第２６９堀：修行パートと一生懸命のプレゼント (Part3)
The other wives understood the meaning behind Deryu’s words and nodded, though it seemed a bit difficult for the little ones to grasp. Well, they hadn't experienced enough of the world yet, so that was to be expected.
"Let's see... if I were to explain it in a way Shera and the others could understand... who do you think gets better test scores: a child who studies seriously, or a child who is lazy and doesn't study at all?"
"The child who studies seriously!" the three of them chimed in unison.
Good. I was glad they were honest; I wouldn't have known what to do if they’d suggested that a lazy child might just be a genius.
"Exactly. Just like Aslin, Firia, and Shera study at school, you understand that the Magic Academy is just a gathering of people who do the same, right?"
"Yes!"
"Well, the person Eoid is challenging the day after tomorrow is someone with even better grades than him. That’s why he has to work much, much harder than usual. Taiki and I taught him this time, but you can't really learn anything unless you want to learn it yourself, right?"
"That's true."
"Right. You know how sometimes you try to teach a friend something, but they just never seem to remember it?"
"That’s because they have no motivation. They just want us to teach them, but they don't think for themselves."
Ah, yeah, there are always people like that. No matter how fresh and new the school in Weed is, people have their own aptitudes. We insist that they learn because we believe it’s necessary, but there will always be a gap in performance. It’s a matter of motivation, and that’s the hardest part. It seems it’s the same everywhere.
"Exactly. And since he hasn't been tempered here in Weed for safety like you all have, what’s important is..."
"How seriously Eoid-san trained for Amanda-san's sake, right?"
"It’ll be fine!! Eoid-onii-chan can work hard for Amanda-onee-chan’s sake!! I know it!!"
"We know it!! The two of them are lovey-dovey just like us and Big Brother!! So he’ll definitely win!!"
"Fufu, that’s right. Love makes people stronger, doesn't it?"
It was a heartwarming answer, but it was also exactly what I was aiming for. I don't mind if he loses, as long as the duel brings Eoid and Amanda closer together. To make that happen, Eoid needs to give it his all. That’s why I used this duel as a catalyst. I don't expect things to go as smoothly as they do in a story, but it’s better than doing nothing. There’s no stage where a man feels more driven to stand tall than in the heat of a duel.
"Oh, by the way, Firia. Weren't you going to give something to Yuki?"
"That's right, Firia-chan. You have to give it to Big Brother."
"Indeed. Firia, I think now is a good time."
Firia has something for me? Prompted by the three of them, Firia walked over carrying a box.
"U-um, Big Brother!!"
Wow, she’s incredibly nervous. What could it be?
"What is it, Firia? First, just calm down."
I said that and pulled Firia onto my lap. It’s something I always do with the four of them. I stroked her head to ease her tension.
"Fnyuu... Big Brother’s head pats feel so good."
"So, are you giving me that box?"
"Ah, yes! That’s right!"
When I asked, she quickly hopped off my lap and thrust the box toward me.
"It’s an outfit that Narjia-san gave her seal of approval on! I made it for you, Big Brother! Please wear it and do your best in the duel the day after tomorrow!"
I accepted the box, but something about what she said caught my attention.
"Huh? Why would I wear this for a duel? It’s just clothes, it’d be a waste if they got torn..."
"It’ll be fine!! You always said you didn't want to wear armor, Big Brother. So I thought about that, went through a lot of trial and error, and developed something that looks like clothes but has the performance of armor!"
Ah, I see. So that’s the direction she went in. It wasn't just ordinary clothing; inside this box was something else entirely, shaped like a garment.
"...May I open it?"
"Of course!"
Firia looked at me with expectant eyes. Everyone else around us was waiting to see what would come out. *Sigh*, I have no choice. I steeled myself and gently opened the box to reveal a standard student uniform. It was the exact uniform I wore back in high school, complete with the school emblem.
"Uh, Firia. Why a student uniform?"
"Among the clothes you used to wear, Big Brother, this one had the most decorations. I could attach a lot of enchantments to it."
So that’s it. Indeed, high school uniforms have plenty of accessories like ties and emblems. I don't have any photos of myself in a suit, so in that sense, the high school uniform was the most iconic.
"With this, you won't have to wear armor, Big Brother!"
"I see. Thank you."
I took the blazer out and held it. ...It felt normal. I had expected it to be super heavy or to glow gold the moment I touched it, but it seemed there were no such gimmicks. It didn't look like there would be any issues, so I slipped my arms into the sleeves.
"Yeah. It fits perfectly, and it’s comfortable too. Thank you, Firia."
When I said that, Firia smiled so happily.
"I’m so glad you like it, Big Brother! I’ve finally been of use to you! ...*sniff*, *hic*."
She started to cry. Ah, I see. Firia had been worrying about things just like Aslin had. Even though she had talent for smithing, she hadn't produced a single decent piece until now. She spent every day desperately studying and following Narjia-san’s teachings. Everyone else took it for granted, knowing that smithing wasn't something you could master in a day or two. But Firia had been worried that she was the only one not contributing.
"It’s okay. You’ve always been useful, Firia. Everyone knows that."
When I said that, the others nodded.
"Right?"
"Waaaaah... thank you so much!"
Seeing everyone nod, Firia began to cry on my chest again. Ah, it seems I still have a long way to go in looking after them. After a while, Firia grew tired and fell asleep, so Aslin and the others took her to her room to tuck her in.
"My, how adorable she is."