Chapter 57 – We Will Be Reunited: A Lustful Mage
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">Here he was.
<span style="font-weight:400">My delightfully talented, lustful younger brother… the one and only Rudeus Greyrat, was here in the flesh.
<span style="font-weight:400">With our tears shed, ourposure regained, and greetings exchanged, we then decided to sit down together as we both exined our stories, only after introducing me to his partner, Sara.
<span style="font-weight:400">Just as I expected after hearing from the Doldia Vige, Rudy had been teleported to the Great Forest, where he then escorted their two princesses up north to Roa, stopping by Millishion on the way.
<span style="font-weight:400">What I hadn''t expected, however, was his little journey to the Shirone Kingdom, as well as his time as an adventurer with Counter Arrow to the northern territories in search of our family.
<span style="font-weight:400">This was also where he met Sara.
<span style="font-weight:400">She seemed like a good person, and from what I could tell, held the simr dislike for nobility and politics that I did, so I was more than happy Rudy had settled down with her.
<span style="font-weight:400">I wonder how long until I would be able to call myself an uncle.
<span style="font-weight:400">Knowing Rudy’s past, err, ‘excitement’, I don’t think it’d be too long.
<span style="font-weight:400">Anyway, with my dear brother’s tale told, I then exined where I had been teleported, along with Eris and my sisters, which Rudy already suspected were with me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“The Demon Continent!?” they both said, eyes wide in shock.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yep,” I nodded. “A shitty situation, don’t you think?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s putting it lightly…” Rudy said. “But that exins why it took you so long… I’m amazed you made it all the way here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, it was surely an annoying trip, but there were some fun parts in there too.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Anyway, you said you met with our father, right?” Rudy asked. “Are Aisha and Norn with him now? And what about Eris?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eris is training, or at least she was when I left, and our cute little sisters are taking the exams for the university,” I said, taking another swig of juice.
<span style="font-weight:400">The berries the juice was made from were quite tasty here… yummy.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though this ce was awfully quiet for a guild… I wonder what’s up with that?
<span style="font-weight:400">“They’re here!?” Rudy said, surprised. “Aren’t they, what, seven? Eight? Can they even go to school?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Was there such a rule?
<span style="font-weight:400">I didn’t remember anything like that.
<span style="font-weight:400">“They’re seven and a half, and Jinas didn’t have a problem with it,” I shrugged. “And they’re both smart enough. I didn’t just let them sit around thest four years, after all.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Besides, I didn’t want them at the academy for the purpose of education.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rather, I wanted them to expand their horizons, decide what their passions were, and make friends.
<span style="font-weight:400">But if they were too young… thatst one might be a concern.
<span style="font-weight:400">Whoops.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wait, if you met with Father, then why are they here? Are you nning to search the northern territories with me?” he asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No,” I shook my head. “Father dearest is heading to Begaritt, and I’ll be joining him after I leave.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy tilted his head in confusion as Sara raised her eyebrow in question.
<span style="font-weight:400">They really were perfect for each other.
<span style="font-weight:400">“We found Lilia and Mama,” I said, smiling. “They’re on the Begaritt Continent, so now it’s just a matter of getting them back, and we’ll all be together.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You found them?” Rudy said in amazement. “That’s… amazing.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hmm… he didn’t seem nearly as relieved as I was, but I suppose I should have expected that.
<span style="font-weight:400">After all, it had been a while since he had been with Mama, and he had probably expected to never see her again after how long he searched with no results.
<span style="font-weight:400">That sense of distance was probably the same with Norn and Aisha, now that I think about it, since they had spent more than half of their lives without them…
<span style="font-weight:400">Ah, well. I just had to bring Mama and Lilia back, and their rtionship could be rekindled back to normal.
<span style="font-weight:400">“And you’ll be going to Begaritt to help them?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, and about that…” I said, looking at him and Sara.
<span style="font-weight:400">I was d Rudy had found someone, and from what I could tell, Sara here was quite mature and someone I could trust.
