Chapter 191: A Mother Who's Still Quite Young?
As the light faded, the Holy Sword in his hand completely settled down.
To say it settled wasn't quite accurate, because unlike before, the sword now appeared completely lifeless.
"Did it die?"
Mahiro looked at the peculiar pattern engraved on the blade, which was emitting a faint blue glow, and couldn't help but think this.
He had been quite interested in this sword that possessed consciousness, but now that consciousness seemed to have completely fallen silent...
Just as he was thinking this, the Holy Sword suddenly erupted with a bluish-white glow.
The light wasn't as sharp as before, but rather quite gentle.
Immediately after, the Holy Sword slipped from his hand... no, it dissipated, transforming into countless points of light like fireflies, quietly attaching themselves to the back of his hand.
Forming a strange pattern of two crossed swords.
What is this thing?
Could it be that the sword form of this Holy Relic was just an appearance?
Is it essentially some unknown tattoo?
Will this affect civil service exams...
He stood there staring at the tattoo on the back of his hand, his mind wandering, while the Seven Shadows who had been about to offer their congratulations stopped in their tracks. When they saw the tattoo on his hand, they looked at each other and shook their heads.
They didn't know what this thing was either.
And so, the operation to destroy the cult's stronghold and rescue Claire came to an end. As an extra, he gained a tattoo of unknown purpose, which could still be considered a happy outcome.
Claire returned home alone at daybreak.
Having been missing for a day and two nights, her parents were naturally both worried and overjoyed, fearing that their precious daughter might have come to harm.
But Claire shook her head and said, "I'm fine, my teacher saved me," before wrapping herself in the black coat and returning to her room.
She sat alone before the dressing table, gazing at her slightly weary reflection in the mirror.
"Teacher's expectations... becoming stronger... Claire, you're truly pathetic."
Claire murmured to herself, even sounding somewhat self-mocking and scornful.
She took out the syringe Mahiro had given her before his departure again. After staring at the metal casing for a moment, she resolutely injected it into her arm.
The cold medication transformed into a warm current that gradually flowed through her body...
After that, her family forced her to rest at home for a week, citing health reasons.
...
A week later, she set out for the royal capital of the Midgar Kingdom.
Coincidentally, at this very time, Mahiro had also arrived at the Midgar Magic Swordsman Academy.
"Well, Mr. Yotsuba, I've read your letter of recommendation. You completely meet our recruitment standards at the Midgar Magic Swordsman Academy. Welcome to join us as one of our members."
In the vice-principal's office.
Sitting across from Mahiro was a middle-aged man.
His tied-back hair was streaked with some gray, and his slightly aged face appeared kind and amiable. Coupled with the black-framed glasses he wore, his features looked even softer.
Not to mention he spoke with a Jiraiya-like voice, inexplicably giving people a natural sense of goodwill.
This man was the Vice Dean of Midgar Magic Swordsman Academy—Lutheran Barnett.
Basically, all major and minor affairs within the academy are managed by Lutheran, and to this day, no one knows who the academy's dean actually is...
Just like now, after reviewing the recommendation letter from the Kagenou family, Lutheran extended words of welcome to him.
Simply put, it was just a formality.
Although the title of baron isn't particularly high, it's still nobility after all. Moreover, Claire's entrance exam results were outstanding, placing her among the top tier of first-year students.
Was this a case of a teacher gaining prestige through their disciple? Relying on the student for status?
Probably...
"Congratulations, Mr. Yotsuba. Starting today, we'll be colleagues."
At that moment, the third person present also spoke up.
The one who initiated the conversation was a classic anime-style blonde pretty boy named Zenon Griffey, a teacher at this academy.
He taught the same subjects—the so-called Royal Capital Martial Heart Style and some basic courses. Rumor had it he was connected to the First Princess Iris, who founded this sword technique, and was the fiancé of the Second Princess Alexia.
But none of that mattered. What mattered was that this guy's smile felt fake.
It made him feel disgusted.
Still, following the principle of not hitting a smiling face, he nodded with a smile.
"Thank you, Griffey-sensei. I'll be in your care from now on."
"Not at all, Yotsuba-sensei, you're too polite. Just call me Zenon."
Zenon laughed heartily, flashing what he thought was a bright and cheerful smile.
"Oh, right, Yotsuba-sensei, you probably don't know where the faculty dormitory is yet, do you? Let me show you."
"Then I'll leave Yotsuba-sensei in your hands, Zenon-sensei."
Vice Dean Lutheran also approved of Zenon's suggestion, so he followed this Zenon-sensei and left the academy.
Since Midgar Magic Swordsman Academy doesn't provide dormitories within the campus, both students and teachers generally live outside the academy.
