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Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warnings:
Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death
Category:
F/M
Fandoms:
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)
Characters:
Fushiguro TojiFushiguro Toji's Worm Cursed SpiritSylphiette (Mushoku Tensei)Paul GreyratZenith GreyratLilia GreyratRoxy Migurdia
Additional Tags:
Personal GrowthGrowing UpReincarnationToji Finally Gets a FamilyToji Keeps His RestrictionAnd most importantlyToji Loves His SonBig thanks to chat GPT for proof reading!
Language:
English
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Published:2025-04-25Updated:2026-08-13Words:60,187Chapters:13/?Comments:47Kudos:116Bookmarks:28Hits:3,995
A Jobless Assassin's Reincarnation
Papaflimzy
Chapter 4: Things Never Go As Planned
Notes:
Hello, and welcome back to another episode of what is Toji gonna do next. I've seen you guys asking for more, so I deliver. Hope you enjoy, and as always, I have more to say at the end :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Sitting together on a cushy sofa, Sylphy nervously fidgeted while Toji reclined lazily.
After the servants poured their refreshments, they were left alone to wait.
"This is it… this is it…" Sylphy muttered, twirling her hair.
Watching her, Toji couldn't help feeling a little sorry.
"Relax," he said, patting her back. "This isn't any different than when we met Miss Roxy."
Her head snapped toward him.
"But Teacher was nice! What if these people don't like my hair? Are they gonna hate me?"
He sighed.
"Quit being so self-conscious. Remember what I told you when you were shaking about meeting Teach?"
She paused, brow furrowed.
"No?"
"Right… you were like four."
He met her eyes.
"If they're not professional enough to look past something like that, they're not worth working for."
She bit her lip.
"But still…"
Suddenly, the door opened.
A nobleman stepped in, his position obvious from the decadent attire.
"Ah, hello," he said, making his way across the room with two servants at his heels.
His brown hair and perpetually narrowed eyes gave him a calculating air—a textbook noble.
Sylphy froze.
Toji sighed internally.
'I knew that'd happen.'
Understanding, he grabbed her arm and stood. Bowing respectfully, he forced her into the motion as well.
"It's a pleasure," he said smoothly, slipping into that business tone he used back in his mercenary days. Clients loved it when he was professional, even if it was obviously an act.
The noble smiled.
"In a proper noble greeting, you draw back your left foot, make a circle with your right hand, then bow—just slightly." He demonstrated.
Mirroring him perfectly, Toji performed the greeting.
Sylphy scrambled to do the same, barely managing.
"Is that right?" Toji asked.
"Yes, you've got it!" the noble cheered, motioning for them to sit. "Please."
Once they were settled, he took his own seat.
"To business, then!" he said warmly. "My name is Philip Borias Greyrat, mayor of Roa—and your father's cousin."
'Friendlier than I expected,' Toji thought.
"Rudius Greyrat," Toji replied. "My father never mentioned you."
Philip sighed. "He hasn't changed a bit. But I'm glad to see his son has better manners. How old are you?"
"Seven," Toji chuckled. "Fortunately, my mother was there to make sure I didn't turn out like him."
Philip's smile widened—then stared at him more closely.
"You're quite tall for your age…" he murmured.
Toji shrugged.
Thanks to his restriction, he'd grown quickly. He was about the size of a twelve-year-old by now.
Trying to lighten the mood, he forced a chuckle. "Yeah, you could say my mom fed me well."
Philip remained silent, gaze locked on him.
"I see… Well, we'll save the small talk for later."
Toji nodded, posture straightening.
"Since Paul didn't tell you anything about me, I'm guessing he didn't explain the job either. Should I explain?"
'I like this guy,' Toji thought, nodding. 'Straight to the point. Makes things easier.'
Philip stopped suddenly, tapping his chin. "Actually… it'll be easier if you meet my daughter first."
Toji's opinion immediately flipped.
'Great. Onto the blacklist he goes.'
…
Walking through the castle halls, Toji and Sylphy followed Philip, Ghislaine, and a servant.
"I planned to ask this later," Philip said, "but since we're here… Paul told me you're a gifted magician. Is that true, miss?"