<span style="font-weight:400">Before, I was a little worried about leaving Aisha and Norn with Rudy, especially since I didn’t know if he had grown up at all during our time apart.
<span style="font-weight:400">But now I was quite sure about my decision.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Would you two mind taking care of them while I’m gone?” I asked. “I’ll give you any funds you need, and they’ll still be going to school, but I want them to be with someone I trust. They’re too young to be living on their own, even if it’s in the dormitories.”
<span style="font-weight:400">I waited in anticipation for their reaction.
<span style="font-weight:400">Would they refuse?
<span style="font-weight:400">I know Rudy wasn’t as close to them as I was, and Sara didn’t know them at all, plus they were both young and wanted to have their freedom, but…
<span style="font-weight:400">They were his sisters, right?
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m fine with it,” Sara said, breaking the silence.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah… I am too, though… I guess we’ll have to calm down on adventuring,” Rudy said, rubbing his chin in thought.
<span style="font-weight:400">Thank god…
<span style="font-weight:400">“You two… thank you,” said, bowing my head slightly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course, Brother. You’ve been taking care of them all this time, so this is the least I can do,” Rudy said. “Besides, it’s not like you’re leaving for vacation, right? I should chip in this much.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, and… I’ve always wanted a sister,” Sara said, ying with her earring as she averted her eyes. “Especially two…”
<span style="font-weight:400">I see.
<span style="font-weight:400">So it was like that… well, if she already considered Norn and Aisha her sisters, then I didn’t have to worry.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Still… I’m d,” I said. “Well… they’ll likely be another hour or so, and we only told each other the basics, so how about we continue sharing our stories over lunch? I’ll pay, of course.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Absolutely!” Rudy said with a smile.
<span style="font-weight:400">And so, that’s exactly what we did.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">“H-Hey, you two… I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m your brother! Rudy!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Looking at him with slight apprehension, Norn, who was standing at my side, standing a little shorter than my armpit, looked up at me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s fine, Norn,” I said, patting her head. “Go say hello.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Nodding, she slowly stepped forward, with Aisha following behind her, as they both went up to hug Rudy.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was a bit awkward, but that was to be expected after so much time apart.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hopefully… no, surely, their bond would form with time.
<span style="font-weight:400">With the three separating, Rudy then looked to Eris, who was surveying Rudy with an analytical eye.
<span style="font-weight:400">“And Eris… Leon told me that you’ve grown quite strong,” Rudy said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmph. That’s natural,” she said. “…You’ve kept up with your training?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Just some morning exercises,” he shrugged.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm… better than nothing, I guess,” she said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Y-Yeah, the stamina is helpful,” Rudy said. “But more importantly, are the two of you…”
<span style="font-weight:400">To answer his question, I wrapped my arm around Eris’ waist, brushing across her rear as I pulled her close into a kiss.
<span style="font-weight:400">Tracing my tongue across her lips, I smirked at her dazed smile as I separated from her, turning back to my brother.
<span style="font-weight:400">“She’s mine,” I said firmly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Eris had turned into a beautiful girl, so I needed to make things clear before Rudy did something… unpleasant.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even if he did have Sara, he was the son of our father, after all.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah… I see. Congrats?” he said, a bit surprised.
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh, and Sara was blushing.
<span style="font-weight:400">That… might have been a bit too much.
<span style="font-weight:400">Whoops.
<span style="font-weight:400">At least Eris wasn’t one to get embarrassed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Big Brother?” Aisha said, walking up to me and pointing to her cheek. “Me too?”
<span style="font-weight:400">This brat… she’s been getting increasingly cheeky, especially since Sylphy and I became a thing.
