Mushoku Tensei – Jobless Oblige - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Presently, Taking Leave

The day after drinking with Father, I woke up in my room .

Looking out from the window, the eastern sky was shining .

The city was silent, with a slight chill in the air .

I’d usually sleep in this early in the morning .

There’s still time before breakfast .

I got up and changed .

Feeling refreshed .

My mind and body, both completely fresh .

"I want to follow Pax . "

I told Father and received his blessings, clearing the cloud casted over my head the past year .

I don't know how much I can help Pax .

Maybe I’ll be a drag for him instead .

But I want to at least see him in action .

"Ah!"

Well, I hold expectations for Pax as well .

I want to see where his future holds .

What kind of nation will he create, what kind of talent will he collect, who will he marry, and what kind of person will he become . . .

I want to see .

No matter the kingdom, talents, marriage, or the person he becomes .

I just want to witness his future .

Surely, that was the same as Father’s “expectations” as well .

That’s why Father held his silence for so long .

To me, big sis, big brother, to small sis .

"Dad is really amazing . "

It suddenly dawned on me .

Father never did interrupt me .

He only asked for one thing .

"Make sure to say proper goodbyes to everyone . ”

Today, I’ll make sure to do that .

□

I got down to the first floor .

First to fill my stomach .

Perhaps now with a clear mind, I felt particularly hungry this morning .

When I was attending Magic University, I used to have a large appetite, but I haven’t had much of one lately .

Don't eat in the morning, eat a little before noon, and eat a little before the evening . Such was life .

But today I wanted to eat my fill, first thing in the morning .

I feel good today .

It won’t hurt to help White Mama and grandma with breakfast once a while .

" . . . Oh . "

When I entered the dining room, I was met with three pairs of eyes .

White Mama, Blue Mama, and Red Mama too .

All three were in the dining room and turned toward me, all at once .

"Morning . "

"Good morning . You’re early today . "

"Good morning . "

Each greeting their own way .

Looking back, it's been a long time since I saw the three mothers together .

Do they always eat breakfast together? I don't know either, since I haven't had breakfast for so long .

I took my seat .

Usually, if they were all together, I would run away, but today there was no reason to escape .

"Sieg . You came back with Rudy yesterday, went drinking together?"

"Yup . "

"Rudy was especially merry yesterday, something good happened?"

White Mama asked, taking the initiative .

Maybe she already heard from Father last night .

"I told my dad about my worries this past year . "

"No wonder Rudy’s so happy . ”

Said Blue Mama .

“Rudy was always so worried about Sieg . ”

"Really?"

“Yeah, occasionally during breakfast, he would look up the ceiling and say, ‘Sieg’s not coming down today either?’”

"Oh…"

"I think he’ll sleep for a while longer today . It's been a while since he drank that much . "

Because I always avoided Father . . .

Maybe I did something terrible to Father .

"So, what were you talking about?"

Red Mama asked .

Too impatient, she wanted to know what I talked to my father about and what conclusion we came to .

"Um . . . starting with the conclusion?”

"I prefer that . "

"I would like to help a friend in the Kingdom of the Dragon King . It might take a decade or two, maybe even more . I might never return here again . "

I’m going to help Pax and witness his future .

But Pax's ambitions are enormous .

He wants a territory of his own, to become independent, to create a new nation .

Not a job for a couple years .

A decade, two decades . . .

Or maybe when he and I are both dead, a legacy for the next generation to fulfill .

"Is that so . . . "

The Mothers looked saddened .

Particularly White Mama, her lips bitten red, her eyes a dam near bursting .

In comparison, Red Mama remains her usual-self .

"Is that friend the one you must protect?"

"Yes . "

"Now that you made up your mind . Do you best!”

Red Mama said with a smile .

The first time I saw her smile in a long time .

These days, I only saw her frowns .

Of course . Because I fell stagnant .

Red Mama always taught us siblings to "protect someone important . "

My conclusion was exactly as she taught me .

"So you decided you won’t marry Sariel?"

Blue Mama asked .

I responded .

