What if you are reborn as a demon after a funeral?.

"...Don't be so nervous, just be natural."

The girl's nervous attitude convinced him once again that this was not the kind of attitude a normal family should have towards each other.

The proper approach would be to gently resolve the inner pain of this child who has suffered trauma, and then reach out to her heart; this would prevent her from becoming so reserved.

But whether it's numbness from living too long, or worry about getting too close, or some other issue... he's not quite able to do that.

He had tried everything he could, but after more than half a year, things were still the same, leaving him unsure of what to do to get the child closer to him.

So, gazing at the upright-sitting girl, he finally made up his mind, put down his book, and squatted down in front of her:

"Philen, did you have class today?"

"Yes, there was no special notification... Um, what's wrong?" Ash, who was always very busy and sometimes gone for three or four days, or even a week, was asking this question and showing concern for her school situation for the first time, which surprised Philon.

"It's nothing, it's just that I want to see an old friend. I was wondering if you could come with me?"

"Me...?" Philon asked, somewhat puzzled, but without much thought, she replied, "Of course."

"...Then choose a suitable opportunity to say goodbye to your friends first."

"Saying goodbye? Why?"

"That guy lives quite far away, in the holy capital of the central kingdoms."

His answer, given without a second thought, left Philon tilting his head in utter disbelief and confusion: "But isn't the Central Continent very close?"

"Actually, I'd like to stay there for another year or two...it's been a long time since we last met, um, that's about it." Ash gave a vague and casual excuse.

He felt he needed to wait until he found a suitable partner before explaining his true purpose to her, so that at least they could travel together and the journey would be much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Upon hearing this long number, Philon's eyes widened slightly, but she still offered no objection and silently nodded.

"I understand. Let's say goodbye today."

"Yes, I'll go with you, and I'll also tell your teacher."

"Thank you, Lord Ash."

"No need..."

Being treated so politely by the child made him feel a little uncomfortable, but he understood and didn't say anything.

In reality, Philon was also somewhat disappointed and reluctant to say goodbye to her friends, but being too sensible, she didn't say anything.

It's worth mentioning that Ash believes the biggest reason for their estrangement is that, from the time they met until now... Philon has never refused any of his requests, not even tentative ones, nor has he ever made any demands.

Afterwards, they went to school together, said goodbye, and temporarily withdrew from school. Everything was done in one go. Philen said goodbye to his friends, and he only had to say a few words to his second-level mage teacher to complete the communication regarding his suspension from school.

Of course, for the sake of his child's future, Ash also thought that after going to the Holy Capital, he would have to find a magic academy for her to attend.

..........................

..........................

On the carriage.

Unlike normal children who are excited about leaving the city, Philon just sat quietly on the ground.

Before even leaving the city, while passing through bustling streets... Having always lived in quiet neighborhoods, even the road to school was relatively remote, making it a long-awaited experience for her to step into the hustle and bustle of the city.

The bustling streets were lined with stalls selling a dazzling array of goods. The vibrant colors of meat and vegetables created a lively scene of everyday life, and the shouts of vendors added a touch of excitement and energy to the start of the journey.

The crowd and noise made Philon feel slightly uncomfortable, and he subconsciously moved closer to Ash.

But as the carriage moved on, her gaze was drawn to the silver leaf bookmarks sold by roadside vendors, and she found herself staring at them unconsciously.

When Ash noticed this, he thought for a moment, then stopped the carriage and looked at Philon, asking, "Is there anything you like?"

"...No, I'm just a little curious."

"It's alright, even if you just keep it as a souvenir, feel free to buy whatever you like."

Hearing this, Philon hesitated for a moment before replying softly:

"But... it's not good to spend money recklessly."

"Is this something a child should be thinking about?"

“…I’m sorry.” Philon lowered his head in frustration.

This seemed to stem from a fear of one's own feelings, which put Ash in a rather awkward position: "I'm not blaming you... anyway, why don't you just pick a few that you like?"

"but...."

"If you don't choose, I'll feel bad."

“Then…one will do.” Philon gripped his clothes tightly with both hands and hesitated before following him off the carriage.

Standing in front of the stall, she glanced at the bookmarks a couple more times without realizing it, but still picked the cheapest-looking one from among the many items: "This one."

"Really? But I think this one is better." He smiled helplessly and took off the silver bookmark that she had subconsciously been paying attention to earlier.

This made Philon stand there awkwardly, like a child who had done something wrong.

This reaction really gave him a headache, so he simply shoved the bookmark into her hand and ruffled her hair in the process.

"Alright, alright, don't think so much. Isn't it beautiful? And as long as you like it, that's all that matters."

"Thank you... I... I will definitely cherish it!"

Unexpectedly, these words, like warm sunshine, quietly dispelled Philon's unease and anxiety, replacing it with an indescribable warmth and happiness. She unconsciously hugged the bookmark tightly and nodded vigorously.

