Chapter 32 Devil Is In The Details

If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? If a Paul falls in a forest, and there's no one there to see it, did he actually fall down?

These are the questions.

It's been approximately three months since he moved back into the house. What he does in his free time is anyone's guess. His relationship with Zenith aside, he matters nothing to me. He is literally a means to an end. I avoid him, and he avoids me. This is the status quo.

So why the sudden change?

Is this bad karma, or did Laws finally sell me out?

So many questions, so little answers. But I don't think Laws knows about Sylphy's and I's occasional spars. So he probably didn't sell me down the river.

Probably.

Ah, so annoying.

Paul will grow to be a better man. And when I leave, he will step it up, and become the father Norn and Aisha will care for.

That is what the script says after all. I hope. People aren't characters, and they have a way of surprising you. And Paul… paul is a toss up between whether he'll fuck everything up, or grow.

Well, it's not like he has much of a choice. He will be better or else.

As for me… I'm good.

So seeing as I'm good. Can you stop following me?

"Don't you have some rounds to do?"

"It's already the twilight hour. It will be night in a short breath. What's wrong with me walking my son home?"

"You're clingy. Give me space. Also I can fly."

"Well, why aren't you flying?"

Because I'm tired!

Not that I'll tell him that. I can probably push myself the mile walk, but why should I be the one to push myself? He's the one that should get the hint and leave.

This is public territory. I can be here. You on the other hand…

"Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"Guarding the roads falls under my duties."

"Of course it does."

Whatever. We have been living in the same household for three months while ignoring each other's existence. What's another twenty minutes?

I guess it's fortunate that it only took three months before we interacted, but… it doesn't mean I have to like it.

"Hahhh… Here I was enjoying my day… I'm going home, good luck with your… whatevers," I moved along. The only thing on me is my kite, which would normally be an easy fix to this situation. Except there's a problem.

I can't fly away. I damaged it; there's a hole in it now. Or maybe it was Sylphy? Regardless, I don't have a spare.

Hindsight is 20/20 I suppose, but it's not like I went out of my way to damage it.

…although some of the flight maneuvers I made were a bit on the reckless side.

And now I get accosted by a vagabond for my lack of clarity. Maybe this is karma.

Don't rob me! I'm broke don't-

Oh, wait. I'm not… Point still stands; go home.

Let's see from here to there it is about… a twenty minute walk, with this weight maybe an hour, if I strengthen myself, hmm… thirty minutes, but…

I turn to him, trotting along on his horse. He'd catch up easily if I don't give it my best.

Just bear through it I suppose. Just another thirty minutes.

"Hey, don't be like that." he slowed his pace down, so as to talk to me as he walked along. "We haven't talked in months since… well… everything," said Paul.

"You mean since you cheated on her."

"...yeah that," he looked away shamefully.

As you very well should. Now then, since you're so ashamed of yourself, why don't you go hide your face where no one can see it. I heard a mysterious, and handsome, adventurer was digging pits in the mountains. Now would you kindly jump in one, and make yourself at home. I insist.

Please?

"You know," he continued, plowing ahead through the awkward silence. "I've noticed things have taken a positive turn in the house. Your mother is smiling, and she even seems to have buried the hatchet with Lilia. They looked like they were having fun playing games. Your games. You've done a good job Rudy."

I slowed my pace, narrowing my eyes in suspicion. His choice of topic slowed me down.

"Thanks."

Where are you going with this?

"So is it my turn yet?" he asked.

"Excuse me?" I stopped.

If I didn't know any better I swore he just-

"You know when are you going to work your magic, and help me and your mom get back together."

"...hah?"

…that.

What is this guy on about?

"Don't look at me like that. You promised you were going to get us together."

Moron says what.

That doesn't sound like something I would say.

"...did a horse kick your head?"

"No you did!" He screams with fervor.

"...I kicked your head?"

"No, not that! On my first night out, when you kicked me out-"

"I'm pretty sure that was Mom."

"When, 'YOU!' kicked me out. I asked you a week later if it was really necessary for me to sleep outside, and you told me; 'if a person committed a crime went unpunished, and then apologized, getting off scot-free would you believe they were sorry, or would you forgive the criminal that was punished, and apologized,' well, here I am, punished, and it's been three months, we're living together, but your mom and I are still on the outs."

Ohhh, yeah… I did say something like that. I almost forgot, no, I did forget about it.

It's bullshit.

Don't get me wrong, everything I said, now and back then, are based on a modicum of truth, but…I was just trying to get rid of him.

During those early days I was just so pist of at seeing his face I just wanted him to go away. He would come out of wherever he was camping outside, and come try to open up a conversation with me or Zenith quite often. After getting the cold shoulder from Zenith for the eleventh time, he started directing his attention at me. I would try to ignore it, and just move along with either Zenith or Sylphy, but… persistence is his strongest suite. Man can't take a hint. I think he was trying to get on mom's good graces through me, but I wasn't having any of that. Still, though I couldn't exactly lash out during those tumultuous times. It might earn him pity points with Zenith, and he would worm his way into the household.

Well, he did anyway, but he would have wormed his way in sooner. So I kind of just toned him out most of the time.

Key word; most.

Considering he already got in, it had already left my mind.

"Why don't 'YOU,' do something about it? You are husband, and wife."

"I would if I could, but I can't. She has to be willing to talk to me first, but she just walks away. She let me in the house, but… that's as far as we've gotten. Your mom just turns her head away from me."

