22 - Level Up
From the morning of his day off, I had made my way to the guild's reference room.
The reference room is available to any adventurer who holds a guild card.
Inside, information regarding monsters around Darion and various browsable materials were kept.
Additionally, books containing essential knowledge for adventurers were lined up.
"Found it, this is the one."
The book I picked up was thick.
The Second Generation, who had taken charge for today, gave me instructions through the Jewel Orb.
'Riel, our knowledge is basically outdated. I can teach you, but before that, be sure to check modern knowledge. Actually, if you don't, it'll be bad.'
I felt the truth of the Second Generation's words quite acutely.
After all, when I woke up this morning and asked Novem about growth, she had dropped the plate she was holding.
I truly felt glad it was a wooden plate. However, I really wanted her to stop looking like she was about to cry, for various reasons.
(I wonder what she was thinking that made her tear up?)
The reason the Second Generation was teaching me about growth was that he was the one who originally shaped the customs of the Walt family.
At the same time, it was the Second Generation, Krassel Walt, who established the foundation of the Walt family as true regional nobility based on the knowledge taught to him by the Foxuz family.
Apparently, to promote growth, he had created the Walt family custom of hunting monsters for his sons, grandsons... and descendants.
I say "apparently" because I had been treated coldly before I could ever practice those customs.
Promoting growth by defeating monsters. This had been regarded as a kind of superstition.
This was because growth also occurs during normal daily life.
Since the difference varies greatly between individuals, it had been judged as a matter of talent.
The Fourth Generation and those who followed also seemed to understand that monster hunting was meant to motivate people and polish their combat and group fighting skills.
However, from the Fifth Generation onward, it seemed to be the rule to handle the basics and then leave the rest to subordinates.
'I never thought that the important parts wouldn't be passed down through the Third Generation, Slay.'
Because the Third Generation died in battle, most of the Walt family's knowledge regarding growth—or rather, the important core of it—was not passed down.
The Fourth Generation, who became the head of the house at a young age, apparently kept the customs for the sake of tradition.
I sat in a nearby chair and spread the thick book across the desk.
'Regarding the relationship between growth and monster subjugation... they've gathered quite a variety of cases.'
The materials collected by the guild consisted of publicized cases, explained through the author's interpretation.
The physical changes felt intuitively were called "growth," and it seemed this had been researched since ancient times.
As I flipped through the pages rapidly, the Second Generation called for me to stop.
'Stop! Riel, that's a bit too fast. I mean, how can you read at that pace?'
I looked around, confirmed that no one was watching, and answered.
It seemed there weren't many adventurers utilizing the reference room.
"Well, my life consisted of either reading books or practicing magic and swordplay outside."
When I was being treated coldly, that really was my life.
Thinking back now, it was practically like being locked in the mansion.
'...Quite a lot of useful things are written here, but based on my empirical rules, it's a bit different.'
When he said it was a bit different, the Second Generation explained growth to me.
The current established theory was that people accumulate experience, and the phenomenon of that experience blooming was called growth.
Therefore, fighting monsters was a kind of significant experience, but it didn't "cause" the growth itself.
It's complicated, but it means you don't grow by defeating monsters; rather, you grow as a result of accumulating those kinds of experiences.
"Is it a mistake?"
'No, it's not a mistake... but promoting growth by defeating monsters is possible. After all, I remember feeling growth at least nine times.'
Nine times is quite an anomaly, considering most ordinary people only experience it once or twice.
Most mid-tier adventurers have experienced growth four to five times.
"Grandfather... the Seventh Generation said he experienced something similar on the battlefield, didn't he?"
The Second Generation stated his own theory.
'I believe those kinds of experiences are also accumulated, but monster hunting is different in terms of efficiency. I felt it happened faster especially when fighting someone stronger.'
"Someone stronger?"
The Second Generation said that growth is promoted by fighting stronger opponents.
'Though, I did grow even by defeating a huge number of small fry. In my era, I struggled to teach the soldiers how to fight in groups. It was a time of steady, painstaking effort and record-keeping.'
The Second Generation, who had been handed the position of head by the First Generation without any know-how, said he was shocked when he learned the actual state of the territory.
Moreover, surprisingly, the Walt family's method of governance had been maintained solely by the First Generation's charisma.
The First Generation had a barbarian style, but he seemed to be highly respected by those of the same sort.
'Even with the same amount of experience, the speed and rate of growth differed personally. Some grew evenly, but some only grew in certain areas. There were those who felt significant growth in everything except their weak points.'
