Arthur: 'An unfamiliar ceiling'.
When I woke up I saw myself in a carriage of some sort. Looking for someone I saw Rudeus tied in thick ropes.
Sensing someone other than the two of us in the carriage I take a look on the other person, its a woman. The woman also looked at me to the eyes.
Arthur: 'She had dark brown skin, a muscular body covered in scars, and skimpy leather clothes that didn't leave much to the imagination. The strong features of her face, combined with the eyepatch she was wearing, gave her a definite tough-guy vibe... But that's not the important part...'
Yep definitely not.
Arthur: 'Those big furry ears and tigerlike tail!! Its Neko-onechan Swordswoman type!! I…I sorta dig girls with muscles, yes… Fantasy World Banzai!!'
My face goes a full 'UwU'. Filled with happiness and joy. As someone living on a fantasy world meeting a beast race folk definitely in the bucket list.
Arthur: 'I'm definitely fangirling right now. Kyaa~'
???: 'It looks like Paul's son is fond of women'
Ahem... I seem to notice she's giving me wierd looks, better introduce myself first.
Like an Asuran noble I put my right hand to my chest as I bow slightly with a smile.
Arthur: "Good Afternoon Maam. My name is Arthur Greyrat. Pardon my rudeness earlier, as this is my first time seeing a beast race in person."
I said in a smile that can make woman go kyun~ in their heart. Paul's teaching on handling women really helps as the woman seems satisfied.
???: "For Paul's son, you're oddly polite."
Hm? Is that so?
Arthur: "Ahh. My mother taught me to be polite to people as they might help you someday."
???: "Ah, right. Guess you've got some Zenith in you, too."
Ahahaha It seems this woman knows my parents. This person can only match the person in a discription I've red and heard from mother many times.
Arthur: "Ah. You seem to know my parents. May I know who you are Maam?"
This woman startled a little as she forgot to introduce herself.
Ghislaine: "The name's Ghislaine. We'll be getting very well acquainted starting tomorrow, kid."
Okay confirmed... This woman is a Sword-King I heard from mother.
Sword King!! Sword King!! Sword King!!
Important words should be repeated three times.
Arthur: "Nice too meet you too Miss Ghislaine(Ghislaine-san). Please take good care of me from now on."
Ghislaine: "Yeah. Same here... And just Ghislaine, kid. No miss required."
As she spoke, Ghislaine reached into her jacket to retrieve a letter and handed it over to me. The front of it was completely blank.
Ghislaine: "That's for you, from Paul. Read it out loud, will you? I'm not so good with writing."
Arthur: "Then if you'll excuse me."
I removed the seal and read the letter.
(AN: Letter contents are copy pasted)
Arthur: "{To my dear son Rudeus}... Oh it seems this is for him."
I pointed to Rudeus still tied in ropes.
Ghislaine: "Do you know why both of you are here?"
Arthur: "More or Less..."
I mean we're going to the Boreas house right? Rudy will tutor Eris and for me... Wait... What am I gonna do there anyway?
Ghislaine: "Just continue."
Arthur: "Okay then... {So, anyway. I knocked you down into the dirt, tied you up, and tossed you into a carriage like a bandit kidnapping a princess. I expect you're wondering what the hell is going on, hey? Ideally, that ball of muscle in there with you would just explain everything…but sadly, her brain mutated into an extra bicep some time ago, so I don't think that's going to work.}"
Ghislaine: "What was that?!"
Ghislaine shouted, jumping to her feet.
Arthur: "Please sit down, Ghislaine. The next part's nothing but compliments."
I said as to calm her down.
Ghislaine: "Hm, Right."
Right back down she went. Okay then, moving on.
Arthur: "{That woman's a Sword King. When it comes to the blade, you won't find a better teacher this side of the Sword Sanctum. Trust your old man on this one: She's really damn good. I never once got the upper hand on her…except in bed.}"
Arthur: 'Dad. Please. Could you not have just left that last part out?'
Ghislaine didn't exactly look displeased, though. The old man was certainly popular with the ladies. I'm glad I asked her to teach me some tips.