Heh~ she does do that, doesn't she. It's hilarious. It's cute… but hilarious.

Honestly, when she's not furious, and just annoyed, It makes for an amusing sight. Like an angry chipmunk.

I'm not telling her that though.

I don't want to sleep outside.

Honestly, he's probably doing better than he thinks he does, considering she's not cursing him. She was livid with him after all, not just angry. He should consider this an improvement.

I know for a fact that in the original timeline he didn't get to sleep in her bedroom until after I got sent away, so he's doing… decent.

Not telling him that.

"I think you're doing fine… with whatever this is." I wag my finger in a circle emphasizing this whole scenario. "She's not screaming at you, or cursing your name. So take your small victories where you can get 'em. The silent treatment is a plus in the right direction. Besides," I shrugged, "it's only been four months, it's hardly been a long time."

Truth. I remember in the original, even with Rudeus proactively trying to bridge their bond back together, things were still rocky in that timeline. He still has about… six months?

Just keep sleeping where you're sleeping. You've made your bed, now you have to sleep in it.

"But… Lilia and her are already on speaking terms, and hugging… It feels more like they're the couple, and I'm the bamboo wife."

Go die in a ditch, who's a bamboo wife?

"You and Lilia are not a thing."

"Of course we're not," he shook his hand waving it off. "But that's not what I mean. I just… feel like I'm being left behind," he turns to me. " If I didn't know any better… I'd swear you don't want me and your mom getting back together."

"...I'm not interfering…"

"...but you're not denying it either."

What's there to deny? I'm neutral with your situation. Neither for, nor against. All things considered, you should consider yourself lucky that I didn't push Zeny into going to her parents.

That said, it's not like we could have left in the middle of winter in the first place.

"A man should be a man of his word," says Paul.

Hypocrite says what?

I turned to look at him, narrowing my eyes, wondering if this fool really hasn't lost his goddamn mind.

If a horse hasn't kicked you in the head, then it should.

"Yeah, I know. I realized it after I said it," he scratched his cheek as he randomly looked at a cloud. "But," he faces me, "you know what they say. Learn as I say, not as I do. You might dislike what I say, but it doesn't make it any less true. You don't wanna grow up like me, do yah."

"..."

That… that might be the best argument I've ever heard.

…I still won't help him though.

"I'll see if an opportunity comes up."

I'd say, about… three years? That's fair, right.

Do your best old man, I'm not rooting for yah.

"I see, so it really is like that," Paul mutters. "You know Rudy…I don't think your mom would really appreciate all the monster hunting you've been doing."

I stop.

What did he just say?

"Monster hunting? I'm not sure I know-"

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not gonna tell your mom, or anything like that. Guy code, we have to stick together. But yeah… I don't think your mom would appreciate everything you've been doing lately, monster hunting, mining in the mountains, sneaking into girls bedrooms… it would break your mother's heart.

He…

"You've talked with Laws."

It isn't a question, I'm just stating the obvious.

"A little, but I didn't have to. Here's a lesson for you Rudy, something that you haven't figured out yet. We're nobles… lesser nobles, but nobles nonetheless, and we live in a small village with a population 300 small, approximately. People are going to talk, and me," he points at me, "about you, and everything related to us. Currently, you are the talk of the town," he shrugs. "Well, village, but point stands. Oh, by the way Geralt said thanks for the silver. Here," he then takes out a silver coin and flips it towards me. "He even gave me this coin to give to you. He's giving you your cut, as it were," he winked.

Well… shit.

So this is how you want to do things?

"...what do you want?" I asked.

It's rhetorical. I already know. I'm just making it official.

"Now, now. No need to make such a face. I get it! Mining, hunting, dating, you really want to have an adventure don't you?"

"I-"

"No need to explain," he says.

Just get to it, dammit!

"Adventuring! Going around, seeing new lands, and experiencing new sights. I get it, it's the life! All boys want to grow up to be heroes like the ones they read about. Who wouldn't want to take over a dungeon or two, find a nice girl, and retire a rich man. Gold, glory and girls. That's what it's all about!"

"Ah… hah…" I mutter.

…what do I even say to that?

The sad part is I can't completely disagree with him.

But the fact that I agree with him to a degree probably means there's something wrong with that logic.

Please shut up. You're making me question myself and my plans for the future.

"Just look at you, carrying around your own self made gear after coming off a date with your girlfriend."

Hold on a second.

"She's not my-"

"A regular craftsman, and a ladies man already." he ignored me.

Annoying… I can feel my blood pressure rising.

Fuck it. He does it one more time, I'm blasting him, and taking his horse.

How hard could horse riding be?

"Gold and girls, you're just missing a little recognition, and you'll have the glory. I can't wait to see what you make of yourself in the next few years. You'll be a real adventurer, but… you still need work."

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"What's wrong with your kite?"

"There's a hole in it."

"Yeah, I can see that. And why haven't you fixed it?"

"It's not something I can do off the bat."

"Twenty minutes."

"Huh?"

"Twenty minutes.That's all it would take to fix it, as it is. If you improve on it, from its base, probably five." He smirks.

.

Stop that. Only 'she,' can get away with it. With you I just want to punch you in the face.

"That's not all. Smithing, skinning, sewing, pretty much any skill that involves your hands, if you want to learn it, I can teach it. Laws never said anything outright, but considering all your actions, I think it's pretty obvious you want to be an adventurer. Well… hope you didn't forget your old man is an S rank adventurer?"

