Chapter 4 : Prologue ( Part 4)

Before I ate dinner, I went to the farm's meagre well to fetch water to wash my face and hands which had become extremely sticky from the perspiration I produced while sanitising the school's floors and ceilings.

Cleaning the floors and ceilings normally doesn't make me perspire this much, but today I had extra cleaning to perform.

I pulled the water-filled bucket from the well and placed it on the ground. I rolled up my sleeves, dipped my hands in, splashed some on my face, and then threw away the used water.

I then hastily wiped my face and hands on my shirt after that and went inside to enjoy the delicious stew my wife had prepared.

A mouthwatering aroma welcomed me as I walked into the kitchen. It came from the freshly served stew that my wife made and placed on the dining room table.

In addition to the stew, there was some warm rice and bread.

My wife and I sat at the dining table facing each other on the opposite sides.

"This stew appears to be really tasty to eat!" I said it in a happy manner.

With a smile, my wife added, "I hope you enjoy it."

I dipped a piece of bread all the way into the stew dish before putting it in my mouth.

"It's fantastic, sweetheart!" I gasped in amazement. That was quite tasty.

She ate as well and said, "I'm happy you enjoyed it."

I remarked, "I had no idea my wife could make such a fantastic stew."

"Oh, kindly!" She flushed and said, "It's not that wonderful."

Despite being married to her for nearly a year now, I was unaware of this talent of hers. I guess I'm a lousy husband.

"How did you learn to make such a delicious stew?" I asked her curiously, as the stew she made was on par with that of a five-star hotel chef.

"It was my mother; she taught me how to cook it when I was young." Her sweet and happy voice suddenly changed to one of grief and sadness."When she was still alive."

"I apologised once more for bringing it up." I said.

"No, it's fine," my wife assured me.

"So, if you don't mind, can you tell me how she died?" I asked.

"She was murdered," she replied, her voice growing ominous.

"Murdered by whom?" I inquired, even though I should not have.

She remained silent for a while after I asked her that question.

"By me"

Did I hear something wrong?

"I'm sorry, but could you repeat that?" I said.

"I said, I murdered my beloved mother," she said, her tone becoming solemn. "I murdered my mother with these hands."

What !?!

"Listen, can we just stop talking about this?" she asked.

I nodded my head.

After that, there was a long stillness. 

No further queries or responses were made, and we both went about eating our dinner in silence.

.....

....

I walked outdoors after dinner was finished to get some fresh air before turning in for the night.

And yes, I don't take evening baths.

While my wife enjoys taking evening baths since they help her relax, I don't because I used to take morning baths to get ready for the day.

Speaking of my wife, I'm curious as to why she murdered her mother.

My wife told me when we first met that she and her mother used to be quite close.

What led her to murder her own mother?

Maybe one day she'll tell me about it.

I sat on the grassy area and gazed up at the brilliant, starry sky. I had a stunning view of the night sky, where the stars glittered and twinkled like jewels.

In contrast to Earth, this world had two moons, one of which was red and looked like a ruby, the other was green and emerald-colored.

Far more unique and lovely than the mundane and uninteresting moon of Earth

"Maybe I should learn magic," I said to myself as I looked at the starry sky.

When I initially arrived here, I never gave learning magic a thought because I was more focused on finding food and surviving on the streets than focusing on magic practise.

But given that I currently live in a house and have a job, it might be worthwhile to give it a shot.

As far as I knew magic was something that anybody could learn, but only a select few could use it to its full potential. It was extremely diverse and can be divided into a number of different aspects and forms.

Most people could only learn one type of magic at most; some could learn two or three; geniuses and gifted individuals could learn four or five.

The only exception was the main character, who had the capacity to learn and become an expert in a variety of magical arts.

I suppose that's the perk of being the protagonist.

Sadly, I am not one and do not believe I could be; that position has already been taken.

Like any other non-protagonist, I have to engage in magic practise to even master one form magic.

Now, what kind of magic should I learn and practise to master?

Should I learn how to use fire, I could rain down fireballs on my enemies and burn them to death.

Perhaps you can master thunder magic to enervate people with lightning or thunderbolts.

Possibly some magic illusion trickery

Ice has the power to effectively freeze things, including time itself.

To change reality and become wealthy, I use reality magic.

How about summoning an army of the undead?

No, no, no, necromancy is forbidden, as are other dark magics like instant death magic and curses.

What should I learn?

There are numerous options, but I can only choose one path.

Well, I'll think about it later. I should go to bed; it's already getting late now.

It won't be good if I arrive late; as the janitor, it is my duty to arrive at the academy first and begin cleaning it, and if I am even a day late, I will lose my job.

It was one of the many rules written in the contract.

Without wasting any more time, I got up and headed back home.

My wife is already waiting for me in bed.

Good night, everyone.

A new day begins tomorrow.