It's been a couple months since everything that happened with the raid. Luckily, everyone we rescued accepted having me as their master once we explained the situation.
Kaya has officially taken the position as their representative. I asked her to since not all of them trust me completely yet. At least this way she can relay information more effectively and let me know about anyone feeling uneasy.
Garm and Kaya keep butting heads whenever they're left alone for too long. Their personalities are practically polar opposites so they can never agree on anything. At this point I'm just waiting for them to admit their feeling for one another.
Since he's always around me, I made Garm my personal butler. Honestly, I wanted to give him a position as my personal guard, but he kept refusing. He would always say something about wishing to serve me at all times. I'm starting to get a bit worried about his devotion to me.
[Ren] Master, it's time for to get dressed.
Ah, speaking of worrying about someone's devotion, now there's Ren. She never wanted to leave my side, and ended up becoming my personal maid. I still think she should've stayed with Kaya, but she and Mom both pushed her onto me once they saw how cute she looked in a maid outfit.
[Ren] Please lift your arms.
I'll admit, she's an adorable maid, but I'm a bit worried that she's getting too attached to me because of her crush. I'm flattered, but I'm not going to start a relationship with a little kid.
[Ren] And now your pants.
[Sakyo] Nope, I can do those myself.
[Ren] (pout) Fine.
I'm really worried about her crush on me.
...
In the knight's training grounds, Sakyo finishes the fifty-lap warmup before anyone else for the first time.
[Knight 1] No way, that kid actually finished before us!
[Knight 2] That's impossible! How the hell did he do it?
[Knight 3] He was always running dead last until a few days ago!
At all of their complaints, the captain shuts them down right away.
[Reika] Well, it looks like you'll all just have to work harder if you don't want to be passed up next time!
Under her harsh words, she beams with pride at her son's achievement. She can't stop herself from feeling proud at his rapid growth. However, at the same time, she begins to worry that his abilities are growing too quickly.
[Reika] Sakyo, I need to talk to you for a second!
As she and her son walk into the commander's tent, the other knights continue their complaints.
[Knight 1] Jeez, he must've cheated somehow.
[Knight 2] Yeah, there's no way a kid beat us without cheating.
[Hendrix] That's enough, quit your complaining and rest up before the captain comes back.
[Knight 3] Come on, Vice-Captain, you've gotta know it too. That kid's definitely cheating somehow.
His cold glare freezes their very core. Anger clearly breaking free from deep within.
[Hendrix] Do you truly believe you are so incompetent that you'd allow some child to cheat during our training?
[Knight 1] N-no sir, but it's still hard to accept.
[Hendrix] I don't want to hear anymore of this. Go rest before I put you through hell!
The knights rush away to get any bit of rest before their actual training. Hendrix stares at the captain's tent with rising anger in his eyes.
[Hendrix] (I know he's not cheating. That's why it's so infuriating. How did that brat get so much stronger in just a few days?)
Meanwhile, in the captain's tent.
[Reika] Sakyo, I think you should take a break from the knight's training.
[Sakyo] What?! Why?
[Reika] Your sudden growth is demoralizing everyone, and I've been getting too many complaints about it.
[Sakyo] So I can't train here anymore because I got stronger? How does that make any sense?
[Reika] It won't be forever, just for a while. Why don't you take some time for yourself? Maybe you can go into town to get some new equipment.
It's clear she doesn't want to tell her son that he can't train with the knights anymore, but her duty as the kingdom's knight captain comes first here. Sakyo, with much reluctance, accepts and leaves the tent, heading into the city.
...
It's not fair. Why can't I train the way I want to. Telling me I can't because I'm too strong just doesn't make sense.
[Sakyo] (sigh)
I guess there's no point complaining about it now. I've got a lot more to do besides training. Maybe I will get some new equipment while I have the chance.
[Ren] Master, I can't wait for our date today.~
Oh yeah, Ren decided to join me when she saw me going out. I tried asking her to stay behind, but judging by her heartbroken expression, I might as well have told her the world would end tomorrow.
Well, it's not like I can't indulge her crush on me a bit. It'd just be cruel to crush her feelings at this age. As long as she doesn't try anything too bad, I don't mind making her happy.
[Sakyo] Um, Ren, it's a little hard to walk with you clinging to me like this. Do you mind letting go?
[Ren] No, I need to stay close to better serve my master.
Jeez, with how spoiled she acts, you'd almost never guess she's actually older than me.
Since I'm their master now, I used my new appraisal skill to take a look at her status screen.