"Yeah . I'd like to remain friends with Sariel . Sorry for wasting all the marriage prospects that Blue Mama sought for me . ”

"No, it's fine . As I always said, you live as you like . If you found your own path, follow it . "

Blue Mama said with a smile .

Her lessons were, “Live as your heart desires . If you have a problem, just ask for help . ”

That teaching I haven’t followed lately, until my talk with Father .

Indeed, living our own path is the way to a happy life .

“The house will get quiet with Sieg leaving . ”

White Mama was near tears .

My birth mother .

Big sis that married off to the Holy Land of Millis, we’re both her children .

If I leave, both of us will be gone .

Even as an unemployed mouth to feed, White Mama always made breakfast for me .

When not on holiday, she always cooked and prepared breakfast .

Even when I came home late from playing ally of justice, she would sometimes get out of bed to welcome me home .

"Mama, he was my first real friend at Asura Kingdom . That's why I want to go give him a hand . "

"Yeah, I know . If friends are in a pinch, you must go . "

White Mama wiped away her tears and smiled .

Ever since when we’re young, she had always earnestly exhorted us to “make friends and don’t bully the weak . ”

I admired the ally of justice because of my father, Cheddarman .

But it may be because of her that I thought Cheddarman was so cool .

"So I’ll be going now . "

Looking over them three, I said again .

"Thank you for supporting me thus far . "

Hearing those words, White Mama could hold back no longer, a flood of tears .

Originally Red Mama and White Mama both looked self-satisfied . But when they saw White Mama in that state, they tried to console her haphazardly .

“Don’t cry?”

“Sieg’s leaving, so see him off with a smile . ”

Still in tears, White Mama said to them .

"I'm just glad that Sieg is finally moving forward . ”

Feeling ashamed, I waited for my mother to stop crying .

□

Afterwards, the Mothers went to make breakfast, hand in hands .

Even Red Mam, who seldom cooks, went in the kitchen .

During breakfast, I told my grandmas that I’d be going abroad .

Both grandmas stroked my head gently, after hearing my decision .

Father, still with his head full of bed hair, smirked when he saw that .

There were two missing from the breakfast table .

Lara, my older sister, and Lily, my younger sister .

They seem to sleep at work rather often .

I'll have to talk to them as well .

So, after finishing breakfast, I decided to go to Magic University .

My last time visiting the Magic University .

The campus where I studied for many years, one I visited regularly even after graduating .

A place where there are bitter memories, but fond memories as well .

"Ah!"

While walking down a hallway on campus, I met a girl I recognized .

The girl that married the fat nobleman .

"Hey!"

"Oh, hey, Sieg-kun . "

She was not crying underneath the stairs like before .

On the contrary, she was smiling, surrounded by friends .

She seemed to be fine .

"How are you doing?"

"Ah? Yes, I'm doing well . "

“But you were crying so terribly not too long ago?”

"Oh . . . about that . . . When I actually got married, it was a little different than I thought . "

"Oh?"

"Sure, he’s a bit older and not much to look at, but surprisingly a pleasant guy after we talked a bit . ”

"Is that so?"

"He’s a bit of a pervert, but I appreciate that he’s always working to keep me entertained . He is also giving me a lot of leeway, like allowing me to continue attending school . The situation at home turned out better than I expected as well . There are many other wives in a similar situation to me . With everyone so gracious and considerate, I’ll have to do my best as well…”

Ah, so it’s like that .

A noble’s sensibility, throwing money around to help acquaintances without self-regard .

Father and Sensei both rated him highly .

Only deducting points for his lower half .

Not someone I should be beating up .

“Shouldn’t judge a book by its cover . ”

"Yeah . . . "

Before I go with Pax, I owe him an apology .

I thought .

□

I arrived at Lara's research lab .

One knock .

"Come in~"

A familiar voice from inside .

However, not Lara's voice .

"Oh, big brother!"

Lily was in the room too .

Playing with a magic tool as usual .

Before her, lounging in her favorite chair, Lara was studying magic circles on a piece of paper .

"Rare for Lily to be here . What the occasion?"

"I have been here since yesterday! Hey, check this out!"

What Lily showed off was something I didn’t recognize .

