--- Sylphiette's Perspective ---
Recently, Rudeus has been acting strange.
He stays cooped up in his study all day, and when he finally comes out, his face is pale.
What on earth is he doing in there?
I'm worried, but whenever I ask, he won't give me a straight answer.
Yesterday, he brushed me off with some vague excuse and dragged me to bed.
Well, if he wants to hold me to take his mind off things, I don't mind.
I even consulted Roxy about it, and she said:
"Sylphie, you noticed it too, did you... Rudeus has a hard time putting his feelings into words, even when he's struggling. Let's be there for him when the time comes."
So she's worried about him too.
If this keeps up much longer, maybe I should take the initiative and force the truth out of him, even if I have to be a little pushy.
I was thinking all this when, after dinner, Rudeus asked us with a somewhat awkward expression.
"Uh, Sylphie, Roxy. Could you two come to my room tonight?"
It was a strange tone.
Whenever Rudeus is about to be intimate with both Roxy and me at the same time, he always gets like this.
There's nothing to feel guilty about — he should just own it.
The fact that he acts all sheepish makes even me feel like I shouldn't be okay with this situation.
Roxy doesn't seem to mind either, and she's always very considerate toward me, so I don't mind either.
What is Rudeus so hung up about?
Anyway, since we'd been invited, Roxy and I got ready.
We took a bath together, washed each other's bodies, and put on the perfume we'd prepared for occasions like this.
For underwear, I wore the ones I'd bought the other day.
For nightclothes... Rudeus seems to prefer the soft ones with sleeves over the revealing kind, so I picked those.
I unbuttoned the top two buttons at the front, just to show a little cleavage.
I don't really have much in the chest department, and it's probably not very sexy... but I still want him to find me at least a little cute.
No, but would he think it's vulgar? No, no — Rudeus wouldn't think that. It's fine. It's fine.
Last time I unbuttoned my front, he tried to peek inside from behind.
He was totally obvious about it, but he looked like he was having fun, so I just let him peek and sure enough, he dragged me to bed afterward.
Roxy was wearing her usual one-piece nightgown.
She didn't seem to be wearing any underwear.
She's really going for it, isn't she...
Anyway, both of us were ready to go.
We steeled ourselves and headed for the bedroom.
Rudeus was sitting in a chair in the bedroom, waiting for us.
Roxy and I sat side by side on the bed.
I'm on the right, Roxy on the left — we never specifically decided that, but it's always been this way.
"..."
Normally, Rudeus would come squeeze between us with that carefree grin of his.
But that night, something was different.
He had a somewhat serious expression, sitting in his chair.
His face was dead serious, too.
Rudeus chose his words carefully, prefacing with an "Uh" before turning to Roxy.
"Uh, Roxy."
"Yes?"
"How's Norn doing at school?"
What's with the formal phrasing — who's he trying to imitate?
Roxy let out a wry smile.
"...There's nothing to report, really. Didn't you hear it straight from Norn herself the other day?"
"I'd like to hear your honest assessment."
Rudeus's tone was so odd it was almost funny.
"Ah... Well, her grades are average in both academics and swordsmanship, but she's putting real effort into the student council.
In particular, she seems to command respect in matters of discipline.
The magical university has plenty of rowdy students, but when she walks by, they all clear a path.
It's partly because she's your sister, but more importantly, she's earned the respect of the other upperclassmen. Nobody dares to start trouble with her.
She seems to have plenty of friends too, so I don't think there's anything for you to worry about."
"I see. Thank you."
Yeah. Norn's doing great.
I haven't been going to school much myself lately, but from what the student council members have told me, there aren't many students who work as hard as she does.
I can't really claim to be the best older sister, though...
"What about you, Roxy?"
"What about me?"
"Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Like, for instance, sneaking snacks because your stomach is always growling?"
"Actually, lately Rudeus has been sharing his portions with me, so I'm more worried about gaining weight."
"And how about school life?"
"...School life is normal enough. I get teased now and then for being short, and there are students who don't pay attention in my lectures, but—"
"What?! Who?! Who is it that dares not pay attention in Roxy's class?! Let me go educate them until the only words they know are yes, hi, babu, and char!"
"Wha—?! N-No, please don't, it's just one of the trials of being a teacher... But thank you."
Roxy bowed her head with a slightly exasperated expression.
But also a little bashfully, fidgeting with the tips of her hair.
That's so nice.
That respect from Rudeus — I'm jealous.
"There's... one more thing that's been on my mind, actually."
