VØⱠɄ₥Ɇ 4, ₱₳Ɽ₮ 2 - Respite: Reunion and Revelations.

Author's Note ---- Short chapter. Sorry for that. On a second thought, I am not sorry.

Hope you enjoy the chapter. Even if you don't, vote and comment. Also, stroke my yk what. : ) 

(ego) 

SHIZUKA NANAHOSHI POV

Three years had eclipsed since my arrival in this enigmatic realm—a world so peculiar and improbable that no amount of persuasion could have convinced me of its existence had I not been "oh-so conveniently" teleported here myself. 

My transition into this world was a tumultuous affair. Engaged in a heated dispute with a... friend, yes, a friend, I found myself abruptly transported to this unfamiliar realm. The initial sight that greeted me upon my arrival was a young boy who looked almost European, his countenance smeared with blood, his long white tresses framing azure eyes that held a unique blend of detachment and intensity at the same time. 

Almost immediately after my arrival, he was ruthlessly killed by my "supposed" saviour.

To this day, I am not aware why I did it. But something about the boy before clicked something inside me that prompted me to give it my all to Orsted to save him and not let him die there. After 2 days of continuous blandishment, I was able to persuade him, and he came back with the boy's barely alive body. 

However, that was it. I did not attempt to do anything for him. For 1 whole year he was in coma. Orsted said that if it wasn't for him intervening, the boy would've woken up long ago. After asking him the reason, he told me in detail. The boy---a reincarnate---Julian of blood Notos Greyrat whose father was banished, had grasped the true essence of magic.

I did not know much about the power scaling, but given Orsted was the [Dragon God], and second most powerful person in this world, it seemed like he was really strong. From his explanation, it seemed like even Orsted was unaware what was happening. 

But the general picture was that Julian had imbued the "act" of healing the whole body and recycling mana in his body to his brain. A human brain stays alive for a while even if a person dies. 

Since his healing magic was quite advanced, he added a systematic order of healing, starting from his brain when he still had consciousness and then an automated healing response that was triggered only after the deadline for his brain to stop working after Orsted killed him was reached. 

To give a sentient form to one's innate mana was something even Orsted seemed to not understand. He talked how it should be impossible for anyone, let alone a human with a weaker constitution to able to do something as tedious as this. An act like this was bound to fry one's brain and cognitive faculties.

All of it led to only one conclusion----a brain with the ability of a supercomputer. Only that made any coherent sense. However, there too was a flaw in the theory. A human brain when exposed to that much processing would simply become a target for instantaneous exhaustion. So, how was he able to do all this?

Orsted never answered my question. He said only one thing. 

That one day, he will stand at the pinnacle of humanity. 

(************)

After Julian came to his senses, he somehow got into an equal's contract with Orsted. It wasn't exactly a contract and more of a business relationship. A few days after when they agreed on it, I asked Orsted what the reason was for doing so. He simply replied that despite being at a lower rank of schools, his magic technique would leave Orsted vulnerable enough in aftermath for his enemies to attack him.

Hearing to Orsted talk about him in such bright light honestly made a shiver run down my spine. I had accompanied Orsted on his journeys around the continents and had seen his ability firsthand. For Julian to be able to render his weak enough for other to capitalise on was a scary thought.

After all, despite being older mentally, he was 13 years old physically. 

It's honestly quite contrasting to how he actually behaves. Being in his company somehow provides a raw sense of comfort and security. It's hard to believe he is a baddie like how Orsted explains him to be. 

>Affection Bar - 10%<

(*****************)

Me and Julian grew closer. 

It is a weird feeling. I never thought I'd get close to a self-conceited person like him. But at the end of the day, it isn't a lie that I am quite close to him now. Probably, two folds closer to the so-called "friends" I had on earth. 

He helps me with my [Summoning Magic] and despite having such low reserves, he is always willing to serve as a battery for my experiments. 

Oh, yes! Recently, I found out he likes cooking.

A few days ago, he did something that I thought was impossible. After all, I was trying to do it for the past 2 years. And yet, after only an hour of inspection in the market, he was able to buy necessary ingredients to make soy sauce. 

It really is a life saver. I thought I had to eat the nasty food here forever. But ever since he discovered soy sauce, he keeps on formulating more and more sauces. Although not all of them are good and since I am around him most of the time and test it first, my tongue is often greeted by a sauce that turns me into a fire spitting dragon or ends up making me have a sugar rush. 

"It is all a part of trial and error." 

