――I’m out of money!

(This is very important so let me say it again…)

――I HAVE NO MONEY!

Huh? Just how poor am I?

Well, now…….

I am at the level where I can be called “dirt” poor.

If it were to empty my wallet, all that’s there would be stamp cards for several stores I don’t even remember, and only 156 selen in coins.

….Just how did I become this poor?

In regards to that, the reasons behind this are large and complicated and are as numerous as the stars in the night sky. But, I can basically summarize it into two reasons.

――The first reason.

So, It seems that I did understood and at the same time didn’t understand the proper cost it takes to maintain a single person’s well being.
If I say this then you might be thinking {your guess was completely off right?}, but you’re wrong.

The natural world has betrayed me, that’s all.

But isn’t that the case. The reason why all of this happened is because human beings can’t handle the cold of winter.

Because of this, I was compelled to pay for winter clothes for Shalltear who just became my disciple. I was also compelled to to prepare food of a slightly higher quality than normal.

I can’t believe this.
Just what is the purpose of winter?
Also, why are human bodies’ hair so thin even though they understand that it’s cold outside?

At the northern borders of the kingdom is the Macle mountain range I’ve heard there is a self-ruling group of beastmen and birdmen living there. I believe we, humans, can learn a lot from them.
It seems that they are able to become very fluffy or super puffy at will. What the hell is that?
――There are some humans who even lose the little hair they should have on their heads!!

(TL Note: Ok so the above sentence is kind of dumb, instead of saying they grow hair he says “気合で微フサになったり超モフになったり”. And since he is using cute sounding onomatopoeia I didn’t want to change the meaning of what he said. Granite is just mad that he had to blow money on buying clothes.)

Haah…

――Now for the second reason.

…In order to register Shalltear as my disciple I had to pay a fee.
{It’s your own fault for not doing your research beforehand.} is what I was told? No, that’s wrong. I just didn’t even imagine I would have to pay!

If the previous reason was the natural word betraying me then this time it’s human society oppressing me.

I can’t believe this. In order to pass on my techniques for the sake of this country’s future, that is why I took a disciple.
Despite this why is it that money is being taken away from me.
I don’t give a damn what the country’s reasons are! If anything they should be giving me funds!

I’m sure someone else must have felt this way.
Is tormenting the general populace really that much fun!

………

――Well, in any case these are the two reasons that I couldn’t do anything about.

Ahhh….Regardless, 156 selen…

At this rate, those brats that shine shoes around here would scoff at me…
Even if it’s me, the amount of money in my pocket now is too pathetic.
At this rate, I would only be able to buy 1 and a half Wild Pigeon legs. As crappy as that meat is….

…….If I complain and haggle about the meat….Could I get 2 legs…?

But that’s only one meals worth….and until I finish that I won’t have to work, right?
Hmmm? Then I should eat that for dinner…so for today at least I won’t have to work, right?
I can just….start working from tomorrow, right?

I placed my hand to my chin and seriously considered this plan.

….No no no wait. Just wait a moment Granite Range.

To complain and haggle isn’t something a man of my caliber who went to the trouble of making a child from the slums my disciple should do.
Damn. if I only had 1 more 100 selen coin, I could put off working until tomorrow.
Then, I wouldn’t have to worry right now. …I wonder if there is a stray coin lying around here somewhere.

As I thought this, I leaned forward in my chair all the while knowing that this was useless, and tried recounting the coins that were lined up on the table.

1 coin, 2 coins, 3 coins, 4 coins….

I moved each coin carefully with my finger and checked to make sure there weren’t any extra coins hidden underneath the other coins.
Nothing… Just as I thought there aren’t any. It was exactly 156 selen.
It seems there is no mistake that this is all I have to my name at this moment.

Ahh, after doing something as futile as this, I’m slowly starting to feel pissed off at something I would normally not care about.

You know, like the dull light that shines of these damned coins
It’s almost as if the coins are making fun of me.

Yeah, for example it almost like….

{Heeey, brother…! As I look at the shine of your soul I sense a feeling of camaraderie! Hey now, don’t make such a scary face. Let’s get along! Both us and you, are friends at the bottom of the barrel. Oh, that’s wrong of me. We can be used, but no one is going to use you. Gahahahaha! }

…It’s like they’re saying that to me…

Damn, I’m really starting to get pissed off.

Dammit, maybe I should just melt the coins down.
Since 156 selen isn’t even a round number, isn’t it just causing me to worry?
On the contrary if I was completely broke, wouldn’t I feel better?

No, I shouldn’t. Calm down…calm down. I could be executed.

In this kingdom, anything that deals with forgery of money, especially when it comes to the “selen coins” distribute by the kingdom, is followed by a punishment that is somewhat severe. Even though the forgery of selen coins is well-known to be impossible, thinking about this is bad for my nerves.

After thinking about what would happen if anyone found out, there is no way I could do something that dangerous because of a short-term impulse.

……I just keep thinking about useless nonsense…

Maybe because I have been financially backed against a corner, I’m starting to go crazy.
Vexing, this is truly vexing. I feel the corners of my eyes starting to burn…
There is no saving this world… Is there no god…?

I lean back in my chair and my body went limp.

After I let out a sigh, I stop staring at the coins lined on my desk and I look around the room in a daze.

The alchemy pot in the middle of my workshop is already lit, so it’s nice and warm. Thank god for that.
Also another stroke of luck, since I have all of those skulls, animal bones, if I extract magic from them I can easily maintain the heat of the alchemy pot. Furthermore if I extract bone oil, then even if I use up all the magic from the bones; I can still use the bone oil to warm up to some extent. With this I won’t be shivering from the cold for 1 to 2 months. This is all much cheaper than using firewood.

…….Then I thought.

Why did I prepare all of these bones?
It’s not as if the alchemy staff (which was fake) really needed all of these bones. Am I an idiot?
Even if it only costed me some loose change, with that money I could have put off working…

I shouldn’t be thinking this way.

I shake my head to reset myself.
So as I changed my mood, I finally turned my attention to direction where I had been hearing a noise for a while now. (You can also say, I was so overwhelmed it took this long for me to finally focus on the something else.)

The person who was making that noise, running up and down my workshop/atelier, is none other than the girl I named Shalltear who became my disciple. She was officially recognized as my disciple as of yesterday, at the cost of a small amount of money.

I have no idea why she is so worked up, but she is cleaning the floor even though she wasn’t asked to.
She rolled up the sleeves of her clothes and she goes from one side of the room to another pushing a rag and cleaning the floor. Since she was moving around and working she didn’t seem restless. Her cheeks were red and a bead of sweat ran down her forehead causing her bangs to stick to her face, (TL Note: OK so in japan it is customary for you to clean a room by pushing a rag with your hands while your bent over from one side of the room to the other. This is how they clean the inside of temples or dojo. And in schools kids are taught to clean their own classrooms this way. I’ve done it before and it kills your back.)

She is a worker.
Even though she tried to kill herself not too long ago, she seems to be in good spirits.

She realized that I was looking at her while she worked.
Shalltear then stopped working and stood up. She then turned toward my direction and smiled.
The sleeves she had rolled up immediately fell down.

[Pap…..Master! Did you figure out, what was troubling you? ] Shar

[Ah…uhm. I am finished….] Granite

[I see.] Shar

She was looking at me with sincere eyes that said, I’m sure he was thinking on something meaningful.
As her pure innocent eyes pierced my body, I started to groan as I used my hands to shield my eyes.

Aghh my eyes, MY EYES~! They’re BURNING!!!
The darkness in my heart, is being forcefully exposed to such pure light~!
NOOO! I’m being purified!!
I, WON’T, LOSE,…AGH!

[M,Master! What’s wrong?] Shar

I can hear Shalltear call out in a worried voice like before as she races toward me.

What am I supposed to do?
As I thought this, I weakly stuck out my head and gestured toward Shalltear.

[I’m f, fine. There is nothing….to worry about.] Granite

[Are you sure? Are you really really sure?] Shalltear

But it seemed I was a bit too slow, I could hear Shalletear’s voice a lot closer to me than I expected.
I opened up one eye as if I was looking at something terrifying….

There were the plain clothes of a town girl, the shirt was a bit too long.

