Chapter 82

I revised the text. m(_ _)m

Impressive.

That was my honest reaction after hearing the story from Rose.

As I thought this, Rose said,

"Th-That's why I want to help him,"

and bowed her head even deeper.

"Understood. Please stop bowing for now."

When I said this, Rose raised her head. I genuinely thought it was impressive that she could bow to a child.

"Whether Rose bows or not, once Father decides to go to war, it's a given that I will follow him. Even if Rose hadn't told me, I would have noticed soon enough. After all, I have divine eyes that can see over 250 meters. It's almost impossible to keep it a secret from me that Mother and Father are going to war. So, it's better to know as early as possible. There's also the issue of preparation, but if I find out after Father has already entered Lumeon, there's a risk of encountering enemies on the way, which would be very dangerous. Ultimately, it's a matter of when I find out, but the premise is that I will go."

"I understand your feelings, so I'll do my best."

Though, it's not just a matter of trying hard. I'm going to kill real people.

In the naval battle, I was basically a spectator. I watched from a distance, and it felt like watching a drama. If it looked like we were losing, I planned to retreat alone. If the enemy ships broke through our encirclement and approached the ship I was on, I intended to run until other ships came to help. This time, it's a land battle. Depending on the situation, the enemy might come to me. I have to kill before I'm killed. I need to be prepared.

And I continued,

"I think love is a selfish thing. You're imposing your feelings on someone who may not feel the same way. Especially since Father was in a public relationship. Since you became Father's wife, I think it's best to wait patiently for the right opportunity."

My references are dating and erotic games.

What? Disappointed?

I can't help it; I'm a virgin. By the way, in my previous life, I never confessed or was confessed to. Of course, I had crushes during my teenage years, but by the time I became aware of relationships, I had lost the courage to confess.

In response to my words, Rose said,

"Right. Thank you,"

with her usual expressionless face and bowed her head.

Hmm, I can't tell how she took it since her expression didn't change at all.

If she only thought, "Hmm," I'd die of embarrassment.

I should leave quickly.

"Then, I'll return to my room."

As I said this, she called out,

"Wait."

I turned around, and she said,

"Let's both do our best."

Of course.

"Right. You too, Rose."

I said and finally returned to my room.

The next day, Mother came to my room.

"Rain, can I come in?"

she asked from the door.

"Yes, please come in."

I let Mother in.

Mother had slight dark circles under her eyes.

I decided to take the initiative.

"Mother, I'm sorry. No matter how you try to persuade me, I will follow Father."

It's better to clearly state my resolve first.

But Mother said something unbelievable.

"I know. So, I won't try to stop you anymore."

"…What?"

I couldn't help but let out a surprised sound.

Mother smiled slightly and said,

"I won't try to stop you from going to war anymore."

Suddenly, my body started shaking uncontrollably. I could feel the blood draining from my body.

I thought Mother had given up because I was being selfish and not listening to her.

My mind went blank for a moment, and I managed to ask,

"M-Mother, d-did you, d-did you start to hate me?"

Mother's smile turned to a look of surprise, and she met my gaze and hugged me tightly.

"Rain, of course not. It's not like that. I thought about it all night and came to this conclusion."

That's how it was...

Don't make me worry like that.

When I relaxed, I felt sweat pouring out of my body.

"Oh? Rain, are you okay?!"

Mother asked, concerned.

I wiped the sweat and said,

"No, Mother, I thought you hated me. I'm fine now."

I was really worried.

When I get too worried, I get tinnitus and can hear my heart beating in my ears, even though I'm just standing. Maybe it's because blood rushes to my face?

Am I the only one?

Mother looked at me with a gentle smile and stroked my head.

"Rain, I would never hate you. It's not like that. Over 10 years ago, you know that London's father died in the line of duty, right?"

Of course, I know. It was mentioned in Rose's story too.

"But London didn't know that Father was going to war. He blamed himself, acted out, and even issued a conscription order to kill all the empire's people and go to Lumeon. Not knowing wasn't an excuse. We and I managed to stop him, but he probably still hates the empire. Rain, you are London's child. London was 13, but you are only 6. If something happens to London in Lumeon, you might break. You might ruin your life with resentment. You are more fragile than London."

