Chapter 20 – A Letter
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">It was now spring, and with that, Eris and Rudy had grown a year older.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even though nine wasn’t a celebrated birthday, Eris seemed awfully happy about her new age, likely due to having finally caught up with me.
<span style="font-weight:400">She waspetitive like that, and I hade to find it quite endearing.
<span style="font-weight:400">As for my magic abilities, while they hadn’t grown too much, I was now able to cast Intermediate-rank barrier magic without an incantation… though it took a bit of focus and time, mostly due to needing to memorize the magic circle before performing it.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hopefully, the time and focus needed would be reduced with practice, much like all the other magic I’ve trained in.
<span style="font-weight:400">During this time, my swordsmanship had also advanced.
<span style="font-weight:400">Not only had I gotten a better grasp of the <em><span style="font-weight:400">Longsword of Light</em><span style="font-weight:400">, but I also was able to use magic with my movements seamlessly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Or, at least, that was the case with the techniques I had practised so far.
<span style="font-weight:400">As I had discovered, the key to controlling the pure power that was the <em><span style="font-weight:400">Longsword of Light </em><span style="font-weight:400">turned out to be enhancing your mind and senses in order to perceive the world and react while going at such insane speeds.
<span style="font-weight:400">It still required work, of course, but Ghiine said I was progressing nicely with the ultimate technique of the Sword God.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hmm… as an ultimate technique, it was already perfect, but I felt like if I could do what Paul does, where he moulds his Sword God attacks with the smoothness of the Water God, it could be even better.
<span style="font-weight:400">But to do that, I would need to know a Water God technique at the Saint rank in order to keep up… so that was still a while away.
<span style="font-weight:400">After all, unlike with Ghiine, I had no connections with a Water King, nor a Water Saint, for that matter.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hearing a knock at my door, I dissipated the fireball I was ying with before answering, “What is it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Opening the door, Ghiine then tossed me an envelope. “You have a letter.”
<span style="font-weight:400">A letter? But my family had already sent theirs for this month…
<span style="font-weight:400">Did something go wrong?
<span style="font-weight:400">Looking at the letter, I noticed that the handwriting wasn’t one I recognized.
<span style="font-weight:400">Or rather, I recognized it, but it had been two years since I’d seen it, so I was simply surprised.
<span style="font-weight:400">‘To Leon and Rudeus Greyrat of Buena Vige’
<span style="font-weight:400">Roxy… it’s been quite a while.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s addressed to my home in Buena, right? Why wasn’t it sent there?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">Ghiine shrugged. “Who knows? But it was addressed to you, right? Whoever received it probably knew you were staying here rather than at home.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Right.
<span style="font-weight:400">Letters were often taken by merchants on their travels for a small fee, and the one that often travelled between Roa and Buena Vige knew that I was here from the constantmunication between my family and me, so they must have decided to just give it to me before Rudy.
<span style="font-weight:400">Opening the letter, it then revealed two folded pages, likely one meant for each of us.
<span style="font-weight:400">Taking out the first one, I then read through its contents, all written in the Demon God tongue.
<span style="font-weight:400">Okay… it’s been a little bit since I had practised, but at least she seemed to have chosen words in my vocabry.
<span style="font-weight:400">Was this some sort of lesson?
