Chapter 60: Self-study

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Translator: Soafp

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As the school year progressed into its second month…

“Hey, Faristea.”

“Yes?”

“You chose the recovery magic elective, right? Let’s head there together.”

“Hmm?”

“The elective class. Move?”

“Yes.”

I tried my best to convey my message through gestures and expressions, uncertain if Faristea fully understood. Regardless, we made our way to the recovery magic classroom.

By the way, Lewis and Nero opted for physical enhancement. They’d delve into magic in the next stage; for now, they were focusing on strengthening their bodies. According to Anna-sensei, apart from language, Faristea’s skills were on par with an S-class, and indeed, she excelled consistently across the board.

While she seemed a bit weak in combat, she displayed proficiency in attack and recovery magic, and surprisingly, she could also employ enchantment magic. However, as anticipated, a language barrier stood between us.

During our study session on recovery magic, an idea struck me. Why not engage in self-study after school?

I could teach Faristea the common tongue, and in return, she could instruct me in Elvish. Meanwhile, Lewis and Nero could focus on perfecting their physical enhancement exercises in the background.

There was a reason behind my proposal. Every day after school, I was whisked away by Lewis and Nero for intense training, leaving me with nothing to do.

I’d always been intrigued by languages from different races. If given the opportunity, I’d love to learn Demonkin, Beastman, and Dwarven languages. So, I proposed this idea to Faristea.

“Faristea, after school, shall we study together?”

“Hmm?”

I quickly raised the white flag and sought Anna-sensei’s translation.

“I see. Let me ask Faristea-chan.”

The two conversed in a language I couldn’t understand. After about five minutes:

“Seems like it’s generally okay. But being alone with the opposite sex might be an issue, so I’ll be in the classroom too.”

“Oh, thanks, Anna-sensei.”

“But I didn’t know you were interested in Elvish, Aldo.”

“Is that so?”

I offered a polite smile to sidestep Anna-sensei’s question, fearing a scolding if I said I needed something to fill my time.

Actual studying would begin tomorrow, so today I went to the library to borrow Elvish dictionaries and materials.

As for physical enhancement training, it mainly involved moving my body to familiarize myself with magic. The key was gradually increasing the amount of magical power.

As the teacher’s instructions often led to moments of inactivity, I planned to dedicate that time to learning Elvish. It was an incredibly efficient method. If Faristea could teach me Elvish and perhaps share some Elven secrets as thanks for learning the common tongue, that would be fantastic.

I eagerly anticipated the start of our self-study plan tomorrow.

The next day after school…

“All right, Lewis and Nero, focus on physical enhancement while going up and down the stairs.”

“Understood.”

Lewis and Nero began their physical enhancement exercises, signaling it might take a while.

“Faristea, can you teach me Elvish?”

“I’m looking forward to working with you.” (Broken sentence)

“I appreciate it. Let’s do our best.”

We exchanged languages with each other. Anna-sensei turned out to be unexpectedly helpful. Even things that weren’t in the dictionary, she timely guided us through.

Steadily learning, it’s the same in the Blue Ring Territory, and even back in Japan.

Living in two worlds, I realized there’s no shortcut to achieving something.

Lewis and Nero seemed to enjoy their training, visibly progressing. Faristea and I were doing well in learning languages.

“Being aware of progress.”

I remember discussing with Olivia ways to instill confidence in Lewis, and this state of awareness might indeed be the first step to self-assurance.

As we joyfully learned, Anna-sensei observed us with a radiant expression.

One month later…

A month had passed since we continued regular classes, elective courses, and self-study after school.

It’s mid-June now. If you’re a student, you’d understand.

Summer break is just around the corner, but before that, it’s time for the end-of-term tests.

“Are you guys ready for the tests?”

“Who are you asking? School tests are a piece of cake.”

“I think I’m okay.”

“I’m okay with the tests.”

