Chapter 12

I folded the clothes and put them in the closet, placed the large tools and equipment in that big box, and heard various instructions, but I didn’t hear how to handle this. After all, I can’t just throw it away, can I?

As Pierre turned his head to look at the handkerchief, I saw my father’s face for the first time, subtly frowning.

"Throw it away."

A firm tone. But ironically, his voice carried more complex emotions than I had ever heard before.

‘I’m betting my four lifetimes on this; if I throw it away, something bad will happen!’

I’m a quick-witted whale among whales. It’s all because I’ve lived a life of reading the room.

"Alright. I’ll throw it away."

But Pierre’s eyes were so resolute that I felt something bad would happen even if I didn’t throw it away right now!

So, I casually approached the trash and pretended to throw it away, but quickly put it in my pocket when he turned away.

When I looked back, Pierre had already turned his gaze away from me.

I continued to organize the items and casually asked, “What’s that handkerchief? It’s not the Master’s, is it?”

“...No.”

I expected him to either ignore my unnecessary question or scold me, but surprisingly, he answered straightforwardly.

I froze, mid-lift, with the giant hammer.

‘Oh, what a shock. I almost dropped it and hurt my foot.’

I blinked cutely while holding the hammer.

“Then whose is it?”

“It’s my wife’s.”

This time, I almost dropped the hammer for real...!

‘Oh, what a shock. She came in without even turning on the lights.’

It was my mother’s. An unexpected story.

I don’t know why he answered so straightforwardly, but I felt glad I didn’t throw it away.

‘I don’t know why he told me to throw it away with such a voice...’

Even though I live a repetitive life, the only things I know about my mother are that she is a mermaid and a good person.

‘No one ever told me anything else.’

Even when my older brothers joined my ranks in the previous cycle, I didn’t hear anything.

Was I too lost in thought?

“It seems the task was too easy.”

“Eh, eh?”

I had to pay the price for that.

I soon saw the water in the air gently lifting the tool box.

“Part of a master’s job is to assess the disciple’s level, right.”

And everything inside spilled out!

“Organize it.”

...Damn, this damn father!

I had already forgotten about my mother’s handkerchief and was busy organizing the tools while cursing inwardly.

‘Why are there so many giant hammers in this room!’

But it wasn’t entirely useless.

As I worked, I seemed to develop a knack for moving heavy things.

‘It seems true that the more you use the power of water, the more skilled you become.’

Indeed, I felt stronger and more agile than when I just ran or repeatedly sat and stood.

However, due to the damn father’s various excuses for dumping tasks, I spent most of the day busy in Pierre’s room.

That’s why I didn’t notice.

That Pierre was now looking at me instead of the window,

And that a faint smile was on his lips.

* * *

‘Ouch, my body...’

The next morning.

I went to the educational institution in a carriage with a valet, just like yesterday.

And I didn’t forget to report my situation before going to school.

“An 8-year-old class... and the Alpha class, you say?”

“Yeah.”

The valet accompanying me was also the closest valet to my grandmother.

This story would definitely reach my grandmother’s ears.

‘No, it might have already been reported yesterday.’

It wasn’t just a grade skip; it was a direct jump to the highest-level class.

Moreover, it was possible because Laila, the head of the primary educational institution, allowed it.

In other words, it meant I had Laila’s recognition.

For those who know how strict she is, this would be a piece of news they couldn’t miss.

My grandmother would be the same.

‘I told you to watch, old lady.’

But this was just the beginning.

I smiled and addressed the valet.

“And I have one request...”

The valet, still amazed by my clear speech, quickly nodded.

The valet tilted his head after hearing my request.

“...You don’t want to move your residence, I understand. I’ll report this to the higher-ups first.”

Usually, at this time, I would move to the main castle, but I judged that it would make it difficult or impossible to visit Pierre.

The shabby room I’m in now isn’t to my liking, but I have no choice.

‘Besides, the new maid, Misa, seems to clean well.’

Speaking of cleaning...

‘Maybe I should ask Misa for some cleaning tips.’

Yesterday, I didn’t just clean Pierre’s room.

After a few rounds, I finally finished organizing everything, only to be taken to another room to sweep the dust!

“Next is laundry.”