Chapter 30

The sun began to set. It was about to be evening. The sunlight that streamed in was dyed orange, coloring the living room. Before it got dark, Yōsetsu stood up and turned on the room's lights.

With a click, the button was pressed, and the living room was illuminated. It might have been a bit wasteful since it was just before evening.

Taking a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator, he poured it into a glass with a clink and moved to the living room, sinking deeply into the sofa.

"Huh, I never thought my daughter would have that much magic power."

With a troubled expression, Yōsetsu tilted the glass and drank the cold water. The cold water felt good on his heated body, which had been tense without him noticing.

Suddenly, he remembered when he started drinking mineral water. It all began three years ago when Miharu drank it with a smile, saying it was delicious.

Until then, he and his wife had been drinking coffee and tea, but they started drinking mineral water, drawn in by Miharu's blooming smile.

Miharu, saying that mineral water was expensive and delicious, looked very cute, and he laughed at her words. However, seeing her drink it cutely, he and his wife started drinking mineral water too.

Even in small habits, there were memories of his beloved daughter, and Yōsetsu's lips curved into a smile.

Miharu, who had awakened to the holy attribute and become a healer, was indeed rare, but he thought she didn't have that much magic power and could only heal minor injuries.

This was because he had heard that Miharu's mana was depleted after using healing magic three times. Healers varied in strength, and he was somewhat relieved that Miharu was on the weaker side.

Strong power can change someone's life for better or worse. A daughter who could use a bit of healing magic was enough. He didn't want her to be unhappy. With this level of power, the Takanoha family wouldn't push her too hard. As the second son of a former viscount family, Yōsetsu knew, though not in detail, how dirty the world of nobles could be.

He wanted to protect the pure and justice-loving Miharu from the troubles of the noble world. He and his wife had thought that they didn't want her to cry and suffer.

However, his expectations changed significantly. Miharu was starting to bloom with this talent. The amount of mana used in the Stone Golem incident and the fact that she could heal 'Mana Syndrome' were beyond his expectations.

Moreover, that girl had a look on her face that suggested this simple magic could be used by anyone.

This time, it was officially said that Yuki Haru was healed by the power of 'Elixir.' However, it couldn't be hidden forever. Even if the family kept quiet, there were servants and guards. It would also be known at the hospital where Haru went for a check-up.

Miharu's story would spread from somewhere. It couldn't be prevented. It was already known that 'Elixir' was just a magic power soothing medicine, as a result of the investigation by the Magic Ministry after receiving half of it from Miharu.

It was thought to be a groundbreaking potion that could cure 'Mana Syndrome,' but it was discovered that the ingredients were precious and could only be made by a few healers. It was a known potion from the past.

The Yuki family probably thought that the 'Yggdrasil' would contact them for the 'fake Elixir.' It was a despicable act. 'Yggdrasil' would strip their opponent to the bone. Because it was unauthorized, they couldn't sue for being fake.

However, the Magic Ministry couldn't overlook this despicable business practice and planned to conduct an audit soon. While they couldn't invalidate 'Yggdrasil' as a corporation, they could make it quiet for a while.

However, if it was known that the 'Elixir' was fake, the Yuki family's son would be asked how he was healed. Keen observers would understand what happened from the fact that Miharu was coming and going.

He had said he would protect Miharu, but realistically, the possibility of protecting her was low. He was a commoner with no power or wealth. He was prepared to risk his life to protect Miharu from danger.

However, in reality, just being prepared to risk his life wasn't enough to counter the intricate plots. Those who would try to surround Miharu would likely do so in other ways.

The former family, the Takanoha Viscount Family, would be at the forefront. They were now protected by the backing of the Teisei Marquis Family, but as a parent, it was truly pitiful. He wanted to protect Miharu. Protecting his beloved family was his duty and his wish.

His clear-headed daughter, even if told that they would protect her, would think that they might not be able to protect her. Miharu, with her cute face, frowned and looked anxious.

"Papa, Mama, I'll get stronger! I'll protect everyone. I'll find a master and train. I'll pay 500 yen and ask nicely!"

Even as a child, she had a strong resolve. Feeling her earnest and kind heart, he stroked her head and said thank you, but it also became a strong resolve for him to work hard.

Imagining Miharu, holding a 500 yen coin, trying to become a disciple of a magician, made her even more endearing.

There was a way. A way to prevent the tyranny of nobles that couldn't be stopped by a commoner.

His wife and Miharu were out shopping for dinner. His wife had said, "Let's make bacon burgers today," and Miharu had jumped up with joy, and they went to the supermarket together.

He had already consulted with his wife, and although she was reluctant, she agreed for Miharu's sake. So, it was just his decision, and his resolve was firm.

He picked up his smartphone and called the Teisei family. After a while, the call was answered.

"Yes, this is Teisei."

