BXBX NOVEL Chapter 23.1: 5 Years Later
Time seems to pass by so quickly after the New Year.
I complete various urgent tasks as if chased by time. And before I notice it, February has already arrived.
Anyway, I officially graduated from the local school.
It feels somewhat fast, but also slow. What a strange feeling.
Graduating also means that I am now free from all those physically and mentally draining school events.
Yayyyyy!
During my graduation ceremony, those painful days flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern, causing my eyes to feel hot. I felt like crying.
I’ve worked hard. You’re the best, me. Well done.
And now, all the school events are CLEARED!
My chronic gastritis and insomnia will finally go away─wait no, not yet.
There are still so many things I have to do. So many things to worry about. I won’t be able to let go of my stomach medicine and sleep-inducing herbs just yet.
Anyway, at least I’m free from school-related things. Plus, I don’t have to leave Leis Village.
I am now working as an apprentice and assistant to my father the lord, helping him manage the territory.
Up to this point, unexpected events have happened one after another, and I’m always dragged into them. I had to rack my brains to free myself. But one way or another, things are still going according to plan.
And I hope this will continue.
Meanwhile, the future hero is moving to Cheddar-san’s house after graduation, just as he planned. And moving out with him are three kids from the church—
Eh? Seriously?!!
That’s what I felt when I heard that news.
As the three had chased after the Cheddars’ carriage with tears and snot on their faces, the couple were so amused that they burst out laughing, bringing them to the ranch too. Back then, I thought that they were only going to stay for the day or even overnight.
However, after Alfred told them to return to the church before it grew too dark, they became as stubborn as a mule. “We go hwome with Al-nii-chan!” they said with anxious faces. No matter what, they wouldn’t return home, giving everyone a nice headache.
The trio were still too young to understand that Alfred wouldn’t return to the church anymore. And since they’re very close with him, they’re reluctant to part with him.
In the past, I’ve seen them playing happily with Alfred. They’d climb on his head. Hung on his arms and back as he pruned the church garden and repaired the building.
And said person only continued with his work without a fuss, even though they were literally hanging from his body. What crazy strength. He’d also occasionally give them snacks whenever he returned from work.
Alfred acted like a dad even on his day-off.
No, he’s probably more similar to a moving vehicle. Or maybe an amusement park attraction? Eventually, the other small kids would imitate the trio and climb his body with cheer.
Well, kids love moving vehicles after all. It’s also a plus that the moving vehicle gives them sweets.
It’s such a funny sight that I can’t help but feel like laughing each time. But I can sense that he’ll get annoyed at me if I do, so I resist the urge.
Just like that, Cheddar-san and his wife now have three more kids in their care. I only heard about this later on. But since they’ve already decided, it’s not wise for me to interfere.
I ask Marie whether it’s really okay to leave things as is. She only laughs and says, “In this situation, whether it’s one person or four people doesn’t matter, right?”
I really want to retort, “No way, that’s too weird!!!” but I manage to swallow it down.
I’ll check up on those three kids when I’m on my way back from the church, or when I have some free time.
Well the other day, I saw them running around in the pasture, Cheddar-san and his wife laughing at their liveliness… Maybe this is for the best.
If the ending is good, then everyone will be agreeable to the situation.
I should just go with the flow, because judging by the outcome, this is already the best path.
That’s what grandpa used to tell me, and I believe so too.
Thus four people left the orphanage.
The church is somewhat lonelier, but not long after they left, the villagers bring in another four young children, confirming Alfred’s worries of overcrowding.
They have dark skin, light hair, and green eyes. These children must’ve come from a foreign nation. Most likely one that is caught up in the war between the west and south countries. The same war that shows no sign of stopping.
A few days later, the weapons, equipment, and uniforms that Alfred and I purchased together arrive at the mansion.
All that’s left to do is to have Alfred try them out and check for any damages and problems with the measurements.
Previously, I’ve asked Lowendal to inform me whenever milk is delivered to our mansion from Cheddar’s Ranch. Today, Lowendal wakes me up just after sunrise.
I meet Alfred on his way to the kitchen with a huge barrel on his shoulder.
Although I tell him to come by whenever he’s free and try out his equipment, Alfred’s appearance the next afternoon surprises me.
According to Alfred, the ranch is particularly busy in the morning and evening, but rather free during the afternoon. If he manages to finish his work early, he can notify Cheddar-san and take a short break.
Things don’t really change from before. Just like what Alfred told me.
We still get to meet regularly. Every morning he comes to the mansion, and I visit the ranch often to check up on the three kids.
There aren’t any issues or inconveniences. So why was I so anxious?
I’ve got no clue.
Well, the gloom in my heart is gone, so everything’s good now.
I lead Alfred to my room, and with some assistance from Lowendal, have him try on the clothes and armor.
If they don’t fit him, we’ll have to return them.
They won’t accept a refund if they’re returned too late. It’s the same policy in any world.
The fabric for his outer clothes are specially chosen for their light but durable properties. His clothes are paired with a long black pea coat, two columns of silver buttons arranged in parallel. A round bird with a stalk of wheat in its mouth is embroidered onto the upper right frontal side and back yoke of the coat. Ivy leaves surround it, the whole image entirely done with silver thread.
It’s the Owen family’s emblem.
The round bird with round eyes resembles the doves in my previous world. However, its name is ‘pigeon’ here.
The pigeon situated right at the center of the Owen family’s emblem looks relaxed. It compliments the ivy leaves around it nicely, though it looks relaxed to the point of forgetting its duties—I mean, it gives the emblem a soft and soothing impression.
Lian’s father and brother complain that it looks uncool and ugly, that they want to change it someday. But I quite like it. Lian’s mother seems fond of it as well, always breaking into a small smile whenever she sees it.
Well, that’s only natural. No woman can hate that cute plump bird
Lian’s mother generally acts brusque, but she really loves cute things. Her room is pink and filled with all sorts of frilly items. Even her favorite tea set has rabbits and floral patterns.
In any case, the dove— no, pigeon isn’t that bad.
Its round black eyes appear so innocent and cute. Plus, pigeons are a symbol of peace and luck even in this world, so they’re considered a good omen.
A dagger in its sheath and a leather waist pouch filled with medicine and tools hang from Alfred’s thick leather belt. On the side of his waist is a longsword, a two-handed sword attaching to his back. Alfred also wears boots and gauntlets reinforced with metal.
After Lowendal instructs Alfred on how to wear all the equipment, he checks whether Alfred wore them correctly, scanning him from head to toe. Then he nods with a satisfied smile.
“Fram-sama, everything suits you well. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Is there anything that hinders your movement?”
I passed the written exam! What’s left now is taking the interview test… in Jakarta. I’ll be going in a trip for a week, so unfortunately, there won’t be any release next week… ( ；∀；) Sorry!