But this young girl while only wearing such commonplace clothing, seemed to have this weird fleeting atmosphere of a fairy.
No matter how much her complexion has improved, she was originally very skinny and underweight. There might be another reason for this feeling I have now that I think about it…
….I was already enchanted with the young girl in front of me, I began to examine the girl in front of me.

She is just too beautiful. I am not talking about her looks, but her personality.
If I were to give an example, she is like a pure white canvas that hasn’t had anything painted on it yet. And this is….really strange.
In this day and age, even if its a child that’s not even 10 years old, you would expect for them to pick up something from the environment around them. Especially since the girl that is in front of me grew up in the slums.

It’s feels like she almost doesn’t exist.
When you put materials in the alchemy pot the materials are in the middle of transforming as you are creating something, this is what she reminds me of. A lump of unidentified ambiguous mass. An existence where if you interfere with it haphazardly or let it out of your sight for a second, it might disappear.
She might either disappear from in front of me or disappear all together, regardless I would be troubled since I’ve already invested in her already.

But, she seems better than the day before yesterday…
Well, leaving such an unstable existence in such an unstable state, is not good for my mental health.

But even though I thought this, I don’t want to be bothered with this. But, once i confirmed the small light in the eyes of the girl who is looking at me with an upturned gaze…

….I have no choice, I decided to compromise.

[Here now.] Granite

[Huh!? Ahh….] Shalltear

Ahh…I didn’t intend to “give” her anything more than what’s necessary… What a pain…. Well, I am used to compromising…

I patted the head of Shalltear who was in front of me.

[As you can see. It seems that you did some cleaning. Thank you.] Granite

[No…Um, yes… Unnn…] Shalltear

It seems that Shalltear can’t come to terms with what’s happening now. Her eyes were opened wide, her shoulders were shrugged, and she was shaking.
I can sense something strange with her.

[Haha, why are you huddling like that? You should be more confident. Also there is no reason to worry about me. Because I am a first rate magician, and a great and excellent alchemist. Also I am you master, do you understand?] Granite

As I said this, in order to lift up her spirits I put a little extra strength into rubbing her head.
As I did this, Shalltear finally was able to come back to her senses and raised her voice to respond.

[Y, Yes.] Shalltear

[Good. That’s the way.] Granite

[Hehehe…] Shalltear

[…hmm…] Granite

Shalltear showed a bashful smile.
Yeah, if I had a pet it would probably feel like this.

…To be honest, because I thought she was cute I feel like she got one over on me.

――And she seemed to be enjoying herself so much, I lost the timing to stop patting her head. I continued this for about a minute.

[[Gururu…]]

――At the same time both of our stomachs growled, snapping us back to reality.

§

After awhile I bought some steamed potatoes.
So all the money I have left was 31 selen.

Damn.

Damn.

Side note:
{Beastman Race}

Actually, beastman and humans (which are actually called the pure human race) are the same on a genetic level (at the time of this story its unknown). With their special Hyle spirit vein, they could transform at any time, which makes them look like a different race at first glance. So mating between the races is possible… but only if there are no moral or cultural problems.

 

[Previous]

[List]

(TL Note: This whole chapter is from Shalltear’s POV. But it mixes up the past and present sometimes so I tried to leave a note so it doesn’t seem weird.)

---

[….By the way, are you satisfied yet?] Granite

[…Ah!] Shar

Master called out to me.
Thanks to that voice, my vague consciousness was snapped back to reality.

――I then witnessed it.

[!?!?!] Shar

――Master’s face was very close to mine!!

Huh? What? Why?

My face was becoming redder and redder by the second and I was in a full panic.
There was my stern and cool master with a face with an ever so slight, even miniscule sign of being troubled.
Not being able to withstand the looming master in his eyes anymore, I hurriedly looked down.

[Huh!?] Shar

I saw the unbelievable position I was in.

――For some reason I had winded up embracing Master’s right arm with my whole body.

…I had thought something was off. I really did think so.
Because Master’s voice which was softly reminiscing about the past, was slowly but surely getting closer.

But. But Why? Why did I wind up like this?

I desperately, desperately searched my memories for the answer.
Among the innumerable fragments that make up my memoires an image surfaced.
As I grasped the closest fragment, it shattered and the memory I was looking for replayed in my mind.

◇

[Um… So, could you please……hold my hand?]

[Hmm. I don’t mind, but what’s wrong?]

[You know, “I will take your hand” …]

◇

[From today on your name shall be “Shalltear”.]

[Sharuteea…? That is…my name…]

◇

[…Papa……]

◇

…My body began to shake due to embarrassment.

Oh my god! Oh my god!

My earlier wish to hold hands.
My master who spoke with me about our past as he listened to my wish.
And I, who was overjoyed from happily continuously reminiscing, not being satisfied with just holding hands――,

――And the state of steadily increase the degree of contact. Doing all of the unconsciously.

I understood that I put myself in this position.
Then, even then, I was stirred up by my desires, and without realizing it, I did all of this.
After that I snapped back to my senses, this is…some kind of surprise attack.
It’s almost like if I set a surprise attack against myself….

[Nh~….Nhhh~~~] Shar

Without thinking, I started to groan.

I want to disappear. No, I just want to melt away.
I want to be disintegrated to the utmost limits in an alchemy pot and be returned to magic.

Today, I think something is really wrong with me.
Even though I am supposed to be at my best since I am disciple of my great master.
Even though I know I can’t always be spoiled. But, but there are some things you can’t help.
Because, because――.

As I was being engulfed in the overflow of emotions, Master began to casually speak above my head.

[…My disciple Shalltear. I sometimes question… Why do people have such abundant emotions to this extent… …Everything in the world exist while depleting limited resources. In that case, when it comes to emotions, if humans could suppress their emotions to the level of animals, wouldn’t humans reach a higher level of intelligence. Wouldn’t you or I reach the depths of alchemy that we should be seeking even faster.

―― But I am sure things are never that easy. I come to think this as I watch you. You are a person that has more unnecessities then I, which sometimes makes my stomach hur… wait, never mind. I think that you are impatient. But――in spite of this, in my opinion you have left impressive results. In that case, I am certain that you’re s,search for knowledge is not hindered and only benefited from your overflow of emotions.

…Um. That is why, you um, struggle as much as you want and face yourself. Uh, your master will pour you another cup of tea. ――So, can you…..please let go of my arm?] Granite

Here I am being weak-minded and showing no signs of growth, and here are the kind words of my master who doesn’t scorn me and only accepts me.

I am always the one who receiving his kindness.

I drank some of the tea that Master poured for me, I close my eyes and think.

The promise i made with Master, at that time.

“What, I promise, as long as you are useful to me, I will continue to take your hand. I promise I never let you feel “alone”.”

Have I been able to respond to all of the things that Master has given me up until now.
Whether it was a promise, or a contract, if it only one party follows through then nothing will be fulfilled. ――Am I actually becoming someone who is useful to Master?

…The words that Master spoke to me are a treasure to me.
But despite this, there is a part of me that is impatiently worrying if I won’t eventually be thrown away for being pathetic.

But maybe Master has realized that I have been thinking about this.
Maybe that’s what he meant when he said “struggle as much as you want”…

――Then maybe, my true training will start from now on.

Yes, I am sure of it.
Now that I think about it, i may have been slacking off since I became the Royal Family alchemist or something the like..

Being the Royal Alchemist doesn’t mean a damn thing, I am Master’s…..disciple.

And now is the perfect chance for me to step up.

In order to learn just how Master viewed things in the past, and to reconfirm my beginnings.
This chance that my master has gone to the trouble of giving me, I should make use of such a rare chance.

…Ah.

If I remember correctly Master did say that “I am sure it won’t be a waste of time”.
I wonder, is it possible that Master realized that I was slacking off?
And he made this chance for me.

I’m sure he would deny it if I ask him straight out.
But, I’m sure that he did this for me.

My body shakes at the mere thoughts of the heights of the man that I am aiming for, and my hands have become sweaty.
Yet nevertheless, I thought I must do my best.

§

In this way, Master is always several steps ahead, as if he was a amazing strategist.

But, Master rarely ever tells me the answer in an easy to understand way.
This isn’t just how he graciously treats me, his disciple, but also other people as well.
Master sets clues casually in his actions and words, and is testing to see if we can realize these hints.