Everyone seems fine… Faristea, even if her language isn’t perfect, seems okay. But am I okay? If I fail again… I might not be able to bounce back.

Only three days left until the exams.

Why do people only start moving when they’re cornered? It’s an eternal mystery.

I’ll try my best to somehow avoid failing.

After the tests…

It seems like I managed this time. I felt confident.

“Is it okay to answer △△ for the question about ○○?”

“Huh? Isn’t it ××?”

“I wrote ×× too.”

Talking about the test questions just like we did after exams long ago.

I was enjoying myself.

Casual conversations with classmates. The feeling of moving closer to daily goals. Even failure had a bittersweet charm.

I noticed Faristea, who’s usually smiling, seemed down.

I asked her what was wrong.

“Faristea, is something the matter?”

“Aldo… I’m alone…”

“Alone? What about your parents?”

“Returned to our land.”

“Why?”

“Hmm?”

“Oh, never mind.”

I called Anna-sensei for translation.

Faristea and Anna-sensei spoke in Elvish. Through my studies, I could grasp fragments of their conversation.

It seemed humans had desecrated something precious to the Elves?

I waited for them to finish their conversation to hear the full story.

A human had stolen a potion from the Elf graveyard. Though the culprit was unknown, Elves had spotted a human woman going in and out.

Faristea’s parents, Elven diplomats, were stationed in the Fosterk Kingdom. They demanded a severe apology from the kingdom for desecrating Elven grounds.

However, instead of an apology, the kingdom imprisoned Faristea’s parents.

There wasn’t any immediate danger to her parents, but it was decided they would be sent back to the Elven homeland.

Faristea was left in a predicament. It seemed there was no choice but to leave her without any resolution.

“I see…”

Somehow, Lewis and Nero were also nearby, overhearing the conversation.

“Even for a kingdom, this is going too far.”

“Lewis, don’t speak so loudly. We might get caught even if Faristea doesn’t understand.”

“Sorry. If I had power, I could help…”

Silence fell. I could feel everyone’s gaze on me.

“Me?”

“Aldo, you’re the eldest son. Can’t you do something?”

“Aldo can manage it.”

“Lewis, Nero, don’t take it so lightly…”

The stares persisted…

“….”

“Hmm, I get it. I’ll ask my grandfather, but don’t get your hopes up.”

“As expected of Aldo.”

“Aldo can handle it.”

I pondered how to broach the subject with my grandfather while clutching my head.

“Faristea, is no one at your home?”

“I’m alone.”

“Okay, got it. Come to my place. Anna-sensei, please come too.”

“Thank you, Aldo.”

“Me too? To a noble’s house? Impossible.”

“We need Faristea’s translator. It’s necessary for speaking to my grandfather.”

“Is there no one else…?”

“I think there might be?”

“Prepare yourself.”

Anna-sensei sighed, waving the white flag.

After returning to the mansion…

(What should I tell my grandfather? I’ve armed myself with reasoning…)

Anna-sensei and Faristea waited in the guest room. First, it would be just me talking.

With resolve, I headed to my grandfather’s study. One deep breath before the door… A knock and a request to enter.

“Grandfather, it’s Aldo. I’d like to speak with you.”

“…Haa, come in.”

I heard a heavy sigh from behind the door.

“I understand Joshua’s feelings.”

As I entered, my grandfather muttered something to himself. Early signs of senility?

“Grandfather, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“The kingdom is planning to send back the Elven diplomats to their homeland. This could mean…”

“Wait!”

“Huh?”

“How do you know about that? Depending on the circumstances, even you might not get away with it!”

“I intend to explain it now.”

“….”

My grandfather rubbed his temples and took a deep breath.

“Explain it.”

“Yes. The daughter of the diplomat is a friend of mine. If her parents are separated, she can’t live. If something happens, it could affect the kingdom’s reputation…”

“…So?”

“At our Blue Ring family estate, we can provide protection. It’s best to create a balance between the Elves and the kingdom.”

