Mushoku Tensei

Volume 9 4 — First Day of School — Extra Chapter

Volume 9 Chapter 4 - First Day of School - Extra Chapter

Part 1

The past few years since I've started school have gone by without any problems.

When I say no problems, I mean problems which put my life at risk.

Dueling with Rinia and Pursena, Ariel-sama walking down streets disguised as me and being surrounded by thugs…

Small stuff like that happened, but nothing life threatening.

Things were going the way Ariel-sama wanted.

In the last few years, Ariel-sama has increased her followers as well.

However, after entering the third year…

We obtained certain information.

The information is about a person called "Rudeus of the Quagmire".

Rudeus.

So, I finally found some information on Rudi.

At a young age he was already an A-Rank adventurer, and in just a few years his name spread to the [Magic Triumvirate] .

His specialty is earth magic.

His strength level is not determined, but he can create a huge quagmire with voiceless incantation.

When I heard about quagmire magic, I was convinced that it was Rudi.

When I think about it, the first time we met he was using mud.

Since Rudi is a water magician, thinking that he is good with water magic would be normal, but, whether it's using quagmire or a fast-moving shock wave, he liked using different kinds of magic like that.

I spoke to Ariel-sama about this.

"Rudeus of the Quagmire" is the person who taught me how to use magic, and, he is the person who has been missing for a long time.

“If he is the real deal, I would certainly like to borrow his power …”

I think that Ariel-sama was skeptical about Rudi.

Since the information on "Rudeus of the Quagmire" was indeed dubious.

Rudeus Greyrat.

He was from Asura kingdom, Fedoa Region, Buina village.

At the age of 3 he became an apprentice to the (Water-Saint ranked at the time) Water-King class magician Roxy Migurudia.

At the age of 5 he became a Water-Saint Magician.

At the age of 7 he became the tutor for the daughter of the lord of Fedoa, Eris Boreas Greyrat.

As the story goes, the trouble maker and violent daughter of the lord was properly disciplined and educated by him.

At that time when the Fedoa Region Metastasis Event happened he went missing…

In the past, even if I heard this much I wouldn’t think it’s particularly a great thing.

But now that I have lived in the Asura Kingdom and studied at the Magic University, I can say this with confidence.

If I didn’t know him I would have thought that this kind of personal history is a fake.

It's fictional.

But, I know.

Rudi respected Roxy-sensei as his shisho.

Though I never saw Roxy myself.

But, I know that Roxy-san was in Buina village.

And, Roxy-san gave Rudi a wand.

And when we were separated at the age of 7, he became a home tutor, this matches as well.

"There is no mistake, it's Rudi."

"Sylphy, if you say so, I would like to believe it ……"

"However, since it is just a rumor, actually… I am dubious anyhow."

Luke and Ariel-sama were skeptical.

However for now they believed it, not that I can do anything about it.

Even for me who knew Rudi, I still doubt the credibility of this information.

“However, will such a great person lend us a hand, isn’t he a member of the Boreas family?”

Honestly, I'm not familiar with how political power struggles are in the Asura kingdom.

I just have 1 year of experience in this matter.

However, with respect to Greyrat, even I have heard about them.

Boreas was allied with the first prince.

Eurus and Zephyrus were allies of the second prince.

Notus was our ally, but was now in the first Prince faction.

In other words, Boreas is an enemy.

And, even Rudi who was a tutor of Boreas, might be an enemy as well.

However, Boreas and Rudi ought to have cut their ties with each other a long time ago already.

If it was not like that, he could not be an adventurer in the north.

“If I ask him, I am sure…”

Even though I am saying it, I myself have no confidence.

Luke started laughing at such words lacking confidence.

"With your breast size, there is no way a man from Notus would bow to you."

I cover up my breast Puku~tsu… when Luke says that.

Luke is always like this.

Always talking about breasts.

Women's breasts.

Women with no breasts are not women.

I do not feel the charm of a woman from you.

There is no helping it; small breasts are a trait of us Elves.

