Chapter 4

Another two years passed, and I turned four.

I had become thoroughly accustomed to life as a Maren.

Now, even the white soup, which I used to think was practically water because it was so bland, tasted delicious, and I could drink heated snake blood without hesitation. I no longer thought anything of a pig's head on the dining table.

I was already used to the appearance of my relatives with their light pigmentation and my own. My hobby was making Otems.

Moreover, every morning, I offered prayers to the divine window.

This life as a Maren had become so ingrained that returning to my original life might be difficult.

Living as a Maren for a long time, I began to seriously conclude that this place was not Earth.

I lowered my gaze from the sky to the log I was holding.

Today, as usual, I was making an Otem by carving the surface of a log with a knife in the garden next to the house.

The carving knife had incantations inscribed on it, which resonated with the magic power of the trees around the village, allowing even a child to carve easily.

"Big brother, big brother, please play with Giselle."

My younger sister, Giselle, tugged at the hem of my clothes.

Giselle is two years younger than me, so she is two years old.

She resembles our mother, with large eyes and long eyelashes that emphasize her distinctive eyes.

Her hair and skin are white, and her eyes are red, of course.

Giselle, with her fantastical beauty and youth as a Maren, looked like a Western doll. Especially when she was sleeping, it seemed as if she was really a doll.

My parents often entrust Giselle's care to me.

Even though I am her big brother, I am only four years old.

I wonder if this is because of the difference in thinking between the Japanese and the Maren.

My parents don't seem particularly busy, and they don't seem to lack affection for Giselle.

I once saw both of them smiling as they watched Giselle and me playing together from a distance.

They probably want us to deepen our sibling bond.

"Big brother? Are you listening, big brother?"

"I'm focusing on making the Otem right now. I'll play with you once it's done."

"…Why are you so obsessed with Otems, big brother?"

"I'm more interested in what comes after Otems."

"After…?"

"Yes, Otems are considered the foundation of magical training. I'm interested in magic."

Indeed, this tribe can use magic, something I had always yearned for in my previous life.

Or rather, from what my father has told me, it seems that the existence of magic is recognized worldwide.

This is the biggest reason I concluded that this place is not Earth.

When I first confirmed the existence of magic, I ran around the room in excitement.

Reincarnation and a world with real magic?

It's like a light novel or a web novel.

By the way, when I shouted "Status Open!" nothing happened.

It was disappointing.

My mother looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I almost cried.

When my father talked about rituals and magic a few times, I didn't think it was real, but seeing it in front of me, I had no choice but to believe it.

From telepathy to healing minor injuries, it was all possible.

I was amazed and bombarded my father with questions, convinced there must be some trick, but there was nothing suspicious.

It didn't take long for me to conclude that magic exists.

From my father's perspective, it was surprising that I doubted it so much.

From my perspective, I couldn't understand his reaction, but I guess it makes sense. If you grow up in a world where this is normal, it is normal.

Despite yearning for magic so much in my previous life, I doubted it when I saw it in front of me.

I must be a rather conventional person.

When my father proudly showed me how to heal an injury and said, "Look, Abel, this is magic," I was speechless.

I was surprised not only by the existence of magic but also by his casual attitude, as if he was performing a party trick.

Giselle, for example, just laughed and played when she saw the magic, reacting no differently than when she was shown a toy.

"Why are you so enthusiastic about magic, big brother? I don't understand."

Giselle puffed out her cheeks and said this.

She was probably sulking because I brushed her off lightly.

However, I wanted to ask her why she was so indifferent.

I wanted to question her.

I wanted to question her until she cried.

It's magic. Magic exists.

A wondrous fantasy phenomenon is right here in my hands.

What else could I be enthusiastic about if not this?

Giselle doesn't understand the value of magic because it's so commonplace to her.

My parents are also a bit of a problem.

At least, they could take care of Giselle while I focus on my magical training.

My father should be happy that I am dedicated to my magical training.

This tribe has a low awareness of magic.

Given that magic exists, and with the right training, anything is possible, every second should be spent in rigorous practice.

"Big brother, big brother, by the way, when Mother took me out yesterday, I saw Lady Phiro with a Miaulv. I want a Miaulv too."

Giselle changed the subject. She probably thought this would catch my attention.

Phiro is the granddaughter of the Maren tribe's chief.

Or is she the great-granddaughter? In this world, there is no distinction between granddaughter and great-granddaughter, so it's a bit confusing.

Phiro is a show-off and a stubborn girl who often picks fights, so I don't like her much.

A Miaulv is a small wolf.

It has white fur and red eyes, similar in appearance to the Maren.

They are generally gentle and obedient, so the Maren often tame them as hunting companions.

"Talk to Father about that."

"Ugh…"

She probably wanted to catch my attention, but I want to focus on making the Otem right now.

The reason Otem making is part of the basic magical training is simple and logical.

In short, it helps develop concentration, spatial awareness, color sense, and imagination, all of which are crucial for handling magic.

There are also Otems made from stones and minerals, but when making Otems as part of basic magical training, the main material is usually wood.

Wood is easy to imbue with magic, and its natural life force is deeply connected to the enhancement of magic power.

This is written in the thick book at home, albeit in a grand and roundabout way.

According to my father, the trees around this Maren village are imbued with magic, which also helps to enhance the magic power of practitioners.

With such excellent conditions for magical training, there's no room for slacking.

Is there any way to keep Giselle quiet?

Ah, I have an idea.

"Hey, Giselle, I'll make you the model for the Otem."

"Really, big brother!"

Giselle clapped her hands and was delighted.

Easy. I should have done this from the start.

"Sit on that rock. Yes, that's good. This way, I can see your face clearly. Try not to move."

"Yes! Yes!"

Giselle, who had been fidgeting a moment ago, now sat stiffly on the rock, as if posing for a photo.

She looked so stiff, I wondered if she was holding her breath.

By the time I finish, Giselle might be exhausted.

However, an Otem is just a decorative object with eyes, mouth, and nose, and it's not designed to resemble a specific person.

I need to make it look somewhat like Giselle to fool her.

While carving the wood with the knife, I often looked at Giselle to find points of resemblance.

Each time, Giselle blushed and looked down, a bit embarrassed.

Maybe I was staring a bit too much.

In the end, as usual, the Otem ended up with its characteristic ugly face, with no trace of Giselle's features.

But since Giselle is happy, it's fine.

Seeing her hug the ugly Otem and thank me excitedly… I feel a bit uneasy.

But if she's satisfied, that's all that matters.