Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 22

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 22   Family trip

On the surprise present for Ars’ fifth birthday, a family trip was decided a week ago.

Even today, my son was full of curiosity about the unfamiliar world, his heart pounding with excitement.

The family trip was initially intended to circumnavigate the major cities of the western continent where there were usually no specific errands, but we were willing to stay longer if there was something to capture Ars’ interest along the way.

Well, there’s no particular rush, and we have the time. It should be fine to take a leisurely few months to travel around the western continent.

“Hahaha! Gaius, look, look! There’s a brown lizard pulling a carriage! Amazing, amazing!”

“Yeah, that’s a Lesser Codra, belonging to the earth attribute’s lowest rank sub-dragon. They’re wild C-class monsters raised from eggs and trained to obey human commands. They’re not seen in the southern continent, but they’re unique riding animals of the kingdom neighboring the Holy Kingdom, which has dragon knights.”

“Wow! And what about that one?”

“Oh, that one is…”

As Ars enthusiastically dashed around the city, Gaius, his escort, provided explanations at every turn.

Thinking again, the knowledge of a high-level adventurer is truly invaluable, gained through suitable experience and adventures. While his skills as a warrior is undoubtedly high, it would not have been possible for him to rise to the highest rank of adventurers with just that.

He is by no means just a muscle-headed fool.

And Ars was thoroughly impressed by Gaius’s knowledge as well.

Until now, at the age of five, he had only been sent on errands to specific towns in the southern continent. So, allowing him to visit various cities like this seems to be greatly stimulating his curiosity.

Well, I’m glad we planned this trip.

“If he gets so excited, we should have executed this plan a little earlier. Hmm, parenting is difficult, huh?”

Well, that’s why I’ve been getting help from others besides myself.

I wouldn’t have known how to raise him properly on my own.

But after saying such a thing, Elsa, who had been watching Ars affectionately beside me, shook her head.

“No, not at all, husband. Ars is able to derive so much joy because our education is bearing fruit in the right direction. In order to see the world beautifully, one’s heart must also be beautiful, isn’t that so? Therefore, the timing of executing this family trip plan is effective precisely because Ars has acquired a certain level of cultivation.”

She said such things.

Indeed, when I think about it, she’s right.

This curiosity, this interest, this joy—all of it is obtained because there was a foundation to perceive them.

Honestly, I can’t compete with this woman, Elsa.

While I try my best as a father, her abilities as a mother, as a parent, are something I could never match.

But that’s exactly why I acknowledge her.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. Just as Elsa said.”

“Yes, of course.”

By the way, the travel route we’re currently following is as follows:

First, we visited Ars’ true hometown, the pioneer village.

Five years have passed since then, and it’s now an abandoned area where no one visits, but we stopped by to pay our respects to Ars’ family graves.

However, it’s the site where the people of the village, who took care of me, used to live. Naturally, it’s not neglected.

After preparing the villagers’ graves, I visit this village alone once a year to pay my respects, and I set up barriers to protect the village from magical beasts and bandits, ensuring that no one knows about it.

At first, Ars and Elsa didn’t understand why we visited such an empty place, but Gaius, who must have had several opportunities to lose comrades in previous adventures, sensed the true meaning of it. Perhaps it was written on his face. He comforted Ars, who stood perplexed in front of the graves, by patting his shoulder and saying, “The time will come when you understand. For now, watch over your old man’s determination.”

Of course, Gaius didn’t understand why Ars was picked up here. However, he must have understood that something important was here.

After that, we visited the capital cities of various countries in order of proximity to the former pioneer village, occasionally camping out for fun, until we finally reached the Dragon Kingdom, which boasts dragon knights.

“As for the next country, it’ll be the Holy Kingdom. That place… the discrimination there is severe.”

While it would be a place worth visiting to broaden our understanding of the countries in this world, I prefer not to get too close to a country that upholds human supremacy, especially since we have Elsa, a dark elf woman, with us.

It goes without saying what would happen if a demi-human like her were to approach, doesn’t it?

Moreover, if her own mother were to be insulted in the Holy Kingdom, Ars, who still lacks self-restraint, might go berserk.

Well, if that happens, it happens, but…

I’ve also had my fill of the Holy Knights, so I might have to give them a taste of their own medicine.

“Don’t worry about me, husband. If any pests appear that seem to have a negative influence on Ars, I’ll make them faint with intimidation before they can speak their insect language. There’s no issue with education.”

“Well, is that really okay?”

Could that become a problem later?

Well, Elsa, who is knowledgeable about royalty and nobility, confidently assures me that it will be fine, so I guess it’ll be okay.

Yeah, I’m sure it will be.

“Alright then, as planned, next is the Holy Kingdom. Let’s depart from here by tomorrow.”

Now, I hope nothing happens…

Just as I thought that, Elsa interjected with a halt.

“Understood. Also, there’s a little report for you, husband…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“It seems that in the Holy Kingdom we’re heading to next, they’re holding something called a ‘Holy Maiden’s Fifth Birthday Parade.'”

Huh?

They are?

Wait, there’s a holy maiden in that country?

I hadn’t heard about it because I’ve only had dealings with the pioneer village on the western continent for a while.

“Oh, Ars is the same age, huh?”

“Yes. And so, in celebration of the Holy Maiden’s fifth birthday, it seems they’re holding a martial arts tournament. How about husband, Ars, and Gaius participate? They’re holding separate divisions for adults and children. Apparently, even a genius known as the ‘Prodigy of the Sword’ will be participating in the children’s division, or something like that.”

Oh, really?

Um… and then?

“What’s your opinion?”

“Disregarding my son Ars, to think a mere young swordsman would dare call himself a genius is preposterous. I’ll make him understand his place. You and Gaius can participate along with Ars as a side note. Since I’m not interested, I’ll keep a low profile.”

“Suddenly so harsh!!”

Too harsh!

Where did that “Let’s walk together, husband” atmosphere from earlier disappear to, Elsa-san!?

Well, I understand wanting to support Ars!

“Sigh… I get it. We’ll participate, fine, we’ll participate. I’ll let Ars know.”

“Hmph. Then I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.”

But, it’s not a bad suggestion.

Allowing Ars to gain experience like this will surely lead to further growth.

Ars is strong, but he lacks experience in interpersonal combat.

So, participating in this tournament here would be a good experience for him.