Arthur: "{Now then, let's move on to your job. You're going to be tutoring a young lady in Roa, the biggest city in the Fittoa Region. Teach her reading, writing, math, and some basic magic, all right? The girl's a spoiled, violent brat who was asked to leave her school, and she's already chased off a number of other tutors. But I've got faith in you, kiddo! I'm sure you'll manage somehow.} Uwah... I feel sorry for him now."
I hope you'll overcome this hell, Rudy.
Arthur: "{That lump of muscle with you works for the young lady's family as a bodyguard and swordsmanship instructor. In exchange for training you in the sword, she wants you to teach her reading, writing, and arithmetic as well. I know, it's a ridiculous request coming from a woman with a bicep-brain, but try not to laugh out loud. She's probably serious.}
Ghislaine: "That son of a…"
Was I seeing things, or was that a vein throbbing on Ghislaine's forehead? The main purpose of this letter was to explain the situation to Rudeus, but Paul's secondary goal was clearly to piss her off. They seem to be close ufufufu~.
Arthur: "{She won't be a quick learner, I'm sure, but it's not such a bad deal. You won't have to pay for your lessons, at least. As for Arthur Its free too as your employer will sponsor him.} Sponsor me? Really?"
Damn bro!! I'm filthy rich and still getting lessons for free!!
Arthur: "How much would it usually cost to learn the sword from you, Ghislaine?"
Ghislaine: "Two gold Asuran coins per month."
Say what?!
I was pretty sure that Roxy had earned five silver coins a month back when she was tutoring me. This lady charged about four times more.
This was really a pretty solid deal, then. A normal person in Asura could get by on about two silver coins a month.
Arthur: "{For the next five years, you'll be staying at the young lady's house to teach her. Five whole years, you got that? You don't get to come back home until then. And no writing letters, either. Sylphie's never going to learn how to stand on her own two feet if both of you brothers keep hanging around the village. And you were growing increasingly reliant on her, as well. That's why I made the call to separate the three of you.}"
Then what am I gonna do? Surely the Boreas won't just sponsor my training for no reason right?
Arthur: "{As for your compensation, you'll be paid two silver Asuran coins a month. That's below the going rate for a live-in tutor, but it's more than enough for a child's allowance.
When you have a little spare time, try to head out into the city and get a feel for spending money. A little practice is the best way to make sure you can use your cash effectively when you really need to. Then again, maybe that won't even be an issue for a kid as gifted as you.
Additionally, once you complete five years of consistent service and finish providing the young lady with a solid education in all respects, your contract entitles you to a special reward: a payment covering the cost of tuition for two people to the University of Magic.
Of course, there's no guarantee Sylphie will want to tag along with you five years from now, and you might lose interest in her yourself. But in any case, I'll make sure to explain the situation perfectly to her.
I hope the years you spend in this new environment will teach you many things, allowing you to develop your talents even further.
Sincerely, your noble, wise, and brilliant father, Paul.}"
Is there a letter for me here.
Arthur: "Ghislaine. What am I gonna do there? Is there a letter for me?"
Ghislaine look at me confused.
Ghislaine: "Did your father not tell you?"
Arthur: "W-well sadly no."
Yeah seriously... I heard nothing about this.
Ghislaine: "You'll know soon."
Arthur: 'Hmmm... Suspicious.'
After a while Rudeus woke up. I introduced them to each other then I freed him from his predicament. I let him read the letter and he was shocked about not seeing Sylphy again.
Ghislaine: "What's the matter, Rudeus? Did you break up with your girlfriend?"
Ghislaine said clearly amused at the look of despair on his face.
Rudeus: "No. My childish bully of a father broke us up by force."
Ghislaine: "Hang in there, Rudeus. It'll be okay."
Rudeus is silent and started contemplating the contents of the letter.
Arthur: 'That's an adult for you. Fast recovery for depression on Long Distance Relationship.'
Ghislaine: "Paul really loves you, doesn't he?"
Ghislaine said to Rudeus. Rudeus couldn't help smiling a little.
