Chapter 63 - Chapter 62: A Day Off with Rimliche
The first day of the week in the Month of Fire, the fifth week.
Hot days continue day after day, but the Magic Academy has no such clever thing as a summer vacation.
Or rather, perhaps this world itself has no such concept.
"It's hot? Go get drenched with water!"
With thoughts like this deeply ingrained, it seems necessary to overturn that fixed idea to introduce a summer vacation.
While thinking such things, Mika spent time sitting at the base of a tree in the usual forest.
Next to him, Rimliche was concentrating intensely, practicing her mana manipulation.
Mika thought that perhaps the reason Rimliche found it difficult to manipulate her mana was not because she had too little, but because she had too much.
So, he suggested she try releasing some mana temporarily to reduce her total mana capacity.
This idea proved correct; although it took a little time for the effect to appear, she said it definitely became easier to handle once her mana amount was reduced.
Once she gets used to handling her mana this way, and can handle it even without reducing it, she will be able to use her abundant mana however she pleases.
He thought that most things could be solved with this overflowing mana.
But, the merchant would not let him off so easily.
Rimliche's current goal is to be able to use the Divine Miracle of [Physical Enhancement].
But, she got stuck here again.
Murt and Cecilia also couldn't manifest [Physical Enhancement] for a long time, but those two finally mastered it.
Once again, Rimliche was left behind last.
Moreover, [Physical Enhancement] has a clear time limit called [Limit] until autumn.
They need to master it to a certain level before the field trip.
When it came to mana sensing, she had been leisurely saying, "Since I can sense it by interfering with my mana, the magic tool will be able to do it eventually."
Well, in reality, it wasn't a situation where she could be so leisurely, but at that time, she didn't know about the field trip yet.
So Rimliche was able to remain unanxious.
But, when threatened by Naporo that those who cannot participate in the field trip tend to be excluded from the group every year, she shrank back completely.
"What if I can't do it like this?"
Recently, she has become completely downcast.
As for Mika, he has no intention of excluding Rimliche from the group over something like that.
He doesn't think the children in the current class would do such a thing either.
So he tells her it will be fine, but Rimliche's feelings have not cleared up.
Mika has not struggled at all to manifest [Physical Enhancement].
He doesn't even need to pray to the gods or offer mana; simply chanting the incantation forces it to manifest.
Therefore, he did not think he was the right person to solve Rimliche's current problem.
Rather, he thought he was the most unqualified.
But, even if he told her that, she would just say, "I want you to teach me, Mika-kun."
(I think someone like Cecilia, who struggled to manifest it, would be better suited as an instructor...)
When she couldn't do it, and when she could do it.
What she paid attention to, what changed.
He thought it would be better for Rimliche if he taught her about those experiences.
That was the proposal he made, but for some reason, Cecilia glared at him with a demon-like expression.
Isn't that terrible?
(Probably, Cecilia and the others have already talked about the tricks...)
Apparently, the three-girl classmate group are roommates in the dormitory.
Basically, two people are assigned to one room in the dorms, but it seems there are some slightly larger rooms prepared.
If the number of entrants is odd, three people will share that room.
The dormitory does not allow using a room alone.
He didn't think it would be bad to make the basic room a four-person room, but well, saying such things is pointless.
The problem is Rimliche's manifestation of [Physical Enhancement].
It seems that when manifesting the Divine Miracle, having mana pulled out is indeed a specification.
Almost no one can feel this, but it seems confirmed that such a movement does occur.
However, normally, one cuts off the mana there, saying "This is all I will offer."
With that cut-off amount of mana, the effect can be increased or decreased.
It seems that only Mika was a fool who forced himself to go all out.
(It can't be helped! No matter how much I train, I can't hold it back!)
Since becoming a second-year student, he has barely been allowed to use the magic tool that holds mana.
This is because the training room is basically used by the first-years who entered this year.
Mika and the others had used the training room almost every day last year.
And they had been using the magic tool that holds mana in an almost exclusive state.
This was because everyone else's main focus was using magic tools to sense mana or move mana.
It seems that struggling to hold back mana to the extent of needing to train is only Mika.
Training in such an environment for almost a year, yet still getting no results, perhaps he should just give up.
Mika was forced to despair at his own strange mana characteristics.
Rimliche let out a large sigh, "Phew..."
It seems her concentration has broken.
"Good work. Shall we take a little break?"
"Yes..."
Rimliche is still listless.
The date of the field trip is still unknown, and when the decision on participation will be made is also unknown, but if it is set until the end of summer, there are only about two months left.
