The Schmidt family is a noble family that resides in Crent, a territory in Mana. The family got the title of a baron, and their main source of income is the production and sale of seedlings. Because they specialize in high-end flowers purveyed to aristocrats, they are commonly referred to as Schmidt of flowers or Schmidt of Crent.
—However, the Schmidt family fell into decline. The reason is probably because my medical expenses cost so much. Having a personal doctor and as the family continued to pay for large sums of money to treat me, I know that no matter how high our status was, the family would eventually go bankrupt. Of course, this is all my conjecture.
Since I was sickly, I didn’t really know much about the Schmidt family’s finances, so I somehow assumed that it would be the case. I asked my family about the reason for our decline, but they just said, “You don’t have to worry about it.” I can’t help but think it is related to me, the youngest child. Regardless of the truth, I had a responsibility and obligation to repay my family. I want to give something back to my irreplaceable family even in some small way as they supported and raised me this far.
But, what should I do to achieve this?
I was racking my brain inside a room in a run-down shabby house.
“Liz, eat your food. We only got one meal today.”
“Yes, Mother.”
The plate on the table is filled with a light green liquid. When I scooped it up with a spoon and put it in my mouth, a salty and grassy taste spread on my tongue. The bread I picked up is hard and I can’t chew it. I didn’t feel like eating it with soup.
Once again, I am reminded of my current life.
A two-story wooden house with only two rooms inside and cold air could enter through the crack of the window. There are five people living in such a place: my father, my mother, my eldest sister, my second sister and myself. Our income comes from flowers grown in a small field. Other than that, the family managed to earn a month’s living expenses by working side jobs.
“I don’t want to live like this anymore.”
“I’m sorry. I’m such a disappointment.”
“Father, Mother, let’s stop talking about this.”
“That’s right. It’s going to come to an unsatisfactory conclusion anyway.”
The four of them resumed eating.
The unsatisfactory conclusion that my second sister talked about was regarding becoming a prostitute. There are four women in our family. Everyone in this room knew that if we sold our bodies, we would have a better life. Still, the pride of being born as an aristocrat somehow kept this family on the line.
“I’ll do it. Be a prostitute.”
As I said that, four simultaneous “pffffft” was heard as they spit the soup out of their mouths.
Did I say something wrong?
“I appreciate the feeling, but to be a…… I don’t think you can be one.”
“What do you mean?”
When I asked, my father looks away from me. I decided to ask my mother next.
“……When you say prostitute, it means a place where one could buy adult women. As a child, you’re of a little value.”
“But I heard from Oneesama that there are people who have that kind of hobby.”
“Ah- idiot! Don’t tell Mother!”
Mother glared at Irene-oneesan. After that, Mother says softly.
“The daughter of a nobleman should not sell her body. Remember, we are from the upper class.”
“We are poor now though, and the food doesn’t taste good either.”
“Even so. If you throw even your pride, you won’t have a face to look at your ancestors. You’re a member of the Schmidt family, be aware of that.”
“Pride won’t fill my stomach.”
My stomach rumbled.
What should I do if being a prostitute don’t work?
If this continues, I will collapse again even though I have become lively now. Then, at that moment, the face of the young man I had once met crossed my mind.
“How about adventurer……? Is it no good too?”
It’s just a suggestion. If that doesn’t work either, I’ll have to think of another way. But Father said something unexpected.
“It’s not bad to be an adventurer. Even though it is the lowest-level profession, if you reach a master or special level, you’ll become a respected person and even nobles may bow to you. If you do well, you might even become a hero. If that happens, there is a possibility that you’ll meet His Majesty.”
“Well, that’s a wonderful thing. And if you caught the attention of the son of His Majesty, you’ll live tranquilly. It’s decided! Liz, be an adventurer.”
My parents were very much in agreement to my suggestion. But my two older sisters disagree.
“Liz is still very young. I can’t let her be an adventurer.”
“Yes, we are against it! I can’t believe you’re going to put my sweet little sister in a job like that.”
My sisters’ words made me happy. I feel loved. I really wanted to be an adventurer. It was because I wanted to know how far my power, the ninjutsu skills that I am born with, could go. I’ve always thought it would be a shame to leave it unused.
“I have a rare skill. I’m very strong. It will be fine.”
My two sisters were silent at my words. Because they both know the performance of my ninjutsu skills.
“Certainly, with Liz’s skills, I feel like she can make it as an adventurer.”
“But Oneesama…. Liz is a naïve one! She has been bedridden not until lately you know. She may be able to become an adventurer, but she may not be able to make a living out of it.”
“That’s true too. Then, Liz, if you really want to be an adventurer, talk to Duffy-san first. He’s good at socializing, and he might be able to introduce you to someone who can help you with your life.”
Irene nodded at her words. Duffy is the doctor who has been taking care of me for a long time. He may indeed be able to help me with his advice.
I immediately decided to leave the house and go see Duffy-san.
◇◇◇
“Visit a man named Shinichi Tanaka.”
That’s what I was told at Duffy-san’s house. I heard that name somewhere, but it’s somehow vague so I can’t remember who it is.
He added, “He is the man who treated you.”
“Do you mean, that Oniichan?”
“Yes, that guy you called Oniichan is Shinichi Tanaka. He should be an adventurer in Mana.”
“The neighboring city huh. Troublesome.”
“You want to be an adventurer, right? At least as far as I know, the only people who will accept you unconditionally are the Homeless.”
The neighboring city is quite a distance from here. If I walk, it takes about half a day. For me, who has never been outside the city, it is also a challenge to the unknown. But when I think about meeting the benefactor who helped me, my heart warms so much that I don’t mind walking such distance.
“Hn.”
“What’s that hand outreached for?”
“Cost of going to the next city.”
“Oh-, you girl really…. Good grief.”
Duffy reluctantly gives me money. My poor family can’t even afford my meals. I had no choice but to rely on him. But I’ll be sure to return it later.
“How should I talk to him?”
“Well, I think it’s fair to start with, hi, it’s been a while. Then introduce yourself.”
“I can’t talk for a long time.”
“It’s just you being lazy you know. When you meet him, you have to explain it to him properly.”
“Troublesome”
“And who said she’s going to be an adventurer? Ah-, I have a headache.”
Sensei held his head so I thought the conversation was over and left the house.
The goal is Mana. I’m going to see Oniichan.
I stopped on a city street.
“I’m glad I married you. I’m really happy.”
“Yeah, me too. I’ll make it easy for you all the time.”
I was watching a young man and woman huddled together in a café. The two are kissing and flirting. I decided to use ninjutsu to spy on the sight I saw for the first time.
“It’s amazing…… Men and women …… do things like that huh.”
The man grabs the woman’s large breasts while kissing deeply. However, the woman pushed the man away with a shy expression.
“We can’t do it in a place like this. After we get home, okay?”
“That’s right. Hehe, sorry I got so excited.”
Their passion has gone down a bit, but I feel like I’m still heating up.
Is this what the relationship between a man and a woman means? Mmm, I learned a lot.
I even got important information that it would be easier if I were to get married. I got lucky today.
“Marry Oniichan. Mmm, not bad.”
Oniichan is kind. And he is to my liking. Given that, I might be happy if I can get married and have fun flirting like that man and woman. Yes, it’s definitely going to be awesome.
The course of my life has been decided. Marry Oniichan. That way, I can be an adventurer and have fun. Also, flirting.
My walking steps gradually quickened, and before I knew it, I was running frantically towards Mana. In this way, my life restarts as an adventurer.
However, I had no idea at the time that there would be a rival, an elf.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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