Chapter 45

After speaking to Melheys I returned home .

Usually, my mother is tending the front but since the shop is closed theres no one there .

Welcome back .

A quiet, indifferent sounding voice calls out to me .

Misha unexpectedly appeared from the kitchen .

Honestly, I was a little surprised .

Whats wrong?

Cooking practise .

My mother also appears from the kitchen .

Welcome back Arnos-chan . Dinner will be done soon . I made it with Misha-chan today .

I see .

You taking lessons from my mother?

*Kokuri* Misha nods .

Misha-chan said she wanted to make delicious food for Arnos-chan . Im teaching her when we both have the time .

When did they make this promise?

Mothers going to go finish dinner .

Me too .

Thank you but its okay now Misha-chan . Whats left is easy thanks to you . Why dont you stay and chat with Arnos-chan?

Misha thought a little and nodded .

Ou, welcome back Arnos .

My father who had just finished his work came out of the studio .

Im home .

Youve done something great again it seems . The demon sword tournament was it?

My mother smiled at my fathers words .

Yes! Thats right! Congratulations Arnos-chan . Emilia-sensei came by today to tell us . Arnos-chan is truly a genius . One of only 2 people chosen from the class!

My mother hugs me tightly .

It seems they really want me to participate in the demon sword tournament if theyve gone as far as to tell my mother and father .

I dont know if Im going to enter or not yet .

Eh? Why? If you get a good result in the demon sword tournament its easier to become a demon emperor .

Thats news to me .

Really?

Misha nods at my question .

Achievements are required to become a demon emperor and results from the tournament count .

I see . Even in this peaceful era you still need strength to some extent .

I dont have a sword anyway .

Ill just go with that .

If its a sword leave it to your father . What type of sword do you want?

Even if I intended to enter its not something I can entrust to my father

A normal sword is impossible as it would break in one blow . All participants need a demon sword .

My father folds his arms and starts thinking .

A demon sword was it? Papas heard of them . Arent they made with a special metal? A type of iron that can cut anything?

My fathers blacksmith knowledge is from a human country . Even if you say a demon sword, they are not always magical . A demon sword only needs recognition to cut well .

Alright . Papas going out .

My fathers face shows a proud expression . Ive got a bad feeling about this .

Now? Its dinner time .

Itll just be for a couple days Isabella . Can you mind the shop?

My mother laughs and smiles at my fathers whos acting manly .

Yes . Take care dear .

Though he seems excited, whatever sword my dad makes will be destroyed by a demon sword .

Its also a bit premature . I dont know if Im entering the tournament yet .

Dont worry about a sword father .

Its fine, its fine . Its not about a sword . Papa just remembered he has a little bit of business to attend to .

Really? What business do you have that requires you to be away for a couple days?

His excuse is just absurd .

Even with a sword its a demon sword tournament .

I know that . Well then, papa is off .

My father laughs while clapping my shoulder .

Right . Protect your mother for me while Im gone .

No, wait father .

My father just laughs and claps my shoulder again .

Right . Protect your mother for me while Im gone .

. .

What was that?

Father, please listen . I

My father laughs again and claps my shoulder .

Right . Protect your mother for me while Im gone .

Is he a broken magic doll?

. Aah . Leave it to me

My father gives me a big thumbs up at my words .

Yare yare . I cant keep up with my father at all .

See you later .

My father opened the door and left .

.

Fumu . Its fine I guess?

Even though I cant use it in the tournament if its a good sword it will still be a good showpiece for the shop .

Though my father wants to grow the store he seems to have no intention of actually making any good money .

He does work hard though .

Firstly, how can I stop my fathers misunderstanding?

Well then . Mama will finish dinner .

My mother returns to the kitchen .

Dont you want to participate in the tournament? Misha asks .

The royal faction is planning to beat me by using the rules though I dont think Ill lose even if the rules are not in my favour . Theres nothing to gain if I do a participate though .

Is this part of Avos Dillheavias plan? Im hoping he shows his tail if things go well . If hes got nothing to do with it theres no point me participating because I couldnt care less about the royal factions .

If its a worthless game I might as well heed Melheys advice .

If thats the case

Come .

At my words, a familiar spirit owl entered through the window .

Go .

The immediately flew away after I gave it the order through Thought Transmission <Liikus>

Is the academy closed tomorrow Misha?

Misha nods .

Do you have any plans?

Misha shakes her head .

Do you want to go out somewhere then?

Misha looks at me with her deadpan expression .

. . Go out?

Aah .

Misha falls silent and thinks .

Us two?

That a problem?

Misha shook her head frantically .

Looking forward to it . She says while smiling .

Is there anywhere you want to go?

Anywhere .

Is there anything you want to do?

Anything .

Fumu . She really has no desires .

Saying that, this is Misha . She may just be holding back .

What does Arnos want to do?

Anything is good . You can be a bit more forceful Misha .

Misha blinks a little as if shes surprised .

Me?

Aah .

. . Must think Im boring .

Even doing something dull can be fun .

Misha smiled happily .

Arnos is kind .

Really?

Misha nods .

Ill teach you . Mishas eyes meet mine My favourite thing .

What is it?

Not yet . Secret .

Is tomorrow going to be fun after all?

. .

Nn? Misha is still staring at me .

Shes not saying anything but she doesnt seem to be waiting for me to say anything either .

I think she wants to ask me something .

Whats wrong? You can ask anything .

Misha suddenly looks a little embarrassed .

. . What kind of clothes does Arnos like?

Clothes? Lets see . I dont really care about appearance . If I had to say then probably a frock coat .

Frock coat?

Misha looked a little surprised then spoke in a slightly uneasy voice .

. . Suit me . . ?

Nn?

Ah .

We both realised our conversations had gone in opposite directions .

Are you talking about clothes for you to wear Misha?

Misha nods .

Even if you ask me I dont really understand womens clothes .

. What colour do you like?

Were talking about clothes for Misha to wear .

Lets see . White is good . Your uniform looks good on you .

Misha eyes round a little bit .

Prefer trousers or skirts?

. Thats the first time Ive ever been asked that .

Misha steps closer to me and stares into my face .

Which one?

Fumu . Shes being unusually insistent .

I dont really understand either of them . .

Trousers?

Misha stares into my eyes while asking .

Skirt?

Misha keeps asking .

Hard clothes?

Hard clothes? Does she mean a formal dress?

Formal dresses arent bad but I wouldnt say I like them .

Light clothes then?

Ive never thought about any of this .

Shes asking questions quickly so I have no time to form an answer .

I got it .

I still havent answered anything but Misha withdraws .

Arnos-chan, Misha-chan, dinners ready .

My mothers voice comes from the dining room .

Go?

. . Have you finished with your questions?

*Fufuu* Misha laughs .

I went to the dining room together and with a happier than normal Misha .