Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 61

Chapter 61   The Hero’s Father and His Party Sets Out to Sea

The next day, the three of them, fully prepared, arrived at the beach, still dressed in their regular clothes. They chose a secluded spot among the rocks for their departure. Though there wouldn’t be any issue if someone saw them, their method of departure was unusual and could cause unnecessary commotion.

The weather was clear and sunny as always, with the sun shining brightly. However, the waves were a bit higher today, much rougher than when Mion usually trained. Nervously, Mion swallowed hard as she watched the waves roll in and out. She seemed a little tense.

Sensing her anxiety, Wiel gently patted Mion on the shoulder with a reassuring smile.

“Mion, no matter how rough the waves are, your mana control should remain steady. You’ve worked so hard. I know you can do it.”

“Y-Yes!”

Mion was determined not to fail, especially after the guilt of delaying their departure by a day. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused on controlling her mana. Channeling the usual amount of mana to her feet, she slowly walked toward the sea. As she stepped onto the water, it felt like walking on a soft carpet, and she managed to take one step after another across the surface.

Walking was different from just standing; it felt strange. But there was no problem. She could walk as usual.

Filled with a strange sense of accomplishment, Mion turned back to Croix and Wiel.

“I-I did it!”

“Indeed, well done. As expected of you, Mion. You’ve got a good instinct.”

“Yes, your mana control is excellent. Not only your feet but your entire body is covered with a layer of mana. Even if you accidentally fall, you won’t get wet.”

“…”

Something felt off. The praise was almost too enthusiastic. When she woke up, Croix had told her, “From now on, your training will be three times as intense,” so she had braced herself for a much harsher situation.

“Mion, are you misunderstanding something? This is also part of the three-times intensity.”

“Huh?”

Mion tilted her head in confusion at Croix’s words, which seemed to read her thoughts. What did he mean by “this is also three times”?

“They’re three times stricter where they need to be, and they praise three times as much where it’s deserved. That’s what it means for the intensity to be tripled.”

“I-I see.”

Mion somehow accepted this explanation. Indeed, Croix and Wiel had always been quick to give praise when it was due, and today they were praising her more than usual. But this also meant that the “carrot and stick” approach would be tripled in intensity.

Mion could only manage a wry smile at the thought of the challenges that awaited her.

“Well then, let’s depart.”

“Yes.”

Croix and Wiel followed Mion, walking on the surface of the water. The three of them journeyed across the sea without looking back.

—A single figure watched them from afar.

A wandering bard, instrument in hand, happened to witness this extraordinary scene.

“Oh… Oh! A male god and two female goddesses walking on the water…!? My creative juices are flowing!!”

The nameless bard would go on to craft the tale of “The Frolic of the Sea Gods,” a story that would be passed down for generations.

◆

“Lord Croix, where are we headed first?”

After several hours at sea, with the sun beginning to dip, Mion finally spoke up. She didn’t appear tired, and her magic circulation seemed to be going smoothly. Croix pulled out a map from his pocket and handed it to Mion.

“We’ll be on the sea for the next month.”

“A-a month…?”

The daunting distance made her grimace. And who could blame her? For the next month, she’d be forced to maintain perfect magical control without a single slip. It was, in a way, a kind of hell.

“Our destination is the Kingdom of Leod. Have you heard of it?”

“I think it’s the country famous for its blacksmithing industry. It’s a small nation, but they’re said to have the best blacksmiths in the world.”

“You’ve done your homework. Wiel has a contact there. That person will be crafting a weapon for you, Mion.”

“A weapon… f-for me!?”

She was stunned by the unexpected news. She never imagined she would have a weapon custom-made for her. And considering it was Wiel’s acquaintance, the craftsmanship must be top-tier. The mere thought of it made her excitement soar.

“Mion, your magic control is getting sloppy,” Wiel said, her voice cold as ice.

“Eek!”

The sudden pressure from Wiel snapped Mion back to focusing on her magic control. Losing focus to the point where her magic control faltered was a sign of inexperience. Mion chastised herself and continued to channel a steady flow of magic through her feet.

“Along the way, we’ll stop by a country to resupply our provisions.”

“A country?”

Mion looked at the map and noticed a circle marked on the ocean, before their destination of the Kingdom of Leod.

“Is it a small island?”

“No, it’s not an island. It’s a country.”

“????”

She was completely baffled. Not an island, but a country? Was this some sort of riddle?

“Well, you’ll understand when we get there.”

“It’s an incredible place. Look forward to it,” Wiel added.

“R-right…?”

Mion followed the two of them, carrying a small sense of unease.