Sylphy choked on her own breath. Toji opened his mouth, but Philip raised a hand and met his eyes. Toji grumbled and backed off.
'Sorry, Sylphy. You're on your own.'
Sylphy gulped.
"W-Well… I guess I'm a little good at magic, but I don't know if I'm that good. I've only ever seen my teacher—Miss Roxy—use it, and she was really skilled."
Philip chuckled. "So Paul sent me a hidden gem. Not bad. You'll be attending lessons as his assistant, yes?" He nodded at Toji.
"Uh—yeah. I came to learn to work with nobles," Sylphy said slowly, thinking hard.
Toji winced. He could practically hear her brain overheating.
Philip fought a smile. "Then I hope you make a good impression on my daughter. She decides whether you two stay."
They stopped at a heavy door. Philip glanced back with a teasing grin.
"Just so you know—my daughter only takes to a select few. Don't get your hopes up."
Toji and Sylphy exchanged a look.
"Thanks…" Toji muttered.
"Ready?" Philip asked.
Toji sighed. "Let's get this over with."
Philip pushed the door open.
"Eris, I'd like to introduce your new tutor."
They stepped inside. A maid fussed with a girl's gown—fiery red hair, sharp eyes, chin tilted high.
Eris turned to them, and time slowed for Toji.
'Ah, damn it.'
The posture, the glare, the arrogance…
'She's a bitch.'
Toji glanced at Sylphy—then made a selfish choice.
"Wha—!"
He nudged her forward.
She stumbled into the light, glancing back at him with brimming tears. Toji looked anywhere but her face.
Left alone, Sylphy swallowed her fear and bowed.
"U-um… hello—"
SMACK.
She didn't even finish the greeting.
In shock, Sylphy grabbed her cheek.
"Who gave you permission to speak to me, Superd?!"
SMACK.
A backhand.
"Father, why did you bring a monster into our house?! Ghislaine—!"
As the girl began to rant, Toji did his best not to react, fist clenching.
'I knew she was a bitch, not that she was a violent one.'
He'd watched the whole slap in slow motion thanks to his perception.
The anger bubbling in him was… something else.
He stepped forward and pulled Sylphy to his side.
"You alright?" he asked quietly.
She jerked away.
"Mhm…" she muttered, hiding her face.
He put a hand on her shoulder. "Sorry."
She didn't respond, turning away.
Eris kept shouting, but a heavy silence settled between them.
'She's just in shock,' Toji thought. 'She's gonna need time.'
"Well then—do you have anything to say, Rudius?" Philip asked.
Toji sighed, let Sylphy go, and stepped forward.
"Yeah."
Stopping within arm's reach, he glared down at Eris.
She returned the look, unimpressed.
In a blur, he sent an upper cut into her jaw.
The sound of her teeth shattering and snapping was satisfying to his ears, the sight of her body crumpling to the floor even more so.
But that was just his imagination.
He felt the faint rattle of Ghislaine's sword behind him.
He unclenched his fist.
'As satisfying as that would be, pissing off a noble house is not worth it.'
"Why'd you hit her?" he asked flatly.
"Because she's a Superd. Duh. Are you stupid?"
Toji rubbed his brow.
'The longer I'm near her, the more I wanna kick her teeth in.'
Looking down at his palm, he gave himself one last second to think.
'Screw all of this. I'm done.'
He turned to Philip.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I won't be your daughter's tutor. Scratch that—I didn't want to be here anyway. This just confirmed it."
He faced Eris.
"You're a spoiled little shit. If we meet again, I hope you've learned some restraint. If not… I won't either."
He looked at Ghislaine.
"And you—if I were you, I'd have quit a long time ago."
He bowed one last time, grabbed Sylphy's hand, and walked out.
"I hope you understand there are consequences for saying such things," Philip called. "Your family won't be allowed in Roa again. You'll be escorted out immediately."
Toji held up a hand without looking back.
"Thanks."
As they left, Philip sighed.
"He's a lot more like Paul than I thought."
…
Walking along the dirt road, Toji and Sylphy began their journey back.
