Chapter 15

Thank you for reading.

Regarding the parts that have been published in book form, I have intentionally left in the typos and revisions as I thought they might serve as reference material for future readers.

Please understand.

There are people who use the typo reporting function to proofread.

I decline any reports other than typos.

If it becomes too much, I will block them.

Please bear with me.

The wink that flew over beautifully overkilled the white pig, but since Utsunomiya-san is used to the cute appearance of young Regulus and her own beautiful looks, it didn’t affect her.

She glared at Mr. Romanov, but more than that, I want someone to move the dozing Regulus.

And if the story is over, I want to go out for my morning routine after having breakfast. For that, I want to change clothes.

"Um, if the story is over, could everyone please leave? I want to change."

When I said that, Mr. Romanov and Utsunomiya-san were shocked.

"What are you talking about? You can't change clothes by yourself in your current condition."

"That's right. Because you fell protecting Regulus-sama, the burden on your body is much greater than if you had fallen alone!"

"Really!? Is that so? It doesn't hurt that much..."

Indeed, when I first woke up, my body hurt so much I thought I was in hell, but now it doesn't hurt at all.

In fact, the bandages wrapped around my arms and calves, which were supposed to immobilize my joints, made it harder to move.

Ah, this is troublesome. I'll just take them off.

Holding the end of the bandage wrapped around my arm and peeling it off reminded me of peeling the plastic off a fish sausage I saw in my previous life, which was quite surreal.

"That's not good, Mr. Phoenix! It might affect your wounds... huh?"

"Ah, what? There are no wounds."

"Were there any wounds?"

Under the bandages, the same soft, squishy flesh as usual was shaking.

When I checked other parts by removing the bandages, there were no bruises or wounds.

Utsunomiya-san and Mr. Romanov were shocked, and I was surprised.

Then, Mr. Romanov exclaimed, "Ah!"

"Could it be that the peach you were eating with your brother was a gift from the princess!?"

"Ah, yes. That's right, but... did I tell you that?"

"No, this morning, I went to inform the princess that Mr. Phoenix couldn't attend her due to his injury."

When the princess heard about my fall, she frowned and said, "Take care of yourself and come sing for me soon." At that time, she noticed that I was still putting the peach she gave me into my waist pouch.

"She also said, 'Have him eat it quickly. The wounds will disappear immediately. If he doesn't eat it because he finds it too precious, tell him I'll give him another one.'"

"Those peaches had such an effect... So the pain in my body disappeared after eating just one slice."

"Huh? Just one slice?"

"Yes. Regulus seemed hungry, so I gave most of it to him... Was that bad?"

Regulus, who seemed to be falling asleep, opened his eyes slightly when he heard his name.

However, Mr. Romanov didn't even look at Regulus and shook his head.

"I don't think there's a problem... Are you really okay, Mr. Phoenix?"

"Yes, before eating the peach, it hurt so much I thought I was in hell, but after eating it, I completely forgot about the pain."

Pushing Regulus aside, I got out of bed and removed the bandages from my legs. The beautifully plump flesh appeared, but there were no wounds or bruises.

"I see, I've heard of it, but the 'Immortal Peach' is truly amazing."

Mr. Romanov, who had thoroughly examined my entire body, was impressed and muttered to himself. It seems the peach from the princess was as amazing as the rumors suggested. I'm glad I received it.

Utsunomiya-san, on the other hand, was acting strangely, shaking Regulus, lifting his arm, and muttering things like "Immortal Peach..." and "Is this even possible?"

She's quite a character.

Anyway, since they understood that there was nothing wrong, I asked Utsunomiya-san and Mr. Romanov to leave so I could change.

After changing into a blouse and pants from the wardrobe as usual, there was a gentle knock, and Rottenmayer-san asked for permission to enter.

When I opened the door, Rottenmayer-san, who was holding the hem of her skirt, bowed with a tense expression.

"Master, Regulus-sama, your parents are waiting in the parlor. Mr. Romanov and Utsunomiya-san are to accompany you..."

"Um... Yes, I understand."

I don't think there's much to talk about between me and those two, but since we were called, we have to go. Since they said to go with Mr. Romanov and Utsunomiya-san, it might be related to the earlier "mere adopted heir" comment.

Although I don't want to, I wake up the sleeping Regulus.

Calling an injured child is questionable, but considering my light status, it's probably a reasonable treatment.

Anyway, if we're called, we have to go.

Led by Rottenmayer-san, the four of us went to the parlor, where my father and mother were sitting on beautiful leather sofas facing each other. Sebastian was standing behind my mother.

"I have brought them."

"Ah..."

Father, who responded to Rottenmayer-san's voice, offered a seat to Mr. Romanov. Then, for some reason, after sitting in the offered seat, he placed me on his lap.

"Mr. Phoenix is injured. You shouldn't overexert yourself."

"No, no, I'm heavy!"

"You're not as light as a feather, but it's not a burden."

No way, I'm definitely heavy.

But no matter how much I squirm, I can't get off his lap because Mr. Romanov is holding me firmly.

When I touched him, I realized that Mr. Romanov is the type who looks thin but is actually quite muscular. His thighs and arms are surprisingly strong. I envy his lean muscles.

Comparing them, the squishy fat on my belly is frustrating.

"...I heard from Rottenmayer. I apologize for Utsunomiya's rudeness."

"Really!? You're calling it 'our house'! Mr. Romanov, that girl has no connection to our house. You can do whatever you want with her, whether you boil her or roast her!"

