Volume 4 Chapter 113: A Break

My dad, Gray Arlens, is a free spirit. He’s technically part of the neighborhood watch in our small hometown, but it’s basically volunteer work, so he can’t really call it a proper job. In other words, he’s practically unemployed.

With all his free time, Dad spent his days taking me—still just a baby at the time—to all sorts of places, playing around endlessly.

If he’d just been a playful dad who took his son on picnics, he’d have been a harmless jobless loafer. But no, Dad’s the kind of idiot who’d try to get a barely-standing toddler to fight monsters. The kind of idiot who’d toss a baby high into the air like it was some game. The kind of idiot who’d play hide-and-seek by leaving a three-year-old alone in a dangerous forest while he hid himself.

My first word was “Help,” and my earliest memory of a neighbor’s comment was an old man saying, “It’s a miracle you’re still alive.”

I don’t remember most of this clearly since I was so young, but Dad told me plenty of stories. Even if I don’t have vivid memories of those events, the fear from his insane parenting must’ve left a mark on my body and soul. As a result, my personality twisted splendidly—I became a timid, jaded kid way before my time. I’m not trying to blame anyone here, but it’s pretty obvious my early experiences are the foundation of my flaws. By the time I was four, I’m sure my eyes were already lifeless.

The reason I didn’t completely go off the rails despite enduring Dad’s crazy parenting is because of Sierra.

More specifically, Dad calmed down—somewhat—after Sierra joined the Arlens family. Though it’s really only “somewhat.” Using me as a guinea pig must’ve taught him at least a little about handling kids. Or maybe… well, let’s leave that alone for now. Honestly, I’ve got complaints—plenty of them—but I’ve come to terms with it. Sort of.

After all, Dad started raising me when he was just eighteen, younger than I am now, and he did it all on his own. I couldn’t imagine doing that. So, even though his parenting was full of mistakes and my grievances are endless, I can’t help but think, “Well, it couldn’t be helped.”

It wasn’t abuse. I know he did his best for me in his own way. I can still clearly remember him saying, “Grow up to be as strong and resilient as me.” He probably told me that countless times, to the point where it’s burned into my memory. That insane parenting was Dad’s way of showing love. Although, thanks to that, I grew up to be the exact opposite of the man he envisioned.

Looking back, my disastrous behavior when I first entered the magic academy might’ve been partly due to the sense of freedom I felt from being away from Dad.

But still, despite everything, I don’t hate him. After all, he’s the one who taught me how to fish.

When we fished, Dad was calm. He’d let me sit on his lap, hand me the rod occasionally, and say, “Give it a try.” I loved those moments more than anything. That’s why I grew to love fishing.

By the time I was four, I was completely hooked. I didn’t sit on his lap anymore and just silently cast my line by myself. I think Dad muttered something like, “You’re kind of creepy…” back then.

Before raising me, Dad was apparently a miner. Considering how he’s been able to live leisurely without working much since, he might’ve been pretty high-ranking.

My aversion to miners but familiarity with mining knowledge is probably thanks to Dad’s influence.

“…Hey, Dad.”

Leaning against the wall near the entrance of White Road, I call out.

The narrow alley, wedged between buildings and leading to the main street, twists and turns, so you can’t see ahead. But lively noises echo from afar. The shopping district must be bustling as usual. With the Seiko Festival approaching, the crowds have only grown.

The worn white paint on the wall of White Road is peeling, exposing the wood underneath. Despite this being a prime season for customers, the store rarely sees visitors. You’d think they’d spruce up the exterior a bit. While the inside has been remodeled, the outside still looks like the abandoned building they bought. The only thing marking it as a store is the hand-painted sign by the manager.

“What is it?”

My dad, lighting a cigarette beside me, exhales thin smoke without turning my way.

The familiar scent drifts over. Without looking at him, I continue.

“What’s your deal?”

“What do you mean? I’m your dad.”

“Not that.”

