Chapter 2

In the original work, my family, the Heirans, is a noble lineage that has served the royal family since the founding of the kingdom. However, for generations, no outstanding individuals have emerged, and the family has gradually declined.

My father, Tural Heiran, is a kind and gentle man, beloved by the people of his domain, but he is not very intelligent and cannot use magic or swords. In the world of nobles, he is often referred to as a parasite of the royal family.

My mother does not even scold or encourage my father; they both live a carefree life together.

"Peaceful!!"

It's truly a peaceful family.

Even though we are gradually declining, it's not to the point where it will collapse in my generation. Yet, I don't understand why I, Kururi Heiran, fell with that villainous lady.

Still, I have seen that tragic ending many times.

I don't want to become like that.

I have been living a sweet life in the world of nobles; I can't possibly endure the life of a peasant now.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead and made a decision.

I will gradually improve things.

I don't know what caused me to end up with the villainous lady, and it's possible that we met after the decline.

Of course, I want to avoid the decline, but if it does happen, I want to have a skill to fall back on.

With a skill, I can still make a living. Even if I can't live luxuriously, it will be better than that ending.

No, I should aim higher. If I can reach the top in that world, I should be able to live a decent life.

Even the villainous lady after the decline, I could welcome her with open arms.

She was supposed to be quite beautiful, after all...

With that decided, I need to choose what to study right away.

The academy that we nobles attend starts at age 15. We study until we are 18, and then we each go our separate ways.

The story of "Phantasia Academy" unfolds over those three years.

I am 12 years old now, so I have three years until I enter the academy.

It's a perfect amount of time to focus on something.

I immediately consulted my parents, but they naturally replied, "Nobles don't need to have a trade."

However, my mother, Ice, said, "You've always been very knowledgeable about swords and shields. Why don't you try learning from a blacksmith?"

"Mom, don't put strange ideas into Kururi's head."

"Oh, it's wonderful that a child wants to do something on their own. If they're just going to stay at home, why not let them gain some experience?"

"…Yeah, you're right."

With my parents' approval, I decided to learn blacksmithing, as my mother suggested.

In the game, there was weapon crafting. I used to craft weapons that weren't sold in shops.

With that decided, I should act quickly. I searched the territory for a blacksmith and visited the one known to be the best.

"Excuse me!"

I called out in front of the blacksmith's shop, but the door didn't open. Should I just go in?

The sign on the shop reads "Donga's Weapon Shop," so I must be in the right place.

I cautiously opened the door.

Inside the building, the rhythmic sound of metal striking metal came from the back of the shop, where the finished products were displayed.

"Is Mr. Donga here?"

I called out a bit louder.

After a while, a dwarf-like man came out from the back.

"What is it?" His gravelly voice was quite intimidating.

"Um, do you take apprentices?"

"Out of the blue, huh?"

"I'm sorry for the sudden visit."

"I might consider it if you were a good candidate, but you're out of the question."

"Why is that?"

"You're the lord's stupid son, aren't you? I can tell from your fancy clothes and your pampered physique."

"Do blacksmiths choose their apprentices based on bloodline?" I said a bit provocatively.

Donga laughed a little and said, "If you can get rid of that fancy meat, I'll consider it."

"Understood. I'll come back."

I left the shop and returned home.

I stood in front of the mirror and took a good look at myself.

Yeah, I'm a bit chubby.

A chubby 12-year-old beauty, I found myself quite soothing to look at.

It's a bit of a waste to give up this soothing look, but I'll try to lose weight.

I'll start exercising tomorrow.