"I see… and I suppose you want something?"

"Don't say it like that! It's just…" he snaps his finger, "a deal between gentlemen."

Slap.

I couldn't help it. I hit my own forehead hard, as I'm stupefied by his… boldness.

Acting like I have a choice. This is basically blackmail.

"Hah…" I sigh. I pinch my brow in frustration.

I more or less have figured out this is where the conversation was going, but it's still annoying.

"...what do you want, Paul?" I asked.

Paul [pov]

"What do you want, Paul?" Laws asked.

"Can't a friend just visit?"

"Friend?"

"Hey!"

"I'm joking, but seriously… It's too early to be drinking. So you could only be…"

"So how are they doing?" I asked.

"That…" he sighed, "you know for someone that doesn't talk to his own kid, you're a surprisingly doting parent. Also," he shrugs his shoulders, "he's fine by the way. He's doing his solo thing. My daughter is left alone in the dust… again."

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Except that she thinks I had a hand on this."

"Well… you did."

"In the beginning, not today."

"I see."

"Your son is like clockwork, doing his own thing on his own time."

"Oh. So it's one of those days?"

"Precisely."

"So how is my son doing, specifically?" I go to the edge of the tower, and strain my vision.

He's not in the skies, so he's probably around… there.

Looking down in the distance, I can see some movements among the greenery. The lightly dressed figure, my son's, is easily seen, even at this distance, as he makes a mess of the forest. Plowing through some treants I can more or less make out his figure.

It's either that, or he's just being particularly aggressives against some trees. Knowing my son, both are possible. Although, I hope he's over his throwing a tantrum phase already. It would make talking to him difficult later.

"Want a closer look?"

"Oh, I don't-"

The words die in my throat as he holds out his hand, a spyglass in his palm.

"...that would make things easier, thanks," I take it from him.

"No, problem," he takes out another.

"You have two of them?"

"It pays to be prepared."

That it does.

Putting the spyglass to my eye, I can finally see the whole situation perfectly. "He is…"

"He's a monster," says Laws.

Taking off the eyepiece, I turn to him.

Oy! Granted I know where you're coming from, but that's still my son we're talking about.

"Respectively of course, but just what did you do?"

I… did?

"Oh, you know. A little of this, a little of that. I just taught him the bare bones, he took to it like a fish to water," I say as we look at the same thing.

"More like a bird to air," he mutters.

He's probably thinking back on Rudy's and Sylphy's flying games.

"Well, you're not wrong. I guess Roxy really was an important figure."

"Indeed."

But not as much as he thinks.

As much as I would like to take credit for my son's accomplishments. I can't. That boy grew more in spite of me than because of me. As well as having a little help from others along the way.

I have no idea what that girl taught my son exactly, besides the basics, but it does make one wonder, who exactly was she to produce such results?

Never underestimate a demon. Their appearance doesn't always reflect their strength.

The same could be said for my son.

Monster is a fitting nickname.

As we're staring down from the tower, we're eyewitnesses to the particular sight of a boy playing around with monsters. I can see my son going through the motions. He's 'fighting,' with treants again. He uses his footwork to easily maneuver around it. He strikes at the corners of it, piercing and slashing, before the treant retaliates, taking a swing at him, the vines whipping at him, and retreating several yards away before they collide. He really enjoys using magic mist combat.

Those aren't the moves you expect from a child

"This thing is really useful." I admire the spy piece in my hand. It's making spying a whole lot easier. "It's a shame I never got to use one when I was adventuring."

"They're sold predominantly along shore lines. You should have spent more time shopping around the seas, if you wanted one."

"The sea huh…"

That explains why I didn't see one. The few missions I took part by the sea, I was… distracted. Zenith, Ghislaine, Elinalise…

What a view, good times.

If I had this tool… great times.

Alright, enough of that. Plenty of time to reminisce later. Time to focus on Rudeus.

"He's the same as usual. Just plowing through everything that gets in his way. Honestly… I almost feel sorry for the monster. I can tell that he's just toying with it." Laws says.

"I know what you mean," I put the spyglass away.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out what he's doing. Which I am. He's literally playing with his opponent. He could have easily ended the fight with some fire magic, but he chooses not to. He keeps letting it recover, before striking at it from behind again.

And here I thought he was done throwing tantrums. I guess a child is still a child.

Despite his playing around, it can't be denied that he has grown quite formidable for his age. The footwork and countering of the Water God. Striking with the form of a Sword God, and the opportunistic nature of the northgod, and to have magic on top of all that. He has all the right skills to successfully kill d-rank monsters quickly. If he wanted to.

"Well, at least he's gotten out of the habit of talking to them," I say under my breath.

"That's true. But he's still taking too long. I've seen what he's capable of when he was helping out earlier. He's definitely capable of ending it quickly, he's taking too long. The boy's just releasing some stress," he turns to me. "Like father like son I suppose."

"Oops?"

"...jump off this tower, and fly."

"So cruel!"

Do you think I am Sky race?!

"Seriously, that goes beyond simple magic. It couldn't have been just Roxy. Just what did you do?"

So the secrets are out, but 'what did I do?'

"Are we talking about swordplay?" I asked.

"We're talking about swordplay."

Swordplay… I am an S rank swordsman, my son is using the sword, and is advanced for his years, reaching intermediate rank, but… I can't take credit.

Well, maybe I could, it's not like Laws would know, but it puts a bitter taste in my mouth.

