Chapter 133: Father

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Translator: Soafp

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As I gradually awoke from my drowsiness, I slowly opened my eyelids to find Mom’s face peering at me.

“Uwa!”

“What’s with the ‘uwa’! How rude.”

Looking around, I noticed El and Ashera had also awakened and were sitting nearby.

“Al, I told El and Ashera about Aoi’s earlier conversation.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“So, I think it’s best for you guys to conquer the Claw Fang’s labyrinth while you’re on break.”

“The Claw Fang’s labyrinth… But there’s the Earth Dragon…”

“Labyrinth and their lords are pretty much the same everywhere. Otherwise, they would’ve all been conquered by now.”

“That’s true, but…”

“If you can’t obtain magic stones, either you or El will have to quit the academy and return to the domain.”

I glanced at El and we exchanged knowing smiles, understanding each other’s reluctance to leave the academy.

“El, this time it’s not a meaningless fight. I want you to join me in the labyrinth exploration.”

“I understand… But please let me consult with Marl first.”

“Alright, I get it.”

“Unlike Ashera, Marl can’t come with us on our battles. That’s why I worry even more.”

“It’s alright. I understand. Marl is just a little too cautious.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologize. After all, I’m the one who roped you guys into this. I’m sorry.”

“Nii-sama, I’ve told you many times. It’s our destiny.”

“If that’s what you say… Thank you.”

After that, Mom, El, Ashera, and I had a detailed discussion. We decided on a few things. First, we would leave Halva behind and head to the capital.

Halva would stay behind to serve as a liaison with Aoi. Halva would report to Aoi twice a day, in the morning and evening, in the ring room about the situation in Blurring.

We would listen to Halva’s reports through Aoi and return to Blue Ring immediately if there was a crisis.

This arrangement was necessary to appease Grandfather and Father, as well as to allow us to focus on dungeon exploration without worrying too much.

Although I felt sorry for Halva and Aoi, it seemed like the best option for now.

As for why we chose Halva, it was because both El and I became Apostles. We decided to keep this information confidential. If that was the case, it was better to have as few people as possible who knew the secret.

Moreover, we could trust someone who would become a parent to us, even if only in name. That was the reasoning behind it.

Mom told us that it would be best for both Ashera and me to explain and make the request to Halva.

It seemed like Ashera had already left to talk to Halva independently, and our conversation seemed somewhat distant.

Mom probably wanted the two of us to go and talk to Halva together.

We needed to speak with Halva as soon as possible.

In addition to the matter with Halva, we also needed to inform Commander Miroku and Commander Grano about our journey to the capital.

They would probably be reluctant to see both me and El leave Blurring.

I planned to leave the arrangements to Mom. I had a strange trust in Ice Witch; she seemed like she could handle it somehow.

However, I didn’t think everything would go smoothly.

So, with these arrangements and considerations in mind, we decided to depart for the capital four days later in the morning.

—Next morning—

After having breakfast, Ashera and I visited Halva in the knight’s quarters.

Halva was staying in one of the guest rooms in the mansion but having meals at the knight’s quarters.

As we peered into the entrance of the quarters, a knight I hadn’t seen before approached me.

“I was deeply moved by the magic the other day. To wipe out such a horde of goblins with a single spell… Aldo-sama and Elphus-sama are the heroes of Blue Ring!”

His eyes sparkled as he looked at me, and he seemed genuinely sincere.

“Thank you…”

We had gone through so much trouble. Maybe it was okay to be a little proud. This knight wouldn’t be disrespectful. Let’s call Halva over.

“I actually came to visit someone. Could you call Vice Commander Halva for me?”

“Vice Commander Halva, huh? Please wait a moment.”

The young knight ran off to fetch Halva.

After about five minutes, the knight returned with Halva.

“Good morning, Aldo-sama.”

“Good morning, Halva.”

Halva glanced briefly at Ashera but didn’t initiate any conversation.

“Halva, I’d like to talk for a bit. Is there a place where we won’t be overheard?”

“If that’s the case, let’s use the knight’s conference room. It’s soundproofed.”

“Understood. Let’s go there, then.”

“Yes.”

Halva instructed the knight who had fetched him to prepare the conference room and some tea.

“Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Ashera and I followed behind Halva, with the knight running ahead. By now, he was probably rushing around to tidy up the conference room and prepare the tea.

When we arrived at the conference room, a knight was just bringing in the tea. Once everyone was seated, the knight distributed the tea and then left the room.

“Now, what did you want to discuss?”

In response to Halva’s prompt, I slowly began to explain the matters decided during yesterday’s meeting. There were a few questions from Halva along the way, most of which I was able to answer.

One of those questions was about spirits and what they were, which was a perfectly reasonable question.

I decided to summon Aoi to introduce him to Halva.

“Aoi, this is Halva. He’ll be the liaison as we discussed yesterday.”

“Aoi here. Nice to meet you. Can we keep the communication short? I don’t have much time.”

“Oh… um, yeah… the spirit…”

Halva froze, which was unusual. Ashera and I observed him together, curious.