It had a rough round shape, but with a few corners here or there .

Not quite a ball, if it hit you, it’d be painful .

Based on the magic circle drawn on various places, it’s probably a magic tool .

"I don’t know what it is . ”

"That's right! I don’t know what it’s used for either! Isn’t it cool?”

"Oh . . . huh?"

"Big Sis Lara found it in the market and didn't know either, so I've been studying it all this time!”

Lily sure is eager .

I don’t get it .

Anyways, does that mean she's been staring at this ridiculous thing since yesterday?

"Lily, did you skip out on work again?"

"No, this is part of the job!"

She insisted .

Why wasn’t she fired yet? Nepotism? Because she’s a Greyrat? Or does she actually produce results?

Whatever .

"Sieg . "

Lara, who looked a bit haggard, looked up at me .

"Why are you here?"

Her usual tone .

I would always say to kill time .

"Saying my goodbyes . "

Lily looked surprised, but Lara kept her usual sleepy expression .

"Ah, how simple . "

"Huh? Oh, yeah . "

Somehow big sis was rather cold .

No, that’s just her usual self .

As usual, she’s ambivalent with whatever happens with me .

I felt a little hurt .

“Well, I decided to go to my friend at the Kingdom of the Dragon King, so I might never return . ”

I put it succulently .

Then, Lily switched from shock to anger .

Not quite what I expect .

Well, I just made up my mind yesterday, and already am telling my goodbyes today, so it’s understandable .

"What happened to become my assistant?"

"Huh? I never agreed to that . ”

“But Big brother Sieg is strong, can ride a horse, and knows how to pamper me . You’re the best person to be my assistant!”

"Thank you the high evaluation . "

"I told the Chief that I would hire a newcomer next year . What should I do?"

I do not know either .

"No luck this time . "

"Well, what should I say to the Chief?"

"I guess tell him that the person ran away?”

At least I never consented to this .

“I thought for sure you’d be short on money eventually and come begging to be my assistant . . . tsk~”

Lily started playing with her magic tool again, pouting .

Even though I said we might not meet again, that’s her reaction!

Well, that’s Lily for you, I suppose .

I turned toward Lara .

Her usual self .

With her chin atop Leo’s back, looking drowsy . With a “Huff ╭(╯╰)╮” she looked back .

"Big Sis Lara doesn’t look too surprised . ”

"I thought it would happen sooner or later . ”

Did you see it with your fortune-telling?

I wish you could have told me if you did . . .

But if she did, would I have followed her instruction?

Probably not .

After all, before my talk with Father, I never made up my mind .

"So why the sudden change of heart?”

“Let me explain . . . ”

I explained the sequence of events, how one thing led to another .

What happened, Pax’s background .

Why I was under a cloud .

And how after talking to Father, it all cleared up for me .

What my heart desires .

Lara and Lily listened quietly without interrupting me .

"I feel glad that I talked with Dad . "

“Until Lucy got married, she always misunderstood Dad as well, because dad was always so lenient on us . ”

"Ah . . . yes . "

Father was always lenient with us .

Too lenient .

I didn't realize it until now .

Indeed, bigger sis finally had a heart-to-heart with Father only after getting married .

Maybe because it was only then, like I am now, she realized Father’s feelings .

“So you’re not doing that anymore?”

"That?"

Big Sis asked abruptly, causing me to raise my head .

"Cheddarman!"

"Oh…"

Oh right, Lara knew what I was doing .

"I won't do it anymore"

"Not anymore?"

"It was like . . . just a way to vent and pass time . "

Cheddarman . Moon Knight . An Ally of Justice .

It’s not like I don’t know what I was doing . Reflecting on it now, in a way, I was searching for my true self .

I couldn’t do what I really wanted to do, so I did what I didn’t want to instead .

Then tricking myself into thinking that it was what I wanted all along .

"What's the story?"

Lily tilted her head and asked .

"Sieg, behind the scenes, was playing ally of justice! Beating up bad guys and feeling all proud about himself . ”

"Oh, so that’s why you always came back late at night . "

"Ally of Justice . He called himself Moon Knight… Pretty lame, right?”