"Tell me more."
"I was planning to report on that once it's confirmed."
"...I'll look forward to it."
Oh.
I think I might have just figured out what Roxy wants to say.
Come to think of it, she did mention she hadn't been feeling quite herself lately.
Should I prepare something to celebrate? No, nothing's been decided yet.
"Sylphie."
"Hm? What is it, Rudeus?"
When he suddenly addressed me, I tilted my head cutely on purpose.
Rudeus's gaze was directed at the area just below my neck.
Good, good — mission accomplished.
"How is, um... Lucy doing lately?"
"You've been watching Lucy plenty yourself, haven't you? She's doing great."
"She's not screaming things like 'I am supreme under heaven and earth,' is she?"
"Tenjo... what? Oh, but Lilia did say she might start crawling soon."
"Oh."
Thanks to Lilia, childcare is going smoothly.
Ariel-sama once said that children should be raised by servants and that mothers shouldn't be too involved, but Grandma said to cherish them with your own hands as much as possible.
Personally, I side with Grandma's way of thinking, and since Rudeus seems to want me to raise Lucy, I've been doing my best.
"Sylphie, is there anything that's been bothering you lately?"
"Not really. If I had to pick something, I guess it would be that my husband seems to be hiding something."
The words came out before I could stop them.
Was that... maybe not the best thing to say?
"O-Oh. Sorry about that."
Rudeus looked flustered, his eyes darting away.
He definitely has something going on.
Why won't he just tell me...
But then his gaze came right back.
Those strong, steady eyes.
When Rudeus looks at me like that, it's the coolest thing in the world...
"The reason I asked you two here tonight is about exactly that."
I sat up straight and buttoned my nightgown.
Roxy also straightened her back, looking a little uncertain.
"Ahem... I'm not sure where to begin, but the other day, I met someone."
"Someone?"
"Yes. A person with the ability to divine the future... something like that."
From there, Rudeus told us his story, and even we could feel the gravity of the situation.
Someone was targeting Rudeus and his family.
Because of that person, something terrible might happen to our family going forward.
And to counter this, Rudeus might have to engage in increasingly strange behavior.
Honestly, there were parts where I thought he might be overthinking it.
But Rudeus spoke with a certain conviction.
He was probably thinking carefully about what information to share with us and what to keep hidden, even as he explained.
A part of me felt a little bothered by that.
But I understood his thinking — if something did happen, it would already be too late.
"I see... So, is there anything we can do to help?"
"It's not that there's nothing, but I'd really rather you two not have to face any danger."
There he goes again.
Rudeus has been saying things like this a lot lately.
When did it start... around the time Paul died, maybe.
I know he cares, but isn't this going too far?
I'm not some helpless child anymore...
"But if we're not there, won't you be the one in danger, Rudeus?"
"I can't say for certain yet, but probably."
"That's... not okay with me."
Even back when we fought Atofe, Rudeus was completely exhausted.
He's strong, but he doesn't actually enjoy fighting.
Yet here he is, rushing off to all these places, fighting, nearly dying...
I don't want my role to just be waiting around for him, comforting him, and cheering him on.
I want to go with him. I might be able to do something useful.
But I could end up being a liability too...
Hmm.
"I understand."
It was Roxy who spoke.
She toyed with the tips of her hair, looked Rudeus in the eye, and smiled.
"While Rudeus is away, I will protect Norn and Aisha."
She said it firmly, as if to say this was her role — the part she'd decided she would play.
"Roxy, are you sure?"
Doesn't Roxy want to come along too?
When I asked that, Roxy nodded.
"Rudeus would be far more devastated by something terrible happening to his family than by anything happening to him."
"...But come to think of it, Roxy was by Rudeus's side when Paul died.
I only heard about how devastated Rudeus was, so it's hard to gauge the full picture, but if it was enough that he was more broken than he'd ever been before...
It must have been really bad. To the point where he broke a promise to me... Ah, I'm such a terrible woman. Let me stop that.
Rudeus came back to me in the end. That's what matters.
"Sylphie. Of course, I have no intention of just sitting by and watching Rudeus put himself in danger."
What did she mean by that?
Roxy would be staying at home...
"If we think from our side that Rudeus needs help, we can step in on our own judgment to help him, can't we?"
Oh.
Right.
When I thought about it, that was exactly correct.
To help Rudeus, we don't need his permission.
We can just go help him anyway. If the result is that Rudeus is safe, then that's all that matters.
"...Yeah, you're right. I get it."