But Luke is not just bad-mouthing.

In the end, he always says this.

Since you are not a woman I can be your friend.

Saying we are friends makes me happy, but knowing I have no charm as a woman is troubling.

Well, of course compared to Ariel-sama my breasts aren't good …

“I don’t mean it like that.”

"Then what do you mean, don’t tell me you are going to reveal your identity to him?"

"Oh I see…"

I am Fitts, [Silent Fitts.]

And I cannot let him know my identity.

What should I do?

“Isn’t it good enough Sylphy? The one you were looking for has been found.”

Suddenly, Ariel-sama says that with a smile.

Ariel-sama is always kind.

Sometimes she is strict, and there are also times when she does bad things, but she is a kind person.

Something very surprising came out of this Ariel-sama's mouth.

"As a special case, you can reveal your identity to that Rudeus-san."

"What?"

Reveal my identity.

"But… what if doing that causes the plan to fail?"

I do know my role very well.

I'm a mystery.

I am an unidentified [symbol of power].

In these past few years, I figured that I won’t lose to those run-of-the-mill magicians.

It is thanks to the training with Rudi.

I am not as good as the God or King-Rank magicians, but I should be around the Saint-Rank at least.

Though I can’t replace the other Princes or King-rank magicians whose support the princess needs.

But, I am aware that I am the most powerful ally that the princess has at the moment.

"I had Sylphy do her best up until now, I have to at least let you have your reunion right…"

"But."

"And if the plan fails because of that, then we will think about it then."

Ariel-sama after saying that and clapping her hand said,

"And, if it comes down to ensnaring him, a childhood friend has a better chance in talking him into it, right?"

"…… Thank you, Ariel-sama."

I thanked her honestly.

Though I saw her scheming something, but it's the usual.

After seeing my growth, what would Rudi say?

I am looking forward to it.

Part 2

The plot to get Rudi to school went smoothly.

Leaking the information to the Vice Principal Jinas, he would without a doubt make a move to invite him into the university.

A few months later, the day that I looked forward to came.

During battle practice at the training field, Vice Principal Jinas brought a person with himself.

I almost raised my voice from joy.

Rudi.

It’s Rudi!

No doubt about it.

He looks different from back in the days, he looks a bit gloomy, but there is no doubt.

There is no way I would mistake Rudi with someone else.

'What to do, he has become so cool.'

Though he still has traces of the young boy in my memory, he has become a man.

His demeanor is sharp, he has trained his body well, this much I can understand from how he moves.

His robe is worn-out, but that’s proof of how hard he has been working.

Even though I am seeing it from a distance, I can say that his wand is a good one and has been used a lot.

Walking while vigilantly being aware of his surroundings is just like how he was before.

(Oh my God, … I was thinking of marrying to someone like that.)

When I think about it, somehow my body gets hot.

"Rud …?"

As I became emotional by seeing Rudi, I was about to call his name out.

Immediately after, I was frozen.

From behind Rudi, some insanely beautiful woman came as well.

(Ara… is she Rudi’s wife?)

The woman was an Elf.

Somehow she had an air about her like my dad.

Dignified features and giving off a noble impression.

And, such a person was clinging to Rudi.

It was like she is pushing Rudi, but he wasn’t bothered by it at all.

(… ara? … ara?)

While confused, I lost the opportunity to rush over to Rudi.

After that, I was called to be Rudi’s examiner.

It was a test to see whether Rudi can use voiceless incantation or not.

By that time, I was also able to pull myself together somehow.

If it’s that cool Rudi, having a woman that amazing wouldn't be strange at all, is what I was thinking.

Yeah.

Whether he is married or not, does not matter.

Because we are friends.

No problem at all.

I'll give them my blessing.

Well, before that, let’s rejoice that both of us are safe and sound.

While I was saying so to myself, I heard Rudi speaking …

"Nice to meet you, my name is Rudeus Greyrat."

"……………………"

First, Time meeting?

What?

…… Eh.

ara… ara?

It’s a lie.

Hey, wait …

……………… You have forgotten?

