Reading and Writing.
A task that seems hard for some, not so much for others.
But for me, Kael Drakewill, it was an easy task. Something I could do with my eyes closed.
There's no button to increase this world's difficulty. If only it were a video game, I could level up and all that.
Although… the truth is different.
It's been three months since I started studying. It's amazing how easy it is to learn when you have someone supporting you. My mom is simply exceptional. And from the stories she's told me over these past months, my grandmother personally taught her everything she could before she passed away. It's sad that I never got to meet her.
What would I say to her if she were still here? What kind of food would she cook? I guess she was as good as Mom. Hehe.
Well, enough of that. Time to move on. These books aren't going to read themselves.
So here it says… uh…
"When the man reached the bottom, he found a stone, no, a… lamp?"
—Why do they have to write so weird!?
—Aaah…
I let out a sigh. The tiredness and confusion were making it hard to think straight.
Why don't they just make some kind of magic or artifact that changes the letters to the reader's language?
Maybe if I make one, I'll get rich. Kael, the man of a thousand tongues.
Yeah, that sounds good… hehe.
—I see you're still having trouble, son.
Someone spoke to me from the doorway of my room.
—Dad? Yeah… there are still some symbols I don't get, and others are so similar I can't tell them apart.
—Bring that over here. Your father will teach you.
I got up from my bed. I'd been lying down since the morning training left me pretty exhausted.
I handed the book to my father and waited for his instructions.
—Alright, this says: "When the man reached the bottom, he found a… jungle? Yes! Jungle."
—It's a fountain, dear. FOUN-TAIN. Two syllables.
Said my mother from the living room.
—Ah, right, that… Well, now that I remember, I have some business to take care of at the merchant's central. See you later, son!
Dad left in a hurry. For a moment I thought I'd be blessed with a display of his intelligence… but oh well.
Mom, on the other hand, just read the book to me about three times and apparently memorized it.
—Is she some kind of super genius!?
—Did you say something, Kael?
—No! Sorry, I was just thinking about something…
—Alright then.
I should study more instead of wasting time.
Okay, I've got it: a goal… and a punishment.
I have to learn to read and write in four months. If I fail… I don't know, how about… No, that won't work. Or maybe… no, that's not good either.
To hell with it! If I don't make it, I'll bond with a sunfish.
———
—Elisa's Point of View—
Kael seems to be talking to himself. Could it be one of those imaginary friends kids have? Maybe I should ask him about it someday.
He's been working hard these past few months. I'm pretty proud of him. He's a very smart boy, and above all, incredibly adorable. How did something like that come from Albert? Oh, wait… I was involved too, so that must be why.
Yes, definitely because of that.
He's been studying for quite a while since this morning. Seems like he wants to learn for some strange reason, or maybe it's just his boundless curiosity.
—Kael, lunch is ready. Can you call your father?
—Sure! Uh… didn't Father go to the central?
—Of course not. He's in the yard. He went to hide from the embarrassment of not being able to read a children's book.
—Ah, alright then. I'll be right back!
What a silly father you have, my son. But he's my husband, so I shouldn't be too harsh on him… Nah, if I'm not, no one will be.
—We're here, honey.
—Good. How was the central? Did you finish what you had to do?
—Uhh… yeah, something like that, hehehe.
He let out a nervous laugh.
—Alright then. I'm glad to hear it.
———
—Kael's Point of View—
Ooh, that look… That sent a wave of chills down my spine. Mom can be pretty scary. I should never make her angry if I value my life.
But more than that… this is delicious. It's similar to a pasta from my past life… Wilfredo? Or something like that, I think it was called. But that one can't compare to this. This is worthy of a king!
Now that I think about it… I wonder how good Dad's cooking skills are. If I go by his personality and intelligence, I'd say he's capable of making a… sandwich? Well, who knows. I'll have to wait for that miracle to happen.
———
Once we finished eating, Dad and Mom washed the dishes and utensils while I cleared and cleaned the table. Efficient work.
—Kael, tomorrow we'll go to the central again. Do you want to come?
The central! I'd been waiting for the day we'd go again. It's been two weeks since the last time. I hope this time I can go with Dad to the second floor. I'm sick of looking for vegetables and meat.
—Of course, Mom!
—Good. Remember to wear light clothes. I heard tomorrow will be very hot.
—Alright!
Heat… I hate it. It just makes you sweat and, in my case, gives me a headache. It's awful. But anyway… how do people here predict the weather?
As far as I know, there's nothing like meteorologists from my past life. Is it some kind of magic?… Whatever, I'll find out someday.
For now, I should go take a bath. It was really hot today. Is that how they predict it? The day before acts as some kind of example for the next?
Alright, enough thinking… time to get nice and clean!
———
A cold bath is always welcome after a hot day. I've heard it can be dangerous, but nothing happened to me, so I guess it's fine… for now.
When I entered the living room, my parents were reading the books I use to study. Looks like Mom was giving Dad a lesson.
Dad saw me come in and gave me a pleading look.
"My son, help me, please!"
That's what he seemed to be saying.
Hang in there, Dad! You're almost done.
I gave him a thumbs-up in support.
"You little…!?"
Guess he doesn't like being in that situation.
He brought it on himself.
—I'm going to bed. I'm really tired. Good night, see you tomorrow!
—Of course, Kael. Sweet dreams.
—Yeah, rest up, champ. See you tomorrow for training.
That tone of voice and that look.
I have a bad feeling about tomorrow.
Maybe I should skip training, just in case… I could get heatstroke or something like that.