But since I had just become his disciple at this time.
Master unusually gave me the answer itself, this is what I think now.
Of course, at this time I had yet to realize this.

――Yes, that was.
The day after I received the name Shalltear, actually…it started before that, the trouble that was occurring in the capital and the answer for it.
Master only told it to me.

――”Stagnant Magic”.

As I think back on it now, that was the answer to everything.

§§§

It was early morning on the second day after Master had taken me in.
On that day, i woke up earlier than Master.

There was a reason for this. Even though barely any time had passed since we had met, even I was worried at how strange Master had been the day before.

Indeed, after we had left the town hall, Master at that time seemed to have had the spirit sucked out of him.
And this did not change even up until he went to sleep.

[Today, you will again sleep in the bed. If we sleep together…if that happens… It would look like I’m really that…. …ugh… (crash).] Granite

As he said this he fell asleep as if he had passed out, I think anyone would be worried seeing that.

As I rummage around and get up from the bed, I make my way to the sofa where Master is sleeping.

[….Huh? ..!] Shar

But as I stretch to peek on Master’s face, I realize that someone else was already there.

Something that was translucent and squishy…
The scary thing that thoroughly bullied me two days ago…

As Master was sitting up in the sofa, there were tentacles (hands?) stretching and poking Master’s face, especially his mouth and nose.

[Ah…Um…Sorry for, disturbing you…Pochi-san?] Shar

I gave a greeting while being confused but the situation going on.

Then, the symbol of my trauma stopped poking Master’s face and――

――Changed it’s tentacle into a fist and recreated a hand giving a thumbs up.

“Oh oh it’s the newbie! Morning !”

Seeing that energetic “fist” I subconsciously think I hear these words.

[G,good morning. ]

After getting caught up in what’s happening in front of me, I tried speaking to it.
I don’t know why, but I think it understands what I’m saying.

Then Pochi-san goes from posing with all 5 fingers stretched out to a clenched fist.

[Uhm….] Shalltear

….I didn’t understand what it was trying to say this time.

Maybe I was just imaging what happened earlier…?
Wait, that doesn’t matter! I have to check on how Master is doing!

As I thought this, I make sure to properly take a look at Master.
Ah…the color in his face looks better than yesterday…

[…Papa…are you ok? Um…] Shalltear

…

Mmm… That’s kinda nice…
The old me was kind of cheeky, huh…?
(TL Note: Shar form the present is jealous of how her past-self called Granite papa. It’s kind of hard to understand.)

……….Wait a minute!

Um, I was relaxed to see he was calm.
[Guh!] Granite

Then suddenly as Master started to show a pained expression, I jumped up.

[Papa!?] Shalltear

[Guuh!] Granite

[Papa, are you ok!?] Shalltear

[Guuuh!] Granite

Master suddenly has a pained expression. He is still not doing ok.
It’s like I can see some black essence coming from his mouth. I almost screamed out.
Then as I tried to cling to him, something was getting in my way.

[Hmm?] Shalltear

Then Pochi-san stuck out one more tentacle and points it at me.

Then he (?) takes the first tentacle and once again cover’s Master’s mouth. He then gives me another thumbs up.

“Burp. It’s all right!”

It looks like that is what it’s trying to say.

I look on in confusion with watery eyes.
And with a sense of a finishing up one’s work, Pochi-san retracts its tentacle and slides its way back to its jar.

After seeing off Pochi-san, I once again look at Master’s face.
He face is still twitching, but it seems he looks better than before..I think?

[Papa….?] Shalltear

[….ugh…!]

He seemed like he was having a nightmare up until now, but now I don’t feel as worried as before.

[Pochi-san, must have done…something?] Shalltear

Thinking this was strange, there was no way for me to know what was happening.
Then as a I call out to Master at time, I wiped his face with a damp towel.

§

Since the water in the pitcher has gone done, I immediately went outside to retrieve some more water.
Yesterday, when we went to the town hall, I was told there is a well in Master’s house, he calls it his’ workshop, which is covered by a brick fence.

Yes, at that time I went outside without a single afterthought.

The cold wind cut right through me.
But, now I have warm clothes that protect me from the wind.
This gave me a somewhat strange feeling.

To be honest, I want to indulge in this warmth.
But if I do that, I will start to feel a sense of guilt.
I would be doing something unforgivable. I can’t stop myself from thinking that.

During the night it began to lightly snow and you could hear the sound of footsteps digging into the snow.
Thanks to the shoes my feet don’t have the usual sense of warmth being taken away. This was truly rare for me.

In the slums, it is not unusual for someone to lose a tow to the cold.
Thankfully, I seem to be a bit sturdier than normal people so this never happened to me. Out of all of the seasons winter was the one where my stamina was drained the most.
Is it really ok for me to be this comfortable? I was truly bothered by this.

Earlier when I was in Master’s home I didn’t think of such things.
Yesterday, when I went outside with him I didn’t think of such things.
But, when I go outside for just a bit by myself, I cannot help but to be tormented by a sense of guilt.
Yes. This is what I thought at that time.

―― I should know my place and realize that someone like me, would never be nonchalantly involved with someone who could be the main character from a proper tale.

――Shouldn’t I go back to the place where I belong.

I am not thinking about this rationally
But for just an instant, I was assaulted by such thoughts.

But the “scream” I heard next did snap me back to reality.
The voice that for the past couple of days has carved itself into my very being, comes flying into my consciousness.

That voice surprised me and made me feel worried and desperate.
An important thought blows away all of my troubles. I felt overcome with emotions.

――At least it’s a place where I belong.
――And maybe, it isn’t a place where someone like me should be, but.
――I really want to stay here.
――I know I only have a trivial amount of strength, but.
――Even then, I want to become of use to that person.

Maybe this the time when I first had a clear sense of my own wishes and will.

As I think back on the past, this is what I thought.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Master [You’re reading too much into it! Please stop!]

Extra: Master’s Patterns

1. He just says whatever comes to mind. (Shalltear’s emotions are pretty intense.)
2. He randomly attaches theories to everything. (Intelligence is trending.)
3. He is desperate to think like how a master should think, and it’s all unnecessarily long. And he always forgets what he wanted to say.
4. He tries to always sound good while trying to get things to go his way. (It doesn’t matter just move your hand. Can you stop hugging me? It hurts, ya know?)
(EX. To be honest, sums him up in a nutshell.)

 

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(TL Note: This was a pain in the ass to translate.)

---

He stands in the middle of a grassy plain which spreads out forever, as if the personification of freedom.

It was neither too hot nor too cold.
Warm sunlight calmly illuminated the ground.
In this warm weather, he says the first thing that comes to his mind.

[I feel kind of sleepy……]

As at almost the same time of him thinking this―― a soft, inviting bed suddenly appeared before his very eyes.

No matter how you look at it, this is an obvious abnormal phenomenon.
But the thought of this being strange did not show on his face. All he did was laid down while facing up and stretched in a comfortable way.

He yawns as he looks up at the sky.

Isolated white clouds floated in the blue sky.
Certainly, if you roll back the clock and compare the view from different times you would be hard pressed to find any difference. This scenery is a bit boring while at the safe time brings him a great sense of relief.

He laid there absentmindedly like this for a while, until there was a change in one of the clouds. He realizes this and narrows his eyes.

An infinite number of haze like clusters are faintly shining.
From the heavens these clusters start to overflow from underneath that cloud. They begin to chase each other as they dance around in the blue sky.
Eventually, a circle of light, which is similar to a rainbow, was formed in the sky.
As I carefully observed the circle of light, just like patterns on the moon’s surface or the alignment of the stars, depending on how you interpret them “letter” or “picture” like patterns can be seen lining up and moving.

[Corona of Dunamis.]

In myths one of the main gods known as the Gods of Creation, Dunamis is said to oversee the world with his “eye”. Among the people of the continent it is commonly called this. It’s a kind of nature magical phenomenon.
Of all the magical phenomenon which exist, the explanations of this ring of light and the pattern that appears in it has deteriorated. Regarding the history if magic, it has a very important meaning.

Although, since he is relaxing now there is no way that any of this has anything to do with him. The fantasy-like scene only helped to make him feel even more drowsy.

[Ah~ being free is the best. There is no doubt that humans should be free from all responsibilities and should live their lives how they want.]

