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Rating:
Mature
Archive Warning:
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category:
F/M
Fandoms:
無職転生 異世界行ったら本気だす - 理不尽な孫の手 | Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu - Rifujin na Magonote (Novels)無職転生 ～異世界行ったら本気だす～ | Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu | Jobless Reincarnation (Anime)呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime & Manga)
Relationships:
Paul Greyrat/Zenith GreyratLilia Greyrat/Paul GreyratRoxy Migurdia/Original Character(s)Sylphiette (Mushoku Tensei)/Original Character(s)Eris Greyrat/Original Character(s)
Characters:
Ivar GreyratZenith GreyratPaul GreyratLilia GreyratSylphiette (Mushoku Tensei)Roxy MigurdiaEris GreyratGhislaine DedoldiaPhilip Boreas GreyratHilda Boreas GreyratSauros Boreas Greyrat
Additional Tags:
Family FluffAction/AdventurePersonal GrowthSelf-InsertWholesomeHeavenly Restriction (Jujutsu Kaisen)Identity IssuesPsychological ThemesCanon DivergenceSlow Burn
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:2026-02-12Updated:2026-02-12Words:40,351Chapters:4/?Comments:7Kudos:44Bookmarks:13Hits:1,686
Mushoku Tensei: Heavenly Restricted
TheUnfuzzyFabulist
Chapter 3: Foundations of Heaven
Notes:
Thanks for waiting, everyone.
Before we get started, I want to talk about a review someone left:
"No one wants to read self-insert fics. They're cringy lol. You only write them because your real life is boring and you escape into delusional fanfics. Lolol."
People have strong opinions about self-insert stories, and that's fine. Not every genre's for everyone. Fanfiction exists because people enjoy exploring possibilities, imagining new versions of stories they love, or placing themselves in worlds they connect to. That freedom's part of what makes this space fun. Calling someone's life boring's kinda odd, though. What feels plain to one person might matter a lot to someone else. We all find passion in different things. Writing's one of mine, so I do it. And honestly, if you commented, the story reached you somehow. Good reaction or bad reaction, it's still a reaction.
To everyone who's been reading, supporting, and sharing ideas, thank you. I really appreciate it. I'm figuring things out as I go, and I'm having fun with it. I hope you keep enjoying the ride with me.
Now, back to the story! This chapter focuses on Ivar's planning. There's no time skip yet. He'll stay three a little longer while I explore this stage of his growth. The childhood arc won't drag forever, but I can't promise it'll be super short either. I just want the pacing to feel... natural.
Alright. Let's begin!
(P.S. This author's note was originally posted on FanFiction.net.)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Two weeks after the incident, Paul started training me.
"Alright, Ivar! You got to go pwa! then bam!"
We were in the yard, our wooden swords clacking under the morning sun. The grass was already beaten flat from days of practice, dirt scattering beneath our boots as Paul circled me with that familiar grin plastered on his face.
"Eyes forward! If you stare at my sword, you'll get hit before you can even blink!" he exclaimed, crouching slightly before rushing in.
He came fast. His wooden sword sliced through the air, and I caught the strike just in time.
"Good! Now go fwah! then shick!"
"That doesn't mean anything, Papa!"
"It means everything if you get it!"
He swung low. I turned my sword, catching the blow cleanly, and twisted my hips to redirect it. His strike glanced off mine, but before I could follow up, he stepped in and came upward from the opposite side. I jumped back, the tip of his sword grazing past my shirt.
Paul's expression brightened. "Not bad! You're reading me already! Guess talent really runs in the family."
"Yeah... Mama is pretty talented."
"Haha!" He barked a laugh, shaking his head. "Keep talking like that and I'll knock that cheek right out of you!"
Words can't begin to describe how terrible Paul is at teaching. I take back what I said before about having worse teachers, because none of them even come close! Paul turns every lesson into a fight and somehow convinces himself it counts as proper training.
Paul's next strike came faster. He went for my shoulder. I raised my sword and met it, sliding his blade off to the side. Before he could reset, I stepped in and jabbed toward his ribs.
He blocked it at the last second. For a moment, his eyes widened before settling into something close to approval. He swept his leg to trip me, but I jumped, planting a foot on the flat of his blade before pushing off and landing behind him. My knees stung from the impact, but it gave me space to breathe.
"...You used my blade to move?" Paul said, turning toward me with an amused smirk. "Clever move."
He didn't give me time to breathe as he twisted his stance and lunged again. This swing was heavier, the kind that could send a grown man crashing to the ground. I braced and caught it with both hands. The impact slammed through my arms, and my knees dipped. I forced myself to push back, our swords grinding against each other for a heartbeat.
Then his strength bulldozed through mine. My guard broke, my blade knocked aside, and before I could recover, his sword tip hovered at my neck.
"I win," he said, his tone satisfied.
I let out a breath. "I lost again."
"Yeah, but you're lasting longer each time. For someone your size, that's impressive," he said, setting the blade on his shoulder. "At this rate, I might actually have to take you seriously."
I rubbed my aching arms. "That was you going easy?"
"If I wasn't, you'd have been done after the first swing," he said with a snort. "Try keeping up next time."
I let his words settle. I lost, sure, but I wasn't swinging blind. I saw the cues, the slight tighten of his hand and the weight before a strike. My body moved before I even thought. I leaned back, angled the tip, stepped in, pressed just enough. Each reaction landed where it needed to.
All of it happened because my Heavenly Restriction sharpened my instincts.
"Papa, I want to try again," I said.
"You've got energy to spare, I like it!" Paul said with a chuckle and a shake of his head. "Still, that's enough for today. Your mama and I have to head to the district. Practice what I showed you while we're gone."
Practice what? He just swung at me while sounding like a dying lawnmower.
"…Alright," I said, trying not to sound disappointed.
"Oi, don't pout," Paul said, crouching until our eyes met. "You're not some wandering swordsman. You're my kid. Try acting like it."
If pretending counts, I'm doing perfectly.
"I'm fine. I'm just sad training's over," I said.
"That's good," he said, ruffling my hair with a smile. "Shows you're taking it seriously. Keep an eye on things while we're gone, alright?"
"Okay, Papa."
"That's my boy," he said, straightening up and heading inside.
I watched him go. Sunlight broke through the clouds in thin lines, falling across the yard. I stayed where I was, letting the stillness settle into my shoulders.
