Ascendance of a Bookworm

“Welcome home, both of you.”

Tulli opened the door with a smile but kept it ajar. She blinked several times and furrowed her brows with a slightly worried look.

“…What’s wrong, Dad? You look scared. Was it cold outside? Or was Myne too heavy?”

“Tulli, that’s mean.”

I puffed out my cheeks in protest, and Dad chuckled wryly as he said, “Myne is too light. You need to grow bigger,” then set me down and ruffled my hair.

Dad’s tense atmosphere softened a bit, and Tulli gave a small, relieved smile. Apologizing softly with “Sorry, sorry,” she began brushing the snow off my head with gentle pats.

“It started snowing pretty hard on the way back, so it was cold.”

I silently applauded Tulli for changing the mood so quickly, then puckered my lips. Tulli mimicked me, pursing her lips as well.

“Myne was held by Dad and even tucked inside his coat, so you weren’t cold, right? I can’t do that.”

Chuckling softly, I went to the bedroom to put away my tote bag and coat.

In the kitchen, Mom was preparing dinner.

“Welcome back… Shall we eat first?”

Without saying anything, I could tell from Dad’s tense expression that something had happened. Mom furrowed her brow briefly before smiling gently and beginning to set the table.

“Well then, enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you.”

Encouraged by Mom, we began dinner, which was much quieter than usual.

Dad frowned deeply, still silent. Mom kept her eyes lowered. Tulli looked on worriedly. The atmosphere had already turned heavy.

Watching the three of them, I took a sip of the hot soup.

Is it really okay to talk about it? If I say “one more year,” will Dad go berserk? How should I bring this up? I want to keep the money spent on the magic tool under wraps as much as possible…

As the meal progressed, my mind was consumed by what I needed to say next, and my heart pounded loudly.

“Thank you for the meal.”

After the dishes were cleared, Mom placed a cup of herbal tea brewed from calming herbs on the table with a soft clink.

“You’re going to tell us what happened, right?”

Sitting beside Dad, Mom asked this, but Dad shook his head slightly. His pale brown eyes fixed sharply on me. His usual goofy smile was nowhere to be seen—the seriousness in his eyes was almost frightening, and I swallowed hard.

“I’m the one who said there’s something to talk about—Myne.”

With Dad’s words, all eyes turned to me. Even though it was just family, I was so nervous that my throat went bone dry.

“Well, about my illness… um…”

Where should I begin? How can I explain it clearly? My mind raced, but the words I needed simply wouldn’t come out. I began sweating nervously, and the more I panicked, the more my mind went blank.

As I struggled to find words, Dad narrowed his eyes.

“The illness was cured, right? You stayed a few days at the Guild Master’s house and got better, so you came home. Isn’t that right?”

“Well, to be honest, it’s not cured.”

My mind blank, I skipped all explanations and only stated the conclusion.

That seemed like a huge bomb to drop. After a moment of silence, everyone’s eyes widened, and a sharp intake of breath echoed.

Suddenly, Dad stood up with such force it seemed he might have kicked his chair, slamming his hand down on the table.

“…What do you mean!? Did the Guild Master who said he’d cure you deceive us!?”

“Wasn’t it cured, Myne!?”

Dad and Tulli both leaned in, pressing me. I flailed my hands, trying to calm them down and get them to sit back down.

“Please, calm down and sit. I don’t know much either, and I’m not sure how to explain it well, so I’ll just talk as it comes…”

Dad sat down heavily, grinding his teeth as if he might bite through them.

Mom tried to steady herself, trembling as she took a sip from her cup and gestured for me to continue.

“Yes, please explain properly.”

I saw Tulli reach for her cup too, so I took a sip and began.

“My illness is called ‘self-eater.’ It’s a very rare disease.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”