He says but I do not believe it. Somehow, I get the feeling he's doing it on purpose. To fail a few times and then make it accurately. It is like he knows the ingredients on a molecular level. 

Why do I think he is doing it on purpose? 

Well, he is never taking any time to make alterations in the failed product. It is almost as if he is waiting for me to test the failed product, act like he is scribbling on his empty notebook and then somehow, magically, he concocts the sauce properly. 

Well, I think I should be grateful that he makes all this food. It should remind me of home, technically, but strangely, it never does. The feeling of food and the warmth that comes with it feels so exclusive. Everything reminded me of home.... except for my time spent with him. 

Why was it? I do not know the reason to it. He was reserved and kept us in dark about the majority of the things that were about to happen. Yet, it was oddly satisfying. 

(**********)

Orsted was away so I alone had to plan a birthday party for Julian. He is turning 13 today...physically at least. 

The morn's light arrived with a certain softness, as if even the sun acknowledged the hidden significance of the day. Knowing how clueless that bag of bricks was, I was sure he had forgotten his own birthday. 

As the one responsible for organizing the celebration, I resolved to employ my heart's whispers, though those whispers were yet to be unraveled even by my own understanding. Guided by a form of affection that shied away from the light, I embarked on a journey through the bustling marketplace, teeming with activity. 

Navigating the market's labyrinthine pathways, my gaze alighted upon an assortment of gleaming weaponry, their polished surfaces reflecting the daylight with a dazzling brilliance. 

The swords and axes held an undeniable magnetism, but a quiet truth tethered my judgment – Julian already had arguably the two finest swords when compared to the likes of what this town could proffer. 

Two swords of superior craftsmanship----one a treasure from the boss room of a dungeon and another one gifted by the [Dragon God], hung at his side with an air of pride. And armor's cladding was of no use to him. He preferred undeterred mobility over anything. 

"His explosive acceleration is something that would naturally put him a cut above other [Sword God Style] users," is what Orsted explained. So, armour was a no-go as well. 

Sighing, I moved away from there. The next shops were about shopping utensils, but we already had a lot of those back home. I don't think we need more of them. Also, since it's mostly just the two of us, we already have more than enough crockery.

Hmmmmm.......that almost make it sound it like we're a couple. Hmmmm....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. (Humming intensifies)

Ehm, no, no, no. Focus. I have to buy a gift for my friend. 

Yes. 

I walked through the marketplace's mosaic until I came upon a textile merchant's shop. The merchant, a portly figure with a perpetual twinkle in his eye, greeted me with a hearty smile. My intent was simple – to uncover the perfect gift, a token of appreciation that would bridge the unspoken chasm between Julian's inscrutable demeanor and my heart's unvoiced sentiments.

Not romantic of course. 

My wandering gaze washed over a cascade of fabrics, each hue and texture more vibrant than the last. Among them, a collection of robes stood out, their rich colors unfurling like petals in bloom. 

Come to think of it, his white robe is in quite a bad state. AHA!

This should be perfect. I think I just stumbled on the best gift I could get for him. 

After a while of searching, my eyes laid on a full black robe, its expanse of fabric possessing a depth that seemed to absorb the very essence of light. A notion sparked within me – the juxtaposition of black against Julian's cascading snow-white hair would be a sight to behold. 

I imagined him wearing all black robes. 

"Hm?" I felt my cheeks suddenly burn. Did I catch a fever or something? 

Ugh... I've been feeling a lot like this lately. Julian said that the biology of people in this world is almost similar to people from Earth so the pathogens shouldn't be that much of a threat. Then why do I feel warm today? 

Well, never mind, I will buy it and go back home and wait for him. Maybe get myself checked too.

I wonder.... if it will get a reaction out of him. 

(**************)

Haaah..... well, not to bore with details, he came back and thanked me. It made me happy, but he just wore it, took a piece of the cake I made so earnestly and left on another mission. 

He's a jerk, through and through. 

I don't care anymore. 

(***************)

I enrolled into the [Ranoa Magic Academy]

The main reason for joining was so I can put in the missing pieces in the incomplete process of summoning so I can send myself back to earth. Do I even want to go back now?

Of course, I do. There is no reason for me to stay here. I have no family here...

But if, hypothetically speaking, if I did, would I stay? 

Well, assuming impossible things shouldn't be what I must be doing. 

I have a few businesses in this world set-up with Julian. We have a few restaurants in Begaritt and now in King Dragon Kingdom. We even ended up making pianos and violins, which surprisingly hit off extremely well among the ruling classes of this world. From a logical perspective, this was a dream life. We were practically swimming in money.