As they went, he held his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky.
'What a mess.' He thought, his eyes wandering over to Sylphy.
She currently had the hood to her traveling cloak pulled far down over her face, and even without his superior hearing, her sniffling was clearly audible.
Feeling pretty bad, he decided to try and cheer her up.
"Hey, you okay?"
The question hung in the air, Sylphy coming to a halt.
Stopping just ahead, he turned to look at her, hands still behind his head.
"What is it?"
SMACK!
The sound cracked through the air before Toji registered what had happened.
Sylphy's hood flew back, her face streaked with tears and fury.
"Why are you like this?!" she shouted, her voice breaking somewhere between anger and heartbreak.
Toji's hand went to his cheek. He just stared at her, dumbfounded.
"Why do you always have to be so rude and mean to everyone?!" she cried, striking him in the chest. "Everything was fine until you pushed me! I bet you laughed when she hit me, huh?! Didn't you?!"
Her words came faster, her anger feeding on itself.
"Then you said all that stuff about never wanting to come and got us kicked out?!"
She stopped for air, trembling, her breath hitching as the tears kept coming.
"You did that on purpose—because you were mad at me!" Her voice cracked into a growl. "Now my life's ruined! I'll never get into school, I'll never become a mage like Teacher…"
She glared up at him through watery eyes.
"And worst of all, I'll be stuck in that village with you. Forever!"
By then, she was sobbing openly.
She pushed past him and ran down the path, her footsteps fading into the distance.
Toji stood in silence for a long moment, hand on his cheek.
'Huh…'
He exhaled through his nose.
'Guess I had that coming.'
…
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Toji looked down at the long shadow stretching across the path in front of him.
He traced its shape until his eyes found its source—a figure walking ahead.
He couldn't make out any of her features under the cloak, but he knew it was Sylphy. He could tell just by the way she walked.
That was how close they were.
They'd known each other for years, and that's why this whole situation felt so strange to him.
Not once in all that time had Sylphy ever gotten so mad—let alone hit him with such genuine hostility.
The blow hadn't hurt physically, but mentally, he was still reeling.
He hung back, keeping his distance, because every time he tried to get closer, she would speed up to the point of running.
Now, as her shadow stretched longer and longer, he found himself watching her from behind, unable to make things right.
"Fuck this shit," he muttered, feeling a terrible weight in his gut.
His surroundings grew darker as the sun dipped below the treeline, signaling the coming night.
Traveling after dark wasn't a problem for him—he was more than capable of taking care of himself.
But the same couldn't be said for Sylphy, and that only frustrated him more.
They'd already be there by now if she'd just accepted his offer to carry her. As things stood, though, they were going to have to stop and make camp soon.
Sighing for what felt like the millionth time that day, Toji sped up until he was beside her.
Before she could bolt again, he reached out and caught her wrist.
"Let me go!" she snapped, glaring at him with all the venom she could muster.
"Not unless you listen," he said calmly.
Her eyes narrowed to slits. "I don't want to hear anything from you."
He shook his head. "Look, I get that you're mad—but we can't just walk all night. Unless you feel like getting lost. Or robbed. Or both. For now, we need to set up camp."
Her glare faltered. She looked from him to the dark forest ahead, then back again.
"Alright," she muttered finally. "But don't talk to me unless it's important."
Toji let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding and released her wrist.
"Fine. Then give me a minute to start a fire."
…
After a brief search for kindling, Toji matted down some of the tall grass a good distance from the road, and using his sword and a piece of flint from his pack, he sparked a small flame.
Tossing in several branches he'd gathered, he patiently nurtured it until it grew into a steady blaze.
Across from him, Sylphy sat with her legs pulled to her chest. Her chin rested on her knees, the firelight flickering in her eyes as she watched the embers rise.
"There, that should do it," he said, dropping down onto his rear with a sigh.
He waited for a response, but she just kept staring into the fire.
"Come on," he tried lightly, "usually you'd be asking where I learned to do that."
Still nothing.
"…Then I'd make up some ridiculous story," he went on, forcing a smile, "and you'd play along until you caught on and called me out for it."
