episode_0030

“Sigh… I understand. You’ll wake up early in return, right? Got it?”

“Okay, okay, Lily?”

“Yes! Yes! I’ll wake up early in the morning.”

And so, Lily and for some reason, Camilla, after forming an agreement, put an end to the commotion.

They enjoyed dessert ice cream before heading outside the annex. It seemed like an outdoor class today.

After washing the dishes from breakfast and tidying up the annex quickly, all the chores were done.

With plenty of time left until lunch, I sat on the sofa and closed my eyes for a moment.

==

Today, I fought fiercely with Camilla. Despite being only 8 years old and not moving well, my healthy body, untouched by drugs and substances, made my mana flow incredibly smoothly.

Perhaps due to this, although physically weaker than before, my magical abilities had increased.

Even as mana flowed and life dwindled with blood coming up, the magic I cast came out effortlessly with short incantations.

Upon witnessing this, the master said, “Are you really human? Not a dragon?”

Honestly, even I think my current state is unbelievable.

From awakening mana at 8 years old to surpassing innate talent and experiences that exceeded the pinnacle of human achievement, I was undergoing an incredible growth.

It’s absurd that I’ve already surpassed Helena, who aspired to be a high-level mage.

I have gained power. However, I have no intention of abusing it. That belongs in the past.

Right now, I will only use it to protect Amelia.

Camilla disappeared as soon as the class ended. I loosened my collar and entered the annex.

“Where is Amelia?”

The quiet annex. Since Amelia was always doing something, I heightened my hearing for a moment and heard soft breathing.

Turning towards the sound, I saw Amelia’s head on the sofa.

Approaching quietly, I felt a surge of happiness upon seeing Amelia sleeping with her mouth slightly open. As drool threatened to spill, I thought of something extraordinary.

Alcohol.

Alcohol!

As the idea crossed my mind, I magically gathered all of Amelia’s drool.

I may not be able to make alcohol with this amount yet, but by preventing decay magically and continuing to collect, I might be able to gather enough to take a sip eventually.

*Gulp.*

A bottle filled with Amelia’s drool is tempting me.

*Squelch, squelch.*

Amelia’s drool sloshes inside the bottle. Somehow, I ended up collecting both her sweat and drool.

Ugh… I’m conflicted. I know how delicious Amelia’s drool is. How happy I was when I ate the minced meatball chewed by Amelia during mana awakening last time.

I thought I wouldn’t eat it until I became an adult, but there it was, contained in the bottle.

Should I taste Amelia’s drool right here and now, or should I endure and make alcohol to savor Amelia’s matured taste?

I pondered more intensely than ever, but I couldn’t come to a conclusion.

[Definitely go for the alcohol!]

Helena’s voice echoed in my mind. It seems like she just confirmed the situation with surveillance magic since there was nothing else to do.

[If you pair Amelia’s cooking with the alcohol made from her saliva, it will be incredibly delicious!]

“…!”

Indeed, every dish and drink, including the alcohol, specially made by Amelia, would be exceptionally tasty. It would undoubtedly be a fantastic meal.

Upon hearing Helena’s words, I sealed the bottle, leaving no room for other thoughts.

Now, if Amelia drools again, it will automatically collect in this bottle, and once it’s full, a signal will come.

I completed the magic and tried to lay my head on Amelia’s lap to fall asleep, but it was impossible at this rate.

Turning my face towards Amelia, I snuggled up as close as possible before drifting off into a nap.

Today’s nap was also a happy one.

==

After a short nap, I woke up to find Lily, who had fallen asleep with her head on my lap, the class having ended.

-Swish, swish.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t asked Lily what she wanted. I wanted to give her various experiences, but upon reflection, I realized it was my own desire.

I hadn’t directly asked Lily. The thought that I might have been treating Lily unilaterally sent shivers down my spine.

I need to be careful. Lily isn’t someone in a game who only moves according to my choices. It’s not about doing things my way.

What does Lily want to do?

“I want to marry Amelia.”

So when I had the chance, I asked Lily, and this was her response.

“With me?”

“Yes. Because you’re my favorite. I heard marriage is something you do with someone you love.”

