Subaru's POV:
It's been another few months since Roxy officially became my magic tutor. I am now able to cast intermediate level spells of all elements. I can tell Roxy was proud of me since she was constantly praising me.
I was also sneaking constantly at night so I could practice more magic or swordsmanship. So the lack of sleep was taking a toll on my body, but I was mostly fine.
She also started teaching theory lessons in the evenings, after my training with Paul. She grew comfortable talking with me, and no, not like a teacher-student type of relationship, more like friends? I guess. So I could tell a few jokes now and then or tease her a bit, gaining more affection points. Sheesh, I was barely 4 and was already thinking about that stuff, are Paul's genes to blame? I would also praise her whenever she would answer my question regarding magic stuff.
Overall, she was a great teacher. She would always answer any of my questions without stuttering. Despite her appearance, she sounds like someone with a big experience in magic, I guess the looks can be deceiving.
It was an evening now, when I would always ask her a question regarding magic. And today wasn't an exception.
"Roxy, who created the magic?" I innocently asked.
"Hmm…" Roxy closed the study book and stared at the wall before turning back to me. "In the distant past, even before the Great Human-Demon War, the world found itself among the chaos and bloodshed. During this time, in order to defend themselves against their foes, the High Elves reached out to the spirits of the forests, seeking their aid to control the forces of nature. This is how the first magic spells were born." Roxy finished the explanation.
"E-elves?!" I almost jumped from my chair, before coughing in my hand. "I mean, High Elves?"
Roxy's eyes widened in surprise noticed my reaction. "Hee~? Are you a fan of elves?"
"Of course! I always thought elves were beautiful people with cute pointed ears." But with silver hair combination is definitely a kill combo for me.
"I see. People like you are rarity." Roxy smiled at me. "If you are curious, elves currently live in the northern part of the Millis Kingdom."
Holy Millis Kingdom. Roxy has talked about this Kingdom a few times. If I may say my opinion about the Millis religion - it's pure disgusting. Rejecting a whole race and expelling it because of the stupid scripture. Religious lunatics. It made my blood boil. My old family wasn't religious and we treated everyone equally and I was keen on doing that.
"Roxy, are there any other races?" I asked.
"Of course there are. There are a lot of races, but the common ones are Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Beasts and Demons…" Roxy made a pause. "Speaking of demons, I am one myself." She was twirling her hair. "My blue hair belongs to the Migurd race, as I am Roxy Migurdia. Haven't you noticed the surprised expression on your parents when they saw me?"
"Wow, so you are actually a demon? That's cool!" So that would explain her young appearance. I guess she is probably a couple of hundred years old if we are relying on the logic of manga. "Huh? The surprised faces? Why is that?"
"It's because of my hair. People say that, for demonic races, the closer our hair is to green, the wilder we tend to be. Depending on the lighting, my hair can even be half green."
Oh. That explains a lot. My mom would sometimes try to scare me with a tale of the fearsome Superd's tribe. A specific breed of demon that was the main cause of green hair being called "evil". They also had a red gym on their forehead, some even call it a third eye.
"But I like your hair, Roxy." I wasn't lying, the blue color of her hair really suited her well.
"Oh? Thank you Rudy, but you should save these words for a girl you like" she rejected me.
"Ah! An instant rejection? My heart is broken into a million pieces now! Only RMT can fix my heart! " I dramatically clinched my chest and fell on my knees.
Roxy giggled at my antics and patted my head. "You are weird kid."
"No need to tell me, everyone's been telling me that since I was born." I replied.
Roxy signed before closing the study book. "Maybe if only you were 13 years older and showered me in this such attention, maybe then…" she mumered before she lightly blushed in embarrassment.
Hm? What was that, Roxy? Did I hear that right?
"Uhm… I mean, I guess we can stop for today, Rudy. I hope today's lesson was productive."
"Yeah, it definitely was!" I nodded.
"Goodnight, Rudy." Roxy said as she left the room and closed the door.
As soon as she left my room, I plumbed into my bed, while remembering that my mom told me about the Superd's tribe.
"Superds… The fearsome warriors… The hated and feared race, who killed anyone without distinguishing ally from enemy in the war four hundred years ago… I wonder if this tale is a real one…"
Another year has successfully passed and now Paul decided to start to train me like a man. Like a swordsman. This means that sparring and a full exercise schedule are now applied to me. Surely, it took a good toll on my body, but I wasn't complaining.
First things first, he explained to me about the styles of swordsmanship.
The Three Great Styles.
The Sword God Style prioritized speed, aggression, and the initiative in battle, seeking to end a fight with a single devastating blow. If unable to accomplish this, the practitioner would continue attacking with feints until the opponent was defeated. The key strategy was to maintain a strong offense, striking first and often to gain momentum and control the flow of combat. Aka the best defense is a good offense thing.
