Allen swore he was simply watching the scene like a family comedy show — from the resentful expression of Lilia by the window to the flirtatious butt-squeezing antics of the Paul couple in the yard below.
He also took time to identify everyone's face.
Lilia had a cold elegance, with features leaning toward the eastern look, glasses, and a proper maid outfit. Paul had the traditional Notos playboy face, with rugged features, a tear-shaped mole, and a solid build — no wonder women fell for him. Zenith was a classic refined noble lady, with silky blonde hair and, most importantly, her measurements matched Lilia's — both were solid 36E.
Paul, oh Paul...
That's when Allen spotted Rudeus — the protagonist of Mushoku Tensei. His hair inherited Zenith's smoothness and Paul's brown hue. His features were soft, almost feminine at this age, and he was nervously fending off Paul's nonsense.
Suddenly, Rudeus stiffened and slowly turned to look at Allen.
Allen, remembering his favorability quest, instinctively showed the warmest, kindest, most friendly smile he could muster.
The next moment, Rudeus headbutted Paul like he'd seen a ghost.
Paul staggered and glared at Allen with clear hostility.
Allen's smile froze. His attempt to express goodwill had... made things worse.
Paul's hostility passed quickly. As a knight sent from Fittoa to supervise Buena Village's safety, he'd seen plenty of unexpected visitors.
He patted the dust from his clothes and stood. Meanwhile, Rudeus slowly backed up behind Paul, like a wind-up toy.
Still trying to salvage things, Allen forced an even brighter smile.
"Excuse me, are you the knight Paul-sama? Is that your child? How adorable~"
Rudeus's face changed instantly. Terrified, he bolted inside.
Allen was stunned, then looked awkwardly at Paul.
Paul didn't respond immediately. He seemed absent-minded, eyes drifting across Allen — pausing briefly at the sword hilt on his waist, then his torn swordsman outfit. Finally, his gaze landed on Allen's face and stayed there.
Allen met his eyes. Paul was nearly 180 cm tall, so Allen had to look up.
After a moment, Paul spoke.
"Sorry. Rudeus isn't good with strangers. What brings you here?"
Allen responded politely.
"I'm a wandering adventurer. I lost my money in a labyrinth and now I'm looking for work. On the road, I happened to meet a blue-haired demon magician who suggested your child might need a sword teacher."
"Why lie?"
Paul immediately called him out, stern and parental.
Allen, unphased, simply smiled and asked, "What makes you say that?"
"If you really met Roxy, you'd know I'm Rudeus's sword teacher. She wouldn't suggest another. So, clearly, you came on your own."
Allen lowered his eyes. Just as expected — not easy to fool.
If he said he just wanted to be Rudeus's tutor, it would sound suspicious. Claiming he needed money didn't hold water either; better opportunities existed in larger cities. His logic was flawed.
Was revealing his true identity the only way?
"However… becoming Rudeus's sword teacher might not be a bad idea."
Allen looked up, surprised.
Paul was eyeing his sword.
"To be honest, I rely heavily on instinct. I've struggled to awaken Rudeus's passion for swordsmanship. Maybe someone else will succeed."
Before Allen could react, Paul added:
"I'll hire you for a 7-day trial. If you prove yourself, I'll formally employ you as Rudeus's sword teacher. Pay will be two silver coins a month — fair enough."
Paul stepped close, meeting Allen's gaze.
"But I don't hire just anyone who calls themselves a swordsman. You seem a bit too young... Prove yourself. If you can get past me, you get your trial. Deal?"
Allen raised an eyebrow. The plot's moving fast...
"That's reasonable."
——
The sun cast long shadows over the courtyard.
Zenith and Lilia stood nervously by the door, Rudeus peeking from behind.
Zenith whispered, "What's going on? Why is your father dueling a child? Is he really a swordsman, Rudeus?"
Rudeus shook his head, avoiding Allen's gaze.
"No idea, Mother. I ran inside before they spoke."
What's this, that creep challenged Father? Dare to scare me? Go get him, Paul-sama! Show your fatherly authority!
Paul drew his sword — a double-edged blade with a trapezoidal hilt and religious-looking design. A black groove ran down the blade.
He raised it in a standard high stance.
Allen unsheathed his thinner, single-edged sword. Unlike Paul's, his blade had fine forging patterns that arched toward a sharp curve.
His stance was low, defensive.
Allen's heart pounded.
Paul — upper class in three styles, peak level near quasi-Saint rank. Though retired, he was still stronger than what the system deemed Allen's level.
Allen licked his lips, eyes blazing.
"Shall we begin, then?"
Three meters away, Paul grinned.
"The moment you draw — it already began."
A flash of steel surged forward, light reflecting like fire — the blade already singing in Allen's ear.
"...now."
(End of Chapter)
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