Rudeus let out a wry smile at Roxy's words.
He didn't scold her head-on. Instead, he looked at her with an expression reserved for someone truly dependable.
"Rudeus, don't look back. Just go ahead and do what you need to do. We'll watch your back."
Roxy smiled as she said that.
Rudeus's eyes were glistening.
She's amazing. Even earning Rudeus's respect like that.
"Then... if things look bad for me, I'm counting on you."
Rudeus smiled, looking genuinely relieved.
Whatever happens, as long as Rudeus can act with peace of mind, that's what matters most.
If he's in trouble, I'll help him on my own judgment.
Ah, that sounds so nice.
I've always envied that kind of role.
The dependable one you can count on in a crisis — the virtuous wife in everyday life.
Alright.
"Anyway, there's one more thing."
Just as I clenched my fist with enthusiasm, Rudeus spoke in a subdued voice.
The atmosphere was slightly different from before.
He'd seemed hesitant earlier too, but that was more about choosing his words carefully.
This time, it felt like he wanted to avoid the topic entirely.
"......This one is, how do I even put it..."
"Is it something serious?"
When Roxy gently prodded him, Rudeus nodded slowly.
"It's something very difficult for me to tell you two."
"..."
I'm getting anxious.
Could it be related to what's been bothering him lately?
Maybe he's come down with an illness that even the current detoxification magic can't cure?
"It's not confirmed yet, but... there may be one more addition."
"..."
"..."
Mm.
One more addition — that means a girl, right?
That kind of addition?
After he said all those times that we wouldn't be adding any more...
Well, I never actually asked him not to, and I don't really mind.
But I do think poorly of Rudeus not keeping a promise he made to himself.
Not that I'll say it out loud.
I'm a virtuous wife. Wives don't criticize their husbands.
"Who? Nanahoshi?"
I said that as calmly as I could.
I didn't think I was angry, and I think I succeeded.
But Nanahoshi...
Something about it doesn't feel right.
She doesn't actually like Rudeus that much — the emotion she directs toward him isn't so much love as gratitude.
If Rudeus pressured her into bed, she wouldn't refuse, but that's not the same as welcoming it... hmm.
"It's not Nanahoshi."
Rudeus shook his head.
But his brows were furrowed into an inverted V.
He looked incredibly apologetic.
"Her name is Eris."
"Eris..."
Eris. Who was that again?
The name rings a bell, but she wasn't anyone from the school.
"She was Rudeus's student when he was a private tutor in the Fittoa Region, wasn't she?"
Roxy quickly supplied the answer, like she was throwing me a lifeline.
I remembered.
"...She's the person who caused Rudeus to fall into that illness, isn't she."
"Well, yes, you could say that."
Had Rudeus already forgotten?
About what it was like when we first reunited.
I didn't understand it at the time, but looking at how Rudeus changed after we married, I can sort of tell that back then he'd lost his confidence as a man.
It must have been painful. I'm a woman, so I can't truly relate, but there's no doubt about it.
I was shocked too, when we first met.
"Rudeus, even after going through all that pain... you still have feelings for her?"
"Right now, I like you more, Sylphie."
He looked me straight in the eyes and said it directly.
How embarrassing.
Ugh, Rudeus is so cool after all.
I want to scream and roll around on the floor.
Linnia and Perceve aren't around anymore, but I'd love to brag to them.
No, no — we need to stay on topic. This is about Eris.
Don't let him dodge the question.
"So she's the one who abandoned you, but you want to get back together because you still have lingering feelings?"
"No, I was wrong about her abandoning me, and as for lingering feelings — she never actually changed how she felt about me."
"...But you went through so much pain."
"Yeah, well..."
"I still remember how fierce and hostile Rudeus used to be back then, you know."
"If I were the old me, I probably wouldn't have been able to forgive Eris. I'd have been too scared to even meet her."
"..."
Is it different now?
Could it be related to that future-divining person he told us about?
Did that person make some kind of prophecy?
Hmm, but something about that doesn't quite add up.
Well, if someone told me "In the future, you'll marry a man named Rudeus and have about five children," I'd probably get my hopes up too.
But something like this... the feelings of the people involved matter.
If Rudeus didn't actually like her that much, forcing a marriage wouldn't be right.
"If Sylphie is really that against it, I can drop the idea of making her a wife or anything like that. But either way, I need to talk to her."
When Rudeus said that, his expression shifted as if something dawned on him.
What is it?
"But Eris apparently spent all this time training at the Sword Sanctum for my sake. If she comes back and I reject her, wouldn't that be cruel?"