Water God footwork, water god techniques, techniques used for defense and countering. That is not my fighting style. Those aren't things he learned from me. The way he moves around, lying in wait, countering at the last moment, and seeking minimal movement. That's not something he copied from me, but rather… her.

Hell, even his stance… that stance, it's reminiscent of her.

When I look upon him I'm suddenly reminded of a young girl in a red pony tail standing tall, standing proud, and standing beautifully, as she practices her daily swings, and switching stances. Her form is overlapping with that of my son's.

A very bitter taste.

He's been dyed, in her colors, not mine.

"Honestly, swordsmanship, magic, flight magic at that, and already fighting monsters. The boy's growing up to be a real powerhouse. It makes a father worried."

You're not the only one. Even if our worries come from different places.

"You're just annoyed that you won't be able to push him around in the near future."

"Can you?" he countered.

"..."

"..."

That's hitting below the belt.

"Moving on?" I proposed.

"Moving on."

He's not wrong though. But I rather not think about that. He isn't at that level… yet. Water God style is his strength, excluding magic, and even that one is only intermediate. His other styles are still at beginner.

Probably.

We don't spend much time together. It's been a while since I've seen his forms.

I'm confident if I had trained early I could do something similar to what Rudeus is doing right now, but I didn't pick up the blade 'till I was eight, so the amount of experience that boy is gathering is frightening.

Also… a little bit proud worthy.

What a weird feeling.

To be both proud and jealous simultaneously. Well, it doesn't matter. The more talented my son is, the more it proves how much talent there is in our bloodline.

You go son! Teach the world the greatness of the Greyrat name.

That's my seed!

In any case…

"Thanks by the way," I thanked him.

"For?"

"For, well a lot of things, but specifically for looking after my kid. It helps knowing that he had a safety net as he grew,"

"It's fine," Laws face turns a little red.

H-hey you're a guy right? Please don't show me such expressions! Think of your wife!

"What are friends for?" he whispers.

Friends… that's right.

It's not a concept foreign to me, but it is something I've taken for granted.

Making friends has always come natural to me. I just went with the flow. From the loud adventure halls, to the two faced nobles from school, well just the girls, to the dangerous alleys back home where I could say I met my first true friends, Ludd and Marianne. It was always so easy. Just talk about whatever is on your mind.

I wonder what happened to them?

I supposed they moved on. People do that. I did as well. I had to.

After I started adventuring for a while, I would eventually find, knock up, and marry Zenith, in that order. It was the start of a new chapter in my life. The start of something great, and I had to say goodbye to quite a few people. It was by far the best decision I inadvertently made, but I had to break up the party in the process.

It could have gone smoother. It got a little ugly behind the scenes.

I might have made promises to Elinalise that I didn't fulfill, and she MIGHT have seen it as a betrayal.

So friendship is something I understand, but it's something I haven't put much thought in until recently.

I've been quite lucky now that I think about it.

In any case I'm glad I can still find friends.

Laws friendship is something that has been a bit of a saving grace over these past months. Although we've always been close, calling us friends might be a little too much. We were closer to comrades than anything else. A divide between knight and guardsmen was placed before us. He's a nice guy, but besides being my son's girlfriend's father, I didn't really speak much with him. He was just another of the guys.

That, and… it would have been slightly awkward on my end. I've actually known about Laws before I got to this village, but it's only when I found out his last name that I was sure that 'he' was the son Elinalise talked about.

I'll have to take that secret to my grave.

But all that changed after being caught thrashing around in the wilderness. It was embarrassing, but I was talked down to for going crazy.

I might have… overdone it, and fought well past my limits, actually getting injured here and there. I wouldn't say I would have died, but I was a bloody mess. This was a week after my exile so I couldn't even go inside my home for some healing. Luckily all my cuts were only skin deep, and Laws had enough herbs to patch me up.

We've gotten closer since. I cherish our friendship.

"Still… thanks."

It's good to have allies.

"Yeah, you're welcome, but," he turns to face me, "don't you think it's time you should start making moves toward him." he crosses his arms. "Wouldn't it be better to protect him from his side, than from this tower? I mean not now," he looked over the tower. "Not unless you can actually fly, but next time. When he goes on a hunting exercise."

What are you, my wife? But it's fine. I have a plan.

"Pfft, yeah that would be nice… if that were possible. Pretty sure if I tried to fight by his side, he'd just cancel his little training trip, and go off somewhere else. Saying something like; 'I have a fairy to catch,' or 'mama's calling me,' or whatever lie he can scrounge up in a minute," I shrug my shoulders. "Besides… he's fine."

I've made sure of it.

"Isn't this a little reckless, there's always a chance that he might get in tr-"

"There isn't."

Laws are frowning at my tone.

"I'm still a father, you know. You don't think I was just venting did you?"

He scrunches up his brow in confusion.

"Rudeus hunts in a linear path right?" I asked for clarification, to which Laws nodded his head.

"Well, I wake up earlier than he does, so everytime he goes to his training grounds, I make sure to go a mile ahead of him, and kill any monsters that might be particularly strong. Combined with the fact that he has his whole flight trick, and we're still close enough to go to him," I signal to the tower we're in, "if any real danger pops up, he's fine. So, no, we don't need to be beside him."

There is discord between us, but I wasn't so forgone that I would let my child fight in the forest, without being secured about his safety. So the moment I heard rumors of the noble's child playing in the forest, I did something about it. Unfortunately I know he wouldn't even give me the time of day, so I had to do it in secret.

