## (Paul Greyrat) - (Point of View)
Seven years old.
My son Daiki was seven years old, and I was about to be humiliated.
Not metaphorically. Not as a warning. Literally, at this precise moment, looking at this black-haired, red-eyed child who watched me with that unnatural calm he'd always had.
"Again, Father."
It wasn't a request. It was a statement.
I had just defeated him. For the twentieth time this morning. But each victory felt more... hollow. More difficult. More like I was holding sand between my fingers.
"Daiki, rest. You've already had twenty consecutive matches."
"I can continue."
Of course he could. That was the problem.
"I need to rest." I admitted, wiping the sweat from my forehead.
Seven years old. At seven years old. Daiki had reached Advanced rank in all three styles six months ago.
The same level as me.
And every day, the gap closed further.
"All right. I'll practice the forms while you rest."
I watched him walk away to the other side of the courtyard, practice sword in hand. His movements were... perfect. Too perfect for a child.
God of the Sword Style technique. Then a fluid transition to the God of Water Style. And then, almost mockingly, a sequence from the God of the North Style.
All three styles flowed one after another without pause.
I took fifteen years to achieve that.
He did it in two.
"Zenith." I called toward the house.
My wife appeared in the doorway, holding Norn in one arm.
"Yes, dear?"
"When does the reply arrive?"
"From the letter? It should arrive today or tomorrow."
----
## (Daiki Greyrat) - (Point of View)
[ANALYSIS: PAUL SHOWS SIGNS OF INSECURITY]
‹That's why I've been holding back my final attacks.›
[CONFIRMED: LAST 8 MATCHES YOU COULD HAVE WON]
[YOU CHOSE NOT TO]
‹Because I still need him as a teacher. If I defeat him now, his pride will break before I have a replacement ready.›
"Daiki." Paul's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Come here."
I approached. He had sat down under the shade of the eaves, with an expression I hadn't seen on him before.
"Sit down."
I obeyed.
"I need to tell you something." He began, looking toward the horizon. "And I need you to be honest with me."
"I always am, Father."
"When are you planning to defeat me?"
The question hit me like a punch.
"I don't understand what..."
"Don't lie to me. I've been watching you, the last few matches. You had at least eight clear opportunities to finish me off. And you didn't take them."
"Why?" He asked. "For my pride? So I wouldn't feel bad?"
"Because I can still learn from you." I answered honestly. "If I defeat you now, I'll lose my teacher before I'm ready."
Paul let out a bitter laugh.
"You already surpassed me, son. Weeks ago. You were just waiting... for what? For me to find a replacement?"
"Yes."
That admission seemed to hit him harder than any sword strike.
"Seven years old." He murmured. "You're seven damn years old and you're already thinking strategically about how to handle your father's ego."
"Father..."
"No. It's fine." He raised a hand. "More than fine. It means I raised a smart son."
He stood up, walking toward the center of the courtyard.
"Stand up, Daiki."
"Father?"
"We're going to have one last match. A real match. Without you holding back. Without you protecting my ego."
"But..."
"It's an order." His voice sounded final. "As your father and as your teacher. Show me how far you've come."
I stood up slowly, taking my practice sword.
‹I don't want to do this.›
[ANALYSIS: PAUL NEEDS THIS CLOSURE]
[REFUSING WOULD BE WORSE FOR HIS PRIDE]
‹I know... but...›
We positioned ourselves face to face. Paul with his characteristic God of the Sword Style guard. Me with a neutral stance, ready to adapt to any of the three styles.
"Whenever you're ready." Paul said.
I took a deep breath.
And I moved.
----
## (Zenith Greyrat) - (Point of View)
I was in the kitchen when a brutal CRACK tore through the silence and yanked me from my thoughts.
I left Norn in the crib. For an instant, I considered staying there. Pretending I hadn't heard anything. Pretending nothing was happening.
But my legs were already moving before my mind made a decision.
When I arrived, I saw Paul retreating.
And that, by itself, was absurd.