The Water God Style was its polar opposite: a defensive form, centered around mitigating attacks and countering. It prioritized defense over aggression, limiting opportunities to attack but offering opportunities for a skilled swordsman to counterattack at any moment, even against ranged or magical attacks. This style was favored by royalty and nobles, who valued its focus on defense.
The Northern God Style was more about strategy than technique, focusing on quick, adaptive moves to suit a given situation. It involved creative moves, relying on quick thinking. This style allowed the user to continue fighting even with wounds or an imperfect fighting stance, making it a popular choice among mercenaries and adventurers who valued survivability.
Paul is an experienced swordsman. He has mastered advanced level in all three styles of swordsmanship. He was also an infamous adventurer. At least when it came to swords, he was a real expert.
In my old life I learned kendo, a Japanese martial art. But the knowledge was useless, the principles of swordsmanship are different in this world.
Right now I was laying on the grass after another sparring session with Paul. I was breathing heavy gasping for more air and my arms hurt as hell. It didn't help that he would constantly tease me during the sparring.
Paul rested a sword on his shoulder. "You know, Rudy. From what I have seen, I think swordsmanship doesn't really suit you—"
I almost jumped at his declaration. I slowly stood up despite the pain in my limbs. "No! It's just… I need more practice!" No, I couldn't let him grow disappointed in me. I have to be strong just like him. I am not repeating the same mistake again. "Come on, I am ready now!"
"Oh?" Paul smirked. "Full of energy, eh? I was just like you when I was young." Paul readied his wooden sword. "Round 2, come at me!"
I feel tired…
I kept on training with Paul, he would comment about my resolve and determination about becoming a swordsman.
"You will definitely grow as amazing as your father, Rudy."
But I knew it wasn't enough. I need to practice more, I need to be as strong as him. I cannot fail my father.
I feel nauseous…
"Rudy, is something the matter?" Roxy asked me. It was another theory lesson in the evening with my teacher, Roxy. It was quite an unusual question for her to ask me, did I miss her question?
"Huh? What? Everything is absolutely fine! See?" I smiled as wide as I could. "I have a question regarding mixing spells together…"
I feel sick…
Paul just knocked me out in another sparring session. I couldn't keep up with him. I was yet again laying on the grass with pain all over my body.
"Alright, Rudy, I think that's eno—" Paul tried to say, but I quickly interrupted him.
"NO!" I slowly stood up despite the sluggish feeling. "I can still… fight… let's continue."
Paul looked at me with a disappointed expression. "Uhm, Alright, just make sure to rest from time to time." He got into a fighting position and so did I.
I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick…
"Wait Lilia! Let me help you!" I saw Lilia carrying buckets of water.
"Young master, I believe you shouldn't—" I ignored her and took her buckets of water.
"It's fine! They weigh nothing!" I said as I carried them to the kitchen.
"Young master, are you feeling well? If you have any concerns you can consult with me." Lilia asked me.
"Hm? I am feeling just fine!" I waved it off. What a ridiculous question, I am feeling just great!
"Oh? I guess it's time to practice swordsmanship, bye Lilia!" I said as I ran outside, I could see Lilia's disappointed gaze fall on me.
I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick… I feel sick…
Right now I was helping with chores in the house, I could see the disappointed expression on Zenith's face. I wasn't trying hard enough, they were growing tired of me. I need to be a better child for them.
I feel sick.
"Rudy, are you alright?" Roxy called me as I left my study room. There was a knowing look on her. She was disappointed as well. I was supposed to try harder.
"Roxy cares about my well-being? That's a RMT for you! Always cares about your student's health, well, I have to keep going, these swords aren't going to practice themselves—"
"Rudy! Stop!" She grabbed my arm before I was able to leave.
Suddenly, I felt dizzy and lightheaded. I felt my surroundings spinning around me and my vision darkened. Wait. I know this feeling… I am… losing consciousness…
Roxy POV:
Rudeus Greyrat. If you asked me what the first thought that comes to my mind when I hear that name is probably incredibly talented. He was a 4 year old child who was able to cast magic spells. But that's all. He was able to shorten his incantations. I heard some skilled magicians were able to shorten their incantations, but to do it at such a young age was a real achievement.
But it wasn't the only thing that made him talented. He was very smart for a kid of his age. Always willing to participate in the evening theory lessons. He was like a sponge, quickly consuming any information. I am pretty sure with such rate he would become a King ranked magician in the Water School by becoming a 10 years old.
He was also a little charmer. He keeps on teasing me and praising me. Whenever we have a theory class, he would always try to compliment me in any other way. And his smile… it wasn't the one which gave me these perverted people because of my child-like body. No, it was a smile which melted my heart. Why does he have to be so young? What a cruel fate.
