Another month passed.
The first magical armor was completed.
In just three months.
From partway through, I'd been spending money like water and hiring people to handle the simple labor, which sped up the completion considerably.
The size was as planned—roughly three meters.
Since I intended to fight in the forest, I went with a coloring of black, brown, and dark green.
Because the entire body was covered in the crude armor plates I'd forged, it was stocky and bulky, with absolutely nothing cool about it.
You entered from the back.
There was a human-shaped opening in the rear of the unit, and you slipped into it like fitting yourself into a mold.
Once you channeled mana into it, it moved like an extension of your own body, so I'd manually attach the separately prepared back armor plate afterward.
This back plate had a certain magic circle built into it, and with a single word from me, it would automatically purge—allowing an emergency escape from the armor.
On the right arm, that Gatling gun was mounted.
A magical device that fired rock bullets.
If I poured my full mana into it, I could fire ten shots per second of the highest-level rock bullets I was capable of producing.
Any ordinary demon would be reduced to a chunk of meat in an instant.
This also served as a countermeasure against
On the left arm, I'd installed a mana-absorbing stone.
I didn't know whether Orsted would use magic, but Disturb Magic couldn't handle everything. This stone, which could annihilate completed spells, was better to have on hand.
Just in case, I'd also prepared a shield as a close-combat weapon.
A shield as a weapon.
I could use a sword to some extent myself, but nothing that would work against Orsted.
So I'd reached the conclusion that in close combat, I should prioritize defense instead.
Besides, rather than wielding a sword I'd barely learned, smashing into things with a heavy chunk of metal would probably deal more damage too.
Defense can become the greatest offense.
The theory of tanks, right.
Incidentally, I'd also attached
Not the one
I didn't know if it would work against Orsted, but...
As a result, the appearance was one where the adjective "majestic" could absolutely not be applied.
Camouflage coloring that didn't belong in this world, a Gatling gun, a crude shield with a sword attached.
That object lay face-down on the ground in the outskirts of the magic city Sharia.
It couldn't even stand upright.
It was so heavy that I couldn't even get it to stand.
"Whoa. That's so cool."
"No, no, it's quite substantial and imposing, isn't it a nice look?"
"You think? I feel like
"Honestly, I think it's dorky too."
"It looks like some kind of monster. Was there nothing you could do about the color?"
That was probably the difference between male and female sensibilities.
Well,
If I made it back safely, maybe I'd ask
Whatever, the design didn't really matter.
"...Right then, let's proceed with the final test."
Pulling myself together, I looked around at everyone.
Julie and Ginger were there too.
I'd asked for her help in luring Orsted out.
However, she had the goal of returning to her original world.
So we'd decided to frame it as her having been "coerced into cooperating under my threat."
That was why she wasn't acting together with us.
She was probably at the aerial fortress right now, learning summoning magic from Perugius.
Though there was still the possibility that Orsted would kill her even then—Nanahoshi had agreed to it with a pale face, acknowledging that it couldn't be helped.
In the end, I never learned summoning magic...
Well, once this matter was settled, maybe I'd ask Perugius again.
"Then, I'll just watch, if you don't mind."
Roxy and Julie took their seats in the observation chairs that had been set up a short distance away.
Roxy's belly wasn't prominent yet, but it had grown quite a bit.
Soon it wouldn't be something she could hide anymore, and I wanted her to tell me about it properly.
No wait, wasn't the current situation a bit rough for me?
That after this fight was over, a child would be born...
No no no.
Don't think about things like that.
Anxiety is a factor that disrupts concentration.
I'll win. The child will be born. I'll name the child that's born, and then work toward making a third one.
That's the future waiting for me. Alright.
"Then, I'll be climbing in, so Sylphiette, Zanoba, Elinalise.
All three of you, please attack me simultaneously.
Cliff, watch with your Distinctive Eye, and if you notice anything, please let me know."
"Got it."
"I understand."
