Chapter 8

Eagle Nami is the mother of Mihane. Among the common people, she has a beautiful appearance, and although many proposals came her way, she married Eagle Yoshitsugu. It was a love marriage, one that could be called a grand romance.

They built a new house and lived there with her husband, where she gave birth to a daughter. They were building a happy family.

Now, in the VIP room prepared by Lord Tei, she gently stroked the head of her child, who was sleeping peacefully on a fluffy bed that didn't seem to belong in a hospital.

Her child, who rubbed her head against her in a way that seemed to be seeking affection, was incredibly adorable.

"I never thought she would fight monsters and save her friends... I want to praise her, but I really wish she had run away."

Thinking that this child really causes worry, she smiled gently. She is adorable, but also a bit odd. That's my daughter, Eagle Mihane. The daughter I love the most in the world, but sometimes she does unexpected things, making me smile wryly as I recall the past.

When Mihane was born, I couldn't hide my worry.

"She cries, but doesn't move at all. I'm worried."

It was her first child. When she was born, she cried loudly, and there were no abnormalities, so we were happy and hoped she would grow up healthy.

"Yeah, I've heard from others that night crying happens every day."

Her husband, too, looked troubled as he gazed at the baby crib. Mihane cried during the day but hardly cried at night. Moreover, she hardly moved at all. It was natural to be worried.

Usually, babies are more active and at least move their arms. But Mihane was very quiet. Too quiet. We took her to the doctor several times, worried that there might be something wrong with her body, but the doctor only said, "She's a weak girl," with a puzzled look.

So, we decided to watch over Mihane as if she were a delicate piece of glass. The worry about her frail constitution quickly passed.

When she learned to crawl, she suddenly became very active. We were relieved. We were worried that she might not be able to walk, but seeing her move actively and seeing her adorable appearance made us smile with relief.

Though she was a bit inarticulate, she started doing strange things after she learned to speak. She started collecting numbers.

She collected numbers and wrote them in her drawing notebook. When she wrote a lot, she would nod and think deeply. Then, she would tap the notebook.

When I told my husband about this, he laughed and waved his hand.

"It's because she's a child. They get obsessed with strange things. But they get bored quickly."

"Is that so? Maybe you're right."

When I talked to the neighbors, I learned that some children do even stranger things. Some collect dust, some collect pretty stones, and some collect dead insects. I nodded, thinking, "Ah, that's what children are like."

Basically, Mihane is a good child. In fact, she's surprisingly good. I don't think it's just a parent's bias. She always tries to help and says "thank you" and "I love you." Just hearing those words makes me happy, and I've told my husband that.

Mihane loves to be held. So, I think I spoil her, but I can't help but hold her. Mihane, who is small, is light and warm. She is our treasure.

When such an adorable Mihane started kindergarten, she began to show her talent. The kindergarten teacher told me with a smile.

"Empress? Is that our daughter?"

Well, what an amazing nickname my child has.

"Yes, Mihane involves everyone in her games. For tag, she prepares multiple taggers, and for sandcastle building, she creates a grand project. She scolds bullies and calls out to quiet children. She's called the Empress, but she doesn't seem to understand the meaning."

The teacher chuckled, not in a mocking way, but with a warm smile.

When I glanced at the sandcastle, there was a huge castle that looked like Osaka Castle. I thought it would be difficult to build, but it was my child. She is full of vitality. She was only quiet when she was a baby.

"But she plays with both boys and girls... and I'm a bit worried that she's using some boyish language. Please be careful if she uses it at home."

"Boyish language?"

"More like a rough tone. She uses it when mediating arguments sometimes."

Mihane using a rough tone? I can't believe it. In front of us, she always smiles cutely and asks to be held. I've never heard her use a rough tone, but I'll be careful. It's important to pay attention to a child's language in their early years.

My husband works at the Magic Ministry's district office and usually comes home on time. He helps with housework and we go for walks and eat out on his days off. He's a wonderful man who never forgets anniversaries. He doesn't use a rough tone. She must have heard it from other kindergarten children.

Recently, Mihane has been doing somersaults, creating dances, and singing songs, and has stopped collecting numbers. She must be bored. This time, it's dance, I thought, and took many photos of her cute appearance to put in an album.

My adorable child, who is cute in both dance and song, is our family's idol. She must have been influenced by TV, I chuckled.

