He's not a Lizard but a Dragon 1 - 10
Chapter 1 - Transmigrator Michika Recalled Her Memories
[[Warning: this chapter mentions domestic abuse]]
I was currently entering the mountain area alone, where even high-ranking adventurer parties were faltering.
Kawasaki Michika, twenty eight years old. One day, I suddenly transmigrated to this world from Japan. And ten years had passed already.
I was now earning a living as a merchant who sold raw materials for medicines.
Today, I entered the mountain area to secure some materials.
When I was eighteen,
My impression when I got transmigrated from Japan to this fantasy world where magic and beastkin existed was, “Wow, I am lucky.”
At that time, I was really exhausted living with my abusive husband. He was my childhood friend and we were married when I was sixteen. When I realized that my husband wasn’t here in this world, it felt really great.
A western-style city. People walking in unfamiliar attire. Also, people with animal ears that mixed in the crowds, a race that didn’t exist on earth. I wasn’t sure how it worked, but because I was fortunately able to communicate with them, I asked about this country’s name, and was told a name I had never heard before.
And, I did it. This wasn’t Japan. This wasn’t Japan where that man existed!
My hair wouldn’t be yanked and got dragged around the room anymore. If there was anything displeasing, I wouldn’t be hit by leaving my face alone just so his violence wouldn’t be found out anymore. My friends wouldn’t not believe me due to my husband’s two-faced scheme anymore.
I wouldn’t be forced to have sex that was close to a rape anymore. His abuse when I couldn’t serve him like he demanded, I wouldn’t have to spend the night trembling with such fear anymore.
Living in Japan felt like hell for me who didn’t have anyone to rely on, as my parents passed away a long time ago.
That was why I genuinely thought that me coming to this world was because God had helped me to escape that hell.
I crouched on the side of the road, crying because I was so happy.
When I started to get tired from crying, a kind old couple misunderstood me as a lost child due to my youthful face and small figure. Like that, they took me with them.
It seemed that they thought I was running away from home due to domestic abuse, since they saw bruises on my body. Thus, they took me to their home without asking anything. Well, their guess wasn’t far off, though.
I lived with the kind old couple for three years.
During the time I was living with them, I learned about this world.
About the existence of magic, the existence of people who made a living from adventuring, how to lodge an inn, and how to earn money daily. The old couple kindly taught me about things I was interested in.
When the old couple passed away one after another due to epidemics, I cried my eyes out. They were the only ones who felt like a family to me, since I had no family that gave those feelings to me in Japan.
Thanks to them, I was able to live in this world. I could only feel grateful to them.
Rustle
A nearby bush made a small noise, and I came back to reality.
The reason why even high-ranking adventurers feared to enter this mountain,
Was because there were heaps of monsters in this mountain, enough to be called the monster’s nest.
I might be seen as a stupid and reckless woman to enter such a mountain alone.
However, I wasn’t in this place without a way to fight.
Screeeeech!
Something jumped out of the bush, screeching and dashing towards me.
It was three large ape monsters. Their livers could be used as ingredients for medicine.
They jumped at me with all their might.
And just like that, their innards were splattered around as if something was bursting them open.
“Oh, I blew them up nicely. I hope the livers are safe.”
I took out leather gloves from my pocket and put them on, rummaging on the apes’ corpses. It seemed like the parts that I needed were safe. Feeling relieved, I put the livers in a leather bag, tied it tightly, and put it in my bag.
There was magic in this world.
But the magic I could use wasn’t the magic that existed in this world.
It seemed that Grandpa used to be a magician (He said magicians were people who practiced magic for a living). He noticed my peculiar magic and told me about it. He said that it was better to not let anyone know, and taught me how to impersonate other magic.
Strange power could be the cause of disaster. And I immediately agreed with Grandpa, as I honestly felt the same way.
Therefore, I had lived in this world for a long time without companions.
My magic was “Complete Protection”, which unconditionally blocked any danger.
It had never been broken even once.
And, it was activated according to my will and would continue to protect the target automatically. How convenient it was.
I could only use this magic, but it was enough to survive in this world.
Thanks to this magic, it was possible to enter a dangerous place alone, where no one could enter, and obtain rare and expensive ingredients quickly and safely. I didn’t even have to worry about sharing them with my companions.
As a result, I became rich.
I honestly thought that the reason I could use this magic was due to my abusive husband who always put me in danger.
I had always lived by thinking that I must protect myself. Thus, that defensive instinct might have transformed into this magic when I came to this world… but well, that was just my guess.
I defeated monsters automatically while moving from place to place, collecting rare monster parts. Then, I picked up some necessary herbs. After repeating those, my bag became full in two hours.
It was already noon. Should I just call it a day?
I thought, while straightening my aching back due to long periods of crouching.
I thought that it was the right time to go back to the town to sell the collected items, and then returned to my dwelling.
Right now, I was living in a human kingdom called Eurelia, which was right next to the beastkin kingdom of Lilac.
Though, I lived right on its border. Hence, it was a place that didn’t belong to either side.
That was why there were some beast people living in the town where I lived.
Beastkin was a race with animal characteristics, such as ears, tails, and wings of animals which grew along on their human bodies. Their physical abilities were very high, and they were able to transform themselves into a beast. However, they weren’t able to use magic.
After I spent three years with the old couple, I only interacted with humans. So, I only knew that much about beastkin.
“Seven years, huh…”
Seven years had passed ever since the old couple passed away. I, who was transmigrated to this world when I was eighteen, was already twenty eight now.
…..recently, I got some thoughts.
I was tired of living alone for a long time.
However, the trauma from my abusive husband was still deeply carved into my heart, and I had no desire to fall in love nor get married. And when it came to sex, I never wanted to do it ever again.
I didn’t even think of making friends. It was because I remembered those people who were on my husband’s side and didn’t believe me. I was sick of betrayal.
“…..should I adopt a child?”
Right. I had enough money, and it might be good to have an adorable child so I could watch them grow up.
Mother would do her best to earn money for you, my child!
While thinking of that, I decided to return to the town.
Chapter 2 - Transmigrator Michika Met a Boy
It took two hours on foot from the mountain where I went to collect materials. I had finally reached the town in one piece, though I was a little out of breath. When I was first started, I got exhausted just from walking for a short while. I had become quite used to this life.
This town was where I based my business, as it was the largest town at the border. Since I could go to every place possible, the rarity of materials that I brought were naturally high. Therefore, I had many customers.
I bowed a little to the town’s guard, who was also my acquaintance, and passed through the stone-built town gate.
……though I called him my acquaintance, we had never spoken to each other. I was trying not to interact with people as much as possible so that nobody knew about my ‘Complete Protection’.
I only talked to my customers and the maids who I employed during the day to do housekeeping. Since I kept living such a life, I might have reached my limit of loneliness.
I knocked on the door of a store in the main street. “Come in.” I opened the door as the hoarse voice gave its consent, and there stood a crinkled old lady who was smiling from the other side of the counter.
Inside the store, numerous medicines in glass jars lined up on the shelves, and heaps of dried herbs were dangling from the ceiling. The air had a unique scent, and I didn’t hate the smell of this chemist’s shop at all.