At the two who nodded, Elinalise raised both hands and backed away.
"I'm sorry, but I'll just be watching. It looks like I might get hurt."
Come to think of it, didn't the diary say Elinalise was pregnant?
Looking closely, her stomach area did seem a little rounded.
I might have been a bit thoughtless.
"Well, if she miscarried it would be terrible, so please watch together with Roxy."
"A child!?"
The stunned voice came from Cliff.
He whipped around and stared intently at Elinalise's stomach.
"A child... so you got...?"
"Since the curse stopped, there's a nine in ten chance, yes."
"The curse stopped—what? But it's been the same as always, you know, we've still been... doing it!"
"Yes, we have."
"Whose... it's not Rudeus's, is it?"
"How dare you, Cliff. Since I came back from Begaritt, I've only been with you. I'm your Elinalise, you know."
"B-but..."
"If you can't believe it, why don't you check for yourself? I don't know if you can tell with your Distinctive Eye, though."
"O-okay."
At her words, Cliff shifted his eyepatch and approached Elinalise.
He got so close to her lower abdomen that it almost looked like he was going to kiss it.
It felt like he was trying to see straight through to the uterus.
Still apparently unsure, Cliff then proceeded to lift up Elinalise's skirt.
"Oh my, Cliff, getting so bold in a place like this..."
"Shh, quiet for a sec."
"Sure, sure."
At Cliff's desperate voice, Elinalise shrugged.
Still, burrowing under a long skirt was kind of obscene.
Maybe I'd try that with Roxy or Sylphiette sometime...
Sylphiette in a long skirt.
She'd definitely look good in it.
...No, I didn't have the luxury of thinking about that right now.
"...It's true."
Cliff emerged from under the skirt with a pale face.
So the Distinctive Eye could detect things like that.
Or perhaps the word "pregnant" triggered some kind of indicator.
"W-what do I do? What should I do?"
"There's nothing to do."
"B-but it must be difficult, right? That, um, pregnancy and childbirth for women..."
"Cliff. I've been through it many times, so it'll be fine. Leave it to me, and I'll deliver a healthy child."
"Y-yeah..."
Cliff remained pale, clearly overwhelmed by how sudden it all was.
"Though, Rudeus... Roxy told you?"
"...No, I just sort of had a feeling."
"I see. Well, in that case, I'll have to sit out the rough stuff."
"Understood."
Elinalise fluttered her hands as she walked away.
Then she sat down next to Roxy and started chatting.
Seeing Roxy stroking her own stomach, it was probably about that.
So Roxy and Elinalise got pregnant around the same time.
Well, whatever.
For now, let's set that aside.
"Let me pull myself together and begin the test."
At those words, Sylphiette and Zanoba's expressions sharpened.
--- One hour later.
The test was finished.
The magical armor performed brilliantly.
When running, it seemed capable of reaching speeds of two hundred kilometers per hour.
When jumping, it could launch several hundred meters into the air, and punching the ground created a crater.
Sylphiette's magic couldn't hit it, and even when it did, it was deflected.
It didn't budge even when receiving Zanoba's iron fist.
On the contrary, the bones in Zanoba's hand shattered, and he screamed.
A success.
If I could deal damage to Zanoba—who was a Saint—then I should be able to deal damage to Orsted too.
For once, I felt like I'd managed to build something without a single failure.
No, I shouldn't take credit for this.
It was thanks to Zanoba and Cliff.
Even so, was this what it felt like for those who fought wearing battle aura in this world?
It was overwhelming.
It wasn't hard to understand why Perugius and Atofe got full of themselves.
If I put on this magical armor, could I do it?
Yeah.
I should be able to...
I'd go with this.
--- Everything was ready.
--- On the evening of the day all preparations were complete, Roxy came out with her news.
"I think it's about time I told you—I'm pregnant."
That day was one when Norn had come back home.
Just before dinner.
When the whole family was gathered together.
"Congratulations."