It wasn't a leap in ability.
Rather, it was the sensation of having a wall you couldn't climb... and then suddenly overcoming it.
That was growth.
"What about my type?"
'Since it's something an individual grasps intuitively, I can't really say... However, you should be able to recognize the change within yourself. Though, it was a surprise that you've had no experience with it until now.'
Starting with the Second Generation, all the ancestors were surprised by my words.
After all, it was a phenomenon that everyone experienced.
Children experience it in their early teens, or as early as before they turn ten. Adults confirm it and explain growth to the surprised children.
Such common knowledge—.
(Did I really not even know about that?)
Thinking that, I continued flipping the pages.
'However, there are many superstitions and lies in these kinds of stories. In my era, power stones that supposedly accelerated growth were popular, but they had no effect at all...'
"You tried them, didn't you?"
Since the Second Generation's tone had turned dark, I understood that he had actually used them to verify.
Moreover, the Second Generation said it was difficult to prove he'd been scammed because it was based on intuitive sensation.
'In the end, it ended with the Walt family banning their sale. Honestly, it was a painful expense.'
Once the Second Generation and I finished reading the book, we decided to read other books since we still had time before the meeting with Novem and Aria.
There was a book that caught the Second Generation's interest.
I returned the thick book to its original shelf, picked up that book, and returned to my seat.
"What is this book?"
'No, I was just curious because it's an old book. Riel, can you read this?'
I tried to read the book as told, but perhaps because it was from an older era, the phrasing differed from modern times.
"It's hard to read, but I can manage."
'Is that so? Then I suppose it is...'
While I was struggling to understand, the Second Generation said I could return the book, as if he had found the information he wanted.
'Now then, it would be terrible to keep the young ladies waiting. Riel, let's head to the meeting spot early.'
"Understood. (I wonder what on earth he wanted to know.)"
I was curious, but the Second Generation wasn't in the mood to answer.
The meeting spot was a safe area a short distance away from the guild.
For better or worse, the guild is full of rough characters.
If I met the two of them there, trouble would likely find us.
To avoid such things as much as possible, we met in a safe area.
I arrived at the promised location before noon.
I was a bit early. The appointment was for shortly after noon.
Stalls were set up around the area, and a pleasant scent tickled my nose. Looking over, someone at a stall was taking something out of oil in a pot.
It must be fried food.
The First Generation reacted to it.
'Hey, Riel. What kind of food is that?'
Some people occasionally looked at me, so I put my hand over my mouth and answered in a whisper.
He seemed curious after seeing the food at the nearby stall.
"I believe they are potatoes fried in oil."
When I said that, the First Generation seemed impressed.
'I see, so such food exists. There are so many things that didn't exist in my time...'
The era the First Generation lived in was a time of great struggle to recover, even if the chaos had subsided.
It seemed the world had become incomparably wealthier than it was two hundred and some years ago.
'It's a good era.'
When the Third Generation said that, the Fifth Generation chimed in.
'They've been around since our time. I remember we could harvest a lot because they grow even in wasteland.'
The Sixth Generation seemed to agree.
'Those were great. Thanks to them, many citizens no longer struggled to eat.'
Following that conversation, the First Generation muttered softly.
'I see... then, my goal is...'
Just then, a voice called out to me.
"Riel-sama."
It was Novem.
She came pulling Aria's hand, and in her hand, she held a paper bag.
'Alright, Riel... shall I carry the luggage? Also, be careful with your choice of words. You noticed their clothes are different, right?'
The Fourth Generation gave me advice.
I snapped to attention and realized that indeed, their clothes had changed.
"Ah, they look heavy. I'll carry the bags."
When I took their luggage, it was quite heavy.
"Thank you, Riel-sama."
"Eh, um... I can do it myself."
When Aria refused, Novem whispered something in her ear.
Then, Aria also offered her luggage. Aria looked a bit troubled, but she didn't seem to be threatened.
(What did she say? More importantly...)
Unlike when I saw them this morning, both were wearing clothes nicer than their usual attire.
(H-how should I praise them!)
As I looked at them, Aria spoke.
"W-what is it? If they don't suit me, you can just say so—"
As Aria spoke, the First Generation shouted at me.
'Riel! Praise them! Praise Aria-chan... no, praise both of them lavishly!'
However, the Second Generation's reaction was cold.
'Have you ever said anything to praise your old lady?'
Before I could be completely overwhelmed, the Fourth Generation gave me instructions.