I didn't mind having enhanced strength and fast reflexes. Being a swordsman in this world wasn't bad. It was reliable and practical, often better than relying on magic. Even so, if I could choose, I'd take Rudeus' magic. With his mana, he could attempt what I'm aiming for. Crossing worlds isn't something a sword can solve.
Rudeus and Nanahoshi already tried to return her home. They had time and resources, and they still failed. Even so, the teleportation circle worked, which meant the idea itself was possible. It simply didn't work for her. She arrived in this world at the wrong moment, and it seemed like the contradiction of that moment might have trapped her between two realities.
My situation... is slightly different. I was born here. Whatever rule binds her may not apply to me. I'm aware I can't base my entire life on a possibility, but I also can't ignore it.
I need a plan.
I'll need people, because I sure as a penguin in the desert can't do this alone. Guiding the right individuals early is the only way I can steer things in a better direction.
Sylphiette comes first. She's here in Buena Village, about the same age as me. Since there is no Rudeus in this world, the role he played falls to her. Her talent for magic is exceptional. She has the same knack for chantless casting that Rudeus had, and Orsted himself noted the sheer amount of mana she possesses. If she starts training now, she could surpass what she would have naturally achieved. I want her to grow stronger than she would have, both for her own sake and for the success of what I need to accomplish.
If Roxy is still somewhere in Fittoa, I'll make sure they meet. If not, I'll find someone else capable of teaching her. What matters is that she begins properly and as soon as possible.
Then there's Cliff Grimoire. He's a genius, capable of feats most people think impossible. He keeps to himself, but I'll place him in situations where he can interact with the right people naturally. When the time comes, I'll make sure he meets Nanahoshi so he can assist her research. I need him ready.
Look, I'm not blind to how impossible this is. Nanahoshi's world started as fiction, and mine created it. If she can't return to her version of reality, then what chance do I have of returning to mine? Probably none. But that doesn't mean I should stop. Like Camus said, 'One must imagine Sisyphus happy.'
Cliff and Nanahoshi will both end up at the Ranoa Magic Academy eventually, so I'll have to find my way there too, and I'll bring Sylphiette with me.
But... there's another problem.
The Mana Calamity.
That event will tear the whole region apart. Every being, monsters and humans alike, will be thrown across the globe, and no one will know who survives. Even if I shouted warnings, no one would believe me. They would call me insane for saying the sky itself is about to explode with unstable mana.
I can't save everyone. I know that. The only thing I can do is prepare someone who can respond... that means Ghislaine. She's the personal bodyguard of the Boreas household, a Sword King, and someone the family genuinely trusts. She won't dismiss people outright. Most of the time, she's patient, tolerant, and surprisingly calm unless someone does something reckless enough to anger her, if memory serves. That's why I'm counting on her. Even as a child, I have a chance of being heard.
I just have to hope Paul decides to send me to the capital under her supervision sooner rather than later. If that happens, I can warn her about it. I'm not sure she'll believe me, but giving her the chance to act is better than doing nothing.
Additionally, I want my whole family together. If they're touching when the teleport magic hits, it won't split them up. So I need all of them close. The plan is crude and probably foolish. So much can go wrong. Paul is strong, and Zenith isn't weak either, but even they might not make it with the rest. Still, it's the only real option I have to give them a chance to survive. I can only hope they don't end up in a labyrinth, in the middle of a war, or worse, sold into slavery.
I know it's selfish. I could go with them when it happens and protect them, but... I want to go alone. I'm aware of the cost. I know leaving them will put them at risk. I'm aware that if something happens to them, it will be my choice that let it happen. The guilt will follow me, yes... but I have to accept that. I can't grow strong if I don't take this step, and without growing, I can't truly protect them in the future.
I looked up at the sky and exhaled.
"Good grief, there's way too much to do." The moment I spoke, the words came out in English.
I walked over and picked up the small wooden sword where it had fallen after sparring.
"So that's how it is," I said quietly. "Someone plucks a person from one life and drops them into another. A world with rules I don't know, a body that isn't mine, skills I didn't earn. And now I'm supposed to figure it all out without a manual."
I closed my eyes and pressed the sword against my chest.
"I already had a life. Routine, exhausting, full of obligations I could handle. People I cared about. Responsibilities I could meet. I wasn't done with anything. I understood how to operate, and I was building toward things I actually wanted. That's gone now. Taken. And the only option I have is… to adapt."
I drew a steady breath, letting the thought settle.
"Nothing's impossible," I whispered. "If there's a way back, I'll find it. If I need knowledge, I'll acquire it. If opportunity comes, I'll act."
I lifted the sword slightly and let its weight rest evenly in my hands.
"This is my prayer."
"Please hold still, young master. You've managed to gather quite a bit of dirt again."
Lilia's hands moved carefully as she washed me in the wooden basin. I had arrived just before Zenith and Paul left for the district. Zenith sniffed quickly, frowned, and decided I needed a proper bath. She instructed Lilia to take care of it before leaving us alone, leaving me in nothing but my birthday suit.
"That means I worked hard!" I said, pride evident in my voice.
"I don't doubt that," she replied. "I often wonder if you forget how small your body still is."
"I can handle it!... I think?"
"So you always say."
I stared at the ripples in the basin. People had always found ways to manage water. Romans built aqueducts and baths. Mesopotamians dug canals and cisterns. Their methods weren't advanced by modern standards, but even in this fantasy world, those solutions made sense. Here, every drop had to be drawn from the well or river, warmed over a fire, and poured into a large wooden tub. It worked, and for a small village, it was practical, but... it was inefficient.
I wondered how much simpler it could be with even small improvements. Hmm, maybe I could ask Paul for help with this idea…
I focused on Lilia again. We hadn't had our study sessions lately. She already knew I could read and write properly, and with Paul's training routine, I was busy practicing swings, exercises, and other drills. There wasn't much reason to continue them anymore.
"Lilia, do you think I'm strange?" I asked.
Her hand paused mid-motion. "Strange, young master?"
"I mean… I'm strong. Papa says so. That's not normal for someone like me, right?"
Lilia looked at me for a moment before answering. "No, it isn't. From the day you were born, you were already different."
"From the day... I was born?"
I was talking about being unnaturally strong…
"You didn't cry like most infants," she began in a surprisingly steady tone. "Your eyes followed movement the moment you opened them. You stood earlier than any normal child. You picked up words and gestures faster than anyone I've ever seen. It was unsettling at first."