<span style="font-weight:400">Not wanting to create any misunderstandings, I leaned down and… flicked her cheek.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Auch! Why?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Stop doing that,” I rebuked her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“But why!?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Because I said so,” I said, before I gave her a small peck where she had pointed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ehehe~”
<span style="font-weight:400">I was probably encouraging that cheeky behaviour by constantly giving in, but she seemed happy, so that was fine.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though I wish Norn would stop pouting.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Anyway, now that we’ve all met, what should we do now?” I said, looking at Rudy and Sara. “Do you two have a ce already?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Kind of… remember Timothy and Suzanne?” Rudy asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">Right, his previous party members and mentors who were now starting a family.
<span style="font-weight:400">I had been wanting to meet them, but I was guessing they were stressed out enough with the iing baby.
<span style="font-weight:400">“We’re living with them at the moment, but we’re looking for a ce,” Rudy continued. “But with Norn and Aisha living with us… we should try to get a ce soon.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see…”
<span style="font-weight:400">I guess I could wait here while they got everything settled, as long as it didn’t take too long.
<span style="font-weight:400">And as for being a burden… well, I wasn’t worried about Aisha and Norn causing these two any problems.
<span style="font-weight:400">In fact, I was more worried about my sisters being <em><span style="font-weight:400">too </em><span style="font-weight:400">respectful, to the point where they wouldn’t want to bother them for anything, unlike with me, where they feltfortable asking for my help.
<span style="font-weight:400">In short, they needed to connect a bit more.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Say, Rudy…” I said. “You’ve been improving your magic, right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah, yes, I have!” he nodded. “Right now, I’m actually at the King rank for water and earth magic.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh? That’s impressive.
<span style="font-weight:400">And from the surprised and admiring looks of Aisha and Norn, it seemed that my n might just work.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s good to see you haven’t cked off. Your brother is proud,” I nodded. “So… do you want to show us? I assume the university has a ce, right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy ced a finger on his chin.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm… usually, I would have to reserve it in advance, but since it’s the weekend…” he then nodded his head confidently. “Follow me, everyone! I’ll show you just how far I’vee!”
<span style="font-weight:400">And so, with the six of us heading to the university, we did exactly that.
<span style="font-weight:400">Meeting my brother, getting my sisters someone to help them out while they went to school… yeah, today was a great day.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Rudeus Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">Lying into the bed and blowing out the candle with some wind magic, I leaned back as I rested my head on my pillow, looking up at the ceiling with a smile.
<span style="font-weight:400">I can’t believe it… my family, they were back.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, most of them.
<span style="font-weight:400">And from how Leon knew where our mother was and nned to find them, it wouldn’t be long before our parents joined us.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was… fun, talking with Leon, telling my stories as he told me his in kind.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was even better when we went to the university to show off my magic to him and my sisters, and after some begging on my part, he also showed off his skills.
<span style="font-weight:400">To think he would be able to use lightning without reaching the King rank in water magic… I always knew my brother was a genius, but even that surprised me.
<span style="font-weight:400">And then there was his healing and barrier magic, which had only gotten better during our time apart, and his sword skills which had reached the King rank…
<span style="font-weight:400">Damn, I thought I had been doing pretty well, but he just had to show me up, eh?
<span style="font-weight:400">Ah, well… I didn’t mind.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was that power that kept him and our sisters safe, after all.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You seem quite happy,” Sara said, turning to her side to look down at me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Isn’t that natural?” I said, pulling her closer. “I got to see my siblings after four years and even shared a drink with my brother.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Though it was only juice… well, I was underage anyway.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, I guess that’s to be expected,” she said, cuddling into my side. “…I still can’t believe your brother is real.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You thought I was lying?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well, no, bute on! A Sword Saint at nine? And now he’s a King-rank swordsman?” she said, bbergasted. “And not only that, he’s making his own sword style, and it’s not a load of bullshit like so many others.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Ah, yeah, I guess that was quite surprising.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Honestly, Rudy, with you and your brother… your family is crazy,” she sighed. “…But at least your sisters are cute, even if they have a brotherplex.”
<span style="font-weight:400">I was about to refute that, but then I remembered Aisha’s giddy face after Leon kissed her cheek earlier today.