But recently, something was off with him. He was being overly enthusiastic about everything. Always exhausting himself. And I wasn't the only one who noticed this. Paul, Zenith and Lilia were concerned as well. They tried to ask him, but he brushed them off, saying he's fine. One time, I caught him sneaking in the night to practice magic and swordsmanship.
He wasn't getting enough of the rest and with such harsh training he might break soon.
One day, during a theory lesson, I decided to directly ask him what was wrong.
But the worst happened. He fainted from exhaustion. He fell on me and I managed to catch him.
Honestly, I was scared. Scared for him. I saw what types of training Paul used and how Rudy was constantly sparring with his father and exhausting himself to death. This might not end up good for a child's body.
I laid him down on my lap and casted healing magic until he woke up.
Now I will hopefully get my answers.
Subaru POV:
What happened? Did I fall asleep? I slowly opened my eyes and a familiar ceiling was on my view.
"I recognize this ceiling…"
"Rudy…" I heard a familiar voice, the voice of my magic tutor, Roxy—
Wait… I wasn't in my bed. And I was in a comfortable position and Roxy's face was above me and I am not even talking about the heavenly sensation under my head. This means…
"A lap pillow?!"
"What?"
"Nothing." I better enjoy my time here for as long as possible.
"Rudy, what is happening with you?"
"Huh? What do you mean? I am completely fine!" I asked, averting my gaze.
"I can see something bothers you, I want to help you."
"I said, I am fine, I don't need anyone's help." I replied, not daring to look into her eyes. I don't want to see her disappointed face.
"Fine? What about the bags under your eyes? When was the last time you slept?" Roxy accusingly said.
"..."
"I am not even talking about your restless nights practicing magic and swordsmanship."
"..."
"Or how do you keep training yourself to death?"
"...I said I am fine. Just a little tired, that's all. "
"Rudy, can you look at me?" Roxy asked me.
"H-huh? Why?"
"Please, just do it."
I slowly turned my face towards her. I expected to see a face full of disappointment like it should be. But instead I was met with concern and sadness. Huh? But why…
"Why are you not disappointed in me?"
Roxy blinked in surprise. "What are you saying?"
"Wasn't it obvious? I was a complete failure and everyone was disappointed in me. I was wondering how all of you managed to tolerate me." I averted my eyes again.
"I was a failure as a swordsman and yet I kept going, thinking maybe I'll be able to master it, to make my father proud, to be the son of the knight." Tears started forming in the corners of my eyes.
Even after everything that happened to me in this life, I was still the old Natsuki Subaru. The same idiot with the same insecurities.
"Rudy… No one was disappointed in you, everything was concerned with your recent behavior." Roxy said as she started caressing my hair.
"W-what do you mean?"
"Everyone tried to help you, but you kept rejecting them." She made a pause. "Rudy, you need to stop trying to imitate your father."
My eyes widened. "What are you saying?"
"You need to be yourself, not the shadow of the someone you know and respect. People cherish you for whoever you are. You are Rudeus Greyrat, my most talented pupil."
I wanted to argue with her, but a lump formed in my throat. Maybe she was right. I shouldn't live my entire life just trying to be like my new father. I shouldn't repeat the mistakes of my past life. I should carve out my own path, my own destiny, my own fate and make my own mistakes.
I have my own talents and regrets. I have my own value, value as a person. I have my own desires and ambitions. And I have my own dream, and I will do anything to achieve it.
Surely, it won't be easy. The path of your dream is never supposed to be easy, with the hardships coming in my way. But I know, I'll be able to make it through.
I am supposed to be myself. Natsuki Sub— no, Rudeus Greyrat, a promising magician.
"I understand… Thank you." Roxy helped me realize a lot of things. Thanks to her I am now able to cast more magic spells. Thanks to her for showing me who I really am, for not turning me away thinking that it was one of the child tantrums. For being here for me. My respect for her skyrocketed and I would always remember her and cherish for the rest of my life.
"Roxy…"
"Yeah, Rudy?"
"Can we stay like that a little longer please?"
Roxy smiled. "Sure, Rudy."
So, another year has passed since my little breakdown with Roxy. Of course I properly apologized for my behavior. Zenith tightly hugged me while saying if I was troubled to always come to her while Paul just patted my head and Lilia smiled in relief and nodded.
I am 5 years old now. This means I am physically stronger now. I always wondered why we didn't celebrate my birthdays, but now I get it. In this world, a birthday concert is different from my old world. Instead of celebrating it every year, we do it every 5 years. So it's 5 years, 10 years and 15 years. 15 years old is already considered an adult here. But no, I am not drinking until I turn 21!
Since I am 5 now, my family has decided to throw a big party to celebrate it. The preparation started like days before I turned 5 years old. There doesn't seem to be any fridges in this world, so I wonder where they keep the food?
