A Promise

Roxy left as quickly as she arrived the following morning. Redeus' parents along with the boy went to send her off at the edge of the village.

"You don't have to leave, you know, Roxy. I have a lot more recipes to teach you." Zenith implored.

"That's right. You've helped so many people, the villagers love having you around. Even if your job as a magic tutor is over, you can still stay with us for as long as you want." Paul added.

It seemed that after living together for a year, the two had grown closer to Roxy.

The blue-haired Migurd always tried to helping Zenith and Lilia to prepare dinner, and they also bonded a lot as women. Although Roxy was technically older than Zenith, the human seemed to have more worldly experience as compared to the Migurd, who spent most of her life studying magic.

While Zenith oft times teased Roxy about her relationship status, or rather lack of experience with one, they also found surprising common topics in their hobbies.

Paul worked with Roxy often to help develop Rudeus' Magic Sword style, and they shared a common understanding between adventurers who were both well versed in fighting - albeit one with swords and the other with magic. Though Paul generally thought higher of swordsmen over magicians, he still held a healthy amount of respect for the Saint-ranked mage, since even Advanced-ranked mages were highly-regarded S-rank adventurers.

"Don't say that, mama, papa. You'll make it difficult for Instructor Roxy to leave." Rudeus cut in, "Of course, I too share the same sentiment. Even if it's just for another year, no, maybe two?"

Roxy smiled faintly but shook her head, "The cheeky Rudeus is still acting mature. I am very grateful for your words, but I feel I need to leave and travel the world. I have realized my weakness, so I intend to travel and hone my magic. Otherwise, I would be ashamed to admit I taught such a genius."

'She seems confident I will achieve great heights in the future… I can't let down her expectations.' Rudeus thought to himself.

Paul nodded in understanding, "Is that so. It seems our son has made you lose confidence. It's okay. I have also been through that phase, and frankly, I have already accepted that I will be surpassed long ago. If not for my fear of him getting a big head, I would have told him that recently, I have felt like I was getting pushed to my limits a couple times when we sparred."

'Hey, I'm right here you know? Aren't you telling this to me now? Or is your wish for Roxy to stay stronger than your unwillingness to admit weakness?'

His father continued without shame, "I no longer fear being surpassed. In my eyes, it is only an inevitability!"

'…Why are you proud of the fact that you're proud of me? This father is really… hah, he's really loving.'

Roxy seemed solemn, "If it was just about pride, I could have accepted it. More accurately, I would say that watching Rudy grow has inspired me and reignited my passion for magic. It feels like my eyes have been opened and I have once more been made aware of the endless possibilities of magic. My journey to chase after the pinnacle of magic has not ended. So I cannot stay stagnant as well."

She looked down at Rudeus, with tints of excitement and anticipation in her eyes, "For the first time in a long time, I feel excited about magic again. Thank you Rudy, for helping me rekindle my ambition."

'I see. Rather than being dispirited, Instructor Roxy was just feeling fired up, huh? Well, that's something I can understand. In that case I should send her off not with a frown, but with a smile.'

Rudeus grinned, "I understand, Instructor. In that case, the next time we see each other, shall we see how much the other has grown?"

Roxy giggled, putting a hand to her lips, "I don't know if it is the influence of Paul, but even the words from a 5 year old of the Greyrat household sounds erotic."

Ignoring the words of protest from his father standing behind, Rudeus continued, "No, it is sincere. I am excited to see what heights you will reach the next time we meet."

Roxy received his intentions with appreciation, "I feel the same way, Rudy." She then reached around her neck and took off the necklace the Greyrats have always seen her wear.

"Congratulations on your graduation. I wish I had prepared something better but the past few days we were busy studying for your final test. Take this instead."

Rudeus took the necklace from his teacher and examined it still feeling the lingering warmth from her body heat, "This is…?"

"It is a protection amulet of my people. If you ever come across a hostile demon, you can show them this amulet along with the name of our Migurd tribe. You might come to an understanding… probably."

"I will treasure it always. Ah, hold on, even though Instructor has given me so much, I have not even prepared a farewell gift for my favourite teacher." Rudeus rummaged through his pockets but couldn't find anything, once again ignoring the protests of 'what about me?' from his parents.

'Hmm… this is starting to look bad. Ah, I know!'

Rudeus reached down and tore off a long strip of cloth from the hem of his shirt.

Behind him, Zenith watched with tears in her eyes, 'The shirt I made for Rudeus was so easily torn up for a girl...'

"Teacher, hand please."

Roxy blinked at Rudeus who was holding out his hand cutely, but reached out with her hand anyway. The child then wrapped the cloth around her delicate, thin wrist and tied a ribbon bow before looking up at her face and smiling brightly.

"It is shabby, but it contains our promise to reunite and meet in the future. Please return it to me the next time we see each other after I grow up."

The blue haired Migurd traced the linen ribbon with a finger, unfamiliar emotions filling her heart. Though objectively it was truly a mere shabby strip of cloth torn from the well-worn shirt of a child, to Roxy it was still a precious gift from her first apprentice.

An affectionate smile graced Roxy's countenance, and she reached out to pat Rudeus' head.

"I promise never to lose it until I return this to you in the future. I really am looking forward to seeing you when you grow up, Rudy."

'Uhh… is it just me or was that kind of a flirty tone?' Rudeus pondered, slightly stunned.

Unbeknownst to either of them, Paul and Zenith behind Rudeus also shared a look before glancing back and forth between master and disciple.

Zenith leaned over to her husband and whispered, "Did our Rudy just propose marriage to Roxy, and did she just accept it?"

Paul nodded his eyes closed, "Truly, Rudy has inherited all of my charm. Even seducing a girl who- Huuk!"

He doubled over from the sharp elbow Zenith thrust in his ribs.

With that, Roxy leaves with a melancholic smile still on her face and sets off.

Rudeus stared at the back of her petite frame, with her back growing smaller with every step she took.

'I owe a lot to Roxy. This debt, I shan't forget it anytime soon.'