Chapter 94 of 100
Chapter 94
10 min read2,559 words
In the study, I read through the report from Bax and the literature available, and briefly summarized my thoughts on Yuri's "incantation."
The literature on light magic in the Magic Continent is originally scarce, and most of it is old. The book I have in hand is clearly faded.
If I want new information, I need to follow a certain lead.
In that case, I need to submit several application forms to Elies.
By the time I finished confirming the literature to check upon arrival at work, writing the application forms to submit, and creating a list of necessary preparations for the meeting including Sherifas, a moment had already passed.
Feeling a bit fatigued from concentrating, I lightly rubbed my temples and noticed a tapping sound on the window.
Turning my gaze towards the sound, I saw the form of a magic bird for the second time today.
However, it was a different individual from the magic birds in the Northern Demon Castle.
I let it in and guided it to my left arm.
Although I don't know where this magic bird is from, this house has special magic cards installed.
To reach here, the magic power must be registered as belonging to someone related to me.
In other words, it must be a letter from someone related to me.
I took the letter from the tube on its leg and read it before sending the magic bird back.
The handwriting immediately dispelled my caution.
--- To Father ---
It was written by my son Ludwig, stating that his business trip today would end relatively early in the vicinity of our home, and he would be returning. He also requested that I prepare dinner for two.
I thought it was sudden, but I had already told my sister that she would be coming home today.
The response I received was tinged with regret, as it might not have been possible for her to return home that day.
Probably, he negotiated directly with his master based on his location and progress, and after getting permission, he immediately ran to the magic bird shop.
The letter, which was filled with joy, made me smile wryly.
After confirming, I gave the magic bird a wooden nut as a reward and let it go outside the window.
Since it was a good time to wrap up, I tidied up my desk, took a book and Ludwig's letter, and headed to the living room.
When I entered the living room, I saw Yuri helping Rin with dinner preparations.
"Rin, it seems Ludwig is only coming back for dinner."
I first told Rin about Ludwig's letter, and she smiled and immediately moved to confirm the additional dinner preparations.
Yuri seemed very interested in the letter in my hand.
While Rin was deciding on the additional menu, Yuri asked about the delivery method, her eyes shining.
"Let's add meat to the menu. I bought some Holobird meat today, so if we grill it with a special sauce, it should be enough to fill both of us."
While Rin was deciding on the menu, she returned with a smile.
Yuri's joy at the chicken menu, even after hearing about the magic bird, was truly a sign of her loyalty to her appetite.
It's good that she can cut through unnecessary sympathy and be straightforward.
I watched Rin and Yuri preparing dinner while sipping coffee and holding the book.
I had approved it earlier, but I need to consult Dilnan and Elies about Yuri's emotional education.
By the way, Dilnan mentioned that Yuri was delighted when he read a magic education picture book to her.
Dinner preparations were almost complete.
Ludwig's return was still a bit away.
Realizing this, I got up and went to the storage room to find the picture books I had prepared for Ludwig in the past.
I returned to the living room with three famous picture books in hand, just as they had finished a section.
Rin nodded to indicate that she was done.
I sat back down, and Yuri, noticing this, came over when I beckoned her.
I placed her on my lap and showed her the picture books.
As expected, Yuri shook her head, indicating she didn't know any of the stories.
"Let's find a fairy tale that Yuri likes."
It's a rare day off.
It's fine to treat her like a child on her day off.
First, let's start with these three books.
I can read various picture books to her later.
Thinking this, Rin also came over to the sofa to listen.
By the time we finished reading two picture books, it was almost time for Ludwig to return.
When Rin stood up to finish the dinner preparations, Yuri followed her.
Just as the food was almost ready and Yuri's stomach was starting to grumble, the doorbell rang.
Suppressing a laugh, I went to the front door to greet them.
Opening the door, I saw Ludwig, who looked a bit more mature than I remembered, and his master, Sir Seriel.
I hadn't seen Sir Seriel since Ludwig started working.
He still doesn't look like a physician; rather, he looks more like a knight from the outer guard or the royal guard.
"I'm home, Father."
"Welcome back. ... Welcome, Sir Seriel."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize for the sudden visit."
I welcomed Ludwig with a smile that mirrored Rin's and greeted Sir Seriel.
