The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

My father returned after about a year.

At that time, I had just gotten water from the kitchen.

Although I've always been avoided by the servants, I maintained a good relationship with the muscular head chef.

In my previous life, I lived alone, so I cooked for myself and enjoyed cooking. Although I can't cook myself because the stove, water, and lights are all magical devices, I can still engage in conversations about cooking. I became friends with the head chef after giving him advice when he was struggling with menu development.

As a result, I often asked the head chef for water for daily use. I was just returning to the second floor after brainstorming ideas for new sweets in a friendly atmosphere in the kitchen and receiving the water I had mainly come for.

Just as I was entering the entrance hall,

"Welcome back, master," the maids bowed their heads in the entrance hall.

What entered through the door was a wild gorilla. Hey, zookeeper! A gorilla has escaped from its cage... Oh, it's just my father, how misleading.

Digray Muuteru, whom I saw for the first time in a year, looked no different and walked in with an arrogant attitude.

It's bad luck to meet him so soon... I quickly bow my head and greet him.

"Welcome back, Father."

"......"

I was ignored.

Well, to my father, I'm nothing but a nuisance. Actually, I'd be more troubled if he smiled and talked to me, so this kind of relationship is easier.

As I watched my father's back as he walked away and took a breath, someone called out to me from behind.

"Is that you, Ruruk?"

It was a well-built young man wearing dazzling white armor.

His bone structure and muscles, similar to my father's, hinted at muscular genes, but the face on his thick neck was that of a refreshing handsome man. If my father is a dark attribute gorilla, this one might be a light attribute gorilla. Well, there's no need to compare them to gorillas.

But who is he? At least, he's someone I've never seen before.

"Um, yes."

"Ah, sorry. The last time we met, you were only 3 years old, so it's no wonder you don't remember. I'm your brother, Lalahaine. Nice to meet you, Ruruk."

"Ah, thank you for your kindness. I'm Ruruk."

I bow my head slightly.

Lalahaine, if I remember correctly, is my real brother.

The eldest son of the first wife and the next head of the Muuteru ducal family.

I heard he was active as an elite knight in the royal capital, but why is he here?

As if sensing my question, Lalahaine flashed his white teeth.

"I've come back to learn about managing the territory as the next head. I could study at the mansion in the royal capital, but information gained by seeing things with your own eyes is more valuable. I'll be staying for a while with Father, so if you need anything, please rely on me. As your brother or as a knight, I'm here for anything."

W-what is this dazzling creature...!

Is he really that dark gorilla's son? Does he have the same genes as Gavin?

I'm bewildered by his sparkling, clear eyes that seem out of place in our ducal family.

...But wait. If I think about it, it's not strange considering we share the same blood. Yeah, I get it. I really get it. No objections.

For now, since I don't have any particular troubles, I'll respond neutrally.

"Thank you very much. If the opportunity arises, I'll certainly do so."

"Hahaha, you don't need to be so formal. Feel free to rely on me, you're my little brother after all. As your older brother, I'd be happier if you did rely on me."

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."

I've had enough of the "rely on me" attack from Rina. I'm not lonely enough to force myself to rely on Lalahaine too, and I haven't thrown away enough shame to rely on a real brother who's close to my mental age.

In the first place, relying on Rina, who's like a pseudo-sister and a married woman, is already embarrassing enough. If I were to rely on someone without reservation, it would have to be a 100-year-old beauty... but there's no way someone like that exists.

Anyway, I returned to my room after this first encounter with Lalahaine. He seems like a genuinely good person without any pretense, but not the type I'm good with. He gives off the aura of an overwhelmingly sociable extrovert.

I'll keep my distance to avoid getting caught up in any explosions.

Lying on my bed, I gaze out the open window.

Looking at the blue sky where birds are flying happily, I mutter to myself.

"...I'll keep quiet for a while."

I don't have any business in the study anyway, and I can practice Mystic Arts in my four-and-a-half tatami room.

Recently, my skills have increased, and I've become able to manipulate spirit elements without using my fingers. I've come to understand my strengths and weaknesses, but I've only been able to learn up to intermediate-level skills. I want to increase my knowledge of Mystic Arts somehow, but I'm currently at a dead end because only intermediate-level textbooks are available in the market...

I doze off while thinking about such things.

As I was spending time leisurely like this and the day was starting to wane, there was a knock on my room's door.

Oh, visitors are rare. Is it the usual maid girl?

"The door's open. Come in~"

"Excuse me."

"Rina-san!? And Lilith too!"

"Big brother Ruru!"

Lilith jumps on me as I sit up on the bed. Rina also enters the room hesitantly and closes the door.

My room only has one chair and desk. It's certainly not a place suitable for receiving guests. It's one thing for Lilith, but it's the first time Rina has come here.

"I have something to discuss with Ruruk-sama."

"That's fine, but... shouldn't we go to the living room or study? I think it's too cramped here."