“If everything goes well, this term I’ll be your Kohai, so please grant me your guidance”

"Eee …………………?"

When I was totally puzzled, I remembered that I have sunglasses on, my hair color changed to white, and I’m dressed like a boy.

Not even considering that, it’s also been 8 years since we have been separated.

I have grown up and changed so much, not recognizing me on the first meeting isn't all that strange.

I was thinking too selfishly on my own.

I was thinking since I recognized him, he should recognize me as well.

I was getting ahead of myself.

So, I just need to remove my sunglasses and introduce myself.

I have obtained permission from princess Ariel.

It would be hard in a place like this, I’ll call him to an isolated place and introduce myself.

However, I was thinking.

Forced to think like this.

(That Rudi won’t remember someone like me anymore)

Just thinking like that once was enough for me to be unable to remove my sunglasses.

Removing my sunglasses, and introducing myself, then hearing ‘Sorry, who are you again?’.

When I thought that, I couldn’t do it anymore.

"That is… Oh, yes"

When I see Rudi I would say this, was what I thought, but I forgot all of it.

I didn’t know what to say anymore.

While I was thinking about those things the exam began.

I lost.

I was completely defeated. His magic was too unpredictable. While a technique I had no idea about sealed my magic, an incredible Rock Bullet grazed my cheek.

Though if I think about it, I have seen it before.

He was going easy on me.

It wasn’t on the level of how much I have grown.

Rudi, was way more ahead of me.

"I… just now…… How did you do that?"

I was barely able to say just that.

"It's called Ran Ma[Disturb Magic]. Don't you know it?"

I don’t know.

I’ve never heard of it either.

Perhaps, it would be a magic unique to a certain race.

Even if you ask in the magic university no one knows about that magic.

(Rudi is great)

Again, I thought so.

That deepened my respect for him again.

As I thought, he has grown yet again.

So much that someone like me can’t be compared to him.

When I was thinking this he bowed.

"Thank you senpai, you let a new student win against you.”

"What?"

I was puzzled.

I don’t get what he means.

I could not do anything. Rudi has to know that as well.

Yet to have let him win?

I grabbed the hand that Rudi stretched out to me in confusion.

It was not the hand of a magician.

It was the hand of a swordsman.

It was the hand of a person that worked hard.

It was the hand of those who have held a sword way longer than even Luke.

But he is not even a swordsman.

Even though I was confused, when I held his hand, my heart started beating doki-doki.

Rudi’s warmth was being transferred to me, I kinda felt happy about it.

However, Rudi has baffled me even further.

"As thanks for today, I’ll repay the favor later on."

Thank you, I wonder why he thanked me.

I don’t get it.

Don’t get it at all.

I don’t get it, but I thought it means that we will meet later.

Feeling my face getting red, I nod in agreement.

And when Rudi left, I remembered stuff that I did not want to remember, I cried.

--- Ariel Perspective ---

When I got back to the student council room, Sylphy was crying.

"…… did you say your greetings?"

At first I thought that she was worrying over the woman Rudeus brought with him.

By the way, the woman who came with him was an S-rank adventurer in his party.

I figured that she has a deep relation to Rudeus.

However, Sylphy’s heart does not seem sunny.

But it seems to be a different problem.

"Rudi… won’t remember someone like me anymore"

"Sylphy……"

I was puzzled.

This is the first time something like this happened.

The girl named Sylphyiette should have been a stronger child than this.

Stout-hearted, single-minded and straight forward kinda girl.

Such a girl is crying on my lap.

The girl who didn't even cry when she found out that her parents died after the Metastasis Event, is crying right now.

Just from thinking that shabby robed boy does not remember her, she has become like this.

When I look at her like this, my sadistic heart is aching.

It’s forbidden.

I do not want to be hated by Sylphiette.

I want us to be friends.

However, that boy.

Rudeus Greyrat.

He should be the same age as Sylphy, has he matured so much?

To be honest he was different from the image I had of him based on Sylphy’s description of him.