Sir Seriel responded calmly but didn't give off a cold impression.
"Ludwig, don't be selfish and trouble your master."
"By coming back now and preparing dinner, I can treat my master to a good meal and see Yuri. It's a win-win situation, right?"
"You..."
I scolded Ludwig lightly, but he seemed completely unfazed.
I couldn't keep them at the door forever, so I led them to the living room.
There, the table was already set for dinner.
Rin came out to greet them.
"I'm home, Mother."
"Welcome back, Ludwig. Welcome, Sir Seriel."
"... Thank you for having us."
The three of them exchanged greetings similar to those at the door, and Yuri watched them curiously.
When Sir Seriel looked at Yuri, she blushed and bowed.
Then, when Yuri looked at Ludwig, he approached her and squatted down.
With a smile, Ludwig introduced himself and told her to call him "Luu-ni-sama."
Yuri, without hesitation, called him "Luu-ni-sama."
... In that case, I want to be called "Papa" soon.
Thinking this, I encouraged everyone to sit at the table for dinner.
Yuri and I sat between Rin and Seriel, and Ludwig sat across from us, and the meal began.
Yuri and Ludwig savored the food Rin had prepared with full smiles.
Their honest reactions, despite being strangers, were somewhat similar.
Thanks to Rin's upbringing, Ludwig's eating manners were very neat.
However, his appetite was considerable for his age.
Yuri couldn't help but watch him with admiration.
When Rin offered seconds to the two guests, Yuri suddenly asked about their jobs.
Given Sir Seriel's appearance without a white coat, it's understandable that she wouldn't recognize him as a physician.
While Ludwig explained, I interjected, and an unexpected piece of information came up.
"By the way, my master is from the Heavenly Realm, so he can use healing magic that doesn't exist in the Magic Continent and also works on medical magic from a different perspective."
... I didn't know Sir Seriel could use healing magic.
It was a fortunate coincidence to meet such an expert so easily.
In that case, it would be best to establish a connection.
"Sir Seriel, are you skilled in handling healing magic?"
"... I can handle the basics without much trouble."
"That's convenient. ... I'd like to consult with you after the meal."
"... If I can be of help."
I inadvertently addressed Sir Seriel in a professional manner, and I could tell he was on guard.
However, I didn't want to let Sir Seriel go.
The only lead I had before was a somewhat problematic angel, a trading partner of the medical team, who I wasn't sure how much to involve with Yuri.
Compared to him, I felt more comfortable entrusting Yuri to Sir Seriel, who is also Ludwig's master.
After taking a statement, I put away my professional face and returned to a peaceful meal.
Enjoying a little wine, we finished the meal and moved to the sofa.
Sir Seriel sat in a unique position, crossing his left leg on the sofa.
We engaged in light conversation, probing each other's intentions.
During this, Yuri, who had gone to help Rin and Ludwig but couldn't due to her height, came to the sofa looking dejected.
Without hesitation, she curled up on Sir Seriel's left leg.
Why!?
She should have come to my lap!
I was inwardly frustrated.
But I didn't say anything because Yuri was the most surprised of all.
Sir Seriel was also surprised, but he gently stroked her head and cast a spell without hesitation.
A veil of light enveloped Yuri completely.
"Sir Seriel, what is this...?"
I asked Sir Seriel, who probably understood the situation the best, and he let out a sigh.
For a moment, he showed a look of resignation and annoyance.
"Is your earlier consultation about this child?"
"... You already know the situation?"
"Not completely, but I have a general idea. First, let me conclude: this child has blood from the Heavenly Realm."
He cut straight to the point, and I looked at him for more.
"My posture is unique to those in the Heavenly Realm. Light attribute magic requires a knack for 'circulation' to handle properly. Therefore, children are helped by adults to gradually learn this. This is a purely instinctive state."
"... Instinct"
"However, those in the Heavenly Realm are influenced by the magic elements there, so they are all of a similar color combination. Judging from this child's appearance, it seems the light attribute potential has bloomed due to a recessive gene from the Heavenly Realm entering the Magic Continent. The probability of growing angelic wings is low, I think."
Sir Seriel's insight into Yuri, being from the Heavenly Realm, was valuable.
