Rudeus's healing magic wasn't advanced enough, so Allen—knowing it couldn't be hidden—apologetically asked Zenith to heal his hand.
Paul, on the other hand, clicked his tongue in amazement at the shattered bed board.
"Rough dream, huh? Since you're all healed up, let's go practice swordsmanship. Gotta vent that extra energy somehow."
Allen gave him an internal eye-roll.
"Master Paul, I'd like to accompany Rudeus today to explore the plants around Buena Village."
Both Paul and Rudeus turned to him in surprise.
"Plant-watching isn't nearly as exciting as swordplay."
'Practical type, huh? Said he wanted to be my friend yesterday, and now wants to complete that today. Impatient kid. Still, he helped me out yesterday... and kept my sacred item secret.'
Allen didn't speak further, simply met Paul's gaze with silent insistence.
Paul blinked, looked at Rudeus, then back at Allen.
'Right, he's just nine. Making friends with Rudeus might be good... though a bit lonely today. But wait—Zenith isn't going to the clinic, and Lilia's off to the market... hehehe, haven't tried the kitchen counter in a while.'
Zenith tightened her grip around Allen's hand slightly as she caught on to Paul's shifting gaze.
"Haha... well then, fine. Just don't go deep into the forest. There are monsters."
Paul paused mid-sentence, then glanced at Allen.
"Though if Allen's with you, it should be fine. Be back before dark."
Rudeus twitched.
'Paul-san, your thoughts are written all over your face! And we have a guest here!'
He looked to Allen, who was staring blankly at his own hand.
'Not so much completing a mission... more like using the mission timer to push myself. I know this sort of bullying—happened back in the orphanage too. Makes you want to forget. I wonder if Sylphy's still got short hair? That dream last night must've been from thinking about her so much...'
—
After breakfast, the family of three saw the boys off at the gate.
Just as they were about to leave, Rudeus turned to Allen.
"Do you want to go far, or just around the outskirts today?"
Allen stroked his chin.
'Sylphy's father hunts in the forest, sometimes rotating shifts with Paul at the northern tower. If Sylphy brings him meals, the bullying spot should be somewhere between the village and the tower. The forest is north of the village.'
"From the village outskirts toward the northern forest. That whole area."
Rudeus blinked.
'A kid with a plan, huh?'
He turned to Paul.
"Father, we'll be in the area between the village and the forest. If we're not back by nightfall, something must have happened. Please search along that path."
"No need. There's no monster or person around Buena that could threaten me. Honestly, being with me today might be safer than staying in your house."
Rudeus glanced at Paul. The man was distracted, staring at Zenith's legs.
Then Rudeus looked at Allen, who remained contemplative, not even acknowledging his bold statement.
'Paul acknowledges Allen's strength implicitly. Allen even implied he's stronger than Paul—yet Paul didn't argue. Wait... he said "today". Today Paul and Zenith are... yeah. Ever since Allen showed up, they haven't been as intimate due to his presence. So this was intentional—to give them space? Damn, he's more mature than I thought.'
"Alright then, let's go."
"Take care~" Zenith called cheerfully.
Once the boys were gone, Lilia bowed.
"I'll head to the market now, Master, Madam."
"Great~ I heard the old lady at the far north stall has the freshest mushrooms. Mind walking a little farther and picking some up?"
Lilia gave a sideways glance at Zenith's smiling face, nodded, and left.
As soon as she was out of sight, Paul and Zenith broke their frozen poses. Paul scooped her up, his hands diving under her skirt. Zenith wrapped her legs around him as their lips locked.
"Darling, you've been so restrained since that child came... not even at night—"
"Well, he's Philip's kid. Feels like Philip himself is watching us. But I'm getting used to it. He's just a kid, after all."
"Mm."
Paul lifted her and carried her inside. The door shut with a bang.
Soon, muffled but unmistakable sounds filtered out from inside.
With houses spaced far apart in the village and no one else home, there was no need to be quiet.
"Darling, not like that... ah!"
"Not like what? Hmm?"
"S-stop it..."
"Things are just getting started. Brace yourself."
"Mm... yes. Just like that."
Outside the courtyard, Lilia leaned against the wall, her brows furrowed tightly in what seemed like pain. Her basket had fallen.
One hand reached up to adjust her maid blouse.
The other slipped down to lift her skirt.
She slowly crouched.
After all, the homes were spaced far apart.
And no one could see the wall beside the Greyrat gate.
(End of Chapter)
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