(I) The Uncle and the Lice
January 5, Year 3 Tuesday Weather: Clear
I woke up this morning sore all over, but it was not due to yesterday's contest with Karona, but rather the aftermath of draining all my magic power. This was the first time in over two years that I had used such a huge amount of magic at once, but in every adversity, there's a seed of equivalent or greater benefit. I realized that magic power is similar to physical strength and overuse can also lead to after-effects.
While feeding the fluff ball, I noticed it was convulsing in a corner and constantly rubbing its body against the wall. I pick it up, part its fur, and discovered that it has lice.
The lice were not numerous, but they were cunning. Their pale forms were well hidden under its silver fur, making it exceedingly hard to spot them. But I am a man who can see through all disguises!
Parasites who can't work for themselves and live off others' blood, be destroyed!
Afterward , I called Ilan to bathe the fluff ball.
The fluff ball was quite reluctant, so I warned it that if it didn't behave, we would have to shave off its beautiful silver fur.
With one threatening gesture of shaving, the fluff ball shivered immediately. It must have its pride as well.
Between two evils, choose the lesser. In the end, I let little Ilan scrub its body thoroughly with a horse brush.
"But why are there lice in the winter?" I asked.
Upon hearing my words, the fluff ball immediately shrinks its head.
With a sharp gaze, I stop my gaze on it and it immediately looks away, even attempting to whistle.
I slowly approach.
"Hmm? fluff ball? Are you hiding something from me?" I ask, trying to appear as intimidating as I can.
In the end, the sobbing fluff ball runs to a corner, lifts the dry grass on the floor, revealing a pile of food, some of which had rotten. Among the heap, even some white hairs were mixed, needless to say whose those were.
Fluff ball looks at me begging for forgiveness with teary eyes.
"Why hide food?" I ask, confused. At this moment, little Ilan tugs my robe.
"He's probably aware of his constant mischief, afraid that one day, you and big brother will drive him out." Ilan speaks in a desolate tone.
A pang of pain hits my heart.
"Don't worry, you and fluff ball, you are both part of this family," I reassure, stroking Ilan's head. The fluff ball immediately dashes towards us, crying.
"But one thing, you absolutely cannot hide things anymore."
(II) The Uncle and the Newspaper
January 7, Year 3 Thursday Weather: Clear
Lately, I've had the feeling that someone has been tailing me.
Although I could very well verify it, the manner of following indicates it is not an opponent that warrants caution.
The presence disappeared when I got near home, illustrating that the purpose is neither little Ilan nor fluff ball.
Some interesting matters were reported in today's newspaper.
In one article, the list of new recruits for the First Expeditionary Force was published, fourth place was taken by Nord, Bario. Quite impressive, that kid. The First Expeditionary Force is the main force on the front lines, typically the vanguard for difficult operations. But it made sense, Nord has eyes like a wolf, this job is probably very suitable for him.
The only thing that worries me is the double-edged sword I gave him. Although Nord praised the sword, it wasn't custom-made for him. Once, I held the confidence that I was the best swordsmith in the world, but now I can't help but worry-- will that sword be able to withstand high-level magic attacks, can it split the armor of a superior monster? On the battlefield, a weapon is a lifeline, but I gave Nord a sword that isn't trustworthy, which makes me upset.
These days I've never missed sword forging, producing dozens of failures every day.
Another news was about a noble purple jade plant in the village fetching a sky-high price at auction. A picture of the lavender shop owner Yazi was also printed in the newspaper. She is a classic beauty, with shoulder length hair and a charming smile. As she is only twenty-five, a bit younger than me, she is a formidable character that even I cannot deal with. Looking at her smile, I could never guess what she's thinking.
As the caretaker of that plant, I should receive a share of the profits, but due to an event where I secretly plucked its petals one night, to make arrows, I feel guilty and declined. Farewell, noble purple jade! I've enjoyed taking care of you!
Another piece of bad news for me is that the price of iron has risen. Although I occasionally provide free services, I'm still a businessman and need to consider production costs. The increase in iron isn't substantial but it's an unfavorable omen. Is it due to the increased demand for war against the demonic tribe? Anyway, the prices for my weapons will have to increase as well.
(III) The Uncle and the Cold Virus
January 12, Year 3, Tuesday, Gloomy weather
What a slip-up.
Who would have thought that long-term living in a magic-depleted state would actually lower immunity! When Ilan woke me from the basement last night, I looked at her tearful, hazy portrayal and realized sweat had soaked my shirt.
Staggering as I got up, my head was dizzy; it could have collapsed again at any time.
I couldn't simply regard it as an aftereffect of magic exhaustion. I suddenly realized that I probably caught a cold.
So, I closed up for business today and shivered wrapped in my quilt.
I haven't been sick even once since I reincarnated.
Ilan was all over the place, tidying up the room and overseeing the soup being cooked in the kitchen.
Although I said, "Let me take care of the cooking," Ilan firmly rejected it.
"Brother, please take a good rest. Ilan can handle these things."
I was lying on the bed. The corner of my eye caught the little fur ball pushing the door ajar, surreptitiously looking at me. Beneath it, there was a little white hair and a pair of green eyes, that's Karona. This morning Yazi brought Lisanae to visit me; soon after, the village chief also came to express his concern.
Really, just give me a break to rest well.
I closed my eyes, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
This time, I had a rather horrible dream — though it was more like replaying a video clip.
A rope hanging from the company's ceiling, a stiff body swaying in mid-air against a backdrop of bloody red and oppressing black.
Mockery, confusion, and grief filled the air with various scents.
One after another, grotesque and hideous faces mocked and distorted before me, transforming into fiends.
You bunch of bastards, even in this world, you won't let me off?
At the very moment when I gritted my teeth, I inexplicably became calm.
The cold sweat vanished without a trace, and my unease faded away.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw little Ilan earnestly wiping the sweat from my face with a damp cloth.
I took a deep breath, unsure how long I had slept, but the steaming soup was already served.
"I'm sorry... The little fur ball wanted to see brother, so I let it in..."
I looked to the other side. The little silver donkey was lying next to me, looking sad.
I reached over and patted its head. It woke up and affectionately licked my hand.
In the end, the three of us had the hot soup together.
