Hi, I'm Paul Greyrat, a man who is about to be defeated by his seven-year-old son.
I'm not speaking metaphorically, and it isn't a warning. I'm saying this right now, with sweat dripping down my forehead. My son is about to beat me while looking at me with that calmness he has always possessed.
I was an idiot father, I admit it. And as a husband, I failed at the most basic thing, which is trust. During the delivery, I blamed Zenith right after she had used every last drop of her strength to bring our son into the world. Why? Because I am an idiotic, indecisive, and insecure man. I let my fears and my own past actions take control. I tried to see the reflection of my own ugliness in Zenith, but the only thing I received back was a look of disappointment. One that I still remember to this day.
However, when this boy wielded a sword and showed his potential, I knew immediately he was my son. Deep down I knew it since he was a baby since we share the same birthmark, but seeing him fight confirmed it. Although I must admit he views the sword differently. He doesn't have my wild style. He is serious, technical, and lethal.
As always.
"Again, Father! It's not enough!"
He didn't ask. He launched himself at me with undiminished ferocity, as if we had just started training. Out of pure reflex, I parried his attack and stepped aside, deliberately lowering my sword to force him to understand we were finished.
I had already lost. This was my twentieth defeat this morning.
I was on a twenty-match losing streak, but I could sense that every victory of mine felt more hollow. Difficult, without a doubt. Beating him was becoming as complicated as trying to balance sand on the edge of my blade.
"Son, please. Your mother is going to kill me. Rest a little," I said, wiping the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand.
"I can continue."
"But I need to rest."
"But..."
"Listen to your father, honey!" Zenith shouted from the window.
The shout made my son jump and drop the sword immediately.
"You listen to her, huh?" I snorted. "Hmph, you break my heart."
Zenith came out and shot me that look that clearly said I won, darling. She approached Daiki with a cloth and began to dry his forehead and hair, which were soaked in sweat.
"Son, what did we discuss about excessive training?"
"I'm sorry, Mom."
I let out a small chuckle. Seeing someone as serious and reflective as him being treated like the seven-year-old boy he actually was, while he struggled to maintain his facade of maturity, was cute. I had to admit, it was quite funny.
"Look at him, quite the mama's boy," I teased.
But Zenith glared daggers at me instantly.
"Do you want to sleep in the shed with the farming tools, dear?"
I fell silent. I didn't have the courage to retort. When she passed a sentence, my only option was to stay quiet.
"I thought so," she said, satisfied.
Then she turned her attention back to our son and squeezed him tightly against her chest.
Little rascal, I thought, watching how he let himself be pampered, taking advantage of the situation.
"Son, I left your food served. Go eat something. You need it to grow strong."
He nodded and went into the house immediately. He had tried to hide it during training, but his stomach was roaring with the ferocity of a Rank A Beast. Of course, if we're going to compare danger levels, Zenith when she's angry is a Rank SS threat.
I waited for the door to close before changing my tone.
"Zenith."
"Yes, dear?"
"When does the reply arrive?"
"From the letter?" She paused for a moment. "It should arrive today or tomorrow."
I looked at Zenith and then shifted my gaze toward the practice sword Daiki had left on the ground.
"That boy... If he stays here, he will stagnate. I can barely teach him anything new anymore. That's why we need Ghislaine."
"And Rudy needs that job to be able to pay for Sylphiette's tuition at the university," Zenith sighed with a half-smile. "He was so enthusiastic about the idea that I didn't have the heart to refuse."
Hours passed. Three, maybe four. I'm not sure. Sometimes taking care of two babies at the same time makes you lose all track of time.
With Rudy and Daiki, I had it too easy. It was a walk in the park since they never cried or complained. They spoiled me. But these little ones cry about almost everything.
Now that there is finally silence, both act gripping my fingers tightly.
"Father? Did you call for me?"
He approached the shared crib and placed his hands gently on their foreheads. He immediately applied healing and detoxification magic. He always made sure they were okay, especially today given the unbearable heat.
They let out a little giggle seeing the particles. They reacted with joy, just as they always do when he is near.
"It's about your future, son."
"My future?"
"That's why I wanted to talk about it with you beforehand. I know you're going to understand, right?"
He seemed to consider it for a moment.
"You are going to the city of Roa in a few days."
"What?"
"There you will have a special teacher. Someone much better than me, capable of truly pushing you further on the path of the sword." I swallowed my pride whole. "I can't teach you anything else, son. I've hit my ceiling with you. What follows depends on you. Besides, you will have to teach her to read and write. Let's say it's part of the payment because her lessons cost a fortune."
Norn and Aisha finally fell asleep. With a sigh, I slumped into the chair in front of him.
