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

"Why, is it a crime to come see someone off now?"

Roxy puffed her cheeks, clearly annoyed as she looked at Allen slouched lazily with his sword in his lap inside the carriage.

"I-I thought you were going to become an adventurer with me—but you—"

Allen had explained right away that he was only there to escort her for a bit, and the joy on Roxy's face instantly shattered. She turned away, mumbling to herself as she stared out the window.

"Can't even find you at the farewell, but here you are anyway… Might as well have stayed with the others. Sneaking out like this and you'll just go back again."

Allen chuckled at her reaction. He understood well enough—Roxy had mistaken his sudden appearance as a change of heart, thinking he'd accepted her proposal from two months ago to go adventuring together.

Makes sense. He was a wanted man. Running away and starting anew sounded logical.

But with the Mushoku Tensei Major Event system tracking his every move, Allen couldn't afford to truly stray from the original story.

He shook his head. "If I snuck out here, of course it's not just to see you off. Didn't you say last week there were bandits near Rigait City? That issue started because of me. It's only fair I escort you safely to the city. What if they ambush you again and bring more men—or even a skilled swordsman?"

Roxy turned her head sharply, looking a bit stunned. Allen's reasoning sounded far too sensible, even if she felt it was some kind of trick. She was about to think it over when Allen pressed on.

"Their group obviously deals in shady business. Slave trafficking is probably on the table too. If they catch you again, our next reunion might be at some black-market auction. You know, in the loli section. Ow!"

Roxy kicked him hard, face flushed, and turned back to the window.

Allen blinked, sighing in relief as she dropped the issue. He hadn't told her the real reason—taking down the bandit hideout was something he intended to do alone.

First, he didn't want to burden Roxy further. If she found out, she'd probably insist on joining him. And Roxy was too kind for that kind of danger.

Second, he'd already thought everything through the night before. He'd set a clear principle:

He would only earn points by staying as close as possible to the original story's flow. Maxing out every event for the bonus was great, but not at the cost of triggering huge butterfly effects.

Future knowledge was his most stable cheat.

So this was the limit of Roxy-related interference. Any more, and the risk to the main timeline would grow too much.

Also—Allen alone was enough. No saint-level expert would be skulking in a random bandit den. Even if one existed, they'd be near the leader, not stationed in the woods.

It was a perfect whetstone for his sword.

But more than that, eliminating this group would erase any chance they'd learn of and track down Buena Village.

So: no survivors, burn the traces. No trail, no retaliation.

With that, the chaos of childhood would be contained.

Allen looked at Roxy, now in visibly better spirits, and smiled.

"Anyway, we'll definitely adventure together someday—I promise. I'm just too young right now. And with the bounty on me, I'm not going to inherit the family estate or anything. Give me three or four more years to polish my swordsmanship with Paul-ossan, then I'll come find you. Sound good?"

Joining Roxy post-teleportation is actually a great plan. With the locator system, I can avoid that whole 'barely missing each other at the port' nonsense.

Roxy turned to glance at him and suddenly remembered—he was only nine. With his height and maturity, she'd often forgotten that.

"…You're really just nine? You don't act like it—especially with that silver tongue of yours."

Allen scowled.

"How am I silver-tongued?"

Roxy stared at him for a moment, then changed the subject.

"But… I don't have enough food."

Allen's eyes lit up. He pulled a jar of Bateel-su flower seed powder from his coat pocket and beamed.

"Look! I came prepared. You like sweet-and-spicy stuff, right? I'll hunt some monsters and cook for you—"

He trailed off as he noticed Roxy eyeing the powder with a strange look.

Oh no. I forgot—too much of that stuff causes fainting. I thought I wouldn't see her again for years! Wait—don't tell me she already passed out from it once?!?

Roxy squinted at him, gaze flicking between the jar and his face. Finally, she pouted.

"…I didn't even bring it up, and you have the nerve to show it off."

"…I can explain."

But before he could say more, Roxy opened her luggage and pulled out an empty jar, scratching her cheek, cheeks pink.

"Okay, yes… it might have some, uh, questionable uses. But it's really tasty! Good thing I know Doku Kaijo (Detoxification Magic). Anyway, I'll be using that after eating from now on, every time, just saying!"

Questionable?! I could just buy an aphrodisiac if I wanted that! And of course you'd use detox—you think I'd physically stop you?! Why are you making such a big deal about it?! Do I look like that kind of guy to you?!?

Allen's lips twitched. He had many thoughts, but no words. He grumbled.

"You're right… detox is a must."

"…Give me that. I'll keep it. When I want to eat, I'll ask for it. That way you won't go misusing it."

"…You just want to hoard it for yourself."

"I do not!"

Night. Buena Village.

Rudeus stared at the pair of plain white briefs enshrined in the god statue.

He was stunned.

(End of Chapter)

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