Truthfully, he probably didn't even need my help, but a father needs to take precautions.

"Hmm," he hums. "You've changed. If just a little. The previous you would be taking the opportunity to jump at the chance to strengthen his bond with his child as well as showing off. I'm impressed."

"Huh, ah, yeah, I guess," I scratch my cheek. "Besides, I need to soften him up a little, and make sure he's happy, before I get ready to ask him a favor…" I say under my breath.

"Hahhh…" he turns his head away, "I take it back. You're the same as always."

"Hey! I resent that! The previous me would have done things a little more… well it doesn't matter! The current me, is just being more… uh, careful! Yup!"

"Sneaky is another way to say it."

I flinch.

"Well… I guess I would be too. If I had messed up as big as you did," said Laws.

"...you're never gonna let me forget are you."

"That's what friends are for."

"Too remind me of all my failings?" I questioned.

"Too prevent you from repeating them. Especially when you have everything to lose if you did."

"Please don't make it sound like I'm a child, but… you're right."

"Just return my good faith in kind."

"I will. I owe you one."

All the time alone helped me figure out many things. From the importance of family, to figuring out how to get them back.

"That's fine, but," he turns serious, looking at me with a stare, "if I catch him in my daughter's room again. I'm piercing him with arrows."

"First you have to catch him."

He glares at me.

"Cough, cough. S-sorry. It slipped. I'll talk to him about it once we're on speaking terms again."

"And that will be?"

"Soon. Tomorrow is the day your daughter, and my son go on a date-"

"Play date."

"Right. So it's finally the right time to strike."

I've bidded my time long enough. I'm tired of waiting. If I don't do anything I feel I might lose my place in my own house.

After waiting long enough, I'll trust my instincts and go on the offensive. Like the water god, you wait. Like a Sword god you strike, and like the North god you strike when they least expect.

"It's time," I said. More to myself than to anyone in particular.

"Just don't go overboard will you. I know more than anyone how you have a habit of overdoing things. I still remember the first time I found you bathed in monster entrails after you decided to… lessen everyone's burdens. As thankful as we all are for your… enthusiasm. It got really boring these days when the monster population suddenly declined. Please leave us something." he sighs. "Who knew that the sudden monster drought was caused by an overprotective father."

"I'm sorry?"

"It's fine, just remember not to kill them all off. Some of us need something to do, otherwise we're stuck watching our daughter flirt with boys and be unable to stop them." he massages his brow. "It's exhausting."

"Ah, ha ha that's true. I guess I have been a little proactive lately," I rub the back of my head. It's not my proudest moment. Although maybe it should be, but during my little… winter vacation, I had a lot of built up stress, so… I went a little… berserk.

"Proactive? You almost single handedly wiped out all the monsters in the area. Well, they'll be back eventually."

"Did it work by the way?" I asked Laws.

"You're going to need to be more specific."

"Did the monster difficulty drop down?"

"Oh, that. Yes it worked. Your son didn't have to deal with anything C-rank or higher, except for that one time, but he did fine by himself. Honestly, I'd think you were of the baptizing by fire faction."

"There's a time for tough love, and there's a time when the gentle approach is the best approach. You have to treat people differently. Sometimes some people require an aggressive approach, while others you have to be gentle with them, and wait for them to open up."

"Huh… that's actually kind of impressive."

"It's something I learned from all the women I interacted with."

"...and there it goes."

"Anyways," I look through the spyglass one last time, before I could call it quits, seeing Rudy walking heading west.

At this time of the day, the sun would still be out for several hours, so he's going to…

"Looks like I have to cut things short. He's going to Sylphy and going on another date," I tossed the spy piece back to him.

"Play date," he catches.

"Of course!"

"...can I punch you?"

"Ha ha ha…"

To be young and naive.

Rudy not Laws.

But really, how naive can my son be?!

That girl is practically,scratch that, she has! Literally thrown herself at his feet!

Well, all good things lie to those that wait. Once I fix our relationship. I'll help him with his.

But then there's the Laws issue…

"It looks like they'll be doing their flying thing. I'm going after them. Just checking, but are you sure Rudy cares about money? He looks like he's studying to be an adventurer, but just because a boy plays adventurer doesn't mean they want to be an adventurer. It could just be a phase."

"No, his interest in adventuring definitely goes above the norm. He doesn't just hunt monsters, but he, and my daughter ask questions relating to money, like how much is her wand worth, what it would cost to rent a room, how big are your standard party, and other miscellaneous questions. He's definitely serious about being an adventurer, and that includes money."

Maybe they're trying to elope?

"You're not worried your daughter will be whisked away?"

"By your son? Hardly. I asked him the other day if he had any plans of taking my daughter away from me, and he said he had no intention of taking my daughter for the foreseeable future.

"Foreseeable future, huh," I quoted.

"Foreseeable future. If nothing else, he sure does speak like a noble. Your son is many things, but a liar isn't one of them, no scratch that, he's not a good one is more accurate. When the time's come, and he inevitably becomes infatuated with my daughter, you and I will be having a very different talk. Until then I'm not worried."

Inevitable huh.

Well, it would be nice if my son could get over his infatuation for the maid, and pursue someone his age.

But first thing first. You gotta walk before you can run.

"And here I thought you were finally ready to marry off your daughter," I joked.

He glowered at me.

"It was a joke, calm down," I threw my hand up.

"Not funny."