He once again let’s out a big yawn and nods happily as he closes his eyes. As he slowly sets off to the land of dreams――.
But then.

[――――]

In this world where there should be no one else but him, a small voice could be heard reverberating.

[What is that?]

Since he was disturbed as he was falling asleep, he grumbles in an upset tone as he opens his eyes.

[!!??]

――But he is struck dumbfounded at the sight that has appeared before him.

A pitch-black cloud that spirals as it covers the sky.
The Corona of Dunamis which was glittering in many colors spins at a high speed.
The ground around the bed has turned to a reddish brown, and a large amount of stone pillars are spread around like grave markers.

This repulsive scenery looked like the end of days had come.

He has no idea what is going on. All he could is shakily get up from the bed and look up at the sky in blank surprise.

[――――]

As he does this, that mystery voice once again reverberated throughout the world.
That voice snapped him back to his senses. And he screamed in a voice mixed with both equal parts of fear and anger.

[Who the hell are you?! What the hell are you saying!?]

At that moment, that world which went from one extreme change to the next came to a clam still, as if time itself had stopped. Then everything in the word was dyed in a sepia.

No, that’s wrong. Only one thing was left with a hint of color.
“Corona of Dunamis”. Only this maintained its vivid colors.

[……!?]

Leaving alone the man who is just standing there with his mouth flapping and not saying a word, another change was happening in the ring of light in the sky. An enormous green perfect circle appeared in the center of the ring.

As this unfound horror terrifies him, he feels a sense of deja vu when looking at the emerald circle.
Just where has he seen this before? He tried to escape from reality but――.

――He finally was able to recognize the words…from the voice he had heard from before.

[……Papa ……]

[……Papa ……]

[……Papa ……]

――Oh, that’s right……he finally realizes as he shows a forced smile.

This sky, this eye ―― the one I gave the name Shalltear, this is the eye of that girl…!

[AGHHH! NOOOO! I! WON’T! EVER ACKNOWLEDGE IT!! AGHHHH!]

§

[AGHHHH!] Granite

As I let out a pathetic scream, I woke up on the sofa I slept on.

W,What was with that vision-like nightmare I just had.
Was it an attack!? Was I attacked by some hard to describe curse?

Ho, I don’t know who did this, but bring it on!
I, the freedom loving alchemist Granite Range, will be your opponent.
Acknowledgment? Responsibility? To hell with that! Such mental attacks won’t work on me!!!

While trembling in the remnants of fear, I strained out the little courage I had and looked around the room as I was breathing erratically through my nose.

[…………] Granite

The material shelf with a lot of empty spaces.
The alchemy pot where I can still feel some residual heat.
The luminous stones which are weakly flickering.

Where I am now is my normal workshop, and I can see no one else but I has entered.

[……fuu ……. It was all simply…a dream? Scaring me like that…… That’s right. I am a pa….no that’s wrong. I um, there is no child that would call me by that cursed word that ruins a person’s life. ALL of it was just my imagination――.] Granite

―― Bam!

[Are you ok?] Shalltear (TL Note: Since granite has just named her he hasn’t actually called her by her nickname shar yet. So, I will only use it when he mentions it outside of the flashback scenes.)

[!?AGHHHHH!!]

IT’S HEREEEE!

As I saw the young girl who slammed the door open, I once again screamed.

§

As I shook of the shadow of that horrid nightmare, before I realized Shalltear had come to my side and was worriedly looking up at me. I decided to make super important request of her.
I won’t have her ever call me that accursed word again.

[Now listen, make sure to call me “master”.] Granite

[Huh!? Uhm, ok but, more importantly――] Shalltear

[I don’t want to hear anything else. There is nothing more important than this.
Now repeat it!] Granite

[Y,Yes! ma….Master!] Shalltear

[Yes, that’s right. That is correct. Now listen, make sure to pay attention. Our relationship is that of a master and a disciple. When speaking of the relationships between one person and another, what you call the person and how you speak to them always come first. Since you have become my disciple I will be strict with this.] Granite

[I, understand.] Shar

As I strictly argued this point, I coaxed her into calling me master.
I may have quickly spoken to her in a cold way but I’m sure it’s me just overthinking things. I’m probably sure.

I finally catch my breath after nipping that in the bud.

As I threw off the blanket that was still hanging on me, I put my feet on the floor as I sit up in the sofa.
Even after I sit I look down at the small head of Shalltear who has her hands gripped tightly to her chest as she stares at me.

…Hah. Honestly what was with that nightmare.

I thought I didn’t have much of an imagination but in my subconscious an enormous sub-space was built… This is the first time in my life I’ve ever seen such a vivid dream.
Besides my mood, my body itself is feeling a bit sluggish.

Maybe I am actually feeling a bit under the weather.
Or maybe due to all the severe shocks piling up, did the door to my subconscious opened?
Well it doesn’t really matter… Just to be safe, if I drink some vitamin enhanced medicine then…

As I sighed, Shalltear was there and responded in a worrying tone.

[U,Um… M,Master. Are you, truly okay? Earlier you…?] Shar

[Earlier?] Granite

What happened earlier? I can’t think straight…….Oh.

[You, yelled in a, loud voice saying “Ahhh”…] Shalltear

As Shalltear timidly spoke, I was cursing myself in my head.

That’s right…
I was so focused on doing something about that accursed word that I forgot to make up a reason for why I was screaming.

Maybe, I should just honestly tell her?

(I had a nightmare and I unknowingly screamed in terror. Hahaha.)

Wait.

…That won’t work. Just now I just spoke about our different standpoints. That line doesn’t have a shred of dignity in it…
For the sake of my sanity I will do all I can to keep as much distance as possible from that word that starts with “p”!
I must have Shalltear recognize our relationship as that of a master and disciple and nothing else, at all costs!

[……Stagnant magic…yes stagnant magic had somewhat accumulated in my body. I realized that stagnant magic outside of my body by yelling “Ahhh” in a loud voice. There is no reason to worry.]

[I,Is that so.]

As Shalltear stared blankly at me, I nodded to her in a dignified manner.

That’s right.
This is the first time I’ve ever heard someone could do that.
It is a surprise―.

……It seems like i’m going over the top with this, but it’s better than admitting that “I screamed out of terror”. Definitely better.

The nightmare, or rather the stagnant magic is the main fault here!

――By the way in normal society, when you want to skip work or school one of the convenient excuses you can use is to complain of a sudden stomach ache or say something unfortunate happened to your family. If you leave “stagnant magic” unattended for too long, it can cause many disorders in the body and also many problems will be solved (superficially speaking)!

Furthermore, that sorcery, healing, nor medicine has no effect. And the fact that only taking “a proper rest” is the only method to do deal with this, is a splendid point.

Because, people have what is called the “Hyle Spirit Pulse” different individuals have their spiritual nature regulated by this mysterious and complicated group of organisms exist. It’s not like I am moving of my own free will, it’s just like how the heart moves on its own, so there is nothing I can do.

When using magic according to the conceptual effect as you extract magic, especially when you are moving around a lot or when you barely understand what is going on, as soon as you throw out a hard to grasp disorder like “stagnant magic” then it becomes difficult for others to deal with you.

Well in summary.

―― Ignorance is great!

That’s about all there is.
Indeed, it is truly an alchemist like way of thinking.

As I was thinking all kind of things, “You are definitely not my daughter, you became my pupil for the really dry reason of us having a mutual urgent need of one another” also known as Shalltear had continuously stared at me.

[I…..I am, truly happy to hear, you’re ok.] Shalltear

With, sigh of relief she finally showed a relaxed expression.

Somehow, Shalltear finally was able to understand that “the person she made a contract with”, a.k.a me, has nothing wrong with him.

Oh, it’s been a crazy ever since I got up.

 

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I sighed and placed my hand on my forehead as several emotions were swelling inside of me. I tried to calm my emotions.

Then I called out to the small shivering butt in front of me.

[…Are you ok?] Granite

[…Yes…] Child

After a long period of silence, the girl responded in a voice comparable to the cry of a mosquito.
Not long after this, she faced toward me and rolled herself into a ball by grabbing her knees.

[……] Granite

Yeah, this is probably that.
She is probably so embarrassed that she can’t even lift her head.

