Chapter 10 — For Adorable Yuuki (William’s Perspective)

 

Yuuki had agreed to become part of my family. I entrusted the sleeping child to Mashiro. From here on, time was of the essence.

“Matthew, as we discussed, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Then I’ll ride ahead as planned and do what I can. Time will be tight. Buy me as much as possible. I’m off.”

“Go. I’m counting on you.”

Matthew mounted his horse and sped through the darkening forest toward the town. He was the fastest among us—if anyone could make it in time, it was him.

There was a reason I sent him ahead. It was vital for Yuuki.

“If his power is exposed, neither the kingdom nor the nobles will leave him alone.”

“Exactly. If a child uses such power recklessly from a young age, it can spiral out of control before adulthood. The strain could kill him. And yet those people…”

“They don’t care. To them, children are tools.”

As I had explained to Yuuki, orphans are always taken to the church, by law. There, every child is tested for magical power—the energy needed to use magic stones. Normally, this power awakens around age eight. The stronger it is, the greater the force one can wield: enough water to sweep away a village, enough fire to burn a forest in an instant.

But one in twenty children manifests magic earlier. Yuuki was one of them. Such children almost always possess extraordinary strength. Some grow into legends—like the famed adventurer who, from childhood, could use magic stones and is now the strongest known. But without training, early power is dangerous. Unchecked, it can overwhelm the body, leading to collapse or even death.

The kingdom and nobles don’t care. If a child dies or is broken, they simply seek another. To them, these children are replaceable weapons.

The thought made us all grimace.

“And Yuuki’s case has another complication—Mashiro.”

Mashiro spoke softly, careful not to wake Yuuki. “What problem?”

“Do you even understand what you are?”

“I am my master’s protector.”

“That’s not the issue…”

Fenrir is already among the highest-ranked beasts, feared by all. Mashiro, however, is a variant—a rare mutation. Unlike ordinary beasts, he speaks, reasons, and acts with intent. His power is beyond comparison. If word spread that a child had contracted such a creature…

“Many would try to claim Yuuki for themselves.”

“I would drive them away.”

Mashiro could, yes. But then Yuuki would be isolated, feared, unable to make friends. That was why I had asked him to become family—to shield him from such dangers.

“I am a noble of considerable standing. I can repel lesser lords, and even match stronger ones. If the kingdom itself intervenes, I cannot say—but I am not easily crushed.”

Mashiro’s eyes narrowed. “Do you seek Yuuki’s power for yourself?”

“Never. I only wish to protect him.”

The vice-captain added, “The captain simply cherishes Yuuki.”

I explained: “From the moment I met him at the pond, I felt it was fate. My heart was captured instantly. I knew—I was meant to protect him, to bring him happiness.”

Mashiro murmured, “Fate… yes, perhaps.”

Then he asked, “Do you truly have the resolve to keep him happy? If you lie…”

I stood before him and bowed. “For Yuuki’s happiness, for his future, I ask to be chosen. I will protect his smile, never let it fade.”

Mashiro’s gaze was piercing. “If you fail, you know the consequence.”

“I do. And I will not fail.”

We locked eyes. Finally, Mashiro nodded. “Very well. I recognize you as family to my master.”

“Thank you.”

With Mashiro’s acceptance, the matter was settled.

“Now, it’s up to Matthew.”

Liam, who had been silent, spoke. “Yes. But the hardest part will fall on you, Captain. Be prepared.”

“…I know. Heavy indeed.”

The vice-captain tried to lighten the mood. “For now, eat. Yuuki is asleep—let him rest. We’ll warm his meal later.”

He added thoughtfully, “Yuuki is remarkable. So young, yet he understands our words, even speaks clearly despite his age. Where did he come from? What upbringing did he have?”

I didn’t know. But it didn’t matter. Yuuki was Yuuki. From now on, we would guide him together. His smile was precious—and I would do everything to protect it.

Thus passed the night when Yuuki became my family.