The owner of this store was Ms. Calnut. A veteran chemist who formulated and sold her own medicines.
“I just thought that Michika would come by soon. Do you want some tea?”
"Yes, please.“
The negotiation would take some time, so I might as well receive it. Honestly, I was getting thirsty as I kept on walking today.
I sat on one of the tables in the store that I was familiar with. After a while, Ms. Calnut came with a cup of tea.
“What you got today, Michika?”
Ms. Calnut placed the tea on the table, sat down across from me, and asked me with a smile.
“Fresh liver of Ape Monster, Giant Ptarmigan’s tongue, Mineri grass…”
I listed off the items verbally and handed the paper notes to her. Then, Ms. Calnut started to look through the paper with a serious look.
This would take some time, considering that each shop had a certain budget. I sipped on the served tea and waited for Ms. Calnut’s response.
“I want all the fresh livers. I heard that Nedia disease just broke out three villages away from here. Fresh Ape Monster’s liver is the cure… but it’s past my budget.”
“If you buy them together with Sanidia grass, I will give a discount. I have a lot of Sanidia grass in stock.”
“Michika is truly a merchant at heart, to think that you stockpile rare herbs like that. Well I don’t mind having extra Sanidia grass, so I will take it. Give me the discount for the fresh livers, okay?”
“Yes! I will!”
After finalizing the business with Ms. Calnut, I headed to the next store with a fleeting feeling from my slightly lighter bag and filled purse. I went around the stores on the main street, and when I finished, I left the street and went to the next store. By the time I was going to the chemist’s shop in the alleyway of a red-light district, the surroundings were already dark.
Even when I walked alone around the red-light district, I would still be ‘safe’. I hummed while walking along the street…
And I heard a faint scream.
When I turned to its source, I saw a woman who was currently whipping a slave.
How did I find out that he was a slave? Well, on his neck was a collar called ‘submission collar’ that forced a slave into absolute obedience.
…..slave trading should have been banned long ago, though.
Despite the prohibition, the demand and supply seemed to be endless.
Watching the spectacle, I furrowed my brows.
The slave was a boy who looked like in his early teens. On his face and body, glistening scales were scattered around. And from his lower back extended a large tail, which was completely covered with pure white scales. He seemed to be a lizardman.
That boy with white hair and crimson eyes had surprisingly refined facial features. However, he was completely out of vigour.
Ah, I knew that look.
That was the look of me when I was beaten up by my husband.
A hopeless look, of someone who already gave up from not being able to escape, only living to wait for everything to end.
The moment I thought about it, I strode faster towards them.
“Hey, sell me that kid.”
The woman who seemed to be a prostitute turned towards me skeptically, and showed me a displeased look.
“No. How much do you think I paid for this kid? He is my favorite.”
“How much do you want?”
“….well, if you can get me fifty thousand mell, I will sell him.”
The woman said with a mocking tone. Fifty thousand mell… for ordinary people, that sum was enough for a year of livelihood. Slaves weren’t cheap, but she definitely charged way more than the market price range.
I summed up today’s sales in my head.
Yeah… I could buy him. With margin.
“Sure.”
I threw the purse containing my sales income to that woman. Receiving the bag, she looked surprised at its weight.
“It’s more than seventy thousand mell, you can check it. Give me the key for the submission collar.”
The woman doubtingly confirmed the content of the purse, and opened her mouth in disbelief.
Perhaps she didn’t think that I had that much money, since I looked like a laborer from climbing a mountain earlier. I was currently wearing boyish attire and putting my hair up in a ponytail.
Pushing the boy’s back towards me, the woman’s expression turned to a humble one.
"So you are rich, huh. Fine, I’ll sell him. Here’s the key.”
“……thanks.“
While we were having the exchange, the boy remained expressionless. Seeing him like that reminded me of my past self. It felt painful, like my heart was being teared off.
After handing the submission collar’s key to me, the woman disappeared into the night life of the street in a good mood. Leaving both me and the boy who were seeing her off.
"I….. ended up buying him.”
I muttered, looking at the submission collar’s key in my hand.
As I was wondering what to do, I glanced towards the boy, and his hollow crimson eyes met with mine.
“….was it the timing? Though, he is about five years older than I was planning to.”
I took a deep breath, and reached for the submission collar on his slender neck. Then, I unlocked it and threw the collar to the ground.
The boy widened his eyes. So, his facial muscles still worked properly… but, he still lacked of expressions. Oh, his pupils were vertical. Well, he was a reptile after all.
Removing his collar meant that right now, he could resist me and run away.
……still, I couldn’t talk to him about this without properly removing his collar. I took this risk, thus it couldn’t be helped if he escaped.
“Well, lizard boy. Won’t you be my child?”
"…… child?“
When I broke the ice and looked straight onto his eyes, words came out from the boy’s mouth for the first time. His voice was a little high, and sounded lovely.
"I was just thinking about adopting a child. And then, I met you here. Isn’t that fate? Unless you don’t want to.”
“Becoming your child?”
The boy tilted his head. As he moved, his silky white hair swayed softly. Illuminated by the lights of the red-light district, the thin scales on his cheeks were glistening. Looking at him again, he really was a beautiful child. He would be a handsome man in the future.
“If you want to leave, you can leave as you want…. but well, I wish we could chat a bit. I am a little lonely, after all.
"……understood”
The boy replied, nodding slightly without any expression.
….I wonder if he had no choice because he couldn’t survive by himself if I abandoned him right now.
Even if he decided to leave, I was planning to let him stay for a night, hand him some clothes and money, and then see him off. Since he acknowledged it, it should be okay, then?
I observed his body.
The skin under his torn off clothes had traces of whip from earlier, and I also felt that he was a bit on the thin side…. okay, when we reached home I needed tend to his wounds and feed him.
The boy seemed bewildered when I gently held out my hand.
“You see, mother and son are supposed to hold hands.”
When I said so, he timidly took my hand as his crimson eyes shook with fear and perplexion. The feeling of softness could be felt on my palm. His hand was cold, as a reptile should.
The boy had a small frown on his face as he tried to glance up to me. His facial expression only changed slightly, but it was clear to me that he was confused. When I smiled reassuringly, he tightened his grip diffidently.
….honestly, my maternal instinct was greatly stimulated right now.
Chapter 3 - Transmigrator Michika Made an Omelet
My house was actually quite far from the town. I usually went home on foot, but today the boy was with me so I decided to rent a carriage.
When I told him to get into the carriage, the boy was about to sit on the floor without hesitation. Thus, I hurriedly told him to sit down on the seat.
…..his slave mindset seemed to be carved deeply inside him. I needed to teach him that he was an equal to me.
“Say, what is your name and age?”
“My name is Nineteen. I am fourteen years old.”
“Is that a slave number? Alright, I will give you a proper name once we are home. I’ll think of a nice one, so wait for me, okay?”
"……understood"
Although I wanted the boy to speak casually to me, it seemed that it was impossible for now. I needed to fix it bit by bit.
“So, you are fourteen years old? Fourteen years younger than me…”
His age was too close to be my child, but also too far to be my sibling.
“Is there anything you want to eat when we reach home?”
“I’m fine with Master leftovers.”