"Exactly, that's why servants from lowly families are troublesome. They are ignorant and shameless! To think that the master of the Imperial-recognized hero, Alexei Romanov, is just a mere adopted heir!"

"Just a mere!? You, an ugly woman who didn't care about appearances to get that man!"

"What did you say!?"

Is this how a tutor should behave in front of guests?

Looking around, Rottenmayer-san looked uncomfortable, Utsunomiya-san, who was holding Regulus's hand, looked like she was about to cry, and Sebastian, who was standing behind my mother with his arms crossed, was grinning.

Showing such a domestic quarrel to others is not good for my mother's position. This man might be more interested in others' misfortunes than being loyal to my mother.

As for Mr. Romanov, he noticed my gaze and smiled mischievously.

I sighed softly and raised my hand.

"Yes, Mr. Phoenix. What is it?"

"What is an Imperial-recognized hero?"

At this, my parents, who were shocked, stopped their argument.

"An Imperial-recognized hero is someone who holds a certificate granted by His Majesty the Emperor, recognizing them as a hero. They receive the certificate for making significant contributions to the state or achieving great accomplishments."

"Is that so? Mr. Romanov, you're an amazing elf, aren't you?"

"Yes, well. By the way, I once defeated a dragon that the state couldn't defeat with two entire divisions, all by myself."

"......I don't understand how strong you are!"

"I don't really understand either. It was about a hundred years ago, and my level is higher now than it was then. By the way, the certificate states, 'I forgive all actions except those directed against me, and I do not require you to bow to those you do not wish to. Your master is only the Emperor, and no one may force you to submit.' In other words, my superior is only His Majesty the Emperor unless I wish it."

That's quite a position.

This is bad for Utsunomiya-san. While she can claim she didn't know, how does this affect the 'Kikunoi family' in the noble society?

"I think it's understandable that a five-year-old like Mr. Phoenix doesn't know me. I didn't teach him, and I asked Rottenmayer-san to keep it a secret. However, as a guardian, not asking about or investigating the background of a tutor chosen for your master is questionable, don't you think?"

It seems it's not acceptable.

However, if that's the case, it's a problem with the family that didn't properly educate the guardian, not with the Kikunoi family. After all, this is the 'Kikunoi family's annex.'

Now, how should this be resolved? More than showing off noble skills, how can we avoid further embarrassment? What will my parents do?

When I look at them, they just continue their argument without making any progress.

Let's try to sort out how we got here.

First, my father's goal was to have Mr. Romanov as Regulus's tutor, but Mr. Romanov refused. Utsunomiya-san couldn't accept his reason for refusing, so she attacked Mr. Romanov, leading to this conflict.

So, why did Mr. Romanov refuse to be Regulus's tutor?

"I understand that Mr. Romanov is an amazing elf, and because of that, my father wanted you to be Regulus's tutor, right?"

"That's right, but I refused."

"May I ask why?"

"Just because I wasn't interested."

"Not interested, you say."

"Yes. After all... there's an interesting kid like you who grows skills when I'm not looking. I don't have the time to look elsewhere."

Oh, it's my fault. I feel a bit guilty.

"But, you know, Regulus might suddenly grow skills too. After all, he's half-blood."

"That's true, but seeing a five-year-old with both the 'Green Hand' and the 'Blue Hand' makes it less interesting."

"Regulus might grow the 'Blue Hand' or the 'Green Hand' if he stays here."

"That would just make him a second-rate version of you. It would be even less interesting. So, that line of persuasion won't work."

"Aww, really...?"

I puffed out my cheeks, and Mr. Romanov's hands squished them.

Utsunomiya-san looked surprised, but Regulus just stared at me.

Well, if this doesn't work, let's try a different approach.

"Then, let's try the employment contract angle."

"Employment contract, huh? That's a straightforward approach."

"Yes, the angle Utsunomiya-san failed to use. Essentially, she was asking why you wouldn't listen to my father's request since you're eating the Kikunoi family's food."

"That's right. In that case, her approach was poor."

"I agree. I apologize for that."

"I accept your apology, so no need to repeat it. Now, what kind of contract do you have with the Kikunoi family?"

"Ah... Well, let's ask Rottenmayer-san about that."

Mr. Romanov, who directed the question to Rottenmayer-san, had the same calm demeanor as during class.

My parents, who were arguing loudly, suddenly became quiet.

"Regarding that matter, the Kikunoi family has no employment relationship with Sir Alexei Romanov."

"Huh!? What!?"

What's this!? He's not a tutor!?

When I opened my eyes wide in surprise, Mr. Romanov looked like a child who had successfully pulled a prank, grinning.

"In the empire, nobles who are asked to provide lodging and meals to Imperial-recognized heroes cannot refuse. The Kikunoi family is providing lodging and meals to Sir Romanov, and in return, he is kindly serving as the young master's tutor."

"No way!? The straightforward approach wasn't straightforward at all!?"

"Sorry, Mr. Phoenix."

Oh no, so the tutoring is voluntary. You can't force a volunteer.

The Kikunoi family has no authority to force Mr. Romanov. We're in a bind.

"I'm sorry, Regulus. I couldn't persuade him..."

"No way!? Young master, if you give up, the game is over!"

Holding a clenched fist, Utsunomiya-san was cheering me on, and I was secretly surprised by the familiar line.

Thank you for reading.