My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 57

“Always watching over you.”

Who was it that said that?

My memory is hazy. No, maybe I just don’t want to think about it.

“…What are you watching?”

A chuckle escapes me.

When I gently opened my eyes, I found myself atop a famous hill. Beside me stood a gigantic silhouette.

“Prašus.”

It was a voice I missed dearly.

One I could hear no more…

“Don’t hate your father too much.”

Father?

There was no father in this world. I had left my family behind in the other realm.

“It was a life that couldn’t be lived anyway.”

“What are you talking about? Who are you?”

“…I hope you find happiness.”

I frowned at the nonsensical reply.

Though it was just a black figure like a shadow, for some reason, I felt that silhouette was smiling.

“…Is that you, Praus’ mother?”

Listening to the nuances of the words left in Praus’ memories, I could guess a certain individual.

The shadow trembled slightly at my words.

The lack of a response hinted at the truth.

As I stared up at it, the blackness of the silhouette began to fade away.

In that moment, when I saw the shiny black hair and obsidian-like sparkling eyes, I felt a pang of nostalgia.

“Was it real?”

Prašus’ mother was already dead.
It was a well-known, unchangeable fact.

And yet, here she was before me.

She gently tucked her flowing black hair behind her ear.

“That’s correct.”

She softly patted my head. However, I didn’t feel like she was actually doing that.

“You should be dead, right? Is this a dream?”

“To casually mention that your mother is dead? It hurts her feelings!”

“…I am not Praus.”

I denied her words.

Since it was a dream anyway, I figured I could do whatever I wanted. No one would hear what I said.

“No, you are indeed Praus.”

She said while leisurely shaking her index finger side to side. The sight of her scoffing made me slightly irritated.

“That might be true on the outside, but inside, I am completely different.”

“Maybe so now, but one day you’ll become the real Praus.”

“What…?”

While I was surprised by her ambiguous words, Praus’ mother completely emerged from the darkness and crouched down before me.

Aligning her gaze with mine, she smiled as if she was the happiest person in the world.

“There are good people by Praus’ side.”

“…Not really.”

I replied indifferently.

“Be happy. For sure. Now, let me forget you.”

“You’re spouting nonsense from earlier.”

“Mom might get hurt if I tell her what you said~ Should I inform Paroco? Maybe he can teach you a lesson!”

Though I spoke threateningly, it didn’t sound frightening at all.

“Hah, what a bother.”

I sincerely found the situation tiresome, yet there was an odd ache in one corner of my heart.

*

While Praus was wandering around in his dream, Paroco was busy cooking in the kitchen.

What he had learned at the Marquis House was about general housework, managing the servants, and maintaining the estate.

He worked tirelessly for a year to avoid any criticism when the nobility visited.

Since there was still something he had to protect, he couldn’t afford to sit around drinking and crying.

‘I didn’t realize Praus could cook so well… Will he enjoy it?’

He had confidence in his cooking skills but felt intimidated after seeing Praus’ dishes from the night before.

“What are you doing?”

At the sound from behind, Paroco turned around to see Ariel and three children peering into the kitchen.

“I’m cooking. I wanted to make something special for my son after such a long time, even though he’s never eaten my cooking.”

He showed them the peeled potatoes.

“…Is that so?”

Ariel had many things she wanted to say.

She wanted to ask why he hadn’t put family and what was important first.

Her romantic partner, Pasma, had to face Peremus and ultimately met his end while trying to protect others.

If he had valued his own life more, if he had run away knowing he couldn’t win, they might still be together.

Such regrets and missed chances created a mournful empathy within her.

“But I’m relieved.”

As Ariel was engulfed in her emotions, Paroco said while slicing the potatoes.

“Because you’re there for Praus.”

The sound of the knife tapping against the cutting board echoed in the kitchen.

“That boy may be stoic and not very expressive, but he’s a good kid. I hope you all will continue to stay by his side so he won’t be lonely.”

“You could just be there for him. As his father, why are you turning away?”

Ariel could no longer hold back.

In a tone that seemed to spew her emotions, she asked sharply.

“Even if I were there, he wouldn’t be pleased, and I have a lot of work to do. I plan to just prepare breakfast and leave.”

At those words from Paroco, she felt as if the burden inside her had burst open.

“Work… Shouldn’t family come first? Why are you leaving behind what’s precious?”

The three heroes quietly watched Ariel’s rare display of emotion.