Thinking about that, her mood must inevitably sink.
Perhaps it would be better to do something to relieve her stress?
"Rimliche, what are your hobbies?"
"Huh?"
For now, he decided to research if there was anything he could do to relieve her stress.
Fortunately, tomorrow is a sunny day.
It would be better to go out and play with Cecilia or Charl, or just do something to vent a little.
But, to Mika's question, Rimliche just looked blankly and gave no answer.
"Don't you have anything you like? Like going out to play?"
"Something I like..."
Rimliche made a troubled expression, but suddenly her face turned bright red.
Then, she buried her face in her knees and shook her head vigorously.
What on earth was she thinking?
(...I think it's fine to have a hobby you can't tell others. As long as it doesn't trouble others.)
He had no intention of criticizing others' hobbies.
Finding value in things that others see as having no value, and immersing oneself in them.
That is the essence of a hobby, and that is why fellow enthusiasts are precious.
Feeling the same value in something that only you found value in.
There is nothing more pleasant than that.
(Is my way of thinking completely that of an otaku? Well, I am aware that I was somewhat of an otaku.)
He was not so devoted that he was called a shut-in, but Mika had been exposed to games, anime, and movies since childhood.
"It's a good age to be playing games" is a phrase he was used to hearing.
He truly thought he never wanted to become a narrow-minded person who criticizes others' hobbies like that.
"Mika-kun... what is your hobby?"
Having calmed down a little, Rimliche, still burying her face in her knees, glanced at Mika and returned the question.
He had no intention of saying anything annoying like "Don't answer a question with a question!"
He lightly thought about his own hobbies.
If he were in his previous world, games, anime, movies, reading, and the internet would come to mind easily.
In the past, programming was also on that list, but since he started working, he couldn't bring himself to do it privately.
Well, they are fairly common hobbies, but since these are the things he finds enjoyable, there is no helping it.
Mika did not have the vitality to find new, impressive hobbies just to brag to others.
So, what about since coming to this world?
Magic development.
Previously, this was close to a hobby, but now it is practical-focused, so it doesn't feel much like a hobby.
Both improving magic and creating new magic are largely driven by necessity.
Activities as an adventurer.
This is also close to a hobby, but now it is profit-focused.
Since he must prioritize the academy, he spends his days silently doing boring tasks like transporting Red Lizard Stones.
He has hardly been able to do normal adventurer activities like slaying magical beasts.
Curse removal.
This might be called a hobby, but it is certainly not something he can tell others about.
This hobby alone, he will need to take to his grave.
(Thinking about it like this... I can't properly tell anyone anything either. At best, maybe adventurer activities?)
While asking Rimliche, he couldn't answer properly himself.
"Maybe adventurer activities. Recently, it's become more about profit than fun."
Hearing Mika's answer, Rimliche made a somewhat ambiguous expression.
Well, it is something with danger to life.
It is not surprising that she cannot understand.
"So, what about you, Rimliche?"
"I..."
She looked down and fell silent again.
It seems what made her face red earlier was indeed not something she could tell others.
Saying it this way makes it sound somewhat suspicious, but there are quite a few people who feel shy about telling others their hobbies.
If one imagines the case where they cannot get understanding, it might be natural to not want to tell others.
"You don't have to force yourself to say it. I just felt you were pushing yourself too hard, so I thought maybe you should do something to relieve your stress? Tomorrow is a sunny day, so maybe go out with Cecilia and the others."
"...Yes..."
Mika tried to propose brightly, but Rimliche did not seem very enthusiastic.
It seems she is worried about manifesting [Physical Enhancement], and perhaps she doesn't have the energy for other things.
In situations like this, forcibly taking someone out can sometimes provide enough relief, but does such a place for relief even exist in this world?
(Speaking of which...)
At that moment, Mika came up with a good idea and clapped his hands lightly.
"Well then, if you'd like, then----."
Mika made a proposal.
■■■■■■
The next day. The month changed to the second week of the Month of Fire, the first day of the week, a sunny day.
When he met Rimliche at the dormitory entrance, for some reason, Cecilia and Charl were standing a little distance away.
They didn't approach or speak to him, but they kept looking at him with smug grins the whole time.
Seeing that annoying smug face, I seriously considered shooting a "Fireball" at them, yes.
Fortunately, they didn't follow him, but he used "Big Ear" several times to confirm thoroughly.
"Waaaaah!"
Rimliche's eyes sparkled as she looked at the scene before her.
The Central Plaza on a sunny day was overflowing with many people, and there were many stalls and street performers showing off everywhere.