He doesn't retreat. He advances. Even when he shouldn't. Even when common sense screams at him to stop.
But there he was: short steps, labored breathing... and increasingly futile.
"My son... is surpassing the man who taught him to fight."
---
## (Rudeus Greyrat) - (Point of View)
I was walking with Sylphiette, until we heard strikes.
"Rudy? What's that?"
"I don't know. Let's go see."
We ran back to the house. When we reached the courtyard, there was a crowd.
Zenith. Lilia with Aisha. Some neighbors who must have heard the noise.
Everyone was watching the match with expressions of astonishment.
And then I saw it. Paul was losing.
"Brother Daiki..." Sylphiette whispered beside me, eyes wide open.
My older brother moved with a grace that defied his age.
Paul overloaded an attack from the God of the Sword Style. Committed too much weight forward.
It was a trap. A God of the North Style technique disguised as a mistake.
But Daiki saw it coming.
Instead of attacking the obvious opening, he slid to the side, using a gust of wind to increase his speed.
Paul tried to adjust, turning to block.
Too slow.
Daiki's wooden sword connected with Paul's side. Not with brutal force, but with perfect precision. Right at the pressure point that guaranteed temporary immobilization without permanent damage.
Paul fell to his knees.
"I... I lost."
Daiki lowered his sword, extending a hand toward Paul.
"Good match, Father."
Paul looked at the extended hand. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't take it. That his pride wouldn't allow it.
"Good match, son."
He took Daiki's hand and stood up.
---
## (Daiki Greyrat) - (Point of View)
Paul hugged me.
It wasn't something I expected. After defeating him, after proving I had surpassed his level, I thought there would be resentment.
But he hugged me tightly, without shame, without bitterness.
"I'm proud of you." He said against my shoulder. "So proud I could burst."
Something broke inside my chest.
"Father..."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"Apologize?" Paul pulled back, looking at me with disbelief. "Why the hell would you apologize?"
"Because I defeated you. Because you can't teach me anymore. Because..."
"Because you grew up." Paul interrupted me. "Because you became something incredible. Daiki, that's not something you should apologize for. It's something that should be celebrated."
He looked at the gathered crowd.
"My son defeated me!" He shouted with absolute pride.
The neighbors began to applaud.
Zenith was running toward us.
"Daiki! My baby!"
She wrapped me in a suffocating hug.
"Mom... I can't breathe..."
"Let me hug you! I'm so proud!"
Rudeus approached as well, with Sylphiette shyly behind him.
"Brother." He said simply. "That was incredible."
"Thank you."
"Though now Paul is going to be unbearable for weeks bragging about you."
That drew a laugh from everyone.
## (Paul Greyrat) - (Hours Later)
That night, after everyone went to sleep, I sat in the courtyard with a jug of beer.
Zenith came out and sat beside me.
"Are you okay?"
"Better than okay." I took a drink. "Though my ego is a bit bruised."
"Your son surpassed you."
"My son destroyed me." I corrected with a smile. "It wasn't even close at the end."
Zenith took my hand.
"And how do you really feel?"
I considered the question honestly.
"Relieved."
"Relieved?"
"Yes. Because it means I did well. That I trained him properly. That I gave him solid fundamentals." I paused. "And because now I know he'll be okay. That he'll be stronger than me. That he'll be able to protect himself and those he loves."
"But you can't teach him anymore."
"No. I can't anymore." I admitted. "That's why I need Ghislaine."
"The letter arrived today."
"And?"
"She accepts. She'll come in three days."
I nodded slowly.
"Then in three days, Daiki will have a new teacher. One who can take him beyond where I could."
"And Rudeus?"
There was the hard part.
"He'll go too. As a tutor for the lord's daughter. Both will go to Roa."
"Both of them?" Zenith looked at me with surprise. "For how long?"
"Five years."
"FIVE YEARS!?"
"Zenith, listen..."
"No! That's too long! They're just children!"