Lillia was the first to react.
She rarely showed much emotion, but this time she wore a smile and offered her congratulations first.
For an instant, I wondered if she'd said it out of consideration for Aisha's position, but no.
She'd probably consulted with Roxy beforehand.
The fact that tonight's meal was slightly more lavish than usual told me as much.
"Congratulations, Roxy."
Sylphiette had probably sensed it already.
She smiled warmly, accepting the news.
When I saw that smile, I felt an indescribable sense of déjà vu.
The current situation felt somewhat similar to when Lillia had been pregnant before.
Of course, there were many differences.
Sylphiette was accepting Roxy.
I wouldn't get slapped across the cheek like Paul did, nor would Zenith erupt in fury and turn everything into a battlefield.
I wouldn't end up crying like Lillia.
This was a happy space.
"R-Rudeus. What do you think?"
Perhaps uneasy because I hadn't said anything, Roxy turned toward me with a slightly timid tone.
What I should say hadn't changed.
"I'm deeply moved. Thank you, Roxy."
"Huh? Thank you... for what?"
Roxy tilted her head slightly and smiled wryly.
But her expression was by no means unhappy.
"You always said 'thank you' when Lucy was born too, Rudy."
Sylphiette giggled and said.
Come to think of it, that was probably right.
But maybe so.
Why was I saying thank you?
Hmm...
"Somehow, the fact that you're having a child and telling me about it feels like proof that you've accepted me."
"I've been accepting you since long before this... Whoa."
I lifted Roxy up and set her on my lap.
Being too lovey-dovey in front of Sylphiette probably wasn't ideal, but... today was Roxy's day, so I hoped they'd understand.
"You, as my teacher, gave me so many things and saved me time and again. And now you're even going to bear my child... The words 'thank you' alone can't express my gratitude."
"It's been a while since you called me 'teacher' too..."
I stroked Roxy's belly.
About three months along, I'd guess.
I could tell it was slightly rounded.
I'd felt the same with Sylphiette, but still—this was amazing.
The fact that I was having a child.
"The current Rudeus is my master, and I wanted Rudeus's child too, so 'good job' or 'well done' would be fine, you know."
"That sounds rather arrogant, doesn't it?"
"Don't be like that—let me be spoiled for once in a while."
"Then... w-well done."
"Hehe, obviously."
As she said that, Roxy pressed the back of her head against my chest, rubbing it back and forth.
She was being awfully composed.
Sylphiette had been much more flustered, as I recalled.
Come to think of it, Elinalise had also known about Roxy's pregnancy.
Roxy had consulted with various people in her own way and settled down that way.
Because I'd been busy.
If that was the case, I felt a little sorry about it.
So busy and busy—like a father who couldn't spare time for his family.
...Right, I was technically a father already too.
It wasn't like I was busy earning money or anything, though.
Thinking all this, I pulled Roxy into a tight embrace and buried my face in the top of her head.
Roxy's scent was still as nice as ever.
It was calming.
"Brother, please stop being so lovey-dovey at the dinner table!"
Norn slammed her hand on the table.
Her face was bright red.
"It's fine, come on—Roxy's always been so reserved. Today should be the exception."
Aisha jumped in to support me immediately.
She was leaning on the table with her elbows, resting her chin on her hand with terrible posture.
A smug grin was plastered across her face.
"Norn-neechan, you've just been grumpy lately because onii-chan hasn't paid attention to you, right?"
"That's—that's not it! It's just, between Sylphiette-neechan and Lucy, I just think it's not right to be openly celebrating without any restraint—I'm just saying you should do this kind of thing in private!"
"Sure, sure—onii-chan, listen to her later, okay? Norn-neechan's been super popular at school lately! Just the other day, a boy came to the house and left a letter!"
"Aisha! There's no need to say that kind of thing!"
So Norn was popular at school.
She was cute, hardworking, and the school apparently had plenty of people with good taste.
