Frieren 69

Title: The First Gift

The importance of a nurturing environment in the future, if we take demons as an example, Aura is a good case.

Someone like Schlagh likely had a good upbringing, making him one of the few among highly individualistic demons who could think of others and even be willing to sacrifice for the collective good.

Of course… how Schlagh grew to be a demon who cared for others and was willing to sacrifice and dedicate himself is hard to pinpoint. Ash only felt that way.

If Ash himself were to raise Fern, besides lacking time and energy, he’d even have to worry about her being influenced by someone like him.

Unfortunately, in his circle of friends, there wasn’t anyone normal. Many of his friends had already passed away. Asking Aura to care for her could end in tragedy… at least for now, Ash had no trust in Aura.

And most nobles in this kingdom were basically under Aura’s control. Even if he forced them to care for Fern, if things went out of control, it would be a mess.

Thus, after much thought, after half a year of worrying and searching, Ash found no suitable person in Strahl. So, he decided—to ask Heiter for help.

Though Ash had previously worried whether Heiter was still alive, he now confirmed that Heiter had retired and was surprisingly healthy.

As a respected bishop in the Holy Capital and a former world-saving hero, his popularity would surely be much higher. The people he knew would also likely be more serious and reliable.

Of course, the option of entrusting Fern directly to Heiter was immediately dismissed. After all, that drunken priest… it was hard to say when he’d pass away. Ash wasn’t too confident in handing a child to him.

If Himmel were still alive, he’d be the best choice in terms of morality and character. Unfortunately, the Goddess seemed to dislike him, and he was the first in the team to die.

“…Though our fates are limited, and that’s unfortunate, I’ll definitely help you choose well. Now, sleep peacefully.”

Ash carefully placed Fern in bed and tucked her in. Then he gently stroked her hair, which was slowly regaining its shine, and quietly decided—even if it took one or two years, he had to find a way for Heiter to find a suitable home for this child.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The next morning.

Warm sunlight shone on her face, making Fern groggily open her heavy eyes. Because of the morning sun, she rarely felt lazy. She stretched in bed, squirmed a bit, rubbed her eyes, and got up.

“…Today, Ash-sama’s probably gone again…” She instinctively slapped her cheeks. With a touch of sadness, she sat on the bed’s edge and muttered, but…

“No, I’m still here today.”

“Huh? — Ash, Ash-sama?!”

Turning toward the voice in a panic, Fern saw Ash, usually absent, sitting by her desk, reading a magic book she couldn’t understand at all.

This made her immediately stand, tidy her messy hair and pajamas, and bow politely: “G-good morning, Ash-sama. Is there something important today?”

“…No need to be so tense. Relax.”

The girl’s stiff demeanor made Ash certain again that this wasn’t the attitude of a normal family.

He should gently heal the inner trauma of this hurt child, get closer to her heart or something, so Fern wouldn’t be so rigid.

But whether due to numbness from living too long, fear of their relationship becoming too close, or other issues… he couldn’t do that.

Ash had tried everything he could. Half a year passed, and things were still like this. He didn’t know what to do to make this child closer to him.

So, seeing the girl sitting upright, he finally made a decision, put down the book, and crouched in front of her: “Fern, you have class today, right?”

“Yes, no special announcements… Um, what’s up?” Ash, always busy, sometimes gone for three or four days, even a week, was asking about her school for the first time. This surprised Fern.

“Nothing, I just want to meet an old friend. Want to come with me?”

“Me…?” Fern was a bit confused but agreed without thinking: “Of course.”

“…Then find a good time and say goodbye to your friends.”

“Goodbye? Why?”

“That person lives pretty far, in the Holy Capital in the central countries.”

Ash’s casual answer made Fern tilt her head in confusion, as if it didn’t make sense: “But isn’t the central continent pretty close?”

“I’m thinking of staying there for a year or two… It’s been a while since we met. Something like that.” Ash made up a reason on the spot.

He felt it was better to wait until he found someone suitable before revealing the real purpose. That way, they’d travel like it was a vacation, making the journey much more enjoyable.

Hearing the long timeframe, Fern widened her eyes slightly but didn’t refuse. She just nodded gently: “I understand. Then I’ll say goodbye today.”

“Yeah, I’ll go with you. I’ll also inform your teacher.”

“Thank you, Ash-sama.”

“No need…”

Being treated so politely by this child always made him a bit awkward. But Ash understood and didn’t say much.

In truth, Fern was also a bit sad and reluctant to part with her friends. But being too understanding, she didn’t say anything.

Interestingly, Ash thought the main reason for their awkwardness was that from their meeting until now… Fern never refused his requests, even suggestions meant to test her. She never asked for anything either.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After that, they went to school together, and their temporary farewell went smoothly. Fern said goodbye to her friends, and after a few words with their second-class magic teacher, her leave was settled.

Of course, for the child’s future, Ash also thought that after reaching the Holy Capital, he’d find a magic academy for her.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In the carriage.

Compared to normal kids excited about leaving the city, Fern just sat obediently.