"They're exceptional children." I argued. "Daiki needs a better teacher. Rudeus needs to become independent from Sylphiette. Both need to see the world beyond this village."
"But..."
"And besides." I continued. "The payment will cover tuition for both of them at the Magic University afterward. It's an opportunity we can't turn down."
Zenith covered her face with her hands.
"They're going to grow up without us. Five years, Paul. When they return, they'll be teenagers. We'll have lost..."
"We won't lose anything." I hugged her. "We'll give them the opportunity to become who they're meant to be."
She cried against my shoulder.
And honestly, I wanted to cry too.
*
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## (Daiki Greyrat) - (Days Later)
"Daiki. I need to talk to you. Alone."
Paul was waiting for me in the courtyard after dinner.
I sat beside him on the edge of the eaves.
"Tomorrow." He finally began. "You'll both go to Roa."
"I know, you told me... To progress with my training."
"Yes. But there's a problem."
"Rudeus?"
Paul nodded.
"He won't want to leave. You know that, right?"
"He's too attached to Sylphiette. If you give him the option, he'll find ways to delay it. To negotiate. To escape."
"Exactly." Paul sighed. "That's why I won't give him the option."
I remained silent, processing his words.
"You'll knock him out during training."
It wasn't a question.
"Yes." Paul looked at me directly. "And I want you to know beforehand. Because I need you to be prepared. Not to interfere."
"Why tell me?"
"Because you'll understand." He said simply. "Rudeus is emotional. He'll act with his heart. But you... you see things clearly. Don't you?"
I considered his words carefully.
"Do you think it's necessary?"
"Completely. If I give him time to say goodbye to Sylphy, it'll be worse. For both of them. She'll cry, he'll hesitate, and in the end he might not leave. Or leave with so much resentment that he won't take advantage of the opportunity."
I looked at the moon, processing.
"And me?" I finally asked. "Will you knock me out too?"
Paul let out a bitter laugh.
"Even if I wanted to, I couldn't anymore. You defeated me, son. We both know it."
"Then why am I here?"
"Because I need you to choose this. Willingly. To understand why I'm doing it and to go without me having to force you."
Silence.
"Will you go?" Paul asked. "Of your own free will?"
I thought about it honestly.
Five years away from home. From Zenith. From my little sisters. From Rudeus... well, Rudeus would come with me.
But also: training with a King-level master. Experience in a big city. Opportunity to grow beyond what this village could offer me.
"Yes." I answered. "I'll go."
"Without resentment?"
"Without resentment."
Paul put a hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you, son. For being so mature. Sometimes I forget you're only seven years old."
"Sometimes I forget too."
We sat in comfortable silence.
"Father."
"Yes?"
"Can I... can I at least say goodbye to my mother? And to my sisters?"
"Early in the morning. Before Rudeus wakes up. I'll give you that time."
"Thank you."
THE NEXT MORNING:
Dawn was just beginning when I went down to the kitchen.
Zenith was already there, preparing breakfast. She turned when she heard me enter.
"Daiki?"
"Mom. I need to tell you something."
"What is it, sweetheart?"
"Today... today I'm leaving for Roa. With Rudeus. For five years."
"It's a surprise. For Rudeus. But I know. And I wanted... I wanted to say goodbye properly."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Daiki..."
"Don't cry yet." I asked, but I felt my own voice breaking. "Or I'll cry too."
But it was too late. Zenith wrapped me in a desperate hug.
"My baby. My precious baby."
"Mom." I returned the hug tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much."
"Five years." She sobbed. "I won't see you for five years."
"But I'll come back. And when I return, I'll be stronger. Someone you can be proud of."
"I'm already proud. I always have been."
Lilia appeared in the doorway, holding Aisha.
"Young Master Daiki." Also about to cry. "Is it true?"
"Yes, Lilia-san."
She approached, shifting Aisha to one arm so she could touch my shoulder.
"It was an honor to care for you. Please, take care of yourself. And of Young Master Rudeus."
"I will. I promise."
