“Spirits are visible, right? There are countless spirits surrounding you with their power” (ED Note: Maybe put this in italics, I’m pretty sure this is Sirius thinking this phrase)
It’s a story from few years ago that I heard from an Elf, Fia, that was liked by the spirits of Wind.
In her situation, she can release wind with strength that could break a castle’s wall and can bring tornado at a disastrous level if she’s serious.
Of course, she would never target a large group, only certain individuals. Her magic is only used against nobles and royalty that wear their greed like a robe or those who stop at nothing to obtain great power.
Because of the strength of spirit magic, those who can see spirits conceal that that ability in order to remain safe from the rest of the world.
“Reese…you can see spirits, right?” (Sirius)
“-!? Wh..why?” (Reese)
Reese’s expression hardened at my word. Her eyes shot wide open and her body was trembling with fright.
That reaction… she is aware of it. As expected.
“Please calm down. I…No, we will absolutely never speak about this secret. Is that alright with the both of you too? ” (Sirius)
“Of course! Have a peace of mind, Reese. We swear that we absolutely never speak of this.” (Emilia)
“Same with Aniki and Neechan! Me too, even if I die, I won’t speak!” (Reus)
Shes relieved at those words. From her look, her panic is gone and the tension in her body is loosened.
“I’m sorry, I lost composure for a bit, but I’m fine now . Haha-sama (Mother) always said, absolutely never exposed that I can see spirits. If the secret is leaked, my life will be over and since I’ve been informed so many times, I’m afraid.” (Reese)
“I’m sorry. I don’t know if this is good thing to say about that matter but, it seems pointless to be scared.” (Sirius)
“No, after all, because I don’t understand if it’s alright to cling onto those words if I in the opposite situation. But how did you know that I can see a spirits? Perhaps, Sirius-kun is also a spirit?” (Reese)
“That’s not it. I think you know my aptitude attribute (Sirius is colorless)? I don’t know what are the factors to be favored by spirits of four attributes.” (Sirius)
“Aaa…I’m sorry” (Reese)
As a result of having friends, she felt delighted. She apologized about my attribute and her expression is softened quickly.
“Reese, you don’t have to apologize. However, to answer your question, I have seen a spirit in the past…no, I had met a person who was favored by wind spirits. I felt uncomfortable feeling from that person. I found out it was probably a spirit, and since I felt that from you too, I sort of figured it out from that” (Sirius)
“You had met a person like me!?” (Reese)
“However, the person who was traveling was an adult, and she also was hiding that she could see spirits.” (Sirius)
“Things that Haha-sama said wasn’t wrong, huh…” (Reese)
“But, Sirius-sama. I understand the importance of the story but what’s the correlation between one who can see spirits and Reese’ [Flame]?” (Emilia)
“There is a big correlation. The gathered spirits were awfully jealous of person.” (Sirius)
“Jealous…? Spirits are said to be a great existence, why would it feel such a thing?” (Emilia)
“Unfortunately, it seems that way. It’s because I don’t understand why it would bring harm to the favored person.” (Sirius) (ED Note: I used “Bring harm” instead of the original “this is not a favored person”. It felt right?)
According to Fia, she was fully motivated when using wind but when she tried to use earth, assistance wasn’t given. Maybe she couldn’t use it at all.” (Sirius)
I understand why the spirits would be jealous. Because the fire is put out and water is amplified, Reese here is favored by water spirits which would make the fire spirits Jealous.
“Reese can see spirit and can hear the voice, I think? When water and fire are used, it’s fine to recall the spirit.” (Sirius)
“Certainly…when using water, I become happy but when I use [Flame], the feeling doesn’t even come close.” (Reese)
“Maybe you didn’t understand it since you were too focused, but the feeling of uneasiness came from concentrating at your hand just before invoking [Flame]. Probably, because the amount of attention you were giving [Flame], the water spirits became jealous and started putting out the fire.” (Sirius)
“Such a thing…The water spirit is always drifting happily, it is a good child that comes from time to time to talk. Such a thing was being done…” (Reese)
Reese was noticeably sad because she felt that her spirits have betrayed her expectations.