<span style="font-weight:400">Sure, it was an innocent sign of affection… but the look in her eyes made me think there was something else going on.
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh, well. That was Leon’s problem to deal with.
<span style="font-weight:400">That aside…
<span style="font-weight:400">“So you’re fine with taking care of them? Truly?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Obviously. Why would I lie?” she said. “They’re nice, cute, and even if they’re annoyed at being left behind by your brother, they don’t seem that troublesome. Besides… if I’m stuck with you, then they’re my sisters too… right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Seeing her look up at me, her eyes downturned in slight worry, I gave her a small kiss on her nose.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right. You’re stuck with me,” I said with a smile.
<span style="font-weight:400">Instead of blushing or kissing me back, like the usual Sara would do, she instead stared into my eyes, as if searching for a hint of any deception, before releasing a sigh.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right. Sorry, it’s just… after hearing about your brother’s… romantic endeavours, I’m a little concerned,” she said.
<span style="font-weight:400">Oh… right, that.
<span style="font-weight:400">Apparently, while I wasn’t looking, my brother had be quite the womanizer, deciding that Eris wasn’t enough, and going as far to capture Sylphy and another woman for himself as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">I mean, I knew that he and Eris were in a good ce, obvious from how they interacted with each other, but I was surprised she epted such a situation that easily.
<span style="font-weight:400">That scary girl… I didn’t think she would be able to handle not being the only woman, but I guess I was wrong.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, she and Sylphy were friends, so I guess that makes sense…
<span style="font-weight:400">But it’s good to know that Sylphy was alive, and apparently was here in Sharia as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">Maybe I would meet up with herter.
<span style="font-weight:400">But anyway… Sara’s worries, right.
<span style="font-weight:400">Let’s deal with that first.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…What do you think of it?” I asked. “Leon having multiple people, that is.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“What, do you have… someone in mind?” she asked with a tone of sadness.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No! No, not at all!” I denied. “But… if there was…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sara pouted as she pressed her head to my chest.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…I don’t know. I wouldn’t like it, definitely, but considering your father and brother… I guess I should expect it now, huh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Unlike my homnd, Japan, this world wasn’t tied down to monogamy.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unless you were a member of the Millis church, that is, which neither Sara nor I were.
<span style="font-weight:400">Still, if it meant losing Sara, I didn’t want to fall into such depravity.
<span style="font-weight:400">I wasn’t Paul, after all.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…I would hate it if you didn’t talk to me first, though,” she said. “So don’t. Do. That.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hearing the dangerous tone in her voice, I nodded as I ran my hands through her hair to soothe her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I get it. I don’t n on betraying you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You don’t <em><span style="font-weight:400">n </em><span style="font-weight:400">on it?” she said with venom.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I won’t! Promise!” I corrected myself.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…Good,” she said, ring at me onest time before closing her eyes. “Goodnight, Rudy.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, that went smoother than I thought.
<span style="font-weight:400">Good.
<span style="font-weight:400">I was afraid of what would happen with Linia and Pursena once they graduated, especially since I didn’t know if I was strong enough, both physically and mentally, to refuse their affections.
<span style="font-weight:400">But it seemed like the worst wouldn’t happen as long as Imunicated with my lovely girlfriend.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Goodnight, Sara,” I said, also closing my eyes. “Love you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Love you too,” she said before her breaths calmed.
<span style="font-weight:400">It didn’t take long for the fatigue of the day to get to me as well, as I quickly drifted off, soon finding myself in a familiar expanse of white.
<span style="font-weight:400">Fuck… really? I was here now?
<span style="font-weight:400">Dammit…
<span style="font-weight:400">And looking down, I confirmed that I was indeed back in that same disgusting body.
<span style="font-weight:400">Truly, I hated this ce.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">What am I doing here?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“You don’t know? Come on~ haven’t we got a good rtionship?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hearing the familiar, annoying voice, I turned to see the faceless figure of the one known as Hitogami.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">…Why? It’s been over a year since you talked, what are you doing in my dreams now?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah? Not so confrontational? What’s up with that, I wonder?”
