Chapter 17:
The Perfect Older Daughter Who Can Never Get Her Parents’ Recognition Is Reborn into Another World
Every year, all the kingdoms celebrate the week of the Heroes. This is a special celebration at the end of the fall. There is a pilgrimage that starts a month before from all seven kingdoms to the capital of the kingdom of Eleutheria.
Dad told me that this celebration comes from ancient writing traditions and refers to the Second Great War. This War happened more than two thousand years ago. The ancient writings state that the heroes of the kingdoms of the world assemble to fight against the control of the celestial evil beings that had taken over the creation of the deities. The presence of Sapere, Bovina, Felida, and Accipitry was cast out of the world, and darkness filled the planet. Thus, the most powerful warriors of the world battled against the demon lords. They won, but most of the heroes lost their lives in battle.
As a remembrance of that cruel battle, the week of the Heroes celebrates the pilgrimage of those brave warriors who marched to this capital to fight for the deliverance of all creation. There are statues of these courageous heroes all over the world. There is one Hero, though, who has more statues and more poems and praises than any of the rest. A homo bovinae called Achillus. He was more intelligent, loving, stronger, and agile than anyone else; that's what tradition says.
Sadly, this time of the year is when Dad has more work, so the whole family goes to the workshop to help. Therefore, there is no chance for us to participate in the pilgrimage to the capital, even though it is so close to us. Nevertheless, the influx of people in the city increases drastically. The soldiers are triple. The streets are filled with people, and the trading in the shopping district goes through the roof. Hence, it is always a good time. Dad says that once Paulus is in the Academy, we will have to go because soldiers in training from all kingdoms, in their final year at the academy, participate in the ceremony.
“It’s noon. Paul and Cato, you can explore around now. We will reopen at 2 pm. Here, get yourself something nice to eat.” Mom said while closing the shop.
“Awesome, thanks, Mom.”
“Paulus, I closed the shop.”
“It’s noon already? Wow, time flies. I can take a break now.”
“Let’s go, Cato.” Paul was holding my hand.
It is common in this world for workshops to close around noon for a two-hour break, allowing people to eat and take a nap. Currently, all the stores in the workshop District are closing to reopen later. I’m not sure if it is the law or just a cultural norm. However, the shopping district will be open.
“Look, it is Sappho, Skolets, Akakios, and Irene.”
“Yuck,” I said, looking at the other side. I can’t stand Sappho—conceited di**face. I like Skolets, Akakios, and Irene, though.
“Paulus, Cato. What are you guys up to? We are looking for a place to eat.” Said Akakios.
“Same. We are looking for a place to eat, and looking at all the traveling merchants.”
“Hi Cato, do you want to hold hands?” said Irene in her calm voice. She is seven, two years older than I. She is a cute homo bovinae. Akakios is her fraternal twin brother.
“Yes”
We walk around for a bit. There are numerous food stalls where people sell a wide variety of food. We bought a little of everything: tacos, SSS hot dogs, fried potatoes, churros, and ice cream. Sappho, Paul, and I eat the most because we are the ones practicing magic.
“Paulus, don’t you think your little sister is eating too much? She could get sick.” Said Akakios.
“She will grow up to be a pig just like her father.” Said Sappho bluntly.
“That’s right. She can’t control herself. Even at home, she eats like a pygmy shrew.” Said Paul, insulting me.
No one came to my defense. Even my brother was making fun of me. A pygmy shrew is like a small rat with a long snout that spends all day eating insects and fruits, but worse, it has no magical power. How can Paulus be so insensible? He would never say anything at home. He knows Mom would never tolerate that. If only I were allowed to use magic, I would kick Sappho’s butt. But because of the law prohibiting children to learn magic, I could get my parents killed. I need to keep quiet. The strong can make fun of the weak.
We went back to the shop. Dad was already working on some weapons. Mom was about to open the shop.
“You got back early. Anything good?”
“Here, Mom, I got you some sweets.” Said Paulus with a big smile.
“Thank you, Paul. This is not enough for Mom and Dad.” Said Mom leaned forward, looking at Paul’s eyes.
“No worry about me, honey. I’m still full from lunch.” Hugging Paul from the side while he was looking in the opposite direction.
“Did you have fun, Cato?”
“No, brother’s friends are dumb,” I said while walking to the back of the shop.
“Cato, what happened?” said Dad, looking at me seriously.
What am I doing… I know what will happen. This happened frequently with my family before. My younger sister would ask for help, money, or time. It didn’t matter if I was busy, had to work, or was tired. I had to help her, or she would tell Mom and Dad. And the whole family would go against me. It was always the same. I was the one to blame. My sister would get anything she wanted. She was the only one they cared about. It was always my fault. It was always my responsibility. I was always alone.
“Nothing, Dad. I’m just tired.” My heart was sinking in regret.
“Come here, baby. Let me hold you.” Dad grabbed me in his arms like I was weightless and kissed me all over.
“Dad, you are sweating and dirty.” Said Mom.
“I don’t care. I love Dad.” I said while sniffing his neck and kissing his cheeks.
“It's time for Daddy to take a break! Let me show you how amazing Daddy is.”
“Paul. Did anything happen?”
“It was just Sappho. You know how he is. He was making fun of Skolets, the slave. And Cato got mad.”
“It's that all?”
“Yes, Mom.” Said Paul, biting his lip and looking down.
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