Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 17 Father’s thoughts and longing for dreams

The Next Day

Mother is sleeping in her bedroom.

Next to her, a doctor is sitting on a chair, examining her.

Although we call him a doctor, in this world, pharmaceutical therapy seems to be the primary approach, and medical knowledge appears to be limited.

By the way, my mother is already conscious.

Her complexion is not great, but she has recovered enough to speak.

“Hmm. It’s alright. It seems to have been a pretty deep wound, but it’s been sewn up neatly.

Other treatments seem to be perfect. I wonder if there was someone well-versed in medicine?”

I couldn’t find an answer and remained silent.

The ones present at that scene were me, Marie, Mother, and Rose, along with Lia.

Mother had fainted, and Rose and Lia were not here.

The only ones who knew were me and my sister.

In the end, without explaining anything, the doctor asked further questions.

“Sewing itself is not unusual if you dabble in medicine.

However, ordinarily, there aren’t many people who consult a doctor, and medical books are expensive.

I don’t think there are many people who are well-versed in it.

Hmm… well, alright then. Anyway, rest and make sure to eat well.

Well then, I shall take my leave.”

“Thank you.”

Father bowed to the elderly doctor, and we followed suit, bowing our heads.

We saw the doctor off to the entrance and then returned to the room.

Mother lying on the bed was smiling gently.

She just looked tired. Of course, waking up must be difficult.

When I looked beside me, my sister was lowering her head, looking sad.

However, she quickly raised her head and spoke to Mother.

“Ah, um! Mo-Mother… I-I’m sorry. It’s my fault. Because of me… it’s because of me, that this happened.”

She seemed on the verge of tears.

And understandably so.

She had gotten injured protecting Marie.

None of us, including me, blamed my sister, nor did we have any intention to do so.

But my sister, in her own way, would blame herself.

That’s just the kind of person she was.

However, Mother, with a gentle smile, patted my sister’s head.

“It’s okay. It’s okay, Marie. It’s not your fault.

Understand? Even if you hadn’t stepped forward, the monsters would have attacked, and someone would have ended up the same.

Besides, because you tried to fight, I think we managed to buy a little time.

So, you don’t have to blame yourself. Marie, you haven’t done anything wrong.

You gathered your courage to protect everyone. So, hold your head high.”

Her words were overflowing with kindness.

I couldn’t help but feel like crying, too.

Marie couldn’t hold back her tears and started crying, but she quickly wiped them away.

Then, she tightened her lips and put on a serious face.

I think she believed she shouldn’t cry in front of Mother.

Even though she was enduring the pain from her injuries, I believe she didn’t want to cause more worry.

Even though she’s still young, my sister is considerate of others.

As their conversation seemed to come to an end, Father took the lead and spoke.

“Alright then, that’s enough talk. Rest well.

We’ll take care of things around you for a while.”

“I’m sorry… for causing trouble.”

“It’s not a trouble. I’m just glad you and the kids are safe. Truly.”

“Yes, my memories are fuzzy… Is it safe now?”

“Yes. Don’t worry. All the goblins have been eliminated.”

“I see… That’s a relief… Sorry, I’m already feeling… so sleepy…”

Mother closed her eyes. Soon, we could hear her gentle breathing.

Father covered her with a blanket.

As we left the room and went into the corridor, then descended to the first floor and entered the living room.

“There’s something I want to ask you two. Have a seat.”

Here it comes.

I had anticipated it, so I didn’t show surprise.

But I knew I needed to prepare myself.

Since yesterday, after the incident.

When Father and the others returned, it was all over.

They had found a goblin nest in a nearby forest and defeated two goblins living there, or so I heard.

However, there were still signs of one remaining, so they hurried back to the village.

Fortunately, there were injuries, but no fatalities.

They conducted further searches in the vicinity and re-examined the goblin traces.

House repairs and dealing with the goblins.

And checking on Mother’s condition and going to the town to fetch a doctor coincided, making it impossible to explain the situation.

What had happened.

There were many questions, I’m sure.

If I were in their shoes, I would have felt the same.

We sat at the table and took our seats.

Marie and I sat side by side, with Father seated in front.

“Alright, let’s hear the details. What happened?”

“…Yeah.”

I pondered how to tell the story. Even if I lied, there were other witnesses, so it wouldn’t work.

I had no choice but to tell the truth, even if they might not believe me.

I recounted how the goblins suddenly attacked.

Marie being attacked and Mother getting injured while protecting her.

Me defeating the goblin.

Subsequently, administering first aid under my guidance.

During the narration, Father kept his eyes closed, listening intently.

When I finished speaking, a stillness hung in the air.

Then, Father slowly opened his eyes.