"No, if it's alright with you, Ruruk-sama, I'd like to talk here."

"B-but for the duchess to be in such a storage-like room..."

"Please, let's talk here."

"Ah, okay."

She's as forceful as always, but something seems a bit different from usual.

Lilith is also sniffling as if crying, so I wonder if something happened.

"Did I cause any trouble for you?"

"No. Actually, I was summoned by the master earlier and given an order. I've come to report about that."

"An order? What kind?"

"To put it bluntly... Lilith and I will be living in the royal capital. We're scheduled to leave the mansion tomorrow."

"Huh?"

From tomorrow? The royal capital?

As my mind filled with question marks, Rina spoke as calmly as she could, seemingly suppressing a slight trembling in her hands.

"Originally, Lilith was scheduled to attend the ladies' academy. It's a natural duty for a daughter of the ducal family, but the plan was to live in the royal capital when she turned 10. However, it seems that the master has been displeased with how attached Lilith has become to you, Ruruk-sama..."

"So, he's moving up the plan by two years to separate us?"

"Yes. The master has also noticed that Lilith is beginning to depend on you, Ruruk-sama... He believes it will have a negative influence if this continues. While entry to the ladies' academy will still be in two years as planned, the pretext is to get her accustomed to the royal capital beforehand."

"...I see."

That was a painful reason for me as well.

While I was happy that Lilith had become attached to me, I felt very sorry that it was causing her to be forced into an unwanted life in the royal capital. Digray's reasoning probably has some validity, and in any case, we can't go against the decision of the head of the ducal family.

Moreover, I had vaguely sensed that Lilith was becoming dependent on me. The main reason was probably that I had saved her from kidnappers four years ago, but since then, she's been throwing tantrums, refusing to go outside the mansion unless I'm with her.

It's probably become a trauma... Indeed, if they're going to forcibly separate us for harsh treatment, sooner is better. If this continues, I feel like it might become irreparable.

"No, no, no, no! I don't want to go to the royal capital!"

Lilith, the spoiled child, cries while clinging to my clothes.

I can understand our father's concerns...

But for me, Lilith is also a beloved sister. She's the first existence in this world who became my ally, and she's the most important to me. If asked whether I want to be separated, of course, the answer is no.

"Ruruk-sama. We cannot go against the master's decision. Besides, we would have to separate eventually. It's just that it's happening two years earlier... Please, Ruruk-sama, give us the order as well. That way, Lilith might be able to make up her mind."

"Rina-san..."

Even as she spoke bravely, she was bewildered by the sudden move to the royal capital. She had always said she wanted to go shopping in the royal capital, but I don't think she ever said she wanted to live there.

She probably has an attachment to this town and it must be hard to leave. If she were to speak her true feelings, she wouldn't want to go. She'd want to stay here.

That's why she's trying to get me to push her back.

"...I see."

I'm not particularly strong in fights, and I can't use magic. I can only do Mystic Arts, which are useless in daily life, but if I can be of use to someone, I want to be.

Especially if it's for the family I love.

"Lilith."

I pat her head.

"I'll be lonely being separated from you too. I want to keep playing together, training together, and living our fun lives... I basically dislike painful things, and there are many times I want to run away. I want to skip Verugana's training and give up on my studies as a noble. There are many things I don't like, but... still, I won't run away. Do you know why?"

"Sniff... Why?"

"To be happy in the future. I can't use magic, so I can't even live a satisfactory life on my own. If I hadn't been born into the ducal family, I probably would have died long ago. It was just luck, and I'm lacking in so many things. That's why I need to find out what I'm lacking and live to fill those gaps."

"...But, big brother Ruru and Lili are nobles... We can live without doing such things...?"

"That's right. If we just obey the family and marry some noble, living as tools of the ducal family. But I don't want that kind of life. I want to live as happily as I can with my own power. So I... yeah, I've decided. I'm going to leave the ducal family."

I took a breath and let out the words like an exhalation.

"I'm going to become an adventurer, Lilith. I'm still 9 years old and only level 1, but I'll grow stronger, and of course, I'll polish my Mystic Arts and live by my own power. My future won't be protected by the ducal family, but by myself."

Become an adventurer.

I had been worrying about it for a long time, but saying those words out loud made me feel like everything fell into place.

"I won't be able to see Lilith for a while. But during that time, I'll become a fine man. Not as Ruruk Muuteru, but just as Ruruk, I'll come to see you again. I want Lilith to study hard and become a fine adult too. Not as a noble, but as Lilith."

"...But, Lili..."

Lilith started to say something but then fell silent.

After sobbing into my chest for a while, she calmed her breathing.

"...Hey, big brother Ruru."

"What is it?"