The boy’s words made me feel weak. Changing his way of thinking might still be a long way off.
“I’m not your master. I’m also not old enough to be called mother. So, Michika. Call me Michika, okay?”
“Master… Michika.”
“Get rid of the ‘Master’.”
“….Michika”
The boy, who called my name in confusion, was looking so adorable. I leaned over and patted the boy’s head. His hair was so smooth! It felt like his hair was well maintained. His clothes looked pretty decent too. Perhaps that woman brought him there to show him off. Well, once we got home, I would have him change to something else, though. The whipped parts already got torn off, and his wounds were also smeared in dirt. Besides, I didn’t want to keep the clothes that the boy wore when he was receiving abuse from that woman.
“Uhhh….”
The boy shifted a little as he felt agitated. He was adorable in this state too, I couldn’t help it.
Ah, I wonder if he would think that I was a fool. No, he probably already did.
“I’m sorry. I just thought that my son is adorable.”
When I met the old couple who picked me up, I was being pretty difficult to them.
However, the two unconditionally loved me. So, I thought it would be nice for me to also have a family.
I wanted to shower this child with love, like what those two had done for me.
Someday, I hope this child could see that ‘family’ was a good thing.
Though, he might even leave before we were able to become a family. That would be inevitable.
…. But perhaps, I should moderate the amount of my affection first.
Seeing that the boy was extremely timid, I regretted that I was being too forward with him.
I asked the coachman to halt the carriage when were close enough to my house. All my earnings for today had been given to that woman, so I paid the carriage with gold coins that I spared for emergency. After getting off the carriage and walking with the boy for a while, we could finally see my beloved home.
Looking at my house, the boy widened his eyes.
“…is Michika an aristocrat?”
“No, I am just a merchant. I bought this mansion from a fallen noble, so the mansion itself belongs to a former nobleman.”
Right, my house was a relatively large mansion. I happened to have the money when this mansion was sold at a cheap price, so I bought it with all my might. I entrusted housekeeping and meals to the two maids who came by everyday. I rarely met them, and even if I ran into them, we would only have a practical conversation. This kind of interaction between Lords and servants seemed to be the same everywhere else, though. Since I couldn’t let them know about my 'Complete Protection’ if we got too close, it was convenient that such interaction was the norm.
I went out from the mansion quite often, but I never lost any stuff or money. I was glad that I hired capable maids.
Opening the mansion door, I gently pulled on the boy’s hand. He shuddered a little and nervously looked at me.
“Come in. I’ll treat your wounds.”
“I am a beastkin. The wounds will mostly heal even if left alone.”
“…. mostly? So when the wound is deep, it won’t heal? Come here, after we get your wounds treated we are going to eat.”
Pulling on his hand once again, he gave up and finally followed after me.
The mansion was quiet since the maids already left.
I took him to my room and made him sit on a chair. When I tried to remove his clothes, he shook his head with no expression on his face.
“I can’t trouble you with this.”
The boy unbuttoned his shirt with his thin fingers, exposing his bare chest. But what was right in front of me was his fair skin with no scratches.
"… you’re right. They’re already healed.“
Even when I lifted his arms and checked his back, there wasn’t a single wound present.
Beastkin resilience was really impressive. And he had such a youthful skin that looked so smooth even at one glance. Youth really was unfair. On his arms and stomach, glistening scales were scattered around. They were so beautiful that I got fascinated for a while.
"Please don’t worry about me, I’m fine.”
Listening to the boy’s words, I pouted.
The memory of him being whipped by that woman came to my mind. I noticed him being there due to his scream. That meant, even if his injuries healed well, he could still feel pain.
“Your wound healing doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt, right? I won’t let you get hurt from now on.”
I lightly patted the boy’s head, and headed to the closet. Then, I picked up a robe that I originally used as a nightwear and walked back to him. Our heights didn’t differ much, so it should be fine.
“The one you are wearing now is dirty, so change that to this. With this robe, we don’t need to worry about your tail. I will buy you proper clothes tomorrow.”
"……understood.“
The boy looked at the clothes I handed to him, appeared to be a little confused before he replied to me in a small voice.
Though I said to him that he should go to change, I was also covered in mud from herb picking. Thus, I changed my attire to a loungewear quickly. The boy was still in the room, but when I glanced at him, he seemed to be absorbed in his thoughts.
"I’m going to prepare our meal. When you’re done changing, just come down, okay?”
I told the boy, who still hadn’t changed, and left the room to head for the kitchen. My meal was always prepared by the maid. But, it wouldn’t be enough for two people. I checked the fridge. In this world, there were some home appliances that utilized magic to function. The fridge was one of them.
I saw some eggs, bacon and vegetables inside the fridge. Alright, I’d make omelet.
I cracked six eggs into a bowl, added salt and pepper, and whisked it quickly. Six eggs was too much for me, but for a growing boy, this much was definitely just enough.
I could feel someone’s presence behind me as I heated up the frying pan on the magic powered stove and warmed up the soup that the maid had prepared. I turned my head to see the boy who had finished changing was standing there at the kitchen door.
“Wait there a little bit…”
“….umm, anything to help…”
“It’s fine, children shouldn’t be bothered by this.”
I poured the beaten egg to the frying pan full of butter, and it made a nice crackling sound.
Oh, it smelled so good that I was getting hungry.
Just when I thought that,
Grooowl
I heard a faint sound coming from the stomach behind me.
When I turned to him, he was still expressionless. But, his pale cheeks were a little red.
Seeing him like that, my maternal instinct was greatly stimulated once again.
Chapter 4 - Transmigrator Michika Was Astounded
I laid down plain omelet, bacon and vegetable soup, grilled chicken, and lightly baked baguettes on the dining table. The boy who was observing me from behind had his eyes riveted on the meals.
…….so adorable. A fourteen years old usually had a big appetite, right?
“Come here and let’s eat.”
When I called out to him, he tilted his head. Perhaps, he didn’t think that he would eat on the same table as me.
“Sit on the chair. We are going to eat together.”
“But……”
“You are not a slave, you are my son. So, it’s fine to eat together. From now on, we will have every meal together. Though… you will be alone on days I’m going out to work. I will ask the maid to prepare for your meals when I’m not here, so eat properly, okay?”
After I said that, he sat down on his designated seat even though he was still a bit bewildered.
“Let’s eat.”
“…..yes.”
I wouldn’t know what to do if he kept on resisting. But, it seemed that he couldn’t beat his hunger as he clumsily began eating with his hands. …..maybe I should also teach him table manners. There might be times when I would bring him to have a meal with my clients, after all.
Once he tried one bite, his teenage appetite came rushing in. In no time, he got so absorbed in his meal. Yeah, he ate plenty. It was strange that he was this skinny with this much appetite…. perhaps he didn’t get to eat decent food at his previous master’s place.
I wondered what kind of life the boy was living with that woman, but it would be harsh on him if I straight up asked him. One day if he wanted to talk about it, I’d be glad to listen.
“Right, about your name,”
The moment I called him out, the boy stopped eating and put his hands on his knees, correcting his posture.
He could keep eating, though. I smiled wryly at this upright boy.
“Are you okay with Cedric? It’s the name of a knight that I read in a picture book.”