Silence.
The false levity faded from his face as he stared across the flames at her.
A minute passed. The quiet between them felt heavier than the night itself.
Finally, he rubbed his eyes and exhaled. "Don't you think this has gone on long enough? Genuinely, Sylph—how am I supposed to fix this if you won't even talk to me?"
He waited.
She rolled onto her side, turning her back to him.
His expression dulled. He lay down and pulled his bag under his head. "Alright. I see how it is," he muttered. "Two can play that game."
…
Hours passed in silence.
Thanks to his sharp hearing, Toji knew she was still awake from the rhythm of her breathing.
He refused to sleep—partly out of spite, partly to keep the fire alive.
With nothing to distract him, his thoughts turned inward.
He replayed the last few days over and over, always reaching the same conclusion.
He was the victim here.
He wasn't given enough information. He wasn't given any time. And most importantly, he never wanted to go in the first place. The only reason he agreed was because Sylphy guilted him into it.
Where did she get off acting like this toward him?
Sure, he'd pushed her in the moment—but she was the one who dragged him there, expecting him to handle everything while she hid behind him.
It was bullshit. Total bullshit.
If she wanted to ruin their friendship over something so stupid, fine.
He was better off that way.
Clop. Clop. Clop…
His eyes snapped open.
In one swift motion, he ripped off his cloak and smothered the fire, stomping out the flames before they could cast another flicker of light.
Startled, Sylphy rolled over, confusion flashing across her face.
"Wha—"
Before she could finish, he dove beside her and clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Shhh!" he hissed. "I hear people."
Her eyes widened, fear replacing confusion as the seriousness in his tone sank in.
Toji strained his ears. Faint whispers cut through the night.
"You smell smoke?" one voice asked.
Judging by the creak of wood and the steady clopping, they were using a carriage.
"Yeah, must be some travelers nearby."
"Do we kill 'em?"
Toji's eyes narrowed. "Bandits. At least two of them."
Sylphy tensed beneath his hand, trembling at his muttered words.
"No, the fuck! Why are you always like this? We've got the girl, and we made it out! If we leave a trail, there's no way that guard-dog bitch won't find us!"
The voices faded as the carriage rolled deeper into the forest.
Toji stayed frozen, listening until only the crickets remained.
Then his mind started working.
'Girl? Guard dog? "Made it out"?'
Those words sounded familiar.
The only place this road led was Roa — and they were heading the other way.
'So they escaped from Roa with a girl, and they're worried about being found by some "guard dog bitch"…'
The pieces fit together a little too neatly.
'I gotta check this out,' he decided, removing his hand from Sylphy's mouth and standing.
"W-What's happening? Are they gone?" she whispered, voice trembling.
In the moonlight, her eyes searched his face for reassurance.
He frowned faintly. "So now we're talking?"
Stepping past her, he glanced toward the forest.
"Where are you going?!" she called, trying to keep her voice down.
Without looking back, he waved her off. "Stay here and keep quiet like you were before."
And with that, he vanished.
"R-Rudy!" She cried, tears spilling down her cheeks as she was left alone in the night.
…
Leaping from tree to tree, Toji followed the carriage rolling ahead of him.
When it passed beneath his branch, he perched on a thick limb hanging over the road.
The dense canopy swallowed the moonlight, leaving the path in near-total darkness. The only glow came from a lonely lantern swinging beside the men's carriage.
He listened, hoping to catch something useful — but all he heard was arguing.
With a quiet sigh, he gave up on eavesdropping and eyed the carriage itself.
It was an old luxury model, probably repurposed for servant use.
A Greyrat crest was painted on the side, dulled by age but still visible beneath the grime. A cabin sat on the back, fitted with glass windows—the kind nobles used to keep the cold out and conversation in.
'Considerate way to smuggle a hostage,' he thought dryly.
Still… why something so obvious? That didn't sit right.
As they rolled beneath him, he swung down and landed silently on the roof.
Crouched just above the men, he peeked over the edge.
'These guys are too easy,' he thought, shaking his head. 'Even a baby could sneak up on them.'
