Chapter 6 – Conversation with Father
Today is the day my father, Reiner-Valdia, returns. When I mentioned that I had something to discuss with him, Galun said he would inform my father when he spoke to him.
By the way, there are two things I want to talk about.
Firstly, I want to delve into various subjects like magic and martial arts. Unlike in the game, I didn’t have the advantage of being the main character, so there were no experience points gained through protagonist position. Even though I know I can become stronger, it takes time to grow. If this world follows the same rules, there’s nothing better than training to quickly become stronger.
The second thing is that I need some money that I can use freely. It’s for a future goal, but I’m currently in a situation without any starting capital. I have no choice but to rely on my father’s assistance. There is the option of selling nearby luxury items, but that might cause issues later on, so I want to keep it as a last resort.
As I’ve been reading books in the study for a while now, I’ve come across something interesting. I realized that many plants and minerals in this world have the same names and characteristics as those in my previous world. Of course, there are also unique ones.
“If that’s the case, there might be a way to make money. I could contact a merchant and create a sustainable supply of something in this world…”
While I was engrossed in reading and contemplating future possibilities, I heard a sweet voice expressing dissatisfaction.
“…Nii-chan, this is boring.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Should we read a picture book?”
“Really? Yay!”
The other day, when I read a picture book to Mel, she was thrilled. She started spending time with me in the study. Since Mel immediately understands the content of the picture book when I read it to her, I can tell she is very bright. Isn’t my little sister a genius? Danae, the maid who accompanies us in the study, gazes at us with what seems like a sigh, though it might just be my imagination.
“Cough, Lord Reed, Lord Reiner is summoning you to his office.”
Suddenly, Galun appeared in front of the study door, clearing his throat.
“…Alright, I’ll go right away.”
“Thank you. I’ll return to Lord Reiner’s side.”
Galun only conveyed the necessary message, bowed, and left the study ahead of me.
“Eh!! Nii-chan, are you leaving…?”
“I’m sorry. We’ll read the picture book later, alright?”
“Ugh…”
Just when she thought I could have a picture book read to her, Mel started to cry because Father called for me. Without hesitation, Danae said, “Miss, I will read it to you instead,” and made her happy. Mel, her mood lifted by Danae’s words, said, “We’ll read it later, okay? Promise!” I replied, “Yes, I promise,” and headed to Father’s office where I was summoned.
When I arrived in front of the room, I knocked on the door with a nervous expression. “Come in,” a low, commanding voice came from the other side of the door. “Excuse me,” I entered the office and found Galun already standing there.
It seemed he had informed Father and returned to assist him. Father, Reiner-Valdia, possessed silver hair like mine and purple eyes. He always maintained an emotionless face, preventing others from reading his feelings. His appearance was quite intimidating, especially his powerful gaze, which could make an ordinary child cry and run away.
“I heard from Galun that you have something to discuss. “What is it?” Father asked, his tone serious and focused.
“Yes. First of all, thank you for granting me this opportunity to speak with you. There are two things I would like to request. Firstly, I would appreciate it if you could arrange a tutor for me who can teach subjects like magic, martial arts, and various other disciplines.”
“Hmm… I’ve been considering that matter for a while. However, your demeanor and behavior within the mansion have made it challenging to arrange such tutoring. I didn’t expect you to make the request yourself. Are you truly prepared for this?”
Father’s response took me by surprise. Despite his limited interaction with me and Mel, I hadn’t anticipated that he would delay arranging a tutor based on my mental state. Yet, it also made me wonder if he could spare more time for us. Father maintained his expressionless gaze, his eyes locked on me. Taking a deep breath, I straightened my posture and responded with confidence.
“I apologize if I have caused any concerns. Personally, witnessing my mother’s declining condition has been distressing. However, I have come to realize that merely feeling despondent won’t bring about any solutions. By improving myself, I believe I can also contribute to my mother’s well-being. Therefore, I kindly request your support in finding a suitable private tutor.”
“Understood. If you are truly determined, then I suppose it can be arranged. I will make the necessary preparations. Now, what is the second matter you wish to discuss?”
Upon hearing my words, Reiner seemed relieved, allowing a faint glimpse of happiness to appear on his face before returning to his usual stoic expression. He then proceeded to address the next topic.
“Yes, the second matter is somewhat embarrassing, but I would like to request your assistance in providing funds that I can utilize personally.”
“…And what would be the purpose of these funds?”
His voice grew heavier, and with a single question from my father, the atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming tense and weighty.
“While conducting my research in the study, I stumbled upon some items that could potentially be developed into useful products. I intend to explore their implementation.”
“Normally, when requesting funds, the provider would expect the submission of relevant documents. Are you asking for funds without any such documentation?”
“Yes, that’s correct. This time, I’m requesting an investment in myself. I believe that as my father, you can have confidence in my abilities. It is indeed embarrassing to make such a request, but I genuinely hope you will consider it.”
It was a gamble. As Father pointed out, requesting funding without proper documentation would normally be inappropriate. However, preparing the required documents would likely consume a significant amount of time. Considering my mother’s condition, time was of the essence. Thus, I took a leap of faith. Sometimes, passion can move people’s hearts, especially within the context of a parent-child relationship. Though it assumes the existence of a genuine familial connection, my father’s prior remarks indicated that he might be paying attention to me, making me believe he would be receptive to my request…!!
As my words hung in the air, my father furrowed his brow, using his right thumb and index finger to massage the wrinkles on his forehead. I maintained an intense gaze, eagerly waiting for his response. After a moment, my father let out a small sigh.
“Very well… I will provide you with the necessary funds. Since you mentioned ‘potentially useful products,’ I assume you have some business ideas in mind? It’s an amount of money that exceeds what a child should handle for business, but if you are making such a significant request, then make sure to utilize it effectively.”
“…!! Thank you very much! I assure you, I will do everything in my power to live up to your expectations!”
Father appeared to be in a slightly better mood than when I first entered the study. Emboldened by his response, I decided to push my luck a little further.
“Father, if I may make one more request?”
“What is it? Please note that further funding requests are not possible.”
“No, it’s not about that. Both Mel and I haven’t had many opportunities to converse with you, and I feel a bit disappointed about it. If it’s alright, could we have meals together, like breakfast or dinner?”
Upon hearing the mention of Mel, Reiner’s forehead twitched ever so slightly.
“I will consider it… By the way, do you call Meldy ‘Mel’?”
“Yes. Mel requested that I call her that since both you and Mother refer to her in that manner.”
“I see… Is that all you wished to discuss? If not, you may leave now.”
Father closed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought. Sensing that our conversation had reached its conclusion, I said, “Thank you for your time,” and exited the study. Closing the door behind me, I couldn’t help but wonder what Father and Galun were discussing. However, I put that thought aside and made my way back to the study.
“Alright, things went better than I expected. I now have the starting capital; all that’s left is to find a merchant, I suppose.”
Negotiating with Father had gone smoother than I had imagined, but in the midst of it all, I had completely forgotten about my promise to Mel regarding reading her a story.
After a while, the study door swung open forcefully. Curious about the commotion, I turned to see Mel standing there, her face streaked with tears and an expression of fury on her features. In that moment, I remembered that I had failed to fulfill our promise.
“Me-Mel, I’m so…”
“You’re a liar, Nii-chan!! A big fat liar!!”
As I attempted to apologize, Mel clung to me, tears streaming down her face, while delivering gentle punches as a way to express her anger. I held her tightly, whispering, “I’m sorry, Mel,” as I tried to console her. Eventually, I was compelled to read her a story until she felt satisfied…
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