Rudeus: "He used to be kind of distant, but he started really getting into the whole fatherhood thing. Anyway, seems like he's pretty fond of you as well, Ghislaine…"
Ghislaine: "Hm? Why d'you say that?"
I panicked a little as he was about to say it.
Arthur: "W-wait Rudy... thats the part of the letter where you should not read it out loud...."
When I read that earlier I forcefully stopped myself on reading it out loud and decided to stop reading it.
Rudeus: "{P.S. Endure yourself for 5 years you'll have Sylphy for sure... As for the young lady that's for your brother. And that ball of muscle's already mine, so hands off.}"
Ghislaine: "Hmm, send that letter on to Zenith for me, will you?"
Rudeus: "Sounds like a plan."
*Gulp*
Arthur: 'I'll meet you in the afterlife father. For you have fallen on the conquest to be the Harem King/King of the Pirates..."
And the journey continues
-*-*-*-
It was night time when we arrived at the city. Its like what you will expect in a medieval fantasy world. Sorrounded by walls, merchant stalls everywhere, a weapon smithy and an armor smithy, and farther within, lines of shops for the townspeople. Residential homes were nestled deep in the alleyways.
Arthur: "So its the city of Roa."
I'm really excited as this place is new to me. I've been stuck in a rural place for 7 years and finally reached a city, and more its in a new world!
My eyes are feasting at the nightview in the city as shops are starting to close down and people starting to go home.
The carriage came to a stop.
When we entered the manor, a butler led us to what looked to be a reception room. We were pointed to two sofas lined up together.
Butler: "Please take a seat there."
While we took a seat upon the sofa, Ghislaine silently drew away and stood watch in the corner of the room.
Arthur: 'I bet she picked that spot so she could survey the entire room. But its not a problem for me. I can even see the entire City if I wanted to, heck even several kilometers outside.'
As I was thinking that the butler said to us.
Butler: "The Young Master should be returning shortly. Please wait here until he does."
The butler poured what I guessed to be tea into an expensive-looking cup. Then he retreated and stood by the entrance to the room. We took a sip of the steaming drink.
Arthur: "Its quite good. Don't you think so too Rudy?"
Rudeus: "Yeah. Its as good as Lilia-okasan."
???: "Where is he?!!"
A voice boomed from outside the room, accompanied by angry, thunderous footsteps.
Arthur: 'Oh here he goes.'
???: "In here?!!"
The doors burst open violently, and a buff, muscular man entered the room. He had to be about fifty. Despite the peppering of white in his dark brown hair, he looked in the prime of his life.
But I noticed that his eyes are colored crimson red.
Arthur: 'If their eyes have tomoe maybe I'm gonna mistook him as an Uchiha with a sharingan.'
I stood myself in a proper etiquette as I introduced myself and Rudeus.
Arthur: "Nice to meet you Lord Sauros Boreas Greyrat(-sama). My name is Arthur Greyrat and this is my little twin brother Rudeus Greyrat."
Rudeus startled a little and followed my lead in our pose.
Sauros: "...Hmph! It seems Paul taught you proper manners."
He seemed silent for a second before replying. My charisma from Paul's genes sure is useful.
Arthur: "Ahh... No my father didn't teach us. My stepmother Lilia taught me some noble etiquette for a short time so I only knew the basics. I apolgize if our manners may not be up to your standards."
Rudeus: "Yes. I only knew on exchanging greetings as my brother just taught me. I apologize in advance."
Sauros: "I will acknowledge that you made a valiant effort instead of being defensive about your lack of education on etiquette! I will permit you two to stay here!!"
With that, the master of the house turned and strode out of the room, his shoulders stiff and firm.
???: "What's going on, Thomas? You left the door wide open."
Someone appeared in the doorway: a thin, lightweight man with sleek brown hair. But more importantly Red eyes...
Arthur: 'Are the Boreas really not a family of Uchihas?'
???: "It seems like Father is in a cheery mood. Did something happen?"
Thomas is the name of the butler as he responded to the man.
Thomas: "This is the Young Master. Pardon me. Just a moment ago, the Master met with Lord Arthur(-sama) and Lord Rudeus(-sama). It seems he was pleased by him."