Rolling to the side, he hung from the roof and peered through a window.
By lamplight, he saw barrels and chests stacked along the floor and seats.
'Definitely not suspicious,' he muttered internally. 'How the hell did these clowns get out of the city? Did they bribe the guards?'
Maybe it was coincidence — but that didn't feel right.
Deciding to check, he ran his hand along the door, feeling for any hidden threads or alarms. Once satisfied, he eased it open.
The creak of the wheels conveniently covered the squeal of the hinges. Made his job a lot easier.
Sliding inside, he eyed the suspicious cargo.
"Let's open them up, shall we?" he murmured.
The first few barrels were stuffed with clothes, straw, and something that reeked of rum. Nothing unusual.
Then his gaze landed on a chest at the back, secured by a rusty padlock. He scoffed.
One tug—and the lock snapped clean off.
Lifting the lid, he smirked.
"Bingo."
Curled at the bottom, bound and gagged, was the familiar red-haired noble girl.
She was conscious, but her eyes were glassy, clearly drugged.
'What a coincidence,' Toji muttered, pulling a knife from his belt. 'Time for a little payback.'
…
Climbing back atop the carriage, Toji crouched just behind the driver's seat.
'Alive or dead? Alive or dead?' He spun the knife in his hand a few times, thinking it over.
"Eh, I'll split the difference."
"What the—!"
The driver whipped his head around, searching the shadows for the voice.
"Did you hear that?" he asked, turning to his partner.
"Hear what?"
But he was met with two terrifying green eyes hovering right next to his face.
Before he could react, something cold tore across his throat.
"Ghu…"
He tried to speak, but all that emerged was blood.
Toji wiped the blade clean on the man's clothes and grabbed the reins, stopping the carriage.
Turning to the remaining kidnapper in the passenger seat, he smiled darkly.
"I can't wait to see your face when you wake up."
…
Huddled beside the remains of the campfire, Sylphy trembled violently in the dark.
"I-I'm sorry…" she whispered, her voice hoarse. "Just come back now… I won't be angry anymore."
She had never really thought about it before, but she had never been alone in her life.
Sure, she'd spent time by herself at home, but never like this—never so utterly isolated and helpless.
Every creak, every whisper of wind made her flinch. The hoots and distant howls from the forest only made it worse.
This was hell.
Only now, with everything gone, did she realize how much safety and comfort Toji's presence brought.
"I promise… if you come back, I'll never get angry again. I swear." She buried her face in her knees. "I wanna go home…"
Suddenly, a faint whinny echoed from the road.
Her heart froze. 'Is that the bandits!?'
A dull light flickered in the distance, shining through gaps in the tall grass.
Pressing herself flat against the ground, she covered her head.
'Please go away, please go away, please go away…' she chanted silently, shaking.
But the light kept getting brighter.
Footsteps followed.
The tears she thought had run dry welled up again.
Then the light was on her.
"Please…" she choked out, too afraid to lift her head.
"You good?"
At the voice, her head snapped up.
Her teary eyes met Toji's as he held the lantern high in his hand.
Without thinking, she jumped up and threw her arms around him.
"Rudy!" she sobbed, clutching him as if she'd never let go. "I'm sorry—please don't ever leave again!"
Toji blinked, looking down at her in confusion.
"What are you crying for? It's been like ten minutes."
But she didn't hear him.
A little while later, Sylphy finally calmed down.
Taking her by the hand, he led her to the carriage and helped her up into the passenger seat.
Jumping up beside her, he grabbed the reins.
"You ready?" he asked.
"Mhm…" she nodded.
With that, they were off to Roa.
Leaning her head against him, Sylphy let out a weary sigh.
Looking down at the top of her head, he chuckled.
"You still haven't asked me what happened, or why we're headed back."
But she didn't say anything.
Looking again, he realized she was asleep.
"Guess I'll tell you in the morning," he said quietly.
…
As the sun cast its first rays over the land, Toji let out a loud yawn.
Chewing on a piece of grass, he sat in the open doorway of the carriage and looked toward the city.
"Hell of a sunrise, huh?" he said.