Yet, money wasn't the reason why I hesitated.

I am not aware of the reason, but there is a strange feeling in my chest. 

I feel extremely happy when I get close to discovering a way to go back home, but at the same time, my chest constricts every time the "notion" of feeling "happy" crossed my mind. Why was it? Do I have a lingering regret in this world? Defintely not. 

Then why?

Sigh...

I guess spending all these years in this world has dulled my perception of my own self. It is strange though. I wanted nothing but to go back to earth, meet my parents and play games in my room, probably read a novel or a manga or do some lurking in discord. (LMFAO)

But lately the wish died out. Seems like I don't want to do all that anymore. It's not like I am that old mentally. I am still around 18 years of age mentally while my physical body is stuck at 15. So, I can be counted as fairly young. That is why I can't understand the damned regret that is keeping me from wanting to go back. 

Anyways, like I was saying before, I enrolled into [Ranoa Magic Academy] as a [Special Student]

Due to the leniency, I was able to come back to the house in [Begaritt Continent] 

Don't get me wrong, I am not worried about Julian or anything. But it's just that last time we met, it was on a rather weird occasion. He almost got into a fight with Orsted and after that, he nearly killed his own Twin Brother, punching a hole in his chest. 

Despite how dull and boring he seemed at a few times, he was quite interesting and fun to hang around with. Once you force him out of his socially awkward shell, it becomes a rather refreshing experience. I do not know what kind of life he led in Japan, but it sure seems like he knows everything. I wonder how kind and intelligent his parents would be to raise a kid like him. 

Hm? 

Every time thoughts like these crossed my mind, an odd sensation would wash over me, like a feverish heat creeping up my face. It's as if the mere act of thinking about them causes my cheeks to flush and a peculiar warmth to spread throughout my body. 

I wonder for a fleeting moment if it's some kind of illness taking hold of me, but deep down, I know it's something else entirely.

No. It isn't. 

It's just me overthinking things.....yes. 

Currently I was back in the house on Begaritt, on the outskirts of the city of Rapan.

Suddenly, a soft murmur caught my attention, and the creak of the bed echoed through the room, as though someone had just shifted their weight.

My curiosity piqued, I moved cautiously toward the room, drawn by the barely perceptible stream of light slicing through the partially open door. My steps were deliberate, deliberate enough to muffle any noise that might betray my presence. 

As I reached the door's threshold, I saw Julian leaning over the bed.

He was clad in ebony attire, a black shirt that melded seamlessly with matching pants, and boots that embraced his legs, ending just below his knees. His characteristic white hair, usually a cascade of unruly strands, veiled his face. 

But even through that veil, I caught sight of his lips, an aspect of him I hadn't truly noticed before.

His gaze was locked on something or someone—someone lying prone on the bed. A woman, to be precise. Her hand clung to Julian's rightly. Her eyes were closed, however. She was asleep while Julian was standing as still as a statue, not moving even a little. 

The woman's blond hair cascaded neatly on her sides, like rivers of molten gold.

Unintentionally, I pressed my teeth into my lower lip, a reflexive response to the current moment. My thoughts danced between questions—Who was she? Could she be his girlfriend? But then, I realized he had never spoken of her or any other potential lover's existence---only the one he had a for a while on Earth. 

My focus was drawn back to Julian's expression, and a pang of confusion gripped me. 

Why did he look so different? A smile, a genuine smile, painted his lips. A sight so foreign to me, a side of him I had never encountered before. Not when he cooked his favorite meals, not when he mastered complex sauces, not even when he ascended to the coveted [Emperor Rank] in his swordsmanship journey, coming tantalizingly close to being acknowledged as a "God."

Who was she? My thoughts spiraled in endless circles. How could he keep her a secret from everyone, even me?

But then again, why did I have a thought like that? Of thinking he would never hide anything, not from "me".

"Come in," his voice cut through the thick air, a command that tingled in my ears, sharpand pointed. It was as though his words were a blade poised to cut the ear of the one at the receiving end. 

Swallowing the dry lump that had formed in my throat, I stepped into the room. My greeting tumbled from my lips, a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity woven into the words. My gaze shifted between Julian and the hand that linked him to the sleeping woman. Their pallor---skin tone matched, both of them bearing the same ghostly, pale hue.

"Good afternoon," my voice trembled, matching my inner turmoil. I could barely tear my eyes away from the delicate hand that bridged the space between them.

