Kays Translations

Chapter 25 "Liz and Klaus, Their Own Circumstances"

"All right, I managed to buy some magic stones. Now, I just need to get new weapons and equipment—"

And finally...!

"Woooooo! I'm ready to take on the promotion exam!"

"Shut up!"

*Bam!*

"Ow... right on my head..."

There was a satisfying clang as the metal tong's handle... struck Klaus directly.

Even in this vast world, there were limits to what one could do...

"L-Liz. Hitting with the handle is cheating."

"It's big brother's fault for not coming home before dinner!"

She's standing with her hands on her hips, looking quite upset.

Yeah, she's really cute.

"I-I'm sorry... S-so, what's on the menu for today?"

"Hmph! We have cold sweet potato potage, cold wheat porridge, cold salad, and for dessert, cold apple pie!... Also, don't forget my icy stare!"

Oh my. You don't need to emphasize the 'cold.' Also, salads are usually served cold. 

And your cold stare has become a habit──.

*Grr...*

Oh my...

"S-sorry, sorry. I was just excited about something good that happened."

"Something good?... Huh, better than dinner, huh?"

Uh.

It's hard to say that's true...

"I-I'll tell you later. Come on, it's getting dark and chilly outside. Let's have dinner."

"If it's okay that it's cold—"

Liz puffs up her cheeks cutely, and although he knows he's being scolded, he pokes her puffed cheek.

*Pshoo.*

"Hahaha!! 'Pshoo' too!"

"Big brother!!"

It goes without saying that he was severely scolded by his furious stepsister with a metal soldering iron.

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"Phee... Thank you. It was super delicious!"

Ah, it was delicious.

Despite emphasizing it was cold, Liz reheated the food properly.

In addition to the items mentioned earlier, the menu included a crispy salad and freshly baked thin bread. 

Dipping the thin bread in the wheat porridge, the thick porridge soaked into it like soup, making it incredibly tasty.

The porridge, lightly simmered with honey, was gentle on the stomach and paired well with the slightly salty bread. 

Moreover, the apple pie was crispy and just as rich and flavorful as the sweet potato potage.

"There we go, all done."

Liz blushed slightly when properly thanked for the meal and attentively took care of everything. 

Following the meal, there were large slices of pear served with tea.

Hmm... Absolutely delightful.

"But speaking of which, you've been getting quite a collection of tools, haven't you?"

The tongs that were used today had changed from wooden ones to metal ones, as had some of the cooking utensils likely used yesterday and today.

"Hm? Yep. I'm happy because big brother works hard and earns money, so I can buy nice things."

With a cheerful smile, his stepsister's good mood lifted Klaus's spirits too.

Above all, he was pleased that his efforts at work were being recognized.

"Hey, if that's what Liz wants, I can make it out of mithril for you!"

"Geez, there's no way we can afford something that expensive. Iron works just fine."

Saying that, Liz happily peeled the pear.

Until recently, she used a sharp but cheap stone knife.

"Y-yeah. Well, someday I'll buy you a lighter and more durable mithril one."

"Hmph! Don't expect me to hold my breath waiting!"

You can count on that...

"But, it might not be too far off."

"Hmm? The promotion exam you mentioned during dinner?"

"Yeah."

"That's right. If I get promoted to intermediate adventurer, my opportunities will expand, and..."

Even they...

"Will it increase?"

"Yeah, that means I can earn even more."

"Hmm."

Liz didn't seem too thrilled about it.

"I don't want you to push yourself too hard, you know?"

"Don't worry about it. There's also mother's medical expenses... If my opportunities expand, we might find more information about Dad too."

"Stop it!"

Klaus was silenced by his stepsister's stern words.

"Stop pushing yourself so hard because of those people, big brother!"

"I... I'm sorry."

Klaus's father, who had been declared missing and presumed dead, was not someone who cared much about family matters. 

Considering the late father of Liz, who was already deceased, it was clear that she didn't hold her stepfather in high regard.

"Ah, I'm the one who should be sorry... Even though I've been taken care of, I ended up causing trouble like this."

"No, I think it's a natural reaction."

Even Liz has her own life.

If she hadn't been taken in by irresponsible parents' agreement, she might have had a different life.

Taking care of an adoptive mother she's not related to by blood, taking care of an adoptive brother she's not related to by blood...

Waiting every day until late for my return must be exhausting.

And also...

"Sorry, I'm going to bed now."

"Oh, yeah..."

Feeling dejected, Liz quickly cleared the dishes and walked reluctantly to her bedroom.

"Darn it..."

...Liz, she's already 15 years old.

There isn't much time left until her skills blossom.

"...To ensure Liz grows up healthy, I have to work even harder."

Liz doesn't wholeheartedly approve of Klaus being an adventurer.

Rather, she feels a sense of responsibility for making him do dangerous work because of "her own fault."

(But that's not true, Liz...)

Of course, it's for Liz's sake, too.

But it's not just that.

When Klaus acquired his unique skill, he believed that being an adventurer was his true calling. 

At that time, he was praised and highly anticipated.

However, the reality was different... Three years passed, and he had fallen behind to the point where he could only now take the promotion exam.

"It's not like that, Liz..."

(That's why... That's why I want to show them... Those who laughed at [Automatic Function - Auto Mode], those who gave up on it...)

Because I'm a boy, you see, I am...

In that case,

If────…….

Do you want to rise up as the strongest, stronger than anyone else, stronger and stronger?

Is that not an acceptable goal?

Hey, Liz────.

Klaus stared intently at Liz's room where the light had gone out.

※ Klaus used the purchased magic stone. ※

　※ ※ ※　

　Klaus Noldor's level has increased. Level up

　　Klaus Noldor's level has increased. Level up

　　　Klaus Noldor's level has increased. Level up

　※ ※ ※

　※ ※ ※

Level: 44 (UP!)

Name: Klaus Noldor

Skills: [Automatic Function - Auto Mode] Level 4

Level 1 ⇒ Automatic Return

Level 2 ⇒ Automatic Movement

Level 3 ⇒ Automatic Resource Collection

Level 4 ⇒ Automatic Combat

Level 5 ⇒ ???

● Klaus's Stats

Health: 317 (UP!)

Strength: 199 (UP!)

Defense: 170 (UP!)

Magic Power: 105 (UP!)

Agility: 200 (UP!)

Resistance: 71 (UP!)

Remaining Status Points: +58 (UP!)

Slot 1: Sword Skills Level 4

Slot 2: Presence Detection Level 3

Slot 3: Low-Level Magic Level 1

Slot 4: Automatic Return

Slot 5: Automatic Movement

Slot 6: Automatic Resource Collection

Slot 7: Automatic Combat

● Title: None

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