I knelt beside Norn's crib. The little one looked at me, not understanding.
"Take care, Norn. When I return, you'll already be a big girl."
Aisha babbled something unintelligible, reaching for my black hair with her little hands.
"And you too, Aisha."
Zenith knelt beside me, hugging me from behind.
"Do you have to leave today? Can't we...?"
"Father is right. If we wait, Rudeus will find ways to delay it. And I might start having doubts too..."
"You're so strong." She sobbed. "Stronger than a seven-year-old should be."
"I had to be." I admitted.
I hugged her one more time.
"I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, my baby. So much."
A few minutes passed. Rudeus had already woken up, and was at training.
## (Rudeus Greyrat) - (Point of View)
It happened in the middle of sword training.
"Hey, Rudy."
"Yes, what is it, Father?"
I tried to put on the firmest expression possible and listened carefully to Paul's words.
After all, this would be my first job, even counting my past life. I'm going to give it my best.
"Tell me... if someone ordered you to separate from Sylphy, what would you think?"
"Huh? Of course I wouldn't like it!"
"I knew it."
"What are you talking about?"
"No, nothing. In the end, even if I tried, you'd end up talking your way around it with your words."
The moment he said that, Paul completely changed. Even I, a simple amateur, could feel how he released an intense bloodlust.
"What?!"
With silent pressure, Paul lunged at me.
Death.
That word crossed my mind.
Instinctively, I unleashed all my mana and prepared to face Paul.
I used Wind and Fire magic at the same time, creating an explosion between us. I jumped backward, pushed by the heat and shockwave, getting as far away as possible.
I had simulated it many times. Against Paul, I wouldn't have a chance if I didn't get distance first. The explosion also damaged me, but if I could make him falter, I could gain some space.
But Paul lunged forward, as if the explosion hadn't existed.
I knew it wouldn't have any effect! Although I had already anticipated it, I couldn't help but feel anxious. I had to dodge! Backward won't work, his footwork is faster. Reflexively, I thought that and created a shockwave to one side, as if hitting myself. The impact threw me violently sideways.
A sharp, cold sound grazed my ears. I could see Paul's sword pass right where my neck had been.
Good. I had avoided the first strike. That was a huge achievement. Although I was still close, I had already created distance. I could see the possibility of winning.
Then I sank the ground under Paul's foot.
He fell into a hole... or at least that's what I thought. In an instant, he transferred his weight to his other foot and advanced with almost no delay.
Do I have to stop both his legs at once?!
I created a mud pit beneath me. But before sinking in, I propelled a water jet from the sole of my foot, retreating as if sliding.
Damn, too slow...!
When I realized, it was too late. Paul, from the edge of the mud pit, took a step that sank the ground. With just that stomp, he closed the distance and was on top of me.
"U-uaaahhh!"
Desperate, I faced him with my sword. It was a clumsy strike, without any form. As I swung it with brute force, an unpleasant sensation ran through my hand.
He deflected it with a God of Water Style technique... I understood that instantly. If he had deflected with the God of Water Style, it meant a counterattack would come. I knew it, but I couldn't react.
Like in slow motion, Paul's sword headed straight for my neck.
Ah... good thing it was a wooden sword...
I felt the impact on my neck, and my consciousness sank into darkness.
## (Daiki Greyrat) - (Point of View)
I watched from my bedroom window.
[YOU WON'T INTERVENE?]
‹No. This is necessary.›
[RUDEUS WILL BE FURIOUS WHEN HE WAKES UP]
I took my small suitcase and my sword. Everything I would need was packed.
I went down the stairs.
Zenith was at the door, crying silently. Paul had returned after depositing Rudeus in the carriage.
"It's time." He said simply.
I nodded.
I walked toward Zenith one last time.
"Take care, Mom."
"You too, sweetheart. Please, take care of yourself. And take care of Rudy."
"I will."
Paul put a hand on my shoulder.
"I know this is difficult. But it's the right thing."
"I know, Father."
