Chapter 95

While cherry blossoms petals danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

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Although there wasn't any deep meaning, it was a relaxed day for Yurina and the apprentices. The bonus Jake-sensei was, as usual, Jake. Understood.

"Hey? Everyone, is today a study day?"

"Oh, Yurina-kun. Have you finished the shopping?"

"Yes, I have."

Seeing the apprentices struggling with their papers at the living room table, Yurina muttered. Jake, who had been guiding them, gently called out. After finishing today's shopping and putting the groceries in the refrigerator, Yurina came to the living room and was puzzled by the sight of the apprentices, who were rarely seen studying. Indeed, even for treasure hunters and adventurers, academic knowledge is necessary. At the very least, being able to read, write, and do basic arithmetic is essential for safety. The danger lies in the fact that if you can't read, write, or do simple calculations, you might get cheated.

From what Yurina could see, Ulugus and Camille were solving problems without any particular difficulty. The letters they wrote were well-balanced. ...or so it seemed. In fact, Yurina had an automatic translation feature, so the letters of this world were automatically translated for her. The words she wrote in Japanese were automatically translated, making them understandable. This must be some kind of transfer correction.

Moreover, the numbers and symbols used in equations were the same as what Yurina knew. Ulugus and Camille were solving the written calculation problems effortlessly. Yurina noticed that Camille was a bit faster. Glancing at Mag and Yak, who were diligently practicing their writing, Yurina wondered why they were having so much trouble writing. For Yurina, a Japanese person, reading and writing were something she could do naturally. However, it took her a moment to realize that this was a different world.

"Maybe Mag and Yak are learning to write for the first time here?"

"...Yes."

"I'm different. I learned a little in the village. But only a little."

Mag nodded, and Yak corrected him. Ah, that's right, thought Yurina. This is a different world. Writing was something natural for Yurina, but in this world, there were no ordinary schools. There were only schools for nobles to learn etiquette, and no schools to improve the literacy of the general public. Yak, who came from a farming village, and Mag, who came from a slum, had no time to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic in their daily struggle for survival. Mag, with his usual expressionless face, added a slightly troubled look and continued writing silently.

"Then, what about Ulugus and Camille?"

"I had a private tutor at home who taught me reading, writing, arithmetic, and history."

"I learned reading and writing, and some basic arithmetic because my family was in business."

"Indeed, the level of proficiency varies from person to person."

"‘Proficiency’?"

Seeing the two tilt their heads, Yurina thought the word might be difficult and was about to explain, but Jake spoke up first. Despite being known as a typical adult who often fails and a role model of what not to do at the hideout, Jake was a scholar with extensive knowledge and a talent for teaching.

"Proficiency means learning and mastering various things. Proficiency level refers to the progress, in other words, how well you have mastered reading, writing, and arithmetic."

"...Yurina knows a lot of complicated words, huh."

Camille muttered, seemingly satisfied with Jake's explanation. Is that so? Yurina tilted her head, but the basic education in modern Japan, which she had received, was probably at a higher level than in this world, even if she didn't realize it.

Still, what Yurina understood was thanks to the automatic translation of reading and writing due to the transfer correction, and the fact that numbers and symbols were the same, making basic arithmetic seem natural. There was still much to explore in terms of the world's history and general knowledge. In fact, as the househusband of the hideout, Yurina's knowledge in these areas was not increasing much.

"Would you like to join us, Yurina-kun?"

"Hmm, sure. I have free hands, so I'll join in."

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

Jake handed her a sheet with simple arithmetic problems. Yurina solved them smoothly without any issues. If done with a game-like mindset, these were clearly elementary school-level problems that could be enjoyed. To make it more fun, writing the numbers in kanji would turn it into a quiz-like challenge, increasing the difficulty. However, for Yurina, a high school student, these were simple calculations. Ignoring the stunned reactions of Ulugus and Camille, the wide-eyed Yak, and the frozen Mag, Yurina hummed a tune while solving the problems. Jake watched her with a delighted smile.

"Done!"

"Yes, good job. All correct. Next, try this one."

"Okay!"