My first impression is a "shabby man".

He could buy another cheap robe instead of wearing that shabby one.

A humble attitude to the point of it being unnatural, looks suspicious and a face with no apparent self-confidence.

Anyway I didn’t feel the charm of a boy from him.

Also whether I hit on him or he flirts with me I don’t think I would feel any excitement.

In that regard Luke is far better.

Luke is a man who cheats and is clumsy but has far more sex-appeal than him.

Though since we are in a master-servant relationship, we won't touch each other.

However, that boy.

Rudeus Greyrat.

He is unattractive.

Such a man made my Sylphy cry.

Be as it may, that’s something I cannot forgive…

“Did he really forget? Did you show him your face and tell him your name?”

Was what Luke said.

As for Rudeus he seems to have some idea as well.

"What if I did that and he doesn’t remember, then what should I do?"

"At that time, it cannot be helped."

“Don’t go ‘It cannot be helped’ on me.”

Sylphy says that with a pathetic voice.

Luke sighs while going Yare-Yare.

Luke is a full-fledged swordsman, but his skills are mediocre.

He is serious about his job as a bodyguard.

In regard to anything else he is air-headed.

Especially when it comes to women, he says you have to do as much as you can, and it’s his catch phrase.

It is the manliness of the Greyrat house.

But even he has something that he is good at.

To observe and read the hearts of women.

From a variety of information, he sees the person’s inner thoughts.

It seems to be "an observing eye that should differentiate between good and bad (in regard to women)" inherited by the Greyrat household.

It's a household like that.

Such a womanizing man has deep respect for Sylphy.

And that is not as a woman, but as a colleague and as a comrade-in-arms.

That’s the prodigal son of the Notus-Greyrat house.

That man who believes when looking at a woman it’s okay to do whatever you like.

He has respect for a girl like Sylphy.

Sylphy is that much of a woman.

I also know that.

In the fight against pursuers and assassins, I also look up to Sylphy, who has saved us from those crises.

She is a hardworking girl.

Just a bit ago I heard how Luke thinks about Rudeus.

Luke says that Rudeus cannot be trusted.

It seems to be due to the rumors about Rudeus.

For a man such as Rudeus, besides Sylphy’s description, we just heard rumors.

According to the rumor, even though he is so strong, he never gets angry and never picks a fight.

There is no bad rumor about him at all.

When I hear this, I take him to be a character from a story.

According to Luke’s theory, a person with only good rumors about him is worse than a person with bad rumors about him.

Luke suspects that he manipulated the rumors.

For example, the information that came in the other day said that "Rudeus of the Quagmire exterminated a stray dragon alone."

Exterminate a stray dragon alone.

There is no way that you can do it.

Luke said, "It's at most a rumor, there is no way to confirm that".

Perhaps, it was an extermination by a small group.

To take credit of that for himself…

Of course, if you want to say he is strong, then he is.

Probably in some way he used magic items to defeat Sylphy.

He is definitely stronger than a run-of-the-mill magician.

Or, maybe, it is possible for him to get rid of a stray dragon alone.

However, even if he defeated a stray dragon, this rumor is weird.

To begin with, in a short span of time of 2 years, spreading the rumors to [Magic Triumvirate] won't be possible unless you do it intentionally.

Intentionally manipulating the information and only spreading good rumors.

Such a cunning man.

That’s how Luke saw Rudeus.

We won't know when such a man would betray us, so he can’t be trusted.

"I'm against having him in our group. Ariel-sama."

"Well, I think so as well. Though there is no doubt he is strong…"

Sylphy was puzzled by this decision.

"Eee?"

She defended him.

Not being able to remember me has nothing to do with his power and ability.

Rudeus has become amazingly strong.

And, also that weird Ran Ma magic.

That surely is some race's unique magic ability.

By using it, all magicians become powerless.

As an ally there is no one more reliable.

However, this is not the case.

I already thought he was shady.