"And Daiki... Thank you. For understanding. For not fighting this."
We hugged briefly.
"Make me proud, son."
I walked toward the carriage.
Ghislaine was sitting inside, with Rudeus tied up like a package in front of her.
"Is he okay?" I asked as I got in.
"Breathing. Unconscious. But fine."
"Does she know what Paul did?"
"Yes. I agree with his logic."
I sat next to Rudeus, looking out the window.
Zenith was watching us from the door, sobbing. Paul was holding her.
The carriage began to move.
And I moved away from everything I knew.
## (Rudeus Greyrat) - (Point of View)
When I opened my eyes, I found myself inside a small box.
From the strong rattling I felt, I understood I was inside some means of transportation. I wanted to sit up, but I couldn't move a single finger. Looking down, I discovered I was completely tied with ropes. They had rolled me up like a suma-maki, tied to a mat.
‹What the hell is going on...?›
I turned my neck and saw that a woman was sitting in front of me. She had chocolate-toned skin, wore very revealing leather clothing, her body was muscular and full of scars, and she wore an eyepatch. Her face conveyed a firm and authoritative presence, the anego type, the boss lady. She was, literally, the image of a fantasy warrior. Additionally, she had animal ears and a tiger-like tail, with quite a bit of fur.
‹Could she be from the beast race...?›
Apparently she noticed I was watching her, because our gazes crossed.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Rudeus Greyrat. Excuse me for receiving you in such an embarrassing state."
I decided to introduce myself first. The basis of any conversation is taking the initiative. If I take the lead, I control the situation.
"For Paul's son, you're surprisingly polite."
"I'm also my mother's son."
"I see, you were Zenith's son."
She seemed to know my parents. That calmed me down a bit.
"I'm Ghislaine. Starting tomorrow, I'm counting on you."
‹Starting tomorrow? What the hell is she saying?›
"Uh... well, likewise, nice to meet you."
For now, I used Fire magic to burn the ropes and free myself. My body hurt, maybe because I had slept in a strange position. I stretched hard. What a relief.
I'm used to moving only my fingers in tight spaces, but being tied up in front of an onee-san with dominatrix vibes... well, it made me feel weird.
I observed the surroundings: we were in some kind of small box. There were seats facing front and back, and I was sitting across from Ghislaine. On the sides there were windows through which you could see the outside: an unknown field. As I had assumed, it was a vehicle. The rattling was strong. From the front direction you could hear a "paka-paka." Probably horses.
In conclusion: a carriage.
For some reason, I found myself in a carriage with a muscular woman.
"Rudy."
That voice.
I turned my head to the side.
Daiki was sitting next to me, looking at me with that characteristic neutral expression.
"Brother!? You were also...?"
But I stopped when I saw his small suitcase beside him. And the way he was sitting. Relaxed. Not tied up. Not surprised.
"You came voluntarily." It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
"I see."
I didn't say anything more for the moment. I needed to process this.
‹Calm down. Breathe. Think coldly.›
"How did I end up in this situation?" I murmured, more to myself than to the others.
First, Paul attacked me suddenly and knocked me unconscious. Then, when I woke up, I was tied up and inside this carriage. Most likely he knocked me unconscious for some reason and threw me in here. Inside the carriage was this muscular woman who told me that thing about "starting tomorrow, I'm counting on you."
And my brother, who clearly knew what would happen.
Speaking of Paul... I remember that, before attacking me, he said some strange things. Something like: "Separate from Sylphy"...
‹That bastard...! Is he planning to lay his hands on my Sylphy!?›
No, wait. Calm down. Paul isn't that low. Probably.
Well, it's best to ask directly.
"Ah, um..."
"Ghislaine is fine."
"Ah, then, you can call me Rudy-chan."
"Understood. Rudy-chan."
...She seems to be the type who doesn't understand jokes.
"Ghislaine-san, haven't you heard anything from my father?"
"Ghislaine is fine. The 'san' isn't necessary."
