Chapter 93

On a holiday morning, I wake up a bit later than usual. Feeling the refreshing morning sunlight on my eyelids, I get up to find that my wife, Rin, is already up and nowhere to be seen.

However, right next to me is the small figure of my child, snoring adorably. The peaceful expression on their face, as if last night's nightmare never happened, brings me a sense of relief. I glance at the clock and decide to let them sleep a bit longer.

After getting out of bed and changing into casual clothes, I head to the bathroom to freshen up and then go to the living room. As I enter, I see Rin bustling about in the kitchen next door.

"Good morning, Rin."

"You. Good morning."

As we exchange morning greetings and share a kiss, she hands me the coffee she prepared. I take it and return to the living room, where I sit on the sofa and pick up the newspaper to read.

As I spend this peaceful morning, I finish reading the newspaper just as Yurii appears, looking a bit flustered.

We exchange morning greetings, and Rin notices the small figure. Checking the clock, it's still a bit early, but Yurii announces that they are awake.

I help Yurii with the various tasks they can't do due to their height, and assist with their preparations. After dressing Yurii in the apron dress Rin prepared, they transform into a completely adorable little girl. While my son was cute, my daughter is the best. I resolve not to let her fall into the hands of any strange men.

With renewed determination, I put the pajamas in the laundry basket and return to the living room, where Rin, unable to resist Yurii's cuteness, comes over to hug them.

Rin is called "Mom" by Yurii without hesitation. I try to see if Yurii will call me "Dad," but reality is not so sweet.

Despite their young age, Yurii can clearly distinguish between public and private life. Yurii, who saw me in a public setting yesterday, never called me "Dad." When I suggested "next time," Yurii firmly drew the line. Probably, during the provisional enlistment, Yurii will never call me "Dad." This is a bit sad as a father, but as the captain of a squad in the Northern Demon King's Castle, it is reassuring.

I offer to help Rin, and as Yurii and Rin head to the kitchen, I sit on the sofa and read the newspaper.

...Daughters are great.

We gather around the freshly made breakfast and eat together. Yurii eats with a full smile, and I can't help but smile in response. Rin also looks happy.

After the warm breakfast, we clear the dishes and put jam and other items back in the refrigerator. Yurii wipes the table.

By the time we finish, Rin has made good progress with the dishes, and we work together to dry the washed dishes.

While doing this, Rin mentions that she wants to go shopping. Yurii, who loves to eat, is naturally interested in the market for the village's residents.

Although we really need to go shopping, Rin's main goal is probably the park she wants to visit afterward. The park in the morning is a playground for children, and it's a perfect opportunity for Yurii to meet kids their age.

Yurii is excited about going to the market but doesn't show much interest in the park, which is concerning. Rin seems to feel the same way, and our eyes meet without a word.

After finishing the cleanup, we get ready to leave the house. I put on a sun hat for Yurii, who has fair skin, and they look like a complete little girl.

The nearby residents naturally gather to look at Yurii, whom they are seeing for the first time.

Some of the gazes are not very friendly, so Rin and I hold Yurii's hands to protect them. I also notice that the neighbors quietly keep an eye out for us, and I nod in gratitude. They gesture to let us know it's okay.

After a short walk, we reach the market.

The shopkeepers, who love children, call out to Yurii through Rin. As Rin responds and looks at the products, Yurii greets everyone with a smile. When Yurii is interested, they ask questions honestly and their eyes light up with new sights and delicious samples. Yurii is popular in the market.

Before we know it, our shopping list has doubled with extras and free samples. It's a good thing I'm here; otherwise, Rin and Yurii would struggle with the amount of groceries.

...I need to teach Yurii to be cautious about people who might try to follow us home with the groceries as an excuse.

With this in mind, we leave the market and head to the park. Yurii looks puzzled about heading in the opposite direction from home, but they nod when I explain we are going to the park. However, their expression shows confusion rather than excitement.

...Is it because of the lack of memory?

Or perhaps Yurii has rarely interacted with children their age.

Even when we reach the park, Yurii's expression remains unchanged.

In the corner of my vision, a bird lands on a tree. It's a familiar bird that delivers messages at the Northern Demon King's Castle.

― Even if you don't need to go to work, I'll send a quick status report via the magic bird ―

Bax's words from yesterday echo in my mind. The results of Yurii's "spell" have come in.

I have a good amount of groceries as an excuse to return home.

"Rin..."

With that, I call out to Rin.

We quickly return home and put away the groceries, then I head to the study. I open the window, and the magic bird glides into the room.

I wait for it to land on my arm, then take the letter from the tube attached to its leg. As a reward for its work, I give it a nut, and it flies back to the Northern Demon King's Castle.

Opening the letter, I read Bax's handwriting, which details the changes in the young man's injuries, the side effects of the "spell," and a brief analysis of the effects of the "spell."

This is very interesting.

It is likely not medical magic but rather a healing magic of the light system. The discussion in the medical unit today will undoubtedly be about Yurii's "spell." The report content, which still has room for further consideration, piques my intellectual curiosity. Several documents and past cases come to mind that I want to review.

However, I returned home under the pretext of putting away the groceries. If I start thinking about this letter now, it might make Rin and Yurii feel uneasy.

I'll wait until Yurii's afternoon nap. I jot down a few ideas and carefully put the letter in a drawer.

When we return to the park, we happen to meet two mothers with their newborn babies in strollers.

In the park, four children are riding two swings. Yurii is riding with the oldest child. The mothers, who are watching the children, have gentle expressions, and I can tell that Yurii has managed to fit in.

When the babies arrive, the children run over, and Yurii follows, peering into the strollers. Yurii's expression softens at the sight of the babies, who are smaller than them.

...From their reaction, it seems Yurii is not uncomfortable with children their age or younger. It's probably just that they have had little experience interacting with them, and have mostly interacted with older people without being spoiled.

Each time I realize this about Yurii's upbringing, a bitter feeling rises in me. It's not too late to correct it. I want Yurii to have as normal a childhood as possible.

Seeing the babies fall asleep, I take Yurii for a walk around the park. We look at the usual plants, animals, and insects, and the three of us, feeling like older siblings, teach Yurii about them from a child's perspective.

This eventually turns into a game of tag, with me as the "it." As Dilnan mentioned, Yurii's physical abilities are indeed low, and they lack stamina. It's tough for me to chase the other children for a long time, but I can easily catch Yurii. The other three children, despite their young age, support Yurii well, which I find impressive.

I chase them for a while to ensure they get enough exercise, and to make sure Yurii takes a proper nap.

This plan is successful, and after finishing lunch, Yurii starts to doze off. After brushing their teeth, Yurii quickly falls asleep for their afternoon nap.

Now, let's carefully consider Bax's report.