"Good afternoon, Nanahoshi," he responded, the cadence of his words carrying a new, indescribable note. A tinge of elation, perhaps? Was he truly happy, happier than I had ever seen him before?

*badum*

A soft thud reverberated within my chest, my heart suddenly feeling like a hammer against my ribs. The world around me seemed to dim, and the focus narrowed to that moment, to his gaze, to the connection he shared with the woman on the bed.

Why am I focusing so much on it.....HUH? 

A name, her name, surged forth in his voice, shattering the spell that held me. "This is my mother. Zenith. Zenith Greyrat."

His voice was elated, yet grim at the same time. 

"Huh? Your mother!? You found her?" My words tumbled out, infused with a mixture of disbelief and awe. But as the sound of my own voice filled the room, I was jolted back to reality. I quickly brought both my hands to my mouth, as if trying to reel back my words after realising how loud I had been. 

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I couldn't help but feel like an intruder in this moment. 

"Sorry, I---Uhm, I came back from my school and just saw the door open, and I got curious so I---"

"It isn't like you to be so defensive." He suddenly spoke up, looking at me from the corner of his eyes, the amusement dancing on his lips flickering away. 

"I just..... ugh, I didn't want to disturb or intrude like that." I replied, not sure what I was talking about. 

"Hm. It's alright. I thought you'd think something else, so I clarified it was my mother." He spoke and I felt my eyes widen as he looked back at her. Picking a stray strand of hair from her face, he neatly tucked it behind her ear. 

"You really love your mother, don't you?" I asked, feeling a warm tingle in my chest. How many times has it been today? Too much to keep count of. This pressing feeling against my chest.

"Hm? Do I seem like I do?" He asked, tilting his head as if he was genuinely curious. 

"You were just smiling. As surprising as it might seem, you never smile.....so I thought it was your lover." I admitted, sheepishly scratching the back of the neck.

"Oh, I see." He looked down at his palm, and then looked up at me, "Well, my mom seems really young for her age." 

What's that with his tone? Is he acting cocky?

"Aren't you a mama's boy." I teased as he peeled his eyes away from his mom. 

"No. I am not."

"I was kidding. Don't be so serious." I waved my hand off and he delicately removed his mother's hand away from him. 

"Did you just arrive?" 

"I did."

"Hungry?"

"Very." I replied as he nodded. But as he moved by me, I held him by his hand. 

"I am cooking today." 

Hey! What's with that face!? I am not that bad. 

"Do you have a problem?" I asked, feeling my brows twitch. 

"Yes," He replied abruptly as I squeezed his arm, "Uh, I mean no, of course." 

"A-Aren't you lucky!" I let go of his hand and got outside the room. Casting one last look at him I spoke up, "I'll let you know when it's ready." 

"Hm. Ok." He replied, sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, opposite to his mother's bed. 

I left immediately and slipped against the wall onto the cold floor. 

I felt the same feeling when I was holding his arm a while ago.......

No, no no. 

This isn't possible. 

NO WAY!

|------------------------|

|------------------------|

|------------------------|

(RUDEUS GREYRAT)

Refugee Camp.

The air hung heavy with a sense of stillness.

In terms of sheer expanse, it spanned the dimensions of a modest village, and if compared to the grandeur of the Demon Continent, it could scarcely be labeled a town.

Yet, an eerie tranquility pervaded the atmosphere.

Even when gauging its size, the populace appeared sparse. The sounds of construction resonated within the log cabins, hinting at a small contingent of residents. Nevertheless, there was an absence of vitality, a stagnation that clung to the very air.

Amidst this refugee enclave's heart, we ventured towards a locale akin to an Adventurer's Guild.

The sign above the entrance bore the inscription "Refugee Camp Headquarters."

Upon entering, a handful of individuals were present, but the somber atmosphere persisted here as well, casting a shadow over the room.

Unease began to coil within me, akin to a harbinger of ill tidings.

"Rudeus, look at this..."

Eris' pointed gesture led my gaze to a sheet of paper affixed to a wall. The names of the missing were penned in small, tightly packed letters. They were meticulously categorized according to their respective villages and towns. 

At the pinnacle of the list lay the name of the lord of the Fittoa region, Sauros Boreas Greyrat, accompanied by the phrase "Seeking Information on Missing and Deceased Individuals."

"We can examine this later."

"Agreed."

There was a chilling tally of the dead people. 

Amidst the grim listing of the deceased, one name stood out prominently, casting a shadow of doubt upon Hitogami's words.

Julian Greyrat----Deceased---K407 to K417.

