Chapter 90 Good Night
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Even as I ate, my thoughts were consumed by one thing—how to contain the concept of that sword. Breakfast today was an omelet and sausage, a lettuce and onion salad, and tomato soup.
Using chopsticks, I broke into Ichika’s omelet, and thick cream cheese oozed out. I placed it on my rice and took a bite. The half-cooked egg’s richness mixed with the tangy cream cheese, enhanced by salt and pepper, creating a delicious flavor. Next, I picked up a sausage. As I bit into it, juice burst out, almost spilling from my mouth onto the table. I quickly caught it with my rice bowl. Juicy sausage has been a favorite of mine since my previous life. I’m convinced there are very few men who dislike it.
With my mouth still tasting of egg and sausage juice, I took a bite of lettuce and onion. Their moisture refreshed my palate, and their crisp texture provided a nice contrast.
After the refreshing vegetables, I sipped the warm tomato soup, enjoying Ethelena’s Baral family recipe. The soup combined finely minced leftover onion from the salad with tomatoes, enhancing their sweetness. Cooking softened the tomato’s acidity, and grated apple with a touch of fresh cream added a secret richness, making it easy to drink. The nutritious ingredients seemed to energize me, though food rarely has such quick effects.
While bread would’ve been tasty, my Japanese soul craves white rice. Its flavor feels just right, and I wonder why my tongue remembers it so vividly after such a long time without it.
Meanwhile, Hinagiku-san was under strict supervision by her mother-in-law. Apparently, she or her husband had made a mistake, and the older woman was determined to educate her properly. Hinagiku’s kind nature should help her adapt, but parental guidance is understandable. Yohira, too, seemed to be receiving thorough education after last night’s events.
Lost in thought, I must’ve looked at Yohira, because when our eyes met, she mouthed ‘Pervert.’ She’d clearly read my mind.
Avoiding Yohira’s gaze, I met Ichika’s eyes. She blushed deeply and looked away. Normally, she’d tease me, but her embarrassment about last night was adorable.
The Hizuru group’s cute reactions warmed my heart. Ethelena, sitting beside me, tapped my thigh with her tail. Remembering last night, she seemed aroused, and as bonded partners, her body began to respond. Thinking such thoughts during meals would likely earn me a scolding, so tonight would be a make-up session.
When Tatia arrived, I entrusted Ethelena, Yohira, Ichika, and the recently oversleeping Dahlia to her care and sent them to the dungeon.
Ethelena asked for a goodbye kiss, and I obliged in front of everyone, both of us blushing. Yohira then turned my face and kissed me too, looking smug despite her red face. Ethelena smiled fondly at her, reminding me of Yohira’s charm. Too shy to kiss, Ichika hugged me instead, her happiness flaring briefly before she corrected herself. Tonight, I’d hold her until she relaxed completely.
In a moment of carelessness, Tatia approached, cupped my head, and pressed her forehead against mine. The unusual gesture froze me for a second. After about ten seconds, she pulled away, her face bright red but satisfied.
In the distance, I thought I saw a man in black armor with red hair, but it was likely my imagination. The feeling of him cursing with tears of blood? Probably my imagination too. I’d rather not feel my father’s resentment.
Before Dahlia could act, I saw the group off and prepared the house for the idiot and his siblings. I locked the workshop, forge, and shop area first, then each private room. Ethelena’s room, with its erotic books, and Father’s study, with potentially sensitive material, were secured. Ichika once took a romance novel from the study, trying to learn to read, and it caused her distress. I’ve considered using that in my dialect, but I hesitate to push her if she ever says anything suggestive.
For now, dangerous areas are off-limits. The bath is safe, and the sisters can use the hinoki bath. If allowed, the twins could use it too, with supervision. I might suggest it to the idiot as a welfare benefit.
Preparations complete, I waited for the siblings to arrive.
”Tatara-san, you’ve been quite busy?” I heard.
”Well, since the guests are children under ten. I want to eliminate the possibility of them wandering into dangerous rooms.”
”I see… Then why the private rooms?”
”…Ethelena’s room contains inappropriate books.”