"Sorry… but thanks for confirmation. Thanks to you I now have an attack plan ready. Whether he's interested in adventuring, or just money making. I can help him with both accounts. So," I made a salute, "wish me luck."

"Good luck. Oh!" he exclaims, "if you want to improve your chances, I recommend you do it tomorrow evening."

"...why?"

"My daughter is planning on playing with him all day tomorrow, and asked me not to bother him. So… she's been getting annoyed at me recently for trying to stop them together," he puts his hand on his chin, as he looks on the horizon lost in thought. "So they'll both be in a very good mood tomorrow. It will be the ideal time to ask a favor."

"...I can't tell if you really want them together, or not."

"Me neither," he sighs dejectedly to the side.

We all have our troubles.

///

The next day I made haste, and went through my usual routine of clearing the paths, before I went off to the plains where Rudeus would be. It was a task keeping track of Rudeus as he flew here and there, Caravaggio was tired going back and forth, but luckily we persevered.

Again and again…

I repeated this cycle many times before I just decided to stalk the young girl's house instead.

Stalking him from afar was easier. Why did my son have to be such a busybody?! Damn youth!

I didn't want to go with the lying in wait approach as it might seem a little confrontational, but sometimes plans change. I didn't want Rudy to be on his guard, before I even started a conversation with him, but better than not having a talk at all.

So giving them some time to themselves. I Let Caravaggio rest, and went to the hill where I last saw them after everyone was well rested and waited.

The things I do for my son's ease. Well as they say all good things come to those that wait.

///

So of course they disappeared, when I rested my eyes. Still though…

"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked me.

"Hello to you too Rudy," I responded.

I was able to find them.

Finally, we're here. I'm ready for the attack.

Still hurts though. This is why I wanted to go with the more natural approach of meeting 'coincidentally' down the road rather than this. Can you not be so confrontational?

Daddy is sad.

There were… complications, but everything is still within expectations. I can still break the ice, and fix things. And as soon as I go through the hurdle that is Rudy… I can use him to get to her, and fix things with my wife.

"And here I was enjoying my day… I'm going home, good luck with your rounds," he says, and makes an about face and starts walking down the road.

Hard to run away when you're tired isn't it? Must not help that I am on a Caravaggio at that.

"Hey, don't be like that." I moved beside him. Me and Caravaggio kept a steady pace, "We haven't talked in months since…" I struggle to find the right words.

Now that I think about it, despite Rudeus' long depth of knowledge he absorbed from Roxy's tutelage, the inner workings of a relationship might not be something he knows about.

Maybe he doesn't know the severity of what happened?

A man can hope.

"well… everything," I said, ambiguously leaving out the key word.

No need to teach him the word affair.

"You mean when you cheated on her."

Or maybe he already knows.

So he's too dense to notice his friend has a crush on him, but still knows what cheating means.

"...yeah, that."

…It was a foolish endeavor that he wouldn't know, but I guess I was being hopeful, but he sure doesn't pull his punches.

Cheated, couldn't you… have… um…

Ok, perhaps there is no nice way of saying it. I guess it was too much to hope that he would be naive enough about my relationships, as he is about his own.

I cheated on my wife with a woman whose only worth is her body. I almost shattered our family because of her. I intend to fix that. I am tired of receiving the cold shoulder. I'm already inside, and yet, I'm still a stranger.

I've spent a few years adventuring, so being used to sleeping out in the cold was nothing new to me, but I didn't realize just how much I'd miss her. To not be able to wake up next to her sleeping face.

It's cold.

I should have thought of that before I acted, but it isn't too late.

If my wife can forgive the maid, then surely she can forgive her husband, but first… I have to go through Rudy first.

When I ran away from home, things weren't always pleasant. In fact for a long time things were a complete mess. There were plenty of 'warm,' moments in between, don't get me wrong. My evenings with some nice ladies taught me skills that I would use throughout my life, but there were just as many cold ones.

So just like then, I'll have to fight off the cold.

Back then I was looked down by both nobles and punks. From the nobles for being too brash, and from the vagabonds for being too privileged. It was a tiresome time. So I ran away from it, all of it and became an adventurer. There were… circumstances along the way; like Lilia's dojo, or those pesky Sword god and Water god practitioners, but eventually I found my happy ending.

Now I have to earn it back.

Adventuring is great. It was the happiest moment of my life. A place where I can rely on my own ability, and make a name for myself. A place where I wouldn't be judged based on my last name, but my ability to swing a sword.

And I am a sword prodigy! I'm not boasting. It's true!

Warm meals, warm beds, warm tidings… warm women. Those were warm times.

I almost forgot how cold the world could be when you don't have anything.

And I want it to end. I know I messed up. I know I ruin-no! Nearly ruined things, but it isn't over yet, but… I need a chance.

Just like I did once before, I'll prove to Zenith my worth, but first…

I need to show him.

Being an adventurer is great, I wouldn't mind if he followed in my footsteps, but I want him to do it on his own terms. If I let him become an adventurer as he is…

He's not coming back.

But… If I fix our bond, not only do I get back a son, but I get back a wife. Two strikes, one kill.

It's going to be difficult. In short; he hates my guts, but unlike Zenith, he at least is willing to talk to me.

Granted he doesn't have much of a choice at the moment, but that's besides the point.

Or rather, even if it's a little underhanded, if it's to fix things it's worth it.