Before leaving, as they passed through bustling streets… since she always stayed in quiet areas, even her school route was relatively secluded, it was her first time in a long while entering the city’s lively crowd.

On the busy streets, stalls lined both sides. Vibrant meats and vegetables wove into a lively city scene. The merchants’ calls added excitement and energy to the start of this journey.

But the crowd and noise made Fern slightly uneasy. She unconsciously moved closer to Ash.

Yet as the carriage moved, her eyes were drawn to a silver leaf-shaped bookmark at a roadside stall. She couldn’t help but keep staring.

Noticing this, Ash thought for a moment, stopped the carriage, and turned to Fern: “Is there something you like?”

“…No, just a bit curious.”

“It’s fine. Think of it as a souvenir. Buy whatever you like.”

Hearing this, Fern hesitated, then answered softly: “But… wasting money isn’t good.”

“Is that something a kid should worry about?”

“…Sorry.” Fern lowered her head sadly.

Her reaction, as if she feared him, made Ash feel troubled: “I’m not scolding you… Just pick a few things you like, okay?”

“But…”

“If you don’t choose, I’ll feel bad instead.”

“Then… just one.” Fern tightly gripped her collar and hesitantly got off the carriage with him.

At the stall, she glanced at the bookmark twice but still chose the cheapest item: “This one.”

“Is that so? But I think this one’s nicer.” Ash smiled helplessly and picked up the silver bookmark she’d unconsciously noticed.

This made Fern look like a child who’d done something wrong, standing there stiffly.

Such a reaction gave him a headache. Ash slipped the bookmark into her hand and ruffled her hair: “There, there. Don’t overthink it. Isn’t it pretty? As long as you like it, isn’t that enough?”

“Thank you… I, I’ll definitely treasure it!”

Those words, unexpectedly like warm sunlight, quietly dispelled the stiffness and anxiety in Fern’s heart, replaced by a warm, indescribable happiness. She unconsciously held the bookmark tightly and nodded firmly.

In fact, the main reason for Fern’s stiffness was that Ash was always busy with work. It made her know from a young age that earning money wasn’t easy.

As for the actual situation… she didn’t really understand.

And she never asked, so Ash never told her. Otherwise, he’d have to make excuses, right? So… their understanding became two parallel lines, never intersecting.

But after returning to the carriage, Ash kept reading, while Fern carefully admired the silver leaf in her hand. She seemed to love it.

Noticing this, Ash smiled softly and patted her head. Fern showed a shy smile.

Though their understandings were parallel lines, somehow they could walk together?

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Crossing mountains and rivers, the two safely arrived at the Holy Capital.

But they didn’t enter the city. They wandered in a nearby forest, searching for a hut said to be not too far inside.

“…Ash-sama, do you really know where your friend is?”

Holding her small suitcase, after walking half an hour in the forest, Fern’s small body began to wobble. She looked around and couldn’t help saying: “I feel like we’ve passed this spot before.”

“…You noticed?”

“Did Ash-sama do it on purpose?”

“Of course. As a mage, having a strong body is also important!” Ash, unable to find the way, spoke nonsense to save face.

Fern sighed softly and lowered her head: “…That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“What’s with that attitude? Your teacher must be incompetent, that’s why you didn’t know.”

“But the books say so. And Teacher Lieres is a second-class mage, just one rank below first-class. Your words are a bit rude…”

Facing Ash’s statement, Fern looked awkward. She carefully suggested: “It’s fine in a remote place like this, but in the city, please avoid saying that, because… people might misunderstand that you’re jealous.”

“…Why would I be jealous of a second-class mage?”

“By the way, you’re a mage too, right? What rank are you now?”

“I should rest more often. I can’t train your body anymore. Fly up first and see where the place is!”

As Serie’s student, Ash never thought about taking rank exams. Facing this question, he felt that saying he didn’t need exams would seem arrogant. So he stiffly changed the topic and flew into the sky.

This made Fern sigh softly and shake her head: “…Does he have no rank? Is Ash-sama that untalented in magic?”

(I should avoid talking about this in the future. And… did I go too far just now?)

Fern prayed silently that Ash wouldn’t feel insulted, regretting her unintentional bluntness.

As for why she misunderstood Ash as weak, it was because, as an apprentice, she couldn’t see through Ash’s poor concealment technique.

And Ash never boasted to her. Fern didn’t ask, so he didn’t say much. After all… what’s the point of bragging to a kid? Isn’t that utterly useless?

But Ash never expected his pride would be managed by a child not yet fully grown. So after ending the topic and flying to find his destination, he didn’t think much. He landed, picked up Fern, and flew to the hut in the forest.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At this moment, smoke rose from the chimney of the secluded forest hut, clearly indicating someone inside was cooking. The two could even smell beef stew with potatoes from outside the door.

“…That drunken priest is drinking and eating meat again? Looks like I came at the right time.” Ash muttered. He happily held Fern’s small hand, climbed the steps, and planned to mooch a meal after so long.

In contrast, Fern looked a bit worried… After all, they came from far away without even bringing a gift, yet wanted a free meal. Was that appropriate?