Okay. First of all, she's unusually open today. Second, how rude! I followed the routine exactly. I cried on schedule. I kept my movements and reactions consistent with a normal baby. I responded to touch the way an infant should. Sure, I learned quickly, but I made sure it never looked too obvious. I played the role almost perfectly. If that doesn't convince her, I don't know what does.
"Unsettling?" I echoed, pretending to pout.
She shook her head slightly. "Not in a bad way. But it made me cautious. Children should grow slowly. You always seemed in a hurry, as if you were chasing something only you could see."
That… hit a little too close.
"That sounds weird."
"It is," she said plainly, but not unkindly. "But lately, you've smiled more. It's good to see."
"So I looked sad before?"
"For nearly a year, yes."
"...Oh."
For a while, only the sound of water moving filled the room. Lilia's movements slowed as she rinsed the cloth and wrung it out.
"I had a feeling," she said after a moment. "Perhaps it's because of that letter you keep on your desk. I've noticed it there for some time now. Is it for your parents?"
My eyes widened a little.
She caught it immediately. "Don't worry, young master. I haven't read it," she said. "I only saw it while tidying. You always leave it in the same corner, and you handle it carefully, so I assumed it was important."
That didn't completely ease my mind. I wasn't sure if Lilia was the prying type because I had never seen her act that way, but there was a chance she looked somewhere else, like under my bed. If she had seen the magic book I kept there, explaining it would become complicated veeeery quickly.
"Y-yeah… I guess that's why."
"I thought so," she said after a moment. "You carry yourself like you're older than you are. It worries me sometimes."
Even without heightened senses, her concern was obvious. It was unusual, she was never this open unless something serious happened. Seeing this side of her was new, but... it worked in my favor. Things were going the way I wanted.
Still, her concern was getting a little too close for comfort. Time to act dumb.
"But I'm not carrying anything," I said, putting on my best puzzled look as I glanced back at her.
For a moment, she looked startled, and I worried I might have said something stupid. Then, to my surprise, a small sound escaped her. A short, breathy chuckle that caught me off guard.
"Lilia…?"
"I'm sorry, young master," she said, her lips curving slightly. "I sometimes forget you're still a child."
I stared at her. The rigid discipline she always maintained seemed to loosen. Her eyes didn't look as sharp, and her posture wasn't as tense. She looked… rare, almost like witnessing an eclipse.
In the light novel, the only time she ever acted like this was when Rudeus saved her. Most of the time she doubts herself, keeps her head down, and acts like all hope is lost. I can't imagine what that's like for someone so young.
Poor girl.
"Lilia."
"Yes, young master?"
"I'm glad I get to be here with you."
I was genuinely happy to see her acting more like herself, or at least as herself as she can be. At the same time, I could see the effort behind it. Even though she must feel terrible inside, she is forcing herself to stay present, to respond, to follow what I say, and to keep doing what is expected of her.
And maybe that's only possible because I play the role of an ordinary child. I don't give her anything to be wary about, not like Rudeus once did.
"Ihmph!"
Her hands suddenly moved to my head, brushing my hair back with more firmness than necessary.
"Words like that," she began. "make me wonder what sort of man you'll grow into. I may have to keep an eye on the ladies around you."
Hey! I'm still too young for that.
"…Protect? But I haven't done anything wrong," I said, keeping my expression clueless.
"It's nothing, young master," she replied calmly. "Now, get up. You need to put on fresh clothes."
I can only hope she opens up like this more often.
"So… mind telling me why you brought your kid up here?"
The watchtower rose over the trees, its stones worn smooth from years of rain. The air smelled of pine and damp soil, heavy with the scent of the forest floor.
"He wanted to see what I do. Thought I'd let him come along. Long as he stays close." Paul leaned against the railing, looking pleased with himself.
"He's three, right?"
"Yeah. Same age as your girl."
Laws gave him a look. "You really don't see the problem here?"
I stayed still, studying Laws. His short blond hair caught the light, and his red eyes stood out sharply against the pointed tips of his ears, marking him as an elf. He wore a deep brown vest with subtle patterns woven in, layered over a white shirt, paired with brown trousers and dark boots. His expression was composed, as if he rarely needed to react. He looked young, caught somewhere between a teenager and a man.
It felt strange to see him, knowing he barely mattered in the story and was remembered only as Sylphiette's father.
"Relax. The boy swings cleaner than you, even," Paul said.
"You're comparing me to a toddler?" Laws asked incredulously.
"I'm just saying. He can hold his stance longer than you when we spar," Paul said, grinning.
"That's not exactly something to be proud of."
"Exactly."
Paul laughed as Laws gave him a half-hearted punch on the arm. Laws just sighed, setting his bow against the railing before crouching down to my level with a gentle smile.
"So, you must be Ivar," Laws said. "I work with your father from time to time."
I bowed slightly. "It's an honor to meet you, Mister Laws."
His expression changed in an instant, genuine surprise plain on his face.
"You… speak pretty well for a kid your age. Who taught you that?"
I almost said Lilia, but that would've raised questions.
"My mother taught me to be respectful," I said instead.
Laws smirked. "Makes sense. Manners like that definitely don't come from your father."
"Hey!"
"I don't know about that, Mister Laws," I answered.
"And humble, too," Laws added. "it's obvious most of your traits lean toward your mother's side."
"I've raised him, you know! He's got my blood in him!" Paul snapped, frowning.
"That part's easy to see," Laws said smoothly, unfazed. "The rest shows itself loud and clear."
Paul groaned, shaking his head, muttering under his breath. Then he crouched slightly, covering his mouth with his hand as he leaned close to my ear. "Ivar, don't mind him. He's just like that because he knows I could totally whoop him. Just ignore it."
"I can hear that," Laws said, giving Paul a stink eye. Paul pushed himself to his feet with a huff as Laws stepped closer to me.
"So, Ivar," Laws said, his tone even, "what made someone your age decide to come up here?"
"I want to learn about monsters," I replied simply.
"M-monsters?" His voice tightened, concern flickering across his face.
"Yes. Papa said they sometimes come near the forest. I want to see one, understand how it moves. If I can, I want to try fighting one."
Laws glanced at Paul, a trace of disbelief on his face. "He's serious?"
Paul smirked. "Of course! If he wants to be a knight, he should start learning early."
"Paul, he's still a child. Isn't that a bit much?"
"I know what I'm doing," Paul said confidently. "He's exactly like I hoped he'd turn out, maybe even better."
"I'd hope so," Laws muttered.
Paul expects too much from me. I don't really need to live up to his standards. In the end, all I need to do is stay alive and avoid getting myself killed for what's coming.