Eventually Norn would get a boyfriend, get married, and move out of the house too.
When that time came, I'd want to support her if possible—but if some sketchy guy showed up, I'd probably object after all...
Norn wouldn't bring home some guy with bleached hair, piercings, and a teardrop tattoo under his eye saying "Please let me nurture true love with your sister," would she?
If that happened, I'd laugh first and then facepalm...
"Norn, do you not have anyone you like yet?"
"Wh-what do you mean, 'someone I like'?"
At that question, Norn turned bright red and looked away.
"N-no, I don't."
She did, huh.
She was at that age, puberty and all.
Normal, I supposed.
But still—to be liked by someone, what a lucky guy.
"If you do end up with someone nice, bring them home to meet us."
"I told you, I don't have anyone!"
If she did bring someone, I'd have to properly assess them in Paul's place.
I'd definitely tell them: "I won't hand my daughter over to some deadbeat like you."
That was a certainty.
"Geez... Aisha was saying just recently that the rice from the garden finally had a harvest, and you'd be happy to hear it!"
"Oh! I was going to announce that later! Norn-neechan, you're terrible!"
"Hmph, that's payback for earlier!"
Aisha jumped up in a hurry, but Norn had already turned away with her nose in the air.
Wait—I'd just heard something I couldn't ignore.
"The garden rice had a harvest... you say?"
"Ah, yeah. Well, sort of. Maybe because of the cold, we didn't get a lot. But if we replant now, by autumn..."
"If you replant—does that mean you saved seed rice!? You got seed rice!?"
"Y-yeah. I did. Onii-chan, why does your voice sound so weird..."
"This isn't weird at all! Does that mean next year is a go!? We can expect a harvest next year too!?"
"If onii-chan makes more soil with magic... onii-chan's soil seems to help things grow the best."
I gently lifted Roxy and moved her back to the seat beside mine.
Then I stood, walked to the side of the table, and knelt on one knee about three paces from Aisha.
I spread my arms wide, waiting like a prince.
"Well done, Aisha!"
"W-wow... is it okay if I jump on you...?"
Aisha glanced behind me at Roxy, then walked over slowly and jumped into my arms.
I lifted her by the waist and spun her around.
"Whoa! Aisha rice, baby!"
"Whoa!"
We'd have rice to eat.
It was a small thing compared to the child with Roxy, but I loved rice.
Fluffy, perfectly steamed white rice.
Eating it alongside some strongly salted grilled fish, stuffing my mouth full of white rice.
That kind of happy diet was almost upon us.
Moving my body a little, a fresh wave of joy welled up inside me.
I was having a child with Roxy.
Lucy would get a little brother or sister.
From now, about two years apart.
Half Migurd, but would they be okay regarding bullying?
What color would their hair be?
Would Lucy be a good big sister?
Norn, and Aisha...
Ah, I was looking forward to it.
The name... right, I wasn't supposed to decide yet.
And then, and then...
There were no words for this anymore.
--- After that, a small celebration was held.
A lavish meal, lively conversation.
Norn talked about things that happened in the student council.
Aisha happily mentioned that she was known by name and face at the market.
Sylphiette cooing to soothe Lucy, who started crying from all the noise.
Lillia smiling quietly as she served the food without a word.
Zenith eating in silence but seeming to be in a good mood.
Roxy pouting because Aisha's over-the-top reaction to her news had made her feel sulky, and me trying to calm her down.
Once again, salt rice balls appeared on the table.
Aisha had apparently made them.
When I asked why she knew how to make that dish, she said Nanahoshi had told her about it once.
Couldn't Nanahoshi have suggested something more impressive? That girl's domestic skills were really lacking...
But then again, when it came to dishes you could make with just rice, I could only think of rice balls or rice porridge off the top of my head.
The rice balls Aisha had shaped with her small hands were round and small.
It was mostly experimental, which was why the yield was low.
Even so, there was one for each person.
Everyone ate one.