"Still, this child has considerable potential for the light attribute. Normally, a child would receive 'circulation' assistance from an adult with compatible potential. I have a strong light attribute, so I rarely have children sit on my lap..."
"Is handling light attribute magic difficult, even for angels?"
"Offensive and defensive magic are relatively easy to handle, but healing magic requires very delicate handling."
"... Actually, this Yuri has already activated what seems to be healing magic."
Sir Seriel, who had explained so much without hiding anything, didn't need further probing.
I laid my cards on the table, and Sir Seriel was slightly taken aback.
"From what I understand, she thinks it's just a spell to reduce pain. The physicians in the Northern Demon Castle's medical team recognized its healing promotion effects. However, as you know, residents of the Magic Continent can't handle the light attribute due to the influence of magic elements. We were at a loss and in trouble."
"From the reaction, it seems this is the first time this child has received 'circulation' assistance. I'm concerned about how she handles the light attribute."
"Is the healing magic she activated not a problem?"
"Not a complete healing, but a promotion of healing. At that level, it's a very basic spell. The recipient might feel a bit tired or sleepy, at most."
With his expertise in healing magic, Sir Seriel confidently explained the possible side effects.
These symptoms matched the report from Bax.
In other words, Yuri's "incantation" is indeed healing magic.
"What do you think about Yuri suddenly using healing magic?"
"From the beginning, there are children who can handle the light attribute skillfully. Some activate healing magic faster than others due to a strong desire to heal. Some learn through theory rather than physical practice. The way of learning varies. Regardless of the process, if it activates and shows effects, it can be called healing magic. The issue is whether the child understands their own capabilities and the appropriate range of use. After all, the revival under the healing process also harbors destruction, and the backlash can be significant."
Sir Seriel's clear response made me realize that, while Yuri is somewhat different, she is not abnormal.
Moreover, I learned that the light attribute magic, which was unknown to me, is a surprisingly powerful force.
In that case, the issue is Yuri's future.
"How often and until what age do children in the Heavenly Realm receive 'circulation' assistance?"
"It varies by child. They come to sit on the lap when needed, but at the very least, they receive 'circulation' assistance once a month. The duration varies greatly."
"How long does 'circulation' take?"
"About a quarter to half an hour."
"Would you be willing to assist with this?"
"Is there anyone else in mind?"
"There are, but I'm not sure if they are trustworthy."
We shared information, word by word.
The Heavenly Realm also has few children due to the influence of magic elements.
Sir Seriel didn't seem to want to abandon Yuri.
While we were talking, Rin and Ludwig, who had finished washing the dishes, came to the sofa and looked surprised.
"I wanted to play with Yuri!"
"It's necessary for Yuri. ... I plan to regularly request Sir Seriel to visit the Northern Demon Castle, so you'll have the chance to see him then."
"Really? ... Does that mean I can read the literature from the Northern Demon Castle's medical team?"
"Indeed! Maybe I can make reagents too!"
"... Is that for making new drugs or using new drugs?"
"Both!"
Who does Ludwig take after with this personality?
"Despite the different appearance, this father has this child, huh."
"Oh dear."
I heard you, Sir Seriel, even though you whispered it.
What do you mean by that?
In the end, it took about half an hour for Yuri's 'circulation' to finish.
During this time, Rin prepared Yuri's bath and bedtime, and I discussed the details of the Northern Demon Castle visits with Sir Seriel and Ludwig.
When they were done, Sir Seriel and Ludwig returned home.
When Rin and Yuri went to the bath, I entered the study and summarized what I had heard from Sir Seriel.
"Blood from the Heavenly Realm, huh."
A new factor in Yuri's composition.
A neutral body that grows during childhood, a race completely different from the demon race.
It makes sense that Yuri is a neutral body as a result of a recessive gene.
However, will she fix her gender like an angel when she grows up?
If she has the neutral body factor from the Magic Continent, Yuri could be male, female, or neither.
"There's still not enough information to make a judgment as a medical team."
The notes on Yuri that I made today have increased significantly.
If I pursue this, how much more will there be?
If I pass it to the magic team, the amount will surely increase even more.
I organized the completed notes and prepared for tomorrow's work.
I will leave with the cooking team, which starts early in the morning.
There's always work to be done.
"Well, I'll take a bath and rest."
I rotated my stiff shoulders, turned off the lights, and left the study.