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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: I Really Won't Give Affection
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Lize, 0 years old.
Raising a child was a first for me.
But even without comparing to other houses, I could tell this kid was special.
This girl named Lize hardly ever cried at all.
When she was hungry, sleepy, had soiled herself, or had any complaint, she only let out a little whimper.
As if she'd poured out all her tears that first day.
Anyone who saw a baby making only quiet fussing sounds instead of wailing was full of envy.
Not that I could see what was so great about it myself.
"So, even as a baby, you're a hero, huh?"
I stroked her cheek with a finger for no reason, and she broke into a beaming smile as if something delighted her.
Objectively speaking, she was an adorable child.
Having seen her mother's photo, it was obvious she'd grow into a beauty.
But that didn't mean much to me. As long as this child severed my fate, nothing else mattered.
Ah, and it was great how she stayed still no matter how I carried her.
Right now, laying the groundwork was more important than anything—I couldn't afford to focus on the kid.
Even just nursing her here and there kept me plenty busy.
If she could raise herself, I'd be free to work sooner.
"Grow up fast and become a hero. That's why I brought you here."
With the wish that she'd become a hero as soon as possible, I endured another day.
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Lize, 1 year old.
The child spoke her first words.
"Da... da..."
I'd never called myself "daddy" in front of her, but she looked straight at me and said it.
People had called me "baby's dad," and I'd introduced myself that way sometimes... but it still felt a bit mysterious.
"Heehee, Dada..."
Whatever delighted her, she flailed her arms and grinned wide.
I absentmindedly offered my finger, and her soft little hand gripped it tight, as if afraid I'd slip away.
Warmth.
A ticklish something stirred in my chest from her eyes fixed only on me.
Like a single drop of water on parched desert sand—a faint sensation, but not unpleasant.
But that was it.
No deeper sentiment.
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She started walking soon after speaking.
Just crawling a few days ago, and now walking. Truly amazing.
"Dada. Dada."
She called out like that, tottering toward me slowly.
Her first steps were unsteady, but she advanced one foot at a time on her own power.
Yeah, since you've started, make it here under your own steam.
A future hero should find this easy, right?
Still, I couldn't just stand there—I spread my arms to catch her.
A little closer...
"...!"
The moment she wobbled, I lunged and scooped Lize into my arms.
Unaware of my worry, she entrusted herself to me completely and laughed.
"Be careful!"
I startled and raised my voice, and her eyes went wide round.
"No, you can't get hurt..."
Yeah, a future hero can't get injured over something like this.
Awkwardly adding that, I resolved to hold her hand next time.
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Lize, 2 years old.
"Dada, what's this?"
Now able to speak some, Lize actively showed her curiosity about everything.
"This is an axe. You use it to split wood like this."
"Axe? Why wood?"
"You burn it to keep the house warm."
"Burn?"
So curious, she stamped her little feet and called me, firing off questions one after another.
But tell her once, and she never asked twice—her memory and understanding were exceptional.
That meant the things I had to teach kept piling up.
Having lived multiple lives, I had all sorts of trivia stacked up, so answering was effortless. A huge advantage.
And teaching her like this was kinda fun in its own way.
The problem... was Lize's boundless energy.
"Lize, slow down a bit. You'll fall."
"Ung!"
I held out my hand, and she beamed, grabbing it right away.
Her pull was already no joke.
A hero in the making, for sure.
Dragged along by her hand everywhere, I ended up on an impromptu picnic.
Even there, her curiosity knew no bounds.
She got excited over new plants, asking about them.
Good thing we'd come out for this—I was grateful.
"Dada, Dada, what's this?"
"This... lapis lazuli. Crush it and rub on wounds—they heal nice."
"Ah, can eat too?"
"Don't eat it."
Her bright, age-defying eyes got me excitedly explaining too.
"This one's raspberry! Edible?"
"Let's see. Hmm, similar but different. Shape's a bit off. Edible, but kinda bitter."
"Bitter? Don't like bitter."
"Haha."
For Lize to grow as a hero, she needed these varied experiences.
As a hero, that is.
That way, I'd have it easier.
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Lize, 3 years old.
I bought her a ball.
She chased it rolling at first, but soon kicked it decently.
Whump!
No, too good.
I dove full force to snag the ball flying over the fence and tossed it back.
"Waaah, so cool!"
Lize stretched her arms out, then booted the rolling ball again.
To keep it from the neighbors', I dove again. Somehow, I was the one playing now.
I'd bought it for her to play alone, but oh well.
Thinking of it as building her stamina made it enjoyable.
"Fun?"
"Yeah! Super fun!"
"Wanna see Dada kick?"
"Lize kick!"
She hopped excitedly at the role swap.
"Okay, Dada kicks—you catch good?"
"Yeah yeah, quick quick!"
With those familiar words, I dropped the ball to my feet and gave a light kick.
Lize snatched the rolling ball and hurled it back at me.
Whoa, real power there.
I caught the hard-thrown ball and kicked again, repeating.
Really just playing along.
Heard playing a lot young makes 'em healthy.
Future hero can't be frail, so this is fine.
Feeling pretty good, I passed the ball back.
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Lize, 4 years old.
