Allen was slightly confused. He hadn't expected that after just a few blank stares, Rawls would simply say four short sentences—
And just like that, agreed to let Sylphie go to Roa for "further education"?
Allen had prepared a whole speech, and yet didn't even get the chance to say a word.
But from Rawls' reddened eyes, he could see the sincerity of a father's emotions.
So he gave a single reply.
After all, taking care of Sylphie was something that needed no grand promise—it was something naturally expected.
No need for any flowery words.
Still, a small hiccup occurred later while packing. When Allen was helping Sylphie organize her magic books, class notes, and diaries, he suddenly heard her let out a sharp "Ehh?!"
She bolted over, snatched the diary right out of his hands, and left him holding only the rest of the books.
Allen stood there, completely baffled.
Before he could recover, Sylphie spun him around on the spot and made him face the wall.
The Rawls' house was small, and many personal items were placed in plain sight.
If Allen helped with packing those… what would that look like?
Eventually, after hugging her parents goodbye and promising to visit home from time to time, Sylphie left the house.
It's worth noting that Rawls and Nolda didn't just hug Sylphie—but also pulled Allen into the embrace.
Allen blinked in surprise, then silently reached out and returned the hug.
Though beside him, Sylphie's body had gone stiff as a board.
She stood straight as a stick.
Sylphie declined her parents' offer to escort her to Paul's home. They didn't push the matter—after all, Paul's noble "Greyrat" name held weight, and everyone in the village had seen the carriages parked outside that afternoon.
Roa?
It was a good place.
If Sylphie could go further and higher—
Rawls and Nolda would be proud.
They had nothing to offer Sylphie in terms of status or family legacy. All they had passed down was green hair—a symbol of misfortune—and a childhood full of bullying.
They had no right to let her suffer further.
Suffering is not something to glorify.
She deserved a better future.
And so, with Rawls and Nolda waving, Allen and Sylphie departed.
——
It had only been about an hour when Allen and Sylphie returned.
Sylphie walked beside Allen with her head down, carrying a small bag on her back.
Allen held her hand, shielding them both from the wind and rain.
Who knew that Nagare Ryuu no Ōgi (Flowing Style Secret Technique) could be used like this?
Paul, Zenith, and Rudeus had been eagerly watching from the window. When they saw the pair of silhouettes approaching through the rain, they all cheered in unison.
Then the three of them dashed out the door.
Inside, Philip calmly sipped a glass of water.
Just as expected.
Lilia, tending to the baby, wiggled her fingers at Aisha, who was sulking and looking around for someone—clearly not very happy.
Also expected.
Whether this scene had been expected by Paul, Zenith, and the others?
Who knows.
All they did was rush out happily, shouting like kids.
Even if it was expected—
Wasn't it still worth celebrating?
When Paul asked Allen exactly how Rawls agreed so easily, Allen's answer was so unexpectedly simple that Paul's expression twisted in shock, his face practically glowing with disbelief even through the rain.
His entire face screamed one thing:
"Damn."
Just one word, and you stole the guy's daughter?
You're insane.
Rawls is insane too.
Everyone's insane.
In the pouring rain, Sylphie's white dress was splattered with mud, and she wore a thick coat draped over her shoulders. She smiled and thanked Zenith for helping carry some bags, but her posture was awkward and fidgety.
To Zenith, the body language was crystal clear.
Every time Allen entered her field of vision, Sylphie would instinctively look away.
Just like when they first met.
Earlier that afternoon, she avoided Allen's smiling eyes.
Now, she avoided his figure altogether.
It looked the same.
But it was completely different.
What kind of feeling was this?
Zenith smiled, glanced to the side—
Paul was still making exaggerated faces at Allen, but Allen just looked confused, completely lost about whatever weird scheme Paul was cooking up this time.
"How nice," she thought.
——
Once everyone was warmed up with a cup of hot water, and Allen played with Aisha for a bit—
It was time to leave.
Philip had brought four carriages with him.
The first: Philip's personal ride, attended by two beastkin maids—one with rabbit ears, one with wolf ears.
The second: For Young Miss Eris, attended by a cat-eared beastkin maid, just like Eris.
The third: Two servants and a stock of desserts and snacks.
The fourth: One beastkin maid and an empty cabin—designated for Allen and the others' luggage.
Each carriage had its own driver.
Very well-organized.
Allen, Rudeus, and Sylphie were assigned to the third carriage. The original servants were moved to the fourth to handle the baggage.
Philip even suggested assigning the fourth carriage's maid to Allen's group as their personal attendant.
Rudeus, while clearly disappointed, watched as Philip—the iron-blooded man of the Boreas house—refused the offer with stern righteousness.
Who could withstand such temptation?
What a joke.
That said, something unexpected happened when boarding.
As Allen approached the third carriage, Sylphie followed behind with her head down. Her white hair swayed across her face, and she kept her eyes on her feet, trailing closely behind.
They boarded in sequence.
Rudeus followed as well—but just as he was about to step up, a red blur collided with him from the side, knocking him away with a body slam.
Before he could get angry, the cat-eared maid gently touched his head, smiled warmly, guided him up the second carriage, and softly informed him there were desserts on the table—he was welcome to enjoy them.
She then kindly shut the door behind him.
As the carriages began to roll—
Outside the window, Paul, Zenith, and Lilia waved their goodbyes. Aisha's cries rang out.
Rudeus numbly waved back.
Then turned to look inside the carriage—
Completely empty.
It was only then that reality hit him.
"??"
"Why am I in here??"
——
Inside the third carriage, Young Miss Eris was practically glowing, her fiery red brows bouncing, arms crossed, legs swinging—all signs of absolute smugness.
Allen stared blankly at her, speechless.
The cat-eared maid sat with perfect poise across from him, smiling sweetly, her tail gently swaying.
Eris fixed her gaze on Sylphie, seated opposite.
Her chosen "tutor."
This was her first time choosing a teacher of her own free will.
The young miss felt very pleased with herself.
And Sylphie?
The carriage rocked gently.
Two people sat on each side.
Sylphie's leg touched Allen's.
She stared at their lightly pressed knees, her face still flushed from "that incident" earlier upstairs.
Echoes of an old memory kept playing in her mind.
It was something Allen once said to Rudeus, though the real subject had been her teacher—Roxy.
"Because I'm certain we'll meet again in the future, I can stay calm."
So now, Sylphie understood why Allen had been so calm all afternoon.
Why?
Because Allen was certain he would take her to Roa.
That's why he was calm.
Was the cold night rain outside the window chilling?
Yes.
Was Allen's knee warm?
Yes.
Was her heart burning?
Absolutely.
So warm she felt she might melt.
——
Rain poured down in torrents.
Ten kilometers south of Buena Village—
Inside the forest, beneath the rain, someone opened their eyes.
"Let's see the time…"
"…Can't quite tell. But it should be soon."
"…Allen."
——
You probably noticed—I've veered off the planned story path again.
So now I'm a bit stuck.
This is a continuous conflict arc, so I think I'll stay stuck a bit longer.
Next chapter will be delayed.
(End of Chapter)
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