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Well… you told me to go with Counter Arrow, and I got my current life out of it. With Sara, I’m… confident. I’m happy. So… I wouldn’t act like an ass after that.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“Gratitude? Towards me? From Rudeus Greyrat? Is… is the worlding to an end?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Did he have to be so annoying?
<em><span style="font-weight:400">What do you want?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m just joking!” he said,ughing at my biting tone. “And as for what I want… well, I’m just here to give my favourite magician some advice, of course!”
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Advice? Right after reuniting with my brother? Wait a minute, you said that by joining the Ranoa University of Magic-</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“That you would find where your family is,” he interrupted me. “Well? Was I wrong?”
<span style="font-weight:400">I still couldn’t see him, but I could tell he was wearing a condescending grin.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Well… no, but I was just being useless here. What if I went south, so then our whole family could go to Begaritt?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“That wouldn’t work, trust me,” he said, waving off my question. “Now I said I had advice, right? And it did concern your brother. Do you want to hear it?”
<em><span style="font-weight:400">…Yes.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“What’s the magic words~?”
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Please, you shitty Man-God.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“Haha! As rude as ever! But alright!” he said, raising his finger dramatically. “Rudeus Greyrat. Join your brother, Leon Greyrat, on his journey to the Begaritt Continent to rescue your mother. If you don’t… you will regret it.”
<em><span style="font-weight:400">What? Regret it? Is Leon in danger or something?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">“Who knows~?”
<em><span style="font-weight:400">No… that’s impossible for Leon to be in danger. I doubt there’s anyone that can harm that monster, now that he’s an ‘Elemental King’ and has Saint-rank healing magic. Healing magic he can use whenever he wants, unlike me, by the way.</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">Hitogami simply smirked.
<span style="font-weight:400">I couldn’t tell, obviously, but I could sense it.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No one that can harm him? Hmm… you should ask your brother that. The answer might interest you,” he said cryptically. “Ah, and if you decide to go, make sure you check out the library for a book on teleportation. It may end up being quite useful.”
<span style="font-weight:400">And with that, my meeting with the elusive, annoying god came to an end.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">Waiting in the inn’s lobby for Rudy, just as I had promised yesterday before we departed, I thought about the exam results I had received this morning.
<span style="font-weight:400">I was proud of Aisha and Norn for doing well. Really proud.
<span style="font-weight:400">Aisha had gone ahead and got a perfect score for arithmetic and geography, while Norn gotten an exemry grade in literature and swordsmanship.
<span style="font-weight:400">And that wasn’t even mentioning their magic, which while only at the intermediate rank for both, was done without an incantation, putting them a cut above even most professors at the academy in pure talent.
<span style="font-weight:400">Truly, it made my heart swell in pride and happiness, both at them and selfishly, at myself as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">I felt… d, to know that I taught them properly and didn’t waste the wonderful talent those two sweethearts held.
<span style="font-weight:400">It made me feel like even if I wasn’t perfect, I made sure they were in a good position in life, even with the teleportation messing everything up.
<span style="font-weight:400">Right now, the two of them were out getting groceries with one of Ariel’s attendants, and we would be meetingter today to take a tour of the university and decide what subjects they wanted to try.
<span style="font-weight:400">Eris, on the other hand, was… training.
<span style="font-weight:400">Again. As she always has been recently.
<span style="font-weight:400">While I wish we could be spending more time together, especially since Sylphy was busy with Ariel’s affairs, I knew that Eris needed some time alone.
<span style="font-weight:400">Thinking about it now, she was probably deliberating over <em><span style="font-weight:400">that</em><span style="font-weight:400"> decision, wasn’t she?
<span style="font-weight:400">Since that was the case, I definitely shouldn’t interfere unless she asks.