She started learning letters.
She'd shown interest before, but proper teaching was new.
Good lord.
Lize absorbed them like drinking water.
For her age, absurd aptitude.
No need to make her write a page to memorize—I focused on proper handwriting.
She wrote diligently without complaint, earning me an involuntary smile.
Genius, right?
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With some free time, we day-tripped to the big city nearby.
Really to gear up for new work, but we toured with Lize too.
"Dada, Dada, so many people!"
Amazed by the sights, Lize gawked nonstop, eyes huge.
Holding hands wasn't enough—I ended up carrying her to avoid accidents.
Tiring, but carrying her around was a fresh experience.
Everyday stuff from my looped life was new fun for her.
"Dada, Dada!"
"What?"
"Can't see."
"Okay, piggyback?"
A bit more hassle.
But she was thrilled, so I was satisfied.
Should make time for trips like this.
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Lize caught a cold.
Always healthy, I'd never imagined it.
From overexcitement on the last trip?
Didn't know why, but seeing her always bouncy self lying in bed upset me.
"Haa... haa..."
Her ragged breaths furrowed my brow.
Cold cloth on her hot forehead, I wiped her limbs hoping the fever broke.
Knew a good remedy, but no ingredients now.
Couldn't leave sick Lize to fetch them.
Why hadn't I prepared earlier?
Knew meds were scarce in this remote village better than anyone.
"...Dada..."
Sleep-talk?
Weak voice calling me.
What could I do for her now?
Anything?
After a moment's thought, I held her tiny hand.
If this shared her pain, how great.
Maybe placebo, but her face seemed more at ease.
Get well soon, please.
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Lize, 5 years old.
I switched to mercenary work.
Money crunch—no choice.
Lize home alone more, made me uneasy, but she was confident.
Leave early, finish fast, return—that was my best.
"Waa! Dada!"
Thud!
Home, and she'd charge into my arms every time.
Someone greeting me like this—long time, odd feeling.
I patted her head, then hugged her back.
"Good girl?"
Once I hugged on impulse, it became routine.
Not bad at all.
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Got a little hurt.
Not Lize—me.
Shrapnel grazed my forehead, tore it.
No one's fault—my mistake.
Body not fully trained, reactions slow. Should've been careful, got lax.
Bled a lot from forehead.
Couldn't staunch it fully, so headed home.
Expected Lize to startle.
"Waaah! Dadaaa...!"
Sobbing like the world ended.
I panicked.
Never cried as baby or older—not once.
Sad stories, hurts—maybe teary eyes, no real tears.
Never imagined this over my injury.
"It's fine. Dada no hurt. Don't cry."
Held her tight, patted back to soothe.
She wept long in my arms; I worked hard to calm her.
When had anyone cried for me like this?
Feeling her warmth... I finally admitted the tickle in my chest.
I'd ignored it, but now faced it proper.
"My girl... Dada sorry."
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Lize, 6 years old.
While I was out, she started playing with neighborhood kids.
Worried she'd be bored alone—relieved.
Hope she gets along with friends.
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Fought with friends.
And won, proudly. Against three.
How's my girl so strong?
Already alley boss.
Since it's like this, aim for top everywhere.
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Lize nailed side-flip.
My girl genius, confirmed.
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Short on funds, more work—less time with Lize.
Got depressed.
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Lize, 7 years old.
We moved.
Monster fuss midway, but I handled it.
"Dada awesome! Cool!"
Showed cool side to daughter—great.
New house, city excited her. Glad she liked.
Moved for her future—worried if she'd hate.
Celebrated new start with simple party, just us.
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She befriended local kids quick—good.
Not alley boss yet.
More kids than old village, happier. Maybe share snacks next time.
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Work done, home to mess.
Lize's clothes, face flour-and-egg smeared; kitchen, living room wrecked.
"Dada, eat this."
She offered... unnamable bread-like things.
Remembered our baking, tried alone... first dish from my girl.
Make it a holiday.
Saved one as souvenir, but her eyes won—all eaten.
Tastiest ever.
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Lize, 8 years old.
Some punk confessed to her.
Almost split his butt, but she refused—calmed down.
Anyone eyeing my girl better brace.
Even at 8.
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Learned addition.
My girl genius.
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New family next door.
Kids her age—friended fast.
Couple praised her nonstop; couldn't stop grinning.
My girl.
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Lize, 9 years old.
Our cute girl healthy today too.
Got cheek kiss.
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"Dada, wanna learn sword!"
"Not yet."
"...Why not?"
"Dangerous. Lize touch, big trouble. Got it?"
"Yeah, Dada..."
Firm no, she nodded but pouted.
Heart hurt, but no means no.
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Stormy night, lots of lightning.
Scared? She climbed to my bed: "Sleep together."
Shot up tall, but this showed she's still little.
Don't worry. Dada protect.
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Bought Lize clothes.
Suited everything—trouble, bought all she liked.
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Lize cute.
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"Dada, ah~."
Ate apple she offered.
Extra special taste.
"Lize ah~."
Silly play awhile.
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Horseback with Lize.
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Lize cute today too.
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Kissed Lize's cheek.
Got one back.
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And so.
Lize's 10th birthday passed.