‘Cedric’ was the character of the first book that I read in this world. When I first came to this world, I could speak but not read and write. The old couple bought me the picture book to practice, and the Knight was the character in that book.
He was an honest and righteous knight. If possible, I wanted my son to grow up like that.
…… though, I wouldn’t force it on him.
As long as he was healthy and didn’t stray to the wrong path, I would be content no matter how he would grow up.
“…..Cedric.”
He muttered the name several times, and nodded.
“I am a novice mother, so I might not be that dependable. But I will take care of you from now on, Cedric.”
“I’ll be in your care, Michika.”
The boy, Cedric, bowed a little, and then turned to his meal with no expression on his face.
…….I wonder if I could see his smile someday.
* * *
After finishing the meal, I had Cedric to take a bath, and had my own bath after him. Then, I returned to my room.
But there, Cedric was kneeling down next to my bed, waiting for me.
“…….hmm…?”
“……?”
When I tilted my head, Cedric also did the same.
I already prepared a separate room for Cedric, but… did he want to sleep together?
I thought that he was too old to sleep together with me. However, he had been a slave for a long time, and perhaps his mental development didn’t suffice.
“You want to sleep together?”
When I said so, Cedric had a complicated look on his face. His expression didn’t change much, but he didn’t seem to want to sleep together. When I tried to lean over to hear what he was about to say, his pretty face moved closer as his lips gently pressed on mine.
“Huh?! What?!”
Astounded, I strongly pushed him away. Cedric fell on his back, and I slowly stepped back, putting on my vigilance. However, when I looked over to him, Cedric had his crimson eyes wide open, looking surprised. I was bewildered. No matter how I looked at it, it didn’t feel like he did it out of his urges.
“It's… for your service at night”
The words that slipped out from Cedric’s mouth with his brows knitted together made me feel like I was hit on the head…. was he ordered to do that with that woman? Just what the hell she made this boy do??!
I was reminded of the things my husband once made me do, and I couldn’t hold my nausea.
……I felt it when I first saw him. I felt that this child and I had similar circumstances.
“You don’t have to serve me.”
“But, my previous master…”
“Cedric.”
I held Cedric’s hands in mine as he furrowed his eyebrows in bewilderment. Then, I looked into his crimson eyes. His crimson eyes, which framed by long white lashes were shaking in fear, he was looking down to the floor. Did he think he would be scolded for doing something against his master’s wish?
“You are no longer a slave. You don’t need to do something you don’t want to. Just think for yourself, and do what you want. But of course, you can’t do bad things. When that happens, I will scold you properly.”
Listening to my words, Cedric blinked several times.
….he was probably confused now, even if I told him to do as he wanted.
I wanted him to laugh freely, cry freely, and act with his own will. And one day, when he introduced his beloved one to me, I would be very happy then.
Chapter 5 - Transmigrator Michika Slept With Her Son
Thinking that I just said something embarrassing, I proceeded to release Cedric’s cold yet lovely hands.
“I already prepared your room, so you can sleep there.”
I said, as I walked to the door. But, I felt like something pulled me from behind.
When I looked back…. Cedric, who remained as expressionless as he was, tightly held the hem of my clothes.
“Cedric?”
“Yes.”
When I called his name, he looked at me blankly, and looked at his own hand which held me back. And then, he furrowed his brows. This was probably his habit when he was troubled or confused.
….perhaps, he was scared to be alone in an unfamiliar place.
“Are you afraid of being alone?”
“I don’t know.”
Cedric replied with a small voice as he deepened the crease between his brows.
“What do you want me to do?”
“……I don’t know.”
Hmmm, I see. He didn’t know a single thing. I was confused here.
I studied Cedric. He bit his refined pink lips with those white teeth. He seemed to hold too much emotion that he himself didn’t understand.
But, I couldn’t remain still with him just like this. Tomorrow, I needed to go to the mountain to collect materials in the morning. Even if I had ‘Complete Protection’, I couldn’t defend myself if I collapsed due to fatigue. That was why I wanted to go bed early, so that I could get up and leave in top condition.
“Cedric, I’m sorry, but I have work tomorrow morning. I want to sleep early….”
“I… see.”
Listening to my words, he released my clothes with an apologetic look. Was it just me, or he looked a bit sad?
“I can’t stay awake together, but would you like to sleep together? Not to serve me or something like that, but just lying down on the bed together.”
“Huh…?”
Cedric looked confused.
I myself knew that sleeping together with an adolescent boy was improper. However, I could only come up with this if I wanted to get some sleep while also not keeping him alone.
Looking at Cedric, I didn’t think that he would assault me sexually, or kill me to run off with my fortune.
Though, I activated the weak version of my ‘Complete Protection’. That way, if Cedric had any intention to harm me, he wouldn’t be able to touch me for one bit.
I looked at Cedric as I climbed to bed and flipped the quilt over. After hesitating a little, Cedric nervously slipped into the quilt.
“Goodnight, Cedric”
“…. goodnight.”
I told Cedric, who already calmed down, a goodnight and closed my eyes. I quietly dozed off immediately after.
* * *
Feeling the sunlight over my eyelids, I opened my eyes.
I felt something cold wrapping my body. When I turned over, what I saw was beautiful white hair.
I was surprised and quivered for a moment, but I quickly remembered that I slept with Cedric last night.
Cedric was hugging me and slept with his cheek against my chest.
It had been ten years since I slept together with someone. That ‘someone’ was obviously my husband, and I usually found his body heat unpleasant.
………yet, Cedric’s body temperature wasn’t unpleasant… on the contrary, it felt good.
Thanks to my husband, I was afraid of men. I wasn’t afraid of old men or children, but I was wary of men who were in their prime of adulthood. And often, my wariness was proved to be justified.
Despite that, I strangely wasn’t afraid even though I just met Cedric.
Was it because he was still considered a teen? I didn’t feel any malicious intent from him at all.
……or was it because I could tell that he was going through the same thing as me?
I wonder for which reason I wasn’t afraid. Or was it both?
A harmless boy, and our overlapping body temperature. I felt that I was reminded of comfort that I haven’t felt since long ago.
I studied Cedric’s sleeping face. Fair skin, long eyelashes, beautifully sculpted nose and lips, snow-white hair that sparkled under the morning sun. He was as beautiful as a doll. When he was awake, his lack of emotions gave the impression of cold beauty, yet when he was asleep, his defenseless face made that impression loosen. He was young and adorable.
I caressed the thin white scales on his cheek with my fingertips. The scales felt cold. I sometimes saw lizard beastkins roaming around the town, but I never saw anyone with such beautiful scales.
I could observe this ephemeral beauty forever. But, I had to get up soon.
“Cedric. It’s morning.”
When I tapped the top of his head, his lizard tail violently hit the bed sheet with a loud sound. It definitely would hurt if I was getting hit. Cedric swayed his tail and hit the bed several more times, just like a monster. Soon after, his eyelashes quivered as he opened up his eyes.
“Have you woken up?”
“Ah…..”
Cedric looked at my face with a blank look, and then looked around restlessly before finally remembered that he was in a different place. When he realized that he hugged me, he quickly backed away.
“I am sorry,”
He uttered an apology in a shaky voice. Did he remember the memories of getting whipped?