Apparently, Sylphy seems to be blinded by her reunion with her childhood friend…

After that, we allowed our emotions to get in the way of our judgment, the one who was Sylphy's heart's support, is without a doubt that Rudeus.

Will it be possible to forget about that?

In the last few months, how much did Sylphy wait with excitement for this day?

I was expecting a more touching reunion for those two.

After the Metastasis Event and being separated for so long, I was expecting a happy ending.

What’s this, really…

Of course Sylphy is cross-dressing, but an elf with white hair isn’t all that common for him not to remember.

And not to mention that humble attitude after winning against Sylphy.

Is he lumping my Sylphy with those run-of-the-mill magicians?

That is how I thought.

As for Sylphy.

Even though she had lost that pathetically, why is she looking so happy?

I feel a strong jealousy.

"Now, I remember the indignation to the man called Rudeus."

"I too. Whether he forgot Sylphy or not, just because he is strong, I am not teaming up with a man who might betray me at any moment."

Luke as well confirmed my words.

And, Sylphy said.

“… what is this, the two of you teaming up and bad-mouthing Rudi.”

Sylphy did not seem convinced, but the strategy to bring Rudeus on board has been temporarily put on hold.

So we decided to wait and see for a while.

Excessive contact with him is forbidden.

However, Sylphy can interact with him on a personal level.

Even if he is such a shady guy, he is still Sylphy’s friend.

Sylphy, regardless of what happened, seems happy.

And it is possible that our first impression of him was bad and he is as good a guy as the rumor says.

Let’s keep a connection for now.

"Of course, if Sylphy wants to reveal her identity, I do not mind."

There is a risk to him knowing Sylphy’s identity.

But so long as that would let us know if he is as the rumor says, it will be a cheap price.

--- Sylphy Perspective ---

Then a month later.

I saw Rudi at the entrance ceremony.

Compared to the entrance examination, now it was like he's shining in his uniform.

Our eyes met, I was very nervous.

That said, he is a special student.

Now that he is here I thought the opportunity to meet with him and spend time together would not be that much.

At the meeting a month ago, we decided on not having excessive contact with Rudi.

After that a lot of things were said, but in the end it seems those two do not like Rudi.

I have no idea why they are like that.

Maybe I am weird.

But they told me I can get along with him on a personal level.

Excessive contact is not good, but it is okay to be friends.

How much is good, how much is not.

I think that even being able to have this much is due to Ariel-sama’s kindness.

Well even that is good enough.

Just being able to talk to Rudi is enough for me.

But …… I wonder how I can speak with him.

And, while I am thinking about such things, Ariel-sama is attending classes.

Since Ariel-sama is charismatic, she needs to maintain her grades.

The Melded magic class she was taking was very different from what I was taught.

Rudi seems to have learned it from Roxy-san, but even though they are teaching the same thing here in magic university it seems very difficult.

Since I was taught by Rudi I can understand them very quickly.

But, Luke and princess Ariel are having a hard time learning it.

Also, in order to support Ariel-sama as much as possible, I am teaching them a lot of stuff

But, even though I am teaching using Rudi’s method, they don’t seem to understand very well.

"Fitts, will you bring the documents for the next class?"

Obeying Ariel-sama, I go to the library.

The library is outside of the school building.

There isn’t much time before the next class begins.

I have to hurry.

And because I’ve been here for three years I know where to look for material in the library.

After thinking for a little while I remembered where the materials for today's class are.

I picked them out one after the other.

Like this I’ll be able to go back to class fast.

'Ah!'

When I saw the person in front of the bookshelf I leaked that sound.

Rudi was there.

I was surprised.

I thought we would see each other but I didn’t expect to see him here.

"…………"

(Na, … what to say?)

While I was panicking Rudi noticed me.

The next moment, Rudi made a deep bow.

“I am sorry about the other day; it was through my thoughtless actions then that I may have caused Senpai to lose face. I am truly sorry for what I have done. I was thinking about getting a cake to give to you when I properly introduced myself and apologized, but since I just became a new student I've been busy doing this or that…”

"Uea!? …I, It's fine, raise your head."