Still, it says something about him. He can be frustrating, but he never pushes without reason. It's his way of showing he cares.
As for why I'm really here, the 'learning from monsters' excuse only tells half the truth. The main reason is that Paul's partner on this guard duty is Laws, Sylphiette's father. At three years old, I can't just show up at their house and start talking to his daughter. Going along with Paul gives me a natural opportunity to interact with Laws. If I approach this carefully, I can gauge how protective he is and determine how far I can push without raising suspicion. This is where my first plan begins: finding a way to get close to Sylphiette early on.
"Mister Laws."
"Yes?"
"I heard from my father that you have a daughter," I said carefully.
Laws straightened slightly, eyes narrowing just a fraction. "…Yes. Her name's Sylphy. Why do you ask?"
"She sounds like a wonderful daughter," I said, smiling. "May I meet her someday?"
His brows lifted, suspicion clear. "…Why?"
I hesitated for a moment, letting the weight of my innocence show. One wrong word and he'd shut this down before I got anywhere. I need him to trust me, or at least, not be alarmed.
"I-I'd like to make a friend," I said, feigning nervousness.
Truth spoken like a child often disarms suspicion.
The tension in his face eased immediately as Laws gave a small, awkward laugh and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Ah… well. Can't really say no to that, can I?" he said, sounding a little sheepish.
"Don't get worked up, Laws! They're just kids," Paul said, casually draping an arm over Laws' shoulder. "You should let it happen. Ivar barely leaves the house. Maybe your girl and mine can meet."
Thank you for the backup, Paul!
Laws frowned at him. "I don't like what that implies, especially with that look on your face."
True to his words, Paul's face wore a sly, mischievous grin that made his intentions impossible to miss.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Paul said, pretending innocence.
Laws' eyebrows twitched, then he let out a resigned sigh. "My daughter doesn't go out much. She sticks close to Rose and me, and you already know how 'noticeable' her hair is."
Rose? is that Laws wife?
"It's fine," Paul said, giving a reassuring smile. "Ivar doesn't know about that story, so it won't bother him."
The Superd story explains a lot about why Sylphiette gets bullied. Superds are supposed to be monsters that punish children who don't sleep, a tale meant to scare kids into obedience. They're known for having emerald green hair and a red gemstone on their foreheads. Beyond that, they earned a terrible reputation during a war four hundred years ago when they massacred both enemies and allies. It makes sense why other kids treat Sylphy differently just because her hair colour matches theirs.
I watched the tension ease from Laws' shoulders.
"…Fine. Once we're done here, I'll take you both. Rose has been saying Sylphy should meet other kids anyway." He gave a small, reluctant smile.
"Finally! It's been ages since I visited your home," Paul said, his voice cheerful.
"Thank you, Mister Laws!" I said, beaming.
"You seem like a bright and thoughtful kid, Ivar," Laws said, smiling as he looked at me. "I'm sure you'll get along well with Sylphy."
Well, we're about to find out just how well.
Law's home stood a short walk from the watchtower. It was small but tidy, with smooth wooden walls and a steep thatched roof typical of the village. The faint scent of herbs drifted through an open window, and a low wooden fence framed the property, giving it a warm, homey feel.
We arrived at the door, and Laws knocked.
"Coming!" a young, feminine voice called from inside.
The door opened to reveal a woman in her early twenties. Her brunette hair was tied into a neat ponytail, bangs framing her face, and warm hazel eyes gave her an immediately kind appearance. She wore a simple brown blouse with slightly puffed sleeves, a light tan skirt, and sandals.
"Welcome back, dear," she said, smiling at Laws. Then her gaze shifted to Paul. "Paul! It's been a while."
"Hey, Rose! Nice to see you're as beautiful as ever," Paul said with a grin.
Laws smacked him lightly on the head, and Rose laughed softly, shaking her head.
Then her attention turned to me, her hazel eyes softening. "And who is this adorable little one?"
I straightened, trying to look polite. "Hello! My name is Ivar Greyrat, ma'am. Son of Paul and Zenith Greyrat. It's a pleasure to meet you.".
"Oh my, so polite!" she said, pleasantly surprised. "You must take after your mother."
"That's what I was thinking," Laws said, glancing at Paul with a teasing look.
"Are you seriously two ganging up on me now?" Paul grumbled.
"Now, now, Paul, don't get all worked up. You've raised a wonderful boy," Rose said, smiling warmly. She turned to me, her eyes softening. "And hello, Ivar! I'm Rose. It's really nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Rose," I said.
"My goodness," she added, a trace of wonder in her voice, "it's rare to meet a child who speaks so thoughtfully."
Behind her skirt, a small figure peeked out.
Green hair, timid red eyes half-hidden behind the folds of fabric. And unmistakably... a child.
Lo and behold, the future goddess of love herself, Sylphiette. The girl whose kindness could probably cure depression if weaponized. I'd already sensed her presence from the start, but the moment our eyes met, she ducked behind her mother like a startled cat. Rose caught on immediately, smiling knowingly.
"Come in, come in," she said, ushering us inside. "Please, sit. I'll bring something to eat."
Paul scratched the back of his head as we entered. "Ah, no need to trouble yourself, really-"
"Stop pretending to be polite and sit down before she changes her mind," Laws interrupted, giving him a shove toward the table. I followed quietly and took a seat beside him.
The interior was tidy and warmly lit, the faint scent of herbs stronger than outside, mingling with the comforting aroma of baked bread. From the kitchen came the soft clatter of dishes. Moments later, Rose returned carrying a basket of bread, the same kind Zenith occasionally brought home.
Across the room, Sylphiette peeked out again, clinging to her mother's apron. The instant our eyes met, she ducked back out of sight.
A small, fragile thing. Adorable, certainly, but fragile all the same.
"Thank you for the food, Rose. Laws is a lucky man to have you." Paul said, already reaching for a piece.
"Why, thank you," Rose replied, arching an eyebrow with a sly smile. "Though… I wonder. Maybe Zenith should hear how generous you are with compliments to other people's wives. She might like knowing where your charm goes."
Paul nearly choked on his bread, eyes widening, while Laws doubled over laughing.
"H-hey! I'm loyal!" Paul stammered, coughing to recover. "I only use my charm where it belongs!"
That was easily one of the most blatant lies he had ever said so confidently.
"I'll take your word for it, Paul," Rose said lightly, laughing softly.
From what I could tell, Rose was kind, but her sharp wit and keen sense of the room made her more than just pleasant company.