<span style="font-weight:400">And as for me, I was waiting for my brother to join me so that we could begin the process of getting him and Sara a house that they and my sisters would live in during my journey, and possibly, in the future too.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Leon!” Rudy said, entering the inn.
<span style="font-weight:400">Ah, there he was.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey Rudy, what’s… what’s wrong?” I said, my tone turning concerned as I saw his worried expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Leon, is there… is there someone who can beat you?” he asked,ing closer to me. “A-A terrifying opponent… someone who you can’t beat, is there someone like that?”
<span style="font-weight:400">What the hell was he talking about?
<span style="font-weight:400">Was this that childish anxiety I knew he had, like when he was afraid of going outside?
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhh, yeah, you could say that,” I said. “You know about the world powers, right? All of those guys are quite strong.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“So there is?” he asked once more. “Someone… someone who would kill you?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Someone who would kill me?
<span style="font-weight:400">What- Ah… was that it?
<span style="font-weight:400">Did Eris tell him or something? Or was it my sisters?
<span style="font-weight:400">It couldn’t be Sylphy, since not only had I not told her, but Rudy also didn’t know about her new appearance nor about her being Ariel’s guard.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well, I didn’t tell you before, since I didn’t want to mess up the lighthearted atmosphere, but you could say I… ran into trouble,” I said, pulling up my shirt to reveal therge scar on my chest.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy looked at the scar in surprise and fear, his eyes swimming in confusion.
<span style="font-weight:400">“The Dragon God,” I exined. “It seems he didn’t like the look on my face, so, well… he stabbed me. Right through the spine. Probably would have died if he didn’t decide to heal me right after.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Covering my wound once again, I shook my head in exasperation.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Honestly… if you ever see him, don’t go against that guy,” I said. “He seemed to only have it out for me, so you should be fine if you keep your head down.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy shakily nodded his head before sitting down, squeezing his fists a few times before looking back at me.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Brother, I… The Begaritt Continent… I want to go with you,” he said. “No. I <em><span style="font-weight:400">will </em><span style="font-weight:400">go with you!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Okay…” I said in confusion.
<span style="font-weight:400">Why did he look so… afraid?
<span style="font-weight:400">Was he that shocked that his big brother was infallible? Or maybe fearful that I had nearly died?
<span style="font-weight:400">Either way, I wasn’t necessarily against the idea of his inclusion, but if he was truthful about wanting to go with me, then I would have to change my ns.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…Why do you want toe with me now?” I asked. “You have a girlfriend here, and more importantly, our sisters to take care of. Why would you want to join me to go to a deste ce like Begaritt?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Rudy narrowed his eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You… you’re stronger than me, Brother, but I’ve been adventuring for a year now. Clearing dungeons, tracking beasts… plus, you even said it yourself yesterday, right? My magic is better. I can help you get our family back together.”
<span style="font-weight:400">…Well, he wasn’t wrong.
<span style="font-weight:400">It would be a big help, but… what about Norn and Aisha?
<span style="font-weight:400">Would Sara be okay with watching them alone?
<span style="font-weight:400">Would <em><span style="font-weight:400">I </em><span style="font-weight:400">be okay with that?
<span style="font-weight:400">I mean, I could trust her, somewhat, but she was only a sixteen-year-old girl.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…Would Sara be fine watching them alone?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No,” a voice interrupted me. “Because if Rudy is going, then I am as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sara then sat down next to Rudy, crossing her arms as if telling us there was no point in refusing.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…Why?” Rudy asked. “It would be a long trip, you know?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Wouldn’t he want her there?
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m going because you’re an idiot, and someone needs to keep you in line,” she said, ring at him. “And also, in terms of adventuring, I’m better and more experienced than both of you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">…Great.
<span style="font-weight:400">Just great.
<span style="font-weight:400">“And there’s no chance of convincing you two out of it?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sorry Brother,” Rudy said, shaking his head. “No chance.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sara didn’t even offer me a response, simply raising her eyebrow, testing me to refuse her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“…Right,” I mumbled.