(***********)

After conveying Eris' name to the reception, the elderly woman manning the counter promptly disappeared into the back.

Soon thereafter, she reemerged with an impressive vitality, accompanied by a pair of individuals I recognized.

One was a man in the prime of his life, attired in garments befitting a somewhat prosperous merchant, his graying hair and beard framing a countenance reminiscent of nothing less than a dignified butler.

It was Alphonse.

The other was a woman of chocolate-hued skin, clad in the attire of a swordsman.

"Ghislaine!" Eris rushed forward, a radiant smile unfurling upon her features. Her joy was so evident, I almost wondered if she possessed a tail. I too felt a surge of happiness. While we had received no updates about Ghislaine, her energy remained palpable.

The lack of information regarding Paul must have meant that we somehow missed any developments over the past year. 

Other than Julian part. There were a lot of doubts regarding his situation. First of all, there was Hitogami. He said that some weird magic was used to instill someone else in his physical body. It seems like a bunch of crap, but it can be true. After all, until now all he did was help me. 

Then again, Julian had golden hair while the one who attacked me had pure white hair. Hair color doesn't really exist in this world but if someone was smart enough, they could concoct something like it. 

But then again, there was that notice. A person isn't deemed as dead until someone sees the corpse. It means someone did see Julian dead. That can match with Hitogami's claim of his body being possessed since the presence of a soul in a foreign physical form is entirely possible.

I was the prime example of it.

Looking back up, I saw Ghislaine's own smile appearing upon seeing Eris' expression.

"Eris, or rather, Eris-sama, I am relieved that you have returned safely..."

"...No need for formalities, just Eris is fine."

Ghislaine's initial delight faded all too swiftly, replaced by a somber expression. Alphonse regarded her with a sense of pity. Could it be....

Anxiety gripped my heart.

"Eris... Let's continue this conversation inside." Ghislaine's tone sounded tense. Her tail stood erect as well, a sign of her unease. This was the expression she wore when she was under strain, a countenance that extended beyond her initial delight at Eris' return.

"I understand." Eris appeared to glean something from that expression as well.

Following Ghislaine, we ventured deeper into the building. I had intended to follow suit, but...

"Rudeus-dono, please wait outside."

"Eh? Ah, yes."

I was halted. I nodded in response to Alphonse's words. Of course, considering my role had been akin to that of a hired hand, it was unlikely they would include me in their crucial discussion.

"That won't do. Rudeus, come along. W-We're together now!" Eris' tone was resolute, and I almost blushed at her words. My inner self felt like shrieking in a manner reminiscent of a high school girl, "KYAAAAA!"

Regardless, Eris' presence was commanding, leaving little room for dispute.

"If Eris-sama insists, then it's fine."

The vicinity around Eris' lips appeared more taut than usual, her fingers gripping my hand with such intensity that they paled to white.

(***********)

In silence, we proceeded through the corridor and entered a room reminiscent of an official's meeting chamber.

At its center lay a sofa, while an ornamental vase adorned with Batirusu flowers stood at its far end.

The room bore no superfluous decorations, featuring a modest-looking official's desk.Eris naturally took her place on the sofa without requiring any prompting, then grasped my hand, guiding me to sit beside her.

Ghislaine, as ever, positioned herself in a corner of the room.

Alphonse stood before Eris, donning the demeanor of a butler. "Welcome back, Eris-ojousama. We had already been informed of your return and were eagerly awaiting you..."

"No need for formalities. Just tell us. Who has passed away?"

Eris cut short the butler's words; her tone stronger than that of anyone present. Who has passed away? The question was posed without any softened words or tone. Yet, I understood that beneath that facade lay a tempest of anxiety. After all, she clung tightly to my hand.

"That is..." Alphonse's words wavered, leaving a sense of uncertainty in the air. Then, suddenly, a voice thundered forth like a demon's roar from the abyss, shattering windows, rending eardrums, splitting the earth, and tearing apart the fabric of existence while destroying the multiverses.

Nah, just kidding. But when I said it ruptured eardrums, I wasn't far off. It was a voice from the very depths of one's being. A voice all too familiar, yet instead of wielding authority, it resonated with raw emotion.

"EEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, it was the old man himself, Sauros Boreas Greyrat, the Liege Lord of Fittoa----in the flesh, baby!

Framed within the doorway stood a figure as formidable as ever was a man of roughly fifty years with dark brown hair streaked with a hint of white. Despite his advanced age, he exhibited a remarkable state of fitness, displaying no visible signs of physical ailment—his robustness reminiscent of the first time I had encountered him. 

