Chapter 5

I will submit Chapter 5.

So, we are heading to the capital, my first time there.

We are heading to the capital in two carriages. In the first carriage are Father, Alma, and Grint. In the second carriage are Mother and I.

"Mother, shall I guess what you're thinking about?"

"Oh, what is it?"

"Perhaps... you're thinking about Ayn a little more?"

"...Ayn really is a smart child."

Indeed, when it comes to Mother, I don't lose to anyone.

It's been several months since Grandmother told us that Grint would be the next successor... During that time, Mother has been tucking me in every night, and it seems her love for me has surpassed all limits.

Father seemed a bit dissatisfied with this.

Hmph, because he doesn't care about Mother, he gets rejected at night. What a disappointment.

"But honestly, I'm happier this way. I'm happier being alone with Mother."

"Well... hehe. I'm glad, thank you, Ayn."

"Not at all. By the way, Mother? How much longer until we reach the capital?"

"We've been traveling for about three hours... we're about halfway there. Are you tired?"

"I'm not tired, but since this is my first trip... I was just wondering how long it would take."

Indeed, this is my first trip.

The port town of Roundheart is very lively, and there's no need to go shopping elsewhere, as it boasts a selection of goods that can rival the capital.

Father, who is a general, has been busy at times, visiting various forts and castles, but it's impossible for a five-year-old like me to follow him...

"Indeed, it is. How is your first trip?"

"The roads and the many travelers in the port town are very stimulating!"

"Hehe, that's true. Now, here's a question: what are these travelers doing?"

"Huh? They're not travelers?"

Travelers...?

Isn't traveling their main job? They go to various places and live freely... Wait, that's not it?

"The correct answer is that they are adventurers registered with the guild."

"Adventurers!? There are so many!?"

Adventurers! And the guild! Yes... the guild I've dreamed of (though I don't remember much because my memory is gone).

But I can tell I had a deep admiration for it!

"Right, there are so many!"

The port town of Roundheart... the city is simply called Port Town Roundheart, but the road to the capital is one of the safest in the country.

It's completely paved and easy to walk on, and even merchants and commoners travel to the capital on foot.

This road is important for both the capital and the port town, serving as a lifeline for both. The kingdom invests a lot of money in its defense and paving.

"Will I be able to travel to various places like this...?"

"Yes, Ayn... you can do anything. So, when you're a bit older, why don't we go to the guild and register?"

"Really? Oh, so there is an age limit, right?"

"I think it's 12 years old. Ayn, what would you like to do if you become an adventurer? Challenge strong monsters? Or make a name for yourself with new discoveries?"

"I'll bring back beautiful gems for Mother."

"Oh, that's wonderful, Ayn. Thank you. I'm so happy to have such a good son."

Well, I'm a bit of a mother's boy, but... monsters, huh. If I can get stronger, I'd like to challenge them, but the future is uncertain.

Let's put it on hold for now!

*

"Are we not there yet, Father... I'm tired."

"Grint, just a little longer, please."

"You said that before."

"Ugh."

In the front carriage, Ayn's younger brother, Grint, was complaining.

"Be patient, Grint? It's quiet in the back, and it would be embarrassing if you can't endure it, right?"

"!? I can't be embarrassed by losing to Brother Ayn! I'm sorry, Father."

"Good. It's your first trip, so it's natural to be tired."

"By the way, Grint? Didn't you receive a letter before we left? From the church?"

"Yes! Actually, I received my status card!"

"Wow, that's amazing! Can you show it to Father and Mother?"

Grint received his status card a year earlier than Ayn, thanks to Grandmother Isis urging him to get it.

Father Logas didn't object to this, so he requested a noble status card from the church.

It arrived just before we set out today.

Grint was nervous about not falling behind his brother Ayn, but Mother Alma and Father Logas were confident that this wouldn't be the case, given his talent as a paladin.

"Status card... show me your strength!"

Grint Roundheart

[Job] None, Second Son of the Roundheart Family

[Level] 3

[HP] 120

[MP] 94

[Attack] 35

[Defense] 41

[Agility] 33

[Skill] Paladin, Defense Growth Rate UP

"Th-this is..."

"Well... well done, Grint!"

"Mother? What do you think? How strong is he?"

"Grint! Well done!"

"Wh-what, Father!?"

The parents were overjoyed for a good reason.

His stats are better than those of a 12-year-old, the age at which one can register with the guild and be recognized as an independent individual.

His HP, in particular, is outstanding.

"I really think I made the right choice in naming you the next head of the family. I'm confident that this was the right decision."

"Thank you, Father!"

"Still... Logas, the paladin is a skill, but it's not a job, right?"

"Once you become proficient in the paladin skill, you will naturally become a paladin."

"I see, that's a relief."

"Father! I heard that the gods listen to people's wishes and change their jobs!"

"Yes, Grint, you've been studying well. That's correct... you can also evolve the job you naturally obtain. The next step after paladin is the Celestial Knight, a legendary advanced class that only three people in our country have ever achieved."

Hearing this, Grint is overjoyed.

"So, I should aim to become a Celestial Knight!"

"Yes. And I believe you can do it."

The Celestial Knight... excelling in magic, with durability that can be compared to a fortress, and an attack that can slay a thousand soldiers with a single strike. It is considered the strongest class among knights, with stats that far surpass others, making it virtually unbeatable.

Logas also lavishly praised Grint.

Alma, now convinced that Ayn was no longer a concern, smiled warmly at Grint.

I'm submitting Chapter 5. If you notice any typos or errors, I would appreciate it if you could let me know.

Thank you for reading!