However, I want you to think. It appears that the reason is not that spirits are moody, but it is because getting jealous is their natural habit. Spirits are not beings that a person can change easily.
“It can’t be help since it is a spirit. If in the case you want to use it by all means, let them know. Since just once is good, why don’t you try to ask them not to disturb you?” (Sirius)
This is also the actual experience I had heard from Fia. If she requested desperately, she seems barely able to use [Earth].
“I’ll try. Please..just a bit…just a bit is alright. I want you to let me use fire.” (Reese)
She closes her eyes and ask a spirit desperately…then [Flame] is invoked.
It was a small flame that emerged from her open hand, but it was a fireball for certain.
“The shape is distorted but that’s definitely [Flame].” (Sirius)
“Congratulations, Reese!” (Emilia)
“It did it…I’ve done it!” (Reese)
As soon as Reese raises her voice out of joy, the fire was put out immediately. Good grief, I don’t understand how much is necessary to please a spirit, but it would certainly be quite a challenge.
“Aaa…already, it can’t be helped, Seirei-san (spirit).” (Reese)
“That’s because of your joy. The feeling triggered the spirit to put out the fire straight away.” (Sirius)
Reese is a bit sulky, but since the cause is established, she was grateful and her face was bright.
“What you did can be settled. Show it off to those guys during a practical lesson next time, Reese-ane!” (Reus)
“No, I wonder about that.” (Sirius)
Really, I wonder if that Gregory will admit her skill?
A small fire magic that can’t be maintained won’t be recognized…it won’t be any different. In that case, which come to mind that she’s to be teased again the status quo doesn’t change.
“This may be rude to Reese, but I feel that Reese’s flame is useless.” (Sirius)
“I understand. For sure, I won’t be recognized by this degree.” (Reese)
“If that’s the case, what are you going to do? Those guys would say such rude things that will make Reese-ane sad again. I don’t like it.” (Reus)
Everyone’s eyes are turned upon me. Reese really can’t enter the Iron class with no plan. Hmmm…if I can’t deal with her somehow, how about the surroundings?
“It seems so…better yet, would you change class to Colorless class?” (Sirius)
How much connection would be used? I’ll have to tell principal through Magna-sensei. The reason is she was bullied and she wants to transfer to our class. And if I tell him I want train to her like Emilia and others, Gakko-cho (headmaster) may enjoy that and allow it.
Gregory too won’t be interested with the person who can’t use [Flame] and he shouldn’t regret releasing Reese.
“That’s good idea, isn’t it?! We’re happy and Reese too can have peace of mind. By all means, let’s do that.” (Emilia)
“As expected, Aniki! I’ll also do anything!” (Reus)
“Eee!? Please wait a minute. There’s no way I will be able to change classes so easily…” (Reese)
Reese felt that our plan was impossible and objects to the absurdity. That is, if I suggest one student, I have to propose the subject and it will be natural.
“Well, there is also some truth in what Reese says. However, I would like to ask you, Reese, do you want to go into our class?” (Sirius)
“That is…yes. I’d be glad if I can study with everyone.” (Reese)
“If that’s the case, it’s no problem. Since I will move (to tell this to headmaster) immediately from tomorrow, I want you to hold yourself a little bit longer in Iron class.” (Sirius)
“Err…why would you do this for me? Even if I am a noble, I don’t have mother and because I can see spir–!” (Reese) (ED Note: This feels more natural with the headchop from Sirius)
Since she started saying something impolite, I give a light chop to her head. It won’t be painful but while she holds her head, she looks up here and I tell her with a little serious face.
“It’s irrelevant whether you are a noble or a person who can see spirits. Reese is our acquaintace and I want to help because you are Emilia’s friend. That’s all.” (Sirius)
She is not seeing me as a younger brother and she has become Emilia’s friend. There were partners for me in previous life, friends who can trust sincerely and truly reliable companion.
If she is in trouble, I will help. That is also to Emilia’s advantage and there are no problems at all. Above all, to leave such a good girl crying is something that I won’t forgive.