In fact, it seemed he had even further augmented his muscular stature over time.

I see you've been dedicating time to fortifying those muscles during your energetic endeavors within your "sex tower," old man. kekw. 

I mentally made a pray sign with my hands. RIP to the poor maids. Your moans will be remembered. 

Moving on. 

  Eris sprung into her grandfather's outstretched arms with an exuberance that mirrored their longstanding connection. Sauros Boreas Greyrat, the patriarch who often projected an unyielding demeanor, struggled to contain the tears that welled in his eyes, his emotions laid bare in this tender moment.

Years of shared history, countless embraces, and the echo of cherished memories converged in this heartfelt instant. Eris nestled against her grandfather's embrace; her actions reminiscent of the innocent imitation she had begun with. As though returning to their very first day together, her gestures conveyed a deep connection nurtured over time.

Quite a heart touching reunion. I hope my sisters don't hate me more than they already do. Aisha is fine, but I hope Norn stops hating me so much. Now that Julian is gone, I guess, and she doesn't know about it still, it might be a hard blow for her. 

Looking back up tears threatened to overcome Eris but she too, like Sauros held them in. After all, she had been imitating him since day 1. Well then, since Sauros is alive, does that mean Philp---

"Oh Eris, you're back!" 

Well, never mind. The slit eyed fucker is alive. 

"RUDEUS! YOU ARE ALIVE TOO!" Sauros spoke, no screamed atop his lungs, while still holding Eris by her shoulder. 

I bowed, giving the official nobles bow. "Good to see you in good health, Lord Sauros." 

After that we all settled down and talked with each other for a bit, trying to catch up to each other. First, we told them about our adventures in the [Demon Continent]

After that, Philip and Sauros informed us of the current situation in Asura. 

Apparently, Sauros was about to be executed because of a plot between Pilemon and Prime Minister Darius Silva, but the second prince, Helfaust Asura sent a Sword Emperor to kill Darvus. Pilemon was still alive. 

Shortly after, the second prince was killed by [Water God --- Reida Reia] and is now wanted all over the Asura Kingdom. However, she isn't alone in her hunt. She is still searching for the unofficial Sword Emperor who killed 200 of Asura's finest knights and the Prime Minister, along with the North Emperor, Peacock Blade, Auber Corvette.

While the entity still remains at large, there is one thing about him that stands out. White hair and a mask with blood streams running down his eyes to the bottom of the mask. The same mask, I was able to almost blow off. 

The one that almost killed me. Someone who Hitogami said was my dead brother. There are too many variables to consider. Too many truths and lies that lay bare and veiled at the same time. But if it wasn't for Hitogami, I would've died many times over. I think.......its ok to believe him this once. 

"So? Rudeus? Eris said you two were together. Are you ready to marry in the Boreas household?" Philip asked with a hungry glee in his eyes. 

"Eh, uh, well, uh, you know, OOF---" As I was trying to formulate words, Eris secretly blew my side, delivering a full powered jab in my liver. 

"Oh, Eris dear, you shouldn't be so harsh on your husband. He might end up leaving you." Philip spoke with a playful smile on his face. 

"Hmph!" She looked the other way. 

"ERRRRISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Sauros bellowed, "ARE YOU ABOUT TO MARRY RUDEUS!!? PHILIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?" 

Philip winced but spoke respectfully, "I am right here father. What does this mean?" 

"IT MEANS WAR. READY THE MEN. WE ARE GOING ON WAR AGAINST THE NOTOS!!!" 

Not this again........

Just like on my birthday, Sauros was dragged away. I could hear him screaming, "I will serve his head to his sons once I butcher him." 

Scary man. 

"Well then, Rudeus, Eris. What do you say? Will Rudeus marry Eris?" Philip asked after the commotion died out a little. From the corner of my eyes, I saw a surprised Ghislaine looking at us with hope. 

"It would be a lie if I say I do not want to, but we are young. And after our travels together and the recent even with Orsted, I have realised I am far too weak to protect Eris." 

"Is that a no?" Philip asked, pressing the matter. You know damn well that isn't a no, you sick bastard. 

"No, of course no. I really want to marry Eris." I replied and Eris' touch on my hand grew stronger. "But like I said, we are in no conditio---"

"Well, it is settled then. For now, we will hold an engagement ceremony. That works, yeah? It will bind you two to each other." Philip said with an air of finality. 

"HUH!?" 

"HUH!?"