<span style="font-weight:400">That does sound like something she would do.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Dear Leon. How have you been?</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since we parted, but since I’ve somewhat settled down, I decided to finally write to you.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Currently, I am staying in the royal capital of the Kingdom of Shirone, acting as the tutor for a young prince. It seems that with all my exploring and adventuring, I had made something of a name for myself.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Teaching him brings back memories of the time with you and the Greyrat house, particrly, of Rudeus, as the young prince seems prone to stealing my underwear and peeping when I’m changing. But he’s quick-witted, and a budding young magician in his own right, though not as talented as you and your brother.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">I’m a bit worried he’ll assault me before I finish teaching him, but worry not, for I will still wait to see if those charming words you spoke during our departure remain true once you be an adult. Honestly… I do not know what you and other people find appealing about a body like mine.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Anyway, while my new student is troublesome, the Royal Library has many helpful books in my pursuit of magic, and due to that, I have finally gotten a hang of King-rank water spells.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">I have also made some advances in chantless casting, and as of now, I can cast Beginner-rank water spells with no incantation. It was difficult without your help, but with my training, I’vee to appreciate just how skilled Rudeus and you are.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">But that is enough about me.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">I wonder how you have grown in this time? Perhaps you are already an Advanced-rank swordsman by now? Although your father has his faults, he is surely one of the most reliable swordsmen in terms of skills I have met. And with magic, I wouldn’t be surprised if you and Rudeus are casting Emperor-tier spells by now.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">I would say that if you hit a dead end in your magic abilities to go to the Ranoa University of Magic, but I know you were averse to the idea before we parted. And now that I have some experience in chantless magic, I know that your path of growth is different from the traditional sense.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Anyway, I hope life has treated you well, and if you had any trouble reading this letter, or my notes on the spells, take this as a lesson in the Demon God tongue from your teacher. And… if you still have feelings for me, I will visit Buena Vige in six- no, five years to see. Though in that time, perhaps you will have grown to love that girl, Sylphy, instead.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Until we meet again - Roxy</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">P.S. I may have left this country by the time your reply reaches it, so do not feel obligated to respond. And if you do, do not put any information in it that you would not want to be read by others. I unfortunately do not have the luxury of privacy in the case of internationalmunication.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">So… Roxy was now a King-rank water magician, huh?
<span style="font-weight:400">My mind hadn’t changed about her, and as I’ve grown over the years, my feelings were only cemented further.
<span style="font-weight:400">I loved her.
<span style="font-weight:400">I wanted to be with her.
<span style="font-weight:400">But five years…
<span style="font-weight:400">I’d wait until then, I guess, to show her my seriousness.
<span style="font-weight:400">Folding her letter into my pocket, I then checked the other one that was addressed to Rudeus.
<span style="font-weight:400">A quick nce showed me that the contents were simr to mine, but instead of talking about feelings, it was more about his advancements in magic, and a reminder to go to Ranoa if he felt stuck.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well… I know he was seven now, but it still felt a little young to go so far away.
<span style="font-weight:400">Perhaps I should visit home then, as I wanted to make a proposition to Mama and Father anyway.
<span style="font-weight:400">Taking out a paper and a quill, I then wrote a letter in response, keeping her warning in mind.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was mostly about how the past two years had been.
<span style="font-weight:400">About me going to Roa, bing a guard and a tutor for Eris, how Paul cheated and got two daughters and a new wife, and also about how I became a Sword Saint.
<span style="font-weight:400">Thatst one was sure to be a surprise.
<span style="font-weight:400">I then wrote some embarrassing words about how I still loved her, and about her charms, as well as that she was wee to return to me and my family if she had any problems with the Kingdom or her travels.
<span style="font-weight:400">After all, she would have the protection of a devoted Sword Saint, and one that knew chantless magic as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">Closing the envelope, I then wrote down Roxy’s name and the royal pce of Shirone as the address before asking a maid to send it along with a silver coin for the fee.
<span style="font-weight:400">Now… I think it would be best to deliver this other letter to Rudy myself, and since tomorrow was the weekend, the timing was perfect.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though I’d still have to ask Philip for an extra day off.
<span style="font-weight:400">But since I’ve be a Sword Saint, I was now a bit underpaid, even with the extra three silver a month I made thanks to Eris’ining, so he would surely ept my temporary leave.
<span style="font-weight:400">I’d also be able to see how my cute sisters have grown as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hmm… I was nning on getting Rudy that book on the local fauna, but if my n came to fruition, then soon, he wouldn’t need it anyway.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Information on the Six-Faced World —
<b><em>Ancient Dragon War</em></b>
<span style="font-weight:400">Around 10,000-20,000 years ago, in the dragon world, an evil and powerful Dragon God was born. With his power, he destroyed the barriers separating the seven worlds, and with his followers, known as the Five Dragon Commanders, he began invading and destroying said worlds.
<span style="font-weight:400">When there was only one other world left, the Five Dragon Commanders turned on the mad Dragon God. With the Dragon Emperor as the leader, along with the four Dragon Kings, they fought the Dragon God to the death.