"So, what brings you here today?" she asked. "It's not often you show up without a good reason."
Paul swallowed another mouthful of bread before answering. "It's the kid's idea, actually. He said he wanted to meet your daughter. Figured it's about time he made a friend his age."
"Is... that so?" Rose turned toward me, curiosity lighting her eyes. "Is that true, Ivar?"
I nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I haven't really had any friends before. I'd like to meet her, if that's alright."
Her face brightened instantly. "That's wonderful! Sylphy could use a friend too. She spends far too much time indoors."
As if on cue, Sylphiette peeked out from behind her mother's apron, only to vanish the moment our eyes met.
Rose looked down and crouched a little, her smile widening. "Come on, sweetie. Don't hide now. Say hello."
Sylphiette shuffled in place, her feet making tiny scuffs against the floor.
"This is Ivar," Rose said, pointing toward me. "He came here just to see you. Isn't that nice?"
I raised a hand in a small wave. "Hi."
Sylphiette froze, and vanished behind her mother again.
Instead of laughing it off, Rose looked at me, her smile softening. "She's just shy. Maybe you can help her warm up a little. Try talking to her outside. She likes the garden…"
Her eyes brightened, as if a thought had just struck her. She straightened and clapped her hands together.
"That's it! Why don't you two go out to the yard? The weather's lovely today." Her voice lifted with enthusiasm as she turned to her daughter. "Go on, Sylphy. Show Ivar the flowers. You like holding them for me when we garden, don't you?"
Sylphiette's eyes flickered between us, uncertain if she should nod or run.
I looked toward the window. The late afternoon light filled the room, warm and golden. It stretched across the wooden floor as if the day itself were pausing, content to linger a little longer before night arrived.
I caught on to what Rose was trying to do.
I stood from my seat and walked toward the door.
"I'll head outside first," I said, pausing at the doorway. I turned back and offered Sylphiette a reassuring smile.
She glanced between me and her mother, hesitant, until Rose gave her a deliberate nod. That seemed to settle her. Sylphiette's fingers slipped from the apron, and she took a careful step forward, then another. Each motion was tentative, as if she were negotiating the possibility of trust in real time.
From behind, I watched Rose, her smile warm and unapologetic. Laws's expression was approving, while Paul's grin was wide and unabashed, yet together their expressions formed an unspoken consensus.
It was curious, almost narratively convenient, how the pieces had fallen into place so easily.
Then again, I wasn't about to complain.
We were outside in the yard. Sylphiette hadn't moved an inch, her eyes fixed on the ground as if it held every secret of the world. She had glanced at me once, then quickly looked away.
Hmm, what now...?
In the light novel, Sylphiette grew close to Rudeus because he rescued her from bullies and taught her magic. That built trust, which eventually became admiration and infatuation. Our opportunist P. Diddy ended up anchoring her to himself without even meaning to. She never sought out other children because Rudeus was all she wanted, and with her green hair making her stand out, her exposure to peers remained limited. Rudeus never addressed this, so she stayed focused on him.
Paul was right to separate them. It gave Sylphiette the chance to rely on herself and to form connections with others, instead of focusing entirely on Rudeus.
I'll take the same approach. She needs space to explore, to meet other kids, and to learn trust on her own terms. She deserves a small circle she can actually depend on, a place where she feels safe, accepted, and capable of handling herself around other children. Her hair might still attract attention, but that's manageable. Children respond to guidance, and I know how to handle them. If her peers see her as someone worth noticing, they will treat her accordingly, and I can guide that perception carefully.
The real question is how someone without magic can earn a three-year-old's trust while keeping her engaged, supported, and genuinely learning.
"Hey, have you ever seen a backflip before?"
The answer was obvious: I would use what I could do.
She blinked at me, puzzled, then gave the smallest shake of her head.
"Really?" I smiled. "Then watch this."
I took a few steps back, measured my footing, and flipped backward. The motion was controlled, landed cleanly with feet together and arms extended.
"Ta-da!"
Her mouth opened slightly, a tiny breath escaping. She was watching. Good.
"You liked that?" I asked.
She didn't answer, but her head tilted just a little.
Toddlers don't think things through logically, but they notice patterns. Movement, sound, and timing signal safety or danger. Deliberate motion invites curiosity. Chaotic motion drives caution. Small, controlled displays of skill or attention catch their focus and encourage engagement.
It works because precise movement, predictable responses, and playful exaggeration signal competence and reliability. Attention turns into observation, observation into confidence.
When I was in high school, I babysat my aunt's kids for weeks. I would juggle tomatoes, make ridiculous faces, clap in odd rhythms, or pretend to trip across the room. Every exaggerated motion and controlled gesture taught them to recognize competence, consistency, and safety. Those tricks were subtle, but effective. Kids noticed patterns, judged intentions, and began responding to the person guiding them.
The backflip works the same way. Controlled, precise, exciting without being threatening. Her brain registered it as deliberate, something she could observe and eventually approach.
That recognition... forms the first layer of trust.
"Want to see it again?" I offered.
She gave the tiniest nod after a pause.
I flipped again, adding a twist midair and landing steady, arms raised like I was presenting the act to an audience. Her small laugh slipped out, carrying an obvious hint of delight.
"Alright, one more," I said. "But this time, you have to cheer for me, okay?"
Her lips curved nervously, and she nodded.
I launched into a double flip, deliberately letting my legs splay slightly and wobbling just enough to make it look tricky. For a heartbeat, it seemed like I might topple, then I landed cleanly, arms outstretched, chest puffed. I straightened with a lightly smug tilt of my chin, like applause was the only proper response.
Sylphiette's eyes went wide, and a sudden giggle escaped her.
"Did you see that? That's my special move!" I said, proud of my little performance.
"Special... move." Her eyes brightened as she repeated it softly, finally speaking.
She sounded so tiny I felt a sudden urge to just squish her.
"Yes, I made it myself," I confirmed.
Her arms hugged her torso, and she rocked slightly, glancing at me, then away.
"… I can't do that," she said.
"That's okay!" I replied. "You don't have to. I can show you other tricks if you want."
This time she watched me longer. The tension in her shoulders eased, and she stopped shrinking away. Her gaze followed my movements, curious but cautious, trying to figure out what I was doing.
I moved on to a few playful tricks: balancing on one hand, walking a few steps on my palms, and adding a small wobble to make her laugh. Her shyness didn't disappear, but each reaction made her step a little closer and keep her eyes on me.