I already got rid of his submission collar, so he could actually resist or escape from me. He didn’t have to be so afraid.
“It is not strange for mother and son to sleep close together, you know.”
Saying that, I reached out my hand. For a moment, Cedric froze in fear.
I stroked his head a little roughly.
I didn’t feel any sexual urge towards him and I also wouldn’t use violence. I just wanted him to be my family soon. I stroked him with those feelings in mind.
Cedric was initially stiff, but after a while, he relaxed his body and squinted his crimson eyes, while I remained stroking his head.
Chapter 6 - Slave’s Monologue (Cedric)
[[R-18 content]]
I hated night time.
Because, that woman would touch me when the night came. And because, I also had to touch that woman.
“Nineteen. Lick it.”
Today too, drowned in unpleasant scent of perfume, that woman gave me an order.
‘Nineteen’ was my name. I used to had another name in the past, but I already forgot about it.
I had to bury my face in that woman’s crotch, and squirm my tongue on the place where slimy gross liquid gushed out. After licking her crotch and her dirty slit, the woman spread her vagina and urged me to put it in. “It’s a reward.” She said, which sounded like a joke to me.
I spent every single night doing it until that woman was satisfied.
……because I was a slave.
My parents and I were caught by a slave trader when I was seven years old, and that woman bought me as her pet slave.
…..I hadn’t seen my parents ever since. I didn’t even know their whereabouts.
That woman seemed to be a hostess in a red-light district. She bought me with a loan to show me off to her colleagues. She also told me many times to be grateful to her.
From the day I was bought, I needed to deal with that woman’s urges. The very first night, I was forced to lick that woman’s crotch. I didn’t understand the meaning of the deed, and said, “It’s dirty.”
I was whipped all night, and starved for four days.
…..I learned that in order to live, I needed to serve that woman while pretending to be pleased.
After being familiar with how things worked, I was forced to ejaculate in that woman’s hole. I shook my hips like a fool, pretending to feel good with that woman’s warm and loose hole, which didn’t feel good in the least. After that, that woman would scream with her obnoxious voice.
Living that kind of life for a year, I gave up on everything. And seven years later, I ended up just like a shell.
If I didn’t resist, the number of times I would be whipped would also decrease.
If I served her obediently, she would be quickly satisfied and those hellish nights would also end sooner.
I smiled when I was told to smile, and complimented her with words I didn’t mean when I was told to praise her.
Once someone fell to that of a slave, they would be a slave for the rest of their life. There was no end to this hell.
Even if I wanted to commit suicide, the submission collar attached to my neck wouldn’t allow it.
….I was alive, yet I was also dead.
Today I stumbled on the road. For that trivial reason, I was getting whipped.
This was just like a stage to that woman. A stage to confirm that someone was below her. I endured silently, but the woman’s whip pierced my wound twice, that I screamed a little from that pain.
“Hey, sell that kid to me.”
I heard a dignified voice. ‘That kid’ seemed to be me.
I glanced towards the owner of the voice. She looked about in her early twenties. The woman with a harmless look, beautiful black hair tied in a ponytail, plain face, and a petite figure stood there. For some reason she was dressed in men’s clothing, with her shirt and trouser covered with dirt. She didn’t look like a noble. And I didn’t smell the usual woman’s scent from her.
“No. How much do you think I paid for this kid? He is my favorite.”
“How much do you want?”
Blankly gazing at the black-haired woman, the negotiation to sell me seemed to be settled.
I didn’t feel joy from being released from that woman.
I was certain the black-haired woman would treat me the same way.
The only thing that changed was the person I needed to serve.
“……I ended up buying him.”
She said in an absentminded tone and looked at me.
Her jet-black eyes met with mine.….. deep inside those black eyes, I felt that there was ‘something’ that I also knew.
She reached for my submission collar.
I was wondering what she was doing… when the collar made a noise and fell to the ground.
The cursed collar that had bound me up until now.
I widened my eyes in surprise, while she was looking at me with her serene black eyes. Then, she opened her mouth.
“Well, lizard boy. Won’t you become my child?”
……..my race wasn’t lizard. But it was better to be misunderstood.
The slave trader and also that woman. They weren’t aware of my real race.
Anyway……. child?
The black-haired woman said that she wanted to adopt me. I was confused since I couldn’t grasp her intention…
But her nature would surely be the same as that woman.
Yes, I had decided.
I had become a slave since I was a child, thus I had been detached from the society. Also, I didn’t know where to go.
My collar had come off. But, for me who had been living in shackles, being free so suddenly… I didn’t know what to do.
Therefore, I decided to follow the black-haired woman to keep on living.
* * *
The black-haired woman…. Michika didn’t like it when I acted like a slave.
When I tried to sit on the floor of the carriage, she told me to sit on the seat. She told me she would give a name to the nameless me. And when I tried to call her ‘Master’, she told me to call her name instead. The moment I accepted those, she stroked my head in satisfaction.
I lived as a slave for most of my life, thus I only knew how to live as a slave.
But Michika didn’t like it. Every time she denied my action, I didn’t know what to do. Though I always lamented the fact that I was a slave, I couldn’t help but feel restless when my knowledge as a slave couldn’t be used.
What was the correct way? What should I do so she wouldn’t abandon me?
Those feelings wriggled deeply in my heart.
I couldn’t let Michika abandon me until I learned at least another way to live.
Michika told me to be her son, but what should I do to be a son?
……I couldn’t figure out in one bit what the correct answer was.
The previous woman was unpleasant, but it was easy to guess the right thing to do.
Michika brought me into her mansion, worried about my injuries, gave me new clothes, and had a meal at the same table as me.
…….and, she gave me a name.
“Cedric.”
Michika smiled happily while calling my new name. She said she was fourteen years older than me, but she looked very young.
The name Michika gave me was the name of a character in a famous picture book. I also had read it before I became a slave. ‘Cedric’ was the name of the honest and righteous knight, who was strong enough to slay dragons.
……a righteous dragon-slaying knight.
She might not be aware of it, but she gave me an ironic name.
But Michika called that name delightfully. To be honest, it didn’t feel bad at all.
And then….. I suddenly noticed.
Michika looked happy whenever she gave me something. So, would Michika be happy if I enjoyed what she gave to me? With that… she wouldn’t abandon me? …… really?
No, there wasn’t anything like altruism. Michika should want some kind of compensation.
“You’ve become really good in bed. Sleeping with other guys is starting to get boring now.”
I suddenly remembered that woman’s words.
I didn’t feel reluctant, and if that was the case, Michika might be happy.
* * *
I kneeled down next to the bed, waiting. The door opened and the scent of soap drifted away. Following the scent, Michika entered the room. She looked at me, and strangely tilted her head.
Michika wore a night dress with thin fabric. Her body didn’t have unpleasant lump of fat like that woman. Instead, her slender body looked like a young maiden.
“You want to sleep together?”
When Michika asked me, I was stuck on my words. Being asked ‘do I wanna sleep together’, I honestly would rather not. It was repulsing. However, considering my future, it was better to answer 'I want to’.
Michika came over with her nice scent drifted around. She crouched down to look at me.