In fact, the main reason for her reservedness was that Ash was always busy with work, which made her know from a young age that making money was not easy.

As for the actual situation... she didn't really understand either.

She never asked, and Ash naturally never said anything either, otherwise he would have had to make up an excuse, right? So... their understanding became two parallel lines that did not interfere with each other.

Back in the carriage, Ash was still flipping through books, while Philon was carefully admiring the silver leaf in his hand, seemingly really liking it.

This caught Ash's attention, and he couldn't help but chuckle and pat her head, while Philon gave a shy smile.

—The two people’s understandings, though on parallel lines, seem to be able to barely make sense of each other.

..........................

After traversing mountains and rivers, the two arrived at the Holy City without any major incidents.

Instead of entering the city, they wandered in the nearby forest, searching for the cabin that was said to be not deep in the woods.

"...Lord Ash, do you really know where that friend is?"

Carrying her small suitcase, Philon, who had been walking in the forest for half an hour and whose little body was swaying uncontrollably, glanced around and couldn't help but say, "I feel like I've been here before."

"...You actually found out?"

"Could it be that Lord Ash did this on purpose?"

"Of course, as a mage, having a strong body is also very important!" Unable to find a way out, he made up a story to save face.

Philon sighed softly and lowered his head: "...This is the first time I've heard of this."

"What? This attitude? It must be because your teacher is incompetent that they don't know this."

"However, that's what the book says, and Professor Lies is already a Level 2 mage, second only to a Level 1 mage. It's rather impolite of you to say that..."

Faced with his assertion, Philon seemed somewhat embarrassed and cautiously suggested, "It's fine in the middle of nowhere, but if you were in the city, please try to avoid making similar remarks, because... people might misunderstand it as jealousy."

"...Why would I be jealous of a level two land mage?"

"Speaking of which, you're a mage too. What level are you now?"

"—You really need to rest. You can't exercise anymore. Let's fly up and see where we are!"

As a disciple of Celie, he had never thought about being evaluated. Suddenly faced with this question, he felt that saying there was no need to be evaluated would only be seen as bravado, so he awkwardly changed the subject and flew into the sky.

This made Philon shake his head and sigh softly: "...Is there no rating? Does Lord Ash really lack magical talent?"

I really should avoid mentioning these things as much as possible in the future, and...did I go a bit too far just now? —Philon prayed in her heart that Ash wouldn't be hurt, while regretting her careless words.

As for why she misunderstood him as weak, it was because she felt that Ash's magic seemed very weak.

Of course, in reality, even an apprentice like her couldn't see through Ash's crude concealment techniques.

Ash never boasted to her, and since she didn't ask, she naturally didn't say much either. After all... what's the point of boasting to a child? That would be too empty, wouldn't it?

He never expected that his self-esteem would be taken care of by a child who hadn't even grown up yet. So after ending the conversation, flying into the air and spotting the target, he didn't think much of it, landed back on the ground, picked up Philon, and flew to the cabin in the woods.

At that moment, black smoke was billowing from the chimney of the lonely cabin in the woods, clearly indicating that someone was cooking inside. The two of them could even smell the aroma of stewed beef and potatoes from outside the door.

"...Is that drunken monk drinking and eating meat again? Looks like we came at just the right time." Ash muttered to himself, then happily grabbed Philon's hand and stepped onto the stairs, intending to enjoy a long-awaited free meal.

On the other hand, Philon seemed a little worried... After all, they had come from afar, but they hadn't brought any local specialties or anything, yet they were thinking of freeloading. Was that really appropriate?

Chapter Seventy: Haita: Have some decency! (3K)

Haita's retirement home is a typical Western-style cottage.

It's not actually small, though; it looks like there are at least three or four rooms on each floor.

Although not luxurious, it is far from dilapidated, standing in a simple style with ivy climbing on the walls, and there is a small attic on the second floor.

There was also a separate well in front of the door, and a simple vegetable garden. In the autumn, the harvest season, Ash couldn't help but turn back before knocking on the door.

Before Philon could stop him, he casually picked a tomato, wiped it, and took a bite.

Philon looked on with worry at the sight:

"Lord Ash, it's really not right for you to pick and eat it without permission. It will definitely anger the owner of this place..."

"It's okay, he won't mind... But I still prefer cooked tomatoes, like scrambled eggs with tomatoes."

“Then don’t pick them in the first place…” Philon seemed somewhat troubled by his attitude.

"What are you talking about, Philon? Your friend actually grew vegetables! Of course, you have to try them right away! Hmm, something like that?"

"...I'm sorry, I don't understand at all."

"It's okay, you'll understand when you grow up."

"...Really?" Philon nodded with some doubt, but then, looking at the suitcases in their hands, she couldn't help but say:

"But Lord Ash, compared to that kind of thing, we didn't even bring any souvenirs. Is it really alright for us to visit like this...?"

"A souvenir?"