She is so sad… It’s at the level where I feel inclined to immediately do something nice for her.

As I sighed again, I picked up the robe the girl threw away and went behind her to place it on her shoulders.

Then I walked to the front of her and as I prayed, to a god I don’t believe in, that she won’t have another hysterical fit, I spoke to her.

I felt like a beast tamer.

[Um, well. Let me correct the misunderstanding you currently have.] Granite

As he said this the young girl finally raised her head.

Both of her eyes were stained with tears, and due to the excitement from earlier, her sunken cheeks are tinged red.

However, she has calmed down and lost that crazy feeling she had before. I placed my hand on my chest to calm myself.

[First, I didn’t bring you here to sacrifice you. When I said to be of benefit to me, I didn’t mean it in that sort of way. …Are we clear? I will repeat myself. I have no intention of sacrificing you.] Granite

[…Huh?] Child

The young girl opened her eyes wide as if she was shocked from the bottom of her heart.

Ugh. How much did I look like I wanted to sacrifice someone to this child?

As I was overcome with an unexplainable feeling, I stared into the green eyes of the girl and waited until she digested this new information.
The girl blinked several times in bewilderment and then timidly asked.

[Then…why…why? There..is nothing, else I can do.] Child

Oh…, so I finally have gotten through to her.
I looked down at the girl who fearfully had her upturned eyes focused on me. When I think about how many idiotic mistakes have happened to finally get to this point; I sigh to myself as I have lost count of how many times it’s been today.

But with this I can finally move on to the important conversation at hand.

Well then how should I go about this…..

If I don’t choose my words carefully then my hope for a someone to support me might turn into me making her “work for me like a slave”.

…Still the fact that she seems like she would be ok with that is kind of scary. I would be in trouble if she wanted out of our arrangement later on. What I say at this moment is very important.

It seems it is time to change out the luminous stones. The light in the workshop has dimmed, and the light has become somewhat weaker. Beside the sounds of the heated alchemy pot and the occasional sound of our clothes rustling, it is quiet.

I don’t know whether I should be relieved or worried. I thought this as the little girl stared at me waiting for my response.

I unconsciously licked my lips.

Earlier, the tears she cried after eating the food I made.
Honestly, I felt that her crying was beautiful and I could feel her gratitude towards me.
I’m sure she is an honest and kind kid that you wouldn’t think is from the slums. This is what I think.

――But even so.

She is probably only grateful for what you would call “one good meal and a good night’s rest.”.
I have no expectations of her maintaining these feeling in the future.
To feel an unchanging debt of gratitude to someone over something seems easy but is actually quite difficult. This I know for sure. People just don’t become that strongly attached to someone.

For example, even though she feels strongly enough to say “I will become a sacrifice”, these feelings will eventually become null.
Heat is something that without an outside factor it will disperse. This is a law of nature and I’m sure the same also goes for human emotions.

――Therefore, when tying a person down, using something as uncertain as a debt of gratitude is nothing more than kindling to a fire. You need to show a clear benefit and continue to stimulate their wants and desires.

So, concerning this girl what are her “benefits” and “desires”?

…Remember. Think.
What kind of reactions did she show to what I’ve said up until now?
What kind words did she throw at me?

And even though it was a misunderstanding that started from my carelessness.
Where the hell did the intense, madness-like fervent desire to sacrifice herself come from?

――Just what was the keyword?

……

……

(I don’t want to die alone.)

She definitely said that…
What does she mean? What would cause her to act so boldly?
She must have circumstances beyond my imagination.

But there is no need, at least right now, to consider it.

You do not need to know the circumstances if you are only making use of it.
It is only a matter of her interpreting things arbitrarily.
At least for this girl, these words, have enough desire for her to rush forward into trying to sacrifice herself…

I don’t if it was a few minutes or a few seconds.
I finished my thoughts and after putting together what I had to say, I spoke.

[Let me introduce myself now, I am Granite Range. I’m a magician that creates special items with the power of magic. ――I intend to have you learn alchemy. And you will use the techniques I teach you for my benefit. …What, I promise, as long as you are useful to me, I will continue to take your hand. I promise I never let you feel “alone”. This is the reward that I can grant you.] Granite

Then the girl looked at me with a blank face and just stared. After a while she rubbed her nose and responded in a broken sentence.

[Y,Yes…! P,Please look, after… me…!] Child

It seems I pulled the right one.
Occasionally, I can clutch it out.
Well, now I’m tired.

–Huh?

But then, as I was showering myself in self-praise, I suddenly came to my senses.

…… Looking at this from an outsider’s point of view, isn’t this the spitting image of a selfish adult who has deceived an innocent child?

No, I intended to do this from the and that’s why I brought her from the slums, but actually going through with it, this guilty feeling…. She seems really happy too….

Wasn’t there, you know, another way to go about this?
Was there any need to make this exchange with her so emotional?
Since I uselessly spouted lines as if I was her better, there is no way I could do something better.

As I began to experience these depressing feelings, I put the girl, whose eyes were tinged red, to bed. I opened a new ale that I had just bought that afternoon, and from then I went to bed.
(TL Note: Until now the author has only referred to the Shalltear as child or girl in the flashbacks. Here he used her name, but I know it’s a mistake so I changed it to girl. You’ll see why at the end of the chapter.)

§§§

[I am surprised you remember it so well.] Granite

Having the words, I said at that time perfectly reproduced word for word, I unconsciously let out a single complaint.
Although I felt refreshed remembering the Braised Moa Pigeon stew. I recalled another unpleasant fact……

Shar is sitting next to me shyly with her cheeks red.
While touching the tea cup letting off steam, she answered.

[Hehe, even now I sometimes dream about what happened.] Shar

Uh …
What, isn’t that too heavy? Forget it. What do you mean dream about it?
While feeling dejected, I took the teacup and had a sip.

……Huh. What the hell this is good.

[Um… So, could you please……hold my hand?] Shar

As I did a double take on the impossibly delicious tea in front of me, Shar hid her face and said something annoying.

What is it now? Have you recently been acting too spoiled? You are so impudent even though you’re an apprentice.
Keep silent and let me live my deadbeat life! Honestly, why are you so gifted? Huh?
Thank you for supporting me, sonofabitch!

As I was spouting such garbage phrases to myself, my mouth started talking almost automatically.

[Hmm. I don’t mind, but what’s wrong?] Granite

Of course, I mind. It bothers the hell out of me

[You know, “I will take your hand” …] Shar

??? I wonder why the explanation has changed.
While looking at the reckless Shar who is fidgeting in her seat, I’m frantically trying to understand what’s going on.

Is that … ah? Did you remember that?

[That reminds me, at that time Shar would always hold my hand no matter what we did, or where we went.] Granite

It was truly annoying.
I remember I quickly regretted saying “I would continue to take your hand” for a while.

[~~~~] Shar

After making me remember that, why are you the one that’s embarrassed.
I mean didn’t you just hug me earlier.
The feelings of girls around Shar’s age are a real mystery…
Fine you can do what you want, just hurry up and stick out your hand.

While thinking such things, I put out my right hand then Shar’s body trembled.

She timidly raised her face and stared at my right hand.
She shakily lifted her left hand and slowly rested her hand on mind.
At the moment our hands made contact, she closed her eyes and let out an unnecessarily amorous voice
Then she folded each finger one by one, inserted them in between my fingers and squeezed. That is when she opened her eyes, and stared at our connected hands. Her eyes were swimming as if in ecstasy.

…… What are you doing, Shalltear-san.

Beyond that, I abandoned even making fun of this situation. I then closed my eyes and decided to recall the contents of the entertainment novel I was reading yesterday.

§§§

In the country of Lacracia, the people who work in certain magic or technical professions are normally required to register with the country.
Primarily, this is to stop the flow of techniques to a foreign country and during times of war to efficiently produce ammunitions for military use. These are the two reasons for the registration.

Also, there are some benefits when it comes to the, for example taxes, so it’s not always a bad deal, but there is an apprentice program that is mandatory by law and periodic technical skill checks, so to be honest it is still annoying.

But no matter how annoying it may be, it is required.

The next day we went to the town hall to file some paperwork but――

[Range-san, are you an idiot?]

