CH 15

Six months have passed since the birthday party.

I successfully lost weight and was able to do so before I enrolled in school.

I didn’t try very hard to lose weight though.

I was just having fun mastering magic.

Now I’m off to school.

The school is in the royal capital, a full day’s ride by carriage from the Peppers’ house.

By the way, I heard that the country we live in is called 『Edeland Kingdom』 (ederu rando)

As a magical powerhouse, it is highly regarded by surrounding nations.

Perhaps because of this, nobles who cannot do magic have a low position in this country.

I’m so glad I learned magic.

‘Thank you, Katherina-sensei.’

The entrance ceremony is in three days, but I am leaving today with plenty of time to spare.

Just as we were about to leave, we were somehow surrounded by an abundance of servants.

I told them that they did not have to come to see me off.

Isn’t everyone here except my father and mother?

I wonder why?

I guess they don‘t like me.

It was as though the servants were saying goodbye to me.

Haha, that is not possible…

“Why are you all gathered here?” I asked Sebas, who was next to me.

“Because we love Owen-sama,” he replied.

Really?

They would say hello and make small talk, but they did not get involved that much.

I would talk to the chef and Sebas frequently.

And while I have not been violent with the servants lately, I have been verbally abusive and hurtful to them in the past.

I know why people do not like me, but I cannot think of a reason why they would like me.

“Owen-sama, you have changed. That is what all the servants, including myself, have been seeing for the past two and a half years.”

The servants nodded at Sebas’ words.

Katherina-sensei stepped out, “That’s right, Owen-sama. I can vouch for your hard work.”

“Katherina-sensei…”

It makes me happy to hear that.

I was expecting to be sent away in a more cold-hearted way.

I thought it would be enough if only Sebas and Katherina-sensei came to see me off.

I am glad they’re all here.

I have to say something.

“I’ve been horrible to you all,” I start talking to the servants, “I’m not going to pretend that it didn’t happen. The past doesn’t go away.”

Even if it was the old Owen who did it, it is my responsibility now.

“I believe that I did things that I can’t help but be resented and hated for. But I will never forget that you did not lose your affection for me, that you served me, and that you are here today. Thank you …”

I bowed my head to the servants.

When I looked up, I saw that the servants were stunned.

“I’m going to learn a lot of things at school so that I can become a splendid person. And one day, I will become a great lord who can make the people of this territory, including you all, happy.”

When the old Owen regained his memory, he would think that the Count family would be wealthy, and his life would be safe.

So, I thought, ‘I will just live my life with ease.’

But it is not that simple.

If he skipped practicing magic, he would end up like his father, and if he were to be violent with the servants, bad rumors would be spread.

Just as Natalie said, you must take responsibility for your actions, I have a responsibility as the heir to the Count’s family.

“Owen-sama,” one of the servants muttered.

This triggered the servants to call out my name one after another.

From the midst of it all, the head chef stepped forward and said, “I don’t think I’ll have a chance to cook for Owen-sama for a while.”

All his food was excellent.

Even mushrooms, which I had disliked from my previous life, tasted good in his cooking.

Mushrooms are my favorite food now.

It is a shame that I won’t be able to enjoy his cooking at the school.

“Why don’t you come with us, Chef?” I say jokingly.

The Chef’s eyes widened.

“It’s very… very, very kind of you to say that. However, I am a servant of the Pepper family. I will stay here. And I will hone my skills so that when Owen-sama returns, I will be able to serve him the best food possible.”

Even now, he makes terrific food.

If it gets any better than this, I will not be able to eat any more food prepared by anyone other than the chef.

“I see… I’m counting on you.”

At my words, the chef quietly bowed his head, then stepped back.

Then Katherina-sensei approached.

“Owen-sama. I am very happy to have been able to teach you magic.”

Katherina-sensei hugged me tightly.

She smells good.

“I wish I had met you long ago and could have protected you.”

If we had met earlier, I, the old Owen, would have kicked Sensei out.

So that was the best timing.

“Thank you very much. I’m so glad you’re my teacher, Katherina-sensei.”

I am truly grateful to Sensei for coming.

If it had been anyone else, I do not think I would have been so comfortable with them.

Unlike the other servants, Katherina-sensei has come here on a fixed term.

So, if I leave now, I do not know when I’ll see her again.

“Owen-sama, you’ve always called me Sensei.”

“Because I respect my Sensei. You are the best Sensei I’ve ever had! I am a lucky guy to have met you Sensei!”

Katherina-sensei tightens her hug on me.

“You are my precious student. You will experience many things in the future. You may have a hard time… but please do not forget me. I will always be on your side.”

Sensei’s shoulders were shaking.

The two and a half years full of fun I spent with Sensei flew by.

She taught me many important things.

“Yes…”

Sensei let go of me and gently patted my head.

Then she smiled at me with her bright red eyes.

She is beautiful.

I am talking about her heart, not her outer appearance.

She showed me affection, even though I was a complete asshole.

She was kind to me.

The days I spent with Sensei are truly precious memories.

Katherina-sensei.

Thank you so much.

“I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, take care.”

Thus, I departed Pepper’s house, with many people seeing me off.