She was starting to experiment, testing how far she could observe and interact without retreating.
"Ivar! Time to go!"
Paul's voice came from near the house. The sky had deepened into late afternoon, and I realized... two hours had passed without my noticing.
I turned toward him and saw Paul, Laws, and Rose watching us together.
"Coming!" I called.
Then I looked back at Sylphiette. She was fidgeting with her fingers, hesitant to move.
"Don't… go…" she whispered.
I felt a tug in my chest. In just a short time, she was letting herself relax in my presence, and the careful way her tiny fingers twisted together and her feet inched forward made it clear that every small action mattered in this moment.
"I'll come back," I said with absolute certainty.
Her eyes widened. "…Really?"
I offered my calmest, most reassuring smile. "Yep, I promise."
I paused, thinking about how to solidify that trust beyond words. Toddlers think in gestures and symbols so… I lifted my pinky.
"Here. You know this?"
"…No."
"It's called a pinky promise," I explained, leaning slightly closer, lowering my voice like it was a small secret between us. "When you link fingers like this with someone, it means you won't break your word. And it's something friends do."
"…Friends?"
"Yeah," I said, smiling. "Friends."
Her lips curved slowly as she considered it. Then she hesitated, and finally hooked her tiny pinky around mine.
"…Friends," she repeated, testing the sound of it, as though trying to understand what it meant.
I held my pinky with gentle firmness, letting her feel the assurance behind the gesture.
"Look dear! Our adorable daughter finally has a friend!"
Rose squealed and wriggled Laws's arms in excitement. Laws smiled, though his attention kept drifting toward Paul, who was grinning so ridiculously that I could practically read what Laws was thinking.
Well, the plan was working perfectly.
"Riri, Mister Dragon is coming! He's going to eat the castle!"
"Not if Mister Knight stops him first!"
Three weeks had passed smoothly. Every afternoon, Paul took me to Laws' house so I could spend time with Sylphiette. At first, she barely said a word and just watched me. Over time, she started running to the door when I arrived, grinning and completely caught up in the moment. Seeing her like that made me happy. A child enjoying herself so simply could brighten anyone's day.
But today felt different. Paul had another idea while chatting with Laws and Rose.
"Hey, why don't they play at our place instead?" Paul suggested. "We've got a bigger yard, our maid can watch them, and Zenith's been wanting to meet Sylphy anyway."
Unintentionally, Paul had just carried out my plan for me.
It made sense. Their yard was nice, but ours was wider and more open. Plenty of room to run and fewer things to bump into. From an adult perspective, it was the obvious choice.
Once that was settled, I told Paul he should make some toys. I'd seen him carve a sword out of a branch in minutes before, so this shouldn't be hard. To my delight, he didn't complain and got started that night. The results were impressive. Nothing fancy, but the shapes were clear, the cuts neat, and everything was sturdy. You could tell which was the dragon and which was the knight without guessing.
Now Sylphiette and I were in my room, playing with those toys and spinning whatever story came to mind. The plot shifted every few minutes depending on her mood.
She gasped. "No! Princess has to hide!"
"Hide where?" I asked, pretending to scan the small pile of wooden blocks we'd stacked as a castle.
"In the tower! She climbs really fast!" Sylphiette said, moving the wooden princess up one block. "Boop boop boop!"
I grinned. "But Mister Dragon can fly, you know."
She froze and frowned at me. "That's cheating!"
"It's not cheating."
Her lower lip trembled and tears started forming.
"I-I'm sorry! Okay, okay! Mister Dragon can't fly, he can't fly!" I said quickly, reassuring her. Slowly, her tears eased.
"Really?" she asked.
"Yes, yes! Look, Mister Dragon isn't hungry anymore. He wants to say sorry to the princess!" I said, handing the dragon to Sylphiette.
"Yay! Princess and dragon will be best friends!" she said, putting them together. She was completely absorbed in the game again.
I watched her, then glanced at the unused knight. Then my eyes drifted down to the floor of my bed.
Is it too early to start this? It's only her first day at our house… but it should be fine, right? It took three weeks for Sylphiette to finally relax around me, and I handled that without a hitch. Considering how close our families already are, it's fine to start her growth with a bang… right?
"Riri?"
I looked down at Sylphiette, leaning against me, her eyes full of curiosity.
Riri… I don't know why she picked that nickname, but I didn't mind. I'm just curious why she went with it. My name is Ivar, and Riri is quite a stretch.
"Hey, Sylphy," I said.
"Hmm?"
"Wanna do something cool?"
Her eyes lit up instantly. "Yes!"
I stood and moved to the foot of my bed, pulling something from underneath. Sylphy peeked over my shoulder, her curiosity obvious as I revealed Zenith's magic book.
"Hey, Sylphy, let's go to the other room."
"Okay!" she said, following without hesitation.
The spare room was spacious enough for what I had in mind. I pushed a few barrels and piles of clothes to the back to clear space.
"Riri…?" Sylphiette tilted her head.
"Don't worry, this is part of the fun," I said, flipping open the book. "Hey, Sylphy, do you know how to read?"
"...No."
"Alright. I'll teach you someday," I added, or someone else would.
I skimmed through the pages, frowning.
Should she really be doing this?
The book mentioned limits to one's mana, but Rudeus had always called that bullshit. I knew it was mostly bullshit too, yet that didnt justify skipping the fundamentals and diving straight into advanced spells. Attempting intermediate magic at this stage would be reckless. She could easily overstrain herself and collapse from mana exhaustion. For now, the priority had to be properly awakening her capacity.
Even so, I did feel like a bit of a scumbag, using a child to test my methods. Still, this was not without purpose. She stood to gain something otherwise inaccessible, a foundation she could safely build on in the future.
I grabbed a wooden pail and placed it in front of her.
"Alright, Sylphy. Do you know what we're doing today?"
She shook her head. "No…"
A grin tugged at my lips. "You're going to learn magic."
"Magic!?" she squeaked, practically hopping in place.
"Yep! We'll do it step by step. Raise your hand like this." I lifted my palm and held it steady.
She followed, copying the pose with a wobbly little arm. "Okay!"
"Good. Now close your eyes and take a deep breath. Nice and slow."
She followed, though one eye cracked open mid-breath before she snapped it shut again when she realized I noticed.
"Perfect." I leaned a bit closer. "I'm going to say some special words. While I speak, imagine you feel water in your hand. A tiny splash in your palm. Think you can try that?"
"Umm… okay?" she answered.