”Understood. That was a wise decision.”
I felt a strange understanding. Yohira has a brother too; I wonder if he’s ever hidden such things. I wouldn’t want my mother finding erotic books and understanding them.
Just then, the doorbell rang. At the gate, I saw the idiot with three small figures beside him.
”Morning!” he called out.
”Yo! Let’s have a good day today! Come on, you guys—”
”Good morning, Tatara-chan!” the third sister chirped.
”Good morning, Tatara-niichan!” the twins shouted.
”Yes, good morning,” I replied.
I received energetic greetings from the idiot and his three siblings. I had to ensure they didn’t get involved in their brother’s training or disciplined by their mother.
”Do you need a tracksuit?” I asked.
”Yeah, I’ll borrow one. Can I use the bath?”
”No problem. After you change, go to the garden and stretch.”
I took a tracksuit from my inventory and handed it to the idiot. He headed straight for the changing room as if he knew the place well. Having visited as a child, he knew the house layout well.
”Tatara-chan, Tatara-chan!”
”Yes, what is it?”
”Is Ethel-chan not here today?”
”She’s out exploring.”
”Oh, really?”
”Yes, that’s right.”
”Then today, Tatara-chan is my husband!”
I laughed. “I guess so, huh?”
At just five years old, she says such precocious things. She has a different aura than the girls called ‘girls’ these days. It’s probably just admiration for an older brother. Their eldest sister has also recently started calling me Tatara-san instead of Tatara-kun. She used to call me Tatara-kun, the same as her second brother.
”Tatara-niichan!” one of the twins called out.
”What is it?”
”Niichan, why did you come to Tatara-niichan’s house today?”
”It’s for sword practice today. Your big brother is trying to get stronger.”
”Is that so!” the twins exclaimed.
The twins always speak and act together, their identical skills synchronizing their minds.
When the twins asked to be held, I sighed. I’m not dexterous enough to hold both at once, so I placed them on my left and right shoulders. The twins happily cheered and clung to my head… They were quite gentle, not poking my eyes.
”Ah, Tatara-chan, Tatara-chan! Me too!” the third sister called out.
”Sorry, I can’t carry any more than this.”
”Aww!” she pouted.
It hurt a little to refuse her request. I’ve heard that it can be tough for younger siblings when they don’t get attention first, due to sibling relationships. She’ll have to wait her turn.
We walked from the entrance through the living room to the veranda. In the garden, Hinagiku-san was wearing her tracksuit. Beside her was my mother-in-law, as usual, in her traditional Japanese attire.
”Oh, Tatara-san,” she said. “Are these the children?”
”Yes, they are. All three of you, go on and greet them properly.”
”Yes!” they chimed in unison.
I lowered the twins from my shoulders and lined them up, with the third sister in the center.
”Please take good care of our big brother today!!” they shouted.
”Yes, you’ve asked so politely, that’s wonderful. I am Kasumi,” my mother-in-law said. “Now, Hinagiku.”
”Yes, Madam. I am Hinagiku, the one who will teach your brother katana techniques. Pleased to meet you,” she said with stiff formality.
I sighed inwardly. Hinagiku-san, you can’t use such stiff and difficult words with children; they won’t understand.
”Toojutsu?” one of the twins asked, tilting their head.
”It means how to use a sword,” I explained. “What Hinagiku-san teaches is a sword technique from a faraway land.”
”Wow, that’s amazing!”
”Yeah, it’s amazing!” they exclaimed, their eyes sparkling. They probably didn’t understand what was so amazing about it. They likely just thought ‘faraway land’ was impressive. It’s still better than them having completely nonsensical conversations, as children can sometimes do.
”Kasumi-san’s clothes look weird!” one of them blurted out.
Kasumi chuckled. “Hehe, you don’t see clothes like these around here, do you? Where I live, these are fashionable. You’ll get used to them soon, alright?”
”I see, they’re very pretty!”
”Thank you very much.”
My mother-in-law, experienced with children, understood ‘weird’ meant unfamiliar. Her patient explanations showed her skill as an etiquette teacher.