A muffled grunt came from a nearby barrel.
Inside, the kidnapped man sat tied head-to-toe, wedged in place.
"Don't answer that. Wouldn't want you loosening the gag again."
The night before had been hectic, to say the least.
After picking up Sylphy, he'd headed back to the city to turn the kidnapper in and deliver the red-haired payload.
Only one problem — the gates were locked after sunset and wouldn't open again until morning.
He'd had quite the shouting match with the guards on the wall, but rules were apparently unbendable here — even for the sick and dying grandma he'd made up.
Not that it mattered. He suspected they were in on the kidnapping anyway, which was why he hadn't played the "mayor's daughter" card to begin with.
Flicking away the blade of grass, he stood up and stretched.
"Well, that's morning enough."
Just as he was about to slam the lid down on the kidnapper's head, a muffled groan came from deeper inside the carriage.
Immediately recognizing the voice, he sighed.
"Great. She's awake. Of course she is."
He couldn't let her be seen before they reached Ghislaine — not when he didn't know how deep this whole thing went.
Pulling the chest forward, he knocked on the lid.
"You awake?" he asked, glancing around for something heavy.
"Whmm…? Hrrm?"
A slur of muffled noises leaked out through the cracks.
Using a barrel, he pinned the lid shut.
"Still groggy, huh. Not that I'm complaining."
Leaning down, he whispered through a gap in the boards,
"If you want to get home, stay quiet. I kept the gag since I know that's hard for you."
Standing back up, he looked at the kidnapper.
"Same goes for you. Every sound I hear, I remove a testicle."
At the threat, the man flinched and visibly trembled.
Closing the barrel, Toji shut the door behind him and let out a breath.
Rounding to the driver's seat, he saw Sylphy curled up beneath both their cloaks.
He shook his head.
After she'd fallen asleep on his shoulder, she hadn't stirred once — not even during his argument with the guards.
Climbing up beside her, he grabbed the reins and gave them a tug.
With a weary grunt, the horse began to pull the carriage forward.
"Come on, we're almost there," he said. "When we get back, you can sleep for a week."
…
By the time they reached the gates, the night shift was gone and Sylphy had woken up.
Along the way, he'd filled her in on a plan he'd come up with.
"Really?" she said, doubtful. "Are you sure that'll work?"
He chuckled. "Of course. Just watch."
Though reluctant, she agreed to play along.
Pulling up their cloaks, they approached the gate.
At the sight of the strange pair, two guards stepped forward to inspect them.
When questioned, Toji spun another story — this time about buying an old carriage from a retired driver and heading home to refurbish it with family in the city.
The guards exchanged skeptical looks, then decided to question them separately.
Anticipating that, Toji had already given Sylphy her own script: that he was Toji's brother, tagging along to meet their family in the city since he'd never met them before.
Toji couldn't believe that they actually bought it — even wishing her well.
Then came the luggage inspection.
He had to fight back a smirk as they opened the door.
He'd soaked every inch of the cabin in that foul brown liquid from the barrel. He'd even drenched some old clothes in it and draped them over the chest Eris was hidden in, along with a few more barrels.
The result was a sticky, reeking disaster zone.
The moment the door swung open, the stench hit them like a wall. One of the guards staggered back, gagging.
Toji grinned, raising four fingers. "Four coppers. A total steal, right?"
After a brief, miserable debate, one guard finally braced himself and climbed in.
With a rag over his face, he lifted one of the soaked shirts and peeked into the barrel beneath it.
"Ahhhhhh!"
He shot out of the carriage, flinging the rag aside and scrubbing his hands.
"I'm not doing that!" he shouted, half-retching.
"What was in there?" his partner demanded.
The man shuddered. "A carcass! A rotting damn carcass!" He jabbed a finger at Toji. "This clown's brought us a trash heap on wheels! You think I'm touching that again? You're insane!"
Toji rubbed the bridge of his nose, hiding his grin.
The carcass had been a last-minute idea — he'd spotted crows picking at a dead deer on the way over and threw it in on a whim.
After another round of bickering, the guards finally waved him through, neither willing to go near the carriage again.
