The Abandoned White Magician’s Tea Life - Chapter 19 : Leonardo's Determination

Translator: Sunnyshies

Editor: Ryuubii

Chapter 19 : Leonardo’s Determination

Afterwards, Amalia took the time to explain to Leonardo what she had done so far.

Ten years ago, Amalia, who was abandoned by her friends and prepared to die, was protected in the Demon World by a golden dragon.

Amalia seemed to be liked by the dragon and was asked to stay in the Demon World, but she refused. The dragon, who was interested in the human world, took the form of a human child and returned to this world with Amalia.

The dragon― Yugo himself didn’t realize it, but ten years had passed in this world while they were in the Demon World. Deciding that it would be difficult to re-register with the guild or return to the monastery at this point, Amalia decided to become a parent and child with Yugo, and live together quietly in this village where no one knows about her.

Leonardo seemed to have a lot of trouble organizing all the information, but when Amalia and Yugo respectively explained the situation to him, he eventually nodded with a difficult look on his face.

“…it’s hard to believe, but Amalia-sama hasn’t changed at all since I was a child. Well, I’m not familiar with the appearance and age of women, so to be honest, I don’t really know. Perhaps an adult who has known you for a long time might find this situation different.”

“Well, it would really be difficult to re-register with the guild― more than anything, I was worried about living in a place where I could meet my old friends anytime.  Fortunately, I have the power of white magic, so I can at least make a living with it. I owe Yugo a debt of gratitude for saving my life, and I thought it might not be a bad idea to live quietly with him. And… I’m going to have to break my promise to you.”

“No, in light of what has happened to you, you can’t help but make that decision… you’ve been through so much, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to live a quiet life.”

After gently saying that, Leonardo suddenly turned his gaze to Yugo.

Perhaps it was because he had revealed that he was not a five-year-old human child, but rather a golden dragon, Yugo made no attempt to act like a child, but sat with his hands on her lap, as if Amalia’s lap were his throne.

“What is it, Leonardo?”

“Yugo-kun― or should I call you Yugo-san? It may be strange for me to say this, but― thank you so much for protecting Amalia-sama!”

Leonardo bowed his head, and Amalia could see that Yugo was perturbed. It was probably the first time she had seen him bothered so clearly,  since he is basically a majestic being.

“If you hadn’t taken Amalia-sama to the Demon World, she would have surely died in Dragon Mountain. I wouldn’t have been able to see Amalia-sama again for the rest of my life, and I would have had to live in vain, holding onto the thought of a reunion that would never come true. That’s why I’m grateful for your kind decision.”

“…so, I thought all these mercenary men were bastards like those kids, but I guess not.”

Yugo seemed to have regained his composure and said ostentatiously, but his voice was a little strained. She guessed he didn’t expect Leonardo, who he thought was one of the “bad kids,” to thank him so politely.

Slightly flustered, but seemingly unconcerned, Yugo turned and looked up at Amalia.

“So, what about Mom? This man seems to have lived his life to this day with only the hope of seeing mom again…”

Amalia stared at Leonardo, who was sitting across from her, blushing at Yugo’s words. “This is embarrassing…”

‘But…’

“…I want Leonardo to live the way he wants.”

Amalia said quietly as she stroked Yugo’s soft blond hair.

She felt Yugo’s golden eyes and Leonardo’s gray eyes on her and averted her gaze slightly.

“…I’m also very happy that I was able to fulfill the promise I made eleven years ago. But― I know it’s foolish of me to say this after confiding in you about my and Yugo’s situation, but if Leonardo wants to work as a mercenary, then I think it would be best for him to do so. I can’t go out in the open― If you could come visit me once in a while, that would be great.”

“…huh? Wait a minute.”

She made sure that she had conveyed her thoughts, yet Leonardo’s raised voice came rushing in.

“It’s not that I enjoy killing demons as a mercenary, you know. It’s true that I want to play an active part in it, but my goal is not to get ahead in life or make a lot of money.”

“…oh?”

“…Amalia-sama, I promised you eleven years ago, didn’t I? I promised you that I would become a mercenary and follow you on your journey.”

Leonardo leaned forward a little and reached out his hand.

His left hand touches Amalia’s right hand, which had been resting on the table, a little reservedly. He paused for a moment, then asked, “Can I touch you?” Amalia quickly answered his question by gently pushing her right hand forward.

Amalia reciprocated, and then Leonardo’s left hand went over Amalia’s right hand. When he had hugged her on the hill, he had been wearing gloves, but now he was taking them off. This made her chest feel strangely disturbed as she could clearly feel the size of his hand, the thickness of his fingers, and the hardness of his skin.

“I became a mercenary because I wanted to become a man strong enough to protect you… I was only twelve years old at the time. I was much younger, shorter, and less powerful than Alphonse, who took you with him… if only I had been a little stronger, I wouldn’t have let them take you. If I had more strength, then I could have followed you. It was those thoughts that made me grab my sword.”

“…well, then.”

“Yes, where you are is where I want to be… no, I’m sorry. If Amalia-sama finds it bothersome, I’ll just stop by here once in a while―”

“What, bothersome… that’s not true!”

If she thought he was a bother, then she wouldn’t carry the amulet he gave her around with her.

No matter how much Yugo takes the initiative, there was no way she was going to reveal their circumstances in this way.

She held out her other hand and put her left hand on Leonardo’s hand that was wrapped around her right hand. As she squeezed and pinched them, Leonardo’s hands twitched and his face slowly turned red.

“I really wanted to meet Leonardo and everyone at the monastery! But I thought that if they saw me, who hadn’t changed a bit in ten years, they’d be scared of me… Oh, sorry, Yugo. I didn’t mean it in a bad way.”

“I understand. It’s my fault that Mom is like this since I didn’t understand the time difference between the Demon World and this world, and I didn’t understand the weight of ten years for humans.”

Yugo spun around in her lap and hugged Amalia, burying his face in her chest. He had just hunted his prey, so he smelled slightly of blood and mud, but she did not find it unpleasant.

“Hey, Mom. This guy seems to want to be around you, so why don’t you come live with us?”

“Eh… but Yugo.”

“I don’t mind at all. I think this guy is much better than most kids, and if he loves mom, he won’t do anything bad… right?”

When Yugo turned around and asked in a low voice, Leonardo nodded with a serious expression.

“Of course… no matter the circumstances, for me, Amalia-sama is someone I respect and should protect. If you want to live peacefully in this village― I want to protect your peace. I believe that I have acquired that much power in the past ten years.”

“…”

“Please, allow me to be by your side. I work for the guild, so I can earn money, and I can also do heavy lifting… I’m not good at using my head or doing detailed work, but I’ll do whatever I can!”

“…thank you. I’m so glad to hear you say that.”

Amalia’s smile widened as her face relaxed in relief.

The presence of Leonardo, who still adores Amalia even after hearing all about her circumstances, is very valuable and gratifying.

Being alone with Yugo would be a problem, but with Leonardo, a young man, she could ask for help and advice.

☼☼☼