<span style="font-weight:400">Haa… dammit.
<span style="font-weight:400">Now what would I do about those two?
<span style="font-weight:400">There was… what were their names, Timothy and Suzanne?
<span style="font-weight:400">No, not only were they expecting and much too busy to deal with two little girls, but more importantly, I didn’t know them.
<span style="font-weight:400">I couldn’t trust them with my two most important people just off of my brother and his girlfriend’s word.
<span style="font-weight:400">And Eris… she was likely leaving for the Sword Sanctum soon, at least by how hard she had been trainingtely.
<span style="font-weight:400">Then… I guess there was only one option, wasn’t there?
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, I know Sylphy would care for Norn and Aisha as if they were her own sisters, which they basically were, and if Ariel ever wanted my support, she would take care of them too.
<span style="font-weight:400">So, getting up from my chair with a sigh, I went upstairs to ask for the princess and my beloved’s help.
<span style="font-weight:400">— Leon Greyrat —
<span style="font-weight:400">“So, you wish for us to watch your sisters while you and your brother head for the Begaritt Continent?” Ariel said as she sat, letting Sylphy do her morning preparations for her hair.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, if you could,” I said. “In return… I’ll help you after I return. As long as you don’t expect that assistance to extend to my family.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Both her and Sylphy’s eyes widened at this, with Ariel’s eyes sparkling in joy as she traced my figure.
<span style="font-weight:400">She was probably just excited to have a powerful card to y, but it was still a bit concerning to be looked over so intensely like an object.
<span style="font-weight:400">Haa…
<span style="font-weight:400">“I… I’ll take care of them, at least when I’m able to,” Sylphy said, looking at me resolutely. “We’re together, after all, right? So they’re my family too.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you,” I said, smiling at her.
<span style="font-weight:400">She really was such a good girl.
<span style="font-weight:400">While I was initially a bit concerned about pushing our rtionship forward to just short of marriage, I was more sure of my decision with every day spent together.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even if she got more mature, and found a dear friend she wanted to help, the kind and cute Sylphy was still there.
<span style="font-weight:400">Plus, she was growing up to be exceedingly beautiful.
<span style="font-weight:400">I really was quite lucky.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’ll also watch out for them when I can,” Ariel added. “I think I can leave most of it to Sylphy here, but it would be beneficial to have you in my favour, no?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You said the quiet part out loud, Princess,” I sighed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Did I? Fufu~” she giggled. “I don’t think that changes anything~”
<span style="font-weight:400">I was annoyed that she was right.
<span style="font-weight:400">Shaking her head, Ariel closed her eyes as Sylphy went back to doing her hair.
<span style="font-weight:400">“So? Are you nning to leave immediately?” she asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No,” I shook my head. “I n to stay here for around two weeks. We need to get supplies, and I also want to make sure you and Sylphy have no enemies and that there are no problems with my sister.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Ariel nodded her head. “I see…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Finishing her braid, Sylphy then stood back, ncing over at me to sh an appreciative smile my way.
<span style="font-weight:400">She always knew how to warm my heart… I could definitely trust her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m relieved you’ll be staying, as I was also worried about my brother’s hand having reached this far. I thank you for that kind consideration,” Ariel said, standing up. “Now, I do think it is time for you to give us some privacy.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Some privacy?” I asked, tilting my head in confusion.
<span style="font-weight:400">Ariel then slid down her nightgown, revealing her bra-d form. A sight I quickly looked away from.
<span style="font-weight:400">This damn princess…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Unless… you want to see me undress?” she asked in a teasing tone. “That would, however, be quite sphemous. Especially in front of your promised one.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Needless to say, I quickly left the room, closing the door behind me and ignoring the princess’ giggles and Sylphy’s miffedints.
<span style="font-weight:400">Seriously, shouldn’t a princess have more dignity?
<span style="font-weight:400">She liked teasing me way too much.