<span style="font-weight:400">It ended in a draw, and the dragon world crumbled in the aftermath, leaving only the human world, which is the world that is known as it is today.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">Walking through the vige, as I made my way toward my house, I noticed two figures in the distance at the top of the hill I used to use for training.
<span style="font-weight:400">Jogging up to the two, I watched with a smile as Rudy and Sylphy practised their magic, with Rudy creating one of his figures as he leaned against the tree, and Sylphy dancing along with a floating stream of water.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey! You two!” I said with a wave.
<span style="font-weight:400">They both looked my way with confusion, but upon seeing my face, their eyes lit up in happiness.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Leon! You’re back!” Sylphy said, running toward me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes I- Omph!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Catching her as she jumped into my arms, I gave her a light squeeze before cing her back on the ground.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wee home, Brother. But I thought you said you’d visit in the summer? Why are you so early?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well… it seems you got a letter, so I decided to deliver it personally,” I said with a smirk.
<span style="font-weight:400">He tilted his head in confusion. “From who?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Roxy,” I answered.
<span style="font-weight:400">His eyes sparkled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“But let’s head inside first. I want to see my baby sisters!” I eximed.
<span style="font-weight:400">With Sylphy hesitantly grabbing my hand, she then led me toward the house, with Rudy keeping pace behind us.
<span style="font-weight:400">From the way he was smiling… I guess he missed Roxy too, huh?
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, considering her panties had been an object of his worship until they were taken by Mama, I should have expected this.
<span style="font-weight:400">Walking through the front door, I saw that the entire family was gathered in the living room, with Paul sitting on the couch with Lilia and Mama on his left, their respective daughters held in their arms.
<span style="font-weight:400">My smile widened upon seeing the stuffed animals that I got them were being held by their tiny hands.
<span style="font-weight:400">Precious.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mama! Lilia! I’m back!” I said, walking toward them.
<span style="font-weight:400">They both turned to me with a start before simultaneously growing warm smiles.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Leon! Wee back, sweetie! Come give Mama a hug,” Mama said, opening her free arm.
<span style="font-weight:400">Happily granting her request, I wrapped my arms gently across her and Lilia while looking down at the two babies with interest.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Gaguu!” Aisha cried, pointing her hand toward me.
<span style="font-weight:400">Just like her mother, she had beautiful reddish-brown hair, although it seemed that she had inherited Paul’s green eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">A shame.
<span style="font-weight:400">The one held in Mama’s arms looked at me silently with wide eyes before pulling her bunny closer, covering her face slightly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Norn, like her mother, had bright blonde hair, but just like her sister, she had inherited Paul’s eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">And the two of them were absolutely adorable.
<span style="font-weight:400">Letting Aisha grab hold of my finger, I then looked over to Paul, who was looking at me with a mix of pride and shame.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, kid. So… you really became a Sword Saint, huh?” he said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yep,” I answered. “But I still have a way to go.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mmm… It’s good not to be arrogant,” he said before gesturing toward my hip. “Is that your new sword?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah. Sorry for breaking yours. Finally had to live up to my title of guard, I guess,” I said with a shrug.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm… good job protecting the littledy,” he said dismissively.
<span style="font-weight:400">Lilia sent the man a re before looking back at me. “We’re very proud of you, Leon. And so is your father. He’s just a little embarrassed you’ve already surpassed him before reaching your second birthday.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, I know!” I answered smugly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Tsk. I-I’m gonna go patrol,” Paul said, getting up. “But Leon… why did you visit now and not the summer?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I came to deliver a letter to Rudy. Speaking of, here you go,” I said, throwing the envelope over to my brother.
<span style="font-weight:400">He snatched it in the air before running over to the table and opening it up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Anyway… I also want to talk to you guys before I go. Do you mind if I stay the night?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course not! Now spend some time with your sisters! They really love the presents you got them,” Mama said, tapping the seat beside her.
<span style="font-weight:400">As soon as I sat down, both of my mothers passed their babies over, making me hold one in each arm.