"You know, I've noticed things have taken a positive turn in the house. Your mother is smiling, and she even seems to have buried the hatchet with Lilia. They looked like they were having fun playing games. Your games. You've done a good job Rudy."

You've done well Rudy. Now it's time for me to finish the job.

"So is it my turn yet?" I asked.

I'm thankful for you laying the groundwork, but now it's time we fix our family.

"Excuse me?" he pauses, as he looks at me as if I've lost my mind.

///

After that I did my best to navigate the conversation to my liking. Rudeus is smarter than me, if I'm not careful he could talk his way out of this, but a child is a child, I was still able to talk circles around him. Kind of. I had to literally chase him down. If he wasn't so tired from goofing off all day, he definitely would have flown away.

He's like a Shironian rat, the more you try to catch him, the more scraggly he becomes. Try too hard to pet 'em, and they're just as likely to lash out. Even his hair is probably as soft as their fur.

Hmm… little monster really is accurate.

Luckily my perseverance paid off and I was able to direct the conversation to the promise he made about helping me.

Truth be told, I didn't really expect him to actually help me out. At Least not on the first try.

I knew that if he was anything like me, he wouldn't keep his promise, but… if he was anything like Zenith, there was a chance he would. It's a tough gamble, but considering how he helped Lilia's relationship with my wife, then it only stands to reason that he would do the same thing for me.

Afterall, I am his father, and the relationship between a father and his son, beats that of a boy and his maid.

That is… as long as she kept her word, and kept being just his maid.

…but that's a conversation for another time. One battle at a time.

"I'll see if an opportunity comes up," Rudy says after I finished making my pitch, all the while avoiding my eyes, and walking ahead.

"I see, so it really is like that." I knew this was a possibility, but it still hurts.

Looks like Laws was right. You're a horrible liar. Opportunity comes up? You could just say no.

Then again. If I was him I might have done the same thing.

It looks like I really will have to use plan b.

"You know Rudy…I don't think your mom would really appreciate all the monster hunting you've been doing."

He stops.

I was hoping it would be different, but he really does take too much after me, and as proud I would be that normally, right now it's inconvenient. As I know how stubborn I can be, and I know if my father had hurt my mom when I was his age, I would have taken my mother's side.

Like father, like son.

Underhanded methods really are necessary.

Uhh… the things I do.

"Monster hunting? I'm not sure I know-"

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not gonna tell your mom, or anything like that. Guy code, we have to stick together. But yeah… I don't think your mom would appreciate everything you've been doing lately, monster hunting, mining in the mountains, sneaking into girls bedrooms… it would break your mother's heart."

He turns to look at me, his eyes squinting, "you've talked with Laws."

Well, he's not wrong, but I do have eyes… and a spy glass.

"A little, but I didn't have to. Here's a lesson for you Rudy, something that you haven't figured out yet. We're nobles… lesser nobles, but nobles nonetheless, and we live in a small village with a population 300 small, approximately. People are going to talk about me," I then made to look at him, "about you, and everything related to us. Currently, you are the talk of the town," I shrug.

So am I, but we're not talking about me.

"Well, village, but point stands. Oh, by the way Geralt said thanks for the silver. Here," I flipped a silver coin to him. "He even gave me this coin to give to you. He's giving you your cut, as it were," I winked.

"...what do you want?" he asked.

Now that the first swing has been made, it's time to follow through. Gently… lour your enemy into a false sense of security

.

"Now, now. No need to make such a face. I get it! Mining, hunting, dating, you really want to have an adventure don't you?"

"I-"

"No need to explain," I say, I can't let him get the advantage. Keep the words coming. If I let him direct the conversation we'll go off topic, then I won't be able to get him on my camp.

"Adventuring! Going around, seeing new lands, and experiencing new sights. I get it, it's the life! All boys want to grow up to be heroes like the ones they read about. Who wouldn't want to take over a dungeon or two, find a nice girl, and retire a rich man. Gold, glory and girls, that's what it's all about!"

"Ah… hah…" he mutters.

Keep it going. His defenses are down.

"Just look at you, carrying around your own self made gear after coming off a date with your girlfriend."

"She's not my-"

"A regular craftsman, and a ladies man already." I continued.

I think I'll stop now. He looks visibly annoyed. It helps my case by getting him slightly annoyed and distracted, but It won't help if he just leaves.

"Gold and girls, you're just missing a little recognition, and you'll have the glory. I can't wait to see what you make of yourself in the next few years. You'll be a real adventurer, but… you still need work."

"Excuse me?" he frowns.

Are you sure you're seven? You'll get old like that Rudy. calm down. Your youthfulness is your strongest attribute, without it you lose your biggest weapon.

"What's wrong with your kite?"

"There's a hole in it."

"Yeah, I can see that. And why haven't you fixed it?"

"It's not something I can do off the bat."

"Twenty minutes."

"Huh?"

"Twenty minutes. That's all it would take to fix it, as it is. If you improve on it, from its base, probably five." I smirk.

Strike. Fights are not decided at the end, but at the beginning. Whoever has a plan is the one that wins.

Sorry Rudy, but you're much too green to be my opponent.

.

"That's not all. Smithing, skinning, sewing, pretty much any skill that involves your hands, if you want to learn it, I can teach it. Laws never said anything outright, but considering all your actions, I think it's pretty obvious you want to be an adventurer. Well… hope you didn't forget your old man is an S rank adventurer?" I take a peek at his features.

He has a frown, but overall meek.

Rudeus might be a little temperamental at times, but he can still be sensible when he needs to be.