"That's... certainly true, I suppose."
She worked hard all this time, only to be rejected.
I can sort of understand how frightening that would be.
I pushed myself hard in Buena Village trying to catch up to Rudeus, after all.
"It's not that I'm against it... but..."
If the teleportation incident hadn't happened, if Rudeus had never come back to Buena Village...
And if I'd gone looking for him wondering why, only to find he'd married some other girl...
That would have been devastating.
"We've never even met... but... hmm..."
Right, we haven't even met yet.
All this time, I thought she was a terrible person for what she did to Rudeus.
But if it was all a misunderstanding, that means she always loved Rudeus.
She never intended to treat him that way.
While I was turning all this over in my mind, Roxy spoke up.
"Isn't this something we should decide after actually meeting Eris?"
"Roxy?"
"Rudeus himself doesn't seem to have his feelings fully sorted out, and there are probably many things you won't understand until you actually reunite."
What was Roxy thinking about all this?
She didn't seem particularly opposed to the idea of a third person.
But on matters like this, she seemed to be holding back out of consideration for me...
"If we meet this Eris person and it really doesn't work out, then... I'll oppose it too."
Oh, right. This is the same as before.
It's still all hypothetical.
Roxy really does think things through.
I feel like she's much more dependable as Rudeus's wife than I am.
"Of course, we should discuss this with others as well, not just the two of us... but as far as I'm concerned, I intend to support Rudeus's decision."
"Thank you."
"Even if it grows to three, four people — as long as you don't forget about me, that's all I ask."
"As if I could ever forget you, Roxy."
"You'd better keep that promise."
"I will."
Roxy has Rudeus's deep trust, she's smart...
I'm getting jealous.
No, no — I need to work hard and become more like her too.
The goal: a mature woman.
"Sylphie, I'm sorry too."
"No. If anything, I'm the one who should apologize — all I've been doing is complaining."
Rudeus and I bowed our heads to each other.
Watching us, Roxy let out a soft chuckle.
It was a slightly different kind of comfort from the moments I shared with Ariel-sama or Luke.
And now there might be one more person joining us here.
I wonder how it'll turn out.
I'm a little nervous.
He's not going to be taken away from me, right?
--- Rudeus's Perspective ---
After that, the three of us lay down together in a row.
I wasn't so insensitive as to try to be intimate right after having that conversation.
...Well, that was part of it, but also, Eris's face kept flashing through my mind, and I just couldn't settle down.
I thought I'd gotten over it, but I could feel something like anxiety welling up from the depths of my gut.
Just as Roxy said, I honestly wasn't sure what kind of feelings I harbored toward her.
In any case, I needed to settle things with Eris properly.
But honestly, meeting her scared me.
Getting punched was a foregone conclusion.
She had apparently become incomparably powerful.
What would happen if that Eris met Sylphie and Roxy, who were by my side?
...According to the diary, Eris hadn't done anything violent toward Sylphie.
But the diary wasn't necessarily gospel.
In the heat of the moment, with the flow of conversation, emotions can turn on a dime.
I was anxious.
What would happen if I met Eris while in this state?
Worrying about all this, I eventually drifted off to sleep.
The Man-God appeared in my dream.
---
A pure white place.
The space one passes through when teleportation magic is used.
There I stood, as always, in the form I'd had in my previous life.
According to my future self's research, this place was the world of nothingness — the four-dimensional center of the hexahedral world.
The old man had said there was no way to reach this place.
Yet here I was, standing in it.
What did that mean?
The fact that my appearance was different suggested that only my consciousness — my soul — had been summoned here.
"..."
And there was the Man-God.
He was, as usual, grinning — no, he wasn't smiling.
From his hazy, indistinct form, an aura of irritation radiated outward.
"How boring."
He muttered, clearly displeased.
"You've really done a number on me."
His voice was edged with frustration — a far cry from his usual nonchalant tone.
"Coming from the future — isn't that cheating? What is this? Things were finally about to go my way, and now this..."
Seeing him in this foul mood, I had to wonder — was the old man's warning actually true?
Had you deceived me?
Had you killed Roxy and Sylphie?
And had my future self seen through your scheme?
Had he turned the tables on you?
"Whether it's true or not?
Whether I was outplayed?
Whether I had the tables turned on me?
Well now. Who can say.
Your future self seems to have quite a few misunderstandings of his own."
His tone was mocking, but there was a reluctance in his voice — as if he didn't like where this was going.