"Oh yeah! The Chief once said to avoid resisting if Moon Knight shows up . Nothing more valuable than your life, he said . ”

I'm not a robber .

I have never asked for money, obviously .

I just started punching without asking questions instead .

Still, Uncle Zanoba doesn’t look like a bad person, but maybe he has a dark secret somewhere?

"So that’s it . Brother was doing that behind my back . ”

"Yeah . . . "

“Brother always said you wanted to be an ally of justice since when we were kids, and I did get a lot of help over the years . I get it . ”

She understood .

Indeed, I helped Lily out often .

As a natural airhead, she’s an easy target for the bad guys .

"Sieg . "

Lara was looking at me while holding her chin .

“No more helping others, so you’re choosing to be a bad guy instead?”

"No, I don't think I'll stop helping people, but I won't hide anymore . I'll proudly help those who want help . "

"I see . "

Lara studied my face .

And said .

"Sieg is surprisingly clever today . "

A rare smile appeared .

Somehow, it’s been ages since I saw Lara’s smile .

"So that’s why, I will be leaving soon . "

Lara didn’t call me stupid today .

That alone makes coming by today worthwhile .

At last, Big Sis finally acknowledged me for myself?

"Big Si Lara . Thank you for letting me use this room until now, and thanks Lily for always worrying about me . ”

"I wasn’t that worried… But I’ll miss my big brother . I don’t get to leave late anymore . ”

"No, you shouldn’t be late even if I’m here . ”

I'm not your horse .

Certainly, I did give you rides often .

I smiled wryly at Lily’s words, then it was Lara’s turn .

"Sieg . Even after going far away, and after many years, we’ll always be brothers and sisters . Remember that . "

Even if we say our goodbyes, it's only distance that separates us .

Our relationship would never change .

Maybe after half a century, big brother Ars and little sis Chris may no longer be with us .

But Lara, Lily, bigger sister Lucy, and I all shared mothers with longer-lives .

Or perhaps Pax will achieve his goals in mere decades, while everyone's still alive .

If not, with the twists of fate who knows what might happen .

Because I became like this . Something might happen among us siblings as well .

As long as we help each other when one gets in trouble .

Like when Lara helped me . . . no, she didn't help much, but she did understand me .

"Yeah, I know . "

"Okay . "

When I answered, Lara nodded with satisfaction .

□

Then I visited people in the market district .

The old man at the fruit stand, the old man at the liquor store .

And many other acquaintances as well .

When I told them I’m leaving town, they all said their regret .

However, no one asked me to stay .

If I’m in a pessimistic mood, maybe I’m surprisingly not well liked…

“We also, when we saw how Sieg just hung out all day, felt it wasn’t ideal . But you finally found your calling, so we feel at ease as well . ”

But hearing that, the opposite seems to be the case .

"Thank you for taking care of us . "

I was thanked by even those I didn't recognize .

Father said, even if I was playing-pretend I still saved people . They must be among them .

If so, I might feel a little lonely to leave this town .

"Oh!"

"Ah!"

A man stood out among the crowd .

A man who works the market by day and drinks and sells information at the bar by night .

Yes, it was Georges .

"Hey, Georges"

“Ah, son of Greyrat House, thanks for your patronage, but please don’t call me Georges . ”

"Please don't say that . Weren’t we friends? Haven’t we hung out everyday?”

“No no, for you to consider someone like me a friend, I’m really grateful, but…”

Georges looked away .

He probably thought he would never see me again .

I put my arm around his shoulder .

"It's because of you, I could move forward . Thank you . "

Then, after taking a serious look at me, George laughed .

" . . . I see . That’s good . But now that my work’s done, my prospects look terrible . How are you gonna pay me back?”

"My sister is looking for an assistant . She might hire you if I recommended you . ”

"Really?"

"And if you sell information gained as her assistant to my dad, you might do rather well for yourself?”

"Hey, not a bad idea!"

Georges laughed, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as well .

"I've had a lot of fun this past year . "

He said and laughed .

□

Finally, I visited Sensei .

Sensei sat with his back towards the entrance, just as he did the other day .