They immediately understood why she acted that way.

They had known for some time that Ariel was with Praus to spend time with her beloved, Pasma, who was intertwined with the sword.

Even though they tried to keep it quiet during the early hours, they were sharp enough to make out the situation.

They acted as if they didn’t know, understanding that they too had experienced the pain of parting with someone precious.

“I’m grateful for your concern, but this is the best I can do. I don’t even have the courage to ask for forgiveness from my son.”

“…Did Praus want that?”

“Even if he didn’t, I cannot resign from my position as the Marquis House’s steward. If I do, Praus will have a hard time with his future.”

Ariel felt dismayed as she watched him not listen even after saying this much.

“You’re right. I overstepped my bounds.”

“I appreciate your feelings. But truly, it would be better for you to stay beside him rather than me.”

Paroco was convinced after talking with Praus yesterday. What Praus needed was not him, but those who were with him now.

Though his expression remained stiff and his tone unchanged, he thought he was slowly overcoming the fact that his demeanor toward Praus hadn’t been so bad.

In truth, it was because another person resided within Praus.

*

“What is this?”

Upon waking up, I found an extravagant amount of food set on the dining table for breakfast.

“I made it. I hope it tastes good.”

Paroco said with a light smile.

Perhaps he was beginning to show his age, as several strands of gray hair could be seen.

“I could have made it myself…”

“That’s enough. Doing this makes my heart feel at ease.”

“…Is that so?”

I sat at the table before the steaming soup.

I took a spoonful of the soup.

It wasn’t bad in terms of seasoning. I did feel it was a bit bland, but overly spicy flavors are generally bad for health.

I glanced at the others seated at the table.

Both Ariel and the three heroes had peculiar expressions.

Though they were smiling and eating, they somehow looked sad.

Hmm. The taste wasn’t bad, but have I corrupted their palate to become overly spicy?

“Does it taste bad? Should I make it again?”

“No, it’s delicious!”

At my question, Iris started stuffing her mouth frantically, as if starting an engine. The others began to eat with exaggerated enthusiasm.

I looked at Paroco.

What happened before I woke up?

I didn’t know the details, but pressing them might ruin the mood.

So, I decided to fill my mouth with food rather than speak to them again.

*

“…Breakfast was delicious.”

I said to Paroco just before leaving.

“Is that so? I’ll come by again.”

I gave a brief nod. He seemed grateful for even that, smiling as he turned away.

I watched quietly until his increasingly distant, lonely back was obscured by the trees.

“Is this how it’s meant to be…?”

Ariel’s mumble drew my gaze instinctively.

“What do you mean?”

“Just… It’s been a while since I’ve seen my father.”

“…Maybe they’ve grown close in that time?”

“But Praus didn’t even welcome his father after such a long time.”

“This is enough.”

Relationships, when tangled, have no answers. They can’t be undone.

So they must be cut off, but family cannot be severed.

And because it can’t be cut off, it can only be neglected.

Now, there was nothing I could do to restore the relationship between Paroco and Praus.

I’m not the kind of person to actively reach out to others, and I am not Praus.

So this is the best I can do.

“Don’t you regret it?”

“Regret? What would be the point of that?”

“…You’re acting fine again.”

Acting fine.

It’s not acting; I’m truly fine.

Because I’m not the one involved.

If I were, there wouldn’t be room to act like I was okay.

I wouldn’t have been able to endure the discomfort stemming from the relationship.

“Stop being nosy and get back to training!”

With that final remark, I tried to head inside, but Tina stepped in front of me, forcing me to stop.

“What is it, Tina?”

“What should we do so that the Teacher isn’t lonely?”

What in the world is this?

I narrowed my eyes at Tina’s sudden question. The people around looked perplexed at her direct query.

Did Paroco say something unnecessary…?

I sighed.

“Don’t worry about that and focus on getting stronger.”

The least you can do is make it worthwhile to have you around.

“If I get stronger, won’t it make the Teacher less lonely?”

Getting stronger would lessen loneliness?

What a ridiculous logic, but I found discussing this situation uncomfortable, so I gave a vague answer.

“Sure.”

Tina pondered seriously.

“I understand! I will definitely get stronger and make sure the Teacher isn’t lonely!”

Her eyes ignited with determination.

The reason for getting stronger was absurd, but I decided to let it slide.

Yes, you… No, you all just need to think about getting stronger.

Don’t worry about me.