Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 17
Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~
Chapter 17 Carrot and stick
The day after deciding to alchemize Gaius’s equipment, I immediately began gathering the necessary materials.
Let’s see…
First, I’ll try searching around the Northern Continent for Snow Dragons. The fangs of these ice dragons, which inhabit there, are among the best materials in this world in terms of hardness and affinity to magic, making them excellent equipment materials.
If it were just hardness, materials from Earth Dragons would be the optimal choice, but alchemy is, after all, a form of magic. Therefore, the element of magical affinity cannot be ignored.
You could say this is the difference between weapons crafted by blacksmithing and those created by magic.
“Well, anyway, first things first, let’s eat.”
Today, I’m not idle, so I wake up on time and have a meal with my family, Ars and Elsa. I really want to include that guy Gaius here too, but he insists that if he, a mere servant, were to relax discipline to that extent, it would be the end of it, so reluctantly, it’s just the three of us enjoying family time.
Elsa used to conduct herself solemnly as a servant, but since she was technically freed from slavery as Ars’s mother, I convinced her to consider herself as part of the family.
I really want to get this stubborn man to sit down already. Well, he seems content just watching us enjoy his cooking, so it might be quite challenging.
“Husband, what are your plans for today?”
“Oh, today I’m going to gather materials in the Northern Continent to alchemize Gaius’s equipment. My main target is the Ice Dragons. Their materials are top-notch.”
“Understood. In that case, while you’re away, I will continue Ars’s etiquette education.”
Upon hearing this, Elsa immediately starts planning in her head.
Although she casually mentions etiquette education, the content is meticulously calculated and likely quite rigorous. Ars seems to be making a face indicating he really dislikes it.
However, given her background serving in a country where she often interacted with royalty and nobility, this education is something only she can provide. It’s an essential element in grooming Ars into a fine young man in the future.
Even if he throws a tantrum, there’s no compromising on this.
“But, but, I want to go with Dad for work~? Eh, hehe.”
“Huh!?”
“Kuh!?”
And then, he unleashes his super-grade Angel Smile.
There was a time when I thought throwing tantrums was futile. In the face of that angelic smile, both Elsa’s and my resolve were instantly shattered, and resistance seemed futile. We were on the brink of defeat.
To think Ars could overturn this situation with just a smile! What a terrifying child!
At this rate, etiquette education and such will become completely irrelevant!
However, just as I thought that, reinforcements unexpectedly arrived.
“No, Ars.”
“Gaius?”
Gaius interjected into the conversation, driving the point home. It wasn’t a disrespectful gesture; he seemed to be apologizing for interrupting our family conversation and even bowed towards us, but it was still quite unusual.
“…First, your old man and the lady’s educational policy is correct. I don’t know what Ars aims to become in the future, but someone like you will likely have opportunities to interact with royalty and nobility. If you don’t learn etiquette by then, it won’t just be your own embarrassment. Your precious family will be ridiculed and mocked by those around you. Can you endure that? Is that okay with you? Will you be satisfied with that?”
Ars was astonished by Gaius’s impassioned words. Even though he’s exceptionally talented, he’s still only three years old, so he probably doesn’t fully understand what royalty and nobility entail.
He likely only has a vague sense of them being very important.
However, it seems he grasped the situation nonetheless.
In Ars’s heart, there were traces of both anxiety and anger when he realized that we might be mocked because of him.
“No, I don’t want that!”
“Yes, you’re right. I don’t want that either… So, Ars, you need to receive proper education from layd Elsa and grow up to be respectable. It’s not the time to be selfish. Understand?”
“Yeah, I got it, Gaius… Thanks.”
“Heh, that’s good then.”
I was surprised by this. Elsa and I are usually overly indulgent with our son, but having someone like Gaius who can firmly reprimand Ars when he tries to act selfishly is truly invaluable.
Even though Ars is remarkably intelligent for a three-year-old and generally a good and honest child, there will inevitably be times when he might stray from the right path. However, with someone like Gaius by his side during those times, I’m confident he’ll stay on track.
No, this was truly a great acquisition. It gives me even more motivation to focus on alchemy.
I’ve already fully accepted this man.
But, yes. If that’s the case…
“…Yeah, what Gaius said is right. So, if Ars manages to clear all of today’s tasks in one go, I’ll take you to gather materials in the afternoon. I’ll wait until then, so make sure you study properly, okay?”
Upon saying this, Ars’s expression brightened even more than before, and he showed a big smile.
Well, this kind of reward should be given more often. It improves efficiency in studying, and above all, work requires rewards.
That’s what leads to motivation, after all.
“Good grief, the master is so indulgent.”
“It’s fine. It’s all about division of labor. Putting the right person in the right place, you know.”
And so, the plan was set: morning etiquette lessons with Elsa-mama, and afternoon outdoor practice with me.
By the way, it goes without saying that Ars passed all his tasks on the first try.