As expected, Roah was thoroughly beaten. Rubbing his sore arm, he grimaced and said, "You're going too far."
"What's too far? Boys need to be hardened through trials," Paul replied.
"You call this 'hardening'? I'm six years old!"
Even Lilia couldn't stand by anymore. With a stern expression, she said, "Master, the children are still growing. You should be more considerate."
Knowing he was in the wrong, Paul laughed it off awkwardly and changed the subject.
Roxy watched the harmonious scene with a warm smile. It reminded her of her childhood, back when her parents were still around. She hadn't returned to her village in a long time and couldn't help but wonder how they were doing.
Lost in thought, she was startled when Roah's cold face appeared close to hers. From a distance, his voice called out, "Roxy-sensei, what's wrong? You look a little lonely."
"It's nothing," Roxy said, shaking her head. "I just feel that your family has such a strong bond."
"Is that so?" Roah murmured, looking thoughtful.
---
Back at the house, Roah resumed monitoring his simulation in Sword Art Online.
In the other world, Kirigaya Naoki was calmly teaching little Kirito how to play video games. Kirito's quick learning and natural talent impressed Naoki.
"You're doing great, Kirito!" Naoki praised sincerely, patting the young boy's head.
Blushing at the compliment, Kirito scratched his head in embarrassment and puffed out his chest with pride.
From afar, Suguha, the younger sister, scoffed. "You two are always playing games. And, big brother, how could you let him play such a violent game? I'm telling Mom!"
Naoki's expression twitched, and Kirito quickly ran over to Suguha, pleading with her not to tell. After much coaxing, she reluctantly agreed on the condition that they include her in their gaming sessions from now on.
Still, Naoki began considering the possibility of approaching Asuna. She was the daughter of a wealthy family and could be an excellent ally in the future. Starting a "cloud nurturing plan" with her early on might not be a bad idea. (T/N: its not grooming, somewhat but not really? Its like idk, helping someone grow from afar? Well its somewhat grooming tho lol. Just not predatory kind one.)
For now, though, there were other matters to attend to. Tomorrow's tasks required his focus, and although the autopilot wasn't the most reliable, it was the best he had for the time being.
---
The next morning, Roah woke up instinctively checking the spot beside him, only to find it empty.
Roxy was a charming girl.
In the original story, it was clear she had a bit of a childish streak, but she was genuinely kind-hearted.
Every afternoon, she would head out to assist the farmers by using magic to bring rain.
Today was no different, except this time she had a small shadow following her.
Roah lazily followed behind, a stalk of straw dangling from his lips.
Roxy sighed and turned around. "Why are you following me, Roah?"
"I'm bored," he replied matter-of-factly.
It was true. Rudeus's progress was too slow, and Paul was working with him one-on-one. Having already mastered his basics, Roah had been given a rare day off.
"Then why follow me?" Roxy's tone held a hint of irritation, though it wasn't directed at him.
Roah thought for a moment, his normally cold expression breaking into a small smile. "I just want to see what you do when you're out and about, Roxy-sensei."
Roxy sighed again, adjusting her hat as she turned away. She didn't stop him from tagging along.
---
Autumn was a beautiful season, no matter how you looked at it.
Golden fields of wheat swayed gently in the autumn breeze, carrying a faint, sweet aroma—the farmers' hopes and the fruits of their labor.
"Do you see their smiles, Roah?" Roxy asked, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "It makes me happy and fulfilled. Magic isn't just for fighting; it has so many uses. It can solve many problems and bring joy to others."
The passing farmers greeted Roxy warmly, their faces full of gratitude. It was evident that Roxy was well-loved by the community, and she seemed to enjoy their kindness.
Every day, she would help inspect the fields and provide assistance whenever needed. Her small frame hid an incredibly kind heart.
Roah silently observed Roxy's smile. Every time she helped someone, her expression radiated pure happiness.
He found himself captivated, lost in thought.
Was this a dream? The past felt hazy, like a blurred memory.
'Am I dreaming of a butterfly, or is the butterfly dreaming of me?' Roah wondered.
He didn't have an answer.
It had been almost six years since he arrived in this world. Time seemed to change everything, yet it changed nothing at all.
Roah liked Roxy, but the Roxy he liked was the one from the anime. Now that the real Roxy stood before him, every action and subtle expression revealed her true personality.
She was a bit tsundere, always trying to appear mature but carrying an undeniable childish streak. She wasn't perfect—she had her flaws, like disliking trouble and loving praise.
But it was these imperfections that made the real Roxy even more endearing than her anime counterpart.
Her silky hair, soft frame, subtle fragrance, and slightly short temper—all of it made up the Roxy standing before him.
She wasn't the same Roxy from Mushoku Tensei. His arrival in this world meant that everything was changing, leading to an unpredictable future.
'In that case,' Roah thought, 'why not make this Roxy mine?'
To be honest, the Roxy before him was far more enchanting.
---
Standing amidst the golden fields, Roxy's magic robe fluttered in the breeze as the wheat swayed around her.
Bathed in golden sunlight, the young woman held her staff aloft. A soft blue glow emanated from it as clouds began to gather. Soon, a light drizzle fell, raindrops running down her robes and onto the ground.
Feeling the cool rain on his face, Roah snapped out of his daze.
When Roxy finished her task, Roah approached her, reaching out to take her hand.
Roxy looked at him curiously. The boy's lips seemed to carry a faint, mysterious smile.