

"I have to go that route, then."

"Wait a minute."

Mr. Gustav took another sip of water.

"Craftsmen and merchants usually follow this path, but there are jobs you can get without waiting until you're an adult. Jobs where the individual's skills are valued more than inherited skills, like guards, knights, or explorers."

"Those jobs, I could get?"

"Yes. That would be the fastest way."

So, I should aim for one of those. The thought of combat is a bit concerning, though.

"Many of these jobs hire people as apprentices from around thirteen years old, even before they become adults."

"That's still a long way off..."

Another eight years.

"The last exception is explorers."

"Explorers?"

"Yes. Exceptionally, you can join a guild from around ten years old. There's no official rule, but that's how it is in this city's guild."

"Still about five years..."

"I think you can fudge that a bit."

"Huh?"

In the middle of this conversation, someone burst in, making a commotion.

The door was slammed open.

"Grandpa! Help me!"

Hairo, who had rushed in, shouted at Mr. Gustav without even catching his breath.

"Riko is sick!"

He shouted without waiting for a response.

"Just bring her here."

Mr. Gustav said calmly, his usual expressionless face back.