However, he doesn't seem to be training .

“That face… looks like you still can’t go up against Dark Shadow?”

Sensei said, his back facing me .

Of course, without turning his head either .

If you're going to recite that line, at least turn around first!

And Father is Moon Shadow, not Dark Shadow .

“So . . . you still find the sword necessary, didn’t you?”

Teacher lifted something .

My sword .

Sensei held my beloved sword in his hand .

It should have been left in my room . . .

Did you bring it yesterday too?

"Yes, now is time for you to wield this sword! For justice, for defeating the greater evil!"

The teacher turned around with great vigor .

Shouting cheerfully while making various poses .

“I shall pass down to you, the final mystery of North God Style! And the title of the Emperor! So get ready . . . !"

" . . . "

Silence followed .

Apparently, the narrative created by Sensei and Father diverged slightly .

Father wanted to talk to me, but Sensei thought differently .

He really wanted to drag me onto the path of a hero .

Father who wished for me to find my own way; Sensei who wished to direct me towards the righteous path .

I can’t say which is better .

A difference in teachings .

“Ah, that look, you finally figured out something…”

Anyhow, looking at me, who remained silent, Sensei realized .

“Wait, you won…? Against Rude . . . I mean, great villain Dark Shadow?”

“Huh? No, it’s not like I won but…”

“Wow, beating him with bare hands… That guy really goes easy on his son… throwing the match like that… mumble mumble . . . ”

After mumbling to himself for some time, he suddenly clapped his hands .

Perhaps some bad idea came to mind .

“Sieg-kun, you have successfully defeated Dark Shadow, but he’s merely the tip of that evil iceberg . Now, go and seek Lightning . That’s right, if you don’t defeat Lightning, evil cannot be defeated!”

it was useless after all .

"He’s at--"

"Sensei, I won't be going . "

In a stronger tone than usual, I interrupted Sensei .

That confused Sensei .

"…Why?"

"Because there is another place I must go . "

"Where is it?"

The tone of the teacher was surprisingly gentle, unlike earlier .

"To my friend . "

" . . . Is your friend in a pinch?"

"I don't know . But once upon a time, he asked for my help . I remembered, and now I must go . ”

I only said that much .

It’s getting a bit tedious, giving the same explanation over and over again, and all the details would probably go over Sensei’s head anyways .

"I see . . . will you need the sword there?"

But Sensei seemed to get that much .

As expected of Sensei .

"I’ll need it . If you can return it to me, I’d appreciate it . ”

"Alright . "

Senei said, sheathing the sword and passing it to me .

A heavy blade .

My beloved sword, custom-made by world-famous blacksmith Ore God for Father, perfect for my superb strength,

The blade is jet black, like obsidian, and blends into the darkness at night .

Only a reflection of moonlight as proof of its existence, for which Dragon God Orsted granted the title “Moon Glitter . ”

Moon Blade .

"Sieg . "

"Yes . "

"I'm not very good with words, and I’m not very smart . ”

"I agree . "

"So let's practice till the end . "

"Can you teach me a special move?"

"No, there's no such thing . Just our usual training . "

"Yes . "

I wore the sheath on my belt, then unsheathed the blade .

At that moment, the lesson began .

North God style training, no starting sound required .

Sparring after a long absence .

I tried my best to hit Sensei .

And, as a matter of course, I lost .

At the end of the day, I was taken by Sensei to a place .

Owned by a friend of Sensei .

The person was very rich, fat, and a noble .

When I apologized for the other day, he forgave me with a smile .

Even though he looked like a villain and rather crude, he welcomed me with warmth and politeness .

Just like Father, Sensei, and his newly wed wife said, aside from being a slave to his desires he’s not a bad guy .

I didn’t heed Sensei’s third lesson, "Do not judge justice or evil by their appearance . "

"You will surely become a hero . "

On the way home, Sensei said .

Abruptly .

Sensei and I had various discussions about heroes and allies of justice over the years .

There was always a gap in the conversation .

Sensei who aimed to be a hero, and I who aimed to be an ally of justice .

They seem similar, yet they’re apart .

