chapter 23

After visiting the doctor and picking up the medicines, we made our way home. On the journey back, Pia was determined to achieve F rank as quickly as possible, while Alex focused on discovering healing spells from different attributes. He knew that although other elements possessed some healing properties, they paled in comparison to life and light attributes.

The celebration of Pia's progress was a brief moment of joy in Alex's otherwise busy life. He intensified Pia's training regimen, gradually increasing their exercises. In between, he ventured into the forest for hunting expeditions twice a week and diligently attended school with Roy, who introduced new classmates to their circle. Alex also took time to train Flema, the bird he had hatched, teaching it tricks he had seen on TV. Over time, the distance between the girls and Alex diminished significantly. Previously following orders dictated by their former masters in the slave market, they now formed a close bond with Alex. What began as a master-servant relationship evolved into genuine friendship.

When both Pia and Ayelet achieved rank F level 6, Alex decided it was time to include them in his hunting expeditions. He registered them at the guild, and their levels steadily rose alongside his accelerated progress.

Initially, Alex educated them about the forest and the various monsters that inhabited it. Typically, he would engage lower-ranked F-level monsters directly. If any survived his initial attacks, Pia, adept at close combat, would finish them off. Ayelet, skilled in water spells, alternated between conjuring water balls and erecting water walls. She also utilized wind spells to kick dust into the eyes of their adversaries. Though she knew how to cast Flammo, a basic spell that emitted sparks resembling a fireworks fountain, she rarely found occasion to do so. Under Alex's tutelage, Pia mastered blade techniques and strengthened her physical prowess.

In preparation for their hunts, Alex replaced his old knives with a sturdy iron blade and knife. He passed down one of his previous knives to Pia, keeping the others for himself.

Their excursions grew more ambitious as they began targeting larger groups of monsters. Sia and Ana, intrigued by their endeavors, joined their training sessions whenever their school schedules allowed. The girls quickly developed interests in weaving and jewelry-making, prompting Alex to introduce Sia to Gia for lessons in the basics. Beth, already skilled in weaving, took it upon herself to teach Sia, ensuring that most of the garments they wore were crafted by her.

Years passed swiftly, and Alex turned 14, achieving level 7 in the E-rank category. He had acquired proficiency in numerous basic spells, broadening his magical repertoire. Meanwhile, Pia and Ayelet advanced to levels 3 and 2 respectively in the E-rank. Together, they became a formidable team capable of confronting peak E-rank monsters head-on.

As Alex prepared for his written exam, a high score would enable him to proceed to the practical examination at the prestigious Flemengo Academy, renowned throughout the Jura Dynasty. Accompanied by Roy, Brook, and their other friends, Alex took Pia and Ayelet along on the journey to the nearest town.

With a week left before the exam, Alex took advantage of their early arrival to familiarize himself with the surroundings. He wandered through town with Ayelet and Pia by his side, enjoying their closeness. Though they hadn't crossed any boundaries yet, Alex harbored thoughts of proposing to them when he turned 16, envisioning a future where they would all be married.

"M-master, what are those?" Ayelet's interruption interrupted Alex's daydreaming. She pointed at some children holding small circular discs in their hands. Observing them, Alex immediately recognized the objects. "Peanut brittle," he muttered softly, his heart stirring with complex emotions.

In his previous life, his girlfriend Pooja had a fondness for brittles, especially sesame brittles. Memories of her flooded Alex's mind, casting a shadow of sadness across his face. He tried to conceal his emotions but remained silent for a moment, lost in reflection.

"They look delicious. Let's try some," Alex suggested, walking towards the shop selling the brittles. Ayelet and Pia followed quietly, sensing the sorrow and longing in Alex's demeanor. They had observed him lost in thought before, but today, his emotions were palpable. Although they hesitated to pry, they stood by him, knowing that if he wanted to talk, he would open up to them.

They purchased a kilogram of brittles and sampled them on the way back to their inn. Throughout the day, Alex's yearning gaze persisted, though it went unnoticed by most. Ayelet and Pia, however, keenly observed his demeanor. They knew he was hurting, yet he chose not to burden anyone with his emotions.

Later that night, Alex lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling in silence. The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of the wind outside. Suddenly, a soft knock echoed through the room, startling Alex. He gathered himself and approached the door cautiously. Opening it, he found Ayelet and Pia standing there, their concern evident.

"Do you two need something?" Alex asked softly, feigning drowsiness.

"Master, can we sleep in your room tonight?" Ayelet's request caught Alex off guard.

"But why? You both have your own room," Alex replied, genuinely puzzled.

"We usually sleep together," Pia added, reminding Alex of the bed he had set up for them opposite his own back in the village.

Realizing their bond, Alex nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, let me speak to the innkeeper. There's only one bed in my room."

It was late, and the inn was quiet. Alex approached the innkeeper and explained the situation. With no objections raised, they returned to Pia and Ayelet's room.

"So, what now?" Alex asked, breaking the silence as they stared at the two separate beds.

"Master, we could push the beds together and sleep as one," Ayelet suggested, her voice tinged with concern.

"Good idea, Ayelet," Pia chimed in, eager to provide comfort.

Agreeing to their suggestion, Alex joined them as they rearranged the beds. Despite feeling awkward, they eventually settled down. Alex positioned himself at the corner of the combined bed, allowing Pia and Ayelet ample space.

As they lay there, something seemed amiss. Sensing their unease, Alex gently probed, "What's bothering you two? You're acting differently tonight."

Reluctantly, they shared their concerns with Alex. "Master, we noticed you were acting strange all day, especially after buying the brittles."

His heart softened at their words. "I'm sorry, but I'm not ready to talk about it yet."

"Master, we don't need to know. We just wanted to comfort you," Ayelet reassured him, her voice filled with empathy.

Alex's eyes welled up with tears. "I appreciate that. I want you both to know that I cherish you deeply. I was even thinking about marrying you when I turn 16," he confessed, pulling them into a warm embrace.

A blush crept onto their cheeks as they processed his words. Alex settled into the middle of the bed, surrounded by the two girls who meant the world to him in this new world. Together, they drifted off to sleep, united by newfound understanding