"And about Rudy... He will also go to Roa, but with a different purpose. His job will be to teach magic, arithmetic, and other theoretical subjects that I honestly don't remember to the Young Miss. But listen, this is the important part. I'm going to have to knock him out."
I paused, looking him in the eyes so he understood it wasn't a joke.
"I'll do it during training. You know him as well as I do. You know he would never accept leaving peacefully and leaving Sylphy behind."
"Alright, Father. I understand."
He said it just like that. Then he looked up, showing a small crack in his armor.
"Will you at least allow me to say goodbye to Mother, to Lilia, and to my sisters?"
"Of course." I was relieved he didn't resist. I couldn't simply "put this boy to sleep" without having to hurt him excessively. "Just don't tell your brother anything. You know how he is."
...
Daiki Greyrat - Days Later
I went down to the kitchen.
"Daiki?"
"Mom, I need to tell you something."
The words barely managed to come out. I was still struggling to process it.
"What's wrong, sweetie?"
"You know... Today is the day. I must go to Roa with Rudy. It will be five years." I paused. "It has to be a surprise. Rudy doesn't know they're going to knock him out to take him, but I... I wanted to at least be able to say goodbye to you properly."
She dropped the ladle and brought her hands to her mouth, sobbing. She approached me and stroked my hair.
"Son..."
"No, please. Don't cry yet," I pleaded.
I felt my own voice cracking. I had imagined this moment a thousand times in my head, rehearsing my stoicism, but I never thought the reality would be so heartbreaking.
It was useless. The moment my mother wrapped me in her arms, my armor shattered. I couldn't help but cry.
"My baby... My precious baby."
"Mom..." I clung to her, burying my face in her clothes. "I'm going to miss you so much."
"Five years is a long time. I won't see you grow," she whispered through tears.
"I will return, Mother. And when I do, I will be much stronger. I will become someone you can be truly proud of."
She pulled back slightly to wipe her tears with her fingers.
"I have always been proud of you, Daiki. Since you were a baby and tried to catch up to your brother with your clumsy little arms."
"Mom..."
Then Lilia appeared with Aisha in her arms.
"Daiki-sama... Is it true?"
"Yes, Lilia-san."
She approached, shifting Aisha to one arm to be able to touch my shoulder.
"It was an honor to care for you. Please, take care of yourself. And of Young Master Rudeus."
"I promise to do so, I swear."
Then I walked over to Norn's crib. She just looked at me, not fully understanding.
"Take care, Norn. When I return, you'll be a big girl, and I'll be able to tell you that I'm proud and grateful to have you."
Aisha, from Lilia's arms, babbled something unintelligible, but I could swear it had meaning. She reached for my hair with her little hands.
"And you too, Aisha. I promise to be a good big brother and protect you both."
Zenith knelt beside me, hugging me from behind.
"Do you have to go today? Can't we...?"
"Father is right. If we wait, Rudy will find ways to delay it. And I might start to hesitate too."
"You are so strong. Stronger than a seven-year-old boy should be."
"I had to be."
I hugged her one last time.
"I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, my baby."
...
Rudeus Greyrat
It happened in the middle of swordsmanship training.
"Hey, Rudy."
"Yes, what is it, Father?"
I tried to put on the firmest expression possible and listened attentively to Paul's words.
After all, this would be my first job, even counting my past life. I'm going to do 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 twisting it around with your words."
The moment he said that, Paul changed completely. Even I, a simple amateur, could feel him releasing intense bloodlust.
"Eh?!"
With silent pressure, Paul launched himself 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 leaped backward, pushed by the heat and the shockwave, getting as far away as possible.
I had already simulated this many times. Against Paul, I would have no chance if I didn't manage to gain distance first. The explosion damaged me too, but if I managed to make him hesitate, I could gain some space.
But Paul lunged forward, as if the explosion hadn't existed.
I knew it wouldn't have an effect! Even though I had foreseen it, I couldn't help but feel anxious. I have to dodge! Backward won't work, his footwork is faster. Reflexively, I thought that and created a shockwave to the side, as if hitting myself. The impact launched me violently sideways.
A sharp, freezing sound grazed my ears. I could see Paul's sword passing right where my neck had been.
Good. I had avoided the first strike. That was a huge achievement. Although he was still close, I had created distance. I could see the possibility of winning.
Then I collapsed the ground beneath Paul's foot.
He fell into a hole... or at least that's what I thought. In an instant, he transferred his weight to the other foot and advanced almost without delay.
I have to stop both his legs at once!?
I created a quagmire beneath me. But before sinking, I propelled a jet of water from the sole of my foot, retreating as if sliding.
Damn it, too slow...!
By the time I realized it, it was too late. Paul, from the edge of the quagmire, took a step that sank the ground. With just that step, he closed the distance and was on top of me.
"W-waaahhh!"