I took care not to let my composure waver and continued the conversation.
"What do you mean, 'continued the conversation'? Who are you trying to sound smart for, you idiot?"
Shut up. Even idiots use their heads sometimes.
Now then, tell me — why? Why did you do such terrible things to me, to my family?
"Hmm, why indeed.
Because killing your family and watching your reaction was amusing, perhaps."
The Man-God today seemed fed up.
It was like someone who'd been winning a game had it turned upside down by the opponent's reckless, unpredictable moves and lost all motivation.
That was the impression he gave.
"That's right. It's all your fault.
Your reckless actions caused all of this."
...Tell me this.
Whatever your goal is, I have no intention of actively interfering.
My future self told me: You cannot win against him. Even if you have to grovel, don't make an enemy of him.
I planned to do exactly that.
Up until now, with you — well, maybe things did go exactly as you planned, maybe I was in the palm of your hand the whole time — but it worked out.
I don't mind being the one who's used.
If you want me to be your pawn, I don't have a reason to refuse.
But at the very least, don't touch my family.
"My, how noble of you."
I haven't had anything done to me yet.
At least, not within my knowledge.
Emotions matter.
You tried to kill Roxy and her unborn child, but it was still just an attempt, and since nothing ultimately came of it, it could be let go.
Before I reach the point where I can no longer forgive you, I'd like to build a decent relationship.
"Hmm."
The Man-God seemed to have thought of something, and his mood shifted slightly.
Then he said:
"What if I told you my goal is world peace? Would you believe me?"
Oh, world peace.
That's wonderful. I can get behind that.
Love and peace is my motto.
Living in a peaceful world and enjoying the fun things in life — that's the dream.
"Leaving the lewd stuff aside."
Right.
"There's a Dragon God. Orsted.
His ultimate goal is the destruction of this world."
Is that so.
He certainly didn't seem like that type.
"He's been making various moves behind the scenes.
This world will fall apart and cease to exist the moment I die.
That's why Orsted is desperately trying to kill me."
Isn't he angry because of something you did to him?
Like killing his family, the same way you did to me?
"I told you before, didn't I? I have no contact with him. So no, I have no such memory."
Fair enough. And then?
"Orsted is strong, but he's alone.
He's bound by a certain curse.
And alone, he can never defeat me."
Then just leave him alone, right?
"That was the plan... until you showed up."
What does that have to do with me?
"You personally aren't all that significant.
But it seems you and your descendants are unaffected by Orsted's curse.
In the future, they end up lending their power to Orsted.
And as a result, I am defeated by Orsted, your descendants, and their allies."
I see... So that's why you targeted Roxy when she was pregnant.
Come to think of it, you're also the one who instigated Luke to take Sylphie into that war.
Given that you didn't target Lucy, the eldest son or second daughter must be the ones causing problems?
Wait — but in that case, why not just target me directly at an earlier stage?
Why didn't you?
"After that teleportation incident, I identified you as a key figure. I plotted various things as experiments, but...
Your fate is extraordinarily strong. There was nothing I could do."
Fate? What the hell is that?
"How should I explain it.
I can see several major future trajectories and can make certain adjustments.
But when fate is strong, things don't go as planned.
You fought Orsted and survived. No matter how much I tried to keep you apart, you still met Roxy, married her, and had children."
Is this like the law of causality?
Even if you go back in time to change history, the outcome ends up being similar anyway?
"Well, something like that."
So Rudeus and Roxy were fated to be married.
That's... actually kind of nice.
"I'm not happy about it at all."
Sorry about that.
So then, why target my child?
Wouldn't it be more effective to deal with my distant descendants — the ones who would actually cooperate with Orsted?
"My descendants who directly involve themselves with Orsted also have very strong fates.
It's not just you and your descendants.
Sylphie, Roxy, Eris — those presences are all quite powerful.
Your children are... well, fairly formidable too.
But there is a period when women's fates become weakened."
A period when fate becomes weakened...
Could it be...
"Yes. While they carry a child in their womb."
Inside me, a violent impulse to punch the creature in front of me was swirling.
But I held back.
I had a feeling that fighting here would accomplish nothing.
"Though that plan ended in failure too."
...If you say you didn't succeed, then you wouldn't have had a reason to kill Sylphie even after she gave birth.
"Is that something you read in the diary?
Well, I haven't gone that far yet, so I can't say for certain, but
Perhaps it was also about cutting off a potential worry.
Or perhaps, regardless of my involvement, there was a fate in which Sylphie — having separated from you — would die."