“Am I your favorite?”

“Yes! Above all in the world!”

Ugh. Hearing Lily speak with hands held high made my heart race.

“But Lily is still 8 years old, right? If you still feel the same way by the time you’re an adult, I’ll accept it!”

There are still about 12 years until adulthood. By then, I might not even be around…

Thinking like this, there wasn’t much time left. I felt sorry for Lily, but marriage seemed difficult no matter how you looked at it.

Even if I delayed, I would likely die before Lily turned 20.

But then, Lily said something unexpected.

“There are 4 years left until I’m an adult? Really going to wait!?”

“4 years?”

“Yes! Adults start at 12!”

“Oh…”

Right. A problem arose. This wasn’t a modern society. I just learned now that in this medieval fantasy world, they consider you an adult starting at 12.

12 years might be forgettable, but 4 years seemed a bit risky. Wait, adults from 12 years old?

“I, I misunderstood! When you turn 20, we’ll get married.”

“20? That’s too far! Why 20 when adults start at 12!”

Rubbing her puffed-up cheeks, Lily complained to me, and I explained my position. Honestly, 12 seemed very risky.

“I’m sorry. Due to my circumstances, if you keep that feeling until you’re 20, I will definitely marry you, Lily.”

“Really? Are we really getting married at 20?”

“Yes, of course. Here,”

I extended my pinky finger, making a promise with Lily. A promise I couldn’t keep.

Surely because Lily was still just an 8-year-old child, she mistook her affection for love towards me.

Time would resolve that issue. As she gradually learns and becomes aware of her emotions, she will realize that the feelings she harbors for me are those of a mother.

So, ultimately, I ended up telling a lie that wasn’t a lie. I promised to marry Lily when she turns 20.

By then, she would have grown enough to manage without me.

For Lily’s happiness, I should make efforts to create various and enjoyable memories during the remaining time. Do we have any photos?

I should probably start making an album now.

==

Thanks to Helena, I was able to quickly obtain a camera. To commemorate receiving the camera as a gift, I took a photo with Helena.

Snugly nestled in my arms, I took a picture that seemed like a back hug with Helena.

I should keep this photo safe for Helena’s dignity.

Indeed, looking at the photo, Helena appeared strikingly beautiful and had an impressive figure.

After feeding Helena lunch and enjoying a nap together, we returned to the annex.

Looking at the camera, Lily grinned widely, delighted that I had brought it to Helena for various fun memories.

So, whenever she could, she snapped photos and wrote about why these particular pictures were taken, diligently filling up the album.

Today, as I tried to get up energetically, I ended up lying back down. The reason being today was the day for my period.

“My body is already saying it’s that day,” it advertised. Ugh…

Even on the second day, it’s still quite annoying. Why me, why only me! Why does it have to be this painful!

How envious Helena must have been when she said she passes through it lightly…

“Are you okay? Amelia?”

Hearing me groan, Lily got up, holding a dry towel and wiped my forehead.

“I’m sorry, Lady Lily.”

“No, it’s fine! Just a moment. Helena will be here soon.”

“Helena is coming?”

“Yeah.”

That’s somewhat of a relief. Lily is still too young to cook, which is risky.

Although she had a big accident last time, Helena, who practiced diligently without my knowledge, can now handle basic tasks.

After chatting with Lily for a while, Helena arrived.

“Amelia, rest well.”

“Thank you, Helena.”

After checking on me, Helena went back downstairs.

It touched my heart to see her taking care of me in such pain. I almost shed a tear.

Lily gently rubbed my stomach beside me, chatting away diligently.

After a while, Helena came up with porridge. Unlike usual, she fed it to me.

In the evening, changing into fresh underwear and clothes before lying down again, Helena and Lily took out the trash.

I fell asleep from exhaustion, not knowing why they both went out to dispose of the garbage.

==

“How should we decide?”

Lily, Helena, and Camilla stared intently at the trash bags in the center, more serious than ever.

After a deep discussion among the three, it eventually fell to Helena.

The reason was simple.

Camilla had taken it once, and Lily had gathered sweat and saliva, so it was decided that Helena, who had nothing, would take it.