Hinagiku-san looked out of place, watching us interact with the children. Her usual vigor was gone, and her stiff speech likely scared the children. I hoped she was okay.
”Sorry to keep you waiting! I’m ready for today, Teacher!” came a loud voice from the veranda.
Turning, I saw the idiot in a blue tracksuit matching Hinagiku-san’s. The sleeves were long, but he’d grow into it quickly.
He immediately started stretching, and the third sister and the twins mimicked him. My mother-in-law smiled but corrected their stretches to prevent injury. She taught them carefully, and they followed obediently. Their athletic ability must be genetic.
After warming up, they began practicing forms, continuing from yesterday. Hinagiku-san meticulously corrected each of the five stances. Seeing the idiot’s body stiffen every time Hinagiku-san touched him made me smile a little, but he probably didn’t have the composure to notice.
The twins mimicked the five stances after stretching. My mother-in-law adjusted their movements. They inherited farmer skills, so she taught them the downward swing, useful for hoeing, embodying a true teacher’s role.
”Tatara-chan! Tatara-chan, aren’t you going to do it too?” the third sister asked.
”I’m bad at it, so they’d yell at me,” I replied.
”Really!” she asked, blinking.
”Yes, really.”
Calmys-san once said, ‘If fighting people, run.’ I have no combat talent, so swordsmanship is pointless. Thankfully, it’s only against people; otherwise, I couldn’t explore. I’m terrible with any weapon but a hammer, which Calmys-san called ‘a kind of talent,’ almost breaking my spirit.
”Tatara-chan, I want to draw!” the third sister suddenly announced.
”Sure, do you have paper and something to write with?”
”Yes, I do! Here!” she said, producing drawing paper and crayons.
I remember these crayons. I made them long ago, and the female City Mayor patented them. Initially toys for children due to charcoal’s difficulty, they unexpectedly became a genre rivaling oil painting, making me anxious. Now, they’re popular among children and aspiring artists.
”You can use my crayons too, Tatara-chan!”
”Thank you, I’ll borrow some then.”
Accepting her offer, I trimmed the tip of a crayon with my knife. I made a makeshift palette out of leftover mithril to keep the powders from mixing and separated them. I don’t use brushes; I dip my fingers in the crayon powder and draw on the paper. My subject is the third sister, who is drawing with me. Instead of her current pose, I’ll draw her usual smile directed at me.
I enjoy finger painting; it feels softer than using a brush. Using fingertips and palms, I drew the third sister, adjusting light and shadow with touch. Each finger used a different color, and layering created new shades, perfect for her portrait.
Glancing over, I saw the third sister drawing intently, tongue out. She seemed to be drawing a black-haired person, her effort adorable. Her bright brown hair, like her brother’s, was braided with a white ribbon—a simple yet thoughtful gift from caring parents. I incorporated today’s fashion and finished in 20 minutes. The realistic drawing, though harshly colored with crayons and fingers, captured her toothy smile and bright personality. I was proud of it.
”Tatara-chan, I finished!” she exclaimed.
”Oh, really?”
”Yes, you finished too, right?”
”I did. Shall we show each other?”
”Yes, let’s!”
When the third sister announced she was finished, I suggested we compare drawings, and she responded with delight. Children seem to want their creations praised, so I’ll praise her a lot.
”Look! I drew you, Tatara-chan!” she said, showing me the paper.
On the paper was a person with black hair holding a large hammer—me. It’s a drawing of a stick figure with a little added flesh, as expected of a five-year-old, but she accurately reproduced my hairstyle, showing considerable talent.
”Wow, that’s great. Have you been practicing a lot at home?” I asked.
”Hehe, yeah!” she said, her face blushing with joy.
I praised her effort without specifics, making her blush happily. I wondered if Ethelena would jealously squeeze me if she saw this.
”Show me your drawing too, Tatara-chan!”
”Okay, here it is… Ta-da.”
”Whoa! It’s me!!” she gasped, her eyes sparkling.
It seems she liked it. Her wonder was a blessing, and I felt glad I drew it.
”Do you want it? I can give it to you,” I offered.