“You’re asking me to believe that?”

“…I’m not lying. It’s all true… and there’s no more explanation I can offer.”

“I see. Shion defeated the goblins using some kind of magical power.

After that, you administered treatment impressive enough for the doctor to marvel at and saved Emma.

Is that the gist of it?”

“…There were other witnesses.”

I had no other choice but to say that.

It was too surreal, but it was the truth.

Since yesterday, I had been struggling with how to explain it.

But in the end, I couldn’t lie, and I concluded that I couldn’t deceive them either.

I couldn’t lie, especially with so many witnesses.

I had anticipated this outcome.

But more than anything, I wanted to save Mother and Marie.

Silence persisted.

Father frowned and remained silent for a while, then eventually sighed.

“I’ve been listening to the story. I’ve also heard the situation from the villagers.

Regarding the part about defeating the goblins, I couldn’t ask.

I did hear about treating Emma, though… But… how were you able to do that?

Shion. You’re only seven years old. You hardly know much about the outside world.

So why do you have knowledge of medicine?”

In my previous life, I was a thirty-year-old man living in a country called Japan, where there was considerable technological advancement and access to various knowledge. But I couldn’t possibly say that.

It would just trouble Father.

So, I had no choice but to be vague.

“I don’t know why either. But I just knew.”

Father let out a sigh and buried his head in his hands.

Marie and I could only watch his reactions.

“Earlier, Marie mentioned seeing light at the lake.

And you said to put our hands over the bucket with fish.

I wondered what you were talking about, but is it related to this thing called magic?”

“How did you figure it out?”

“Shion, you never said anything strange before, and your actions have always been rational.

It’s unusual for a child.

But now, you say odd things and behaves strangely in certain ways.

It’s only a very small part, but it’s enough to make me wonder.”

“Do you believe me…?”

“I don’t know. I want to believe in my child. And in fact, what you’ve explained is happening.

But it’s hard to believe. Let’s put aside why you had that knowledge for now.

The issue is that you claim to have defeated the goblin.

That a seven-year-old child managed to kill a creature that takes several adults to defeat.

And Shion, you should fully understand this story, this fact, shouldn’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“And you’re researching this thing called magic.

I always thought you were mature, but I never imagined you were involved in something so strange.”

He was clearly troubled.

Accepting that his child killed a monster and treated his wife’s injuries would be difficult.

Especially using a mysterious power like magic.

A series of such strange events would undoubtedly be confusing for Father.

He remained silent for a while, then said with his head still lowered.

“Listen, this is to remain confidential. I’ve told the villagers the same.

It’s not something a child should know about. If it gets out… something bad might happen.”

I didn’t immediately understand why father was saying such things.

But upon reflection, I somehow understood.

In a world where civilization hasn’t advanced, there are those who perceive anything beyond their understanding as evil.

Witches, heretics, foreign languages, and Western medicine.

They reject, sometimes condemn, and eliminate everything outside their norms and understanding.

This is starkly evident in history, where many have become victims of this mindset.

If a mere child possesses knowledge beyond their years and wields inexplicable powers…

It might not only inconvenience me but those around me.

I don’t want that.

I understood the situation I was in.

It might be okay. But it could also be a very dangerous situation.

“Shion. No matter what happens, I am your parent. So I will always protect you and stand by your side.

But there are things in this world that should not be done, that cannot be accepted.

Especially others who easily oppress people. Do you understand the significance?”

“Is it that special individuals are ostracized?”

“Exactly. I don’t want you to become like that. So, regarding this matter, you must keep it a secret.

And stop your research on magic. It is a dangerous power.”

As soon as Dad said this, Marie stood up.

“That’s not right! I appreciate how hard Shion has worked!

And because of Shion, both Mother and I were saved!

Yet you’re telling Shion to stop studying magic…!”

“I can’t just approve of something that might be dangerous!”

“You don’t even know if it’s dangerous or not!”

“I’m saying it’s too late once you realize it’s dangerous!

Moreover, having the ability to kill monsters can’t be anything but dangerous!”

What Dad said made sense.

A child killing monsters. It’s natural to view that ability as dangerous.

Even if that ability saved us, as a parent, he couldn’t accept it.

Marie’s feelings made me happy.

She was desperately defending me.

Their conversation was at an impasse.

Marie was on my side, arguing for me to continue studying magic.

On the other hand, Dad wanted me to stop researching magic.

From a standpoint, I didn’t want to follow Dad’s instructions.

But if I continued studying magic, I would continue to worry Dad.

It’s already been revealed.

There are limits to researching in secret.

Family is important. But studying magic is precious to me.

I’ve lived for that purpose.

That’s why I don’t want anyone to interfere.

