ALL NOVEL 17: My Nemesis?
While I was unconscious, our house was in an uproar.
Ren was amazed by how much greener the territory and house had become, and Grandpa was astonished by the lush magical repellent plants along the roads and in the village. Dad was pestered with questions by Grandpa.
Kyle was excited, saying, “There’s something in the fields and the house.” The little ones must have been hiding, but the wild child’s instincts were sharp.
I woke up in my room and was informed by a somewhat exhausted Riol. Why was Riol in my room? Oh, he escaped the noise. Did the little ones also seek refuge? I saw Guri, Kuu, and Pikka, with Fuu’s presence too. Everyone was relaxing in my room. For some reason, Poko was napping beside me. Drool was dripping from his mouth. Let’s wipe it off.
Ren was scolded by everyone for making me pass out. He’s reflecting in his room now. Since I’m still a kid, he needs to be more careful. Hmph.
With the sudden increase in people, it’s quite noisy. Riol and I both sighed.
After everyone settled down from dinner, we moved to the parlor to talk about how the Radcliffe territory had changed in the past year. Well, it’s mostly because of my subtle cheat-like skills! Everyone praised me, and I was so proud that I leaned back and almost fell over. But I was on Grandpa’s lap, so it was okay! Eh-hem! Only Riol’s cold gaze pierced through me… Ouch.
I also heard about Ren’s school life. He mentioned how hard studying is, dealing with noble kids, and how he came in second in a mock sword fight. Ren seems to be experiencing the typical light novel school template. However, there was no mention of any girls. Hope he finds a nice, proper fiancée.
I wasn’t very interested in Kyle’s stories. He barely sees me, yet he kept poking at me, which was honestly annoying. When I brushed his hand away, he laughed and called it a “cat punch.” Why?
Everyone was tired, so we wrapped up early. I fell asleep halfway through and woke up in my bed. Did Barton carry me? Morning comes quickly when you sleep. Did you know that?
Now, just the kids are wandering the garden. After circling around, we came to the guest garden.
“This garden is boring. There’s nothing to eat,” Kyle said, looking bored.
True. We can’t plant cucumbers and eggplants in the front yard.
Imagine a lady in a fancy dress opening the window to see vegetables greeting her! It would be surreal…
Bad rumors would spread!
We’d be outcast in high society! …Being outcast in society is funny… I digress quickly. Sorry.
I plan to work on this garden in the fall, so for now, there are just a few perennials planted. The weedy grass-like lawn is glaring. But Fuu regularly cuts it with magic. Thanks as always. I appreciate it.
“Spring was busy, so I’m going to make the garden in the fall.”
I’ll plant flowers, mainly roses. As for edible plants… maybe berries would be interesting? Don’t blueberries need to be planted in several varieties to bear fruit? I might need to adjust the soil acidity.
As I pondered deeply, Kyle squatted next to me and casually asked, “I heard your skills are agricultural, Haku. Don’t you practice swordsmanship?”
I looked puzzled. I don’t have any attack skills. Isn’t that impossible? Although, as a child of the frontier, I think basic self-defense is necessary.
“Well, I can practice swinging a dagger. But for some reason, I always end up rolling backward. I wonder why?” I get swung around by the sword. Maybe it’s because my head is heavy? Light novel protagonists are unbeatable even as three-year-olds, right? I’m clumsy, if I say so myself. Feeling a bit down.
“Haku is smaller than other kids his age. Father keeps you inside, so you don’t do much exercise. Just wandering around the garden seems right for you,” Riol said, patting my head, though his words weren’t much consolation. Was he comforting or mocking me? I sensed a subtle nuance. Hmm.
However, people in this world are generally tall and well-built. Both men and women are tall. My mother was petite and slender. I seem to have inherited her traits strongly, so everyone overprotects me. I’ve been able to go outside a bit since spring, but the village kids I saw during farm work were also well-built. I’m probably smaller than I thought. What if I stay tiny forever?
Feeling down, Ren gently lifted me. “It’s okay because Riol and I are here. You don’t have to fight. We’ll protect you. Mother asked us to.” He bumped my forehead and laughed. Is this what they call doting? Everyone but Riol is like this. My cuteness is a sin.
Riol snorted. Is he a mind reader?
“Still as much of a big brother complex as ever. Well, our family’s all pretty similar,” Kyle said, laughing. “But you should at least train your escape skills. Running fast and long will build your stamina.”
Why does he keep poking my cheeks!? Swipe, swipe! I launched a protest cat punch.
Kyle, who was smirking at me, suddenly jerked and exclaimed, “Whoa!” He looked back. “What was that? Felt like something hit the back of my knee. But there’s nothing here?”
At Kyle’s feet, Guri and Poko were delivering cat punches to his knees! Oh, right, Kyle can’t see them.
Nice assist!!
I gave a big thumbs up with a wide grin. Riol smiled too. Ren looked puzzled. He still can’t see the spirits.
Later, let’s have snacks with the spirits.
Kyle kept fussing, saying, “There’s something here!” Maybe it’s just your imagination?