”Really!? I want it!!”
”Okay, then wait a moment.”
I took out Orc Material and a small Mana Stone, using my ‘Crafting’ skill to make a frame. I assembled it without nails, using wedges instead of adhesive, and applied a preservative with crushed Mana Stone. A thin Mana Stone plate served as glass. I placed the drawing inside and gave it to her.
”Wow, wow!” she exclaimed.
”Did you like it?”
”Yes!” she chirped, clutching it happily.
Her happiness made me glad I’d drawn it.
”Nee-chan, what’s that?” the twins called out to the third sister.
They seemed to have gotten bored of learning the basics of swordsmanship. My mother-in-law was watching them with a wry smile.
”Tatara-chan drew it for me! Look!”
”Whoa, it’s Nee-chan!” the twins exclaimed in unison.
Seeing that scene, I felt a sense of relief and warmth.
”You’re truly skilled, Tatara-san,” my mother-in-law said, peeking from behind the twins, her voice filled with surprise.
”I’m good at drawing realistically, but whether it’s art is debatable,” I replied.
”I believe realistic drawing is also a form of art,” she said.
”I think your ukiyo-e is more artistic, Mother,” I said.
As I watched the third sister and the twins chatter excitedly, my mother-in-law and I exchanged conversation. Speaking of which, I wonder what happened to that ukiyo-e I gave her as a wanted sketch?
”Let me show it to Big Brother too!” one of the twins said.
”No, you can’t. Big Brother is training right now,” the other twin replied.
It’s impressive he stopped his brother from interrupting. That child is amazing.
”Let’s show it to him when he takes a break. Big Brother is still working hard right now.”
”…Okay…” the older twin replied, looking dejected.
He’s a good listener, which is helpful.
”Yes, you’re a good listener, so you’re great,” I said, patting the older twin’s head.
”Wha!?” he squeaked, surprised by the sudden action, but then he smiled.
”You too, you were great for stopping your big brother,” I said, patting the younger twin’s head.
”…Heheh…” he giggled happily.
When I have children, I want to praise them properly. It might seem like practice, but I want to get used to it.
”Shall we draw while Big Brother takes a break?”
”Hmm… no!” they both replied.
They refused to draw. But I don’t really have toys prepared either.
”Tatara-chan! I want to help you!” the third sister suddenly said.
”Me?” I blinked.
”Nee-chan is cheating!” the twins shouted.
While I was bewildered by the third sister’s proposal, the twins also wanted to participate. I don’t think there’s much they can do to help me… No, maybe if I talk to them, something will come up.
”Even if you say ‘help,’ there’s nothing in particular right now,” I said.
”Eh!?” they all cried out in disappointment.
Their disappointed faces were so cute that my mother-in-law hid her mouth and smiled. I also smiled at their expressions, but what should we talk about?
”Well… I’d be happy if you could teach me something,” I said.
”What is it?” they asked, their eyes full of curiosity.
My current dilemma: I wondered if they had ideas for a scabbard to hold the blade. It would be interesting.
”There’s a very strong, wild dragon. It thrashes around wildly whenever you try to touch it. How can I touch it…? What would you all do?” I asked.
”Dragon!?” they exclaimed.
”Yes, a dragon. It’s a dragon. What would you do if you wanted to touch it…?” I asked.
”I know! I’ll be friends with it!!” the older twin shouted, raising both hands.
”Friends, huh? That’s a good idea,” I said.
Becoming friends with the dragon and touching it—a hopeful idea. I’d like to befriend a dragon too. It would be funny if karma made it marry into my family.
”I’d give it lots of food and pet it when it can’t move anymore!” the younger twin said hesitantly.
”That’s true, if you eat a lot of food, you can’t move anymore, can you?” I said.
Dragons are big eaters, but a young one might eat like a child. Feeding it until full would let you pet it—a cute idea.
It might not work for the blade, but their ideas were heartwarming. My mother-in-law seemed moved, smiling naturally. She’d make a great nursery teacher.
”Tatara-chan, Tatara-chan! I figured it out!” the third sister suddenly exclaimed.