???: "Ah-ha. If he's the kind of person my father likes…perhaps I've chosen incorrectly?"
Arthur: "A pleasure to meet you Lord Phillip Boreas Greyrat. My name is Arthur Greyrat(-sama). And this is my brother..."
I faded my voice as I passed the baton to speak.
Rudeus: "My name is Rudeus Greyrat. A pleasure to meet you Lord Phillip Boreas Greyrat(-sama)."
Both of us repeated the greeting etiquettes for nobles.
The man also respond to our greetings as he put his palms to his chest.
Phillip: "It seems that you two knew basic greetings for nobles good job. You two also knew our names which are surprising. It seems you studied well."
Arthur/Rudeus: "Yes. Thank you for the compliment."
He flounced back and sat at the sofa oppisite to us.
And now the interview begins
Phillip: "Let's start by our tutor, Rudeus."
Rudeus: "Yes."
Rudeus answered like an employee looking for a job in a company.
Phillip: "How much have you heard?"
Rudeus: "I was told that if I spent five years here teaching the oujosama(Young Mistress), I would be given enough money to cover the tuition costs for attending the University of Magic."
Phillip: "Is that all?"
Rudeus: "Yes."
Phillip: "I see..."
He put his hand on his chin and gazed at the table as if lost in thought.
Phillip: "Do you like girls?"
Rudeus: "Not as much as my father."
Phillip: "Oh really? Then you pass."
Arthur: 'Must be the fastest interview in both worlds.'
Phillip: "Right now, the only people that girl likes is Edna, her etiquette tutor, and Ghislaine, her sword trainer. I have already dismissed more than five people. Among those was a man who taught in the imperial city."
Rudeus: "And how is that relevant to whether I like girls or not?"
Phillip: "It's not. It's just that Paul was the type of man who would work as hard as he could if it was for a cute girl. So I figured you were probably the same."
Yep he's definitely like that.
Phillip: "I'll be honest, I don't expect much from you. I just figured that since you're Paul's son, I may as well give you a try."
Rudeus: "You're right, that was very honest."
Phillip: "What, you mean you're confident you can do it?"
Rudeus: "I won't know untill I actually met her."
Silence...
Rudeus: "Look, I'll go meet her and if it looks like she's going to give me trouble…I can try using one of my tricks."
Phillip: "A trick? What do you mean?"
Rudeus explained
Rudeus: "We'll have someone associated with your house kidnap us while I'm with the Young Mistress. Then I'll use my reading, writing, and arithmetic skills, as well as my magic, so the two of us can escape and return safely back here. That's the gist of it."
Phillip: "In other words, you're trying to get her to study of her own free will. Interesting. But are you sure this will work?"
Rudeus: "I think it has a better chance of working than adults forcing her into it."
Arthur: "Hmmm... You sure have been playing quite a lot of 'Galge' Rudy."
Phillip: 'Galge?'
(AN: That word is in Japanese as Arthur spoke. There is no Human Tounge named Galge. The language of humans in these world is called Human Tounge that's why Phillip is confused.)
Phillip: "Is this something Paul taught you? As one of the ways to get a girl to fall for you?"
Rudeus: "No. My father doesn't have to go that far to be popular with women."
Phillip: "Popular, huh… Pfft. That's right. He's always been popular. He doesn't have to do anything and the girls come right to him anyway."
Philip burst into laughter.
Phillip: "Every person he's introduced me to has been one of his mistresses. Even Ghislaine."
Rudeus: "Yes, I'm incredibly envious of him."
After a while of small talk its finally my turn.
Phillip: "Arthur. I heard your a Miko, am I right?"
Arthur: "Yes."
Finally I will know what they want from me. Seriously you wouldn't sponsor someone for free right?
Phillip: "How much have you heard?"
Arthur: "I only knew that the Boreas are paying for my lesson fees. As for the rest I don't know."
Phillip: "I see... Then let me inform you Athur Greyrat."
*gulp*
Phillip: "You are a candidate to be my daughter's husband."
Arthur: "Yeeeeesss??"
To be Continued...
-*-*-*
Next chapter-> Meeting Eris and Kidnapping.