Aside from me, nobody looked particularly thrilled by the taste.
But I thought they were delicious.
Aisha had worked hard to make them, had shaped them with such care.
There was no way they wouldn't taste good.
They tasted so good that tears streamed down my face.
Since we'd harvested some this time, next season we'd grow more.
The next crop would yield a much larger amount.
Then maybe I could make bigger rice balls too.
...Whether they'd actually be eatable, I wasn't sure.
"There's something I want to tell everyone."
After the meal was over.
I looked around at everyone once more.
My sisters stared back with puzzled expressions.
"In the near future, I'm going to fight someone. An incredibly powerful opponent."
I wouldn't name Orsted.
"I'm sure all of you have noticed that I've been up to something suspicious these past two months.
I'm grateful that you didn't press me for details and left me be.
I'm sorry that I can't explain the specifics."
"..."
"It's possible that I might not win."
At those words, every face in the room tensed.
"Today might be the last time I sit at this dining table."
"I-isn't there an option to not fight?"
Norn said in a panic.
"...There isn't. At least, not one I know of."
Since then, there had been no contact from the Human God.
But knowing that bastard, he'd been watching me the entire time.
"You might not win, brother... why... what's the point of—"
"Norn."
She was the most shaken of all.
Aisha and Lillia, who'd been at home, had probably sensed something to some degree.
They looked serious, but there was no shock or confusion on their faces.
"If I don't make it back, in my room there's—"
"Why are you saying things like you won't make it back!?"
Yeah.
Fair enough.
I'd wanted to say something heroic-sounding, but there was no point in putting on a brave face.
Let's stay positive.
"Then... when I get back, how about we take a bath together?"
"...No thank you. Bathe by yourself."
Ha ha ha, this kid.
Well, that was very Norn.
"Aisha."
"Yes?"
"If I don't make it back, would you share those rice balls with Nanahoshi too?"
"...Onii-chan."
"She'll definitely cry for joy and do whatever you say from then on."
"...I'd rather have you do whatever I want, onii-chan, not Nanahoshi-san."
Aisha said with her head slightly bowed.
Right, right.
Aisha was still the same lovable brat.
When I got back, I'd buy her something expensive.
A nice bag, maybe, or a huge diamond ring.
"Lillia."
"Yes?"
"Take care of Mother for me."
"...Understood. However."
"Yes?"
"I will wait for Lord Rudeus's return for as long as it takes."
Lillia said quietly.
We'd known each other a long time, but there was always a stiffness between us that I couldn't seem to break through.
Aisha was a little sister, but Lillia didn't quite feel like a mother figure, you know?
"Mom."
"..."
"I'm heading out."
"..."
Zenith had a slightly sad look on her face, I thought...
But I couldn't really tell.
Would there ever be a day when she expressed her emotions more openly?
"Sylphiette."
"...Yes!"
"Take care of Lucy."
"Yes. Um, Rudy... that is..."
"...What is it?"
"N-nothing."
Sylphiette seemed like she wanted to say something.
I never could quite figure out what she was thinking.
I knew she loved me, and I loved her, but her thoughts were always hard to read, and that left me perpetually uneasy.
Under the table, I took Sylphiette's hand.
Then I leaned close to her ear and spoke softly.
"Um, Sylphiette."
"Yeah?"
"This might not be what you want to hear, but..."
"Yeah?"
"When I get back, let's do it a lot."
Sylphiette's head dropped forward.
I might have said something wrong.
"Honestly! You're such a pervert, Rudy—same as always."
As she said it, she gave my shoulder a light smack.
I caught her hand and pulled her close.
"Ah—"
I kissed her, somewhat forcibly.
Sylphiette stiffened but accepted it.
Still as cute as ever.
Always cute.
Definitely Sylphiette.
The thought that I'd be coming back to her made me feel like I actually could come back.
"Geez, Rudy, everyone's watching... ahhh!"
I licked her ear for good measure.