And since the royal capital covers a vast area, they had to use transportation—
Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga!
Woo-woo!
As the wheels moved rhythmically along the iron rails, the steam whistle continuously blared, and thick black smoke billowed from the locomotive's chimney, tracing a dark streak across the sky.
Inside the locomotive, workers were shoveling coal into the boiler, one scoop at a time.
That's right—in this Japanese-style fantasy isekai world, something like a train had actually appeared.
Honestly, seeing this kind of thing in such a world felt incredibly incongruous, yet somehow it also made sense.
Because this world was currently in the industrial era, a time of explosive technological growth.
Moreover, wasn't the appearance of such a technological mode of transportation in a fantasy world a kind of fantasy in itself?
At this moment, Mahiro was sitting with Zenon in the VIP carriage of the train.
Unlike the crowded common carriages further back, this one had private compartments. Mahiro sat on the soft, comfortable seat, resting his chin on his hand as he admired the scenery outside the window.
At the same time, he responded intermittently to Zenon's small talk.
Except this small talk wasn't exactly ordinary—it felt more like an attempt to probe into his background.
On top of that, Geno had the identity of the Cult of Diablos in the original work, which made him unable to stop wondering.
Could it be that his identity had been exposed?
It didn't seem likely. Every time he took action, he had thoroughly eliminated all witnesses from the Cult.
Not a single piece of information could have leaked.
Just as he was lost in thought, the train slowly pulled into the station and came to a stop with another blast of the whistle.
"Let's go, Yotsuba-sensei. We've arrived."
"Oh."
Mahiro followed Geno off the train.
The station was only one stop away from the academy, located near the busiest commercial street in the royal capital.
Some of the noble students and faculty dormitories were situated here, and all of them were single rooms.
How nice, being a noble and all.
Mahiro sighed inwardly.
Unlike the primitive desires of the nobles in the Akame Ga Kill world, the nobles in this world seemed to know how to truly enjoy life.
But just then, a woman brushed past him, and a faint, familiar fragrance—fresh like a forest—lingered around him.
At the same time, her flowing, shimmering golden hair caught his attention.
"…Alpha?"
Though the figure was striking, it quickly disappeared into the bustling crowd.
"Yotsuba-sensei, are you alright? Although the royal capital's commercial street is lively, you should be careful not to lose focus, or you might easily get lost."
Noticing his distraction, Geno kindly reminded him.
"Thank you."
Mahiro smiled and casually kept pace with him.
His dormitory was on the third floor of the faculty building, and he was the only resident on the entire floor.
Though it felt a bit lonely, it was fine—he preferred such a quiet environment.
However, as soon as he stepped into his room and closed the door, he noticed that the French windows to the balcony were open. A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, revealing a girl standing there in K-style attire.
Amidst her swaying hair, a pair of pointed elf ears were faintly visible.
Her lightweight uniform clung perfectly to her slender, alluring figure, as if it were an extension of her snow-white, jade-like skin, accentuating her stunning beauty.
Though a hint of youthful innocence remained, it only highlighted her dreamlike, breathtaking charm.
"I didn't expect you to act so quickly, Alpha. I just reported to the academy today, and you've already followed me here."
Mahiro smiled, casually loosening his tie and tossing his coat onto a chair.
Wearing only a thin shirt, he flopped directly onto the soft bed.
"Would you like some? Beta asked me to bring you these cookies."
Alpha handed him an exquisitely packaged bag, tied with a thoughtful ribbon. Even through the packaging, the enticing aroma of the cookies was unmistakable.
"Just leave them there for now."
Mahiro pointed to the table nearby.
Come to think of it, within Shadow Garden, the two closest to him were likely Alpha and Beta.
The two had known each other from before, both having suffered from the upheavals in the elven lands, which left them displaced.
Beta had been captured by the Cult, only to be rescued later by Alpha.
When she first joined, Beta would always follow closely behind Alpha, appearing quite clumsy even during the Cult's cleanup operations.
She would tremble with fear and couldn't help vomiting.
Even at night, she struggled to sleep, often jolted awake by nightmares.
Thus developed the habit of Mahiro telling her bedtime stories, which Beta greatly enjoyed.
Each time, she would fall peacefully asleep and never had nightmares again...
"What are you thinking about?"
Alpha's gentle call brought him back to reality. He saw Alpha sitting on his bedside with her legs crossed, one hand resting beside his head while the other lightly brushed through her cascading golden hair.
Those slender, elegant sapphire eyes reflected his image.
Her fair and beautiful face had grown even more captivating with the passage of time.
"Nothing really. I just missed you these past few days."
Mahiro smiled slightly, extending his arms to wrap around Alpha's neck. Understanding his intention, Alpha closed her eyes and leaned down slightly.