But that peace lasted only until two days ago. I had just finished my morning chores and was wondering what to make for lunch when I heard the ringtone of my smartphone. When I answered, it was the kindergarten teacher.

"It's, it's terrible. Mihane was attacked by a monster."

The world went dark. Mihane attacked by a monster? Monster attacks happen occasionally, but I never thought my beloved daughter would be attacked.

I immediately called my husband and headed to the hospital where Mihane was taken. It seemed that the monster had been defeated, but the story I heard was a bit confusing.

"Did my child defeat the monster!"

"Yes. She shouted, 'Stay back,'... I'm sorry, but Mihane is fine."

The teacher, looking uncomfortable, explained that Mihane had tried to save a friend possessed by a wraith. I understood the terms "wraith" and "possession" because I am the wife of a Magic Ministry employee and have some basic knowledge of monsters from my husband. But there were still things I didn't understand.

"If a child was possessed, shouldn't the teachers have restrained her? Why my child?"

Possession is a tricky attack. But if it was a child, it should have been easy to restrain. I unconsciously raised my voice in accusation, and a man in a kimono bowed deeply.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Eagle. Yami was 'awakened' to 'Mana.' Whether she was taught or practiced magic secretly, she was in a very dangerous state."

"'Mana'!"

I was shocked. Mana is familiar but also dangerous. Magic can easily kill those without magical power. Those with magical power can resist, but those without have no defense.

"Is my child okay!"

I grabbed the teacher's shoulder and shook her violently. If someone who can use magic was possessed, my child must have been affected by magic. I was worried that she might have been seriously injured, and my mind went blank.

"Please, calm down. She's fine. She was seriously injured, but..."

"Seriously injured!"

"But she has already recovered. She doesn't have a single scratch. She's just extremely tired and sleeping."

"Recovered? Did you call a healer?"

Recovery. Did they use a potion? But for serious injuries, it would have to be a very expensive potion. Or a healer? Healers are incredibly rare. A healer would cost millions, no, it's not about money. I calmed down a bit, relieved that she was saved. But the next words were unsettling.

"No, it wasn't a healer or a potion. If you see Mihane, you'll understand."

The teachers said this apologetically. But I noticed something strange. The doctors and nurses seemed happy and proud. There must be something going on.

Curious, I entered the hospital room. I was surprised by the luxurious interior. It didn't look like a hospital room at all. It could easily be mistaken for a hotel suite.

"Mrs. Eagle, this is a small token of gratitude for your daughter saving my daughter. Please don't worry about the medical expenses here."

The man in the kimono finally made me realize he was a noble. Yami, who had played with Mihane a few times, was from the Tei family, the Tei Marquis family. I realized this, but more importantly, I needed to confirm my child's safety.

I saw Mihane, who was hooked up to an IV and lying in bed, and my mouth dropped open in shock.

Mihane's black hair was no longer black.

It had turned gray. Beautiful, lustrous gray hair. I knew from my knowledge that the luster was due to the presence of Mana.

And I knew the meaning of the gray hair.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Eagle. She has awakened to the Holy attribute. And she used recovery magic right away! I'm here to congratulate her on awakening to the rare Holy attribute."

The doctor excitedly told me. The nurse also offered congratulations, and the kindergarten teacher timidly joined in.

I understood why the doctor and nurses were proud. They had protected a child who had awakened to the Holy attribute.

I understood why my child was unharmed in front of a wraith. It wasn't because adventurers or warriors came to help.

It was because this child had defeated the wraith. I quickly regained my composure.

Most of all, I was relieved that she was alive.

"Yes, Mihane has awakened to 'Mana.' No matter what, I'm glad she's safe."

I sighed with relief and gently stroked Mihane's head. The gray hair was smooth and felt very good to touch.

I couldn't hide my surprise at her awakening to Mana. Most people who awaken have magical power, and they are usually nobles or warriors.

But there was a problem. Children born without magical power rarely have children with magical power unless they marry someone with magical power. That's why those without magical power are exiled and become commoners.

"Is Mihane okay?"

My beloved husband, who must have rushed over, burst into the hospital room, drenched in sweat and out of breath.

Yoshitsugu, the former second son of the Eagle Marquis family, entered.

My husband, who had been exiled from the Marquis family for being useless.

What would he think when he learned that our child had awakened to the rare Holy attribute? Would he be happy? The Marquis family would not remain silent.

Determined to protect her child, Nami began to explain to her husband.