I was sleeping when I suddenly felt a sharp pain on my right side.
(Haru) "Ouch…!"
Then I heard someone laughing at me. When I opened my eyes, I realized I was lying on the floor again — which means I fell from my bed another time.
(Leon) "Gwahhahahahahahaaa!!"
That's my brother Leon.
Well… we're not related by blood — thank the gods.
He walked into my room, sat on my bed, scratched his head, and said,
(Leon) "Hey, Mr. Sleepyhead!"
"This is your third time falling off the bed this month. If you love the ground that much, you should just sleep on it. Then I can sell your bed and earn a few hundred Lumens."
He wants money to buy a sword.
He could just ask his grandfather to buy one, but Gaud hates the idea of him becoming a swordsman.
I don't know why Gaud don't like knights or something.
But honestly, I also don't want to stand out.
Even though I'm an elf, I don't have any extraordinary magic or immense physical power.
(Haru) "Huh? If you want money, then just get a job somewhere."
(Leon) "Are you…!!"
(Leon) "Hey, Mr. Dumb-Head, don't you know your age has to be 14 to get a paying job? I'm 12! If I work under merchants or anywhere else, they'll just give me food… not real money."
This is the first time I've heard such a rule.
(Haru) "I didn't know this kind of rule even existed…"
(Leon) "That's… Wait. How many times have you gone outside our land?"
(Haru) "What are you saying? I went to the market last—"
I spoke without thinking.
Actually, I went a few months ago with Gaud.
(Leon) "Great! Then tell me which day? Which week? Which month? Because this rule was introduced two months ago."
I knew I wasn't going to win this argument, so I changed the subject.
(Haru) "Why did you come here this morning?"
He started checking inside his clothes, pulled out a sheet of paper, and handed it to me.
For some reason… I had a bad feeling about it.
(Haru) "What's this?"
I asked bluntly.
(Leon) "Our village got chosen for a new training camp."
(Haru) "Training camp? What kind o—"
Before I could finish, he jumped off the bed and started talking with shining eyes and the huge smile he only makes when eating high-quality meat.
(Leon) "A training camp where we can learn to become excellent swordsmen! After I become a professional swordsman, I'll serve the Empire and fight in battles! And maybe someday I'll meet my destined wife. Don't worry, I won't abandon you after getting married!"
He started daydreaming about becoming a veteran swordsman before even touching a real sword.
But I envy him… he has a dream — something useful, something noble.
But I have doubts whether he actually has the skills needed to become a swordsman.
I know he has the spirit, but physical strength is also a crucial factor.
Still, if he takes this training camp seriously, it might help him get one step closer to his goals.
(Leon) "Not only physical training! The instructors are gonna teach magic control, and how to keep your mind stable even after exhausting all your mana!"
That's a great opportunity for him.
But I still doubt Gaud will allow him to join the camp.
(Haru) "Let's pray for it…"
I murmured under my breath.
(Leon) "In three days, the camp will start in the forest near Nera Village. People from the nearby villages are also coming, and the kids from our own village are excited to join too!"
I feel bad for him, because I don't think there's any possibility that Gaud will allow him.
Suddenly, my stomach growled.
(Leon) "Get up! Grandpa is waiting for us to have breakfast."
After that, we left my room.
I went to wash my face — because if I didn't, I might fall asleep again.
I walked toward the backyard, where the well stood.
I dropped the bucket inside and pulled the rope up with both hands.
After splashing the cold water on my face, all my drowsiness disappeared immediately.
The crop fields were shining softly under the morning sun.
A gentle breeze brushed past me, sending a shiver down my spine.
(Haru) "Winter is coming soon…"
(Gaud) "Haru! Come here, let's have breakfast together!"
I heard Gaud's voice calling from behind me.
(Haru) "Coming!"
When I entered the dining room, there was bread, honey, and fresh fruits laid out on the table.
My hunger completely took over.
I instantly sat down and took a big bite of honey-soaked bread.
(Leon) "Oi, oi… take it slow."
(Gaud) "Hahahaha! Young people should eat a lot."
"You should learn from him, Leon. If you don't eat enough, you'll never grow. And if you don't grow, how will you manage my farms and fields in the future?"
Leon stopped chewing his bread, glaring with frustration.
(Leon) "Huh?! I'm a human. I can only eat until I'm full! I don't have a monster stomach like Haru who can digest anything he eats!"
"And one more thing! My future goal is to become a swordsman. I have no intention of taking over your farms or your fields!"
I somehow felt bullied after hearing his words about my stomach, but I could also feel that he truly didn't want to be a farmer. He was desperately trying to convince his grandfather, frustrated because Gaud kept shutting down his dream of becoming a swordsman.
(Gaud) "Huh! How many times do I need to tell you? We're commoners—we don't wield swords. We live a quiet, happy life, and that's more than enough for us."
After hearing Gaud's words, Leon stood up from his chair. I knew something was going to happen, so I pulled my plate closer and started eating faster.
(Leon) "What does it matter if we're commoners or nobles? I'm not giving up on my dream to become a swordsman and be of use to our country!"
I suddenly started thinking, 'Where did this kid even learn to say things like this at his age?'
(Leon) "I'm going to join the training camp to improve my swordsmanship!"
(Gaud) "You're joining what? Do you even know how to swing a sword at an enemy? And you're talking about joining a training camp?"
By the way—even if he doesn't know how to swing a sword, that's exactly why the word training exists! I didn't know Gaud's brain cells were unable to grasp such a simple concept. Why doesn't he just give Leon a chance? It's the safest option for him—not to get hated by his grandchild in his old age, and also to let Leon chase his dream of becoming a knight. Even if he fails, at least he tried.
