Chapter 18

After a long time, I asked to accompany my father on a hunt, and he was overjoyed.

"Really, you’re in a good mood all of a sudden. Well, that’s fine. From now on, you should strive in hunting as well as in magic."

His tone was arrogant, but his voice was lively.

He’s easy to understand.

Although my father seemed to have given up on my rehabilitation due to Giselle’s tears and my barrier, it seemed that his spirit hadn’t been completely broken.

By the way, I haven’t told Giselle about this hunt.

Giselle is currently accompanying my mother on her shopping trip to the village square.

If she knew I was going hunting, she would definitely throw a tantrum and insist on coming along.

We discussed various opinions with my father, but in the end, we decided that it would be fine to get her approval after the fact.

In my previous life, this would be called "putting a lid on a smelly thing."

I’m scared about what will happen later, but it will turn out as it should.

Father took a bow from the shed and wiped off the dust.

He plucked the string lightly with his fingers, then removed it and replaced it with a new one before handing it to me.

It seems the old string had worn out.

That’s understandable.

The last time I held a bow was several years ago.

"Abel, this bow was made by me on the day you were born, thinking that you would need it in the future."

Father seemed to really want me to take up hunting, and he emphasized this.

I felt a bit guilty when he said that.

After all, he is my father in this life.

From now on, I will change my heart and strive in archery and martial arts.

In my previous life, I failed by focusing solely on magic.

Since this is my second chance at life, I will use the lessons from my past.

Besides, I can even be outmatched by my younger sister, Giselle, in terms of strength.

We haven’t actually fought, but it’s clear from our strength stats.

That’s really embarrassing. My dignity as an older brother is at stake.

I will give up being a magic fanatic and live a proper life from now on.

I made this resolution, not knowing how many times I had made it before.

This hunt will be conducted jointly with the family of Father’s acquaintance, the Ardie family.

Galia Ardie, a muscular man with a beard.

And his son, Siby Ardie.

Siby is a slightly chubby, timid boy who is one year younger than me, at twelve years old.

To me, they are just acquaintances I’ve seen a few times during rituals.

"Abel will be joining us on the hunt today. Since Abel has little hunting experience and a long break, he might be a bit of a burden, but please take care of him."

Father bowed deeply to Galia, saying this.

When he puts it that way, I feel really apologetic.

After all, my current strength is only 4.

I tried shooting an arrow at a target just now, but I missed completely, which was quite a shock.

I’ve been making Otem since I was a child, so I’m quite dexterous, but my strength is severely lacking.

Without strength, not only can you not shoot far, but you can’t even shoot straight.

"I may be a burden, but please guide me."

I bowed to Galia alongside Father.

"Haha, looking at you now, you seem like a solid kid! I thought you were a real troublemaker because Zere always complains about you, but you’re much more normal than I was at your age!"

Galia laughed and stroked his cheek beard.

Then he turned his gaze to Siby.

"…Hmph, why do I have to be with someone like this?"

Siby said this and clicked his tongue.

I thought he was a timid, chubby boy, but he’s got some nerve.

I’m tempted to rub his head with both fists, but I restrain myself, considering my current position.

Siby is just a slightly arrogant twelve-year-old.

It’s better to laugh it off.

After all, I will probably be a significant burden, and Siby probably finds it uninteresting.

…Besides, I’m expected to lose in terms of strength, so it’s better not to start a fight.

If I try to rub his head, I might end up being knocked to the ground.

"What, do you have a problem with that?"

Siby said this but turned his face away when our eyes met.

Ah, he’s putting on a front.

He’s often seen as timid because of his appearance, so he might have a habit of acting tough.

"No, I look forward to working with you, Siby."

I said this and extended my hand for a handshake.

Siby, thinking I was going to hit him, tensed up and shook his shoulders.

When he realized it was a handshake, his face turned red, and he stiffened, then turned away.

I smiled wryly, showing my expression, and then withdrew my hand.

Siby clenched his teeth when he saw my face.

Yes, that’s a good face.

Don’t underestimate the difference in reincarnation, boy.

"Hey, Siby! Don’t be like that! ...Sorry, Abel."

Galia scratched his head and apologized to me.

Alright, I’ve won. I’ve won mentally.

I may look like it, but I’m a sore loser.

Father, I, Galia, and Siby left the village and headed into the forest.

"Abel, you understand, right? No magic. This is also about training your archery and physical strength."

I don’t really need to train in archery, but I’ll go along with it without arguing.

Arguing in front of Galia would damage Father’s reputation.

Besides, I want to build up my physical strength.

"Yes, I understand, Father. That’s why I left my staff behind, you see."

"Good. As I always say, archery is the pride of our Maren clan."

Speaking of which, the clan leader mentioned that the Maren clan originally took pride in hunting with magic.

Those who couldn’t use magic used bows, but after a major war, the ratio gradually changed, and the number of those using magic surpassed the number of those using bows only in the past few decades!

Don’t say that archery is the pride of the Maren clan in front of the clan leader! You’ll get scolded!

I can’t say that no matter what.

I have a bit of a desire to say it, but I absolutely can’t.