Anyway, back to my 5th birthday. I received some gifts from my parents, Lilia and even Roxy.
From Paul I received a pair of swords. I was surprised that they were real swords, not the wooden ones. I guess one of them was for an adult me, because it was too big for me to carry.
Other one was a short dagger, so I could practice with it. Well, he was a knight after all, it was expected of him to give me swords or something related to swordsmanship. You may think that I was disappointed or didn't like the gifts. Quite the opposite in fact. I always care for all sorts of gifts.
"Listen here, Rudy…" Oop, I guess it's time for Paul's speech. "A man has always to carry his sword inside his heart, you have to be prepared to defend those who are dear to you, you'll have a wife and kids of your own someday, it will be your duty to protect them." My eyes widened
"A sword is a symbol of great strength, responsibility, and honor. By picking it up, you are wielding the power to protect, defend, and, if necessary, take a life to fulfill those duties. Remember, this is a heavy responsibility, never forget it—"
"Alright, that's enough darling." Zenith pinched his arm.
To say that I was shocked was quite an underestimation. Wow. I did not expect such a heartfelt speech from my father. Nice one, Paul. I'll give you that.
"I will surely do, father!" I replied
Zenith gifted me another book. Another book to my collection. I expected it to be another magic guidebook but no, it was a botanical encyclopedia. Not too bad. It will surely come in use as well. And by the looks of it I can tell it was an expensive gift. All books in this world are expensive. Well, that's understandable. All of the books were handwritten, printers do not exist in this world.
I flipped through pages, the book had everything that I needed. The detailed illustrations and the explanations are easy to understand.
"Thanks mom! That's exactly what I needed!" I wasn't lying, I was running out of material to read. Besides, it could be useful if I got lost in the wild nature.
"Ahhh! You are so cute, Rudy!" Zenith said before pulling me into a right hug. I wrapped my arms around her as well.
Next one was Roxy, and she gifted me a magical wand. It was quite small and had a small red stone set in the tip, protected by a metal base. I was now a step closer becoming a full magician.
"Here Rudy, I made it yesterday." Oh? Was it handmade? And from Roxy itself? "Usually a master must create a magic rod to give it to their student after they learned how to use elementary magic spells, but I completely forgot about it. I apologize."
"No need to apologize, Roxy! I'll treasure it with my full heart!" I replied.
And the last one was from Lilia's, it was an orange scarf to wrap it around my neck.
"Young master, I am sorry that my gift would seem so insignificant compared to other gifts you have received." Lilia apologized
"What are you saying? I am happy for all the gifts I have received today, especially if it was made with care and love." I replied, while wrapping a scarf around my neck. Lilia smiled at my response.
Heh, but it wasn't the only reason why I was happy to receive this scarf. I have already planned the gear which I would see and wear in the future and this scarf would fit it very well.
Oh wait, I almost forgot.
"Wait, I have something to give you all, wait here." I quickly ran up the stairs to my room while leaving people behind me confused.
I walked into my room, heading over to the spot where I had hidden my collection of dolls. I had been busy sewing a doll version of Roxy in my free time and evenings, and now I was holding the finished product in my hands along with a version of Paul, Zenith, and Lilia. With the dolls safely in my arms, I made my way back to the dinner table, proudly bearing my handiwork for everyone to see.
Upon returning and seeing what was in my hands, everyone's eyes widened.
"So, I was quite busy during my free time… and I decided to learn how to sew." I scratched my cheek. "I decided to sew doll versions of all of you, it took me some time but I hope you will like it." I declared with pride.
First one to react was Zenith. "Rudy… that's… beautiful." She said as she picked up the doll version of herself and myself.
"Oh? A doll? Not bad, kid. But what's up with my hair style? My hair is longer." Paul complained, however, I could spot a hint of surprise and… excitement? In his eyes as she looked over his doll.
Lilia just silently admired the doll, spinning it in every direction. "The seams are perfect… What an amazing handiwork… You have a talent, young master. "
Roxy, however, seemed to be in a deep thought as she was staring at the doll, soon enough she picked it up admiring it. "Rudy, that's incredible… Thank you, I will cherish it."
I got flustered at her praise. "Ah, it's fine. I am glad that everyone liked it." I clapped my hands. "Now please, let's enjoy our meal!"
After everyone had received their gifts, including me, we all feasted on the dinner table. The food was perfect and Paul showed us his trick with his sword going into the throat. I was quite shocked. I mean, I saw on a TV show someone doing the same trick, but seeing it in real life is a completely different thing.
After everyone finished with their meal, everyone was sent off back to their rooms. I took a peek at my remaining doll, the doll of Natsuki Subaru.
Damn, I guess I'll have to sew new dolls for my collection…