The new sheet had more digits, but it was still basic arithmetic, easily solvable with mental calculations. Ulugus, who had been staring with his mouth open, patted Yurina's shoulder. Yurina tilted her head and looked at him.

"What, Ulugus?"

"What kind of brain do you have?"

"Huh? What do you mean, ...what?"

"No, no, no! Your calculation speed is unbelievable, even though you're not a merchant!"

"Ah, this is just normal for me."

Yurina laughed at Camille's exclamation. While the apprentices shouted that it was a lie, Jake nodded in understanding. He took the problem sheet Yurina was working on, confirmed that all the answers were correct, and spoke.

"Is arithmetic also a part of basic education in Yurina-kun's hometown?"

"Yes. Reading, writing, and arithmetic, with basic arithmetic being the foundation."

"I see, I see. That's truly wonderful. Just being able to read, write, and do basic arithmetic makes life much easier. Even without knowing the history of the country or the details of wars, common people can survive."

Yurina and the apprentices were taken aback by Jake's sudden serious tone. Jake, nodding to himself, continued. However, they decided to ignore him. Jake's lectures were tedious, and he would continue talking even if they didn't listen, so it was best to leave him be. The apprentices focused on their given tasks. Yurina, noticing Mag's struggle with writing, asked him.

"Mag, how did you handle reading and writing before?"

"...I can read."

"You could read but not write?"

"Yes."

Mag, who was writing with a bit of a wobbly hand but still trying his best, had his usual almost expressionless face. Yak listened with interest, curious about someone from a different background.

"If you can't read, you get cheated."

"...Huh?"

"During payments, you get cheated."

"...Oh, I see."

"Being able to read is important."

"...Yeah, you're right. That's important."

Hearing Mag's words, the four of them realized that Mag's past was different from their common knowledge. Ulugus sighed, Camille looked away, and Yurina and Yak let out a dry laugh.

"Still, I've heard that many adventurers who come from rural areas can't read or write properly."

"Really?"

"Yeah. That's why the adventurer guild's reception desk offers to write for them."

"Thinking about it, Yak, you're pretty good, right?"

"I could only read, and write my name, until I learned properly here."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

Yurina blinked at the reality Camille described. Reading and writing were indeed difficult. Thinking about it, she felt quite fortunate to have automatic translation due to the transfer correction. She genuinely felt this way.

"Where did you learn to write, Yak?"

"At the church."

"The church?"

"Yes. The priest teaches basic reading, writing, and arithmetic!"

"Wow, the church is like a school."

Yurina nodded in understanding. There were no schools for common people to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic in this world. The church might serve as a place to provide the necessary minimum knowledge to the common people. Yurina felt relieved, thinking that the church in this world wasn't just about skills.

"Still, there are people who can't even learn the basics at the church."

"Really?"

"In remote villages, there might not even be a church."

"Really?"

"Yeah. In some places, the village chief performs blessings and funerals."

Hearing this, Yurina had a far-off look in her eyes. She realized that this was indeed a different world. There was so much she didn't know. She also realized that modern Japan, despite its flaws, was a civilized, peaceful, and safe society.

Still, if asked if she disliked this different world, she wouldn't say so. She was enjoying her life here. ...Why wasn't she homesick? That was a mystery.

"We're lucky to learn so much here."

"Camille?"

"Yeah. Normally, we wouldn't get this kind of education."

"Ulugus?"

"Basics are important."

"Mag?"

"After the guild's beginner training, there's no place that teaches you so kindly!"

"...Ah, so everyone loves the 'Scarlet Lynx'?"

"Correct!"

Summarizing the sudden lecture, they were grateful enough to the 'Scarlet Lynx' to put effort into studying, even if it was something they didn't particularly enjoy. Yurina thought, if that's the case, they should just say they like it from the start. Maybe it's just a phase for boys her age? ...No one pointed out that she was almost the same age. After all, it was all in Yurina's mind.

Of course, when Yurina took over the apprentices' studies from Jake, who was engrossed in his monologue, Ali's lightning struck Jake. As usual.

In this world, places to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic are rare.

Mag learned to read out of necessity for survival.

Looking forward to your comments and feedback.