'For now, let's just say they both look good. Say that the pause was because you were surprised by the change in atmosphere or something.'
The Fifth Generation chuckled slightly at the Fourth Generation's advice.
'As expected of someone who struggled to keep his wife—Mama—in a good mood.'
"U-um, they both look great. It's just, the atmosphere was a bit different, so I was just a little surprised. Yeah, you're beautiful. (The Fourth Generation told me to do this and I gave him money, but I think Novem could have managed it herself.)"
While I was praising them and thinking such things, Aria's face turned red.
"T-that... thank you. I don't have much money. I feel a bit hesitant since you lent it to me."
As the atmosphere became awkward, Novem stepped in to follow up.
"Aria-san, we are comrades in the same party from now on, so you can just pay it back when you're able to. I have high expectations for you."
"Y-yeah."
Looking at the hesitant Aria, I looked at the two of them wearing skirts.
Since they usually wore pants for ease of movement, it felt fresh.
Novem had often worn dresses when we met before, so seeing her in this kind of casual wear was also a fresh sight.
(She was hesitant, but I'm glad I forced them to buy clothes. It was good that I could get Novem to buy new clothes as a way to make Aria buy some. I see, so that's how you get the hesitant Novem to buy things.)
I had the two of them go shopping before leaving the house as the Fourth Generation suggested, and I felt a bit relieved.
The Fourth Generation is surprisingly attentive to these things.
Aria had very few belongings and was in a state where she struggled even with a change of clothes. Using that as a reason, he suggested buying clothes for Aria, and as a result, he had Novem buy clothes too.
Since Aria was hesitant, he had Novem buy clothes with her. Therefore, I had told Novem she could push herself a bit and buy whatever clothes she liked.
(I'm grateful to the Fourth Generation.)
However—the other members basically had problems regarding women.
They weren't exactly equipped to criticize me.
Generally, the only one who gave me advice on women was the seemingly serious Fourth Generation.
(I mean, the whole clan has been relying on the Foxuz family, so it's not like I'm the only one being taken care of by Novem, right?)
Since the First Generation's time, they had received help as neighbors, and from the Fifth Generation onward, they had served as vassals.
The Walt family had been completely dependent on the Foxuz family.
(Isn't it strange that only I'm being blamed?)
Thinking that, the three of us went to have a slightly late lunch.
Night.
Since I was summoned, I headed to the meeting room in the Jewel Orb, where the usual faces were gathered.
"In times like this, I wonder what kind of greeting I should use?"
When I asked such a slightly off-target question, the Fifth Generation told me not to worry about it. The Fourth Generation began the meeting.
'Now then, since Riel is here, let's discuss our future policy. Though, what's been decided is simply too simple.'
"Simple?"
'Yes, simple.'
As the Fourth Generation nodded, the Second Generation stood up to explain.
'Riel, for now, just go outside and fight monsters. It's honestly bad that you've never once felt growth. In fact, there might be some kind of problem.'
A problem with me.
A constitution where growth doesn't occur, or some kind of flaw.
Thinking that made me anxious.
'Well, there were some who didn't grow unless they accumulated an extreme amount of experience. If you're that type, then growing from now on will give you more leeway in terms of physical strength and magical power.'
I felt relieved hearing that.
However, there was something I was curious about.
"Um, how long does it take for people with slow growth to grow? Like, specific numbers."
I had looked through the book, but it only mentioned that there were individual differences.
The cases listed didn't mention types with extremely slow growth.
At most, it said "at the latest, mid-teens." The Second Generation put his hand to his chin as if remembering and mentioned the slowest example from his memory.
'...In my time, there was someone who had their first growth in their twenties.'
'For real?!'
The First Generation was surprised, and the others were the same.
So was I.
"...Eh? Does that mean I'll continue to be tormented by this group from now on?"
At my words, the Second Generation tried to nod, but...
'Wait a minute, did you just say you're being tormented by us? What, is that how you've been thinking!'
As the Second Generation spoke, the Fourth Generation seemed to agree.
'That's it. This is what you call training. Look, muscle strength and magical power don't grow if you don't use them, right? This is a type of that.'
I cast a suspicious glance at the Fourth Generation as he made excuses.
If that were the case, he should have explained it from the start. The fact that he didn't means he either just thought of it now, or it's an excuse.
"That's suspicious."
'I'd appreciate it if you didn't doubt us. Look, look at our faces. Do these look like the eyes of people lying?'