”Oh? What did you figure out?”
”How to touch the dragon!”
I became interested in the third sister’s words. I wonder what fun story I’ll hear next?
”How would you do that?”
”You see, you sing a song to make the dragon fall asleep!”
”I see, you put the dragon to sleep with a song.”
Indeed, there are several legends where dragons are put to sleep by listening to songs. In a past work, there was an episode where the heroine reunited with a dragon she separated from as a child, and by singing the lullaby she used to sing, the dragon laid its head on her lap and slept. It might be very effective for a dragon… Wait, put to sleep?
Something clicked in my memory—my past life. The sword that carves death and its ‘sleep’ sheath. Could this be usable?
”Tatara-chan, what’s wrong?” she asked.
”I see, putting it to sleep…”
”Tatara-chan?” she said, puzzled.
”Thank you, you’ve helped me immensely! Mother Kasumi!!”
”Eh, Tatara-san!?” I called out to my mother-in-law, patting the third sister’s head. My chest was burning with excitement. To test this idea, I needed her cooperation.
”Please teach me the ‘Sleep’ Spell Formula!” I exclaimed.
”Suddenly, what… what have you thought of?” she asked.
”A way to deal with that blade! I don’t know if it can interfere with a conceptual weapon, but it seems like a starting point!” I said.
Seeing my excitement, my mother-in-law also became serious. If this works, I can finally turn that blade into a sword.
”Why ‘sleep,’ exactly? What did you think of?” she asked.
”I’ll create a sheath with the concept of ‘slumber,’” I explained. “When the target is sealed inside, it will be put to sleep on a scale of existence. That way, the blade will not exert its concept or its sharpness and will remain dormant inside the blade—”
”It can be managed by human hands… I see,” she murmured.
My mother-in-law’s expression also became serious. The problem is that the sheath’s concept must be stronger than the blade’s concept, otherwise it would be meaningless.
”Do you have any catalysts for interference?” she asked.
”I’ll melt down the mithril fragments that fell off during forging and use them. Since they came from the same ingot, they should be able to interfere with each other,” I replied.
They’ll become like twins who share blood, like twins separated from the same origin. The question is how to compensate for the conceptual strength. The current weight of the blade is 1.5 kg. Even if the original 5 kg was impure and 3.5 kg of mithril fell off, if I can use 2 kg of it, and it’s 500g heavier than the blade, the weight of existence might compensate for the concept.
”Sorry, the three of you. I need to start crafting now, so please wait patiently,” I said.
”Tatara-chan, I want to help!” the third sister cried.
As I was about to start working, the third sister eagerly offered to help. I appreciate her affection, but not this time. The forge is dangerous, and if my concentration is broken, it could lead to an accident. I can’t let this child get hurt.
”Sorry, I can’t let you help with this,” I said gently.
”Ugh… but Kasumi-sensei can help, right?” she asked.
”No, even Teacher can’t,” I said, seeing my mother-in-law silently shake her head. She can’t help, and she probably wouldn’t want to observe our crafting process, let alone participate.
”Then, let’s wait here with Teacher, okay?” Kasumi said softly.
”Ugh… okay…” she mumbled.
”That’s right. If you wait patiently, I’ll make something for you,” I added.
”Really!?”
”Yes, I promise. But if you break your promise, I won’t make anything for anyone, okay?”
”Okay!!” they all yelled.
Yes, it’s good that they’re energetic. I need to find out what they want, but since they’ve given me a hint for my own creation, it’s a small price to pay.
”Tatara-san, here,” my mother-in-law said, handing me two pieces of paper. “This is my sleep curse incantation and the spell formula for sleep magic. If you can break down the principles and understand them, Tatara-san, you should be able to create it, right?”
”Thank you,” I said, receiving the papers detailing the sleep incantation and spell formula.
Even though the technical systems are different, if I can find commonalities between the magic theories, I should be able to extract the concept.
I entered the forge and took out the mithril fragments from the scrap bin that I had put off processing after forging the blade until this morning. Among the impurities, I used my ‘Crafting’ skill to gather only the mithril fragments and generate an ingot. I obtained 3 kg of pure mithril ingot. That’s much more than I expected. Perhaps it’s because it’s from a dungeon, but either way, I was lucky.
