SHC50_Chapter 50:Gentle Changes

Chapter 50: Gentle Changes

 

The seasons had turned. It was now late autumn, and winter’s footsteps could be heard just around the corner.

Ever since the curry dish had been created, the number of meals made with spices on our dining table had steadily increased. Apparently, it was part of the head chef’s ongoing research into curry—but as far as I was concerned, so long as the food was delicious, I had no complaints. Even Josef and Elise clasped hands in giddy excitement every time something new appeared.

The kid-friendly version of curry was so mild that even Regulus could eat it, and whenever it was served, he’d place his hands against his cheeks and happily exclaim, “Yummy!” before eating more than usual—and often asking for seconds.

As for Professor Romanov, he liked it so much that he contacted Victor and even began buying spices himself.

Thanks to his efforts, we had enough spices to share curry powder and recipes with Fiore, the cook at the town’s tavern.

Adventurers had begun staying in the town more frequently since Kikunoi reduced taxes and made a few tasty treats available.

When I visited to deliver the recipe, Roland-san told me as much.

Just like the changing seasons, the town—and Kikunoi itself—was slowly improving. It might just be wishful thinking on my part, but I couldn’t help feeling hopeful.

Change wasn’t limited to the town; even the Kikunoi estate was showing signs of transformation.

The Chinese cabbages we replanted in the ninth month had grown nicely, and it looked like they would be ready for harvest soon.

Following Genzou-san’s suggestion, we decided to experiment: we raised seedlings in both my garden soil and Genzou-san’s farm soil, then planted them in both locations to compare results.

Interestingly, the ones planted in his field turned out a bit stunted, while the seedlings that originated in his soil but were planted in my garden—despite growing slowly at first—had nearly caught up to the ones started entirely in my soil.

“It’s gotta be the soil, huh,” Genzou muttered, crouching to inspect the ground.

“I guess it really is,” I agreed.

“I even tried planting seedlings raised in your garden soil into my field, but they didn’t grow very big either.”

Maybe it was because my garden was handled directly by me and benefited from my “green thumb” skill—that was the only explanation I could think of.

Well, the taste is what really matters in the end. There's no point in growing big vegetables if they turn out bland.

“We’ll have to harvest and do a taste test,” I said.

“Indeed. My eldest grandkid’s been helping me out lately, by the way.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yup. He’s been escaping to my place since things have been getting worse with his younger brother.”

Hunched over to inspect the soil, Genzou-san's usually sturdy figure appeared somewhat frail.

It sounded like the siblings weren’t getting along too well.

“They don’t get along that badly, do they?”

“It’s not so much the brothers’ relationship as it is the parents, really. The younger one’s still small, so no matter what happens, it’s the older one who gets scolded. I suppose the parents think, since the older kid can understand better, it’s easier to correct him than explain everything to the little one. However, receiving constant scolding for non-fault-related issues can lead to a sense of resentment.

“Have you told the parents?”

“They understand it logically, but in their hearts, they can’t help thinking, ‘Why doesn’t he get it?’”

“Well… being an older sibling isn’t something you choose. It’s something adults impose. Forcing the responsibilities of being older on a child who never got to decide in the first place—it seems pretty unfair to me.”

Genzou gave a pained chuckle. “That hits close to home.”

People often say kids choose their parents before they’re born, but I don’t believe that.

Kids don’t get to choose their parents. And parents don’t really get to choose their kids, either.

But—unlike children—adults can choose not to become parents.

In that sense, they do have the power to decide whether a child lives or dies.

Unborn babies can’t choose to die on their own.

I mean, if I had been able to choose, why on earth would I have picked my parents? Was I some kind of masochist?

...Oops. I was projecting my baggage there. That wasn’t fair to Genzou-san.

I apologized sincerely, and he just smiled kindly. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Anyway,” he said, pointing behind me.

I looked down—and saw Regulus tugging at the hem of my blouse.

His eyes looked up at me, glossy with tears.

“Uh… what’s wrong?” I asked gently.

“Nii-ni… Do you not want to be Ree’s big brother anymore?”

“Hmm? No, I do. Why?”

“Because… you said you didn’t choose to be one…”

Wait… did he understand that whole conversation!?

“Just a little,” he said, sniffling.

Oh my goodness, my little brother is so smart!

He’d caught part of the conversation between me and Genzou-san. However, he only heard part of the conversation, and since it was a pretty delicate topic, it is not surprising that he misunderstood it.

I gently ruffled his fluffy blond hair, and he gave a real sniffle, like he was about to start crying.

“Regulus-kun, that conversation wasn’t about us, okay?”

“It wasn’t?”

“Nope. And besides—I wanted to be your big brother.”

“Really? So… Ree isn’t unwanted?”

“Of course not!”

You can’t define someone’s worth by whether they’re wanted or not.

“You’re my treasure, Regulus.”

“Ree too! Ree loves Nii-Nii lots!”

He threw himself at me with a face all messy from tears and snot and smiled so brightly I nearly melted.

Regulus had gotten taller and gained some weight recently, so I wobbled a bit under the sudden hug—until Genzou-san reached out and steadied me.

I wiped Regulus’s tears and helped him blow his nose. He rubbed his cheek against mine.

Once again, I was reminded how lucky I was to have such an adorable little brother.

As we snuggled together, a rustling sound came from the hedges in the courtyard.

Genzou-san turned to look, and from between the shrubs appeared… Utsunomiya-san.

“Young Master,” he said, bowing. “Rottenmeier-san asked me to call you back to the house. We have a guest.”

“A guest?”

“Yes. Professor Romanov is entertaining them at the moment. I believe their name was… Sh-Shostakovich…”

Victor-san is here!?

 

Eunie's note: Adventurers are gathering; another legendary level elf has also arrived.... I personally think Ageha will eventually take over the world if another one joins in his elves harem

---(4/6 chapters I owe you guys. I'll post the next two chapters as soon as I'm done)

Thanks for reading and Happy Father's Day to anyone here who is a dad or has a dad! 

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