Chapter 248 - Christina — Into the Unknown

My name is Christina.

Everyone calls me Tina.

I'm seven years old.

I'm the daughter of Rudeus Greyrat.

And the most popular person at the academy.

Well, I didn't say that myself. Everyone else did.

I think they're completely right.

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The Morning Send-Off Ritual

Every morning before I leave, I find Papa in the living room first.

All I have to do is say "Papa, do your best today too~" and his whole face lights up.

Today was no different.

"Papa, do your best today too~"

I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

His expression went soft and warm immediately.

Aisha Mama sat beside him, shaking her head over her tea.

"Brother, Tina has you completely domesticated."

"No I don't?"

Papa's mouth argued. His hands had already pulled me onto his lap.

Mama poked her head out from the kitchen.

"Tina, if you don't eat breakfast now, you'll be late."

"Coming!"

I jumped down from Papa's lap and ran my hand through his hair on the way past.

"Papa's hair is really smooth today."

"Thank you for noticing~"

"I'll pet it again when I get home tonight."

"...Why does that sound like checking a pet's coat?"

I didn't answer. I hummed a little tune and ran off to eat.

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The academy is actually pretty fun.

Classes can be boring sometimes, but the other kids are great.

Everyone really likes me.

I know exactly why.

Because... I'm cute!

The other part is Papa.

I don't mind that at all, though.

Being Papa's daughter is a pretty sweet deal.

This morning, for example. The second I walked into the classroom, someone had already pulled out my chair. Someone else got me water. Someone else took my bag and laid out my books.

"Tina! Sit here!"

"No, over here, next to me!"

"Teacher isn't here yet, hurry up!"

I gave it two seconds of serious thought.

Then I sat by the window.

Best sunlight.

I walked over and smiled at everyone.

"Thanks for the offers. I'm good here. Let's all do our best in class today~"

I'm only seven, but people just listen to me for some reason.

Kind of amazing, honestly.

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Clape

The person I like teasing most is named Clape.

He's Uncle Cliff and Aunt Elinalise's son.

Black hair, little glasses, and he talks in this very serious way.

So serious it's kind of hilarious.

Like, when a normal person greets you, they say:

"Good morning."

Clape says:

"Good morning. I look forward to working with you today as well."

Like he's opening a business negotiation.

He's also incredibly driven. Whatever he does, he wants to be the best at it. First place on exams. Fastest in running. Most precise with magic. Even packing his schoolbag looks like he's completing an official mission.

I asked him once why he was always so serious about everything.

He pushed up his glasses and answered solemnly.

"Papa says a man must have sufficient ability in every field."

"But you lost to me before. That makes you my underling."

"That was before. I won it back later."

"Oh? So you don't want to be my underling?"

"No. I don't work hard just to be your underling."

"Then what do you work hard for?"

He went quiet for two seconds. His ears turned a little red.

"...For the future."

Oh.

I see.

I didn't really get it, but it seemed like fun.

So I decided I'd tease him more often from now on.

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➤ Next: Class: Magic Practice