Chapter 42 (2/2)

Although Casca is the captain of Black Maria's 3rd squad, she can neither read, write, or calculate numbers, to begin with, her type of character wasn't suited for the job. So, in actuality, almost all squad management was conducted by s.h.i.+zuru's hand who was the vice captain.

”From food expenses to weapon maintenance fees, intermediary fees for the broker who arranges the request, the rewards paid to each member, and so forth various other necessary expenses…… And then there is the twenty percent gross income that was decided to be given to Richelieu-san, I have to properly manage it all.”[2]

In addition to managing the clinic, gathering intelligence, client negotiations and so forth, s.h.i.+zuru's tasks happened to be truly diverse. In relation to account books, despite Elizabeth who is the daughter of a merchant――Eliza is poor at calculating, so Beth sometimes helped him, but even though this was taken into consideration, he still did three people's worth of work skillfully.

However, for s.h.i.+zuru who is a healing magician, he can make himself recover from the fatigue. And because, amongst his emotions, he can't feel any connection similar to that of anger, there is almost no stress is felt. As a result, he was feasibly able to work ten days and nights without any sleep or rest.

However, he was stopped because of Lady, so unless his schedule was greatly packed, he wouldn't do it. At any rate, basically, the magic that was consumed wouldn't be restored unless he slept. Ten days, that's the period that s.h.i.+zuru's magic could sustain him if he devoted himself, after that, it was too much and his magic power completely runs out. Long ago, he collapsed like a puppet that had its strings cut, and had not woken for a whole day, since then, every day as much as possible, Lady entreated him to get sleep.

To digress, s.h.i.+zuru's magic fell into a considerable amount of categories. It was a byproduct from Richelieu’s instructions to overuse magic every day and night when he first started learning healing magic as soon as he realized that he had an apt.i.tude for magic.

”I do things like this early in the morning, late at night, or on a day where I have time off at the clinic. Sorry for leaving you alone.”

”……Ehhh”

Mary shook her head in a serious manner towards s.h.i.+zuru who had an extremely apologetic look.

Although Mary's mind was a mess, contrary to her outward innocent appearance and behavior, she quickly shook her head. Though she couldn't deny that her knowledge was insufficient since she didn't receive any decent education, but surprisingly, she could quickly remember and learn anything right away.

Therefore, Mary understood it immediately. Because she was being taken care of, s.h.i.+zuru had been deprived of time.

She would do anything without a second thought for s.h.i.+zuru, even murder. How could she reduce the burden, even by a bit.

She thought about it――and was struck with an idea.

”Mother. Is it possible that I do that too?”

”Huh?”

”Writing, Calculating…… However, I can't do it well. Is it possible if I learn it perfectly?”

I want to help s.h.i.+zuru. Mary thought this as it took root, however, absorbing knowledge was the driving motivation. She was happy to get praise, receive even more praise, and quickly memorize new things. I'm a good girl, right? If I'm a good girl, then I can get gently stroked, right? It can't be helped since I'm happy.

”……You'll help me?”

”Yeah”

Mary was honestly too cute and s.h.i.+zuru couldn't help himself. Although it's abnormal to incorporate ostentatious and murderous behavior into one's daily life, it itself was the essence of mild youth. He couldn't think of anything other than cute towards the girl that was attached to him.

”Thank you. You're a kind child Mary.”

When lightly stroked, the girl with white hair smiled limply. It was so cute that it would make him listen to everything she said. To Mary, he had become the mother of her family in just one month. s.h.i.+zuru had already become a doting parent.

”Well then, are you ready to persistently study? I'll teach you properly.”

”Yeah!”

Mary nodded vigorously. At any rate, it's good if she can learn reading, writing, and calculations.

In this world, one can go to school in the s.h.i.+-Ruvan kingdom, but it's limited to the wealthy cla.s.ses like Elizabeth. Incidentally, according to the information which s.h.i.+zuru gathered, he heard that Ludmilla had formerly gone to school. Well, if he thought about her descent, it'd be rather strange if she didn't receive an education.

”From now on it'll be alright, Mother.”

”Haha. Although it's nice that you're motivated, let's have breakfast first. Before long Lady will be back from the marketplace, I'll go wake up Ca.s.sy.”

”Yes”

Mary left the room, her light footsteps echoing. s.h.i.+zuru walked towards the window and looked up to the sky as the sun thoroughly rose.

”Well. Let's do our best today.”

Footnotes:

1. TL: /wiki/Abacus Also called a counting frame.↩

2. (TL: You know… In retrospect, I feel like s.h.i.+zuru's hard work is under appreciated, especially when having to put up with peoples(Like Casca's) bulls.h.i.+t.)(PR: Same, if both of them were here in the modern age, s.h.i.+zuru would be called a ”Sugar Daddy” and she'd be called a ”gold-digger,” umm not that I'm implying she is one. Hope I didn't offend any Casca fans xD .)↩

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