What Happens Twice Will Happen a Third Time
"Vendaval is an A-rank magic beast. It uses wind magic to move in the blink of an eye, sometimes appearing right in front of you. If we’re not careful, we could be wiped out.” Knight Meyer explained, stepping in front of me.
My brothers also prepared for battle, but the Vendaval just stared at us without moving.
Upon closer inspection, it was holding something in its mouth, but it dropped it and let out a low growl.
I asked Atre if he could understand what it was saying, and he told me it was asking us to take care of its child.
"So, it doesn’t have hostile intentions toward us, right?" I asked, and Atre confirmed.
When I asked for more details, Atre stepped forward and began barking at the Vendaval.
Captain Kyle asked what was going on, so I explained that the Vendaval didn’t seem hostile.
But since we weren’t sure, I asked Atre to keep talking to it while we waited.
We stayed on guard, waiting for the conversation between the two to finish.
According to Atre, the Vendaval wanted us to take care of its child.
When I asked why us, it said it was because of Ripka.
Essentially, it wanted us to look after its child, as it was likely to be weeded out in the forest.
How did the Vendaval know about us?
Apparently, Ripka’s parents had recommended us.
Ripka’s parents had been watching their child from somewhere and, seeing it grow healthier each time, decided we were trustworthy.
Does that really happen?
Well, it’s happening right in front of us...
As I stood there dumbfounded, Brother Chris grew impatient.
"Hardt, what is Atre saying? Explain quickly. Everyone’s waiting."
I snapped out of it, apologized, and relayed what Atre had told me. Everyone was shocked. When we looked at the Vendaval, we could see a small figure wriggling around. It was hard to see clearly through the grass.
"Young master Hardt, could you ask Young master Atre to have the Vendaval bring its child over to our side?" Captain Kyle requested, so I asked Atre.
After Atre spoke to the Vendaval, it picked up its child and crossed the river in an instant.
"Amazing, it crossed the river in a flash. This is what an A-rank is like."
"Young master Reinhardt, stop being impressed and focus. We’re relying on you and Young master Atre here." Captain Kyle scolded.
"Sorry. Atre, are you sure the Vendaval won’t attack if we get closer?" I double-checked, and Atre confirmed it was safe. So, Atre and I approached the Vendaval.
Brother Chris and Captain Kyle wanted to come too, but we decided it was better not to provoke the Vendaval, so it was just the two of us.
Since I couldn’t talk to the Vendaval, I relied on Atre.
When we got close, the Vendaval dropped its child and bowed its head to us.
"I understand your feelings as a parent. We’ll give this child all the love it needs, so don’t worry.” I said, looking directly at the Vendaval. It nodded and swiftly returned to the other side of the river.
I picked up the child and shouted to the Vendaval, "We’ll raise it well!" before it disappeared.
We returned to the group, and everyone looked relieved.
Captain Kyle said,
"Well, I’m glad it didn’t turn into a fight. We’re too few to take on an A-rank. But Young master Reinhardt, I’m not sure if you’re lucky or unlucky. You keep surprising us every time."
I couldn’t tell if he was complimenting me or complaining about the constant surprises.
"Hardt has luck, Captain Kyle. He granted my wish, after all.” Brother Chris chimed in.
"Hardt, the Vendaval is wind-attribute, right? Can I take responsibility for raising this child?" Brother Chris held out his hands, asking me to hand over the Vendaval’s child.
"Brother Chris, there’s compatibility to consider. First, try giving it some of your mana."
"Got it." He began slowly channeling magic into the Vendaval’s child, and it didn’t seem to mind. In fact, it looked quite content.
"The compatibility seems good. Let’s discuss the rest after reporting to Father."
On the way back to the clearing, Brother Gerald came up to me.
"I’m glad Brother found a partner too. I felt a bit guilty since I got Ripka first, so I’m relieved. Thanks, Hardt."
"I didn’t do anything. This time, it was Ripka’s parents who introduced us. If anything, it’s because you took such good care of Ripka that this connection happened."
"Even so, it’s because of Atre that we understood what was going on. If it were just us, the Vendaval wouldn’t have trusted us with its child. So, this is your doing, Hardt. And Brother’s decorative knife was a Vendaval, after all."
… Please don’t bring that up.
When I chose the Vendaval for Brother Chris’s decorative knife, it was just a lighthearted decision. I thought, since Atre is a wolf (Fenrir) and Ripka is a bird (Fiamma), a cat (Vendaval) would suit Brother Chris, who uses wind and ice magic...
I’m happy Brother Chris found a partner, but I can’t help feeling frustrated about being treated like a troublemaker. It’s all just coincidence.
I’m not at fault!!
What do you think about this chapter?