Enough with the jokes already. I’m asking about your relationship with Alice and everything else.

After that, Dad and Alice moved to another room—my room—to talk. When Alice came out, she just said, “We’ll go collect the Mana Stone in two days. Be ready,” with a serious look on her face before leaving. Her two subordinates quickly followed her.

I knew Dad used to be a miner and lived in the royal capital, but I never imagined he had any connection to Alice. Who is this man?

“What did you talk about with Alice…?”

“We just reminisced a bit, and I listened to what you guys are planning.”

“Hm…”

Well, since Alice isn’t here, I’m not going to press further. My dad is who he is.

Still, if he knows what we’re planning, then he must know about Sixfold Ensemble too.

“Noil.”

Dad, dropping ash into a small portable ashtray, looks at me.

“What’s your deal?”

“I’m your son.”

Then, with a straight face, he says:

“Why the hell is someone like you surrounded by so many beautiful women?”

“What do you mean by ‘someone like me’?!”

It’s true, I kind of think the same thing, but hearing it from you really pisses me off.

“And besides… besides that, you’ve got a girl inside you, don’t you? What are you, royalty? How many grandkids are you planning to show me?”

“Knock it off.”

Don’t take the conversation in such an absurd direction. What are you going to do if the people inside hear you?

“Just kidding.”

“Sigh…”

“So, who are you dating?”

“Are you a child?”

“It’s me, Father-in-law!”

And there you go—Fiona just barged in.

“Kids are a hun—”

“Fiona, stay inside and behave.”

“Yes, Senpai!”

As soon as I spoke, Fiona, who had slammed the door open and burst out, obediently returned inside. Then, as if they were taking turns, Noel came out. No, this isn’t some kind of turn-based system.

“Noel… I’m in the middle of talking with Dad right now…”

“Ah, yeah, I know. But I thought I had to show this to Father-in-law. You know, since Fiona was saying all those things that could cause misunderstandings—”

Waving her hands in front of her face, Noel activated Partner for some reason. She donned a wedding dress, and a ring materialized on her left ring finger. Lifting the hand connected to mine to show it off, Noel gave a radiant smile.

“See? This way there’s no room for misunderstanding, right?”

With just that, she quietly went back inside. All I could do was stand there in silence. Next, the manager showed up.

“Noil, do you want some tea?”

“Mm, not right now, thanks.”

Tilting her head as she asked, I responded with a smile. Please, think about the timing.

The manager loves making tea. Probably because it’s one of the few things she’s good at, unlike cooking. She takes any excuse to brew tea. Her tea is delicious, no doubt, but timing!

“I see, very well.”

“Oh, I’d like some!”

Hey, old man. Stop enthusiastically raising your hand.

“Very well! Then wait here a moment.”

The manager happily went back inside.

Well… tea isn’t a bad idea, I suppose.

As I was thinking that, Sierra came out next. Are they really lining up for turns in there?

“…Big Brother, since Dad’s here today, how about the two of us take a bath together? Family bonding.”

“Why are you saying that to me?”

Shouldn’t you be saying that to Dad? What’s the point if Dad isn’t involved?

Her tilted head and sweetly pleading tone were ridiculously adorable, but still, what’s the point if Dad isn’t involved?

“Hey, Sierra, want to take a bath with Dad for old times’ sake?”

“Dad, I’m way too old for that now. Family baths? Gross.”

Didn’t you just say something completely different a second ago?

Watching Sierra firmly scrunch her face in disgust and refuse, I couldn’t help but think that. I have no clue where she draws the line on family bonding. Well, I suppose it’s just a tricky age for her.

Dad, with a heartbroken expression, placed a hand on my shoulder, but I ignored him and spoke to Sierra.

“…I’ll think about it.”

“…Got it. I’ll wait for you in the bath.”

Sierra said that with a faint smile before heading back inside. Wait, she’s not literally going to wait in the bath already, right? All I said was that I’d think about it!