She had absolutely no idea what I meant, but she was determined to try anyway.
"Great! Just repeat after me, alright?"
"'Right!" she chirped, voice cracking with excitement.
Okay… here goes nothing.
"[Upon your wanted place]."
"Upon… your wanted… place."
"[Is the great-]"
"Is the great…"
"[Blessing of water-]"
"Blessing… of water…"
"[The refreshing little flow-]"
"The refreshing... little… flow."
"[Here and now]."
"Here... and now."
"[Waterball.]."
"Water… ball."
I felt a subtle shift in the air as something stirred above her palm. A tiny ripple of water shimmered into being. Sylphy opened one eye, then quickly both when she realized what was forming. Her eyes went wide with amazement as the small sphere took shape. Then it fell into the pail with a soft splash.
"Waaa…" Sylphiette gasped, completely captivated.
I chuckled, keeping my pride and awe in check. Looks like it's going smoothly.
"Umm… are you sure this is the right choice, Zenith?"
"Of course it is, Rose! Think about your daughter's future!"
And that's how it happened. After awakening Sylphiette's magic potential, I presented everything to them the next day.
The reactions were… interesting, to say the least.
Flashback:
I expected surprise, just not this.
"Ivar, when did you start reading!?" Zenith exclaimed, her eyes wide.
That wasn't exactly the reaction I anticipated after showing them Sylphiette's waterball.
Sylphy and I stood before Paul, Zenith, and Lilia. She had just executed a proper waterball spell. I thought their astonishment would focus on her. Instead, all attention landed on me, as if I had performed some forbidden magic.
Apparently, my ability to read was more shocking than Sylphiette's display of talent.
"Well… Lilia has been helping me," I said. "Reading, writing, basic stuff."
Zenith froze, her eyes wide for a moment, then her shoulders slumped. "L-Lilia's been teaching you…?"
"Yes, Lady Zenith," Lilia said calmly, hands folded in front of her. "Young Master Ivar was eager to learn. I only guided him. All progress came from his own effort."
Zenith let out a sigh and looked down. "You could have told me. I would have loved to teach you myself…"
Her expression made me feel a small pang of guilt.
Beside me, Sylphiette tugged on my sleeve.
"Riri? Did I do something wrong?" she whispered.
"No," I said softly. "You did great. Just wait for now."
"If I may, Lady Zenith," Lilia added. "Young Master Ivar wanted to surprise you. He learned so he could prepare a gift."
I gave Lilia a quick glance. Smart. She was steering the situation before Zenith could get emotional.
Zenith turned to me again, her voice gentler. "A gift?"
"Yes, Mama!" I said. "I was going to show you later, but now feels right."
I dashed upstairs, grabbed the parchment from my desk, and ran back down. "Here!"
Zenith carefully unfolded the paper, her fingers lingering over the edges.
I admit, the handwriting was uneven and the lines may be a bit crooked, considering this was from last year, but it carried everything I wanted to say. It might have seemed sudden to present it now, but if it eased her worries, this was the right chance.
The letter read:
Dear Mama and Papa,
Thank you for working hard every day. Papa, you train a lot, and Mama, you do so many things even when you're tired. I want to be strong like Papa and nice like Mama. When I grow up, I want you to be proud of me. I love you, Mama and Papa.
From your son,
Ivar
Rudeus cared for his family, of course, but he never showed it properly. Zenith tolerated his quirks, and from his point of view, he never made a real effort to express himself to her. Pride often got in the way between him and Paul, leaving tensions unspoken. The feelings were there, but they stayed hidden, tangled in misunderstandings and ego. What I wrote wasn't like that. I put everything down clearly, leaving no room for doubt or half-hearted words. Every sentence carried exactly what I felt, or more precisely, exactly what they deserved to hear.
Zenith read it silently, her lips pressing together as emotion built in her expression. Then she pulled me into her arms.
"Ivar, to think you wrote something like this for us…" Zenith said, her voice wavering. "Thank you. Really. Thank you."
She eased her hold on me and lifted her face, smiling through the tears still clinging to her lashes. Her reaction was intense, almost exaggerated for my taste, but the conviction behind it was clear.
"Ivar, thank you for being born."
"...Eh?"
Those were Zenith's iconic words from the light novel. Hearing them aimed at me now felt completely different. It was surreal to listen to a line I had only ever read in a story come out so naturally, as if it belonged to this moment.
Before I could respond, Paul crouched down beside us, wrapping both me and Zenith in his broad arms.
"So that's what this was all about, huh?" he said, laughing. "You've been distant these past few months. We thought something was wrong." He ruffled my hair with a grin. "Turns out, you were just busy writing this."
Zenith let out a shaky little laugh, brushing at her eyes. "You really worried us."
Even Lilia allowed a subtle smile, her usual composure easing slightly.
Sylphiette, the supposed star of the day, was grinning shyly. She might not have understood what was going on, but she was clearly happy.
I glanced from her to my family. I had no idea how they ended up with that kind of conclusion, especially when I'd settled everything weeks ago. It honestly didn't add up, but I wasn't going to bother fixing the misunderstanding. They looked relieved, so I let it be.
Flashback End:
"Even if Sylphiette has potential as a mage, hiring a tutor isn't exactly cheap."
"Then we'll help with the cost."
"W-what? Zenith, that's far too much! We can't just accept that,"
The adults were seated around the table, bread and simple dishes in front of them. I sat opposite Sylphy, keeping an eye on her reactions, while she mirrored her parents' posture, glancing between each speaker, curious but reserved.
"It's not too much," Zenith said, her smile confident. "If money is the only thing standing in the way of your daughter's growth, then it's nothing."
"She's right," Paul said, leaning back in his chair, one arm draped over the back. "I'm not paying for fun. A kid who can throw a halfway decent waterball at her age deserves this. Letting it go would be stupid."
"This is a serious favor," Laws said, frowning. "I'm grateful for your support, but I feel uneasy letting you handle it all."
Paul shrugged, leaning back. "We're not paying for everything. You'll handle your part. Just make sure the kid actually gets to learn, that's all."
You know, Paul could be a jerk when he wanted, but when it mattered, he stepped up. That's just who he is. He makes mistakes and gets on people's nerves. Still, when it counts, he takes responsibility.
Though I can't really say the same about Lilia's case.
Zenith nodded firmly. "Exactly! When I saw her cast that spell, I just knew she was special. She deserves to learn the right way, the proper way."
Laws frowned, thoughtful. "But where would we even find a tutor? This isn't the kind of village that attracts mages."