<span style="font-weight:400">Looking down at Aisha, she looked at me with interest before she started pulling on my scarf.
<span style="font-weight:400">Cute.
<span style="font-weight:400">Turning my head over to Norn, I watched as she stared into my eyes with wonder for a few moments before suddenly hiding behind her stuffy once again.
<span style="font-weight:400">Very cute.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh? Norn isn’t making a fuss,” Mama said happily. “She still cries whenever your father picks her up, but with you, she just looks shy. How cute!”
<span style="font-weight:400">I agree.
<span style="font-weight:400">With Sylphy sliding down next to me, I kept hold of my sisters as I started talking about how I had been, going over some of the things I talked about in letters as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">After all, speaking in person had a different feeling to it.
<span style="font-weight:400">ncing over at Rudy, he seemed to have finished reading his letter, but instead of looking giddy or excited, he simply looked determined.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hmm… just like I thought.
<span style="font-weight:400">He wanted to improve.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, I was certainly happy about that, but I didn’t want him travelling to Ranoa on his own.
<span style="font-weight:400">At least not yet.
<span style="font-weight:400">Luckily, I had already brought this up with Philip, and we had even decided to weave the possibility into a trap for the still-unknown enemy.
<span style="font-weight:400">Sorry, little brother, but since I’m strong, you can just leave everything to me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What’s wrong, Rudy?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nothing, just… it’s nothing. I’m going to my room,” he said, getting up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm? Is something wrong?” Mama asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No.” he shook his head. “I just… need some time to think, is all. And write Master Roxy a letter.”
<span style="font-weight:400">With him heading upstairs, I then spent some nice family time, including changing a dirty diaper and calming down a crying Norn with some artistic disys of water magic.
<span style="font-weight:400">Eventually, Paul returned, taking a seat between his wives as Rudy came back down from his room.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Father,” my brother said. “Can I make a selfish request?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hell no!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Both Mama and Lilia twisted his ears.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Just tell your father what you want, Rudy. He’ll make it happen,” Mama said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s the least he could do to finally show some paternal dignity,” Lilia added.
<span style="font-weight:400">I was very d to see that Lilia had seemingly taken my words to heart, and had begun to act more as a wife than a maid, even after recovering from pregnancy.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though that might be more of Mama forcing her to act as such rather than my words or her personal feelings… well, I was d regardless.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Jeez! I was just kidding! For the most part… if he’s asking permission, then it’s obviously something crazy,” he said.
<span style="font-weight:400">Adjusting my hold of Aisha, I looked over to Rudy. “Just say it, Rudy. I think I know what you’re going to ask for anyway.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Nodding at me, he continued, “I’ve recently hit a dead end with my magical studies, so I’m hoping I could go to the Ranoa University of Magic.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The room turned silent as the three parents made aplicated expression, and looking at Sylphy at my side, she seemed quite sad.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry,” I said, squeezing her arm. “I won’t let you be alone.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh? T-Thanks…” she blushed before looking sadly at my brother. “But Rudy…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yeah. Well, let’s hear Paul’s answer.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. I can’t allow that,” he said seriously.
<span style="font-weight:400">A firm refusal.
<span style="font-weight:400">Despite this, Lilia and Mama both keep silent.
<span style="font-weight:400">After all, they likely agreed with the man.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy clenched his fist. “Can I ask why not?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’ve got two reasons,” Paul said, raising a finger. “First, you’re still in the middle of your sword training. If you stop now, you’ll end up a permanent amateur. Even if you prefer magic, as your sword instructor, I can’t allow that.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He then raised a second finger. “Second, you’re only seven years old. You’re a smart kid, but you’re still inexperienced. It would be irresponsible to let you go so far away right now. Thanks to your brother, money isn’t an issue, but it will still take some time before I can cut you loose like that.”