"Lili... doesn't really want to go. Lili wants to be with big brother Ruru forever. But... but, Lili will do her best. If big brother Ruru is going to become a great adventurer, then Lili will become a great lady too. Lili will become amazing at Mystic Arts, not losing to big brother Ruru, and Lili wants to leave the ducal family and live on her own too. So Lili will do her best. Lili will do her best... Uuu, waaaaaah!"

"I see. You're amazing, Lilith."

I slowly stroked Lilith's trembling back.

Having made up her mind by stretching herself to the limit, she probably realized the reality of our separation even more. The royal capital and this frontier town aren't close enough to casually travel between... Unless I go to the royal capital, we probably won't be able to meet until she graduates from the ladies' academy.

"Lilith..."

Rina also had tears in her eyes.

I've been helped a lot by this person too. It's thanks to Rina that I was able to spend enjoyable times in this mansion.

For these four years, Rina has been on my side without caring about the gazes from others, even though I was ostracized by everyone in the mansion. I know that because of this, she was disliked by the maids and the second wife, and even suffered small harassments.

Even though I told her many times to leave me alone, she always stayed by my side. I'm truly nothing but grateful to Rina.

"Rina-san."

That's why I extended my free arm towards Rina.

To return the words she had told me so many times - It's okay to rely on others when things are tough.

"Ah, my boy...!"

Unable to hold back anymore, Rina also embraced me, her tears flowing.

I too, felt droplets falling from my eyes.

And so, we spent our last moments together with Lilith and Rina.

□ □ □ □ □

"Well then, Ruruk-sama, take care!"

"Big brother Ruru! Make sure to write letters!"

The next morning.

I was seeing off the two as they departed for the royal capital.

"Yeah. You two take care too."

The carriage, accompanied by guards and a group of maids, slowly started moving.

We waved to each other until they passed through the gate and disappeared into the town. Even after they were out of sight, we continued waving, feeling somewhat reluctant to stop. Despite what I said yesterday, I felt like there was a hole in my chest. In truth, I wanted to hold them back more than anyone...

No, that's not it. This is... yes, tears of frustration. It's because I'm envious of Gavin who's in the royal capital, definitely not because I'm lonely. I'm a fine man. Men don't cry. So what's falling from my eyes isn't tears... that's right, it's pee! I'm a man, so I'm just wetting myself!

...Hm? Hasn't this gotten worse? Oh well.

"Ruruk, let's return to the mansion. It's okay, even if we can't see each other, we're still under the same sky."

My brother Lalahaine gently places his hand on my shoulder.

What's with this handsome guy, making my heart flutter? I-Is this how the protagonist of an otome game feels...?

As I was jokingly getting excited like that, I heard an angry voice from the direction of the gate.

"Who are you! Do you know this is the lord's mansion?!"

What's going on?

It's a bit far from here, but this is the edge of town, away from the bustle. The voice carries well, and since the doors haven't been closed yet, I can see clearly.

The gate guards were pointing their spears at a figure wearing a black robe from head to toe.

It's a tense atmosphere. Surely it can't be an attack on the lord's mansion.

"Answer me! Who are you?!"

"Me? I'm just a passing traveler. I have some business with an acquaintance, please let me through."

"Don't be ridiculous! Leave immediately! Or we'll arrest you!"

...?

I feel something off. How should I put it, it's a disjointed impression. Like there's some information missing from the scene I'm seeing, or like there's something stuck in my teeth.

Before I could figure out what I was feeling about this suspicious robed figure, they glanced in our direction.

"Ruruk, step back--"

"Found you."

As Lalahaine was about to step in front of me, the figure looked at me and seemed to grin.

The next moment, my skin crawled.

Because they were standing right in front of me.

It was like teleportation. It was a movement technique overwhelmingly different from the high-speed movement magic Verugana uses, happening in less than the blink of an eye.

No, it wasn't magic--

"What!? Guards, come out! We have an intruder!"

"Heh. You react well."

Lalahaine shouted immediately, sliding his body between me and the mysterious person. He pushes me back, protecting me with his back. As expected of the light gorilla, I can understand how it feels to be the heroine being saved.

Soon, the gate guards and knights came running, handing a sword to Lalahaine.

The mysterious person was observing the situation until they were surrounded by soldiers, but once a certain number had gathered, they suddenly took off their robe.

At that moment, I recognize her appearance, which I hadn't even thought to question until now.

Long black hair reaching her waist.

A thin face with a low nose. Large eyes giving a somewhat childish impression, with small red lips.

Yellowish-white skin.

She looks to be about 18 years old.

"...Huh?"

I unconsciously let out a voice.

Because her face was, unmistakably, that of a Japanese person.

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Author Notes:

  [~ Afterword Tips ~

○ Muuteru family sibling composition (order of succession)

Children of the first wife:

- Eldest son Lalahaine

- Second son Lorozea

- Third son Ruruk

Children of the second wife:

- Eldest son Guard

- Second son Dylan

- Third son Gavin

Child of the third wife:

- Lilith]

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