Their lips met.
The fresh forest-like scent and slightly cool touch felt wonderfully comfortable.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Noticing the alluring blush that had appeared on Alpha's delicate face, Mahiro couldn't help but smile:
"Mmm, still the familiar feeling."
Alpha merely rolled her eyes at him before getting up from him.
"By the way, didn't Delta come with you?"
"No. Delta's actions are too rash and might draw attention, so I didn't bring her. I sent her to clear out another Cult stronghold."
"That's so like you. Probably only you can make Delta obey obediently."
Hearing his praise, Alpha tilted her head slightly and responded with a subtle "What are you talking about?" smile.
Seeing that he didn't say anything more, Alpha got up and walked to the chair to pick up the jacket and tie he had discarded.
After tidying them up, she hung them on the clothes rack.
Her movements were skilled and natural, like a virtuous young wife.
As for why Delta listens to Alpha so obediently?
It's because after Mahiro found and healed Delta, the wolf girl who had the law of the jungle engraved in her bones set her sights on Alpha's top position.
So following beastkin customs, she challenged Alpha—
"Hey, golden-haired one! From today onward, Delta is the second strongest in this pack!"
"Quickly show Delta your belly to show submission!"
In response, Alpha wore a "What is this child saying?" smile while unleashing terrifying magical power.
Delta immediately obediently exposed her own belly.
From then on, Delta became extremely afraid of Alpha, never daring to disobey anything Alpha said unless Mahiro gave orders.
This perfectly illustrated the process of a wild wolf being tamed into an obedient dog.
"Mahiro, we're planning to establish a base in the royal capital. What do you think?"
Alpha suddenly asked.
Having finished organizing his clothes, she knelt down to neatly arrange the shoes he had taken off before sitting back on the bed.
Gently lifting his head, she placed it on her soft lap and began to massage his temples with her hands.
"Mmm, isn't this nice?"
While lightly inhaling Alpha's faint scent and enjoying the soothing massage, Mahiro responded,
"Gamma wants to conduct business activities in the royal capital, establishing a merchant guild as a base to earn funds needed for our operations."
"Emmm, so you're short on money? How much Jenny are you missing?"
Jenny was the currency used in this world, with an exchange rate of approximately one gold coin equal to one hundred thousand Jenny.
"No, there's still plenty of funds left from what you gave us last time. I just wanted to hear your opinion."
"..."
After a moment of contemplation, Mahiro said, "Actually, Alpha, you don't need to consult me about these matters. I've said before that I won't interfere with any of your actions. You just need to follow your own ideas."
The most important thing was that he had already taught everything he could.
If they asked him to strategize further, he simply couldn't do it.
Gamma's business talent was exceptional—she could fully grasp complex concepts after just one explanation. Even the operational funds for Shadow Garden were managed solely by her.
Perhaps her abilities surpassed even Miori's.
"Alright, I understand."
Alpha nodded gently, then added,
"What about Yukime? Does she need our support?"
"Yukime... If we have enough personnel, we can offer some assistance, but not too much. Though her talent may not match Gamma's, her methods are far more formidable, so there's no need to worry."
Not long before Claire was kidnapped, Yukime had left.
She went alone to the Lawless City.
This wasn't an order from Mahiro but a request she made voluntarily—all because she happened to overhear him express interest in the Crimson Tower of the Lawless City.
Thus, she planned to establish a force there, helping Mahiro gather intelligence on the Crimson Tower while also searching for Gettan's whereabouts.
Perhaps seeing Alpha's Shadow Garden thriving made her somewhat anxious.
After all, she was the first to follow him and likely felt she needed to achieve something to avoid being outshone by Alpha.
"It's getting late. I should be going now."
"Leaving so soon? I thought you'd stay with me a while longer."
Noticing Alpha about to leave, Mahiro teased lightly.
"Next time. I need to inform everyone to prepare for relocating our base to the royal capital."
Already standing on the balcony with the French window open, Alpha placed one foot on the railing, her petite hips swaying slightly.
"Oh, and remember to eat the cookies Beta gave you. Otherwise, that child will be heartbroken."
Before leaving, she reminded him in a playful tone.
Then, her figure vanished into the dim afterglow of the sunset.
Gazing at the empty balcony, Mahiro couldn't help but smile. He picked up the bag on the table, opened it, and quietly ate a cookie.
"Alpha really feels like a mother..."
Not his mother, but the mother of Shadow Garden.
Since the day Shadow Garden was handed over to Alpha, she has not only been absorbing knowledge and learning from me,
but has also been diligently building everything about Shadow Garden.
She cares for every member who joins, striving to look after everyone like a young, inexperienced mother.
"How wonderful, this feeling..."