Suteko Ni Narimashita 24

When I first came to this city, my intention was to live as a regular citizen. 

At that time, not knowing what to do or who to trust, I ended up following a boy who seemed like he knew how to survive. 

That led me to the slums. It was due to my ignorance that I ended up there, but when I first arrived, I had no one to ask or consult.

Things were different now.

A few days later, I approached Gustav with a question.

“So, I’m thinking about moving into the city,” I said.

The usually stoic Gustav looked shocked – a rare display of emotion.

“Why the sudden change of heart?” he asked after recovering his composure.

“Well, why not now?” 

“Your age is a problem,” Gustav said, furrowing his brows.

“How many winters have you seen?”

I counted on my fingers. “…Five.”

“Including the ones you can’t recall…You’re probably around seven or eight,” Gustav said, covering his mouth with his hand, deep in thought.

He was wrong about one thing, though.

“No, I’m actually five. I remember everything,” I clarified.

Gustav chuckled at first, but when he saw my serious expression, his laughter ceased.

“You seem earnest,” Gustav noted. 

“Yes, I was abandoned shortly after birth. I remember everything, from the beginning to now,” I said, trying to hold Gustav’s gaze.

“You’ve always been an unusual one, but I never imagined it was to this extent,” Gustav replied, sounding both exasperated and intrigued.

“Let’s move on from that,” he said, shifting topics. 

“The main issue is your age.”

“So, it’s my age that’s keeping me from living in the city?”

“Exactly,” Gustav confirmed, taking a deep breath before elaborating. 

“Moving to the city isn’t complicated. All you need is a place to live. You can either rent or purchase an available property. If you have the funds, I can sort it out for you. The problem is, you’re too young to legally own property.”

“So the government could confiscate it because I’m a minor?”

“That’s the likelihood.”

At that moment, I realized that time was my main adversary here. All I could do was wait until I was old enough to make a legal move.

“Typically, kids living in the city are under the care of their adult parents,” Gustav added. 

“They reside in properties owned by their parents, and that’s why they’re considered citizens.”

“So, children naturally depend on their parents to get by, huh?”

Gustav muttered, almost to himself, “It’s a bit rich coming from someone in the slums who’s made a decent amount of money.”

“I guess I’ve been lucky,” I responded, smiling ruefully. 

In truth, if it weren’t for my magical abilities, I would have been just another unfortunate soul lost to the harsh realities of slum life.

“The lack of parental figures does make the world a more challenging place for some of us,” I mused aloud.

“So, I have to wait until I’m an adult, then?” I couldn’t help but let out a disappointed sigh.

“Well, from a legal standpoint, yes,” Gustav said, nodding his approval of my understanding.

“Legal standpoint? Are you suggesting there’s an unconventional method?” I perked up at the thought.

“It’s more like a ‘legal loophole’ than an unconventional method,” Gustav clarified, a triumphant glint appearing in his eyes for a moment.

“Oh, so there’s still a way,” I said, smiling at the newfound hope.

“Exactly. As I mentioned earlier, there’s no explicit law that says a child can’t own property. It’s more of a trust issue,” Gustav continued.

“Well, I guess…”

I can see that, but I can also see why a real estate agent or the government might hesitate to let a child make such a significant purchase.

“It’s a matter of trust. Most people don’t trust children to manage property or large sums of money responsibly.”

“Can’t blame them,” I admitted.

“But there are exceptions,” Gustav continued.

“Really? …Like who?”

Gustav looked thoughtful. “…Children of nobles or wealthy individuals.”

“Aha!” I clapped my hands, excited by this revelation. 

Although I’d never met one, the idea seemed logical enough. I pictured a young heir, dressed in finery, shopping with a retinue of servants.

‘Grandpa, buy me that.’

‘Of course, my dear. That estate over there? Just 2000 gold coins? It’s a bargain!’

Somehow, the imaginary scenario irritated me. 

“Such children have the advantage of using their family’s status and resources to make large purchases,” Gustav concluded.

“So, if I had a high social standing, I could own property without any issue,” I mused.

“Exactly. Status and titles can protect your property from governmental seizure.”

“But…I have neither,” I sighed. 

“You seem to know quite a bit about this, Gustav. Do you have any suggestions?”

Gustav paused, squinting one eye while the corner of his mouth twitched, creating an expression that was hard to read. 

“This one’s a bit tricky,” he finally admitted.

“Just find employment,” Gustav suggested simply.

“…Get a job? That’s it?” 

It did sound more straightforward than acquiring nobility at birth.

“Exactly. While status and titles like ‘noble’ or ‘aristocrat’ may seem out of reach, you can build your own standing with a job. ‘I’m a merchant,’ or ‘I’m a guard,’ for instance.”

“But that has nothing to do with being an aristocrat, does it?” I asked, slightly irritated. 

What was all that previous talk about nobility for?

“That’s the extreme case, relying on family standing. You don’t have that luxury, so you have to start from the ground up.”

“So, employment is the way to go.”

“That’s right. You’re bright, strong, and fully capable of holding down a job,” Gustav said, making me feel a mix of pride and embarrassment.

“But here’s where the final hurdle appears,” he added.

“Let me guess, my age?”

“Correct,” Gustav affirmed. 

We were alone in the shop, save for the sunbeams filtering through the window, casting a warm light on the wares. Gustav uncorked a small bottle and took a sip. 

I wondered where he’d gotten it from and if he was thirsty.

“Do you know how most people find jobs?” he continued.

I shook my head. Had I known, I wouldn’t be in the slums in the first place.

“Typically, they help out with their family’s business until they come of age. The wealthy and the nobles might go to school or have private tutors, but ordinary folks usually have no choice but to assist their families until they’re adults.”

“So, everyone here helps with their family trades?”

“Not everyone. Some will inherit the family business when they come of age. However—” Gustav paused, choosing his next words carefully.

“Craftsmen and merchants are one option, but there are also roles that don’t require waiting until you’re an adult,” Gustav said, pausing to sip his water again. “Positions that value your individual abilities rather than a family trade—like guards, knights, or even adventurers.”

“I think I could handle that,” I said, intrigued by the thought.

“That would be the quickest route for you,” Gustav affirmed.

I felt a twinge of concern. Most of these jobs seemed combat-oriented.

“Many of these roles accept recruits as young as thirteen,” Gustav continued.

“That’s still years away…” I sighed. Eight years, to be exact.

“There’s an exception for adventurers, though,” he said, brightening a bit. 

“The guilds in this city accept members as young as ten.”

“That still leaves me with five years…” I pointed out.

“You could always claim to be ten,” Gustav said with a wry smile.

“Huh?”

Before I could respond, the door burst open.

“Grandpa, help me!” Hylo dashed in, panting and red-faced. Spotting Gustav, he burst into tears. 

“Rico’s sick!”

“Bring him here,” Gustav said, reverting to his usual stoic demeanor. 

And just like that, our conversation ended.