The Hero's Master (IV)

When I slowly closed the door and confirmed that she was asleep already, I let out a sigh

"Hah....."

What should I do? Even though I comforted the child right now, what will I do tomorrow?

Now that I think of it, she said that she wanted to become a hero no matter what.

That statement itself is very bold but the harsh reality of life is cruel especially to kids like her.

She's an upright person but... I'm afraid that she'll get exploited by some people.

Especially since the kingdom's situation is getting desperate.

Although I don't want to interfere with her decision, It's also hard for me to convince her to stay.

And those villagers will surely try to convince her to fulfill her duties otherwise.

Heartless bastards. Can't you see that you're sending a mere child to the battlefield just for the sake of your village?

"How did it go?"

Just when I was sulking while leaning my back on the door, Gildot approached with a worried look.

"For now, I have put her to sleep."

"Is that so…?"

He really looked anxious right now. It seems that he was disheveled and was sweating a lot.

Now that I've thought of it, isn't he too worried?

No, worried isn't the right word… Is it more like fear?

Really. When it comes to this there's only one way to know what a man feels.

I raised my hand in order to reach for something in my sub-space storage.

By the way, this thing is made by magic.

It was worth learning since it was a really convenient magic that adventurers had sought after. In my world's knowledge of course.

But I heard someone saying that it was really rare for someone to have it?

Not that I don't care honestly. As long as it was convenient then I was willing to learn it diligently.

That has been my logic in this world after all.

And that was also how I survived.

"Y-you have sub-space storage?!?" Gildot said with a very surprised look.

I guess it was really that rare huh? Even the guild told me something like that. But since it was convenient, I didn't really pay attention to it.

Ignoring him, I reached out for something that I had saved up for myself to drink.

"A fine bottle of Fire Water"

"F-fire Water?!? Isn't that drink so strong that it can knock somebody down in one shot?"

Weak. I guess that is a common stereotype here in the South. 

I was born and raised in the North after all and to be honest, I don't really like it there either.

Because the North is a frozen wasteland with nothing but snow and mountains in between.

I guess the Earth equivalent of the North would be something like Russia?

And this Fire Water was one of the North's specialties as it is a common staple there for people even if you aren't alcoholic. 

Because it was freezing out there. It's either you have a roof or a blanket or a bottle of this stuff.

And I'll tell you, you're better suited to the last one if you are really poor.

But of course again, My family was a little well-off than some of our neighbors.

So I had a roof and a blanket but still, nothing beats a cheap way to get drunk and warm during the harsh winters.

But again, the only reason we were able to drink this was because we had no choice and it became more like a tradition.

And this Fire Water would be something equivalent to "Vodka" on Earth. Non-russians have a difficult time drinking that too.

So it's a bit extreme to share this one with Aria's father after all.

With a sigh, I put back the bottle of Fire Water back in my sub-storage and reached out for a bottle of wine instead.

Hmmm. I can't remember the brand. 

When I pulled out the bottle, It looked kind of different…?

At the same time, Gildot and I had the same reaction.

What was this expensive thing doing in here?

An intricately designed bottle covered in gold and the official seal of the imperial family-

"Isn't that the Empire's Best Wine, Mit Trauben?!?"

Weird. I can't recall why this thing is in my storage either.

By the way, Mit Trauben is not its full name. Its full name is "Mit Trauben, Kommt Wein"

Not that I actually care about what it means either.

But the point here is that this "thing" is more expensive than a common house in the empire. And this one is enjoyed by high-end nobles and… the royal family?

"John? Is there something wrong?"

Before I noticed it, I was already exuding a dark and gloomy face.

That's right. Let's just forget "her" and focus on my life here.

Nothing good will come out if I let her know about me.

"Nothing. I just remembered something from the past." I said with a straight face.

"I see. I won't ask anymore"

We both nod in agreement.

"Let's go outside shall we?"