Chapter 15

The daily ranking is steadily rising.

I am grateful to everyone!

"Haa..."

"Mmmmm..."

"..."

I, Alfrid, am currently being made to study.

Ever since I turned six, my education began. I am learning how to write politely, arithmetic, and occasionally history. Normally, I would start with learning the alphabet and basic things, but since I already know them, I've been promoted to a higher level.

Next to me, Elinora is struggling with numbers. Elinora is twelve years old.

Her sword skills are remarkable; according to Father Nord, she has the strength to join the knights. In the neighboring village, only Father Nord can defeat her.

She has become even more uncontrollable.

On the other hand, her studies are a bit disappointing. It's not good to say, "Why does it become like that?" when looking at numbers. That's just how it is. Even I don't understand the detailed theory.

In the back, Silvio is seriously and quietly working on his tasks. Silvio is specialized in studies and is amazing. At nine years old, he is already getting used to division. He looks at the numbers intently and smoothly solves the problems.

Recently, he has grown even more handsome, which is annoying. When I say that, he smiles awkwardly and says, "No, that's not true." What kind of handsome guy...

He is currently very popular among the ladies and village girls. I thought maybe they are lolicon, but in this world, early marriage is the norm. People are considered adults at fifteen. Many people are targeting Silvio.

The one who sets the problems and supervises us is our mother, Mother Elna. Her family seems to run a large trading company, so she is good with numbers. She understands the importance of letters and numbers, so she is a bit strict about our studies.

"Al, what's wrong? Don't you understand?"

"A bit troublesome... I want to play."

I get it. I can solve these problems easily. What I'm afraid of is that more problems will keep coming after I finish these. I'm waiting for those words that motivate kids to do their work.

"I understand you want to play, but studying is important too?"

"I know. Studying is important for protecting oneself and becoming prosperous."

Mother Elna sighs at my lazy attitude.

Hmm? This makes me seem like a bad kid.

But for a six-year-old, this is normal, right?

"Okay, if you solve this, you can play."

"Alright, I'll do it!"

I was waiting for those words!

The quill becomes lighter, and I quickly fill the paper with numbers. This level of arithmetic is a piece of cake.

"Today's problems are quite difficult, you know?"

"Really! Today's problems are difficult!"

"Those are the ones Elinora did a week ago?"

"..."

I ignore what Mother Elna and Elinora are talking about next to me.

"Done!"

"What? Already finished?"

"Master Alfrid, we haven't finished checking the answers yet."

I hand over the paper and try to leave the room, but I am caught by Sara, who has been waiting quietly.

Recently, the maids have been treating me a bit roughly. The other day, Mel grabbed me by the collar.

I am quietly returned to my study desk (restraint device).

Mother Elna checks my answers with a serious expression. After a few minutes, she lets out the biggest sigh I've ever heard from her.

"All correct. You can go now."

Her expression seems a bit stiff, but I don't mind.

"Yay!"

"Hey! That's not fair, only Al gets to!"

"Okay, okay, Elinora, let's review the basics a bit more, shall we?"

I leave the study room (prison) while listening to Elinora's cute complaints.

Ah, the air outside is so delicious. I might finally understand how someone feels after being released from prison.

"Are you done with your studies?"

As I step into the hallway, Father Nord happens to be walking by.

"Yep. I did well, so I finished early! Now I can play..."

"Is that so? I just finished my work too. Let's do some sword practice now!"

Father Nord, hearing only the first part of my sentence, happily takes my hand and starts walking towards the courtyard.

"Eh? We have sword practice after lunch, right?"

"It's fine. You've been sitting too much, and your body has stiffened. Let's practice together sometimes."

Well, communication between father and son is important. My magic training is going well, so maybe I should put more effort into sword training too.

I had that thought at that moment.

"Your grip is too tight. Loosen it when you bring it down."

"Yes."

"No, tighten your sides more."

"Yes."

"Don't swing with just your arms."

"Yes."

"Then, do a hundred swings like this."

"...Yes."

Mmm, I've only done a bit of kendo in PE class.

My form was corrected multiple times, but I managed to finish by lunchtime.

Ah, the meaning of finishing my studies quickly.

"You're getting better. I'll make lunch a bit shorter, so let's keep it up."

We still have practice at lunchtime...

"Ah! It's not fair, only Al gets to practice! I wanted to join too!"

Elinora, who has been studying in the study room (prison) all this time, stomps her feet when she sees Father Nord and me with our wooden swords.

After lunch, we head to the courtyard again.

Elinora and Silvio are already there, holding their wooden swords in a middle guard position and staring at each other.

They are probably about to start a sparring match.

Elinora looks excited, like a hunter who has spotted prey, while Silvio looks reluctant, as if he is being forced to do this. His legs are trembling like a newborn foal.

How many ways is Silvio imagining losing right now?

"Begin!"

The moment I give the command, Elinora closes the distance with Silvio in an instant.

Silvio, taken aback by my sudden command, still calmly blocks Elinora's downward strike.

They exchange blows four or five times, and Silvio aims a thrust at Elinora's chest, but she dodges gracefully and gently taps Silvio's head as they pass each other.

Silvio, in pain, groans, "Ah!" and holds his head.

Seeing this, Elinora, I, and Father Nord, who had appeared next to us, laugh.

Mother Elna and the maids, watching from a distance, also smile at the scene.

Ah, today is peaceful too.

"Do you want to join, Al?"

"No, I don't."

I clearly refuse Elinora's question.

After that, when Father Nord told me to hit as much as I wanted, I reluctantly did so and ended up being hit in the same way as Silvio, and everyone laughed at me.

Damn it.

Should I start including perspectives other than Alfrid's? I'm conflicted.