<span style="font-weight:400">A rational, logical denial.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well done, Paul, it seems that you’ve grown a bit after having dealt with me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I understand… I’ll continue training with you in the sword, but… when do you think it could happen?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm…” Paul hummed, putting his hand to his chin. “Let’s say… fifteen? No, how about twelve? Yeah, twelve sounds good.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Okay. But why twelve?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Because that’s the age I left home!” Paul said with a smirk.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see… but haven’t you said I was smarter than you were?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yep, but you aren’t an Advanced-rank swordsman, are you?” Paulughed.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy then sat down with a slight pout. “Lilia, is dinner ready yet?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Lilia then got up and looked into the pot that is boiling over the fire.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Almost, Rudeus. Speaking of, are you joining us tonight, Sylphy?”
<span style="font-weight:400">My friend jolted before looking up at me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Umm… no, I don’t want to interrupt Leon and his family-”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Quit that, Sylphy,” I said, cutting her off. “Haven’t I told you this before? You’re basically family to me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Her eyes widened before she quickly turned her head away. “O-Okay! I’ll stay then!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Looking up at my family, I noticed that Lilia, Mama, and Rudy are all giving me strange, strained smiles as Paul simplyughed to himself.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ha! Wonder where he gets that from?”
<span style="font-weight:400">‘Gets what from?’ was what I wanted to ask, but before I could, Mama pulled on his ear once again, ending any further conversation.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">“Goodnight Rudy! Sleep well,” I said with a wave.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Goodnight, brother. Are you not going to bed yet?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. I just have some questions I want to ask Mama and Father in private,” I shrugged.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy gave me a knowing grin. “I see. So it’s finally time then… well, don’t stay up toote.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sure…” I said, a bit confused.
<span style="font-weight:400">What was he talking about?
<span style="font-weight:400">“Anyway, do you want to join me on my morning exercise tomorrow?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, for sure. It’d be cool to train with a genuine Sword Saint,” he smiled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Heh. Don’t tell Father that,” I said. “Anyway, sleep well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">With Rudy heading up the stairs, I waited a few minutes until I sensed him falling asleep before sitting down at the table, where Lilia, Mama, and Father were already seated.
<span style="font-weight:400">“So… son. Why did you want to talk to us without Rudy here? I know that’s not your usual style,” Paul said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s because it’s about Rudy,” I answered. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I could tell from his eyes that Rudy isn’t going to ept your five-year wait.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Paul sighed. “Yep. Figured. And knowing him, he’d definitely be able to weasel his way out of leaving early.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, and considering he could probably get a schrship being a Saint-rank water magician, he wouldn’t even need your guys’ support,” I said. “But he should stay in one ce close, even if it''s not home. He needs some stability in his life.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Mama nodded at this. “I don’t want my baby leaving for so far away. He’s only seven. No matter how much of a genius he is, he’s still a child.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“And because of this,” I said. “He should also learn a bit more about the world in this time. Something he can’t do in a rural vige like this.”
<span style="font-weight:400">All three pairs of eyes turned to look at me before Paul spoke up. “What are you getting at, Leon?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well… I’ve been missing home recently, especially with my sisters getting bigger, but I can’t exactly leave Eris alone during that time, nor can I take her here like I did before-”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Get to the point, Leon,” Paul said.
<span style="font-weight:400">So impatient…
<span style="font-weight:400">“I think Rudy should go to Roa,” I said. “More specifically, he should take over my position as Eris’ tutor.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Paul raised his eyebrow. “Really? I thought you were quite fond of the little Missy. Did something change?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nothing like that,” I shook my head. “It’s not like I wouldpletely abandon her. While I’d be spending more time here, I would still act as her tutor and guard for most of the time. Plus, I think it’d be good for her to spend time with more people than just me, even if I would prefer it be Sylphy.”
<span style="font-weight:400">But then again, with me not upied with Eris, I could take Sylphy to Roa whenever I wanted…
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see… and what about your pay?” Paul asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It would stay the same, since while I wouldn’t be as active, it still hasn’t been adjusted for me bing a Sword Saint. And as for Rudy, he would get about five silver coins per month,” I exined.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Five silver coins, eh? That’s not bad… but how will you convince him? You’re pretty clever yourself, Leon, but that kid is an expert at winning any conversation,” Paul said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Husband. Why are you pushing that onto your nine-year-old son?” Lilia said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s his idea!” Paul said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Paul…” Mama said with disappointment.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well… I don’t really know how to convince him, other than telling him about the library there. Do you have any ideas, Father?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm…” Paul then ced his hand on his chin.
