The next day, I waited for Sylphy in our usual meeting place. Once she arrived, we practice magic for a while and then played once I saw she started getting bored.
When it started to get dark and Sylphy was about to head home, I stopped her.
"Sylphy, before you go, there's something I need to talk about."
She stopped and looked inquisitively at me.
"In a week or two, my father is having me meet some family in the city of Roa. I just wanted to let you know I would be leaving for a while so you don't worry."
"When will you be back?", she asked.
"I'm not sure, but while I'm gone, make sure you keep practicing magic. I'll be looking forward to seeing how much you've improved when I get back!"
"I will. If you take too long maybe I'll get even better than you!", she exclaimed.
"Maybe if you try hard enough haha. Anyway, have a good night, I just wanted to let you know"
"Thanks, and see you tomorrow, Rudeus!"
On the way home I felt a little bad for misleading her. I knew I would be gone for years, but if I told Sylphiette, she would throw a fit and refuse to let me leave.
After about two weeks I saw a carriage approaching off in the distance while Paul was training me in swordplay.
All of a sudden he asks: "Hey Rudeus, If I told you to stay away from Sylphy from now on, how would you feel?"
"Why do you say that all of a sudden?", I asked in return.
"You know what, nevermind. If I tried to explain, you would just argue your way out of it."
I knew where this was going. I intentionally didn't tell him I'd be upset, with the intention of talking this out. I didn't want to fight him.
Unfortunately, Paul crouched down into a readied stance and lunged towards me.
I had expected him to do this however, and already had my hand outstretched towards him.
'Electric' I thought the spell's name as I fired a crackling bolt of electricity straight at Paul.
Paul's eyes went wide at this. He had absolutely no way to dodge a miniature lightning bolt when he was already mid lunge.
The moment he was struck, his momentum carried him forwards as he fell face first onto the ground, paralyzed from the electric shock.
I knelt down and turned him over onto his back.
Looking down at him, I said: "Are you ok? I'm sorry, you scared me when you lunged at me so fiercely, what was that all about?"
After a minute or two, Paul was able to sit up and talk with me.
"What in the world was that spell?", he asked.
"It was the King tier water spell, Lightning", I answered. "I weakened it greatly though, I wouldn't want to actually hurt you."
"KING TIER!?", Paul exclaimed. "Since when were you a King tier water mage??"
"Well, it's been two years since Roxy taught me Saint tier magic. Why wouldn't I have improved? I told you I've been practicing daily with Sylphy, didn't I?"
Paul just stared at me, completely dumbfounded. It was like he couldn't comprehend that this actually just happened.
Meanwhile, the carriage had stopped by the entryway to our house and Ghislaine stepped out.
"Isn't that just like you to get beaten by your own kid", Ghislaine laughed. Paul scowled at her in response.
I looked over at Ghislaine, pretending to be surprised.
"Who are you? Are you a friend of Father?", I asked.
"Eh, something like that", Ghislaine didn't seem bothered to answer.
Paul stood up and said, "Starting tomorrow, you'll be working with her."
"Is this what you meant that I couldn't see Sylphy? Why didn't you just tell me you got me a job?"
"I didn't think you would leave willingly", he answered.
"I'm mature enough to understand. You should have just talked to me about it instead of just attacking me out of nowhere."
Paul rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "I suppose you're right. Sorry about that."
Then Paul invited Ghislaine inside so we could all talk together about the potential job he found me. He explained that if I worked as a tutor to the Lord's daughter for five years, they would pay for tuition of both myself and Sylphy.
"I understand", I answered. "I'll accept on the condition that you let me say goodbye to everyone before I leave."
Paul agreed to my terms, and so I had a tearful farewell with Zenith. Lilia gave me a big hug and told me to stay safe. I doted on Norn and Aisha for a while before heading up to my room to pack; incidentally, the only thing I packed was my holy relic.
We stopped by Sylphiette's house on the way to Roa so I could say goodbye to her as well.
Since we had time to discuss my tutoring job in person, Paul didn't end up writing me a letter. Instead, Ghislaine and I chatted a bit on the ride.
"I heard you were a Water Saint magician, but I was still shocked to see you defeat Paul like that."
"Ah. Yes. Well, I was using magic after all. I wouldn't stand a chance against him in swordplay."
Ghislaine raised an eyebrow. "Well, naturally. You're a mage, not a swordsman."
We continued to chat for a little while before I got tired and decided to rest my eyes. It was a long way to Roa, after all.
Once we arrived in Roa, I was brought to the Lord's manor and granted an audience with him.
"It's an honor to meet you sir. I'm Rudeus Greyrat", I bowed to him.
"A noble greets another by drawing back his left foot, making a circle with his right hand, and bowing slightly", Philip responded while demonstrating.
"Like this?", I attempted to copy him.
"Yes, very good!" he answered. "I'm Philip Boreas Greyrat, the mayor of this city. Has Paul told you what your job here will be?"
"Yes", I answered.
"Good. Well, I suppose I should introduce you to my daughter. Then we'll talk."
Philip then got up and guided me to Eris' room.
On the way to Eris' room we continued to chat.
"I hear you're quite impressive for your age."
"My master deserves all the credit", I answered.
"You have a way with words. I hope you don't seduce my darling little girl. I already told Paul, but just so you're aware, my daughter is just a little willful."
I couldn't help but crack a small smile, knowing full well what Eris is like.
"I don't expect much from you, but I'll give you a try because Paul asked."
'Wow, that is brutally honest', I thought.
We arrived at Eris' room. Philip knocked at the door and then called out to Eris.
"Eris, I've brought a new instructor for you", he said as he opened the door.
I looked in through the door and smiled after seeing the nostalgic, fire crimson hair. Eris turned around and glared intensely at me.
I performed the noble's greeting Philip had showed me. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Rudeus Greyrat."