While saying that, Ghislaine took a paper from her chest and handed it to me. I took it, but there was nothing written on the surface.
"It's a letter from Paul. Read it aloud, I can't read."
"Yes."
I opened the paper, which was carelessly folded, and began to read:
"To my beloved son, Rudeus. If you're reading this letter, I'm probably no longer in this world──"
"What?!"
Ghislaine let out a cry of surprise and stood up abruptly. The carriage ceiling turned out to be higher than it looked.
"Please sit down, Ghislaine. It still continues."
"Mu, I see."
She obeyed and sat down quietly again.
I heard what might have been a stifled laugh from Daiki beside me.
I continued reading.
"──That's what I always wanted to write once. It's just a joke. The reality is that, after I beat you to a pulp, you were left crawling pathetically, then you were tied up like a damsel in distress and thrown into a carriage. You surely don't understand what's happening, so it would be best to ask that 'muscle with legs' over there. Although well, her brain is also pure muscle, so don't expect a decent explanation."
"What did you say?!"
She stood up again, with a roar of fury.
"Sit down, Ghislaine. In the next part he praises you."
"Mu, I see."
She sat down again.
"This is entertaining." Daiki murmured beside me.
"Shut up."
I continued reading.
"She's a Ken-Ou (Sword King). If you want to learn swordsmanship, you won't find a better instructor unless you travel to the Sword Sanctuary. Her skill is guaranteed by me. I've never beaten her even once... except in bed."
‹Stop writing stupid things, old fool.›
Although... Ghislaine seemed quite pleased with that line. You're really popular, old man. And strong too, Ghislaine.
"Well, as for your job: you'll be a tutor for the daughter of a noble house in the city of Roa, the largest in the Fittoa territory. You'll teach arithmetic, reading, writing, and some basic magic. She's an extremely capricious young lady, to the point that the school asked us not to send her anymore. She's made many previous tutors flee, but I trust you'll be able to handle her."
‹Is that confidence or is he just throwing the whole problem on me...?›
"As for Daiki, he'll also go with you. He'll teach other subjects as needed, and more importantly, he'll train swordsmanship during his stay. Ghislaine agreed to take him as a student. Consider it an additional benefit of this job."
I looked at Daiki.
"So that's why you came."
"Paul can't teach me anymore." He answered simply. "Ghislaine can take me beyond his level."
"I see."
It made sense. After Daiki defeated him yesterday... or was it two days ago? I'm not sure how long I was unconscious.
I kept reading.
"The muscle with legs you have there works as a guard and swordsmanship instructor in the ojō-sama's house. It seems that, in exchange for teaching Daiki swordsmanship, she also wants to learn arithmetic and reading. Daiki can help with that. Don't laugh at her even if her brain is also pure muscle. She's surely serious (laughs)."
"What did you say...?!"
A blue vein appeared on her forehead.
"This letter seemed specifically designed to provoke her." Daiki commented.
"Without a doubt. What kind of relationship did those two have?"
"She probably doesn't have a good memory, but think that at least you save paying for an instructor."
"Ghislaine, how much does it usually cost to learn swordsmanship with you?"
"Two Asura gold coins per month."
‹Two gold coins?! When Roxy taught me, she charged five Asura silver coins per month. That's almost four times more.›
"It's expensive." I murmured.
"She's King level." Daiki answered. "The price is appropriate for her level."
He had a point. That made Ghislaine smile, finally someone recognized her.
"You'll both live in the ojō-sama's mansion for five years, teaching her during that time. Five years. During that period, I forbid you to return home or exchange letters. If you stay with Sylphy, Rudeus, she'll never be able to become independent. And besides, I feel like you're both starting to depend too much on each other, so I decided to separate you by force."
My heart stopped.
"What... what?!"
‹Wait... Does that mean I won't be able to see Sylphy for five years? Not even letters?›
"What, did Rudy-chan leave his girlfriend behind?"
Ghislaine asked me amused seeing my desperate face.