When the Third Generation told me to look, they indeed had clear eyes.
"I-it's true that it might have such an effect, but—"
Just as I was about to be convinced, the First Generation spoke.
'Huh? Did someone say something like that?'
The First Generation exposed the truth.
It seemed everyone here had been talking without caring much. The bit about magical power was apparently something they just thought of now.
"You brats!!!"
As I shouted in the meeting room, everyone returned to their rooms laughing.
The Third Generation laughed.
'Hahaha, sorry, sorry.'
The Second Generation also made excuses as he entered the door.
'No, I said I'm sorry. Look, normally people don't think they haven't grown. I thought you were the type whose magical power doesn't grow.'
The Sixth Generation seemed to feel a bit bad and looked apologetic.
'I really did apply pressure to train you patiently because I thought you were a technique type. I did, at least.'
The Seventh Generation added to that.
'Are you planning to escape alone! Sorry, Riel!'
Almost everyone had escaped beyond the door.
Finally, the Fourth Generation closed it.
'Well then, that's all for today.'
Saying that, everyone entered the door and disappeared, leaving one person behind.
"W-what is with you guys!"
Looking around the room, only the First Generation remained, smirking.
"What is it? Do you still have something to say?"
When I spoke rudely, the First Generation looked happy.
It was an unexpected reaction.
'You've certainly gotten some spirit! When you first showed your face here, you had the eyes of a dead fish, which I didn't like, but you've gotten better.'
Being told I had the eyes of a dead fish, I scratched my head.
I wondered if it had been that bad, but it probably had been. After being kicked out of the house, I had lost everything and was showing a fake cheerfulness to Zel.
Because Novem was there, I had been able to make it this far systematically.
Otherwise, I would undoubtedly have been acting haphazardly.
"T-that's not true. I was just a bit depressed."
The First Generation nodded upon hearing that.
Perhaps he was in a good mood today.
'I see. So... have you thought about anything regarding the future?'
I remembered when the First Generation mentioned Celes and told me to think for myself a little.
At that time, I didn't care what happened to me.
However, because Novem was there, I felt like I wanted to try doing things seriously, even if just a little.
Even now, I'm not seriously aiming to be a first-class adventurer.
"I don't really know."
I thought the First Generation would surely be indignant, but surprisingly, his reaction was thin.
However, he crossed his arms and asked the next question.
'...What do you think of Aria-chan?'
"I call her by name because Novem told me to, but basically, she's a housemate."
To be honest, I felt that as long as Novem was by my side, it was enough.
A harem was just lip service; I'd never actually thought about it.
However, having someone look at me, having someone by my side, made me happy.
"I think the First Generation has strong feelings for Aria, but I have Novem. To be honest, I thought it would have been fine just with Novem and me."
Going somewhere with just Novem, quitting being an adventurer, and living a modest life.
That might be good too.
I thought the First Generation wouldn't forgive me for making such weak statements. But here too, the reaction was different.
'Well, do as you like. It's your life. I hated your rotten fish-like eyes and your effeminate personality. Additionally, I hate that you're being noticed by Aria-chan.'
I intuitively understood that Aria was conscious of me.
However, I had no intention of responding.
I have Novem.
"Thanks for that. Apparently, my face is on the better side, so I wonder if I'm popular? Unlike the First Generation."
I said a sarcastic remark to the First Generation.
The First Generation glared at me—.
'You brat! ...You've certainly learned how to talk!'
He shouted, and then started laughing.
"What's with you today? Usually, you'd just shout and that would be the end of it. (Saying my own face is good is kind of embarrassing. I never really cared about it. Or maybe he's just in a good mood today?)"
When I asked what I was curious about, the First Generation scratched his cheek with his fingertip.
He answered vaguely and dodged the question.
'Well, I was just in that kind of mood. Also, I'm not telling you to fall in love with Aria-chan, but please be a little considerate of her. Glasses is knowledgeable about that sort of thing, so you can just ask him.'
Glasses—he meant the Fourth Generation.
For a moment, I almost laughed, but I managed to hold it in.
"...Well, if it's just that much."
'Hey, didn't you just try to laugh?'
Being called out by the First Generation, I suddenly panicked.
(This person has sharp intuition, or something... he's not a bad person. Even if his personality is barbarian-style.)
'Oh, was I right?'
"...Well, it's true that the impression of "glasses" is strong for the Fourth Generation."
'Right!'
That was the first time I had talked and laughed with the First Generation.