”…Tatara, what about the children?” my master called out.
”With Mother Kasumi. Master, I think I can make a sheath for that blade.”
My master frowned. “Tell me more.”
When I explained about the sheath with the concept of ‘sleep,’ my master put her hand to her forehead and looked up at the sky.
”I see. So that was the expanded interpretation,” she said.
”Master, do you think this will work?” I asked.
”The only issue is the strength of the concept. Later, praise that child immensely,” she said.
With my master’s encouragement, I approached the task with confidence. The method of making the sheath is completely different from the usual way. I’ll make the outer metal part first, and then the inner wooden part that holds the blade, which is the reverse. Otherwise, the sheath would easily be cut. Come to think of it, there’s also the option of making it from synthetic resin instead of wood. That might be easier to make than carving wood.
Facing the 3 kg mithril ingot, I stopped working and took out the paper my mother-in-law gave me. Although there are only two systems, they contain the knowledge of a woman who explored the laws that govern the world. I must decipher and understand them. The common laws, the meaning contained within. Why sleep? What does sleep bring?
Sleep brings peace and tranquility, promotes healing and growth. When parents put their children to sleep, they often wish for their growth. I once saw research suggesting that sleep magic began with a parent’s lullaby to their child. If I am to imbue the conceptual weapon’s sheath with sleep, it requires the wish for the contained blade to rest.
Yes, why had I overlooked this? Conceptual weapons eventually gain life, and possess wills, whether strong or weak. If that’s the case, then the sheath should be a place where those wills can rest and be at peace. Sleep’s core is ‘peace,’ ‘rest,’ and well-being. I’ll forge the mithril, wishing the sheath becomes a safe haven for the blade.
I continued forging as usual, hammering and folding. As I repeatedly folded it, a lullaby unconsciously came out of my mouth. I don’t know why I was singing, but I couldn’t stop. I worked for over an hour, singing continuously.
The smooth mithril was bent into a cylindrical sheath, with a 4 cm cavity for the wooden blade holder. The spine and bevel were partially exposed from the habaki side. The outer sheath, slightly over 2 meters long, was formed. Appraising it, I saw the ‘serene sleep’ concept attached.
This is a good sign. I moved to the workshop and carefully picked up the blade sitting on the workbench. Holding it by the spine, I gently slid it into the sheath without touching the blade.
”…Oh my god!” I breathed.
After the Katana Blade was fully inserted, I took a few deep breaths and lifted the sheath. I only heard the high-pitched sound of metal against metal, but the sheath was not cut.
”…Damn, I succeeded!!” I exclaimed.
I had been holding my breath from tension, and I couldn’t help but shout out.
”Tatara, how did it go?” my master asked, having followed me from the forge, likely worried.
I showed her the sheathed blade and conveyed my success.
”For now, it worked. I’ll add the hilt and other parts later, and I plan to work on the inside of the sheath as well.”
”I see. You worked hard,” my master said, appreciating me with a rare, gentle smile. Those words almost made me cry. I had achieved a tangible result.
—
Childhood friend’s family calling methods for Tatara:
Eldest brother (idiot) → Tatara
Second son (16) → Tatara-kun
Eldest daughter (15) → Tatara-san
Second daughter (13) → Tatara-kun
Third daughter (5) → Tatara-chan
Twins (3) → Tatara-niichan
Father (36) · Mother (36) → Tatara-kun
Childhood friend’s parents did not proceed to higher education and married immediately after completing compulsory education. They had their eldest son shortly after. In this world, this age difference between parent and child is normal. The idiot’s name will be revealed in the main story later.
Notes:
• Ichika – The fox girl. Kunoichi.
• Hinagiku – A tengu woman as Ranka’s potential companion. She stays with Tatara’s group after travels. Joins household scenes only. Linked to Ranka by shared gluttony jokes. No direct tie to Tatara beyond cohabitation. Cheerful eater.
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Dahlia – The automaton.
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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