Looking at the look on her face, I didn’t sense the unpleasant ‘cat in a heat’ atmosphere like I felt with that woman. Perhaps, sleeping with Michika wouldn’t feel like a chore. With that thought in mind, I pressed my lips on Michika’s.
“Huh?! What?!”
The moment I felt the softness of her lips, Michika shrieked.
She strongly pushed my body away, that I fell on my back. I looked towards Michika, feeling confused. But, Michika backed away slowly with the look of surprise and fear.
“…..for your service at night.”
I muttered.
I wanted her to be happy. And I wanted her to not abandon me.
……but, it seemed like it had gone wrong.
Listening to my words, Michika widened her eyes.
“You don’t have to serve me.”
“But, my previous master…”
“Cedric.”
Michika approached me once again, gently reaching out her hands. She wrapped my cold hands in her warm hands, as she showed me an earnest look on her face. Her jet-black eyes were looking straight at me, but I couldn’t bear it that I unconsciously hung my head low.
She would surely say that she didn’t need me. Michika seemed to be angry, after all.
…..however, what came out from her mouth was unexpected.
“You are no longer a slave. You don’t need to do something you don’t wish to do. Just think for yourself, and do what you want. But of course, you can’t do bad things. When that happens, I will scold you properly.”
Apparently, Michika wouldn’t abandon me.
I raised my face, and my eyes met with Michika’s. She… gently smiled at me.
When I saw that smile, I felt my chest tightened for some reason.
Chapter 7 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Son’s Second Month [½]
Two months had passed since Cedric came to this house.
He didn’t show any intention to leave, and I felt that he had opened his heart to me.
“……..is there anything, to help?”
Cedric asked me timidly, as I was preparing dinner after I just got back from work (though, I was just warming up what the maid had cooked for me).
Today he wore a simple white shirt and navy blue trouser. The next day after he came here, I bought him more than enough clothes. His long white hair was tied together with a blue ribbon. He kept looking at the mirror when I said that he looked good. It was cute.
“Then, pour this soup to a bowl and place it on the table, please.”
“Yes.”
Cedric stood beside me, who was chopping up the reheated meat, and began to serve the soup on a white bowl. Taking a glance at his side profile, his face was oddly serious.
He still had no emotion on his face and his behavior was still stiff, but he started following me around and asked if I needed help.
I would refuse him if it came from his sense of duty as a slave. But, the maid seemed to tell him “A son is supposed to help his mother.” I felt that I knew what the maid was trying to do.
I was glad that he was trying to be my son with his own will. No, I was more than happy.
When I watched Cedric who was bringing the hot soup to the table, I couldn’t help but grin.
“Ced.”
Cedric, who already placed the soup on the table, came to me as I called his name. When I reached out my hand, he leaned his head forward as if he was used to it.
“Thank you! Good boy!”
As I stroked Cedric’s head, he closed his crimson eyes like he enjoyed it. After I stroked his head until I was satisfied, I put my hands on both his cheeks and squeezed them. Only then did he avoid my gaze in embarrassment.
“Michika, I am embarrassed.”
Cedric said softly, with his long lashes facing down and his pale cheeks turning red. How adorable was my son! And also a bit dangerously sexy. I needed to protect him so he wouldn’t be targeted by perverts.
“Ced is so adorable. I love you.”
Cedric’s cheeks grew even redder after I told him so. Even the parts that were covered in scales turned slightly red. Looking at the pinkish Cedric reminded me of a pretty cherry blossom seashell [1].
They were really pretty, that I touched those scales which resembled seashells with my fingertips. But when I did, Cedric glared at me with his crimson eyes. They reminded me of a candied apple.
“The meal, it’s getting cold.”
Cedric said in a really thin voice, and escaped from my hands. Was it not okay to say ‘adorable’ or 'I love you’ to an adolescent boy…? I would be shocked if he came to say “Michika, you’re lame.”
After the chopped up meats were also placed on the table, we both sat down on the dining table. Cedric’s attention was completely nailed to the meals. Cedric had gained some weight, and his complexion was also getting better compared to the time he just came here. Though, he was still slim and slender. Looking at him getting healthier, I was relieved that he was living a good life.
"Michika, the meal. It’s tasty.”
“Is that so? I’m glad. Eat a lot and grow up, okay?”
“…..will Michika be happy if I grow up?”
Cedric tilted his head to the side and asked, after he swallowed lumps of meats that he shoved inside his mouth.
“Yeah. I will be happy if you grow up healthy.”
“I understand.”
He nodded and gobbled down the soup vigorously… and ate two more servings after that.
Lately, Cedric often asked me, “Will Michika be happy if I do this?” He seemed to think about that a lot.
“Michika. Can we sleep together today?”
Cedric asked nervously after we both finished eating. I had prepared a room for him, but he never slept there and always asked to sleep with me. As he didn’t usually ask for anything, this was the only time that Cedric was being selfish. So, of course I’d gladly spoil him.
Also, since I already prepared the room for him, he would use it sooner or later, right? I thought to myself.
“Are you still afraid of being alone?”
“…yes. it’s scary, and feels lonely.”
When he said that with his puppy eyes and spoiled tone, I couldn’t resist it. I could only surrender to his whim. My son was really adorable. I was glad I adopted him.
……..though, Cedric wasn’t really my son according to the official documents.
I couldn’t register him as my son.
To adopt a child, I needed a clear birthplace in this world and a guarantor to ensure it. I came from a different world, thus I didn’t have a birthplace in this world.
I was shocked when I knew that I couldn’t adopt Cedric. But I came to a decision that parents and children relationship couldn’t be defined just by official documents.
“There’s no helping it. Bring your own pillows, okay?”
“Yes.”
When I accepted his request to sleep together, he nodded as his scales turned pink just like cherry blossom seashells.
T/N
[1] 桜貝 (Sakuragai) literally translated as sakura seashell/ cherry blossom seashell. It’s a type of seashell that appears only in Japan, with a cute pinkish color :) there’s no english name for this apparently, but google said it’s nitidotellina nitidula.
Cedric is still talking formally here. Also, It’s kinda hard to convey his cut-off sentences and lack of vocabulary. I don’t think it’s that apparent in the translated version. I tried my best, okay ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ
Chapter 8 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Son’s Second Month [2/2]
I climbed to bed and read some books to wait for Cedric, as I heard the door opening.
I turned and saw Cedric with a wet hair and dressed in a sleepwear standing there, holding a pillow.
…..he was unexpectedly clumsy, and bad at drying off his hair.
“Ced, your hair is wet again.”
When I said that, Cedric tilted his head as if he was confused. I got out of the bed and took out two towels from the closet. And then, I faced Cedric.
His cheeks were flushed after the warm bath, and the corner of his eyes were a little red. Drops of water fell from his hair, trickling down to his thin and fair neck. He looked somewhat captivating. His charm was to the point of tempting anyone. If he was introduced as a girl, I wouldn’t even question it. His appearance was on another level from me and others who were just mediocre, after all.
“I’ll dry your hair, so sit on the chair.”
“Yes.”
Cedric replied in a small voice and sat down on the stool in front of the mirror stand. I was glad that he got used to it already.
“Ced. Why is your hair always dripping wet?”
