Chapter 23

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Regarding the parts that have been published in book form, I have intentionally left the typos, omissions, and additions as they are, hoping they might serve as reference material later on.

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Is this what it means for a pigeon to eat a bean pistol?

After staring at the laughing Mr. Romanov three times, a bewildered "Huh?" escaped from my throat.

I prepare my allowance.

He says it as casually as if he were saying, "Prepare 300 yen for the field trip snacks," but where does that 300 yen come from?

As I ponder this, my cheeks are poked softly.

Does Mr. Romanov like soft things? He seems to seize any opportunity to pinch my overly plump cheeks.

No, that's not the point. If it's about allowance, it means money. To get money, you either receive it, steal it, or earn it.

"Um... are there any job opportunities?"

"Normally, I don't think there are, right?"

"Yeah..."

For children of farmers, merchants, or craftsmen, they might receive an allowance by helping with the family business, but that's only if they have a family business and are wealthy enough to give their children some pocket money. However, I am just a noble's child.

Before even thinking about an allowance, I realize I contribute the least to both humanity and civilization.

Hmm... then, what should I do?

"Normally, there might not be, but there is one for you, Mr. Fengdie."

"Huh?"

"What kind of skill do you have?"

Perhaps I looked extremely foolish, as Mr. Romanov continued, as if lecturing a poor student.

"You have the 'Blue Hand,' the envy of seamstresses and those in manual professions. There's no way not to make use of it."

"Ah... the 'Blue Hand'...?"

"Since you don't seem to get it, let me explain. Do you remember when I talked to you about spatial magic?"

"Yes, um..."

Spatial magic involves invoking the four great spirits, and in exchange for a vast amount of magic power, it is quite convenient. It's rare to find someone who can use it.

As I recall this, he claps his hands.

"That's good for spatial magic. But that's not what I'm talking about."

"Um, was there something else?"

"What was the price for the magic box spell I attached to your waist pouch?"

"Oh, the ten condors with the elf pattern on your cloak and the handkerchief I embroidered... Hmm?"

I feel like something surprising was said at that time.

What was it?

It's right there, but I can't remember. As I fidget, Mr. Romanov raises the corners of his mouth.

"I said that my spatial magic and your embroidery were a fair exchange. Now, why is that..."

"Um, um... Ah!"

When using magic, the spirits who respond to the invocation prefer the works or creations of those with the 'Blue Hand' or 'Green Hand.' If you have these, they will boost the magic automatically.

I feel a sense of relief as if a small bone had been removed from my throat, but then I realize something.

What does this have to do with earning money?

With several question marks floating in my head, Mr. Romanov takes out the handkerchief with the butterfly embroidery he gave me as payment and shows it to me.

"It means that not only does it boost the magic when you use it, but it also helps when you receive it. It reduces damage and increases recovery."

"I see... So, how does this relate to a job?"

"Hmm, still not getting it? You tend to be lenient or have low self-evaluation when it comes to yourself."

Is that so? I think I have a balanced self-awareness.

"Tools that boost magic or reduce magic damage generally sell for a high price. After all, the 'Blue Hand' is a skill that only skilled craftsmen usually possess. It's only natural that items made by such master craftsmen are rare and expensive."

"...I understand that skilled craftsmen's items are expensive, but I can't really comment on the skill part."

I realize that the 'Blue Hand' is a skill that a five-year-old shouldn't have.

For now, I'll assume that it's due to the skills I cultivated in my previous life.

Still, how does this relate to business?

As I tilt my head, Mr. Romanov points to a pile of handkerchiefs and fabrics in the corner of the room.

Before, when I gained the ability to use magic, he bought me a lot of materials for handcrafts.

"Those handkerchiefs... about five of them, can you embroider the elf pattern condors on the corners?"

"Ah... can I have until the morning after tomorrow?"

"As long as you don't overexert yourself and stay healthy, that's fine. And when you're done, I'll take you somewhere."

"To a certain place...?"

"Yes. It's a place I planned to take you eventually, but it can be a bit earlier than planned."

Where is it?

I realize that Mr. Romanov has been planning my education over a long period.

He predicted that it would take a year for my magic nerves to settle and had plans to take me to a certain place earlier than expected. He is very thorough in his teaching.

"Mr. Romanov, thank you always."

"What's this, out of the blue?"

"Because, Mr. Romanov, you've been teaching me while predicting that it will take a year for my magic nerves to settle and planning to take me to a certain place. That means you intend to continue being my tutor for a long time, even though it's voluntary."

"Hmm? Oh, I see..."

Mr. Romanov rubs his chin and smiles.

"Elves can live for at least two thousand years. Spending five or ten years as a tutor or as an adventurer doesn't make much of a difference."

"Is that so? Still, I want to be a student who doesn't waste your five or ten years, so please take care of me."

"No, no, it's fine to use a hundred years or so."

He gives me a big smile and winks, but a hundred years is a bit much.

"Mr. Romanov, I am indeed a foolish child, but I don't think I'll be a foolish child for a hundred years..."

"No, that's not what I meant..."

As I realize my eyebrows are drooping, Mr. Romanov's eyes widen.

Then, what did he mean?

Unable to decide whether to press the issue, Mr. Romanov ends the conversation with, "Well, we'll see."

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