Chapter 5

I always get confused about subtitles.

Life in the castle had become fulfilling.

My body, which had been weak from spending so much time in bed, needed rehabilitation, but since my basic needs were met, it wasn't a problem.

I slowly considered what I could and couldn't do to live on my own from now on.

Nigel, who taught me about the outside world as I went back and forth between the bed and the castle garden every day, told me about monsters.

This knowledge was very important for surviving in this world.

Monsters change daily. Each one has its own characteristics and personality.

Hearing this, I realized that my vague understanding was different from a game.

Thanks to my mature mind and fresh brain, I rapidly acquired the skills I needed to survive.

Those who do not work should not eat. I couldn't keep relying on Uncle's kindness forever.

It wasn't that he wanted to adopt me, but rather that he became my guardian to prevent me from being taken advantage of by greedy merchant colleagues who knew nothing.

Nigel has his own life. Sometimes he would be away from the castle for long periods due to expeditions. As a mercenary, there was always a possibility of something happening.

I didn't hesitate to use my skills for Uncle.

Veronica Canus, a half-elf woman, handled financial and negotiation matters for Uncle, who had no interest outside of military affairs.

To explain the racial background simply, it's very rare for elves to interact with humans.

I had seen various races due to my father's work, but this was the first time I met an elf.

Being a half-elf, Veronica was different from the typical elf, who are known for their long lifespans, intelligence, and high pride. Veronica was very friendly and playful, and she doted on me after I lost my mother.

I heard she was well over three hundred years old, so to her, everyone was probably like grandchildren.

When Veronica called me, I would stand by during negotiations and use my skills if necessary.

In this way, I learned practically and gradually understood the true use of my skills.

Once I could move freely, people around me initially worried that I was overworking myself by constantly accumulating knowledge.

But when I told them, "I want to learn as much as possible to live on my own," Nigel said,

"Don't overdo it. I'll help you as much as I can."

He seemed to understand and accept it.

This world is harsh, but I realized I was fortunate.

By the way, I had forgotten that I looked like I was only about ten years old.

Until now, I had only the memories of a child, so I didn't have to act unnaturally. But I thought I should be a bit more careful from now on.

My body was entering a growth phase, and I was getting stronger, so I occasionally learned self-defense techniques from Nigel.

When I turned seventeen, Uncle said he would adopt me if I wanted. It was a very tempting offer, but I declined.

I didn't think I was suited to live as a noble. Leading people, being responsible for their lives, and sometimes having to abandon them was too much for me.

I realized this after being by Uncle's side for a few years.

If I stayed by his side, I would eventually have to fight. Honestly, I didn't want to deliberately put myself in a situation with a high risk of death, given that I had a second chance at life.

Nigel seemed to want me to become a mercenary from the time he started teaching me self-defense, but he eventually gave up, realizing it wasn't a good fit for my personality.

Despite everything, I spent seven years learning at Uncle's castle and decided to become independent.

At first, I thought about working for a commercial guild, but it didn't seem to suit me, so I decided to work for the guild that adventurers and mercenaries use.

2015/01/10 Revised