Ren
Age: 8 Years
Element: Darkness
Power: 1
Magic: 1
Vitality: 1
Speed: 1
Trick: 1
Titles:
{Obsessed with Sakyo}
Bloodline Ability:
None
Skills:
{Devotion}
She's only a year older than me, but it's still hard to believe. It's a bit hard for me to keep track since this world has more days in a year than Earth did.
In this new world, there are 438 days in a year. Even though I'm still six years old in this world, I'd actually be a little over seven back on Earth. With this whole weird time thing, I guess it makes more sense why you're considered an adult at fifteen in this world.
Getting back to her stats, Ren's base stats really don't have anything special about them. She's got a skill called {Devotion} that gives her a sense of loyalty that rivals even Garm. It's pretty impressive, but I'm a bit more worried about her title.
{Obsessed with Sakyo}
A title given to those who put one above themselves in everything.
Subskills:
{Mental Fortitude}
She's so obsessed with me that she literally gained a title because of it. I mean, I'm glad she's able to better protect herself a bit, but this is still a little embarrassing.
I already looked at {Mental Fortitude} and it apparently gives her immunity to all forms of charms and mind control. At least I'll never have to worry about her betraying me.
[Ren] Master, where are we going first?~
[Sakyo] I wanted to stop by somewhere to make a few new pieces of equipment. It's just down this street.
[Ren] Sounds fun, I can't wait to see what you get made.
...
The two children walk into a small wooden shop called "Arcane Atelier". The inside is lined with different designs of coats, boots, and other types of lightweight armor. A young-looking elven man steps out from behind a backroom curtain.
[Tailor] Welcome, are you children lost?
[Sakyo] No, I heard that you can make enchanted equipment here.
[Tailor] That's right, but I charge a hefty price, though I could probably give you a discount if you bring me the materials.
[Sakyo] I'd like for you to make something for me. I have the materials all ready.
[Tailor] I can take a look, but this could still cost a few gold coins depending on what enchantments you want.
[Sakyo] Will this be enough to cover it?
Sakyo places a small pouch filled with gold coins on the front desk. Seeing so much gold laid right before his eyes, the tailor can't hide his excitement. His demeanor completely changes as he shifts from talking to children to talking to wealthy customers.
[Tailor] Yes, esteemed customers, this will be more than enough to cover anything you want. What kind of equipment would you like?~
Sakyo takes out all of the materials given to him by the Midnight Tiger.
[Sakyo] (The system's storage space is pretty convenient at times like this.) I'd like you to use these materials.
Taking one look at the rare materials laid in front of him, the tailor can't hide his excitement.
[Tailor] Oh my, a pelt and claws from a Midnight Tiger! And in such pristine condition. How did you manage to get such exquisite materials?
[Sakyo] Um, they were a gift from someone special.
Remembering his promise to protect Lumi, a slightly somber look passes over his face. Seeing this look, the tailor quickly tries to change the subject.
[Tailor] I see, and what kind of equipment did you have in mind?
[Sakyo] I'd like to have the fur made into a coat that would be easy to fight in, and I'd like the claws made into a band bracelet.
[Tailor] I see, and are there any specific enchantments you wanted me to put on them?
[Sakyo] Would it be possible to put some kind of self-repair on both of them?
[Tailor] Of course, such an enchantment is simple for one as long-lived as I.
[Sakyo] Good, and is there any way to put a mana absorption enchantment on the bracelet?
For a moment, a puzzled look spreads across the tailor's face.
[Tailor] Are you sure about that? Such an enchantment is possible, but it's pretty difficult to control the output. The band would absorb your mana, as well as that in the surrounding area, and that would basically turn it into a cursed item.
[Sakyo] I'm sure, I have certain plans for it.
[Tailor] Very well, with these enchantments, your total will come to three gold coins.
[Sakyo] (Really? That seems so cheap.) Is that really all?
[Tailor] Yes, usually it would cost more, but I'm giving you a little discount since you brought me such rare materials. I must admit, I am very excited at the chance to work with them.
Handing over the payment, Sakyo and Ren leave the tailor's shop. The tailor waves happily as they walk away.
[Tailor] I should have your purchase ready in five days! Please do come again!
With their final goodbyes, the two children are once again on their way.
[Ren] That was fun. What do you have planned next for our date?~
[Sakyo] (She won't let this date thing go.) Well, I wanted to stop by to register at the adventurer's guild.
Despite his thoughts, Sakyo can't help smirking at Ren's insistence that their outing is a date.
[Ren] The adventurer's guild?
[Sakyo] Yeah, it should make it easier for me to travel around (At least, that's usually how it is in anime). This way, I'll be able to find the best place to make the new village.
[Ren] I see, then I'll happily go with you.
Rumble
Holding her stomach, a huge blush spreads across Ren's face.
[Sakyo] Maybe we should grab some food before that.