I’m the Eldest Son of a Poor Family, but My Magical Talent Awakened While Working Hard for My Family - Chapter 4

I escaped from the dungeon and got my injuries treated in the infirmary. My arm, which was bitten hard, is in terrible condition, but it seems the bone isn’t broken.

When I reported that I only got wrapped in bandages, the older sister was totally shocked.

“Eh… even though you were bitten so much? Did you get an X-ray?”

“They took a quick snap for me. It was a beautiful bone.”

Adventurers can basically get their injuries from dungeons treated for free. Otherwise, there’s no way I would be getting an X-ray.

“You really did it. Localized body enhancement with magic.”

“It seems so.”

At that time, I was so desperate that I didn’t understand, but according to the older sister, it seemed to be quite advanced.

“The growth rate of the person who didn’t advance with the fireball…”

The hall staff approaches the table where someone is burying their head in their hands.

This is a cafeteria exclusively for adventurers. If you show your license, you can get a discount on your meal. Otherwise, well, you get the idea.

When the cafeteria staff who brought the curry saw the masked lady, they tilted their heads.

“Hey. Shiraishi-san, what are you doing dressed like that?”

Crack.

It was as if she had frozen; her expression became motionless.

“S-Shi, who is this Shiraishi person? I… uh, right. I am the Volunteer Mask!”

“Shiraishi Haruka-san, right? Everyone calls you the [Receptionist Lady].”

“Ahhhhhhh!”

I turn away and act like I don’t know anything.

Yeah, they noticed, but you know, being hit with such a bold revelation is really awkward.

“Have you returned to being an adventurer? Congratulations!”

“Ahhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhh!”

“Would you like to order two curries?”

“Ahhhhhhh!”

“Yes. Well then, excuse me!”

The older sister lets out a scream――now, the receptionist lady, Shiraishi-san, is left behind as the hall staff leaves.

What remained were Shiraishi-san with a haggard expression and me.

What is she going to do about this?

Silence.

“U, um.”

“I am Shiraishi Haruka… I’m sorry for telling such a strange lie.”

“You introduced yourself!”

“I wanted to try something like the receptionist lady who is actually strong and trains beginners.”

“Ah, you’re spilling even the things you shouldn’t say!”

She swiftly removed the mask, revealing a familiar face. It was the kind lady who had exchanged the money for me. She averted her eyes completely and looked utterly exhausted.

“Uh, um… Shiraishi-san.”

“Yes.”

“Thanks to Shiraishi-san, I really understood magic well. It was a huge help.”

“…”

Shiraishi-san’s expression twitches slightly. With just a little more push, it seems like it could work. This person might be really emotionally expressive.

“The lightning magic was really cool. I thought to myself I want to be an adventurer like that too.”

“…Really?”

Looking up at me, she glances over.

Ugh, she’s definitely older than me, but she’s somehow cute.

“That’s right. The person I am today is because of Shiraishi-san being there for me. I’m really grateful.”

“That’s a bit too much. Hehe.”

So easy.

This person is really gullible.

I shouldn’t be thinking such things about my benefactor, but still, it’s not good that Shiraishi-san is so easy to manipulate. I mean, it makes me worry. She’s the type who can’t stand up to debt collectors and such.

“Oh, the curry is going to get cold. Shall we eat?”

“Yes.”

Since I’ve regained my good mood, I can eat in peace.

I was so hungry that the curry disappeared in no time. Combined with fatigue, I couldn’t get up for a while after eating. Fortunately, the cafeteria is empty. I can take it a bit slower.

“Isn’t it true that Itsushiki-kun wants money?”

“Yes.”

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine, but could you tell me the reason?”

“My family is poor. There are six siblings, and our parents are gone, so I’m the only one who can work.”

“So that’s how it was.”

I thought I might receive some sympathy, but Shiraishi-san just nodded a few times.

Then, when she places her hand on her cheek, she adopts a thoughtful posture.

“How much money do you need?”

“I want to earn at least 400,000 yen a month, and ideally 500,000 yen.”

“I see. With six people, that’s about right.”

Shiraishi-san lowered her eyes, then stared intently at my face.

“I have an idea, would you like to listen?”

“I’ll do anything if it can earn me money. Please tell me.”

When she straightened her back, Shiraishi-san smiled gently.