After about two minutes, Halva snapped back.

“Uh, sorry… I was a bit surprised…”

“It’s okay. Everyone reacts the same way at first.”

“Yeah…”

“So, this is Aoi. He’s our spirit, apparently.”

“What do you mean ‘this’? For someone like Aldo, you’re pretty cheeky.”

“…”

“Something like that. I want to keep the communication brief, if possible. Just a word or two.”

“Aldo! I’m one of the higher-ranking spirits. You’re already making me do errands like this, and now you’re complaining?”

“I’m sorry. Aoi. That’s not what I meant.”

“Whatever… Is that all you need? If you have nothing else, I’ll leave. I’m busy.”

“Oh, yeah, thanks. Aoi.”

With a final glance at me, Aoi disappeared.

“So, Halva. We’re entrusting Aoi with the communication.”

“… Yes. Understood.”

For now, the explanation and request were finished. But the real conversation was yet to come. I needed Halva’s genuine forgiveness for Ashera.

“Halva…no. Father, please forgive me once again for my relationship with Ashera. Please.”

I stood up and bowed deeply to Halva, making my plea.

“We discussed that yesterday. Please, take care of Ashera…”

Halva showed me a faint smile as he responded.

I sat back down and let out a deep sigh.

Halva’s expression turned serious as he addressed Ashera.

“Ashera, are you sure about Aldo-sama?”

“Yeah. Aldo is good.”

“Your child will be a new race. Being from another race means you probably won’t receive support from the Blue Ring family. Life will likely be very difficult.”

“Yeah. I’m prepared.”

“…”

“…”

“Understood. I won’t say anything more. But if anything were to happen to you, I don’t know if I could forgive Aldo-sama…”

“Are you going to do something to Aldo?”

“I don’t know. So don’t die.”

“…”

“I absolutely forbid you to die…”

“…Understood.”

With that, things somehow returned to normal. I honestly couldn’t understand a parent’s feelings, but I felt that Halva’s concern for Ashera’s well-being needed to be cherished.

~The next day~

Today, the tub for the bath should arrive. I’ve been casting Encampment magic in a hidden spot since morning, ensuring good drainage. It’s incredibly convenient not to worry about mana since becoming an apostle.

Mana intoxication can be trained little by little to convert it into magical power. It’s a practice that’s only meaningful for apostles like me and El, as increasing magical power is crucial for us, even if it’s limited to the territory.

Ever since Aoi taught me, I’ve been constantly using mana. Even this bath, El and I got carried away and even made a drain. I plan to ask Roland to provide a wooden cover for it.

Using our apostle powers to the fullest, El and I managed to progress the construction to leveling the ground and laying the stone slabs in just one day. Now, we’re waiting for the tub to arrive.

After lunch, while waiting for the tub at the entrance, I faintly heard the sound of a carriage approaching. I dashed up to the roof of the mansion using Space Kick.

About 100 meters away, a carriage loaded with a large tub was approaching. I guided the carriage from the gate to near the bath.

“Here we go.”

“Yes.”

“Yeah.”

“Looks good.”

We’re now unloading the tub from the carriage. The team consists of me, El, Ashera, and Mom. Since Ashera has only one hand, she can’t carry anything, so Mom helps her.

We quickly installed the tub with the four of us. From here, I can manage alone, but El and Ashera, except for Mom, helped. Ice Witch sat in a chair she brought from somewhere, watching us work while drinking tea.

Ice Witch’s comments always come back threefold, so I just ignore them.

We set up a folding screen for privacy and use a tent for the changing room. We also prepared small items… and finally, the bath was completed!

I was about to fill the bath with hot water using my apostle power when I remembered the soap.

“Ashera, didn’t you receive soap from Naga-san during our dungeon exploration? Can you bring it?”

“…I don’t have it.”

“Don’t have it? Did you lose it?”

“I gave it to Master because she wanted it…”

I looked at Mom.

There was Ice Witch, with a mischievous smile on her face.

“A~l, do you need soap~?”

“Yes… If you could lend it to us…”

“That’s fine.”

“Really?!”

“But… Ashera and I will go in first.”

“Ugh… A-Alright…”

“Oh, and please prepare some milk too. Of course, chilled to perfection.”

“Got it…”

And so, Mom and Ashera stole the first bath.

Moreover, they stayed in the bath for an hour before coming out.

As they came out of the bath, my anger gauge slowly began to rise until just a moment ago. But when I turned to Mom and Ashera to scold them, all my anger vanished in an instant.

Their wet hair and slightly flushed cheeks were too adorable. Uh-oh. I couldn’t take my eyes off Ashera.

As for Ashera, she looked embarrassed by my reaction.

Mom shrugged and went into the mansion. Ice Witch only seems to act appropriately at times like this.

Just as I was about to hug and kiss her, I coughed…

“Nii-sama, surely not here…”

It was El. Ashera blushed and ran away.

I felt a strange mixture of emotions as I followed El to the bath.