“…Thank you…very much.” (Reese)
“I will accept your thanks after this is over. Well, it’s about time for supper, should we eat here today? Reese, won’t you eat here too?” (Sirius)
“Eh? If we go to dining room now, the meal won’t be prepared yet.” (Reese)
“At this moment, there is nothing to eat if you go back. And it’s also a celebration for inviting Reese for the first time.” (Sirius)
“It’s alright. Sirius-sama’s meal is undoubtedly better than the meal from dining room. If you think about the cake that was made, I think there should be some anticipation to his meals.” (Emilia)
“Cake…t-that…Itadakimasu” (Reese)
While Reese swallows saliva, it’s unlikely she nodded for apology. That’s right, an honest kid is the best.
“What about the menu? Do you want to eat anything?” (Sirius)
“Anything is fine, but please include some meat…” (Reese) (ED Note: This part was awkward. Not too sure what she meant)
“For such an occasion, surely we’ll have hot pot (Nabe). Let’s eat something delicious everyone.” (Reus)
“Then, it’s Sansai Nabe (http://kyoudo-ryouri.com/en/food/2865.html) with meat and vegetables. We have thirty minutes.” (Sirius)
“That’s more than enough. I’ll be going!” (Reus and Emilia) (ED Note: Im pretty sure they say this in unison since it says that “Everyone is working”)
“I’ll have to wash vegetables.” (Emilia)
Each of them is moving to their work and Reese who hasn’t anything to do, is calling Emilia intuitively.
“Say…Emilia. Although Sirius-kun seems going to cook the meal from a flow of the conversation, but usually you, as a servant, would make it.” (Reese)
“Although I do cook sometimes, Sirius-sama is the one who cooks usually. Since Sirius-sama was also the one who developed that cake.” (Emilia)
“Sirius sama made the cake? Mmmmmm… As i thought, Sirius-sama is really mother-like” (Reese)
I don’t have my servants do menial labor like cooking, so for a noble like Reese, of course it would look weird. It can’t be helped.
But a noble’s house is a noble’s house, and my house is mine.
Well then, I wonder how much seaweed stock we have left…
――― Emilia ―――
“Haa…it’s just like Emilia said, isn’t it. Although this is my first time to eat this ‘Nabe’, it is much more delicious than the meal from dining room.” (Reese)
“There are many more of Sirius-sama’s dishes. Because soon, it will evolve beyond just Nabe. ” (Emilia)
“I don’t think it will be that different, but something like bad dishes has never been made even once.” (Sirius)
After finishing meal in Diamond cottage, we returned to student dormitory.
Reese appeared very pleased with Sirius-sama’s Nabe dishes while we were walking contentedly next to each other. Reese’ heart was stolen in the first meeting, as expected of Sirius-sama.
“When I heard you talk about him, I was wondering whether such wonderful person existed, but I understood after actually meeting him. He’s amazing for certain but…he’s somewhat a strange person, isn’t he?”
“Strange? Is he strange, Reese-ane?” (Reus)
“Yes, he’s a very strange person. Although I’ve only been a noble for a short time, from a view of nobles, they don’t treat their servant very well. And yet, to say that Sirius is a commoner, you guys are his servants… I somewhat don’t dislike that relationship at all, and you make it feel like a family.” (Reese)
Erina-san too spoke about a similar thing.
That person not only didn’t act as noble but also received us like a family. Apparently, that’s precisely why we want to support that personage and meet his expectations. That person is Aria-sama, who is a mother of Sirius-sama.
“That’s why he’s a strange person…I think. Despite of my father is only my family, I haven’t see him once after coming to Elysion, and I don’t know what to think. That’s why…this is a bit imprudence but, I wonder if I’m a slightly envious of you guys.” (Reese)
“Then…Reese too want to be a servant?” (Emilia)
“Ehh!?” (Reese)
Yeah, it is an idea that came out suddenly but I don’t think it’s bad. We can be together with Reese, and it is a situation where Sirius-sama too won’t think badly about it. It is a matter of time before Reese also fall in love with him! But let me put myself as a candidate for the position of first lady.