(Gaud) "Fine. I'll give you one first and last chance to prove you're capable of what you're saying."
Huh? I didn't expect him to agree so easily. Wait… is it possible this old man can read my mind?
(Leon) "Hey… hey Haru, pinch me if I'm dreaming!"
I threw the empty bowl at his head.
(Leon) "What are you doing, you empty-headed elf?!"
(Haru) "I just wanted to make sure you're not dreaming. Pinching won't make an impact—when you're asleep even a crab could pinch you and you wouldn't react. So, to make a significantly greater impact, I threw the bowl. Now you know you're awake."
Leon somehow controlled his rage toward me, then turned back to Gaud.
(Leon) "I'll… I'll ask again. Is it really true that I can join the training camp?"
He looked at Gaud with hopeful eyes.
(Gaud) "Yes. But remember—this is your first and last chance. If you fail to be the best from our village, then the next day you're helping me and Haru harvest the crops."
(Leon) "Thanks, Grandpa, for giving me this chance! I promise I won't lose either, because I don't like farming and stuff."
(Haru) "Then why do you eat food?" I whispered quietly.
(Leon) "Haru, did you say something?"
(Haru) "Nothing!! It was something your brain can't process," I muttered under my breath.
(Leon) "Grandpa! Haru is being mean again. We should punish him, or he'll never stop."
Gaud nodded his head in agreement.
When Leon saw that Gaud was actually willing to punish me, his eyes widened like someone kicked him in the balls.
(Haru) "Heh?... What did I even do?"
(Leon) "You've done countless wrong things! First— you don't respect people older than you. Second— you think your decisions are always right. Third— you hurt others without hesitation. Mainly— you're a SELFISH BUG!"
(Haru) "Grandpa!!"
I looked at him with teary, pitiful eyes, but Gaud turned his face away, refusing to look at me directly.
(Haru) "Tch! This is the first time my attack didn't hit its target…" I grumbled.
(Gaud) "Haru, you're growing. So try to speak politely when talking to your elders. Otherwise, others will hate you. Everyone isn't like me or Leon— so be polite and be kind."
(Haru) "Okay… but selfishness is a natural instinct. Necessary to survive."
(Gaud) "You're right. But there must be a balance between selfishness and generosity.
Yes, you need selfishness to live— but what will you do if no one accepts you because of it? You'll end up lonely."
"That's why you must be both selfish and generous— to survive yourself, and to live together with society."
Gaud mentally praised himself: Wow… I said something really wise.
Honestly, compared to other elves known for rudeness and antisocial behavior, Haru's words are just light teasing.
(Leon) "Grandpa, I have an idea to improve his behavior."
(Haru) "Huh… your brain is functioning pretty well today, don't you think?"
(Leon) "What if we join the training camp together?"
(Haru) "Hey, hey, hey… big bro, why are you saying such mean things to me?"
(Leon) "See, Grandpa? His tone suddenly became so polite after hearing 'training camp.'"
(Gaud) "If I think carefully… yes, it might help him socialise with people.
Maybe he'll even make friends. But there's a problem— people don't usually see an elf. They'll be surprised to find one living among humans."
(Leon) "It's fine! The camp only has people from our village and nearby villages. It won't be a big deal."
(Gaud) "Just make sure you don't hurt others."
(Leon) "Don't worry— I'll tell everyone he's a harmless elf."
(Haru) "Huh… is that a compliment or criticism?"
(Leon) "Take it however you want."
(Haru) "I'm not joining anyway."
Then Leon suddenly burst into laughter.
(Leon) "Gwahhahhahaa!!"
I had a very bad feeling about that laugh.
(Leon) "Don't worry! I already submitted both our names and our address."
"If you don't go after applying, they'll come to your house and drag you there."
Damn this kid already set up everything.
Even if the old geezer didn't give permission, he made sure we BOTH are going to the camp.
I swear… my presence must be influencing his brain to function properly.
(Gaud) "This is definitely the effect of Haru's company," he murmured quietly.
After breakfast, we all stepped out of the room.
With his grandfather's permission, Leon immediately began practicing with his wooden sword.
Gaud was preparing his carriage to go to the market in the nearby village, and I wandered into the fields, walking through the middle of the crops.
They were swaying gently with the breeze, dancing like waves. Not a single cloud floated in the sky.
It was an extraordinarily beautiful scene.
Above — a limitless blue sky.
Below — golden crops rippling in the wind.
My mind always feels refreshed whenever I see a view like this.
A few hours passed. I finished all my work, and it was almost evening. Then I went to check what Leon was doing.
But after searching everywhere, I couldn't find him anywhere on our land.
Just then, I heard the sound of Gaud's carriage returning, so I went over.
(Gaud) "Haru, hold this."
He handed me a basket full of vegetables. It was so heavy that I nearly fell backward while trying to catch it.
(Gaud) "Have you finished all the work I gave you?"
(Haru) "Most of it."
(Gaud) "What happened?"
Gaud had told me to teach Leon how to use healing magic, since that's the only magic I know. Healing magic is necessary during battles or even during training. But honestly, I think the camp will teach us healing magic anyway.
(Haru) "After finishing my other work, I went to look for Leon, but he was nowhere to be found. That's why I couldn't teach him anything."
(Gaud) "He wasn't at home? I asked him to help you with the other work, but he ran away."
(Haru) "I think he'll return once his hunger strikes back."
(Gaud) "Fine. For now, you need to help me prepare dinner."
(Haru) "Okay."
After that, we both walked toward the kitchen to start preparing dinner.