――A woman I was acquainted with insulted me in a cold tone.
She is a petite woman with long hair who probably has a distant ancestor who is from some island country
As she was wearing a proper uniform and sitting straight in her chair, she looked at me as if I was some garbage laying on the side of the road.

This woman’s name is Kaya.

She has a childish face so it’s hard to guess her age, but I’m sure she is younger than me and is around her early 20’s.

Also, one of the few people from “Fool’s Street” who is capable of functioning like a decent human is the old lady gardener. She is that Mir-san’s one and only daughter. Compared to her unbelievably cheerful mother, Kaya is the complete opposite, a tight ass.

[That is an abrupt greeting. Have I done something weird?] Granite

[Doing something weird, that’s not even the start…] Kaya

Kaya let out a long sigh as she looked at the young girl who was holding my hand and sticking next to me. She then stood up and spoke to the employee working behind her.

[Prathi-san, I’m sorry but I was wondering if you could watch the counter for a little while? I must have a conversation with this idiotic man, Range-san.] Kaya

[A,Ah. I u,understand. Please go ahead, senpai….] Prathi

[Hey, Kaya what are you playing at?] Granite

[It’s fine, just follow me.] Kaya

With a scowl on her face, Kaya led us to room with an empty sign up. After she confirmed we entered the room, she locked the door. She let out yet another sigh and then she started talking.

[Sit wherever you like. …Now just where did that child come from.] Kaya

Kaya asked this while looking back and forth at myself and the young girl who was wearing some lumpy winter clothes we picked up at a used clothes store. I answered her question with the same answer I gave earlier.

[Like I said. She is a distant relative of mine. Even though I don’t want to, I am the only one who can take her in.] Granite

[…So, you are going to stick with that story, huh? …Ugh, I understand. It’s hard to swallow but I’ll let it be. For argument’s sake let’s say that you are telling the truth. How did you bring that child into the capitol? You do know what season it is now, right? It’s the middle of winter. It’s hard to think that girl who has no other relatives but you would come from a far place all the way to the capital. Normally the prices of horse carriages during winter is high, do you know how high they are now that it’s the festival celebrating the princess’s birthday?] Kaya

[…. No matter what you say, isn’t it ok since she is here hence reason why we’ve come in the first place. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Unexpectedly there was a merchant who was overflowing with kindness and goodwill. Ok.] Granite

As I said this the little girl desperately nodded, just as we had practiced beforehand.
As she saw this, Kaya gave me a stern glare.

[Don’t sweat the small stuff, worrying about the small stuff is my job! On top of that. Unexpectedly! Are you even trying to hide that fact that your lying?] Kaya

[So annoying. Since you are like that, even though you’re an elite with a good job and have a decent face, your still single. Why don’t you try calming down a bit?] Granite

[H,HUH! T,That has nothing to do with this! And what about you! Even though your older than me, you are still single!] Kaya

[I’m doing fine. I don’t want to get married. When it comes to women, keeping it to a physical and monetary level is the best way to avoid future problems.] Granite
(TL Note: He is basically saying that it’s best to use prostitutes so he doesn’t have to deal with having a wife. This dude is the worst. lol)　

[A s,sleazebag like you! A,After saying all of that how do you want me to respond!?] Kaya

[The response you’re showing right now.] Granite

[!?! H,Horrible! You are horrible! Do you enjoying messing with people? Yeah, it is fun, huh. Everyone from Fool’s Street is like that!] Kaya

[Hey hey, this is a conversation between you and I. I don’t think it’s not good to involve other people. As a public worker from the town hall, you have to be reasonable.] Granite

[Huuh!? Why do I have to be lectured at by an irresponsible person such as yourself. Uhh, this isn’t fair…I hate this…] Kaya

Letting a young girl hear this wouldn’t be the best. So something similar to common sense stirred inside of me and I covered the young girl’s ears as I nosily argued with Kaya.
Kaya became confused with teary eyes, I then searched the room looking for a way out.

[Well, let’s just leave it at that, ok? We have lot to get done today. Let us continue this some other time.] Granite

[We don’t need to do continue this nonsense! Just do whatever you wan… No no no! We still haven’t finished the main conversation.] Kaya

Tsk… We were almost out of here, she came back to her senses.

As I was frustrated by this, Kaya took several deep breaths to calm herself.
Fuu… Even though she is so petite her chest was well armored. It gave off a nice feeling…
Well I’ll forgive her for all of her rudeness up until now.

As I thought this, Kaya began to severely glare at me.
I thought she caught me staring at her, but I was wrong. She was just glaring at me.

[I want you to spill the beans.] Kaya

[Spill the beans?] Granite

[Yes. Since we are the only ones here, I want you to tell me the truth. Even though I hate to admit it, I am from Fool’s Street. Even though you all are good for nothings, I still believe there is a line that you all would not cross.] Kaya

…Is that what you call trust? It looks like you’re just giving up to me.

As I tilted my head, I realized it is true that at this rate we won’t get anywhere.
But, even though it’s been awhile since I’ve seen her. I never expected her to say anything like this. She does seem to have loosened up somewhat.

――With that in mind, I haven’t crossed any line, right?
Honestly, I’m not even sure myself. What should I do?

I sat the girl in a chair and dragged Kaya to the far corner of the room and whispered to her.
Kaya made a face as I dragged her along, but she did follow me.

[….That’s right. Hah…..Don’t get mad.] Granite

[I’m already mad so it’s fine.] Kaya

[O,Oh. I picked her up in the slums.] Granite

[See, I knew she wasn’t a relative of…Huh?] Kaya

[I said I picked her up in the slums] Granite

[…What’s wrong? Are you feeling ill? For you to do something so humane.] Kaya

[That’s uncalled for. I am perfectly fine. …It is true that I wasn’t thinking of saving her when I brought her from the slums.] Granite

[Then why did you do it?] Kaya

[…I wanted an apprentice.] Granite

[Apprentice…..Apprentice?] Kaya

I…. cut out a lot as I explained the story to Kaya. Kaya stared at me trying to search out my true intentions with her eyes. But after a while she gave up with a sigh.

Then, Kaya looked over at the girl who was sitting restlessly in her chair as she stared at us. Kaya the reluctantly muttered.

[Hmm… It doesn’t look like that girl hates you… ―― I understand. I will help to register her as your distant relative. I’m sure that girl will be happier that way.] Kaya

[…What’s wrong with you? Aren’t you the one is feeling ill?] Granite

When Kaya heard what I said, she made a displeased face.

[Even I know how hard it is for an orphan to live in the slums. I can at least be that accommodating.] Kaya

Ah, no…
I just didn’t think about it that way but…
I only thought that it would be simpler.

W,Well if she wants to take it that way then be my quest.

[Well all things considered… even if this is known to the private parts of the town hall…there is no way to confirm any of this.] Kaya

[Huh? What do you mean?] Granite

[Ugh… Truth be told, the only groups of people properly managed are people of peerage, knight and soldiers, public workers employed by the country, and craftsman such as yourself. ――Since it’s only the two of us here, besides those who are directly connected to the profits of this country, the upper nobility is strongly against properly managing other groups of people. All the while the royal family quietly folds their hands and does nothing. To be honest, they interfered with the supply of the large amount of ale for the festival from the other day. Do they have any idea how chaotic the ――] Kaya

Hey, the story is going off track.
If I leave her like this she will complain endlessly, so I cut in.

[I got it. I got it. You are having a hard time as well. So, what. If for some reason a problem arises, you can just pretend like you don’t know anything.] Granite

[Fufu. You can be considerate of others too, huh. But please don’t worry. If that time comes, both you and I will properly accept our punishment.] Kaya

[I’m sorry, let me correct what I said earlier. You are a god damn tight ass.] Granite

As Kaya softly smiled and spoke, I let out a deep sigh.

§

As we returned to the counter and Kaya began to get the paperwork in order. She asked me a question.

[Ah, that’s right I failed to ask this earlier. What is the child’s name?] Kaya

[………Ah!] Granite

[………Huh?] Kaya

[No, wait it’s not what you think. Just wait a bit.] Granite

[I can’t believe it…. What is with this man….?] Kaya

Kaya looked at me as if I was a dead bug lying on the side of the road. She then held her head as if she had a sudden headache.

I panicked and crouched down, and locked eyes with the young girl who was once again tightly gripping my hand.