“…Impossible! I am a noble, that’s why it’s impossible!” (Reese)
“Hmm? You seem to have hesitated there for a moment, did I imagine that?” (Emilia)
“No, its not what you think! Reus, you say something too!” (Reese)
Reese, while getting flustered, asks for Reus help. But, since Reus gets stuck with certain statements from time to time, he gets spaced out once in a while.
“…It’s no good! I still don’t understand.” (Reus)
“Eh, what don’t you understand? You don’t understand about being a servant?” (Reese)
“It’s not that. Reese-ane said Aniki is a strange person.” (Reus)
This kid sometimes shows a signs of clinging onto a phrase. Although, this time it’s in a good way.
“No, Aniki is wonderful and very gentle. How should I put it, Reese-ane, anyway, it’s fine with being different from other nobles. Aniki is amazing! That’s it!” (Reus)
Yes, indeed. Sirius-sama is wonderful…that’s it. Reus said a good thing. I’m going to slightly increase tomorrow’s snack.
“That’s right, huh, Reus-kun. Sirius-kun is wonderful and gentle person. He can easily tell that I can see spirit and as for resolving my problems, he suggested that I change classes. Although I think that isn’t possible by all means, if it were Sirius-kun… I wonder.” (Reese)
You are also gentle not enough to lose to Sirius-sama. Because it was you, I also had immediately rely on Sirius-sama. That person will surely help you, so believe in that.
“That’s right, it’s alright to leave it to Aniki!” (Reus)
“I agree with Reus. Have a piece of mind, because at least there won’t be any bad things happening any time soon.” (Emilia)
“Both of you…yes. I am waiting in hopes to be able to study together with everyone.
I think so too. For the first time, I can go to school with my friend…I want to see laughing more, like now.
I’m still worried as I reach the Student Dormitory.
I wonder if Sirius-sama is resting properly now? Has he taken his bath yet? Aa…I’m still worried.
It’s absolute! I should live in the Diamond cottage…absolutely. I have already carried some luggage there and checked already, but it doesn’t produce much results.
How about the strategy of bring sake next time and pretending to be drunk so I get to stay overnight? Minors can’t drink sake but only once if possible… but Sirius-sama is likely to scold me.
“Emilia? Hey, are you ok? You got quier suddenly, what happened?” (Reese)
“Ah, Don’t worry, I’m just…uh… worried. Its a habit of mine” (Emelia) (ED Note: No translation was provided here, so I tried my best)
“Aaa…Please don’t worry about it since it’s her usual habit. Hey Nee-chan, watch where you’re going.” (Reus)
“You, what are you saying!? Be steady.” (Reese)
I couldn’t shake off the worrying until Reese and I went to bed.
Nevertheless, I’m healthy…so I wonder why I’m feeling so anxious?
――― Sirius ―――
“I see…that’s certainly a problem.”
The next day, I went to school just a little earlier than usual to see Magna-sensei in teacher’s room. I thought it would be a problem if Gregory-sensei heard it, but since Magna-sensei is holds a higher position, he has his own private room in teacher’s room. As one would expect of headmaster’s right hand man, I was saved because I could speak without reserve here.
I spoke of the aspect where Reese had bad experience of getting bullied, and if she is invited to Colorist class, it’s the matter of her talent will be remarkably developed.
“Since that’s the reason, would you pass this talk to headmaster? Aa, this is a gift. Since I have two, one is for Magna-sensei please.” (Sirius)
“I am troubled, is this bribery?” (Magna)
“No no, this is purely a gift of mine. It is the snack I made and it is popular among my servants, so I thought that I would like to hear opinion from adults.” (Sirius)
No matter where it is seen, it still look like bribery but I have no such intention. The contents is yesterday’s excess cake but I confirm it by showing the contents just to make sure Magna-sensei.
“Hou, this is my first time seeing such a snack, isn’t it? If it’s the normal case, I won’t accept it, but I’m interested in this. I will accept this.” (Magna)
He took it.
If I show the expression inside me, it would have been a evil face unexpectedly. The information about Magna-sensei who is a snack lover was heard from other students seems to be right and after that, I’ll just wait until the right time. Let me say again, this is not a bribery but it’s a preparation. Come now, eating a cake with liquor added had fascinated various people but it’s fine!
