Mushoku Tensei: The Sword, the Magic Hat, and the Love System

"Around the Chidoryuu Mountains, there's a type of pack-hunting magical beast called Fangwolves. Their territorial instincts are extremely strong. Individually, they're only D-rank with low attack power, but in swarms, they're considered an A-rank threat. Hundreds attacking together can be a nightmare for adventurers."

Roxy spoke under the candlelight, sharing her knowledge of Central Continent monsters. Technically, they should've gone to sleep after the fireworks, but Sylphy wasn't tired. So Roxy began another storytelling session.

"That sounds really scary..."

Roxy glanced at Sylphy and Rudeus, who were both leaning over the table, eyes half-closed with sleep. Though clearly drowsy, they showed no signs of wanting to return to bed.

"Indeed. When their territory is invaded, they'll tirelessly attack—regardless of the opponent's strength. They've even been known to assault lone S-rank monsters like a Red Dragon that strayed too far from its pack."

"...Then... will the dragon eat them?"

"No, not really. Red Dragons typically ignore creatures that can't even scratch their skin. To them, it's like being bitten by mosquitoes."

"Then... wouldn't the dragon get angry from being constantly bothered? If it gets angry... will the Fangwolves run away...?"

Hearing Sylphy's sleepy, childish tone, Roxy couldn't help but smile.

"When a dragon gets angry, it breathes fire. And when the flames sweep through... not even bones remain."

She finished the line softly, watching Sylphy and Rudeus's eyes flutter shut.

"They never get the chance to run."

She lifted her gaze toward Allen, who sat straight-backed in a chair, seemingly reading a map. He was smiling to himself about something, but when he noticed Roxy's stare, he turned and glanced at the sleeping kids.

"They're out cold, huh? I'll take Rudeus to bed."

Roxy nodded.

"I'll help."

Allen rolled up his map and tucked it into his pocket. He carefully lifted Rudeus, while Roxy picked up his magic textbook and followed Allen to his room.

Allen gently laid Rudeus down. Then came a quiet, hesitant voice:

"Were you serious?"

Allen paused, mid-way through removing Rudeus's shoes.

"About what?"

Roxy looked around nervously, then fixed her gaze on the edge of a black leather bucket bag poking out from under the bed.

"When you said... you were sure you'd see her again."

Allen's hands froze.

"Ah, that."

As she spoke, Roxy unconsciously picked up the bag and began fidgeting with the boarhide.

"It's okay even if it was a lie. Even if you just said it to comfort Rudeus and Sylphy... it still helped."

Allen blinked, then smiled.

"I meant it. We'll meet again."

Roxy said nothing.

Allen placed the shoes by the bedside.

"Though... when that will be, I don't know. Maybe tomorrow, maybe years from now. But one thing's for sure—"

He looked up at Roxy.

"We'll definitely mee—?!"

Allen froze.

Roxy stood wide-eyed, staring down in shock at what she was holding—the shrine from under the bed.

Inside was a very... personal item: a pair of her used underwear.

Their eyes locked. Then...

The shrine, still wrapped in boarhide, slammed into Allen's face.

He instinctively used Ryuu no Kougi (Flowing Secret Arts) to catch it, looking up just in time to see Roxy clutching the underwear and fleeing in a panic, her footsteps thudding down the hall.

Allen stood stunned, mouth open. He looked at the wide-open door, then turned to Rudeus's peaceful sleeping face. The boy twitched slightly from Roxy's sudden noise.

No time!

Allen activated his Kenshinryuu (Sword God Style) instincts.

He dashed to the wardrobe, grabbed a pair of Rudeus's white underwear, stuffed it into the shrine, then shoved the whole thing back into the bucket bag and kicked it under the bed. Spinning around, he slapped Rudeus across the face.

Rudeus jerked awake.

Allen patted his arm quickly.

"Ah! Bad dream, huh? It's fine, it's fine. Don't worry. I'll make sure to wake you before Sensei leaves. Go back to sleep~"

Rudeus blinked, groggy.

"...She hasn't left yet?"

"Not yet~ Sleep now~"

"Oh... okay. Wake me, alright?"

"Of course~ Good boy~ Sleep tight~"

"...Thanks Allen, you're a good guy."

Rudeus turned and passed out again.

Allen forced a smile.

"...You're welcome."

The next morning, Rudeus was woken by Zenith.

When he came downstairs, Roxy was ready to leave, holding and comforting a crying Sylphy.

But Allen was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Allen?"

Zenith looked puzzled.

"I saw him earlier this morning."

Paul too was confused.

"Just a bit ago, he was brushing his teeth... Allen! Allen?!"

Roxy flinched and quickly interjected, clearly flustered.

"Ah! No need to call him! We already said our goodbyes this morning—he might be in the bathroom or something."

Rudeus rubbed his face.

Perfect! Allen, I win this round! Sweet, sweet victory... even if it's bitter comedy.

They stepped outside. Allen still didn't show.

Everyone waved goodbye. Roxy patted Sylphy's head, then turned to Rudeus—and instead of a pat, gave him a firm forehead flick.

Rudeus beamed.

Allen, this time I really won!! Wait, why didn't she pat my head...? Is she not feeling well?

Roxy glanced once at the house, exhaled softly, and said:

"Well then… until we meet again. If fate is kind."

Zenith, tearful again like during their last farewell, clung to Paul—who used the moment to rest a hand on his wife's rear.

No one noticed, except Lilia.

"Goodbye, Sensei! One day I'll go find you—with Allen!"

Rudeus waved too, but dark shadows filled his eyes.

...What about me?!

Unlike last time, a carriage had been arranged, sponsored by Liorz. He said it was thanks to Allen—the boarhide from the Dire Boar had sold for a good price, and they finally had savings to contribute toward the tuition fee.

And so, Roxy left Buena Village.

The morning sun shone down on the road outside the village, the clatter of hooves carrying her away.

Roxy sat inside the carriage, resting her chin in one hand, watching the scenery pass by through the window.

Old fences along the road blurred and disappeared behind her—until they stopped.

She hadn't noticed the carriage halting.

"Miss... Ma'am… there's…"

The coachman's voice grew clearer.

"Miss!"

Roxy snapped back to reality.

"Huh?! What's wrong?"

The coachman sounded exasperated.

"Ma'am, someone's blocking the road, insisting on a ride."

Roxy blinked in confusion and lifted the curtain.

And froze.

Bathed in morning light, a familiar figure stood before the carriage. His dark gray eyes carried a sharp, cold distance—yet in Roxy's eyes, he seemed warm and familiar.

He smiled lazily and spoke with that usual casual tone.

"Hello, ma'am. Mind if I catch a ride?"

Orange dawn flickered in her eyes.

"Sure."

Back at the Greyrat home, Zenith, Lilia, Paul, Rudeus, and Sylphy all stared dumbfounded at the letter on the table.

Master:

I'm off to clean up the Fangwolves.

One month, maybe two. I'll be back soon.

Sorry for the sudden departure—if I'd said anything, you probably wouldn't let me go.

Don't worry. I'll be fine.

Also, you can skip my wages for the next two months. Or longer. No problem.

—Allen

Give me that sweetness! More tomorrow!

(End of Chapter)

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