Chapter 140: Talking with Grandmother
Grandmother narrowed her eyes and spoke in a somewhat exasperated tone.
“What do you intend to do with your future as an adventurer? You don’t even have a combat skill.”
“I can fight!”
Ren raised his voice slightly, interrupting her.
“I can defeat Horn Rabbits and Three-Eyed Eagles. Even without a combat skill—”
“Horn Rabbits?”
Grandmother lowered her brows as though troubled and lifted one corner of her mouth.
“Being able to hunt magical beasts is a good thing. I understand that you can function as an adventurer. But Horn Rabbits are beginner-class beasts included among the Academy’s first-year subjugation assignments. Defeating one isn’t something that allows you to loudly proclaim that you can fight.”
“There are other bird-type magical beasts too…”
Ren’s voice fell. The beasts he usually hunted, whether Horn Rabbits or birds, were much the same size. He wasn’t fighting vicious monsters. He still didn’t think he could defeat the Great Boar he’d once encountered in the forest.
(So that isn’t enough? Do I have to defeat something much stronger before it counts as fighting?)
“Ren-kun is only nine. He isn’t old enough to enter the Academy, and he’s still registered as an apprentice adventurer. Even hunting a Horn Rabbit is quite an accomplishment at his age.”
Eugene tried to support him, but Grandmother gave him a sharp look.
“You know that isn’t enough for a noble to be considered capable of fighting. Lord Sucre, you once served as a knight, did you not? Then you should understand.”
“Yes. I once served as a knight of the Royal Palace and made use of my combat skill, as you say. But I also know that many people never become knights. Combat skills are valued, but plenty of people take up professions that don’t involve fighting. Must his path be forced upon him now merely because his skill isn’t a combat skill?”
Sparks seemed to fly as Eugene and Grandmother stared at each other.
Ren looked between them, tightened his loosening fist again, and looked up at Grandmother.
“…Grandmother, I want to do everything I can on my own. Is that… wrong?”
Grandmother exhaled deeply.
“…You can entertain such naive thoughts because you’ve grown up in this countryside, almost entirely isolated from nobles of other territories, knowing nothing of the world. The world is harsh. Even the path of becoming an attendant, which you dislike, isn’t easily obtained. Families I approached have already turned you down because you lack a combat skill. That is how society currently values you.”
Ren pressed his lips together. Her words felt like a declaration that he had no value, and a heavy weight settled over him.
“…Even so…”
Grandmother continued.
“If my words alone won’t convince you, then see the harshness of the world for yourself. But if you later return and ask me to find you an attendant’s position after all, it will be too late.”
“…! Thank you very much!”
After a short pause, Ren smiled and thanked her.
Grandmother narrowed her eyes as though to say, Good grief, then looked at Eugene.
“Lord Sucre. I pray you aren’t feeding him nothing but pleasant words.”
“I am Ren’s uncle. I won’t act irresponsibly.”
“…I certainly hope not.”
Grandmother glanced towards the hall. The noise inside drifted faintly on the wind.
Snap.
She closed her fan.
“…It isn’t proper to abandon our guests for a long conversation. I am returning to the hall.”
“Yes! Thank you, Grandmother!”
She gave the bowing Ren one glance, then returned to the hall.
Once she disappeared inside, Ren turned to Eugene.
“…Grandmother said I could continue my adventurer work, right? She won’t make me an attendant?”
“It sounded as though she would stop searching for a family to accept you.”
“Thank goodness!”
Ren relaxed and smiled with childlike relief.
A cool breeze brushed his cheek. He felt refreshed, as though he’d overcome one obstacle.