Mushoku Tensei: Sword, Magic Hats, and Romance!

In the end, Roxy resigned herself to the reality that she'd unintentionally picked up another stray disciple.

Rudeus might have had greater innate talent, but when it came to being a teacher, Roxy was clearly more qualified. The entire afternoon was spent with her patiently, methodically guiding Sylphy through fundamental magical concepts.

That night, after a quick group discussion, a schedule was hastily formed—Roxy would be leaving soon, so she proposed an intense crash course for Sylphy during the days they had left.

After observing everyone's performance the following day, the plan was finalized:

Morning: The three would gather on the hill to practice magic. Allen trained with his sword nearby.

Afternoon: Indoor lessons on magical theory. Allen trained with his sword nearby.

Evening: In what had once been Allen's bedroom—now loaned to Roxy—she would tell Sylphy magical legends and lore from around the world. In other words: story time.

And, yes—Allen trained with his sword nearby.

Because even evenings were now filled with "classes," Sylphy ended up heading home very late. Eventually, the group approached Laws with a proposal, and successfully got permission for Sylphy to stay at Rudeus' house until Roxy left.

Interestingly, Laws agreed almost instantly, and Sylphy's mother even gently cheered her daughter on.

So the child we were always worried about… really has made some good friends.

And so, time passed swiftly under Allen's repeated refrain of "One more round—please!" and before they knew it, the night of Roxy's departure arrived.

...

"Come on now, Sylphy. Don't cry. You were perfectly composed just a week ago—what happened?"

Rudeus scratched his head awkwardly, trying to console her in his usual clueless manner. But Sylphy was unmoved.

She was still very young. Just two months ago, she had made her first real friend. A week ago, she'd gained a kind, beautiful teacher. Her days had become filled with new experiences and lively laughter—every morning, she woke with something to look forward to.

And then—suddenly—came goodbye.

The moment Roxy declared their lessons finished, the joy and anticipation Sylphy had built up crashed into a void.

She burst into tears immediately.

Roxy, who had been quiet all day, was now flustered, completely unsure how to comfort her.

As for Allen—he was currently flicking his sword outward in an awkward sideways arc. When the tip completed the motion, the blade trembled slightly.

He wiped the sweat from his brow. Watching Sylphy cry, his expression turned grim.

"…Sylphy. Hit me with a Healing Spell."

Sylphy wiped her tears with one hand while holding out the other toward Allen, sniffling as she chanted:

"O kind goddess… of motherly love… please mend this one's wounds… and restore him to health."

"[H-Healing Spell]!"

Allen's complexion improved. Without another word, he drew his sword and resumed shadow practice.

Rudeus watched in silence. Then, without his usual joking tone, he spoke calmly, gaze fixed on Allen.

"Allen. You're usually overflowing with clever words. So how come now, when Sensei is leaving tomorrow, you look completely indifferent? Can't you see Sylphy's been crying nonstop?"

Roxy stepped forward, trying to stop what looked like the start of a fight. She opened her mouth to interject… but in the end, said nothing.

Allen's grip on his sword tightened. But instead of the slow, deliberate slashes he'd been practicing all week, he abruptly twisted his wrist, performing a flamboyant flourish that caught the candlelight mid-air.

"…Rudeus, what kind of reaction do you think I should have? Sylphy's crying—so what? You think crying isn't allowed? Or that sadness shouldn't be felt?"

Rudeus froze.

Roxy and Sylphy both turned to Allen, dumbfounded.

Allen slowly ran his fingers along the blade's tempered ridges, all the way to the tip.

"I've always thought… that while joy should be cherished, pain shouldn't be avoided either. Whatever you're feeling—happiness or sorrow, excitement or grief—you shouldn't suppress it. Feel it. Live it. That's the only proof those moments ever existed."

"B-But… if that's true…"

Allen flicked a finger against the blade.

Ding.

"…Then you'll have the strength to look forward to meeting again."

He sheathed the sword with a crisp shing, a gust of wind blasting from around him as the air recoiled. The breeze tousled everyone's hair. All three stared at him in stunned silence.

"…Isn't that right?"

Rudeus stood frozen for a moment before finding his voice.

"Then what about you? According to your theory, you're calm because you're not feeling anything? You're not crying, not smiling. So what, Roxy leaving doesn't matter to you at all? You're the one who asked her to stay a few more days in the first place."

Roxy flinched.

She instinctively looked away from the clash between the two—but no matter how she turned, she couldn't escape their words.

Allen's voice drifted lazily through the room.

"Because I know we'll see each other again. That's why I'm calm."

Rudeus looked at Roxy. She acted as though she hadn't heard Allen at all. Her gaze stayed fixed on the candlelight flickering atop the table, blinking slowly.

The flame swayed, untouched.

Rudeus felt his chest tighten. He had nothing more to say.

Then—Allen casually threw an arm around his shoulders and leaned in with a grin.

Rudeus glared at him, grumbling:

"…Get off. It's no use trying to cozy up to me now, you smooth-talking bastard."

Allen chuckled.

"Rudeus. How about we celebrate tonight with a little magic?"

"…Huh? What do you mean 'celebrate with magic'?"

"I mean, if you mixed [Fireball] with [Sonic Blast] or something like that, couldn't you create a hybrid spell that explodes into a huge, flaming ball in the sky? Wouldn't it be beautiful? I bet Roxy and Sylphy would love it."

Rudeus blinked. Then muttered reflexively:

"…Firework?"

Allen tilted his head in exaggerated confusion.

"Firework? What's that?"

Rudeus turned to see both Roxy and Sylphy looking at him with curious expressions.

He scratched his head, then walked to the window. Pushing it open, he let the night breeze of Buena Village roll into the room, tousling the hair of Roxy, Sylphy, Allen—and himself.

Looking back at Allen's grinning face, Rudeus sighed internally.

Truth is, with the mind of a thirty-something adult, I don't get emotional over partings like this. I'm not the type to throw a tantrum over goodbyes.

This whole thing… I just used it as an excuse to get mad at Allen. That's all.

I met Roxy first. So why—why does it feel like she looks at him so much more fondly?