"That's true," Rose said, nodding. "Even if we found one, they might not want to live out here."
"I can ask around when I go to the capital," Paul said, scratching his cheek. "The guild there probably knows some traveling mage who'd take the job for steady pay and decent lodging. Shouldn't be too hard."
Zenith's eyes lit up. "That's perfect. You were going to visit Philip anyway, right?"
Paul scratched his cheek. "Yeah. Mostly to let him know how things have been here, but I can put up a posting while I'm at it."
Laws exchanged a glance with Rose, still hesitant.
"We appreciate all of this, don't misunderstand," Rose said softly. "It's just… everything is happening so fast."
"But that's exactly why it matters," Zenith said, her voice firm. "Kids grow faster than anyone expects. Sylphy has real talent, and she deserves a chance to see what she can do."
Then… I felt her hand brush against my head.
I looked at her. She was looking at me, smiling.
"When Ivar showed potential with a sword, I was worried at first," she said, her tone softening. "But I knew that with guidance he could grow safely. That's why I let Paul train him. And now, seeing Sylphy… I want to give her the same chance. A talent like hers shouldn't be wasted, not when it can be nurtured properly."
Rose glanced down at Sylphiette, who sat stiffly in her seat, eyes darting between the adults. Rose simply smiled and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her daughter's ear.
"Alright... Thank you, Zenith, Paul. Truly," she finally said.
Laws nodded. "We owe you both more than words can express."
The conversation continued, more at ease now. Paul tossed in his usual comments, Zenith followed along with a knowing smile, and Laws and Rose gradually leaned into the discussion, letting themselves be part of the back-and-forth.
Watching Sylphy's parents glow with pride made the whole thing worth it. Just weeks ago, that quiet little elf girl could barely look someone in the eye without shrinking into herself. Now the whole table was speaking about her future…
Future… huh.
A week had passed, and I was now lazily going through the alphabet with Sylphiette using the books we had at home. I was mostly picking words as I explained to her how to read and use them.
"'Ha… t. Hat," Sylphiette said slowly, her lips moving carefully.
"Good," I said, nodding. "Now this one's a bit longer."
She looked down. "'Tho… rough?'"
I leaned closer. "Mm… hold on."
I stared at the word. The translation into this world's script wasn't exact. The letters looked off, like someone had tried to write "thorough" using phonetics from another language. The syntax didn't fully match what I remembered either.
I frowned. "Wait… this word doesn't make sense."
Sylphiette tilted her head. "Is it bad?"
"No, it's not bad. It's just kind of weird," I muttered, scratching my cheek. "The root looks like 'through,' but it's spelled differently here. Maybe it means-"
"Enduring!"
Zenith's cheerful voice cut in from the doorway. She had been passing by with a tray of washed herbs and set it down on the counter, her face brightening when she saw us hunched over the book.
"That one means 'enduring' or 'complete,' like finishing something all the way through!"
Both of us turned to her.
"See?" Zenith said, walking over with a proud grin. "You two were reading the noun form. It comes from a root meaning 'to finish fully.'"
She leaned over, tracing the letters with her finger.
"The way it's written here is the old spelling. People still use it sometimes, but nowadays it's usually simplified. I learned that when I was studying scripture."
I... had to admit, that was actually solid etymology.
"You're amazing, Mama!" I said, smiling.
Zenith's eyes brightened, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Oh, thank you! Lilia may have handled the basics, but I can still help with the trickier parts. Words often have hidden meanings, especially the older ones."
Sylphiette's eyes lit up. "Miss Zenith's really smart!"
"Ooh, you two are too kind!"
From what I could tell, Zenith had probably felt a bit left out. Helping others was just how she was, like Sylphiette. Next time, I'd make sure she was right there with us instead of off to the side.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The three of us looked at each other as Zenith stood up, brushing her skirt. "I'll get it."
We kept reading, not thinking much of it, until I heard a voice from the front door.
"Excuse me… I'm here for the tutor request."
I raised my head and turned toward the sound.
So canon didn't change after all.
"Ah… you're the tutor?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"N-no, nothing wrong at all! We just expected someone... a little older, that's all."
"...I see."
Even from here, I could hear how stiff the reply was. She was trying to stay polite, but she definitely did not appreciate being mistaken for a child.
"S-Sylphy! can you please come here?" Zenith called out. Her tone was a little rushed, which made the girl jump.
Sylphiette perked up, her expression a mix of surprise, confusion, and fear.
"Relax," I said softly. "You're fine."
She stole a quick glance at me, took a shaky breath, and gave the faintest nod.
We walked together toward the door. I kept myself composed for Sylphiette's sake, but I couldn't hide a little thrill. I was about to meet Roxy Migurdia in person! I might not be a hardcore fan, but I liked her character. Calm and a little childlike, the kind of person who made you do a double take because she looked twelve despite being in her late thirties or early forties. She was basically the living version of that meme: "Your honor, she said she was five hundred years old!"
It was exciting, in a way, to meet a canon character who wasn't from Buena Village.
When we reached the doorway, I finally saw her.
She was small, but definitely taller than me, with pale skin that had a soft sand tone. Her long blue hair fell in two braids past her waist, eyes the same color. She wore a white and gray button-down shirt trimmed in black, a short black skirt, and a light brown coat edged in white and black. A black hat perched on her head, its tip drooping lazily. In one hand she held her staff, the blue gem at the top catching the sun, and in the other a slim white case trimmed with black.
Roxy Migurdia. In the flesh.
Her took notice of our presence eyes flicked to me, then to Sylphiette.
For a brief moment, she looked calm. Then her entire face drained of color.
"A S-S-Superd!?"
Her passive expression snapped into pure horror. Before anyone could even react, she fainted straight onto the ground.
"Ah!" Zenith gasped, rushing forward. "Miss Mage!"
I watched as Zenith called for Paul and Lilia. Paul arrived, blinking in surprise, clearly not expecting a stranger to collapse inside his own house. Lilia grabbed towels while Paul lifted Roxy carefully, and Zenith immediately started her healing magic. Sylphiette fumbled beside me, unsure how to react to the sudden frenzy.
I stayed where I was, taking it all in.
Well… I suppose that's one way to make a first impression.
Notes:
Here you go! Chapter 3, almost 10k words. I'm so glad I finally finished it because it was really bogging down my brain. I might not be updating for a bit since I'm cramming like crazy with a ton of stuff. Wish me luck! Reviews are always welcome!
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