Having a family allows me to keep living.

But it’s merely existing like a dead person.

Just living while thinking it’s dull.

It’s like they’re telling me to die.

If magic didn’t exist and I had to reluctantly give it up, I might accept it.

But with the possibility there, I don’t want to willingly let it go.

So, I said it.

“Dad, I will continue my research on magic.”

“Shion! Can’t you listen to what I’m saying? Why don’t you understand?”

Dad was clearly upset.

Of course. Despite being a little child, I was defying my parent.

But this was something I couldn’t give in on.

No matter what happens, if I yield, I’ll lose the purpose of my life.

I didn’t want that anymore.

“I understand. I can comprehend how you feel and what you’re saying, and I think you’re right.”

“Then, listen to what I’m saying.”

“But, you see, if I were to stop my research, I would become unhappy.

No matter what happens, I’d have to live with a lingering regret.

To you, it might be just a dangerous power, but to me, it’s the power of my dreams.

I’ve been working hard for it to come true, and I want to continue doing so.”

“…You’re still a child. You can only think within a narrow world.

That’s why you have such thoughts. When you become an adult—”

“Even when I become an adult, it won’t change, Dad. I’m absolutely certain.”

Without hesitation, I looked into my father’s eyes and spoke.

After all, I’ve already learned this in my previous life.

That I can’t find happiness in simply drifting through life.

My father, catching my gaze, seemed taken aback.

“Swords can kill people and slay monsters too.

But everyone learns it as a matter of course. I wonder why?”

“…It’s for self-defense, and it’s also to train oneself.”

“And how is magic different?”

“It’s entirely different. With a sword, as long as you handle it carefully, it’s not dangerous.

But magic, on the other hand, might be dangerous. In fact, you killed a goblin.”

“But I didn’t get hurt. I saved everyone.

And if I couldn’t use magic, nobody would have been saved.

Isn’t this a matter of being careful in handling it, making it not dangerous?”

“Objects and techniques are different. A sword kills because you handle it as a tool.

But magic is unpredictable, and it might suddenly kill a person.

In fact, you were surprised that you killed the goblin.

It happened unintentionally.”

“So, the key is not to involve others.

Then it’s okay if you isolate me.”

“Sh-Shion! What are you saying!?”

“I’m serious.”

No matter what father said to convince me, my thoughts remained unchanged.

My father was right. But I wasn’t an ordinary child.

If it’s okay when I become an adult, I can endure it.

But I won’t yield here and now.

My father seemed dumbfounded.

But he didn’t seem angry.

He looked more sad and lonely.

“Do you really want to pursue it that much?”

“Yeah.”

“It might be dangerous. It’s the power to kill monsters, after all. What it really is, I still don’t know, and I’m not sure if it truly exists. It might even take your own life.”

“Yeah, I understand.”

“It might not be accepted by anyone, and you might even be scorned. Even so, will you continue? Your study of magic.”

“Yeah, I’ll continue. I’m prepared for it. If my existence becomes a hindrance and bothers everyone, I’m fine with being disowned.”

My sister seemed like she wanted to say something.

But when she looked at my face, it seemed like she lost her words.

I have no doubts.

Family is important. They’re precious.

But magic is deeply rooted in my life, a part of myself.

If I abandon it, I won’t be me.

If my research inconveniences everyone to the point of being a nuisance, it’s better to be kicked out.

I’m prepared for that.

I love everyone.

However, I don’t want to give up my research.

So, I didn’t hesitate.

I think it’s selfish.

But there’s no way I can do something that would make me abandon my identity.

“…I see. You’re prepared to go that far.”

My father stared at me intently.

And then, after a while, he nodded approvingly.

“Understood. Continue your research. However, from now on, report your research findings to me. If you seem to be doing something too dangerous, I’ll put a stop to it. Shion, you usually act mature, but sometimes you do bold things.”

“Huh? I-Is that it? Are you really okay with that?”

“It can’t be helped. A parent shouldn’t interfere with a son’s determination. I never thought a seven-year-old could be so resolute. When I see such sincere eyes, as a parent and as a man, I can’t say anything.”

Letting out a deep sigh and slumping, my father managed a wry smile.

Seeing my father like that, my nose stung.

I didn’t expect him to understand.

I thought our relationship would deteriorate, and I considered the possibility of being disowned.

Living as a seven-year-old is difficult.

I might die.

I had those anxieties.

Even so, I stood firm in my decision.

And my father acknowledged it.

Grateful, I couldn’t help but bow my head.

“Stand proud, Shion. You’ve found what you want to do and decided to pursue that path.

So, keep moving forward. I will assist you. That’s a parent’s duty.”