A silent air lingers in the living room at night. Outside, cicada make so much noise that it feels like it will kill them, but inside the room, it’s a deep winter cold.
Ririi sits with her feel flat on the floor, in front of the table.
Her small feet are lined up tight, and her knees tremble as she holds her report card tightly in front of her chest. The paper crumples as she can’t even speak in this atmosphere.
In front of her is Sieglinde with a daunting pose. She frowns, looking like an inspector that won’t overlook any bad behavior. She does it so easily that it makes me think she’s like that at work.
“…What is the meaning of this?”
She says quietly. She doesn’t sound angry, but it’s strangely scary.
Ririi lets out a barely audible ‘hum’, but that’s not going to cut it.
“No hums, show it.”
Ririi trembles, and presents the paper with trembling hands.
Sieglinde takes it, and casts her eyes down.
…Seconds pass.
She looks at the paper, gradually becoming more stern.
“…Full marks for practical skill.”
“Y-yes!”
It’d be perfect if that was all. That part alone makes me want to cut it and paste it all over the capital.
“But the written portion is close to failing, and daily behavior says ‘is very restless, talks a lot, forgets things a lot’.”
The moment the report card is placed on the table, a chill runs down my spine.
It should be Ririi trembling, not me… but for some reason, at times like these, it feels like I did something bad too.
Not that there isn’t a lot to pick from.
“Ririi, can you explain?”
“U-uu… Tried hard with m-magic…”
She tries her hardest to muster up a crying voice, but that’s all that comes out.
I can tell she’s trying to say she did her best. In actuality, her grade in practical skill shoes she really did try with magic.
“I understand that.”
She struggles to argue, but it’s easily cut aside.
Ririi gets red all the way to her ears, and tears well up in the corners of her eyes.
Ah, she’s going to cry. Definitely.
I can’t stay still, and interject.
“N-now now, it’s fine. She got full marks on her practical skill. It’s a magic school, right? If she can do magic…”
“Weiss.”
“…Yes.”
That’s enough for the mood to change.
Sieglinde’s eyes slowly turn to me. Her eyes aren’t really cold, they’re closer to a calmness that’s like an ultimatum before an execution. I know from all the years I’ve known her that there’s no arguing with her.
“You weren’t going to pass off these grades as fine, were you?”
I was. Words get stuck in my mouth, and I can’t say anything.
If Ririi’s having fun, that’s fine, is what I really think. Lately I’ve just been asking if she’s done her homework, without even checking. I’m a terrible adult.
“…I was a little soft on her.”
“More than a little.”
Sieglinde lets out a long, deep sigh. It’s half resignation half exasperation.
“It was your education that led to her grades collapsing.”
I want to argue, but I can’t think of a thing to say.
Ririi’s already facing down with a face like she’s saying sorry to me.
Don’t cry. It’s my fault. It’s my fault you ended up with grades not benefiting of a high elf.
It’s hard to stay standing, so I sit next to Ririi. The wood planks hurt.
“…It can’t be helped. I will work out how to rework your way of life during the summer break. That includes you, Weiss.”
“W-wait, me!?”
“If there’s a problem with the parent, it will pass down to the child. You need to be whipped into shape first.”
“Wha…!”
She’s definitely serious. She’ll really do it.
“You will wake up at six. Clean, prepare food, get dressed, and study. Ririi needs an example.”
Before I can prepare a retort, her eyes turn back to Ririi.
I’m sure she shifts this quickly at work too. It must be hard to be her subordinate.
“Ririi.”
“Eek!”
“Starting tomorrow, you’re going to learn a proper lifestyle with me. Understood?”
“U-understood.”
Her response has the tone of someone about to cry, and it hurts to watch.
And it hurts even more that I’m on the same boat.
“…Sieglinde, let’s take it slower. Start by checking her homework and slowly…”
“Quiet. Face reality. It will be hell starting tomorrow. Brace yourself.”
Both Ririi and I sit up straight. My eyes move to the side and meet Ririi’s. Her face makes it clear she’s asking for help, and mine probably does too.
I didn’t expect the fun summer break to start like this… I think as the cicada keep making noise. I didn’t even notice that sound before, but now it feels distant and annoying.
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