Apparently, Rudi thinks he has offended me.

I was surprised.

So those words at the admission day meant this.

But now that he said it.

When I think about it, my reputation could have been destroyed.

I see.

For sure.

It would be like that.

So, that’s why Ariel-sama and Luke were in a bad mood as well.

I knew from the beginning that I could not win against Rudi.

Well, though I didn’t think that it would be this overwhelming of a defeat.

But for those two, me losing wasn’t enjoyable I guess.

No, such a thing is okay. Let us put it aside for now.

"Rude…eh, Rudeus-kun? For what reason are you here?"

"Doing a little bit of research."

"About what?"

"Metastasis Events."

When I heard those words, I thought.

I thought maybe Rudi was thinking along the same line as I am.

"The Metastasis Event? Why?"

"I was also a resident of Fedoa Territory in the Asura Kingdom. Because of that incident I was sent to the Magic Continent."

"The Magic Continent!?"

I was even more surprised.

I have heard stories about the Magic Continent.

It’s a harsh land in which Monsters are all C-rank or stronger.

Some people go there to do warrior training, but most of them don’t come back.

So, if someone was teleported there, their chance of survival was mostly zero.

Rudi, managed to come back from there.

"Yeah, it took as long as three years, but I managed to come back. During that time I managed to find my family, but there is still one person I haven't found yet. But there is a good chance, if I examine this in detail, I may find a lead, right?"

"Do you mean…, for the sake of that one person you came to this school?"

"That's right."

When I heard those words, I reaffirmed Rudeus‘ greatness.

"I see, you really are amazing after all."

Even though coming back from Magic Continent took 3 years, instead of relaxing, he started to search for another person.

Even though just that is pretty amazing, since he received an invitation from Magic University he decided to research the incident as well.

You could not find such a person anywhere else.

If it were me, coming back after 3 years which is amazing, I would be resting at the refugee camp.

"So, what is senpai doing here?"

Hearing those words I came back to myself.

I was in the middle of transferring the materials for the class.

Ariel-sama is waiting.

I want to talk to Rudi more, but I cannot afford to leave Ariel-sama alone either.

"Aaaaaah! That's right! I was supposed to be bringing these materials somewhere. I've got to run. Rudeus-kun, see you later!"

"Ah, sure, later!"

While I was leaving, I remembered this library is big and has a lot of books, but there are only a few materials regarding metastasis.

Even for Rudi, finding material regarding the Metastasis Event would take a lot of time.

"Oh, that's right… If it's about Metastasis, then a book by Animas called [Investigation Records of the Metastasis Labyrinth] is a good story you should read, It is in narrative form, but because it is written in an easy-to-understand way it would be good to start from there."

I decided to recommend that book, because it helped me to understand the Metastasis better.

If it is that, you'll understand the Metastasis because it’s written so even a child can understand it.

Though there were pages missing.

That made me feel that I did a bit of a good thing and left the library.

Part 3

That evening.

I was washing underwear.

It is Ariel-sama’s underwear.

Washing Ariel-sama’s clothes is part of my duties.

Though I say that, there is a reason for it.

Ariel-sama’s underwear is made from very expensive fabric.

Moreover, since it’s an Asura Kingdom Royalty's underwear, it has extra value.

In short, selling it would fetch a very high price.

In fact, when she first enrolled and had her underwear taken for laundry it was stolen and sold.

Four out of five pieces were stolen, and out of those four, three of them were sold.

The remaining one was probably kept by the culprit for personal use.

And the female students, with no way to counteract such incidents, were nervously saying “I can’t believe it”.

Since Ariel-sama was born and raised in Asura Kingdom and I have lived there it wasn’t that surprising for us.

Since in Asura Kingdom there were a lot more weird people.

But, uncomfortable things are still uncomfortable.

So, since then, washing Ariel-sama’s clothing became my duty.

Ariel-sama making me do that was a bit confusing, but since I could wash them along with my own clothes it was okay in the end.