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh? Maybe he learned how to deal with Rudy during my absence?
<span style="font-weight:400">“I can always beat him up?”
<span style="font-weight:400">That earned him two smacks from his wives.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ouch! Hey! It would also be a way to show him how scary the world is! He’s only sparred, right? Without any real-world experience, he’d be screwed if he went about it like it was training!” Paul said.
<span style="font-weight:400">Begrudgingly, I had to agree with the man.
<span style="font-weight:400">If I had hesitated for a moment during my fight with those kidnappers, I would have died, and I would have definitely hesitated without my fight against monsters and training with Big Sis when she acted serious acting as my first experience with genuine bloodlust.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Anyway, I’m fine with the idea,” Paul said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Okay… what about you, Mama? Lilia?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I will trust everyone’s decisions in regard to Rudeus,” Lilia said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I… don’t want another one of my babies leaving home…” Mama said sadly. “But it’s better than Rudy running off to Ranoa, so… I agree.”
<span style="font-weight:400">She still looked a little sad though…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry, Mama,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I’ll be here more often, so I can help with my sisters and make sure you’re not lonely.”
<span style="font-weight:400">That brought a small smile to her face. “Thanks, Leon.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Anyway, did Philip already agree to this? And what about old man Sauros?” Paul asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, don’t worry, Father,” I said. “You can leave all that to me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Be grateful, Rudy, your big brother here is gonna get you a job.
<span style="font-weight:400">While arge part of my reason for having Rudye to Roa was to draw out the enemy, I truly did think it would be good for him.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Rudeus Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">It had been around two weeks since my brother’s short visit and the consequent arrival of Roxy’s letter.
<span style="font-weight:400">Roxy had be a King rank magician and had even learned how to use magic without an incantation.
<span style="font-weight:400">Leon was also growing, bing the youngest Sword Saint that has ever been known at the age of nine.
<span style="font-weight:400">And as for me?
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, my abilities… they’ve stagnated.
<span style="font-weight:400">As much as I liked this peaceful vige and this family of mine, I didn’t want to waste away this second chance at life either.
<span style="font-weight:400">Plus, I also wanted to finally get my hands on a fresh pool of young girls.
<span style="font-weight:400">In short, I wanted to go to Ranoa.
<span style="font-weight:400">The only issue, was that Paul made things pretty clear that I’d have to wait five years.
<span style="font-weight:400">But with enough convincing, I bet I could whittle it down to two… maybe.
<span style="font-weight:400">I’d have to test the waters, though.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, Rudy,” Paul suddenly said, his face stern.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What is it, Father?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">We were just finishing up our morning training, and with my body sore and sweaty, I was ready to give myself a nice rxing bath as a reward for my hard work.
<span style="font-weight:400">“How would you feel if I told you I got you a job?” he asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">A job?
<span style="font-weight:400">A job… it would be my first ever, in both lives.
<span style="font-weight:400">I wasn’t averse to the idea, especially seeing how well Leon’s has worked out for him, but… I still had mymitment to Ranoa to think about.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I wouldn’t mind. It depends on how long I would be expected to work, though,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It depends, eh? What about five years?” he asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">My lips curled into a frown. “I don’t know about that.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Figures,” he nodded. “I guess Leon was right, huh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">All of a sudden, Paul’s aura changed, and what was previously curiosity and yfulness in his eyes transformed into a look of intimidating murder.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even an amateur like me could sense what wasing next.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wha-!?”
<span style="font-weight:400">In one smooth motion, my father leaped forward, his wooden sword held strong in his hands.
<span style="font-weight:400">Despite it being a practice sword, I could feel the cold, silent feeling of death rushing toward me, and acting on instinct, I responded with all the power at my disposal.
<span style="font-weight:400">Using wind magic to create a pressure st that blew me back, I dragged my hand across the ground, turning the earth below Paul’s feet into a thick, murky quagmire.
<span style="font-weight:400">Paul’s foot sunk into the ground, but that doesn’t stop his attack, as with one giant leap, he crosses the distance toward me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Aaah!”
