Ghislaine

### 13: Ghislaine

In order to fulfill his promise of finding me a job, Paul sent out a letter.

A month later, the much-awaited reply came.

Seeing it, I knew that it was time to depart for Roa.

Yet, I felt a little sad.

Sylphie and I were going to have to be apart for some time.

Having prior experience, I wasn't about to enter the fray unprepared. I quickly left to find Sylphie and inform her about the situation ahead of time.

But as soon as she heard the news, Sylphie began to sob.

"No... No, don't go!"

Sylphie suddenly cried out, embracing me.

Oh, Sylphie's embrace is so soft, I was almost intoxicated.

However, just as my little Rudy was about to revel in it, Sylphie added more force into the hug and began trembling violently.

"No, don't... don't go... don't go!!"

Sylphie tightly bit her lip, giving it her all to hold onto me.

Oh my, Sylphie, while I might be a formidable mage, my body's still quite fragile!

Please, be gentle; don't attempt to break my bones.

"Don't leave, don't leave, Rudy... Waa, waa, waa..."

Sylphie's tiny shoulders shook vigorously, her face buried against my chest.

I closed my eyes and gently stroked her head.

I'm sorry, Sylphie.

You're not mature enough yet.

Even if I were to let you stay by my side like this, it wouldn't benefit you at all.

Paul, that guy, though a scoundrel, was remarkable when it came to matters of women.

Sylphie is too reliant on me now.

...

After Sylphie had cried her heart out,

I pulled her up and looked at her as gently as I could.

"I'm sorry, Sylphie, but I'm leaving so that we can be together, okay?"

"The... the magic academy and stuff, I don't have to go... I can stay..."

Sylphie choked out, speaking defiantly.

Such a Sylphie was also adorable.

"Sylphie, let's work hard together for our bright future," I said.

But Sylphie's face still bore unease.

So, I added,

"Though it might be a bit early for this, I, Rudeus Greyrat, solemnly swear that no matter what happens, Sylphie will become my wife."

"Huh... huh?"

Sylphie first froze.

Then, her long, pointed ears turned red, vibrating vigorously like small electric fans.

My goodness. It's just a marriage proposal; why be so shy?

Sylphie, you're truly adorable.

...

During the afternoon swordsmanship class,

Paul came over to me, asking,

"What... ah, if you were asked to separate from Sylphie, how would you feel?"

The same question as in my past life.

Indeed, even Paul could see that Sylphie was too dependent on me.

If I were to answer negatively at this moment, Paul would likely pounce on me.

"Well, I think that would be for best."

"Huh?"

Paul looked at me, confused by my unexpected answer.

"What's wrong?"

"No... It-it's just... why would you think so?"

"Sylphie has become a bit too reliant on me. If this carries on, she'll not be able to do anything without me by her side."

"...That's true."

"So?"

"So, your job has already been arranged."

After that, Paul introduced me to the job he had found for me.

And as expected,

It was to go to Roa and serve as a private tutor for Eris.

Then, the person responsible for escorting me appeared.

She had chocolate-colored skin and was wearing a revealing leather outfit, with bulging muscles and scars all over.

She had beast-like ears and a tiger-like tail.

She was wearing an eye patch and, due to her dignified appearance, gave off the feeling of authority.

She was none other than the former member of the Fangs of the Black Wolf, Sword King Ghislaine.

"Paul, Lilia, it's been a while."

Ghislaine, as a former member of the Fangs of the Black Wolf, greeted all of us.

Hmm...

Now that I think about it, it's only due to Ghislaine's honest and straightforward personality that she could greet Paul without bearing any grudge.

After all, Paul had once attacked Ghislaine during his mating season.

This scumbag...

Well, regardless, this scumbag is still my father, so I can't let him lose face.

"It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I'm Rudeus Greyrat."

I bowed to Ghislaine with standard noble etiquette.

"Oh!"

Ghislaine looked at me with great surprise.

"It's quite polite of you. Being Paul's son, I totally didn't expect this."

Although I know that you are praising me, being compared to Paul still irks me.

Paul, with a very proud posture, introduced me to Ghislaine.

Due to the somewhat exaggerated introduction, even someone like Ghislaine, with her muscle-brained personality, began to doubt its authenticity.

A Water Saint-ranked mage, huh?

"So, Rudeus, I'll be counting on you to take care of Ghislaine from now on."

"Wait a minute, isn't it me who should be taking care of Rudeus?"

Ghislaine was confused.

"I didn't say it wrong. Given both your and Rudy's capabilities, it's more appropriate for Rudy to look after you. Plus, you still need to learn magic and all from him, right?"

Paul's tone was extremely teasing.

But Ghislaine, apparently a person who doesn't understand humor, nodded thoughtfully.

Did she actually agree with that?!

"In that case, please take care of me, Rudeus Greyrat."

"Just call me Rudy..."

Although I was familiar with her due to my previous life's memories, Ghislaine was indeed a strong woman who came from the holy land of muscle brains.

"Oh, right."

Paul discreetly handed me a letter he had prepared a long time ago.

"What's this?"

"A letter to Ghislaine from me, but wait until after y'all have left to open it."

Oh-hoh, Paul, that mischievous smile of yours can't hide your intentions anymore, you know?