“It’s okay. You can do it.”

◇

After coming home, I cook, wash the dishes, take a bath, do the laundry, do some light cleaning, and gather the trash to take out tomorrow. Once all the chores are done, I go to where my siblings are gathered around the low dining table.

During the evening, we all make it a point to do homework and review together. Thanks to the cooperation of middle schoolers Nina and Mitsuru, elementary schoolers Sena and Seika are also diligently working on their drills. Since the kindergarteners, Mutsuki, don’t have much to do yet, he reads picture books and draws pictures. They occasionally seem like they want to play, so I take on that role.

At 8:30 PM, I put Mutsuki to bed. At 9:00 PM, I put Sena and Seika to bed, and at 10:00 PM, Mitsuru goes to bed.

The time to finally relax is after that.

“Good work today, Itsuki-nii.”

“Nina too. Thanks for today.”

My younger sister, Nina, who is one year younger than me, is actively supporting household chores because I’m delving into the dungeon. The fact that our evening study sessions are being maintained is mainly thanks to her efforts.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. This is just a matter of course.”

“You’ve been helping me out.”

“Hehehe. Hearing you say that gives me a sense of purpose too.”

Nina stretches her arms and looks like she’s enjoying it.

The short haircut that was cut off so drastically really suits her, but I want to make sure she can enjoy girly clothes and long hair someday.

“How’s the dungeon doing?”

“Well, it’s going okay.”

Glancing at the bandage on my right arm, Nina frowned.

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Haha.”

“Why are you laughing?”

“Yeah, I thought Nina was kind.”

Placing my hand on the back of my neck, I chuckle softly.

“It’s okay. Kind people help me too.”

“Really?”

“It’s true. The person who is usually called the receptionist lady taught me magic.”

“Ah… Receptionist lady?”

Suddenly, the temperature drops and Nina gives me a strangely sulky look.

“Itsuki-nii, wouldn’t it be better to take down the older sister instead of the monster?”

“I shouldn’t defeat the older sister.”

“That’s not what I meant… Well, never mind. So, what’s magic like?”

“Hmm. To put it simply, it’s like ‘phenomenon reproduction.’ It feels like being able to control fire or lightning in my hands.”

“It’s magic.”

“That’s magic.”

Nina looked on with great interest, saying, “Wow.” With her mouth wide open.

Leaning forward slightly, she tilts her head.

“Itsuki-nii, what kind of magic do you use?”

“That’s the tough part. Does Nina have any good ideas?”

“Eh, even if you say that…”

Nina places her index finger on her cheek and looks slightly upward. Despite all her complaints, it’s typical of her to still think things through.

“Since it’s Itsuki-nii, you’ll probably approach and fight fairly, right?”

“It’s faster if I get closer.”

“Then, a magic spell that’s easy to use would be nice. Something you can cast with one hand.”

“That’s right.”

As Nina said, if the basics are to close the distance and fight, then the power doesn’t have to be high.

The ability to attack in a way different from hand-to-hand combat. This is the greatest advantage of incorporating magic.

“Because you’re too close, magic with the risk of self-destruction is a no-go. Well, I think Itsuki-nii understands this too.”

“…Ah, of course, right…”

I can’t tell anyone that I got carried away, imitated Shiraishi-san, and ended up getting electrocuted and fainting. It would ruin my dignity as an older brother.

“In that case, would the wind be good? If the wind suddenly blows, your eyes get dry and hurt.”

“The ‘magic that causes dry eyes’ seems a bit practical, and I don’t like it.”

“Is Nina-chan a genius?”

“Ah. Nina is a genius.”

Whether I actually use it or not, it’s an idea I don’t have.

A spell that can be easily done with one hand and has no effect on me… Should I try it tomorrow?

If that’s the case, I should go to bed.

I stand up and look at Nina once more. It seems she plans to stay a little longer to continue studying.

“Rina is smart, and Mitsuru is good at sports. Sena can draw, and Seika is good at singing. Mutsuki can make a lot of friends. ――I’m proud of all of you.”

That’s why I can do my best for my family no matter what.

“Itsuki-nii is really a brother complex and sister complex, aren’t you?”

“Of course.”

With a smirk, Nina shook her head in disbelief.

――I will definitely make sure you go to high school.

I tell her in my heart and turn my back to Nina.