"You'd better get that thing cleaned out," one grumbled. "If we hear a single complaint, we'll throw you out ourselves."
Keeping his friendly smile, Toji bowed repeatedly, thanking them until the gate closed behind him.
The moment they were clear, he slumped in his seat and exhaled.
"Holy shit… I can't believe that worked."
Sylphy looked over. "Were you that worried?"
He laughed tiredly. Truth be told, he hadn't actually believed such a ridiculous plan would work. He'd expected to be caught the second they arrived.
Even if the guards were corrupt, he'd planned to cause a scene big enough for Ghislaine to find them.
Honestly, he only did it to torture Eris and the kidnapper a bit more.
And the story he gave Sylphy? So ridiculous he figured they'd call her out on it and start grilling her — just a little payback for how difficult she'd been yesterday.
They didn't even share a passing resemblance. How could anyone buy that?
And the guards hadn't even asked them to lower their hoods.
"They can't be real," he muttered, scanning the rooftops and alley shadows.
"Am I the one getting played right now?"
It was so absurd he almost laughed.
'So do I actually have to sneak in now?' he wondered.
…
One slow ride to the castle later, Toji and company pulled up to the entrance.
A small group of servants came out to meet them as they entered the courtyard.
Scanning their faces, Toji recognized the man at the front—the same one who'd stood beside Philip during their meeting.
'Oh good,' he thought, relieved, 'someone trustworthy.'
He started to lower his hood—
—but froze.
When the man's gaze flicked toward the carriage, Toji caught it. The tiny widening of his eyes, the instant attempt to hide it.
'No way…'
It couldn't be.
'Is he in on it?'
If someone that high-ranking was involved… then this ran deeper than he'd thought. Maybe even Ghislaine—no. That was unlikely, but he couldn't ignore the possibility.
He would have to move like everyone was the enemy from now on.
He felt an exhausted sigh claw its way up.
Getting involved was starting to feel like the wrong decision.
"Fuck me," he hissed under his breath, eyes scanning every window he could see. "This is why I hate politics."
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Sylphy start to raise her hand toward her hood.
In a blur, he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to his side. If something went wrong, he wanted her within arm's reach.
'I have to wait for Ghislaine,' he thought.
Her reputation alone was enough to prevent any fight.
Even if she was in on it, he didn't mind apologizing and handing the girl over, as long as he could keep Sylphy safe.
Stopping at a respectful distance, the lead servant cleared his throat.
"And who might you be, travelers?" he asked, the smile on his face not matching his eyes.
"We have a delivery," Toji replied, brightening his tone.
The man's fake smile twitched into something more wary.
"And what would that be? We were not expecting anything today."
"I'm sure you weren't," Toji said, tapping the faded crest on the carriage. "But this is an important package meant for the mayor."
"On whose orders?" the servant pressed, irritation leaking through.
Toji's mouth moved faster than his brain. "Sir Arther, of Camelot!"
"…Who?" the servant blinked. "I've never heard of that city—what are you talking about?"
Toji kept rambling, voice growing louder and more dramatic with every word.
'Where the hell are you, Ghislaine?' he wondered, growing anxious.
He could only distract this guy for so long. He was running out of lies.
Sylphy was getting nervous too, sensing something was off just from Toji's behavior.
If nothing changed soon, he would have to get his hands dirty.
Not that he cared—he just didn't want Sylphy to watch him kill someone.
He was already reaching for his knife when the castle doors opened.
Everyone turned as Philip stepped into the courtyard, flanked by two guards with weapons drawn.
"What's all the commotion?" he asked, crescent eyes as unreadable as ever.
The servants immediately bowed.
The lead servant hurried forward, practically sprinting.
"Sir, these strangers appeared out of nowhere and started talking nonsense. Order their arrest — this is unacceptable, especially now!"
Philip looked between Toji and Sylphy, his expression giving nothing away.
Toji cleared his throat.
"If I may, sir—I think you'll want to hear what we have to say."
"Silence!" the servant snapped. He turned to Philip, voice rising. "Imprison these two at once—!"
And then he stopped.