Sucking on her pointed elf ear and giving it playful little bites, I left teeth marks.
"I'll be heading out now, so please wait for me."
"Okay, safe travels."
Sylphiette's face was completely red as she nodded.
Then finally, I turned to Roxy.
"Roxy."
"Yes?"
"Tonight... let's sleep together."
"But the baby... no, I understand."
At my words, Roxy looked a little confused but nodded.
--- That night, we all bathed together, and then Roxy and I moved to the bedroom.
Hand in hand, we walked to the bedroom like a happy couple.
Last year, I'd been incredibly excited every time and gone at it with enthusiasm.
Now, though, I wasn't in that kind of mood.
"In that case, if we could keep it gentle..."
"No, tonight's fine."
I stopped Roxy with my hand as she moved to take off her nightgown.
Roxy held the hem of her shirt and tilted her head.
"Here, sit down."
I had Roxy sit on the bed, and I took a seat not beside her but on the chair.
"I want to tell you the details of what's going to happen and what I plan to do if I lose."
"...Just me? What about Sylphiette?"
"..."
"You told Nanahoshi and me, but you're keeping quiet with Sylphiette?"
"How did you know I told Nanahoshi?"
"Because Sylphiette came to me about it. She figured you'd told Nanahoshi, but... Rudy, why won't you tell Sylphiette the details?"
Why, indeed.
I didn't know.
But somehow, I didn't want to tell Sylphiette.
Not because I didn't want her to worry...
Why?
I didn't know.
Was this fate too?
"I appreciate being trusted with this, but I feel sorry for Sylphiette."
"You're right. Then, shall I call her?"
"Yes."
Roxy was dependable, as always.
Thinking that, I stepped out of the room and headed for Sylphiette's door.
My hand found the doorknob, then paused.
Come to think of it, I'd never once peeked in on Sylphiette while I was with Roxy.
Was she crying or something?
Sylphiette said with her mouth that it was fine if I pursued other girls, and she'd accepted Roxy.
But judging by the Nanahoshi incident, she was extremely jealous.
Was she in there crying?
Was she hammering nails into a straw doll?
Was she gnawing through a lace handkerchief while yelling "that vixen!"?
No, it was fine.
My dear Sylphiette would never do something like that.
Okay.
"Um, Sylphiette, I need to talk to you about some—"
"Rudy was nibbling my ear, nibbling, and then he whispered 'let's do it a lot' in that low voice... ahhh... what's going to happen to me? He's going to go crazy on me like the first time, isn't he... oh no, what should I do, Lucy might have a little brother or sister really soon...!"
I swung the door open and there was Sylphiette rolling around on the bed, hugging a pillow.
She was flailing her feet, rolling back and forth like a maiden in a romance novel.
Her voice was low, but now that the door was open, I could hear it clearly.
Hardly something you'd expect from a mother.
But she was incredibly cute.
I wanted to pounce on her right then and there.
Incidentally, Lucy wasn't there. She was in Lillia's room.
Oh, but this room wasn't soundproof, so sound might carry.
Actually, I was keeping Roxy waiting.
"Oh."
Our eyes met.
Sylphiette froze mid-roll, lying face up, completely still.
She was in a rather suggestive position, almost like she was propped up against a wall, and her face wore the most blissful grin imaginable.
"..."
I quietly closed the door.
Everyone had moments they didn't want anyone to see.
"Ah, wait, it's not what you think, Rudy, wait, don't go!"
In the blink of an eye, Sylphiette scrambled up and grabbed the gap between the door and the frame.
"No, I'm not leaving. I was just thinking we should start over."
"Start over? That's not necessary. What did you want? Today's Roxy's day, right? Oh—did Roxy's period start? Is it my turn?"
Sylphiette was in a full-on panic.
There was no way Roxy was having her period right now...
This was unusual.
No, seriously.
Anyway, let's regroup.
"I need to tell you about the opponent I'm going to fight and what happens afterward, so come to my room."