Mika had come to the Central Plaza before, but he had always just passed through.
The first time he came to Sarbengeal, when Ninetiana took him.
When he went to the South Gate to return home.
When he returned from returning home and went back to the dorms.
That was all.
Even though he had lived in Sarbengeal for over a year, this was the only time he had properly stepped foot in the Central Plaza.
Usually, errands are done at shops around the guild, so there is no need to come all the way to the Central Plaza.
He had completely forgotten that Ninetiana had once told him, "If you have time someday, go check it out."
So, he used Ninetiana's words as an excuse to take Rimliche out.
When he returned home, she said, "What, you haven't been there yet?"
Sorry, Ninetiana. I'm using you as a prop.
"Rimliche, have you ever been to the Central Plaza?"
When Mika asked, Rimliche shook her head.
"It's the first time. It seems Charl comes sometimes."
It seems that even when the three-girl classmate group usually goes out together, they don't come to the Central Plaza.
Anyway, it is far from the dorms to the Central Plaza.
After all, it is about three kilometers one way.
If it is just for shopping, there is no need to come this far.
Mika usually uses [Physical Enhancement] even for moving around the city, but today he walked without enhancement to match Rimliche.
Even without enhancement, he is somewhat used to walking, but if asked if he gets tired, well, he does get tired.
For now, Mika bought a drink at a nearby stall.
Squeezing a red fruit, adding water and a little bit of a dark liquid he didn't quite recognize, and mixing it.
A transparent, beautifully colored red drink appeared.
It seemed quite cold, and the cups held in both hands felt cool and pleasant.
(...However, how can they serve such a cold drink in the middle of summer?)
It was quite expensive, but isn't this mostly just the ice cost?
Such unnecessary thoughts floated up, but he put them aside for now.
"Here, Rimliche. You must be thirsty."
When Mika offered the drink, Rimliche hurriedly took out her own wallet.
"Ah, sorry! How much was it!?"
"It's fine, this much. I made you come along today. It was this hot, so let's rest a bit while drinking."
When Mika smiled brightly, Rimliche's face turned red, and she looked down.
Then, he heard her whisper, "Thank you," softly.
The drink was a bit sour, but it had sweetness and the refreshing scent of fruit, making it a perfect drink for a hot day.
If it was this delicious, he should have looked at the name of the drink more carefully.
While drinking this mysterious drink whose name he didn't know, he watched the juggling being done a little distance away.
He thought taking Rimliche out would relieve her stress, but actually, there was no plan from here on.
He did research with Messerite to see if there was anything interesting, but street performances were completely different every day.
There was no such thing as an amusement park.
What do people in this world really do for fun?
He glanced at Rimliche's condition; she was drinking the drink sip by sip, watching the juggling just like Mika.
(...Darn, I can't talk...)
Usually, they talk casually, but when trying to talk about something specific, he doesn't know what to say.
(I can talk about anything necessary! Why can't I think of a topic in situations like this!?)
A mild communication disorder had developed.
For now, should he make a start with "It's hot, isn't it"?
But how to connect from there?
(Th-there it is...!)
He had read in a magazine a long time ago that in situations like this, it is best to praise something.
There was a time when Kuhashi Ritsu worried about fashion in fashion magazines and was careful in conversations with women.
Of course, there was also the side effect of getting tired of such things and becoming a bachelor noble.
Anyway, if praising, the basics are clothing and accessories.
He glanced at Rimliche again.
(It's a uniform! And she's not wearing any accessories! We are nine years old!)
Both Mika and Rimliche basically wear uniforms for going out, and sportswear in the dorms.
(Because if we wear the provided clothes, we don't have to spend money.)
Messerite buys his own pajamas and going-out clothes, but both Mika and Rimliche are the type who don't spend unnecessary money.
In the dorms, there are children who wear sportswear as daily clothes quite often.
But, at that moment, Mika received a revelation like a divine inspiration.
Right in front of them was the Great Cathedral of Sarbengeal.
This must surely be a divine inspiration!
"...Rimliche, do you like sweets?"
Things girls like.
Yes, sweets.
"Yes. I like them."
Rimliche looked at Mika and answered with a smile.
Mika made a victory pose in his heart.
(Today's plan is decided!)
Mika's eyes shone with a glint.
Titled "Return from the Central Plaza only after eating all the sweets."
"Alright, let's quickly eat all the sweets in the plaza."
"...Huh?"
Rimliche's eyes went wide.
Taking Rimliche's hand, he immediately headed towards the nearby sweet stalls.