Even if he did punch me in the face that one time.

…maybe not that sensible.

I still haven't paid him back for that. A battle for another time.

But besides that, you'd have to be mad to go against your own self interest.

S class adventurers don't grow on trees you know?

"I see… and I suppose you want something?"

"Don't say it like that! It's just…"

How should I say it? Bribe? No no, that's the opposite of what I want. Ah! I got it.

"A deal between gentlemen."

Slap.

"Hah…" he slaps his forehead. "...what do you want, Paul?" he says while pinching his brow.

Come now Rudy, you're defeated. You're not dumb so stop pretending you are.

"I want to get our family back together."

"..."

He stares at me impassively.

Such a cold stare.

…I guess I'll have to make concessions.

"Hah… you don't need to do talk good to me about your mom, or anything, just… give me a tip here and there, like 'mom is in a good mood today,' 'mom is craving oranges,' 'mom enjoys this game,' you know just little things, I would do the rest.

"..."

He simply continues to stare. His stony appearance never betrays his emotions.

Huh? Aren't you thinking too hard? This is a win-win scenario, what's left to think about?

Regardless, I know what makes me tick, and If I know what makes me tick, I know what makes him tick.

Just a little more.

"It's a small price to pay right. I'm not quite sure what Rudy wants from adventuring, glory, gold or girls, but your father is a master in all of them. So, If Rudy is interested," I get off my horse, and walk towards him leaning my elbow on top of his shoulder.

I know you're interested, let me just remind you.

"It can all be yours. I have all the right skills that Rudy would need for adventuring; carpenting, fishing, skinning, although I think Laws already covered that one. Smithing, or even knitting, you'd be surprised about that last one, it comes to be surprisingly useful. You name it if it involves your hands I can do it," adjusting my positioning, I maneuver my shoulder so I can wrap it around him, bringing him into a one arm hug.

He looks at it for a moment frowning at it, but not saying anything, before returning to look at me impassively.

You spend too much time around Lilia. Your stare hurts.

"Everything including… certain things," I whisper in his ear.

It would backfire on my face if he developed certain skills before he even finds someone to use them, or rather Laws would kill me if he uses them on a certain elf girl.

"But I'm not teaching you those just yet, but still the… ah… what's the word? Dividends! Would be glorious, so what do you say?"

I let go of his shoulder, stand in front of him, offering my hand, waiting his handshake.

"..."

…and waited.

That's odd, if it was me I would have jumped at this deal.

It's not like I'm telling you to sweet talk your mother, just give me an assist here and there, and in return you get the three gs. You'd be a fool not to take it!

"..."

And yet Rudy still doesn't say anything.

How stubborn can you be?

After a good minute of long silence he starts moving his hands scratching at his head, before making a small pillar next to him and sitting on it, cross legged. He gives me an annoyed glare.

Then closes his eyes in silent contemplation.

"...annoying," he mutters.

That's painful Rudy.

"...but… reasonable."

YES! Yes, it is!

"I'm not helping you out directly. Just tips."

"Yeah."

"If you overdo it, and bother her deal's off, she takes precedence."

"Naturally."

Not that I have any intention of bothering her. As long as I can get in the same room as her, I'm sure that sooner or later we'll start talking.

"And your knowledge better be usable!"

"Of course."

"None of that Kablow shit," he says.

What is he talking about?

"Sure!"

My hand still outstretched during all these demands, he finally reaches out, hesitatingly so, but it moves forward regardless pausing a moment…

Enough of that!

I reach out, clasping his hand, and shaking it.

"It's a deal!" I yell.

It worked, not quite according to plan, and he definitely hesitated more than I thought he would, but in the end everyone got what they wanted.

"Tch!" he exclaimed. He releases my hand as if he was scalded, before returning it to himself, and gives it a few shakes.

You'd think he just stuck his hand in dung.

Taking his kite off his back, he walks next to Caravaggio, and places it on him. "I'm tired after a lot of back breaking work, have Caravaggio carry it for me, and you can help me patch it up tomorrow. We can work on our… deal then, I'm going… somewhere… don't follow me."

He goes off in a different direction.

If I remember correctly, that location is… the tower. He's going to blow off steam. Well, that's fine. Laws is still there, and I don't think there are any monsters there anyway.

Bending his knee… I can feel the wind gathering, and air becomes heavy with the mana gathered.

Whoosh.

And in a blast he was gone.

His figure starts fading as in one giant jump he's gone several meters ahead, before his figure settles down, and he makes another heightened hop once more.

Guess he wasn't that tired, or maybe he's pushing himself just to get away?

Whatever, mission accomplished.

"...and there he goes. This is why I have to corner you, you're slippier than a wet Shironian Rat," I smiled at my son's fading figure as it lowered in the horizon. "It's only a matter of time. Isn't that right Caravaggio?"

"Neigh!"

"Ahhh! Who's a good girl? Yes you are!" I play with her mane.

Taking a good look at my surroundings, I see water puddles here and there.

"Looks like spring is finally here."

For the first time in months I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

"Now… I wonder; how should I set up my first make-up date? Now that I think about it… I don't think I've ever done a make-up date?" I patted my horse.

The closest thing to it instead would be makeup sex, but that's several steps in the future. Can't get her into bed if I can't even touch her. "One step at a time, right Caravaggio."

"Neigh!"

"That's my girl!"

With a smile, and a warm feeling on my chest, I continued on with my rounds.