Chapter 22

I was allowed to look at the magic book.

(Still, it was surprisingly easy.

Why is that?)

Since there's no point in thinking about it, I'll just put it aside for now.

"Then, I'll go to the study with Sukuna."

"No, wait.

You must be tired from all the rounds today, so go to bed."

"Yes, I understand."

(Actually, I could still do something...)

But there's no point in going against it, so I'll obediently listen.

(I don't want to risk a change of heart.)

With that, I got into bed.

"Sukuna, come with me."

"Huh! M-Mother!"

"Rain, even if you were this child's owner, I can't give in on this.

I wasn't there when you bought this child.

Please understand."

"Y-Yes... I understand.

Sukuna, listen to Mother carefully."

"H-Hai! I understand!!"

She was determined.

(Why is she so determined here?

Ah, I'm worried. I don't want Mother to say something to Sukuna...)

Since there's no point in arguing, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

---

In Sophia's office,

After greeting her husband, she returned to her room.

Click

"Phew..."

She sighed as she entered the room and sat down in a chair.

(I never thought that child would pull such a move...

I let my guard down.)

Thinking this, she glanced at Sukuna, who was standing awkwardly.

"Sukuna, please sit here as well."

"H-Hai! Excuse me."

Sophia carefully observed her.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Sophia Duk de Orion. I am the first lady of the Orion Duke family. Please remember that."

As she greeted, Sukuna, who was standing there, had her mouth half-open and was frozen in place.

"Sukuna, are you okay?"

As she called out, Sukuna suddenly made a small, gasping sound, "Kuh," and then, at an incredible speed, prostrated herself on the floor.

"I-I-I am so sorry, Lady! I didn't realize you were such a great person. Please forgive my rudeness!!"

This time, Sophia was surprised.

"N-No, it's fine. I don't take such things to heart. Please, you'll dirty your cute face. Get up."

"H-Hai!!"

Sukuna lifted her face abruptly.

"Please, don't sit on the floor. Sit in the chair."

"N-No, this is fine for me!"

"No, I need to talk to you and ask you something. I can't have you sitting on the floor while I ask. Please, sit in the chair."

She said this a bit more firmly.

"H-Hai. Thank you."

Sukuna sat down in the chair.

"Then, could you tell me your name, age, place of origin, family, and the reason you became a slave?"

"H-Hai! My name is Sukuna. I am six years old. I am from Mane Village in the territory of the Belorian Duke. I have a father, mother, and two younger sisters. I became a slave because there were two consecutive years of poor harvests, and we had nothing to eat. I was sold for four gold coins and eight silver coins."

(I didn't ask for the exact amount...)

She answered smoothly (though she did stutter a bit), so I think she's probably telling the truth.

It would be easy to verify if it's true or a lie. Besides, the maid who usually accompanies her has the ability to appraise. If she were lying, the maid would have taken some action, but since she didn't, it's probably the truth. The reason is also a common one. It would be easy to investigate.

"Alright, I understand. I trust you.

And I have a request. Since you will be living in this castle and will be near that child, I will tell you this: that child has no magical talent at all. However, it seems that child is quite fascinated by magic. I haven't told that child yet that they have no magical talent.

If that child tries to cast a spell, I would like you to subtly stop them. Could you do that for me?"

She said this while bowing.

"L-Lady!! Please raise your head! To bow to someone like me!!"

"Will you listen to my request?"

"H-H-Hai!! Yes! I will definitely do it! I will do it! Please leave it to me!"

"Thank you. Since we will be working together for a long time, I look forward to your cooperation."

"Y-Yes, I look forward to working with you!!"

With that, she concluded and had the maid who accompanied Rain escort Sukuna out.

Immediately, the maid spoke to her.

"Lady, wasn't it a bit much to bow to a slave?"

She had been warned beforehand that this might happen, so she didn't say anything at the time.

"I don't want to be the kind of parent who can't bow for their child's sake."

"H-Ha... But..."

"That girl is the first person Rain chose to keep by their side. Her actions will greatly influence Rain's life. And when something happens to Rain, that girl will definitely be by their side.

At that time, we won't be by her side. After all, she doesn't trust us..."