She could say this because she had seen me during my period of distrust. And I think she's probably right. If something happens to Father, I would use my support cheat not to protect but to kill, I can predict that.

"So, I want you to live a life you can be satisfied with. You are 6, but you are already a capable child. If you're unsure, you can always consult me. If you're troubled, I'll listen to you. If you make a mistake, I'll correct you. But ultimately, I want you to make the decision."

"Is that so..."

That's all I could say.

Mother had spent the night worrying, struggling, and thinking, based on her past experiences.

In other words, she trusted my judgment.

So, I bowed deeply and said,

"Thank you."

After that, I asked Mother a favor.

It wasn't really a favor, but since I was going to war, I had to consider the worst-case scenario.

The favor was to have Father return to the castle once.

Since the Orion territory is on the way from the capital to Lumeon, it wouldn't be a significant detour.

The reason for calling Father back was to transfer the inheritance rights of the Orion family's treasure to one of my siblings.

After making this request, I parted ways with Mother and started training with a sword.

If an enemy came close, a sword would be more reassuring than a bow, I thought.

Then, Rose came.

What? Why?

But I quickly realized,

Ah, she came to see me.

Of course, even if she can't do anything, I understand that she's worried and came to see me.

"Good afternoon," I greeted. Rose slightly bowed her head.

She watched over me.

Or so I thought...

When I looked closely, Rose was dressed lightly, as if she was about to exercise. And what's more...

She started swinging a sword.

What? Why?

This was the second "What? Why?" of the day.

So, I asked.

"Um, Rose?"

She continued swinging the sword without stopping, her form straight and her posture beautiful.

Without turning to face me, she asked,

"What?"

No, that's not the question.

"Wh-What are you doing?"

I asked, and she replied,

"Swinging a sword."

As if to say, "Can't you see?"

Yes, I can see that.

But that's not what I meant.

"Sorry, let me rephrase.

Why are you swinging a sword?"

She said in the same tone,

"I'm going to war too."

"Huh?"

What are you talking about? No, no, what?

"Um, why?"

Why is Rose going?

"I can't let you go alone."

Ah, I see.

"No, no, you don't have to worry so much, really."

In response to my concern,

"Besides, I've been preparing for this moment. So, you don't need to worry about me."

she said.

"Um, I'd like you to stay at home, Rose."

I said, and she stopped swinging her sword and glared at me.

Ah, she's angry.

"Why?"

Why? Because I'm enough, of course.

Ah, right.

Only my parents, Sukuna, Lisa, the captain, and the deputy captain of the Orion Knights know all of my magical abilities.

Others only know that I can use magic.

"Um, well, you see..."

I hesitated.

I'm not going to war to lead Pornesia to victory or to protect Lumeon.

I'm going to save Father and bring him back home safely. Everything else is irrelevant to me as a 6-year-old.

I don't want to be asked for more than that from my 6-year-old body.

But if Rose comes, I'll have to worry about her life too.

During the war, I only want to protect my own life and Father's.

Honestly, there's no real benefit to Rose coming.

Rose can't cover even a tenth of my magical power.

Her magical talent is 6 in water magic, while mine is 8. I can also use holy magic up to 7.

Water magic, which is mostly for healing, is even less useful in a battle dominated by fire magic.

She won't be a hindrance, but for my peace of mind, I really want her to stay at home.

"Because I'll be worried about you and can't concentrate."

"You should worry about yourself."

"I'm fine. I'll be protected. But it's better to have fewer people to protect."

"I don't know what powers you have, but I can use water magic up to 7 with my skills."

Rose said.

Yeah, I know.

What should I do...

Maybe I should tell her a bit about my magical talent.

Ah, no... Hmm, I don't want her to think all her efforts were in vain...

What should I do...

Okay, I'll consult Mother.

While I'm at it, I'll also talk to Lisa to see if we can make up.