Shock flashed across his face as he noticed the way the other servants were staring at him.
Their stares practically screamed: 'Why is a servant speaking to his master like that?'
The man swallowed hard, forcing a laugh and bowing so fast he nearly snapped in half.
"A-Ahem. Merely part of the investigation, sir. Apologies. I am simply… very concerned for Lady Eris."
Philip said nothing.
Toji sighed, meeting his eyes from under the hood.
"Come on. I know you know who we are. Can we stop pretending?"
Philip still didn't respond.
And that's when Toji realized something was wrong.
The man he met yesterday wasn't acting like this. Unless this was an act too… or unless Toji was missing something.
His eyes drifted toward the two guards.
And it clicked.
"Ohhhh…" he muttered. "I get it."
While the servant rambled on, Toji leaned close to Sylphy.
"I need you to do something for me. Don't ask why—just trust me, okay?"
She nodded. Instantly.
"What is it?" she whispered.
He leaned in and whispered into her ear.
Her eyes went wide.
Before she could respond, he pressed a finger to her lips.
"Shhhh. Trust me."
Stepping away, Toji cleared his throat loudly.
"If I may!"
The servant froze mid-rant and spun toward him.
"What—?"
Everyone's attention landed squarely on Toji.
Perfect.
He motioned to Sylphy.
With barely a moment's hesitation, she closed her eyes and lifted her hand toward Philip.
Two fire arrows burst into the air—heading straight for the guards' groins.
Only one managed to block in time.
"AHHHHHHH!"
The other collapsed, rolling on the ground and slapping at his burning pants.
At the same time, Sylphy raised her free hand and summoned a fist-sized orb of fire.
"Do it," Toji said, drawing his knife.
She nodded and launched it upward.
The orb burst high above the courtyard in a bright, fiery bloom.
Outside the city, far on the battlements, a pair of wolf ears perked up.
'That should do it,' Toji thought, smirking as the servant's expression crumpled.
"W-We're dead," the servant whimpered. "We're actually dead."
Panicking, he turned to the remaining guard. "Just kill him! Now!"
But when he glanced at Philip—
He froze.
Both guards were already on the ground.
"What—?!"
Before he could recover, something slammed into the back of his skull.
He collapsed instantly.
Toji wiped his hands.
"Man, I was getting really tired of that voice."
"As was I," Philip said calmly. "Especially after everything he's done."
Toji laughed.
"You're one tough cookie. Lucky, too."
Philip dusted off a smear of soot on his coat.
"I suppose I placed too much trust in him. It seems every servant I hire ends up being a plant these days."
Toji bent to retrieve his knife from a guard's throat.
"This happen a lot?"
"More than I'd like," Philip admitted. "Normally, Ghislaine handles it before it escalates. It seems he learned from others' failures… and lured her away."
He sighed—an actual sigh—a weary crack showing through the mask.
"He would have gotten away with it, were it not for you two. Thank you."
Suddenly—
A voice rang out from above.
"Am I late?"
Perched on the battlement, sword drawn, was Ghislaine.
"Little bit," Toji replied, shading his eyes.
"Um… can I open my eyes now?" Sylphy asked, still frozen.
Notes:
Alright, we're back on track!
I never thought Toji would make it through the hiring process the same way Rudy did. It's not that he isn't smart enough to come up with a plan—it's that he just doesn't have the drive. This wasn't even his idea; he's mostly drifting along for Sylphy's sake. The moment he faced any real resistance, he immediately stopped caring.
That being said, he is a selfish prick at times, so Sylphy calling him out felt like the right kind of wake-up call. He needs to start being a little more considerate. He's definitely better than he was in his previous life, but he still has that lingering douche side he needs to work through. Thankfully, things worked out in a way similar to canon.
Now for the IRL side of things.
I'm totally burnt out right now. I don't know if it's seasonal depression or something else, but I just don't have much energy for writing at the moment. I'm not quitting—just taking a breather.
Like last time, the comments really pushed me to finish this chapter. It still surprises me that such a niche fic has gotten so many followers, but I'm glad you're all enjoying it.
Have a blessed day :)
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