NOVEL WEB Chapter 98.1
Stage 4-5. Unrelenting Pain
[Dear Ouga Vellet-sama,
Congratulations on your recent attainment of the title of Saint.
With your heart as clear as the sky and wisdom overflowing like a spring, I am certain you will continue to bring peace to the world.
Therefore, I humbly request that you bestow a name upon my recently born child, who I believe will be a future hero.
Could you spare a moment of your wisdom for my daughter?
Thank you very much.
I sincerely pray for your continued success.]
Yet another outrageous letter has arrived.
First of all, to the sender: name your own child yourself!
A name given by loving parents who put their heart into it is a lifelong honor, far better than one from a stranger!
Really, I can’t believe there are people who send such letters…
While I think it’s unbearable if this continues, it also feels wrong to ignore a letter sent with considerable expense.
One by one, I read through them… and by the time I finished the last one, I was slumped over the table in exhaustion.
The reasons were mainly guilt towards children and disgust towards selfish adults who mistakenly believe a Saint can do anything.
“Amazing, Ouga. You already have so many fans.”
“…It’s just a phase. Half of them are just asking for free support.”
“Really! Even I got a bit angry reading them together!”
Mashiro puffed up her cheeks in frustration.
Having carved her path through hard work despite being a commoner, she likely couldn’t agree with the senders’ perspectives.
“Good job, Ouga-kun. You’re amazing, really amazing.”
Mashiro hugged me from behind, praising me.
Her warmth against my back filled me with energy.
“It’s okay. We truly understand how incredible you are, Ouga.”
Karen also patted my head gently.
I would prefer a front hug sandwiching me between her ample breasts, but I’ll endure for now.
“Then I too… Ouga-kun, you are admirable. You work hard every day, never neglecting your studies as a lord or your training as a mage… You’re wonderful… Haa~”
Reina crouched down and whispered many compliments near my ear.
The sigh at the end almost made me let out a sound, but that’s my secret.
Gosh… everyone’s maternal instincts are too strong…
“Then, if I may be so bold… I shall sing a song praising Ouga-sama’s greatness.”
“Let’s pass on that.”
“…Understood.”
Sorry, Alice. But it’s just too embarrassing.
Even reading the poems about my greatness in our exchange diary is mortifying.
Though I don’t mention it, her joy in writing them is evident, and each time my spirit feels chipped away.
I still remember lines like ‘Ouga-sama is the brightest star in the vast night sky of this world.’
Anyway, thanks to everyone’s praise, I felt much more energized.
Even though I can’t train my body, I think I can focus on the magical studies I’ve been cramming instead—
“—Ugh…!”
Suddenly, a dull pain shot through my right arm.
Crap… I let my guard down and ended up vocalizing it.
In front of Alice, I’ve been hiding that the frequency of these pains has been increasing.
I can endure it when working alone, but since I was talking with everyone, I couldn’t suppress it this time.
“”””Ouga-kun (kun)!?”””
“I’ll call the doctor right away!”
The three of them rushed to my side, and Alice hurried off to fetch our family physician.
“…It’s nothing serious. Just a slight twinge, no need to make a big deal out of it.”
“Your pained expression earlier… it didn’t seem like a minor pain.”
Reina’s words made Mashiro and Karen nod in agreement.
…Damn. Did my expression really give it away that much?
With the three of them witnessing it up close, there’s no way to brush it off.
“I see… I still need more training on keeping a poker face, or Father will scold me.”
“Ouga…”
“Don’t push yourself. It’s okay to tell us when you’re in pain.”
“Your kindness in not wanting to worry us is admirable… but there are times when it’s okay to be vulnerable.”
“I’m certain Alice feels the same way.”