He had heard that the food at the stalls was mostly cheap.
One large copper coin. There were quite a few items under one hundred rats, and rarely did anything cost more than three large copper coins.
Even if there were a hundred stalls, the maximum would be three large silver coins.
(No, three large silver coins is quite a lot... That's thirty thousand rats.)
Well, this was just the maximum story; in reality, it would be around one large silver coin.
Mika also rarely squanders money usually, so letting loose a bit like this once in a while isn't bad.
"Uncle, one of those."
"Sure, thanks for coming again."
Mika went to a stall drifting with a sweet scent and ordered something randomly.
"M-Mika-kun! Are you really going to eat them all!?"
"Of course, I am serious."
"That's reckless!"
Mika received a stick-shaped snack like churros from the stall owner and broke it in half.
"Here, this. For Rimliche."
"Ah, thank you."
Rimliche took the churro hesitantly.
Watching Mika take a bite, she timidly nibbled it herself.
But, after one bite, her face suddenly turned into a smile.
"Delicious."
"This is quite delicious, isn't it?"
It seems sugar is used, giving a solid sweetness.
It seems sugar is circulated relatively cheaply in the Kingdom of Ektrem.
Otherwise, they couldn't sell this snack at this price.
"It's not just 'quite'. We are the best stall in Sarbengeal, you know?"
It seems he had heard Mika's words.
"Ahahaha, sorry. It is very delicious."
Mika honestly corrected himself.
"Come on, let's go to the next one!"
Mika finished the churro and, holding Rimliche's hand, headed to the next shop.
"W-wait a minute, Mika-kun!"
Rimliche still had about two bites left.
"You don't have to rush. Eat at your own pace."
But, the road ahead is urgent.
After all, he doesn't even know how many stalls are left.
And so, Mika conquered the sweet stalls one after another.
Considering the eating pace with Rimliche, he would eat two-thirds, and Rimliche would eat the rest.
Bell Castella, pancakes, pudding, crepes, candied apples, cookies, chocolate bananas, donuts, soft serve, waffles, parfaits, and so on.
These were all sweets that Mika thought so just based on their appearance and taste.
He didn't know the formal names.
In fact, he couldn't remember them all.
These sweets had various variations depending on the stall, with plenty of cream, plenty of chocolate, lots of fruit, etc., each with different arrangements.
"Ugh..."
And he ate them to the point where just smelling them made him nauseous.
Yes, honestly, he was underestimating it.
The circular Central Plaza exceeds 500 meters in diameter.
There were easily over a hundred sweet stalls.
He was too naive. ...Only regarding sweets.
"Mika-kun, are you okay?"
"I-I'm okay... probably."
Rimliche called out to Mika with concern.
There was no way he could conquer them all.
"Guh... Is this the limit...!?"
"Really, you're being too reckless."
Saying that, Rimliche smiled bitterly.
But while walking and eating, they laughed, with cream on the tip of Mika's nose, and Rimliche feeling shy about the sugar on her cheek, forgetting about [Physical Enhancement].
Perhaps they were able to laugh together.
For now, wasn't the initial purpose achieved?
"Shall we go back soon?"
"Yes."
And so, they walked back to the dorms side by side.
By the way, Rimliche was completely fine.
No, you ate quite a lot too.
Why are you okay?
■■■■■■
A few days after Rimliche and he went to play at the Central Plaza, late at night.
Mika was writing a letter in his dorm room.
Of course, a letter to his family.
He wrote a simple update on his current situation and prayed for his family's health and peace.
The allowance was two large silver coins.
In Rish Village, he thought silver coins were easier to use, but he had deposited fifty silver coins during his previous return home.
He hoped they would use large silver coins and silver coins as needed.
Mika leaned back against the chair's backrest and thought.
Most of his recent activities as an adventurer were collecting Red Lizard Stones.
That led to an increase in income, allowing him to send more money, so it was as planned, but there were almost no battles with magical beasts.
Passing near the forest, he occasionally saw Sou-Labi or Koot Viper, but it ended with him attacking them with magic one-sidedly.
It was not interesting.
While thinking that earning safely was best, he also felt a sense of insufficiency.
Requests to hunt nearby magical beasts were inevitably taken by people who were normally active as adventurers.
The only requests Mika could accept were the increasing number of pest bird hunts.
Even that remained only because the difficulty, rank, and reward settings were mismatched.
Normally, such things hardly happen.
"...What should I do?"
Muttering that, he put the letter into a cloth-wrapped package of money and wrapped it in large paper.
After preparing to send the letter, he put it in the drawer and got into bed.