Chapter 9

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I'm so happy.

"Today is a fine day."

I, Alphreet, am currently napping in the garden on the estate.

The grass here is soft like a carpet and feels great. Even though it's summer, today doesn't feel particularly hot because the breeze is so refreshing.

Japan has been experiencing abnormal conditions. In urban areas, the heat island effect causes temperatures to rise sharply.

This is apparently due to the increase in buildings and the decrease in green spaces and water bodies.

In contrast, Koriath Village is free from such issues. There are no buildings to obstruct the wind, which blows freely and refreshingly, and the air is clean.

Rural life is the best.

I don't know what kind of job I'll be doing when I grow up, but I don't want to work.

The other day, when I was fishing with Elinora, I realized something. If we use transfer magic to bring fish to inland areas, it could be profitable.

The capital and the sea are not that far apart, but transporting fish while keeping them fresh is difficult.

There are magical devices like refrigerators, but they are expensive and scarce in this world. Unlike in Japan, where fish can be frozen immediately after being caught, there are no large refrigeration facilities or trucks here.

Even if there were some way to transport them, the quantity would be small and the freshness questionable.

Catch the fish by boat. I'll buy them on the spot.

Use transfer magic to deliver them anywhere. If needed, use ice magic to cool them.

...It's the ultimate solution.

With this, I could almost guarantee a rich, slow-paced life. I can't help but smile.

"What are you doing, smiling creepily while you sleep?"

Looking down at me is Baltro. He's standing in a position where the sun is behind him, casting shadows that emphasize the contours of his face and body, making him look very imposing.

A normal child would be crying.

"Baltro... you're alive."

"Ask no more."

Baltro's demeanor becomes dark and somber, and he sits down.

"No, but this is important. Sugar—"

"Whoa! Idiot!"

Before I can finish my sentence, Baltro, with a serious expression, covers my mouth and drags me into the bushes.

This looks like a scene where a child is being forcibly kidnapped or raped.

However, Baltro looks like a lamb hiding from a hungry wolf. His survival instinct is fully engaged. For him to be like this, something must have happened.

"Sugar!"

Immediately, the front door of the mansion opens with a loud bang.

This voice is probably Elna.

"Oh? I thought I heard 'sugar'—"

Wait, didn't Elna say something like, "This door is heavy, only a man can open it with such force. Hehe"?

"Yes, ma'am. I heard it too."

Behind her, Mina, the clumsy maid, stands. Wait, can you stand so properly? You seem more composed and dignified than usual...

"Hmm, that's strange. I don't see anyone in the garden."

Elna tilts her head and returns to the mansion.

"...What's this?"

"You can't say that word this time of year. You'll be strangled."

Huh? What? What will I be strangled for!?

But I don't ask. Curiosity can kill the cat.

"So, is the item safe?"

I keep my voice low, not out of fear of Elna or Mina, but to protect Baltro's life.

"A little, but it's still there."

Baltro grins and bares his teeth, which gleam.

It seems there's still hope for Baltro. It wouldn't make sense to hide if there was nothing left to protect. There must be something he still wants to protect.

It's like when a friend's porn magazine is found, but the main DVD is still safe.

"Good. There are still dishes I want to try."

"Yeah. The monk said the cream sauce is almost ready!"

"Great. I've been tired of tomato spaghetti lately."

"That's not true."

Baltro laughs and returns to the kitchen. I'm glad he's back to his usual self.

---

One day, while I was reading a book in the mansion, Elna said with a smile, "I'll show you some magic!"

I was initially puzzled by the sudden offer, but then I remembered a conversation we had on the morning we went to the river.

I wanted to read and relax, but I hadn't done my magic training yet, so I thought it was a good time.

I followed Elna to the back of the estate.

The ground was bare with little grass. There was a wall on one side, and in the distance, my favorite plain was visible.

It was just an unused path, so using fire magic wouldn't be a problem.

"Al, can you use any magic? I heard you often use water and earth magic from Elinora?"

"Sure, I can."

Including space, I can use about eight types of magic.

"Show me anything."

"Sure."

I used earth magic to pile up soil and solidify it into a chair. It's a unique chair that I've customized to be the most comfortable for me.

Incantation? I can chant it in my mind, and it has become shorter with practice. Sometimes, I chant something completely different from the original incantation.

"Al, what happened to your incantation?"

Elna's eyes widened, and she was speechless for a few seconds before speaking in a strained voice.

"I don't need to chant out loud because I can do it in my mind."

I've also shortened it a lot.

Elna seems quite surprised. Is this really that impressive?

"O-Oh, I see. Do you know any other magic?"

"Sure."

I used earth magic to create a cup and filled it with ice using ice magic.

Since it was hot, I licked the ice like a lollipop and offered some to Elna.

I noticed some long weeds nearby, which looked unpleasant, so I used a wind cutter to cut them down.

I often use wind cutters to trim branches and knock down fruit. I have to be careful not to damage the fruit.

"That's what I've been using recently."

"You can use all four elements, and even ice magic."

Elna looked awkward, half happy and half confused.

Yeah, it's good that I don't use fire, lightning, or transfer magic.

"Yeah... Al is more skilled than I thought, so there's not much I can teach you. I need to rethink the training menu, so let's stop here for today?"

"Okay, I understand."

It seems I'm more skilled than Elna expected. She was a bit shaken but remained positive and as usual, which is good.

"Al, you're amazing. You can use so much magic. Do you use attack magic?"

Attack? Who would I use it on? I hardly ever leave Koriath Village. But I do have some preparations just in case.

"Using magic to enrich my surroundings is enough."

"That's a very Al-like way to use magic."

Elna chuckled and took my hand, walking slowly.

Today is peaceful.