It is natural that there would be a gap .

"I don't think so . "

"What do you think a hero needs?"

When I heard this phrase before, I replied, "The ally of justice never regrets his choices . "

In response, the teacher said, "Heroes are the ones who chooses after suffering their choices . "

"From the distress of making that choice?"

"Yes, I wanted to be a hero, but it wasn’t possible . No matter how much I stressed over it . ”

I was the opposite .

An ally of justice, yet still suffered .

Suffering, distressed, unable to make a choice .

Yet in the end I did choose .

Indeed, from an objective point of view, it is certainly a hero-like behavior .

"You can be a hero . Not an ally of justice, but a hero . "

Sensei cannot be a hero, and I cannot be an ally of justice .

Instead, Sensei is more like a friend of justice .

"My disciple . "

"Sir!"

"Can you inherit your master's will?"

" . . . "

I shook my head quietly .

"Senei will still live for a long time, so I will not inherit it now . Sensei, please continue to strive as well . "

" . . . That's true . I'll do it!"

Sensei stated, without showing any signs of distress .

□

The next day, I made preparations for leave .

Goodbyes were made yesterday, so I had no lingering regrets .

Finally, after waving off my Mothers, I left .

Each mother left me with their own advice .

Father, having left early that morning, was no longer here .

I was hoping for a few last words, but it can't be helped .

So I walked through town .

My mother said I could ride a horse halfway, but I wanted the walk .

The market where adventurers and day-merchants hang out .

The shopping district where mid-scale merchants do their business, flowers in full bloom .

The smoke-filled manufacturing district, with an unceasing sound of blacksmithing clanging .

And the Magic University with its enormous campus .

These were the scenery of my everyday life . Witnessing them one last time, I was deeply moved .

Then I arrived at the gate .

The walls of the Magic City Sharia, my home .

The gate was wide open .

Beyond the gate, by the side of the road, a man sat .

A middle-aged magician wearing a gray robe .

Father .

When he found me, he stood up, dusted off the hem of his robe, and came over .

"Hey, Sieg"

"Dad, what are you doing here?”

"I'm seeing you off . "

"Couldn’t you see me off at home like mama?”

"I thought it’s better here . "

I think it would be good anywhere . . .

But is that so?

He probably figured I would leave from the front gate .

So he waited for me here .

"Thank you . I wanted Dad to see me off . "

"Why, of course! because my son is going on a long journey . ”

He said, lifted a bag by his side and turned to me .

I received it . It was about the size of a human head and rather heavy .

I had a bad feeling .

But first, let's check the contents .

"Dad, this . . . "

It was a black helmet .

A full-face helmet with a crescent emblem on the forehead .

Ally of Justice, Moon Knight Helmet .

"Take it with you . "

"Why…?"

"You have been doing something different from what you wanted in the past year, but not everything was wasted . "

What was wasted?

Certainly, there was a sense that this year had been a waste .

If I had talked to my father earlier, it would not have happened .

"If you have any trouble in the future, look at the helmet and remember . You might find an answer hidden in that ‘wasted’ time . ”

He said and looked behind me .

I looked back as well .

Beyond the gates of Magic City Sharia .

Beyond that gate, the streets where I spent my decades .

When I came back from Royal Aura Academy, the cityscape had changed a lot .

But many things that remained the same .

Small sis and big sis unchanged, and my mothers unchanged .

Sensei as well .

How I viewed my father had changed a lot .

But that was my own misunderstanding .

If time so wasted helped resolve that misunderstanding, then it probably wasn’t a waste .

"I see . I'll bring it with me . "

“Oh, also, you could use it there too . It’s pretty sturdy, after all . ”

“Ahahah, then I might . Maybe if I find a person on the side of justice, I’ll lend it to him . ”

"In that case, I'll send you four more . "

Father laughed .

Humored by the idea of a Moonlight Squadron .

I didn’t think it was very funny, but it must have tickled him in some way .

I laughed as well .

After sharing a laugh, I said .

"I'll go now . "

"Yes, do your best . "

My father pat me on the back, as if pushing me forward, to my leave .

Leaving my hometown, toward my friend--