“Hey, Onii-chan… Sierra just started taking her clothes off.”

“…I see.”

As Tesea came out looking bewildered, I pressed my fingers to my temples. Was Sierra always this eccentric? Lately, her sense of “family bonding” has been way too over the top. Did something happen to her?

Well, I’ll deal with it later.

“So, Tesea, what’s up?”

“Uh, well… um…”

When I asked, Tesea averted her gaze and fidgeted with her hands in front of her. Judging by her slightly flushed cheeks, she seemed embarrassed.

Dad and I exchanged a glance.

“What is it, Tesea?”

“Um… I just… wanted to try saying it…”

When Dad spoke to her, Tesea timidly looked up at him with a hesitant, upward glance.

“D-Dad…?”

Dad’s cigarette fell from his mouth, and I silently caught it and popped it back in for him. Tesea frantically waved her hands.

“I-I just wanted to try it out! I mean, I thought it was kind of nice how you two say it! B-but it’s too soon, right? For now, I’ll just call you Gray-san!”

Speaking at lightning speed, Tesea scurried back inside.

Dad took a puff of his cigarette, exhaled the smoke, then put it out in his portable ashtray. And then—

“Fuh!”

“Not happening!”

As he tried to bolt for the entrance, I quickly moved to block his path.

“Move it, Noil! I’m going to go hug Tesea right now and tell her to call me Papa instead of Dad!”

“Stop saying creepy stuff! What are you going to do if Tesea starts picking up on your bad habits? I won’t let it happen!”

“I’m her father!”

“I’m her brother!”

It was a ridiculous fight.

Our hands clasped together as we pushed against each other, neither willing to back down.

“The tea’s ready.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Ah, sorry about that.”

In the midst of our squabble, two steaming cups of tea were slid between us on a tray. We each grabbed one with a free hand, while keeping our other hands locked together, and took a sip.

“Enjoy your time as father and son.”

With a smile, the manager left us and went back inside.

“…”

“…”

Feeling increasingly like an idiot, I loosened my grip. Apparently, Dad felt the same, as we both let go and leaned back against the wall again.

“Well, you know…”

Holding his cup, Dad pulled a cigarette box from his pocket. With practiced ease, he fished out a single cigarette one-handed and placed it in his mouth. Then, he tucked the box away and pulled out his signature lighter, flicking it open. The sharp, clear sound rang out.

“Looks like you’re having fun.”

Lighting the cigarette and exhaling a thin trail of smoke, Dad grinned.

“And don’t forget, if you haven’t made up your mind yet, make sure you’re using protection.”

He just had to throw in something unnecessary.

“Such crude things are unnecessary between us, Father-in-law.”

At that moment, a gust of wind swept past, and a dignified voice echoed from above. Then, softly and gracefully, Elle and Sophie landed in front of us.

Elle was dressed in a slit green gown that accentuated her figure, just like with Sierra earlier, while Sophie wore a dark blue sleeveless dress with floral embellishments and a softly flaring skirt.

I’d been wondering where they’d gone, but apparently, they’d returned to the mansion to change. For what reason, I have no clue.

Elle placed her hand over her chest, smiling gently, and gave a courteous, elegant bow toward Dad.

“Once again, Father-in-law, I apologize for leaving without a proper greeting earlier. I thought it inappropriate to meet you in casual attire. I am Elshan Falceid, your son Noil’s fiancée.”

Alright, time to call this out.

Just as I was rolling my shoulders, preparing to speak, Elle straightened and placed both hands on Sophie’s shoulders. The two exchanged a smile before turning to Dad with matching grins. Sophie’s performance was flawless.

“And this is our beloved daughter, Sophie. Your granddaughter.”

“You’re already doing all that?!”

“I am not!”

Abandoning my plan, I swatted away Dad’s hands as he grabbed my collar, shaking me furiously. Then, with a quick slap to his cheek, I put an end to the madness.