Chapter 13 - Farewell

Roxy left as quickly as she arrived the following morning. My parents along with me and Redeus went to send her off at the edge of the village. I was reluctant to let her leave my side, especially wanting to help her grow stronger and show that she doesn't need to belittle herself. 

I mean I'm a cheat while she works hard to achieve what she is right now. My standard shouldn't be used on herself but still I can't tell her this especially right now. 

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

My mother seems to have grown fond of her having another woman helping her in the house. Zenith doesn't seem to get well with the other woman in the town since most are eyeing for my dad.

"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 help 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 of 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 our training style.  

The two often shared their knowledge to further help me in training in both magic and swordsmanship. The mixture of my father's experience as an S ranked adventurer and Roxy's Saint rank status greatly help us grow stronger and more experiences. 

"Don't say that, mama, papa. You'll make it difficult for Shishou to leave." 

I commented since though I don't want her to leave but still respected her wishes to grow on her own until things settle down. I only wish for her to understand that she should be proud to be someone at the saint rank using only hard work. 

"Of course, I too share the same sentiment. Even if it's just for another year, no, maybe two?"

"Nii-San you're also doing the same as father and mother!"

Rudeus exclaimed while I only shook my head since I'm in a dilemma of wanting her to stay by my side and also respect her decision on being dependent to find a way to surpass herself. Roxy smiled faintly but shook her head moving. 

"The cheeky Reinhard 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."

"Is that so? You've lost confidence after seeing our children…sorry about that. I also felt the same way because I want to be an idol for them to look up to but alas, they have overtaken me."

"Oh come on dad, you're always the coolest!! Right, Rudy!?"

"Hah!? Yeah, whatever…"

"Aaw at least, Rein loves me!"

Roxy seemed solemn looking at me directly thinking deeply about how she truly feels about us. 

"If it was just about pride, I could have accepted it. More accurately, I would say that watching both of you 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 both of us siblings, 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 Rein, both of you, for helping me rekindle my ambition."

I couldn't help but grinned seeing my master growing motivated to carve her own path to getting stronger than before. 

"I understand, Shishou. 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 before patting my head with her delicate and petite hands. 

"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 so lewd."

My father was about to protest but Zenith stopped and scolded him in the background. I ignored the two and responded to her words. 

"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, Rein…..not to mention, it would be bad if the w-wife of Major World Powers is weak..." 

My parents were too distracted bickering while my brother doesn't have the same senses as I do to her Roxy mutter under her breath. This made me smile softly excited when we met again. 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, I almost forgot Shishou, I have a farewell gift for you!"

I used a technique that I've used called [ Body Flicker ] that acts the same as [ Shundō ] but not in a straightforward manner that lets me vanish into thin air then goes to my room taking a binder that contains all my research regarding the Mana core. 

This would greatly help her grow stronger and learn more the fundamentals of magic. Everyone was surprised when I reappeared moments later holding a binder and a letter. 

"I still couldn't get used to that, Nii-San."

Ignoring my brothers, I quickly handed the binder to my master.  

"Teacher, hand please."

Roxy blinked at me, who was holding out his hand cutely, but reached out with her hand anyway. The child placed the stack of paper into her hands that was compiled together by leather cover. 

"I cannot tell you what is written inside but I believe it would help Shishou achieve your dream. What I've written is something that occured to me in a dream like always and believe that Shishou should be the only one to learn it."

"Oh come on, What about me, Nii-San?"

"Are you a girl?"

I smirked at my brother who wanted to learn it but I'm reluctant to share my methods especially to him. Perhaps, I could try but it's all up to his talent. Furthermore I'll teach him to protect our family when the time comes. 

The blue haired Migurd traced her hand through the cover of the "book" with a finger, unfamiliar emotions filling her heart. Roxy was curious what her genius student would have written on it but knew whatever it is would be amazing. An affectionate smile graced Roxy's countenance, and she reached out to pat my head.

"I promised to carefully read whatever that is written here, Thank you, Rein. I really am looking forward to seeing you when you grow up."

'That's surprising, I didn't expect her to speak in such a flirty tone."

I was slightly stunned hearing her words and soon heard  Paul and Zenith behind me also shared a look before glancing back and forth between master and disciple. Even without looking I can already guess what they were doing as Zenith leaned over to her husband and whispered.

"Did our Rein just propose marriage to Roxy, and did she just accept it?"

Paul nodded his eyes closed feeling proud seeing me having left an impression to a woman. 

"Truly, Rein has inherited all of my charm. Even seducing a girl who- Huuk!"

He doubled over from the sharp elbow Zenith thrust in his ribs. Roxy, seeing this giggled and With that, our master leaves with a melancholic smile still on her face and sets off. Both of us stared at the back of her petite frame, with her back growing smaller with every step she took. I glanced at my brother who started to tear up at Roxy's disappearing silhouette.

"I told you, you're the one going to cry."

"S-Shut up, Nii-San! You're also crying!"

I was confused then felt a cold run down my cheek and realize that tears began to fall from my eyes baffling me. When did I become emotional when I've already mastered control of it? Has her effect on me caused a ripple to my heart? 

When looking back to where Roxy felt a surge of emotion. This shows how much my life has truly changed in this world for better and for worse. Another chapter came close and now another was set. 

=========

Hello, My name is Roxy Mirgudia from the Migurdia and a Water Saint Rank Mage. I have been given a tutor job for the next 2 years by a couple and at first I thought they were parents who were full of their children. They were merely 3 years old and told me that these two children already understood the theory of magic?

When I met them I was taken aback by the words of a young blonde boy who called me a Goddess. This stunned me since it's rare for anyone to praise me besides perhaps my talent in magic but his words had left an impression on me. This boy named Reinhard and his brother, Rudeus, became my very first students. 

The two were twins with Reinhard having blonde hair that acted more childish than his brother Rudeus who acted mature but regardless the two still act not like they're age at times. When I expected them to be confused at the fundamentals of magic had caused me to eat my words after witnessing them cast an Intermediate Magic Spell without the usage of an Incantation. 

For years of my training this was the first time I've encountered such a thing. There are ways to lessen the chants but a magic spell without chanting is unbelievable. This made me question my qualifications as their teacher since isn't it my job to be the idol and example for them to follow?

This dishearten my Heart and confidence in magic yet I had tried my best to guide them to the best of my abilities. Both had monstrous talent but Reinhard, the boy who seemed to have a childhood crush on me, had more talent in both magic and sword.  

He often tells us that the idea came from dreams and when asked always says that he couldn't completely remember, only feeling a sense of idea on what to do. I don't know what to say about his words but to ignore it and continue my training. 

Exactly 2 years had gone by and I grew fond of my disciples, especially Reinhard who always tries to court me, which I often see as nothing more than a child yet deep within my heart I could see his feelings were genuine. I'm afraid someone like me is unworthy to be by his side since I believe that he would be one of the Seven Great Powers or even surpass all of them.  

Every time he tries had given me the thought of doing the same for him. I wanted to prove myself that I could be by his side and perhaps be one of his wife's. Though, I'm a bit afraid at that time he would fall for another woman and forget about me.  

However, my heart seems to tell me that there is nothing to worry about. Even if he falls for another, his heart would also belong to me. It sounds crazy that I'm thinking that a young boy who only reaches 5 would have a harem of his own. Regardless, it is far in the future and looking at the village I left after spending time raising a boy whose future unbound stared at his final gift. 

"Hope you still hold those feelings when we finally meet." 

I turned my back finally heading to my journey to prove myself to the young boy who had always tried his best to leave a mark in my heart.