<span style="font-weight:400">I swing my sword in a blind panic, trying to intercept him.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was an ugly, uncontrolled, and careless attack.
<span style="font-weight:400">Nothing like the careful, precise strikes I had trained over the years.
<span style="font-weight:400">My sword wobbled ufortably in my hand as my blow was gently turned to the side with the smoothness of the Water God style.
<span style="font-weight:400">One thing about the Water God style, is that once a blow is deflected, it is often followed up with a counter-attack.
<span style="font-weight:400">And this time was not any different.
<span style="font-weight:400">I watched as Paul’s de arced toward me for a moment that felt like an eternity, and with a sharp blow to my neck, I was knocked instantly unconscious.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Rudeus Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">As I woke up, I found myself inside a box of some sort.
<span style="font-weight:400">No, considering all the swaying and ttering, it was probably some sort of carriage.
<span style="font-weight:400">Sitting up, a woman came into view, sitting on the opposite side of the carriage with her legs crossedzily over the other.
<span style="font-weight:400">She had brown skin, a muscr body covered in scars, and was dressed in skimpy leather clothes.
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh, and she had very nice melons.
<span style="font-weight:400">The strong features, paired with her eye patch and sheathed sword, gave her a really intimidating vibe.
<span style="font-weight:400">Wait… those ears… so this was a beastfolk?
<span style="font-weight:400">With the woman ncing at me with curiosity, I decided to do a preemptive introduction.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nice to meet you,” I said with a bow. “My name’s Rudeus Greyrat.”
<span style="font-weight:400">She raised her eyebrow. “You’re oddly polite for Paul’s son. I guess Zenith and Leon taught you well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Huh? I guess she knew both of my parents.
<span style="font-weight:400">And considering she knew Leon…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Are you Ghiine, by any chance?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Indeed. We’ll be getting acquainted starting tomorrow, but how did you know my name?” she asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“My brother has told me about you. Although he sometimes slipped in ‘Big Sis’,” I exined.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah,” she murmured with a warm smile. “I see. He’s also told me quite a bit about you. Anyway, this is for you, from Paul.”
<span style="font-weight:400">She then handed me a letter, which I quickly read through.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">To my dear son Rudeus. If you are reading this, it means that I have left this world.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">What!?
<span style="font-weight:400">Wait, there’s more.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Sorry, just kidding! I always wanted to try that on somebody!</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Anyway, I’ll keep this exnation short and sweet. You’re going to be taking over Leon’s job in tutoring the youngdy Eris, as well as Ghiine there, in Roa. In return, you’ll receive training from Ghiine, who is a Sword King, and four silver coins per month.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">…What? I’d have to teach… Eris?
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Use this chance to get a feel for the real world and practice spending money effectively. Then again, you might not need any practice with how gifted you are. Just don’t go buying any women, okay?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">Father… thatst part was not necessary.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Additionally, by the end of your five-year contract, you’ll be given a payment covering the cost of tuition at the Ranoa University of Magic as well as a noble sponsorship that will you a nice room.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">Five years? Shit. They nned this out, didn’t they? Paul and Leon, that is.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Take this time to learn about many things about this world and let this new environment develop your talents further.</em>
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Sincerely, your noble, wise, and brilliant father, Paul.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">Haa… what the hell?
<span style="font-weight:400">So they trapped me with a job, huh?
<span style="font-weight:400">Well… Leon did mention that the library was impressive, and considering I would be guaranteed free tuition without harming my family’s finances… yeah, this wasn’t bad.
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh? There was more?
<em><span style="font-weight:400">P.S. Feel free to make a move on anydies that you meet, as long as it’s consensual and they’re clean. But that ball of muscle’s already mine, so hands off!</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ghiine, can I send this letter back to my mother?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Why?”
<span style="font-weight:400">I showed her the letter, more specifically, thest part of it.
<span style="font-weight:400">Her eyebrow twitched in annoyance. “Mmm. I’ll be sure to.”
<span style="font-weight:400">And with that, I found myself travelling to the Citadel of Roa, thergest settlement of the Fittoa Region.
<span style="font-weight:400">I hope this all works out well…