“…….I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. Drying off Ced’s hair is fun.”
I wrapped his long hair with a towel and drained the water little by little. Then, I saw Cedric from the mirror, squinting like he felt good. Watching him like that, I was more careful at drying his hair off.
“Does it feel good?”
“It feels good. Michika is really good at this.”
Cedric said, with reddish cheeks like he was embarrassed.
Well, Ced.That phrase sounded somewhat ambiguous. It wasn’t like I was doing something ‘questionable’.
I dried his hair off with a new towel and wrapped that towel around his head to finish up. During that time, Cedric calmly sat still.
“Okay, Ced, it’s time to sleep.”
As I said so, Cedric obediently headed to the bed. Then, he laid down on the bed and looked up to me with his crimson eyes. His large tail wagged around and hit the quilt. So adorable… was Ced a dog? No, he was a lizard. And he was my adorable son.
“Ced, cover yourself properly with the quilt so you won’t catch a cold.”
“Michika too. Here.”
Cedric crept inside the quilt, and turned over the quilt for me.
….he did something that a boyfriend would do. How cheeky.
By the way, I didn’t use 'Complete Protection’ anymore when I slept together with Cedric. After spending two months together, I felt that he was harmless. And if by chance the 'Complete Protection’ was triggered, Cedric would be aware that I was vigilant of him. By then, Cedric, who already opened up to me might close his heart again. I would seriously cry if he was to leave my place…
“Then excuse me… wait, it’s my own bed though!”
“Hehe.”
A smile broke upon his face as he let out a giggle. I was taken aback when I saw his lovely smile, which reminded me of blooming white flowers.
Wait a minute. Just now… Cedric laughed?!
After two months living with him, it was the first time!
I entered the quilt and held Cedric’s cheeks in my hands. And then, Cedric widened his eyes in surprise.
“Ced. You just laughed.”
“……laughed? Me?”
Cedric wondered at my words as he tilted his head. Perhaps he didn’t realize it?
“Ced, you laughed!”
I was so happy that I hugged Cedric tightly.
His body was cold, and I had gotten used to it as we slept together every night. The coldness overlapped together with my body heat inside my embrace.
“Michika, Michika.”
Cedric tapped on my arm as he called out my name. Perhaps I held him too tight….
I looked into his crimson eyes as I loosened my hold.
“Is Michika happy when I laugh?”
Well, I would be happy if he was.
But if he forced himself to laugh for my sake, I wouldn’t be happy. I wanted Cedric to laugh when he had fun, or when he felt joy.
“I would be happy if you laugh when you feel like it. Don’t force yourself to smile just to make me happy, okay?”
“I’m not forcing myself…..”
Cedric had a sullen look, as he slightly pouting his lips.
“…… I’m happy because Michika is happy. That’s the reason that I smile.”
This was bad. My son was the cutest in the world. He was too commendable!
He expressed more emotions than before!
And his speech was also getting longer!
“Thank you, Ced!”
When I thanked him and tickled the tip of his nose, Cedric laughed again. I couldn’t help but feel joyful that he was slowly being relaxed around me.
Ced was fourteen. Only four years left until he became an adult.
He would be an adult in no time…
I wonder if he would have a cute girlfriend growing up, and came to tell me the news of their marriage one day.
Ugh… just imagining it made me a little lonely.
I needed to express my feelings while we were still together.
“I love you, Cedric.”
“I-I love you too, Michika.”
Cedric, who replied to me with his cheeks dyed in red, was squinting his crimson eyes. He was just too lovely and charming.
Cedric grabbed my hand and entwined it with his fingers, while smiling innocently.
Ahh, I was really happy. My son smiled and told me that he loved me.
I would never forget the joy of this day.
However, I, who was excited with the changes of my son, was unaware.
That the meaning of my 'love’ and my son’s 'love’ was actually different.
I felt my heart warmed at that time.
A/N
Ced’s limited words come from the fact that he did little work in verbalizing his thoughts for seven years, and also because of the characteristics of his race.
T/N
Okay, so the author is explaining my point from the previous chapter. Cedric’s speech is again still awkward here, and I hope that it is conveyed through my translation. Also, next chapter will be R-18 :)
Chapter 9 - The Desire of a Son in His Half-a-year Stay (Cedric)
[[R-18 Content]]
Half a year had passed since I started living with Michika.
Even after half a year, I still slept on the same bed as Michika.
I hated night time. I was always afraid when the night came. The darkness, and those hands that reached me out from it were horrifying.
Yet….when I was right by Michika’s side, I wasn’t even afraid of night.
I hugged Michika, who was still sleeping, tightly.
A slender but soft body. She fitted perfectly around my arms. I rubbed my face against her chest, and could feel the softness of her small breasts against my face. Michika didn’t seem to wear underwear, since I could feel her hard tips on my cheeks.
Even if I did this, Michika wouldn’t wake up. Because she was already in a deep sleep.
Michika, Michika, Michika.
I rubbed them again with my cheeks, calling her name countless times in my mind. As I did that, a pleasant throb spread from my heart.
The throb traveled down to my lower abdomen, and the heat caused my member to raise up. I let go of Michika, slid down my pants and took out my hard member. I stroke it while watching Michika’s peaceful sleeping face.
It was strange that when I was in that woman’s place, sometimes I was forced to get it hard. But it was that easy when I was with Michika. Was this the difference when my partner was someone that I loved?
Yes, I loved Michika.
Michika was gentle and warm. After spending half a year with her, only now that I realized that she genuinely cared for me.
Michika’s face was plain, but her smile was sweet and calming.
I was always worried when she had a somber look on her face at times. It made me want to protect her.
Michika only saw me as a kid. If I grew up… would she see me as a man? And would she come to love me then?
“Uhh….”
As I moaned silently, a thick cloudy liquid gushed out to my hands. Some that couldn’t be contained in my hands splattered to Michika’s face. Michika’s cheeks were tanned brown due to her job outside, and the white fluids on top of them made her look lascivious instead.
I had stained her. The feeling of guilt and a twisted joy surged inside my heart.
I wanted to touch Michika. I never thought that I would hold such desire towards an existence called women, which I detested so much.
I wanted to touch and hug her. I wanted to see the color of Michika’s petal. I wanted to taste and inhale the scent of her crotch. I wanted to ram my manhood into her lady parts and scatter my seeds inside.
Those desires swirled in my head.
However, I didn’t reach for Michika and once again stroked the boner myself.
I shouldn’t reach her as a ‘man’ now. Michika only saw me as her ‘son’, that was the only reason she held me close like this. Once she realized that I was a ‘man’ who bore these inexcusable feelings….. she wouldn’t put me by her side anymore. Perhaps I would even get kicked out from the mansion.
My priority now wasn’t to satisfy my greed, but to earn Michika’s trust.
…..and from then, I would gradually make her aware of me as a 'man’.
“Michika….”
I stimulated the boner with my hands, imagining it being stroked by Michika’s warm hands.
“I will quickly grow up. So…. please fall in love with me…”
I let out a small gasp, as the white fluid spilled from my manhood. This time, I held it all in my palm. None of them stained Michika.
Staring at my slimy dirty hands… I felt somber.
Everytime I did it in front of Michika, I was always filled with regret.