Desperate, I faced him with my sword. It was a clumsy blow, formless. As I swung it with brute force, an unpleasant sensation ran through my hand.
He deflected me with a Water God style technique. I understood that instantly. If he had deflected me with the Water God style, it meant a counterattack was coming. I knew it, but I couldn't react.
Like in slow motion, Paul's sword headed straight for my neck.
Ah... thank goodness it was a wooden sword.
I felt the impact on my neck, and my consciousness sank into darkness.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself inside a small box.
From the strong rattling I felt, I understood that I was inside some kind of vehicle. I wanted to sit up, but I couldn't move a single finger. Looking down, I discovered I was completely tied up with ropes. They had rolled me up in a mat like a piece of sushi.
What the hell is going on?
I turned my neck and saw a woman sitting across from me. She had chocolate-colored skin and 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. She was, literally, the image of a fantasy warrior. Furthermore, she had animal ears and a tail similar to a tiger's, with quite a bit of fur.
Is she from the Beast Race?
She apparently noticed I was observing her because our eyes met.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Rudeus Greyrat. Excuse me for receiving you in this embarrassing state."
I decided to introduce myself first. The basis of any conversation is to take the initiative. If I take the lead, I control the situation.
"For Paul's son, you are surprisingly polite."
"I am 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 am Ghislaine. Starting tomorrow, I'm counting on you."
(Starting tomorrow? What the hell is she saying?)
"Eh... well, likewise, a pleasure to meet you."
For now, I used Fire magic to burn the ropes and free myself. My body ached, perhaps because I had slept in a strange position. I stretched forcefully. What a relief.
I'm used to moving only my fingers in tight spaces, but being tied up in front of a big sister with a dominatrix vibe... well, it made me feel weird.
I observed the surroundings. We were in a sort of small crate. There were seats facing each other front and back, and I was sitting opposite Ghislaine. On the sides, there were windows through which the outside could be seen: an unknown countryside. As I had guessed, it was a vehicle. The rattling was loud. From the front direction, a "clip-clop" could be heard. Probably horses.
For some reason, I found myself in a carriage together 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!? Were you also...?"
But I stopped when I saw his small suitcase next to 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 else for the moment. I needed to process this.
(Calm down. Breathe. Think coldly.)
"How did I get into this?" I muttered, more to myself than to the others.
First, Paul attacked me suddenly and knocked me out. Then, when I woke up, I was tied up and inside this carriage. Most likely, he knocked me out for some reason and threw me in here. Inside the carriage was this muscular woman who told me that bit 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 told me some strange things. Something like: "Separate from Sylphy."
That bastard...! Does he intend to lay his hands on my Sylphy!?
No, wait. Calm down. Paul isn't that low. Probably.
Well, the best thing will be to ask directly.
"Ah, um..."
"Just 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?"
"Just Ghislaine. 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 out loud. I can't read."
"Yes."
I opened the paper, which was carelessly folded, and began to read:
"To my beloved son, Rudeus. If you are reading this letter, I am probably no longer in this world—"
"What?!"
Ghislaine let out a shout of surprise and stood up abruptly. The carriage roof turned out to be higher than it looked.
"Please, sit down, Ghislaine. It continues."
"Mu, I see."
She obeyed and sat back down calmly.
I heard what might have been a stifled laugh from Daiki beside me.
I continued reading.
"—That is 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. Surely you don't understand what's happening, so it would be best if you asked that 'walking muscle' 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 back down.
"This is entertaining," Daiki muttered beside me.
"Shut up."
I continued reading.
"She's a Sword King. If you want to learn swordsmanship, you won't find a better instructor unless you travel to the Sword Sanctum. Her skill is guaranteed by me. I have never beaten her a single time... except in bed."
Stop writing stupid things, you old imbecile.
Although, Ghislaine seemed to be quite pleased with that line. You really are popular, old man. And strong too, Ghislaine.
"Well, regarding your job: you will be the tutor for the daughter of a noble house in the city of Roa, the largest in the Fittoa region. You will teach arithmetic, reading, writing, and some basic magic. She is an extremely capricious young lady, to the point that the school asked us not to send her anymore. She has made many previous tutors flee, but I trust you will be able to handle her."
Is that trust or is he just dumping the whole problem on me?
"As for Daiki, he will also go with you. He will teach other subjects as needed, and more importantly, he will train in 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 replied simply. "Ghislaine can take me beyond his level."
"I see."
It made sense. After Daiki beat him yesterday... or was it two days ago? I'm not sure how long I was unconscious.
I kept reading.
"The walking muscle you have there works as a guard and sword teacher at the Young Lady'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 though her brain is also pure muscle. She surely means it seriously (laughs)."
"What did you say...?!"
A blue vein appeared on her forehead.