By the way, to hide my gender, my underwear is just like Ariel-sama's. Though it is in a different color.

So to hide it, I usually do the underwear laundry at night and as I was trying to put them on a string to air them one by one …

"ara …?"

Suddenly, looking under the veranda, I was surprised.

Wow, even though it's after curfew there was a boy walking there.

Based on the dormitory’s rules, at this time boys can’t walk on this road.

There was the underwear thief case as well, though it’s not yet the time, the mating season will come as well…

And yet, why is a boy……

Even though it is a shortcut, at this hour the girls on guard duty will surround him soon.

Is it good to report this to the girls on guard?

Whoever discovers the intruder first has the responsibility to warn the others.

No, but I …… can’t really let them hear my voice all that much.

(Oh, ara, by any chance…)

I recognized that person is Rudi.

(W, why?)

Unintentionally, my hand slipped.

The panties in my hand fell, and dropped toward Rudi's head.

The moment Rudi notices, he catches the pants with incredible speed.

(Wa, that fast …!)

And I wonder if it is because he was always on guard for the past few years.

The movement just now, I feel it’s the result of the time he spent on the Magic Continent.

Rudi seems to have noticed that what he is holding in his hand is panties.

And he looked up and found me, and figured he caught the pants I dropped.

Different from the movement of his hand from before, he has a carefree behavior.

(I see, he just enrolled here today so he does not know the rules!)

Rudi is a special student, special students do not have roommates.

Since the special students are exempt from attending things like explanation of dormitory rules and all it’s not so strange that he does not know the rules.

I have to tell him.

If you stand there while holding panties in your hand you will with no doubt be mistaken for an underwear thief.

"Kya~a~a~a~a!"

My worries soon became reality.

Suddenly a female student started screaming.

The girls on guard duty who lived on the first floor came out.

Rudi was surrounded in no time.

(… But, if it’s Rudi, he can resolve it somehow?)

Since I thought that way I was waiting optimistically and watching.

I wanted to know what Rudi would do in a situation like this.

After all, like when he was in Buina village, will he beat them up?

Or will he get out by saying something convenient.

Threaten them with magic, or use magic to run away.

………… Rudi did nothing.

He seems to have his hand caught by Goriade-san and is troubled.

That looked like when I was being bullied in Buina village.

My head cooled down suddenly.

(What am I doing?)

I jumped out from the veranda in a hurry.

Went down the stairs and ran until I reached the crowd.

“Hee~h, what have we here, aren’t you a bold one, to steal underwear at this time? What … cat got your tongue? Do you think you can win against this many people?”

Since it was dark and visibility was low, it seems that no one has noticed that Rudi was holding his foot using earth magic.

As to why he did that, I have no idea, why would Rudi’s feet be trembling…

I realized, incidentally.

I realized.

I was reminded of the past.

Come to think of it, when Rudi drove away Sumar and his gang in the village his feet were trembling.

When confronting girls, Rudi was a little jerky.

Also when he said “Sylphy has been cold lately” he was trembling.

I see, Rudi thought he was hated by me so he was scared.

Like any other normal boy.

(Ah …)

I noticed.

I've been viewing Rudi as special.

It was the feeling of looking at an older person.

But, Rudi's the same age as me.

(Sylphy, Is it always okay just to be protected by him?)

At the end I remembered my father's words.

And since I remembered, I vowed to myself that I would rescue Rudi.

I'll help, Rudi.

I swore so.

Even if something happens, I’ll help Rudi.

I swore so.

Isn’t that the reason I was giving it my all?

Above all, isn't the cause of this time’s incident me?

“Wait, it’s a misunderstanding, wait.”

I put myself between them.

And I defended Rudi desperately.

Since I came to this school, it’s probably the first time I talked to anyone else beside Ariel-sama.

I’ve been silent to that extent.

However, the female student who was holding Rudi’s hand was stubborn.

Stubbornly trying to condemn Rudi.

Even though Rudi hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Fu~n, Since Silent Fitts says this much, it’s probably the truth, but him breaking the dormitory’s rules is the truth as well. To set an example I’ll have him punished…”

Set an example.

