SHC48_CHAPTER48 The Heart That’s Here and Now

Chapter 48: The Heart That’s Here and Now

As if waiting for our conversation to wrap up, a soft knock sounded at the door.

The light tapping of knuckles against wood prompted Romanov-sensei to call out permission to enter.

The person who stepped in was Rottenmeier-san—and for some reason, my heart skipped a beat.

“Excuse me,” she said politely. “I was informed that Young Master was here.”

“Yes, he’s right here,” Sensei confirmed.

She bowed to him, then turned her gaze to me, adjusting her glasses in that familiar habit of hers before speaking.

“Young Master, the head chef has informed us that the spice preparations are complete.”

“Wow! Then I’ll head to the kitchen right away!”

“Very good.”

I slid off the sofa and immediately felt Sensei’s hand gently patting my head. Looking up, I saw his usual light, carefree expression.

“Is this for that ‘curry rice’ dish you mentioned?”

“Yes. We still have to grind the spices into powder and prep everything. I’ve asked everyone in the household to help, and it looks like everything is finally ready.”

“So we’ll finally get to taste the feast, then?”

“Hmm… not quite. I still need to mix and prepare everything, so I’m not sure it’ll be ready today.”

“I see. Then I’ll look forward to it patiently while thinking about your next extracurricular lesson.”

“Okay!”

I toddled off toward the doorway, where Rottenmeier-san was waiting. She bowed once more to Romanov-sensei before exiting.

I gave a quick bow too, then followed her out, trailing behind her as she led the way.

She always walked slightly ahead, making sure there were no obstacles or dangers in our path. After listening to what Sensei and Her Highness had told me, I realized her every action had intention.

I wanted to speak with her.

But when she was right there in front of me, I found myself unable to speak.

She was the one I troubled most before I got sick, and now she’s the one who worries about me most.

What could I possibly do to repay her?

As I stared at her back, she suddenly turned around.

“Young Master, is something the matter?”

“Eh?”

“I felt your gaze on me…”

“Ah, um… Rottenmeier-san…”

“Yes, Young Master?”

But even as she invited me to speak, my thoughts wouldn’t settle. So I decided to change the topic.

“…Do you have any foods you don’t like?”

“Foods I dislike, you mean?”

“Yes.”

“No, not particularly. I was in Utsunomiya-san's position once, too. I grew up eating anything and everything I could just to survive. Right now, the Kikunoi household is not in dire straits… however…”

“...If we leave things as they are, families like that will start appearing—and some already exist, even if not obviously. That’s what you mean.”

“Precisely, Young Master. Romanov-sensei said that what you need most is to know things as they truly are. You have a great ambition, and to achieve it, Kikunoi must prosper. And to do that, you must have an accurate understanding of the current state of things.”

“I agree. It’s not that I can only do so little now—it’s that I can almost do nothing. But I also think this period is time to prepare, so that when I can act, I can do so immediately. That’s why I hope many people will help me. I hope that the dish I’m making becomes a first step toward that goal.

Rottenmeier-san adjusted her glasses again.

Through the thick lenses, I caught a glimpse of her worried, hazel eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Young Master, the god who watches over you has said that you’re suffering from difficult aftereffects of the epidemic.”

“Did Romanov-sensei tell you?”

“Yes. And Regulus-sama too.”

“Regulus-kun did?”

“More precisely, Utsunomiya-san translated. He said, ‘Big brother had a severe sickness, but if he studies magic and takes care of his health, he’ll be okay. That’s what the goddess said.’ I don’t know how accurate it is, but…”

“That’s almost exactly right. Wow, Regulus-kun is amazing. And Utsunomiya-san for understanding him!”

Regulus-kun can speak fluently sometimes, but he still uses baby talk. Utsunomiya-san's ability to understand Regulus-kun indicates that their bond is very strong.

It takes patience to really listen to toddlers, and it takes just as much courage for toddlers to keep talking when they feel misunderstood. Neither side finds it easy.

I nodded and saw Rottenmeier-san’s brow twitch slightly.

“Young Master, earlier you said, ‘The time it takes until I can do something is time to prepare.’ But before thinking about food or Kikunoi’s future, isn’t there something you need to do first?”

“Something I need to do…?”

“Yes.”

Her voice was firm, and I shrank back a little.

But then her expression softened again.

“I’m not denying your goals, Young Master. Development and reform—those are your parents’ responsibilities. Not yours. I believe learning is essential, and that real practice brings valuable lessons. But you’re still a child. You must spend time as a child. And in that time, you must also prepare to become an adult.”

“I thought that’s what I was doing now…”

“That’s not quite right. To become an adult, it’s not just your mind that needs growth—your body does too. The heart lives inside the body. No matter how strong the heart is, if the body can’t carry it, you won’t be able to walk on your own.”

“…So, in short… you want me to prioritize my health.”

She nodded heavily, and honestly, I was surprised.

I mean, I look round and healthy at a glance!

Sure, I know she’s worried. But isn’t she being a little overprotective?

“Um, I really am fine, though?”

I flapped my arms and bent my knees a bit, showing I had no problems moving around.

But her face remained troubled.

I tilted my head, unsure what she was so concerned about.

Then she knelt, placing her hands gently on my shoulders so our eyes met.

“Young Master… please, promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”

“Of course. I won’t overdo it.”

“Will you promise?”

“I promise. But… what’s wrong, Rottenmeier-san?”

As she started to pull her hands away, I caught them gently and held on.

She flinched in surprise but didn’t pull away—instead, she gripped my hand back.

Rottenmeier-san is always professional. She matches my pace when needed and makes compromises—but she draws a firm line as a servant. Touching her master’s hand like this is… unlike her.

Before I could fall into confusion, she spoke again—her voice trembling.

“I was there… when you were suffering from the plague. I saw your bright red face turn ashen, your labored breathing grow faint, and your burning body turn icy cold—I saw it all.”

Oh…

Her grip tightened. But her hands trembled, like she might let go at any second.

To me, it had been a terrifying illness, but I’d woken up feeling surprisingly refreshed—if not for the added chaos of my past life’s memories.

But for her… She’d been by my side, watching as I declined to the point they might have called a mortician.

“Rottenmeier-san, I…”

“I’ve overstepped. Please forgive me.”

As I struggled to find the right words, she began to pull away again.

I quickly held on tighter, not letting her go.

She paused, felt me waiting, and finally relaxed her hand.

“Um, Rottenmeier-san… I have so much I want to say, but I don’t know how to say it right…”

“Yes.”

“But… right now, I’m just really, really glad to be alive. I’m enjoying life so much. And more than anything… I’m grateful that you’ve stayed by my side. Please… keep staying with me.”

She trembled again, shoulders shaking.

She took a deep breath—and then, finally, smiled.

Wait… Rottenmeier-san smiled!?

“I, Adelheid Rottenmeier, will remain at Young Master’s side for as long as I draw breath.”

“Thank you. I promise—I’ll grow into someone worthy of that promise. So… please watch over me.”

I looked up at her as she stood tall again.

Then I took her outstretched hand, and together, we walked toward the kitchen.

Eunie: Rottenmeir-san...I sometimes wonder what her back story is. Like is she a high ranking adventurer or how did she get acquainted with Romanov-sensei

2/6. chapters i owe you guys.

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