The Goddess Granted Me the [Hatching] Skill and Somehow I Became the Strongest Tamer, Commanding Mythical and Divine Beasts - 60

Chapter 60: Parents’ Feelings

“Now, let’s talk seriously for a bit.”

While we were all eating the meal that Celia had made and enjoying a rare family reunion, my father gradually stopped talking. When we sensed this and stopped speaking, he finally brought it up.

“You’re talking about our future, right?”

Since this was something mentioned in the letter as well, both Celia and I naturally showed signs of tension.

“First, Celia. I’ve read about your recent activities in the letter. You’re the top of your grade, aren’t you? Both your late parents and we are so proud of you.”

“Ah, thank you.”

I gently patted Celia’s head, who was shaking with emotion, as our parents silently watched us and waited for her to calm down.

After a while, she said, “Brother, I’m fine now,” so I removed my hand from her head, and my father continued speaking.

“Klaus, congratulations on passing the national adventurer qualification exam. I never thought you’d pass the hardest exam in the country in just a few months. You’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

“It wasn’t just my own strength. During the exam, Feni, Purple… and Celia also helped me.”

For gathering requests, escort missions, and even the final exam, I managed to get through with the skills I learned with Feni and Purple as my summoned creatures.

Celia also took care of everything around me so I could focus on the exam.

If any of these had been missing, I wouldn’t have been able to pass.

“But, Klaus,” my mother said, looking at me with the gentle eyes she always showed, “there’s something about you that makes everyone want to help you.”

“Pi~”

“……$”

“……(mystery)”

I met the eyes of the three creatures. Rok, who didn’t understand much yet, was a bit confused, but Feni and Purple showed signs of agreement.

“At first, I was planning to make you give up on becoming an adventurer by setting certain conditions.”

“I thought that might be the case.”

The difficulty of the exam, the prerequisites for taking it, and the low pass rate—all these factors made it clear that someone who came from the countryside with just an admiration for adventurers wouldn’t be able to pass in just one year.

“But you overcame my impossible demands and passed. When I heard about it in the letter, I was so surprised that I fell out of my chair.”

“I kind of wanted to see that.”

Celia chimed in lightly, easing the mood a little.

“I’ve been an adventurer in the past, so I understand the hardships and dangers. That’s why I really didn’t want you to become one, but you have talents I never had. Now that you’ve passed, do what you want.”

“Was that what you wanted to say, Dad?”

When I opened the lid, it turned out that my father had been praising me, and I was confused by this unexpected reaction.

“No, Klaus. There’s something else I need to say.”

My mother showed a rare serious expression. My father took a bag and placed it on the table.

I heard a “thud” as metal scraped together. Rok reacted and started to fidget.

Celia tilted her head, unable to guess what was in the bag, but I had a hunch.

“This is the money you sent us, Klaus.”

I had been sending part of the money I earned from requests and sales at the Tamer Guild back to my family.

“Klaus, we can’t accept this. We’ll send it back.”

“Why?”

I was surprised and asked again when they returned the money, thinking they would be happy to accept it.

“Because there’s no reason for us to accept it.”

My father frowned and looked at me with a stern expression.

“Is it wrong for me to want to repay you for all the care you’ve given me?”

I wanted to show my gratitude to my parents, but…

“No matter what you say, we can’t take money from our child.”

My father was firm, not accepting the money, and simply shook his head when he looked at my mother.

“…Celia.”

At this point, I thought about asking her to convince them.

“Let’s respect Mom and Dad’s feelings, Brother.”

She, instead, tried to convince me.

“Klaus, we know you sent us money because you care about us. Both Dad and I are happy about your feelings.”

My mother’s eyes shimmered as she spoke to me.

“But we want to live on the money we earn ourselves.”

“We don’t want to depend on our children, even though we’re still active.”

There was a firm resolve in their eyes.

“But… then how can I repay you?”

When I was on the brink of death, my family had bought expensive medicine without hesitation and used it on me.

I had become an adventurer to make life easier for my parents and Celia.

I finally became a national adventurer and thought I would be able to help them, but now…

After a while, my parents gently touched my shoulder.

“Klaus. Ever since you were born, we’ve always been happy.”

“Yeah, life became full of meaning with you and Celia around, and those days spent with you both were more fulfilling than anything.”

My parents spoke to me with sincerity.

“Of course, I feel the same, Brother. The time I spent with Dad, Mom, and you is irreplaceable.”

Celia, too, was looking at me with a happy expression.

“That’s the same for me too…”

After understanding my parents’ feelings, I let out a deep sigh and said,

“Alright.”

I decided to respect everyone’s feelings.

The heavy atmosphere that had been hanging over us lifted, and everyone smiled.

“By the way, I actually wanted to tell you one more thing.”

“…Is there more?”

Having just been told off by my parents, I showed a sign of surrender, hoping they wouldn’t lecture me anymore.

“I was planning to tell you not to come back to the city until you retire as an adventurer, but since you bought such a big house, I guess it’s alright.”

“You’re the type to worry too much, so I thought you might come back after getting your qualification.”

“Well, I did consider that, but I didn’t want to cause trouble at work…”

Since Feni’s feathers and Rainbow Butterfly scales were already being sold, I couldn’t just make the decision to move back to the countryside on my own.

When I answered about my responsibilities, my father nodded with satisfaction.

“However, now that you’ve bought such a big house, why is Celia still living in the dormitory?”

“Yeah, why don’t you live together?”

I had thought about living together with Celia, but…

“Well, since the dorm is closer to the school, wouldn’t it be better for your studies?”

I wanted Celia to live with me, but I didn’t want to use that as an excuse to make her move.

“I… would rather live with you, Brother. I want to go to school from here.”

She spoke her mind, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at me. Since she wanted it that much, there was no need to refuse.

“Then let’s live together.”

“Ah, thank you, Brother!”

When I said that, Celia happily hugged me.

“Hey, Celia. We’re in front of Mom and Dad.”

I tried to pull away from her, but she didn’t listen, overcome with emotion.

“Must be nice, Celia. Getting to rely on your brother.”

“She’s still a child, huh?”

It seemed like neither of them intended to scold her, so I sighed and gave in.

“By the way, Dad and Mom…”

While patting Celia’s head, I spoke to my parents.

“Hm? What is it, Klaus?”

“What is it, Klaus?”

“I was wondering if you two would consider living in this house?”

Although they had rejected the money earlier, the idea of the whole family living together in the capital was still on the table. The house had plenty of rooms, and we needed the extra help.

“Hmm, there are a lot of people in the city who rely on your father.”

“I also have neighbors to think about. The capital is lively, but it might be too much to stay here all the time.”

“I see…”

I tried asking, but they didn’t give me a favorable answer, and my tone dropped.

“Don’t look so down, we’ll come visit you two every now and then.”

“Right, we’ll need to come see how much you and Celia have grown.”

They spoke excitedly about how they would visit to see how we developed.

Their words showed the expectations they had for us, and both Celia and I made sure to try our best not to disappoint them.

My parents, who had come suddenly, stayed at the house for a few days. They dragged Celia and me around the capital for sightseeing before leaving to return home.

Although Feni, Purple, and Rok also looked tired from entertaining them…

“I’m looking forward to when they come again, Brother.”

Celia’s words made me smile wryly as I nodded in agreement.