“That’s right, I understand that you guys don’t need the foundation but please pretend to take the lesson at least. Fortunately, it seems other students haven’t notice yet, because it doesn’t give a good influence on the surroundings.” (Magna)
…I’ve been found out.
—
Then, I was handed a piece of paper from Magna-sensei after the end of a lesson, I heard that [Trade] with Iron class has been decided and it will be held out.
It’s sudden event, but there is almost no need to prepare because it’s just a match between students and it will be held tomorrow morning.
Magna-sensei and Vile-sensei somehow pressed reluctant Gregory by force and intimidation, and they seems to have succeeded in one sided negotiations which they can have Reese. I won’t feel guilt punishing the man who has a habit of doing foolish things.
However, it may because of one sided demand, given that the rules are decided by Gregory, I insist on the idea of wanting to be careful. Furthermore, it was also to make protect the existance of a cake.
We gathered in Diamond cottage with Reese and I handed over the held paper.
A rule of [Trade] is described on the paper put on the desk, while explaining the result Reese and the siblings.
“It has become serious matter, I’m really sorry.” (Reese)
“The one that made it as serious matter was me. You don’t have to worry about it, if you can enter the Colorist class, that is fine.” (Sirius)
Reese, please move according to my flow, it’s difficult, and using cake as a buy-out, it was arranged to end at three stages which are easy direct connection and there are no conditions. (ED Note: I’m not too sure what to do here)
Well, there won’t be a way to think about past events. Now, I should turn my focus on [Trade] that is around the corner.
Then, the rules Gregory written on paper was as follows.
– (Usable) Magic is until intermediate level.
– Weapon that is made from wood. If a direct attack is not a fatal attack, everything is allowed.
– The number of people is two per side.
– For victory or defeat, let say the partner give up and once the referee determines it the match can’t be continued, then the victory decision will be concluded.
– There will be large serving of cheese cake.
The added last entry wrote in had been crossed out.
Hmmm…I had a little hunch that the last entry was from that man. I thought whether there was a loophole in the rules, but I don’t think any particular loophole that would be a problem.
Since there are a lot of students with elitist thoughts in Iron class, they seems to think something like defeating us would be easy. I hope it will be a great learning experience for them.
“Sirius-sama, since it is written as two people in the rule, Reus and I will go out to [Trade].” (Emilia)
“It’s no use. I said to the teacher that since I proposed this, I’ve decided I want to do it. I understand your worries, but I absolutely have to go out.” (Sirius)
“Aniki, if that’s the case, the second person will be me!” (Reus)
Reus stands up vigorously, grasps his fist tightly, and is fully motivated. In the case of normal situation, I would push Reus aside and nominate Emilia, but this time I was just looking at the paper without saying anything. I was thinking how to persuade them but they’re strangely obedient.
“…Nee-chan, may I go out?” (Reus)
“I leave this to you this time. Because you’re stronger than me, so it’s natural.” (Emilia)
“Is that really alright, Emilia?” (Sirius)
“If I have to be honest about my feelings, I would like to fight together with you. However, this is the important match which will decide Reese’ future. If that’s the case, I certainly think of Reus goes out is the best choice.” (Emilia)
“Emilia…I’m sorry. Even so, thank you.” (Sirius)
Reese was overcome with emotion, she clung on Emilia and was shedding tears.
Is that so…you gave priority to the situation even though you were constantly clinging to me, and she’s pulling out now while thinking of her friend. You have grown, Emilia.
“I’m fine, don’t cry, Reese. Because Sirius-sama and Reus always win, I will only believe that and wait.” (Emilia)
“Yeah…Sirius-kun, Reus-kun…please.” (Reese)
“”Leave it to us!”” (Sirius and Reus)
There’s nothing else to do with the exception of winning tomorrow.
Since several assumptions have been finished already, I will speak with Reus later just to confirm the coordination.
I conduct my daily routines, ate dinner together with everyone and the day was finished.
“[Trade]…start!”