I see... So that was her fate.
"I thought it was perfect.
Gently guiding you, whose fate is strong, bit by bit.
The plan was supposed to produce the most effective result at the weakest point."
This is infuriating... Calm down.
Don't lose your temper.
Roxy and Sylphie are safe.
That's right. They're safe.
"What are you muttering to yourself? Don't tell me you think you've won?
Let me make one thing clear — your children don't have fates as strong as yours, your wives, or your descendants.
I'm not giving up on this.
I don't want to die either."
You don't want to die.
Yeah. I can understand that.
But is there really no other way?
If it would save my family, I'd do anything.
I could add "do not cooperate with Orsted" to our family code.
I could teach my children that the Man-God is a wonderful being and that the Dragon God is trash.
"Impossible. That won't bend fate."
Think harder.
My fate is strong, isn't it?
Then there should be something I can do.
"...Oh."
Did you think of something?
"I don't know if it's possible... but there might be a way. You said you'd do anything, right?"
...Y-Yeah.
"Well then—"
The Man-God grinned, like he'd thought of a prank.
"Kill Orsted."
---
"Rudeus, it hurts! Rudeus...!"
When I woke up, I was clutching Sylphie tightly.
My throat was parched, and chills ran through my entire body.
But for some reason, my back felt warm.
"Ah... Sorry."
"Cough... cough..."
I let go of Sylphie and brought my hand to my face.
When I wiped my forehead, it came away slick with sweat.
"Are you okay, Rudeus?"
A voice came from behind me.
I turned my neck, and there was Roxy's face right beside me.
She'd been hugging me from behind, it seemed.
My back was warm.
"Sorry."
I sat up.
It was the middle of the night.
Was that just a dream?
No. It wasn't a dream. That was definitely the Man-God.
"Cough... What's wrong, Rudeus? Are you okay?"
Sylphie also sat up and wiped my sweat with her sleeve.
Roxy had been pressing against my back this whole time, gently stroking my chest.
"I'm fine... I just had a weird dream, that's all."
Kill Orsted.
The Man-God had said it clearly.
What did he mean?
What was his intent?
Let me try to sort this out.
The Man-God and Orsted are enemies.
But Orsted is alone.
Alone, he can't defeat the Man-God.
I don't know why someone as powerful as Orsted can't beat the Man-God, but perhaps reaching him requires multiple allies.
And my descendants end up becoming those allies.
And so, Orsted reaches the Man-God and defeats him.
That's why the Man-God eliminated my descendants.
He killed Roxy. He killed Sylphie.
To prevent descendants from being born.
That way, Orsted can never reach the Man-God.
The Man-God wins.
Orsted is an opinion leader.
If either my descendants or Orsted is removed, the Man-God can surely win.
But could I actually kill him?
The Man-God said my fate was extraordinarily strong.
But Orsted's must be equally strong.
Of course it would be.
He's been locked in opposition with the Man-God, fighting him for ages.
More to the point, how would I even kill someone that powerful?
Is there even a way?
The diary had described several spells that my future self had used.
The Magic Armor.
I could probably build that even now, and if I did, it would likely be相当 effective.
My future self had also used several spells.
Gravity magic, teleportation magic, and lightning magic.
I didn't understand gravity or teleportation, but...
When I fought Orsted before, I had at least managed to deal some damage with the rock cannon.
Atofe had been paralyzed when I hit her with lightning.
I had offensive options.
If I could also find a way to defend, I might be able to hold my own.
...Why am I seriously thinking about how to kill Orsted?
"Hey, Rudeus. If you're struggling, tell me, okay? If you don't, I'll be upset."
Sylphie looked like she was about to cry.
I pulled her head close with my right hand and held Roxy's hand behind me with my left.
Why?
Because I have to protect them.
"I might... have to kill someone."
"...What?!"
"Rudeus... what do you mean?"
I didn't answer Roxy's question. I let go of both of them and got out of bed.
The warmth vanished in an instant, and the chill hit me.
"Sorry."
With that, I left the room.
My feet felt unsteady beneath me.
My head was spinning.
I headed for my study.
I wanted to re-read that diary right away.
I had to grasp even a fraction of how the old man fought.
Kill Orsted.
Kill him to protect my family's future.
Even if it cost me my life and left my family grieving.
"..."
My eyes happened to land on a letter in the study — one I'd been planning to send tomorrow.
"..."
I picked up the pen and added one more line.
...I might not be able to see Eris again, either.