I stained her. She, who was so pure and gentle towards me.
I was the same as that woman, who held these ugly desires.
Michika wouldn’t love such an impure existence like me.
Lingered with those feelings, my heart was agitated. Before I knew it, I was sobbing, biting on my lips.
I wiped my mess with the towel I took from the closet, and also cleaned up Michika’s face. I also opened the window slightly, to let the fishy smell disappear.
Then, I went to the washroom and washed the dirty cloth.
When I twisted the faucet, cold water poured down from the magic tool and soaked my hands wet. That sensation calmed down my frayed heart a little.
At first I was surprised that Michika owned quite a lot of magic tools in her house. Magic tools were so expensive that they wouldn’t normally be found in commoners’ houses. There wasn’t any magic tools in that woman’s place either, as I only saw it in the houses of those lewd nobles when that woman took me along with her.
Large mansion, various magic tools. Also clothes, meals and daily necessities that were generously given to me.
That made me realize that Michika was someone who made more than enough to live by herself. And I was a miserable and weak being who could only live by latching on Michika.
…. I needed to be strong, and independent.
A strong presence that Michika could rely on.
Otherwise, Michika would see me as her son forever.
* * *
“Registering in the Adventurer’s Guild…?”
“Yes. I asked the maid about various jobs, and I think that one is the best.”
It was the next morning. Upon hearing my words, Michika dropped her bacon on the dining table. As she realized it, she promptly picked it back up and tossed it into her mouth. My face unintentionally relaxed upon seeing her childish gestures.
Other than she made a living as a merchant, I didn’t know Michika’s background. When I thought that it was something she didn’t want to be asked, I never asked her.
However, looking at her behavior, I knew she wasn’t a noble even in the past.
“I want to properly learn the way of living.”
I wasn’t good at verbalizing my thoughts since I was used to say only ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for seven years. However, I had been talking to Michika and the maids every day, so I felt like I became a bit better at conveying my thoughts.
“Don’t you want to try normal part-time jobs? Being an adventurer is risky. I can introduce you to many chemist’s shop. There are quite a few stores in need of a store assistant.”
Michika collected raw materials for medicines and made money from that. So, she certainly could place me at a chemist’s shop with her connection. However, I didn’t think working at a store was suitable for me, as I wasn’t hospitable nor had any knowledge about medicine.
By the way, Michika had been refusing my offer to help her at work.
Michika’s way of working seemed quite particular, since she couldn’t even tell her son about it.
“I don’t have what it takes to study medicine. That’s why being an adventurer is the right choice.”
Michika assigned me a tutor, but the gap of seven years couldn’t be filled in just a short time. Thus, I thought it would be faster to be independent using my body instead.
……there were other reasons why being an adventurer was a good choice. But I didn’t want to tell Michika about it now.
“Hmmm…..”
Michika made a sour look. She folded her arms, thinking.
Chapter 10 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Son’s Decision in His Half-a-year Stay
“Adventurer huh….”
Cedric said he wanted to be an adventurer. I pondered while tearing apart the bread in my hand.
Nobody wanted to see their children doing something dangerous. However, I also wanted to believe in my son’s opinion. It was really hard to balance the two.
“I will start with something simple like quests to collect materials. After I get used to it, I won’t even do anything rash.”
“Well…. Okay. Let me put a protection on you.”
“Protection?”
Hearing that, Cedric tilted his head.
Actually, ‘Complete Protection’ could be applied to others. The effect also wouldn’t diminish over distance. But let me just say it was another magic as the explanation to Cedric…
“I can use wind magic. It’s only for one day, but I can make something like a barrier that protects you. I’ll apply it every time Ced is going out.”
I told him the words that Grandpa told me to use. I hoped Cedric would agree with me.
'Complete Protection’ could last not only for a day, but for a year or two. Moreover, it could be spread over a wide area. If such power was known, I would certainly be exploited by some Kingdoms.
However, if I was to be found out when using it on Cedric, it couldn’t be helped. I could just take Cedric with me and escape.
“Michika is overprotective.”
“Because you are my precious son.”
“Still…”
Cedric showed a long face and crushed the potatoes in his soup. I wonder if I was being too meddlesome.
“I want to do it by my own strength…..”
I was taken aback by his silent murmur.
What I was trying to do would hinder Cedric’s growth.
“I want Michika to consider me as a full-fledged adult soon.”
His deep crimson eyes were staring right at me.
It was amazing. The son that I just adopted six months ago was already thinking of being independent.
Children grew really fast! I wanted to cook red rice [1], but it was frustrating that it didn’t exist in this world.
I was touched by Cedric’s growth, but it seemed like Cedric would leave my place in no time… I felt quite sad.
“Okay…. but I want to observe your first day from a distance. I won’t pry further if I think it’s safe.”
I wanted to get a peace of mind by watching Cedric for a while. After that, I would let him go to work by himself.
“Understood.”
Cedric replied, showing me a bittersweet yet beautiful smile.
“But adventurer, huh. You can form a party with beautiful girls, and who knows if you will find your mate among them?”
As I started living with Cedric, I did some research about beastkin.
Beastkin had a 'Soulmate’. They were to be born in the same era, and would get attracted to each other the moment they met. How romantic.
What kind of girl would he bring? I wonder if she would be a cute fluffy cat. Dogs were also hard to resist. I wanted to see their fluffy tails.
“I don’t need a mate…..”
“But a mate is a soulmate for beastkin, right…? Saying that you don’t need it is a bit….”
“I don’t need it.”
Cedric said in a low voice, as he creased his brows. Oh no, he became sullen.
Did I go too far with such a sensitive topic? I was riding a straight ride to be a bad parent…
“Sorry, I pried in too much. I won’t say anything about it anymore.”
I turned my gaze away from Cedric and continued to have my meal.
I was a bad mother. I was controlling him the moment I was being overprotective and meddlesome. It was no different from Cedric’s previous master. I felt down as I thought I might do the same thing as that woman.
“Michika.”
“Hmm?”
“…I’m sorry, I was rude.”
When I returned my gaze to Cedric, his crimson eyes were teary. The tears on the edge of his eyes were about to spill down.
“Don’t apologize, it’s also my bad. I tried to pry in too much.”
“Do you hate me….?”
“Rather than hate, I love you so much.”
I left my seat and headed towards Cedric. And then, I hugged his slender body tightly.
Cedric snuggled up to my chest, his scales rubbed against my clothes and made some noises. He placed his arms around me, and hugged me back. Cedric’s low body temperature was as pleasant as usual.
I stroked his soft white hair over and over, and caressed the white scales on his cheeks. By then, Cedric smiled with his teary eyes.
“I love you, Michika….”
My son, who got the his eyes reddened and smiling like that, looked really charming.
I wonder if he would be okay…. with such a beautiful look, he would be approached by girls and made a harem in his party. What should I do if he turned out to be a womanizer?
….. I buried those thoughts to the back of my head, since I didn’t want to be nosy.
T/N
[1] Japanese cook red rice for celebration.
Also, Is it called mate? I referenced it to werewolf fictions but I don’t really know if it’s called the same for animal demi-human.
At least in Japanese it’s the same one for werewolves though.
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