"This letter seemed designed specifically to provoke her," commented Daiki.
"No doubt. What kind of relationship did those two have?"
"She probably doesn't have a good memory, but think that at least you save on paying an instructor."
"Ghislaine, how much does it usually cost to learn swordsmanship with you?"
"Two Asura gold coins a month."
Two gold coins?! When Roxy taught me, she charged five Asura silver coins a month. That's almost four times more.
"She's expensive," I muttered.
"She's King level," Daiki replied. "The price is appropriate for her level."
He had a point. That made Ghislaine smile. Finally, someone recognized her.
"Both of you will live in the Young Lady'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 together with Sylphy, Rudeus, she will never be able to become independent. And besides, I feel that both of you are 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 defeated miserably by an immature father."
I didn't even have time to say goodbye. You played this well, Paul...
"Don't be depressed, Rudy-chan."
"Hey..."
"What?"
"Better call me Rudeus."
"Ah, understood."
I looked at Daiki.
"Were you 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 chance 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 could end up becoming a dependent 'childhood friend.' In reality, by going to school and making friends, that dependency fades. But Sylphy, because of her hair, doesn't manage to make friends. After five years, she could still be glued 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.
"Regarding Rudeus's payment: you will receive two Asura silver coins a month. It is less than what a tutor charges, but a lot for a child's pocket. Daiki will receive one silver coin a month for his additional contributions as an instructor. Use the opportunity to learn how to use money in the city. Money, if you don't practice with it, you won't know how to handle when you need it. Although being my sons, surely you'll know how to do it well... Ah, and don't you even think about spending it on women."
Nosy old man.
"That last part is specifically for you," Daiki commented.
"Shut up."
"If you complete the five years teaching the Young Lady without quitting, as a special reward you will receive a sum equivalent to the tuition for two people at the Magic University."
My eyes widened.
"Two people?"
"For you and for Sylphiette," Daiki confirmed. "Father had already promised it before."
"I see. If I do my job well, afterwards I will have freedom."
And I will be able to take Sylphy with me to the University.
"Of course, in five years, Sylphy might not follow you, or perhaps your passion has cooled. But I will take care of her."
That "I will take care of her" sounds terrible, old man...
"Take care of each other. Daiki, I can no longer teach you, 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 brilliant father, Paul."
"Brilliant?" I repeated in disbelief. "If he solved everything with violence!"
"Technically, his strategy was effective," Daiki pointed out. "He achieved his objective without giving you a chance to resist."
"That doesn't make him 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 stayed silent for a moment.
"Brother," I spoke finally.
"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 mad."
Daiki looked at me with genuine surprise.
"No?"
"Well, I'm annoyed," I clarified. "But not with you. With the situation. With Paul. With... with 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."
"Will you at least be with me?"
"I will always be."
"Good. Because if I have to deal with an 'extremely capricious Young Lady' for five years, I'll need someone to keep me sane."
"That is my responsibility as a big brother."
"Paul really loves you," commented Ghislaine, who had been listening in silence.
I laughed bitterly.
"Before, he used to be much more distant. But since he noticed we look alike, he started to get 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, to you too..."
"Hm? What about me?"
I read the last line of the letter.
"P.S. You can approach the Young Lady if it is with her consent, but don't touch the walking muscle: she is my woman."
"He says that."
"I see. Send that letter to Zenith."
"Understood."
And so we headed to the fortified city of Roa, the largest in the Fittoa region.
I had many mixed feelings, but I accepted it.
"Hey," said Ghislaine. "Since you will be with me for five years, let me make something clear. I am bad at teaching with words. I am better at showing. So Daiki, expect hard training. Very hard."
"That is what I look forward to the most."
"And Rudeus, you will live in the Boreas mansion. That means you will follow the family rules. And the Young Miss... she is difficult."
"How difficult?"
"She bites."
"Excuse me?"
"She bites. Scratches. Hits. Screams. She has made adult tutors cry."
I stared at her.
"And you expect a seven-year-old boy to handle her?"
"Paul trusts you. I trust Paul. So I trust you."
"That is a very weak line of reasoning."
"It works."
Daiki let out what was definitely a laugh.
"What is so funny?"
"Nothing. Just... this will be interesting."
"For you maybe. You just have to train. I have to deal with a wild girl."
"I'll help you when I can."
"You better."
Thus, silence arrived at the cart and it began its journey towards Roa. Honestly, I didn't know what awaited me, but at least I had the comfort of not being alone because my brother was here.
That should hurt, but as he always tends to do, he never showed it.
Except that... was it my imagination or were his eyes a little brighter than usual?
Better I say nothing. If he needs to process it in silence, I'll let him do it. It's what I must do. After all... he is here for me too. Watching over me.
Thank you, Brother.
And with that thought, I settled in for the long journey.