Tensei Shite Inaka de Slowlife wo Okuritai - Chapter 553

That promise

The morning after submitting a headache-inducing business plan.

　After having breakfast in my room and getting ready, Ra-chan was already in the guest room on the second floor.

　If this were Elinora-neesan, she would have judged it to be an ambush and chosen to take a detour, but this time it was Ra-chan. There was absolutely no need to be afraid of an angel.

　As I stepped into the guest room, Ra-chan noticed me and her face immediately lit up.

　He hops off the sofa and comes flapping over to me.

"Al! Good morning!"

"Good morning, Ra-chan."

　It's so relaxing to greet Ra-chan first thing in the morning.

"He came first thing in the morning."

"I promised to spend the whole day playing with Ra-chan today."

　Although we promised to hang out all day today, we didn't specify a specific time.

　However, since I had been ungrateful yesterday, I got up early as much as possible to show my sincerity.

"It's amazing that I get up early on a day when there's nothing to do."

"Really?"

"Usually I go back to sleep, maybe even a third time."

　As I spoke, Ra-chan tilted her head and asked me.

"Al, what do you mean by going back to sleep...?"

　Hearing those words, I had the illusion of a shock, as if an electric current had gone through my body.

　...Don't tell me, Ra-chan, you've never gone back to sleep? That's ridiculous. As a human, I'm sure everyone has experienced going back to sleep.

　However, as the daughter of a duke, it is possible that she is bound to a regular life by dedicated servants.

"Um, Alfried-sama? The weather seems to be nice today, so why don't we go out to the royal capital? I've been thinking of various places that you two can enjoy!"

　Perhaps expecting him to tell her something inconvenient, Loretta, who had been waiting in the wings, interjected.

　But I won't let that get in the way.

　Now I have to teach Ra-chan how wonderful it is to go back to sleep.

"Shut up. We're in the good part now."

"……sorry"

　After I pushed Loretta away, I turned to Ra-chan again.

"Going back to sleep is when you wake up and go back to sleep right away."

"What? You wake up and then go back to sleep? Isn't that weird?"

　Oh my goodness. It's such a shame that she has had to live her life trapped by such stereotypes.

"It's not weird. Even Ra-chan sometimes wakes up and wishes he could sleep a bit longer, right?"

"Yes, there is!"

"Just let that feeling take over and go back to sleep."

"B-but, Mommy and the servants say it's not good for your health if you don't wake up at the right time all the time---"

　Oh my goodness. Ra-chan has been brainwashed.

　Who said that sleeping in is bad?

"Your body's instincts are telling you that you want to sleep. Going against that instinct is bad for your body. There's nothing wrong with going back to sleep. In fact, it's healthy because it satisfies both your body and mind."

"Really?!"

"Yeah, that's right. In fact, I'm healthy too."

　Compared to my days as a corporate slave where I could barely take a second nap, I feel a lot healthier now that I can sleep in all the time.

　Being free from work is a big plus, but being able to sleep as much as I want has given me peace of mind, which is even bigger.

　They say that illness comes from the mind, and maintaining mental peace through sleep can be said to play a very important role in living a healthy life.

　Even in my previous life, research has shown that taking a second nap for a short time is good for your health. So, it's not a bad thing.

"Okay! I'll try sleeping in again tomorrow!"

"Yeah, that would be good."

　I've taught Ra-chan another good lesson.

　It's safe to say that Ra-chan's future healthy life is guaranteed.

"What are we going to play today?"

"Let's go outside since we're here."

　Now that I've been shown around the mansion, I'd like to go outside and play.

"Okay! Let's go outside!"

　We decided to head to the Royal Capital and headed towards the stairs.

　Just then, Schugel came down from the floor above.

"Oh, Lord Alfried! That's a good point! I'd like to ask you again about the business plan you submitted yesterday--"

"Don't come, Daddy!"

　Schugel approached with a business plan in his hands, but after Ra-chan's words he collapsed down the stairs.

　It's no wonder he's shocked when his beloved daughter suddenly says something like that to him.

　It was a pretty spectacular fall, I wonder if he's okay?

　While I was worried, Schugel stood unsteadily and spoke.

"R-Rana?! Did dad do something bad?!"

　Schugel's tone was extremely disheveled.

　Just yesterday, he had the appearance and tone of voice appropriate for the head of a duke family.

　He didn't speak like this when talking to Floria or Shelka, so it seems he only speaks like this when talking to Ra-chan.

"Anyway, Dad can't come!"

"Wh, why..."

　Schugel looks despairing at Ra-chan's strong refusal.

　As a father, there is nothing more saddening than this.

　It would be a shame if I didn't explain it properly, so I'll explain it to him.

"I'm sorry. Schugel-sama, I had promised to hang out with Lana-sama today."

"That's right! I'm with Al today!"

　Ra-chan grabbed my arm tightly and asserted herself.

　I guess the equation that Schugel's arrival = me being taken away came together in my head.

　Schugel's expression of relief returned as he understood the reason behind Ra-chan's stubborn attitude.

"Ah, yeah. I see. That's my fault. I'll ask Alfried-sama another day."

"very sorry"

　It's not my fault, but I'll just bow my head slightly for now.

　With this, Schugel probably won't need any business from me today.

"Lana, can I hold you for a bit?"

　Perhaps wanting to confirm his daughter's love, Schugel suddenly spoke.

"Okay."

　The way she answered that question right away made me think she was a really kind girl.

　Schugel slowly approached and embraced Ra-chan.

　Ra-chan didn't seem particularly opposed and patted Schugel on the back.

　Even at the age of four, she seems to have acquired maternal instinct.

　The dignity of the head of a dukedom had vanished from Schugel's face, and he now had the look of an old man on a day off.

　Schugel then turns his face towards me and smiles with pride.

　...No, it's not like I'm aiming for Ra-chan's favor or anything.

　Well, I can understand Schugel's feelings as a father, so I decided to just let it go with a wry smile.

"Well then, Dad - I'm going back to work."

　After the embrace ended, Schugel spoke while trying to calm things down.

　It would be difficult for us to respond if he had changed his tone at this point, so we would have preferred if he had stuck to it until the end.

"Yeah, good luck!"

　When Ra-chan waved goodbye, Schugel left with a very satisfied look on his face.

"Hehe, you put me first before Dad."

"That's the promise."

　She was probably happy to be given priority over Schugel. Ra-chan smiled happily.

　Yesterday I succumbed to unavoidable circumstances and power, but today I was able to fight them off without succumbing.

　It feels like playing with Ra-chan will keep us from getting into trouble, but in order to live a healthy slow life in the future, we also need to discuss cooperative ventures.

　Even in another world, life is unpredictable.