"No, I was miserably defeated by an immature father."
‹I didn't even have time to say goodbye. You really played me, Paul...›
"Don't get depressed, Rudy-chan."
"Hey..."
"What?"
"Better call me Rudeus."
"Aa, understood."
I looked at Daiki.
"You were able to say goodbye?"
"To our mother and our sisters, yes. Paul allowed me to this morning before you woke up."
"I see."
There was no resentment in my voice. Just... resignation.
It made sense. If they had given me the opportunity to say goodbye, I would have tried to escape. I would have begged. I would have used every rhetorical trick I knew to delay, negotiate, avoid.
Paul knew me too well.
And honestly...
"Although, thinking about it, Paul has a point." I admitted out loud.
Daiki looked at me with slight surprise.
"If Sylphy grew up this way, she might end up becoming a dependent 'childhood friend.' In reality, by going to school and making friends, that dependence fades... but Sylphy, because of her hair, can't make friends. After five years, she might still be stuck to me."
"You wouldn't mind." Daiki observed.
"No. But it wouldn't be healthy for her. The adults are right about that."
I continued reading the letter.
"As for Rudeus's payment: you'll receive two Asura silver coins per month. It's less than what a tutor charges, but a lot for a child's pocket. Daiki will receive one silver coin per month for his additional contributions as an instructor. Take advantage to learn how to use money in the city. Money, if you don't practice with it, you won't know how to handle it when you need it. Although being my sons, I'm sure you'll do it well... Oh, and don't even think about spending on women."
‹Meddlesome old man...›
"That last part is specifically for you." Daiki commented.
"Shut up."
"If you complete the five years teaching the ojō-sama without abandoning, as a special reward you'll receive a sum equivalent to tuition for two people at the Magic University."
My eyes opened wide.
"Two people?"
"For you and for Sylphiette." Daiki confirmed. "Father had already promised it before."
"I see. If I do my job well, I'll have freedom afterward."
And I'll be able to take Sylphy with me to the University.
"Of course, in five years, Sylphy might not follow you, or maybe your passion will have cooled. But I'll take care of her."
‹That "I'll take care of her" sounds terrible, old man...›
"Take care of each other. Daiki, I can't teach you anymore, but I trust Ghislaine to take you where I couldn't. Rudeus, learn to be independent, but also learn to lean on your brother when you need to. I pray that in these five years, in a new place, you learn a lot and manage to grow even more. With love, your intellectually brilliant father, Paul."
"Intellectually brilliant?" I repeated incredulously. "If he solved everything with fists!"
"Technically, his strategy was effective." Daiki pointed out. "He achieved his objective without giving you a chance to resist."
"That doesn't make him intellectually brilliant. It makes him manipulative."
"That too."
Despite everything, I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
"Paul really loves us."
"Yes." Daiki nodded. "In his clumsy and impulsive way."
We remained silent for a moment.
"Brother." I finally spoke.
"Yes?"
"Did you know he would knock me out?"
"Yes. He told me last night."
"And you didn't warn me?"
"If I had warned you, you would have escaped."
"You're right. I would have fled to the forest with Sylphy and we would have hidden for weeks."
"I know. That's why I didn't tell you."
I sighed.
"I'm not angry."
Daiki looked at me with genuine surprise.
"You're not?"
"Well, I'm upset." I clarified. "But not at you. At the situation. At Paul. At... at everything. But I understand why you did it. Why he did it."
"Really?"
"Yes. Because you're right. Sylphy and I were becoming too dependent. And you... you need a better teacher. Someone who can take you beyond where Paul could."
I looked out the window, watching the unknown landscape pass by.
"Five years." I murmured. "Five damn years."
"Yes."
"At least will you be with me?"
"I'll always be."
"Good. Because if I have to deal with an 'extremely capricious ojō-sama' for five years, I'll need someone to keep me sane."
"That's my responsibility as an older brother."
"Paul really loves you." Ghislaine commented, who had been listening silently.
I laughed bitterly.