At those words, Sylphiette fell silent for a few seconds, then nodded seriously with a soft "okay."
She looked just a tiny bit happy about it.
And I felt a little lighter too.
--- The explanation didn't take that long.
The two of them listened in silence.
My opponent was the Dragon God Orsted.
I'd been visited in a dream by an entity called the Human God and told to fight him.
After my death—I was to tell my family to resist Orsted but never challenge him to battle.
The words of the being calling himself the Human God should never be trusted.
Those two things were to be passed down as family teachings.
If I died, I wanted them to tell the rest of the family what I'd just said and find a way to protect their lives.
I explained all of this as best I could.
At first we'd been sitting and talking, but at some point, without really deciding, all three of us ended up lying in a row on the bed.
"Also... if I lose, there might be misfortune that falls upon Roxy, who's pregnant, and Lucy."
"Misfortune—you mean the Human God would do something?"
"Yeah."
"I see... So that's why you kept asking us to protect the house..."
Sylphiette nodded with an expression that said she finally understood.
She might be getting the wrong idea slightly.
Should I consider that convenient, or should I say it had nothing to do with that?
"Got it. But listen, Rudy. I can protect myself, and I'll guard Lucy with my life—you don't even have to ask."
"I'll protect myself as well. I've been doing it this whole time, and I intend to keep doing it. I may be weaker than Rudy, but please don't underestimate me."
I wouldn't rain on their parade.
Both Sylphiette and Roxy would manage.
"Either way, Orsted—the Dragon God, one of the Seven Great Powers, right? That's a huge name. What are your chances?"
"I don't know. We've only fought once."
"What happened then?"
"I was completely helpless."
I recalled the first time I'd met Orsted, and even now my legs trembled.
His hand had pierced straight through the center of my body...
...I was scared.
"...Rudy, wouldn't it be better if we all went together?"
"No, I'm going alone. That's probably the best odds. I'll fire off big magic spells and try to make it work."
"I see... But Rudy, you're shaking?"
"Yeah."
"Don't try to distract me by touching weird places!"
I wasn't touching her to distract her.
I was touching her because I wanted to.
Once I was dead... well, I couldn't argue about this anymore either.
I wouldn't be able to touch here anymore.
And I couldn't touch there.
So that meant... I couldn't touch there either?
"...Geez, we're having a serious conversation right now!"
"Yeah."
"Oh, Lucy's been crawling everywhere lately, you know."
"Yeah."
"Lillia said it reminded her of when Rudeus was born."
"..."
"She'll start talking more and more, and before you know it—in less than a year—she'll be standing and walking."
I wasn't really spending enough time with Lucy, was I.
I kept leaving everything to Lillia and Sylphiette.
But Lucy...
She was adorable, wasn't she.
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Yeah."
"If it looks like you're going to lose, make sure you run away, okay?"
"Yeah. I don't know if I can get away, but I'll try."
Lucy...
Did she have any awareness yet?
If I died, she'd grow up without ever knowing her father's face.
What would that feel like?
If I asked Aisha, would she give me an answer...
"...Rudeus."
A voice came from my left.
It was Roxy.
I tried to touch her chest too.
My arm was grabbed.
Ah, that was a surprisingly strong grip.
Sorry, my bad. We were having a serious talk.
"I just want to say... meeting you, marrying you, and having a child with you—this is the greatest fortune of my entire life."
"Right."
"But precisely because of that... if you died, it would become the worst possible misfortune."
"...Right."
"I know it's a little embarrassing to say this, but..."
Roxy took a small breath and spoke.
"Please make me happy."
In the end, I hadn't been wrong about anything.
I was fighting for Sylphiette and Roxy.
Nothing was wrong.
I would fight for the two of them and come home to my family.
That was my resolve.
That night, for the first time in a long while, I felt like I'd slept soundly.
--- A few days later.
With every preparation complete, I departed from the magic city Sharia.
Alone.