The moment I heard those words, something snapped in me.

Someone who knows nothing is going to be punished as an example just to warn others.

It was not something to be forgiven.

Before realizing it I was holding my wand.

I was about to use magic at any moment.

"I am saying he didn’t do anything wrong. That’s enough, let his hand go…"

"Fi…, Fitts-sama ……?"

"Or does everyone here want to go to nurse's office?"

These threatening words are what I learned from Luke when we were still in Asura Kingdom.

He said sometimes bluffing is necessary so I have been training to the best of my ability.

On the journey to Ranoa from Asura, I used it several times against thieves and thugs.

I have always been teased by Luke, being told I was childish but it seems to have worked this time.

"Tch~ I get it ……"

Goriade released Rudi’s arm.

And without saying anything more left that place.

With her disappearance the rest of the girls went back to their rooms as well.

Finally I take a breath.

"Phew… it’s because Goriade-san never listens to other people."

I remember her everyday words and actions.

She is not a bad person though.

However since she is from the Beast Race, she takes protecting her territory seriously.

She has no flexibility.

Before saying those things, I better apologize.

When you get down to it, this all happened because of me.

"Sorry, since I dropped the underwear something like this happened."

If my hand didn't slip it would not have turned into something this serious.

Even Goriade would not have taken excessive action.

Probably.

"No, Fitts-senpai does not need to apologize, you helped me out."

From Rudi’s answer I got a bad feeling.

Somehow, it feels like it was hard for Rudi to talk to me.

When I look at him, I see his look has changed.

I noticed now.

(… I, Rudi has been wary of me until now.)

I thought it was weird from the beginning.

Coming to bow profusely ……

Huh so it’s like that.

If you think about it, I am "Silent Fitts".

So he naturally would be wary of me.

It’s normal for Rudi to be on guard.

(I'm glad somehow ……)

Just now Rudi's wariness toward me vanished.

Though I made a mistake, I am finally one step closer to Rudi now.

Then, I was explaining the dormitory’s rule that when it gets dark you cannot walk on this road.

After all Rudi didn’t know and was relieved to figure out why this happened.

"Senpai, thank you very much."

Said Rudi while bowing at the end.

It was kind of a strange feeling.

Long ago when I had been bullied, our positions were reversed.

At that time, I…… I wonder how I said thank you.

When I imagined it I somehow end up smiling.

"Oh, Rudeus for you to be apologizing feels weird.”

"Eh? Why would you feel that way?”

Of course that’s because at first…

I would need to reveal my identity but I am hesitant.

Again my anxiety increased.

In this atmosphere right now if he says “Sorry I don’t remember”…

I tell myself.

Honestly, even if he does not remember, isn’t it still good.

By meeting him as I am and helping him on his way like this.

Forgetting the past, and getting along with him as we are.

So, I said.

"Secret."

Rudi had a confused expression.

I went back to the dorm.

Of course, I took back the underwear.

Though as Rudi caught it before it could hit the ground it’s not dirty, but after all Rudi is a boy.

It’s not like I think of Rudi as being dirty or anything, but I have a feeling that having Ariel-sama wearing underwear which has been touched by a boy isn’t a good thing.

"Should I re-wash it after all …… I think that would be better ……"

After turning on the light I froze, it was my panties.

Rudi had touched my panties. I was in agony due to embarrassment.

Part 4

One month later.

I was supposed to begin helping Rudi with the Metastasis Event research on days when Princess Ariel was on holiday.

It was a month later.

What if he rejects me, or what if I'm dead weight? After all, it would hurt me a lot.

But Rudi gave me a warm welcome.

It’s probably because of that incident, he's letting his guard down around me.

I think that it isn't fair to Rudi, but I am happy that I dropped the underwear, though it was embarrassing.

When I think about it, I did take a step forward. It was a big step for me.

---

And while not grasping any of the many chances to reveal my identity, I failed to take any more steps forward.

And just like that, a year had passed.