"He used to be much more distant. But since he noticed we're alike, he started getting closer."
I looked at Daiki.
"And with you too. Since you became so strong."
"It's his way of showing affection." Daiki observed. "Clumsy. Impulsive. But genuine."
"Although, Ghislaine, you too..."
"Hm? What about me?"
I read the last line of the letter.
"P.S. You can approach the ojō-sama if it's with her consent, but don't touch the muscle with legs: she's my woman."
"That's what it says."
"I see. Send that letter to Zenith."
"Understood."
And so we were heading to the fortified city of Roa, the largest in the Fittoa territory.
I had many conflicting feelings, but I accepted it.
This was fine.
I shouldn't stay by Sylphy's side all the time. She needed to grow on her own.
And so did I.
"Brother." I spoke in Japanese, knowing Ghislaine wouldn't understand.
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"Why?"
"For coming with me. I know you said goodbye to Mom. I know this is also difficult for you. But... I'm glad I'm not alone in this."
Daiki didn't respond immediately. He just looked out his window.
"We're brothers." He finally said. "We take care of each other. Always."
"Always."
I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes.
Five years.
Without Sylphy.
Without home.
Without Mom, Dad, or the girls.
But with my brother.
And honestly...
That made everything a bit more bearable.
"Hey." Ghislaine's voice pulled us from our thoughts. "Since you'll be with me for five years, let me make something clear."
I opened my eyes.
"I'm bad at teaching with words. I'm better at showing. So Daiki, expect hard training. Very hard."
"That's what I'm looking forward to most."
"And Rudeus, you'll live in the Boreas mansion. That means you'll follow the family's rules. And the young lady... she's difficult."
"How difficult?"
"She bites."
"Excuse me?"
"She bites. Scratches. Hits. Screams. She's made adult tutors cry."
I stared at her.
"And you expect a seven-year-old to handle her?"
"Paul trusts you. I trust Paul. So I trust you."
"That's a very weak chain of logic."
"It works."
Daiki let out what was definitely a stifled laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. Just... this will be interesting."
"For you maybe. You just have to train. I have to deal with a wild child."
"I'll help you when I can."
"You'd better."
Silence... Until Ghislaine decided to break it.
"Paul wrote to me about you." She looked at Daiki.
"He said he saw potential in you."
"Ah."
"He said you defeated him. Advanced rank in three styles. Many more years of experience than your years lived."
"...Yes."
Ghislaine looked at him directly with her one visible eye.
"That's why I agreed to train you."
"I don't know if..."
"Seven years old." She interrupted me. "You defeated someone who trained for many years when you were seven years old."
"Ghislaine-san..."
"Ghislaine."
"Ghislaine." Daiki corrected. "I'll do my best."
"I know." She nodded once. "Paul said you train until you collapse. That he has to force you to rest."
"It's... necessary."
"No. It's obsession... But I understand obsession. I have it too."
The silence returned, but this time it felt different.
The carriage continued its rattling.
Toward Roa.
Toward the unknown.
Toward five years of... whatever awaited us.
But at least...
At least I wasn't alone.
And that, honestly, was more than I had in my previous life.
‹All right. I can do this.›
‹I have my brother. I have a job. I have a goal.›
‹Five years. And then, Sylphy.›
‹I can wait.›
‹...Probably.›
I looked at Daiki, who was looking out the window with a thoughtful expression.
‹Will he be okay?› I wondered.
He had lost a lot too. Home. Family. And unlike me, he had actually been able to say goodbye.
Which meant he knew exactly what he was leaving behind.
That had to hurt.
But as always, he didn't show it.
Except...
Was it my imagination, or were his eyes a bit brighter than normal?
I decided not to say anything.
If he needed to process in silence, I'd let him.
It was the least I could do.
After all...
He was here for me too.
Taking care of me.
Like he always had.
‹Thank you, brother.›
And with that thought, I settled in for the long journey.
Three days to Roa.
And after...
The unknown.
But together.
Always together.