Now that she mentioned it, it’s so obvious!
Why haven’t I asked this girl her name up until now?!
How out of it am I?

[Ehem. I’m sorry. Even though this is something I did, I have been completely, truly, and hopelessly thoughtless. I know it’s a bit too late, but can you tell me your name?] Granite

[Name?] Child

After sleeping for a full night and having a proper breakfast and lunch, her complexion looks much better. The girl looked at me with her stunning green eyes and confusedly tilted her head.

…No, why is she confused in the first place.
I’m talking about your name, your own name. Please hurry up even though I know it’s too late to be asking this.

As I thought this, I asked the child once again.

[Yes. What’s your name?] Granite

[I don’t have a name.] Shalltear.

[Huh…?] Granite

That response was so unexpected, that my mind went blank for a second.

Eh? Are you serious? Do people in the slums not have a name?
Or maybe she has been in the slums since before she could be given a name?
This girl looks to be around 10 years old.

Shit, since I don’t know any other people from the slums I can’t come to a concrete answer.

…No wait wait wait, calm down down down. That isn’t the problem right now.
If she doesn’t have one then I’ll just have to give her a name. If anything, that is more convenient. Yep that’s right.

[O…k. Then I shall give you a name. Be thankful.] Granite

Shit, I can’t think of a name of the top of my head.
Um, oh right. Oh whatever, let’s just go with that.

[From today on your name shall be “Shalltear”.] Granite

As I said this I can hear a gulping sound from above me.
As I ignored this, I stared at the fragile little face in front of me.

[Sharuteea…? That is…my name…] Shalltear

[Yes, that’s right. Well to be accurate your name is now “Shalltear Range”. Range is the family name…a name that family member’s share. Do you have any complaints?] Granite

[We…are family? I with…Magician-sama.] Shalltear

[Hm, well…that’s right?] Granite

I nodded in the moment, since we are distant relatives, we are not really family.
Well, I thought I shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. Then at this moment the girl, now henceforth Shalltear――

―― Delivered a single shocking word.

[…Papa……] Shalltear

[!!??!??] Granite

I’m sure I was put into a stupor by the profound words of this little girl.
Exactly how I spent the rest of that day, has been completely erased from my memory.

(Author’s Note: Before I realized it’s the end of August…. My my, this author is beyond help.)
(TL Note: The author is commenting on how slow he is to update. I am not in a position to judge.)

 

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(Author’s Note: Sneaking in with a late-night upload.)

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[Hmm! Ah!] Child

As Pochi happily dug around inside the black cape the child, who isn’t used to this since it’s their first experience, is crying out. I turned my back to them and started to nod to myself.

Pochi is the best~.

Of course one might be surprised by the springy texture at first.

But I’m sure you’ll immediately feel good.

Since pochi is always eating the scraps of medicinal herbs his treatment is good for the body, I also taught Pochi techniques to relieve stiff shoulders, so it perfect to warm up a body stiffened by the cold.

Being a guy who normally sleeps all the time on a hard bed and doesn’t exercise, even though I’m 27 years old sometimes I find my body creaking.

At these times, Pochi is a slime that real comes in handy.

As I was grumbling like an old man, I held the basket with the washed glass containers and arrived in front of the raw materials cabinet. I tilted my head.

 

[Ahh….] Child

 

For the food it’s annoying so the Braised Moa Pigeon I made yesterday will do, it is just dry meat and garbage vegetables with no flavor.

If I am to feed it to that child there isn’t enough nutrients.

Anyway, what’s the point of going to the trouble of swiping this kid if it will just collapse on me.

After being skinny for so long and having no stamina, making this child do something is impossible. Still I want this kid to start supporting me as soon as possible.

If I consider a miniscule amount of materials and a slight amount of effort as a prior investment to my future, then it’s all good.

As I thought this, I randomly took some preprocessed medicinal herbs and leaf buds, and the fresh carrots that the old lady forced on to me yesterday and placed them in my cart. (I am deeply puzzled at how she harvested these in the middle of winter from a kitchen garden.)

Then I made my way to the storage cabinet where the extracted liquids are lined up and tilted my head.

 

[Haaa!] Child

 

Is there anything that has a decent flavor and is nutritious.

Oh, let’s go with this. This bottle with a fish head floating in the liquid.

It’s not meant for cooking and I have no idea about the taste, but it has to be better than the bottles with snakes, frogs, or lizards.

As I thought this I poured some of the fish extract into the glass container. After this I thought I would give the child a little service and headed to the cabinet with the magically sealed bottles.

Among these bottles there is a magically sealed bottle that contains low quality purple magic gel. This is used to make healing potions. Using a syringe, I placed some drops of the gel in the food. (TL Note: 魔粘体 is the magic gel and it translates into magic sticky stuff. So I just made this gel if anyone has a better word let me know in the comments.)

…Let me at least explain what I’m putting in the food. After the practitioner dissolves materials in the alchemy pot, due to certain “magical concepts”, the “material’s effects” that are observed can be extracted. The materials that have had their “effects” removed remain at the bottom of the alchemy pot maintaining their physical composition. Any effects that couldn’t be analyzed or any magic substance that wasn’t extracted is also left separated in the alchemy pot.

 

[Uhhhh….!] Child

 

This is the same thing that occurs in the stomach of a slime following their own natural rules, furthermore alchemists have a technique that can extract the “effect” in a transient form known as “magic gel”.

And what I just put in the glass container, while not having a high purity, is a magic gel with an effect called “restoration” that will speed up a person’s natural healing ability by using their own mana.

By the way, the magical concept I mentioned earlier differs greatly based on the practitioner’s ability, sense, and knowledge. So, what really affects this is the hard work and talent of the alchemist.

When it comes to me not only do I not have the talent. I don’t even have to drive to put in any effort. Since I cannot extract anything of high-quality, I can only make mediocre products.

Even with this, it’s not like everyone can replicate these techniques, so I do make some money.

This is a perk of having a technical job. (TL Note: As in being an Alchemist is a job that requires a specific skill set that everyone doesn’t know. So he will always make money no matter how crappy of a job he does.)

…As I ramble on like this, instead of cooking it’s starting to feel like I’m preparing to do some alchemy. Well, that is all there is.

 

[…Nya…!] Child

 

For the food, this about enough materials…ingredients that I’ll use.

All that’s left is to take the food I made yesterday from the cold storage underneath the floor in the corner of the kitchen. If I combine the food with the stuff I just made and heat it should be ok.

So I quickly took the food and threw in some seasoning, then I stirred the meat and plants in the glass container, and used a magic tool to heat it up.

As it started to look ready, I gave it a taste.

….

The fish extract is slightly fishy and is overpowering the other flavors…

 

[….Yeah. Well, let’s cover it up with some liquor.] Granite

As I thought this I threw in the little cider I had and cooked off the alcohol.

[…Uh. It’s kind of sweet now.] Granite

As long as it’s nutritious and you can eat it, then anything is ok.

As long as you can eat it it’s ok, as long as you can eat it.

It should be ok since children like sweet things.

 

[……*collapse*] Child

 

Just as I finished preparing the food, the playful sounds of Pochi and the child that were coming from behind me stopped.

That’s some good timing, nice job Pochi.

As I thought this, I held the two hot glass containers with a cloth and turned around.

――And there in front of me was.

S,Someone died….!?

Of course there is no way that’s true.

There was a skinny girl that wasn’t even 10 years old with orange hair lying limp on the floor.

As she held the black cape I gave her tightly she stuck out her face which was beet red and she was breathing heavily.

Then when she realized I was looking at her, the corners of the girl’s eyes started to have tears run in them and she looked this way.

Her hair is a bit damp and there doesn’t seem to be any residue on her face.

Well when Pochi is preying on…that’s wrong. When Pochi is eating I trained it to leave as little mucus as possible. By the way after Pochi ate it’s fill, pochi immediately returned to the jar. So smart.

――But nevertheless.

 

[Ah? You were a girl?] Granite

 

Well to be honest, I don’t care about the gender, so I don’t care but.

When it comes to strength, a boy that has a lot of stamina might have been better.

However, it’s not like a girl would have a problem worth mentioning.

Besides that, the young girl that is looking up at me with eyes fill of resentment.

“What, so she can make expressions besides that expressionless stare”

I felt somewhat relieved as I thought this.

