Chapter 50

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The seasons have turned, and it is now late autumn. The footsteps of winter are just around the corner.

Since the curry was made, dishes using spices have been appearing on the table more often. It seems to be part of the head chef's curry research, but I have no complaints as long as delicious food is served. Josef and Elise were also delighted, holding hands in joy. As for the children's curry, it's mild enough for Regulus to eat, and when it's served, he exclaims "Yummy!" while patting his cheeks, eating more than usual and even asking for seconds. Mr. Romanov liked it so much that he contacted Mr. Viktor to buy spices proactively. Thanks to this, we can even supply curry powder along with the recipe to Ms. Fiore at the town's cafeteria, as we have an abundant supply of spices.

Speaking of the town, after Kikunoi reduced the taxes and started offering a bit of delicious food, it seems that adventurers are gradually staying there. Roland told me this when I visited the town to deliver the recipe. The changes in Kikunoi are slow, like the turning of the seasons, but perhaps it is gradually getting better. That might just be my optimistic view, though.

Just as the town is changing, there are changes in the Kikunoi mansion as well. The cabbage we replanted in the middle of the ninth month is growing well and is almost ready for harvest. On Mr. Gensan's suggestion, we decided to grow seedlings from his field and our garden in both places. It seems that the ones grown in Mr. Gensan's field are smaller. On the other hand, the seedlings from Mr. Gensan's field that we planted in our garden, which initially grew poorly, are now as good as those grown in our soil from the beginning.

"Is it really the soil?"

"Hmm, is it the soil?"

"The seedlings grown in my field from your garden's soil didn't grow very large either."

The soil in this garden is the one I've been working on, and since I have a 'Green Thumb,' it might be affecting it. Well, the taste of vegetables is what matters. Even if they grow large, if they taste bland, it's meaningless.

"Anyway, we should harvest and taste them to compare."

"Yes, my field has been helped by my eldest grandson recently."

"Really?"

"The relationship with his younger brother has gotten worse. He has run away."

Mr. Gensan, who is usually energetic, seems to have a hunched back while crouching to check the soil. He seems a bit troubled.

"Is the relationship with his younger brother that bad?"

"No, it might be more about the relationship with their parents. Since the younger brother is younger, he always scolds the older brother. From the parents' perspective, the older brother, who was born first, should understand more, so it's faster to scold the one who understands. But it's natural to feel hurt when you're scolded for things you didn't do."

"Is that what the parents think?"

"They understand it intellectually, but they can't help thinking, 'Why don't you understand?'"

"Ah, but the older brother didn't choose to be the older brother. It's the adults' convenience. It's not fair to impose their convenience without giving a choice..."

"That's a painful thing to hear."

Mr. Gensan smiles wryly. People often say that children choose their parents, but I don't believe that. Children can't choose their parents, and parents can't choose their children. However, parents have the option of not being parents. In that sense, parents can 'choose' to 'raise' or 'not raise' their children. On the other hand, a fetus can't commit suicide. If parents could choose, why would I choose my own parents? ...I shouldn't. This is my personal grudge, and I shouldn't take it out on Mr. Gensan. I apologize sincerely, and he laughs brightly, saying, "It's nothing."

"Anyway," he points, and I look down to see Regulus pulling the hem of my blouse. His eyes, looking up at me, are misty with tears.

"Um... What is it? What's wrong?"

"Brother, do you not like me?"

"Huh? I don't dislike you. Why do you say that?"

"Because... you said, 'I didn't choose to be the older brother.'"

"Oh... You understood that!?"

"A little."

Oh no, my little brother is smart! It seems he understood a little of the conversation between Mr. Gensan and me. However, because he only understood a little and it was a sensitive topic, it seems he misunderstood it in his own way. When I stroke his fluffy blonde hair, he starts to sniffle.

"Regulus, the conversation just now wasn't about you and me."

"Really?"

"Yes. And I chose to be your older brother."

"Really? Do you not need me?"

"It's not about needing or not needing..."

It can't be summed up in terms of needing or not needing.

"You are my treasure."

"Me too! I treasure my brother!"

With a tear-streaked, snotty face, Regulus smiles and jumps into my arms. Recently, he has grown taller and gained a bit of weight, so I almost lose my balance, but Mr. Gensan's hand steadies me. I wipe his tears with the handkerchief I brought and blow his nose, and he rubs his cheek against mine. Today, I am happy because my little brother is so cute. As we hug, the bushes in the inner courtyard rustle. Mr. Gensan, who was watching us with a smile, looks over, and Mr. Utsunomiya appears from between the bushes.

"Master, Mr. Rottenmeier says a guest has arrived and you should return."

"Guest?"

"Yes, Mr. Romanov is currently entertaining them. And... Mr. Shostakovich..."

Mr. Viktor has arrived!?

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