Chapter 51

The snow began to melt, and it didn't feel entirely wrong to think it was getting warmer.

Recently, Mother Elna has been saying things like, "It's getting warmer, isn't it?" But for me, who is sensitive to the cold, even the dead of winter is naturally cold, and I can't agree with her.

It seems that my older brother Silvio feels the same way, as he spends most of his days in my room, which is warmed by magic.

That's fine. Silvio just quietly reads books or studies. But it seems that my other older sister, Elinora, has nothing to do except during training, and she invades my room, citing the warmth as a reason.

Even though there is a large fireplace in the living room that makes it warm.

When that happens, I end up being the one to deal with her, and she keeps asking me to make new sweets or what I'm doing, which is extremely bothersome. Recently, she even tries to take me to training.

Ever since the snowball fight, Elinora has been training a lot. I wonder if there's some danger quietly approaching me.

Although she understood that the ice statue was the work of the village children and not my fault, she seems to be very upset about losing to me, and sometimes she talks about a rematch. I avoid that by running away.

Can't I be left alone for a bit?

Because of this, I am trying to make a small, personal fortress called a kotatsu.

Thanks to Elman, I have a suitable table, so that's fine.

He looked terribly tired, but apparently, he has been busy with repairs to the villagers' houses recently.

Perhaps the villagers' houses are getting old and need to be rebuilt?

Well, I'll leave that to Father Nord and focus on the kotatsu for now.

By placing a blanket on the table, I have the basic shape of a kotatsu, but the problem is how to provide heat.

If I put a fireball in a basket, it will be warm for a while.

But what if I fall asleep?

The fireball will quickly escape my control and burn the basket, the blanket, and even me.

That won't do.

What about surrounding it with metal so it doesn't burn? No, that won't work either. A kotatsu that causes severe burns just by touching it is no good.

A kotatsu is a sanctuary. There must be no bloodshed.

It's a safe and comfortable fortress, just for me.

So, what should I do?

I tried to think of a good magic or idea, but nothing came to mind.

So, I started reading magic books to find some hints, but there was nothing useful. They were all about basic magic, which was boring.

In one of them, I found a section about magic devices.

Right, magic devices! If I write the spell, I can activate it by infusing it with magic!

So, I just need to attach a magic device that emits heat by infusing it with magic.

I searched the study thoroughly for a book on magic devices but couldn't find one.

I thought there would be a book on magic devices since there are books on magic, but apparently not.

I asked Mother Elna if there was a book on magic devices, but she said there wasn't.

If that's the case, I'll have to ask Father Nord to buy one.

So, I approached Father Nord, who was sitting at the table in the living room.

"Father Nord."

"No."

"But I haven't said anything yet."

To reject me just by hearing my name—what an impatient father.

Anyway, to start the negotiation, I sat down in front of him.

"You want a book on magic devices, right?"

It was Mother Elna, sitting next to Father Nord, who spoke. So, that's how she knew.

But why is it being rejected? The Triella Guild has a warm relationship with our house, and we have a lot of money thanks to my contributions. Is it because a child is asking for something expensive?

"Why not?"

"Books on magic devices are expensive for the general public, but thanks to Al, Bartholomew, and Triella, we have no problem with money."

"Then why not?"

"Where do you think books on magic devices are?"

"Isn't it in the capital, where the magic academy is?"

When I answered, Father Nord nodded calmly.

I have a bad feeling about this.

"Yes, it's in the capital. The capital is far from here. The Triella Guild, which comes regularly, just came, and it will be a while before they come again."

Damn. Really, they're useless when you need them.

"Can't we just send a message to the Slowlett family, who we have a good relationship with, and they'll get it for us?"

When I answered firmly, Mother Elna and Father Nord looked impressed.

"But Al, unfortunately, that won't work."

"Even if we send a message now, it might not arrive until spring."

Mother Elna put her hand to her cheek and made a thinking gesture.

She's probably calculating the schedule in her head.

Still, by spring. By then, winter will be over.

Next, I'll have to make a cooler or a fan.

"Well, it's not that it's impossible, but it will be delayed due to the timing and distance."

"Here, I have a letter."

Mother Elna smiled and took out a neatly wrapped, elegant letter from her pocket.

What's wrong with the letter?

I carefully opened and read the letter on the table.

"Hmm, what is it? An invitation to a party? Oh, Father Nord is going to a party."

When I looked up and spoke, they both urged me to continue reading with their eyes.

"This time, we would like you and your son, Alfrid, to attend the party in the capital... Hey, what's going on? What are these hands?"

I realized that my arms were firmly grabbed by Mother Elna and Father Nord. I can't even shake off Mother Elna's grip. What kind of strength is this?

"Al, sit down and I'll let go."

Father Nord smiled and said.

Still, for both of them to grab me so firmly, they must have expected me to run away from the beginning.

Well, I have no choice but to sit down.

"So, I have to attend a party for the nobility in the capital."

"I don't want to go."

When I answered immediately, Father Nord sighed.

Next to him, Mother Elna also looked exasperated, saying, "This child."

Why? Am I such a problem child? I think I'm a good child who doesn't cause trouble and doesn't want to go to a faraway place.

"When a child is born and grows up, they have to make an appearance at a party in the capital. Some children attend parties at the age of four."

"Four! What are you going to do with a child in such a place?"

"Well, to put it simply, it's to introduce the next generation and deepen ties among the nobility."

"There are other things like finding a fiancé, too."

In other words, once a child grows up, they have to make an appearance in the capital, which is the main house.

"Did Silvio and Elinora also attend?"

When I asked to confirm if it was really mandatory, Father Nord's face turned pale.

"...Yes, they did. It was quite a challenge."

"Both of them received many marriage proposals, which was quite a challenge."

I see. Considering their appearances, they must have received many proposals, which was quite a challenge.

Ugh, does that mean I'll be in the same situation as them?

I don't want to go. I'll definitely disappoint everyone, especially when compared to Silvio.

"...I don't want to go."

"...I don't want to go either."

Why? I can't imagine Father Nord, who is so popular, disliking the capital so much. After all, I'm not that handsome.

"You're very popular in the capital, you know."

Mother Elna laughed teasingly.

...Ah, the Dragon Slayer.

I see, he probably doesn't like being surrounded at parties.

With his good looks and personality, Father Nord would undoubtedly be very popular among the young people at the party. I can easily imagine him being surrounded and troubled.

By the way, I heard there's a play about Father Nord in the capital.

This might make me want to go to the capital.

"I don't want to stand out too much. I'm already seen as an upstart by some."

Father Nord is a rare upstart who became a noble by achieving great deeds as an adventurer. He must be looked down upon by the nobles who have supported the kingdom since its founding.

They probably think, "How dare a low-born upstart get so cocky."

For me, who wants to live a quiet life in the countryside, such complicated matters are best avoided.

"Even if we order a book on magic devices, we'll have to go to the capital for the party anyway. It would be cheaper and we could sightsee if we go and buy it ourselves."

Mother Elna's voice emphasized the word "cheaper."

"Anyway, we have to go to the capital in the spring, no matter what."

"Okay, I understand."

When I reluctantly agreed, they both looked relieved.

Do they really think I'm such a rebellious child? It's a bit hurtful.

I'm one of the most honest children.

The capital.

The center of the Misfit Kingdom and one of the largest cities in the world.

There, centered around the royal family, many nobles, merchants, adventurers, and townspeople live.

There should be spices, ingredients, and magic devices that we don't have here.

I have to go there to transfer, and it will be beneficial for me.

I have to see the play, at least.