……Well you know.

If she had truly lost all of her emotions, dealing with her would be beyond my means.

If things had turned out as such, who knows how long it would take for her to finally start supporting me. That would indeed be troubling.

As I stood there nodding to myself, I called out to the girl.

 

[How are you? Do you feel refreshed?] Granite

[……Yes.] Child

 

Thanks to the medical effect of Pochi’s secretions color returned to the girl’s cheeks. I suddenly laughed as I looked down at the little girl who responded with eyes filled with resentment.

However, I knew that I shouldn’t show myself slacking off since we are at the stage where we still can’t talk to each other properly. So I put on the dignified look I practiced.

[Ok, next is food. Now let’s eat at that table over there.] Granite

As I said this, I gestured to the table where there was a piece of black bread and a jug of water.

Then, the girl seemed to finally smell the soup I was holding in my hand.

 

[Um…] Child

 

As the girl went between looking at me and then the soup in my hands again and again. She let out a small voice while looking bewildered.

What? I’m sure she is hungry. I don’t understand this girl.

She should act like a brat from the slums and just start eating.

I’m the kind of person who is annoyed when someone is reserving themselves when I try to do something for them.

By the way, anyone who acts like it’s obvious for people to do stuff for them are also very annoying.

I can’t believe this. Who does she think she is? (TL Note: This dude needs to chill)

 

[What’s wrong? Hurry up before it gets cold.] Granite

 

I said this while rushing her as I made my way to the table first. I put the soup on the table and sat down. Then I poured some water on the rye bread and forcefully tore some off.

The child sat where she was and stared at me with a frozen expression. After a while she slowly stood up.

At first she slowly walked over but then broke into a short run. She didn’t seem used to sitting at a table as she climbed the high chair. Then she at the place in front of me. (TL Note: She is 10 years old now, so I imagine she is too small to sit in a chair normally without climbing into it.)

As the girl was slightly shaking she stared at the piping hot soup and the torn rye bread in front of her, I called out to her.

 

[If you don’t dip the rye bread in the soup, the bread is really hard. …Oh maybe you don’t know how to use the cutlery? You cut it like this.] Granite

 

In order to show her an example I took some of the meat with my fork and took a bite as I soaked the rye bread in the soup.

As the girl sat there silently watching me, she finally mimicked what I did and as she took a bite…

――Tears rolled down from her eyes, she had a calm expression as if she was a saint.

Tears rolled down her sunken cheeks.

Without wiping away the tears, all she did was eat her food, hands shaking, and with an expression as if she happy from the bottom of her heart.

I wanted to ask her several things while we ate, but after seeing her like this all I could do was stare while not saying a word.

So after some time past, the young girl finished the soup and cleaned her plate.

Whether it’s thanks to the “restorative” effects, the medicinal herbs, or the secretions of Pochi who diligently covered her skin.

Compared to how she was when I first met her she seems like a different person. The young girl who has the life returned back to her wipes her tears. Even though she was expressionless just a while ago now as I stared at her she had a smile.

In those clear green eyes that were looking at me I couldn’t sense any of the emptiness from before.

To be honest, how can such a young girl change so drastically is beyond me. I pondered this to myself.

Did I do something?

All I did was clean her up, and gave her some food I just threw together.

That’s all I did there is no reason for her to have a face that says “thank you for saving me.”.

Yeah, it’s ok since she seems easy to deal with.

Well, it’s ok.

I’m sure due to the slime massage and her stomach being full she is just acting strange.

It happens. It happens.

For example, if I am gambling while drinking and I use all my money when I’m on a roll. I feel awesome at that moment even though I know I will regret it later.

The fact that in exchange for this brief moment of happiness you will work for my sake is something you will come to regret.

As I thought of such horrible things, the girl has been quiet for a while. So I decided to put on a serious face and continue the conversation but right before this.

Before I could say anything the girl spoke.

 

[Um…] Child

 

Thanks to finally getting some food, the child’s voice finally started to sound high-pitched like someone her age.

Then the girl with a smile on her faced jumped off from the chair.

 

[What’s wrong? Do you need to use the restroom?] Granite

She grasped the cape and made her way toward me. And she looked at me as I called out to her.

[….Magician-sama. Since before, have you been, doing that, on purpose?] Child (TL Note: Ok so this is weird. The author doesn’t use kanji for when the girl is talking only hiragana {one of the phonetic alphabets}. So, I took this as her speaking in a weird way, so I will break up her sentences with commas to accurately represent this.)

[What? What do you mean since before? I have done nothing on purpose.] Granite

[Ha. No,… it’s nothing. Um… Magician-sama, I am ready.] Child

The girl gulped as she said this and made a soft yet weird smile.

I wanted to ask what did she mean by “I’m ready”. But she continued speaking right before I could open my mouth.

――The next words out of her mouth left me dumbfounded.

[Magician-sama. Thank you, so much for, everything. The food was, very, very, good. I am very happy, for all the, ways you have, saved me tonight. That’s why, now it’s my, turn to give something. Please… ] Child

[Use me, as a sacrifice!] Child

[…???] Granite

 

What the hell is this girl saying??

I became silent without thinking and I stared at the girl’s face looking for some sort of answer.

Sacrifice? As in sacrificing someone right. Where did she get that idea, that’s so scary…

Why would I do something that I would never be able to take back as long as I live.

Even thought my motto is “Be honest to my desires, but be that as it may avoid anything troublesome”.

As I wondered what this child was thinking, one of the skulls in my room came into my field of vision.

Skulls…

…

……

………

Ahhhhhhh!

No way, you’ve got to be kidding me. I am such an idiot.

Would someone normally make such a basic mistake?

Taking everything that’s happened into account, you can understand just how lacking my powers of imagination really are.

Hahahaha.

She must think I am some sort of dangerous magician or something.

Since I stood there silently while I frantically worked my normally unused brain, the little girl in front of me desperately tried to maintain her smile as tears welled up in her eyes.

As I realized this, I hurriedly opened my mouth.

 

[Uh, well you see――] Granite

[Am I, not able, to be of use, to magician-sama!] Child

[No, that’s not it――] Granite

[Please! If it’s for, the magician-sama, who took my hand, I will give everything I have! But the only thing, I have to give is myself! That’s why!] Child

[Doing something so dangerous is…] Granite

[I, I don’t want, my life to end while, I’m alone! Please.] Child

 

T,This kid… She keeps talking over meeee!!

She’s doing it on purpose, right?! I can’t explain myself like this!!

And what the hell do you mean by “wanting to become a sacrifice”, I have no idea what she’s trying to say.

Please speak using words and reasoning that I understand!!

Ha, my stomach has started to hurt… Please, just listen to what I am trying to say!

――After shaking off the shock I stood up and tried to hold down the young girl who must being going through some trip. (TL Note: The author actually uses the word トリップ as if he is implying she is tripping after getting high. I left it in even though it’s kind of weird.)

 

[I will become a sacrifice!] Child

 

As the little girl said this she threw the black cape to the ground.

Now she is butt-naked and running to the heated alchemy pot.

Whaaaaaat?!?!?

What are you saying?!?!?!?!

What the hell do you mean “I’ll become a sacrifice”!?!

The only person in the whole world who is unlucky enough to hear that is me.

This girl, everything she does is extreme. (TL Note: Granite probably means how she was super scary when he met her, then all of the crying with the food and now all the talk about sacrificing herself. I kind of agree…)

 

[Hey, wait. Calm down!!!] Granite

 

As I shouted this the little girl used the chair to jump over the table. I chased after the surprisingly fast girl but she had already arrived near the alchemy pot, there was no way I would reach her in time.

I felt time slow down.

Inside of this slowed down time, “Ah, this is how my life is going to end…” is what I thought as I was eerily. I laughed and sighed.

There is no way a coward like me could withstand being a criminal.

Goodbye, the carefree life of my dreams. Hello, the life of a criminal…

――With this I helplessly gave up on living but then.

The situation reached an unforeseen conclusion.

 

[Waah] Child

 

There was a skull lying near the alchemy pot.

Then the young girl who had volunteered to sacrifice herself stepped on the skull and fell over.

As I watched this happen I thought.

Life can drag you down to the bottom or save you with just the littlest things.

 

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