It wasn't a direct call to the other party's smartphone. He had the phone number, but he wanted to make a formal request, so he called the house to set up an appointment.

The voice on the other end was that of an elderly man, likely the butler of the Teisei family.

"It's Takanoha."

"Ah, Mr. Takanoha. It's always a pleasure to speak with you."

After exchanging polite greetings, he decided to get to the point.

"Actually, I have a request for Mr. Teisei. I would like to visit. Is there a convenient time?"

"…You want to visit? Is something the matter?"

It seemed that the story about Miharu hadn't reached them yet. The guards were keeping a distance, so they didn't know that Miharu had healed 'Mana Syndrome.'

The Yuki Viscount Family was an old and prestigious family, small but renowned for making magical tools. They had many magical tools passed down from the previous generation, and 'Yggdrasil' had shown interest in them, so they had increased security, as he was told during his visit.

So, it was likely that Miharu's guards couldn't get close either.

"Actually, I have something to tell you about Miharu, so I would like to discuss the matter we talked about last time."

"Hmm… Is that so? Please wait a moment. The head of the family is at home, so I'll put you through."

The butler, sensing something, immediately connected him to Ōga.

"Thank you for waiting. This is Ōga. Mr. Takanoha, what's the matter?"

As always, his voice was calm and exuded a dignified presence.

"Actually, Miharu has healed 'Mana Syndrome.'"

"…Healed 'Mana Syndrome'? Is that true?"

At my words, Ōga gasped and asked with a serious tone. He must not have expected it. He had been looking for a master for Miharu to learn healing magic, but it was difficult as all the healers were already taken. So, it was thought that Miharu could only use the healing magic she knew and wouldn't grow much.

That she could use magic to heal 'Mana Syndrome' without being taught was surprising.

"Hmm… Miharu might have a high talent for creating 'Original Magic.'"

"'Original Magic'?"

"Yes. All magic has an origin. The first magic was spread by those who created 'Original Magic.' Even now, 'Original Magic' exists. Yami has created two or three 'Original Magic,' so it's not rare. Everyone has 'Original Magic' as their trump card."

"Like the secret techniques of a clan?"

The Takanoha family also had such magic. He didn't know the details since he hadn't awakened to 'Mana,' but other families had similar secret techniques.

Feeling relieved that it wasn't rare, he sighed. Miharu's high talent was dangerous, and as a parent, he wanted safety more than her talent. He didn't want her to have the kind of power that would draw attention.

However, Ōga's next words shattered his hopes.

"That's right. But there's a problem. Most people create 'Original Magic' based on their clan's secret techniques or existing magic. However, Miharu created a magic to heal 'Mana Syndrome' without being taught by anyone. This is an astonishing talent."

"Then, how will others perceive Miharu?"

"The amount of mana used in the Stone Golem incident and the fact that she can use magic to heal 'Mana Syndrome' suggest that she might be able to use other healing magic. ……She might be able to use magic to heal deficiencies."

"Deficiencies…!"

If it was possible, he bit his lip. If she could heal 'Mana Syndrome' easily, then healing deficiencies…

"There are only three people in Japan who can do it. One is the founder of 'Yggdrasil,' one is a royal, and one is a wandering witch."

Miharu would be the fourth healer who could heal deficiencies. Those who would try to get her would be endless.

"Mr. Teisei, I would like to accept the offer we discussed last time."

If so, time was running out. Miharu would eventually enter the Magic Academy, and her power would become known to the world. It would be too late to panic then.

Ōga had often suggested that he accept a noble title.

"Understood. I will present your case to His Majesty. If it's necessary to protect a healer, a viscount title should be sufficient."

"Viscount? I remember it was a baron last time."

"If she has the potential to heal deficiencies, a viscount level is necessary. Even among lower nobles, there's a huge difference between a baron and a viscount. A viscount can easily be promoted to a marquis and can marry into higher nobility."

Marriage… He wanted Miharu to have a love marriage, but he would reject all marriage proposals.

"Viscount… Understood. I accept."

"Leave it to me. I will take immediate action, and I hope to have good news when we meet next."

"Thank you."

The conversation ended, and he hung up his smartphone. It had become a serious matter. Although Japanese nobles were not as strict about etiquette as in Europe, there was still a lot to learn, and his position at work would change. Most importantly, he would have to enter the world of nobles, where all sorts of people mingled.

"Back! I bought the ingredients for hamburgers."

As he leaned back in his chair, exhausted, the door opened, and Miharu burst in energetically.

"Hehe. Then, I'll start making the hamburgers."

His wife, who came in later, laughed and placed the shopping bag on the table.

"I'll help too!"

"I'll wash my hands and come right back," she said, running to the sink. Seeing her kind daughter, Yōsetsu felt healed, and his tired heart warmed.

He had to tell his wife about what had just happened.

But to protect this kind and loving family, he would do anything, and Yōsetsu smiled.