“Specifically?”

“Yes. There won’t be a war with the Elves at this point. Treating the daughter with respect here will avoid causing minor troubles. It’ll demonstrate the kingdom’s magnanimity and save face for the Elves. Then, when reconciliation happens, we can orchestrate a reunion between the daughter and her parents.”

“And Blue Ring would do this?”

“Exactly. If needed, I have a friend, the illegitimate child of Count Sandra. Involving them could pacify any envy from other nobles.”

“What’s in it for us?”

“Debt to both the Elven nation and the kingdom. Plus, a personal debt to the diplomat’s family. If we involve the Sandra Count’s family, there’s debt there too.”

“…”

“…”

“Haa….”

“…”

“Alright, where is the daughter?”

“She’s waiting in the guest room with the translator.”

“Treat both of them as guests of the Blue Ring family. I’ll arrange things with the kingdom and the Count Sandra’s family soon. Is that okay?”

“Yes, thank you, Grandfather.”

I responded with a broad smile, but my grandfather’s expression soured.

“I truly feel relieved that you aren’t an enemy at heart.”

“I could never be your enemy, Grandfather.”

“I hope so. You can leave now.”

“Yes, excuse me.”

I thanked him and exited the study, heading straight for the guest room where Faristea and Anna-sensei were waiting.

I reached the door, knocked, and spoke up.

“Aldo here. May I come in?”

“Y-Yes, please.”

Upon Anna-sensei’s response, I entered the room. Inside, Anna-sensei seemed tense, while Faristea appeared relaxed.

“I’ve spoken with my grandfather. You both will be treated as guests of the Blue Ring family.”

“R-Really? That’s a relief.”

Anna-sensei visibly relaxed her shoulders. She seemed quite anxious.

I explained the conversation with my grandfather as innocuously and benevolently as possible.

“Oh, so you went to plead with the king for Faristea?”

“I believe my grandfather will handle it.”

“Is there more to it?”

“No, I was just thinking that summer vacation is almost here.”

“Is that bad?”

“I’ll be returning to the Blue Ring estate.”

“Wait! Are you planning to leave us behind and go back alone?”

“Well, it might turn out that way.”

“Then I’m going too! I have this feeling that something bad will happen if I’m left without Aldo.”

“That’s rude! The Blue Ring family wouldn’t do anything like that!”

“Even so, I’m going! Please take us with you! Please…”

“…Alright.”

“Really! Thank you, Aldo.”

“Well, make sure you get Faristea’s consent too, okay?”

“Leave it to me!”

And so, it was decided that Anna-sensei and Faristea would accompany me to the Blue Ring estate for the summer vacation. Until the end of the term, the five of us—me, Anna-sensei, Faristea, El, and Marl—would commute to and from school together from the Blue Ring mansion.

Three days later…

Two days remained until the start of summer vacation.

“Aldo, I’ll also be going to your territory. Take care of things, alright?”

I was suddenly told this by Lewis.

(I guess Grandfather must have arranged something with the Count Sandra’s family.)

“Understood. In that case, the only one not coming in our group is Nero?”

“I want to go too. Is it not allowed?”

“…”

“Not allowed?”

Nero looked at me with pleading eyes, despite me being more of a dog person…

“Alright.”

“That’s Aldo for you.”

I gave in to Nero.

Regaining composure, I contemplated the members who would be going to the Blue Ring estate for the summer vacation.

“So, the ones heading to Blue Ring are me, Faristea, Anna-sensei, Lewis, Nero, El, Marl… and Olivia is coming too, apparently.”

“Ha? Why Olivia?”

“Well, I’m her friend, so it’s definite for me. But being just an illegitimate child might make things complicated or something.”

“Seriously…”

Ultimately, including Olivia, we became a group of eight heading to the Blue Ring estate. Looks like there might be another twist awaiting us at the Blue Ring estate.