I Was Told, “I Can’t Leave the Territory Management to You, Brother-in-law!!”, So I Restarted My Adventurer Life in My Mother’s Homeland – Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Various Nicknames
  “Come to think of it, I also have memories of trying various things when I was young because I wanted a nickname.”
   
  Tohlight suddenly starts speaking as if remembering something.
   
  “Heh. That’s the first time I’ve heard that. What kind of things were you doing?”
   
  “Well, various things. I thought I’d be called 『Butler』 if I worked diligently every day…… but when I learned that you couldn’t make your occupation your nickname, I was truly despairing.”
   
  He laughs cheerfully without a hint of embarrassment.
   
  “Well, thanks to that, I was able to stay by Bocchama’s side, so I think it turned out well in the end.”
   
  “But why did you want a nickname? I don’t think it’s something you’d want if you’re living a normal life.”
   
  Al asks.
   
  “That’s right. I think I was around 17 years old when two people of my age were granted nicknames. That’s why I wanted one. However, it wasn’t just me, most of the other men my age thought the same thing.”
   
  He speaks as if reminiscing about the distant past.
   
  “If Tohlight was 17, that was about 40 years ago. Who were the nicknames at that time?”
   
  “Probably 『Silver Wolf』 and 『Black Wing』.”
   
  Al answers Eld’s question.
   
  “That’s right. 『Silver Wolf』, who devoted himself to dungeon exploration, and 『Black Wing』, who traveled around the world, including this country, solving troubles. Silver Wolf seems to have come to this territory for dungeon research, but it was after I moved to the Faniaal territory with Ojou-sama, so I never met him.”
   
  The Ojou-sama that Tohlight is referring to is Eld’s mother.
   
  “Speaking of nicknames, Marie was also granted a nickname, right? I’ve never heard it though.”
   
  Hearing that, Marie stiffens.
   
  “Was there? Marie’s nickname is……”
   
  “Don’t say it!!”
   
  She covers Eld’s mouth as he tries to explain. However, Al explains instead.
   
  “Marie’s nickname is Crimson Hammer Ogre.”
   
  When Al finishes speaking, Marie slumps her shoulders as if giving up.
   
  “Th-that’s quite a unique nickname.”
   
  “That’s why I hate it…… Eld’s 『Ice Flame』 is simple and cool, but what the hell is 『Crimson Hammer Ogre』!”
   
  Nicknames are announced on the spot at the granting ceremony, so they are not known beforehand. Also, the fewer the number of characters, the higher the rank.
   
  “Well, give up, the guy who gave it to you had terrible taste.”
   
  Al says with a laugh.
   
  “Sigh…… The feeling of despair at the time of the nickname granting ceremony……”
   
  Marie starts to lament, burying her face in the desk.
   
  “A nickname isn’t something you gratefully accept.”
   
  “You shouldn’t say that in front of us who have nicknames.”
   
  Tohlight stands up and refills the tea.
   
  “Well, my business is done with this…… no, there was one more thing.”
   
  Al glances at Tohlight, who is refilling the tea for four people. Understanding the look, Tohlight nods.
   
  “I’ll be outside tending the garden. Please call me if you need anything.”
   
  Tohlight goes outside.
   
  “As expected of the former butler of the Faniaal family. He understands without me having to say more than necessary.”
   
  “He was originally the butler of this Linus family.”
   
  Eld takes a sip of the refilled tea.
   
  “Oh, this is your mother’s family home, right?”
   
  Al also drinks his tea.
   
  “So, what’s the matter that made you send Tohlight away?”
   
  “It’s about your family home.”
   
  Hearing that, Eld puts his cup on the desk. Marie also sits up and adjusts her posture.
   
  “Something happened?”
   
  “No, nothing on my side yet. But what happened on your side?”
   
  Eld explains the situation so far.
   
  “I see……”
   
  Al frowns.
   
  “Now, what should we do……”
   
  “There’s nothing we can do. Besides, I don’t care anymore.”
   
  “But if things continue like this, the Faniaal family will surely disappear.”
   
  Al says, looking at Eld’s face.
   
  “It can’t be helped.”
   
  Eld sighs.
   
  “……Well, considering what they’re doing, I’ll investigate on my own.”
   
  “I don’t mind. I’m also curious.”
   
  “It’s unusual for you to say that.”
   
  Al finishes the remaining tea and takes a breath.