Chapter 5: Allen Boreas Greyrat

For a first meeting with a "stranger," this gesture was somewhat rude.

But Allen did it on purpose. On one hand, he had indeed been acting a bit like a rogue earlier.

On the other hand...

If this continued, it would really turn into a romantic comedy with him as the "blonde antagonist." Although he had been a big fan of Roxy before transmigrating, constantly calling her "Blue Mommy," the reality now was that Allen needed to rely on his knowledge of the original story to safely participate in the major events of Mushoku Tensei.

Allen needed to get close to Roxy, but maintaining an appropriate distance was equally necessary.

In the world of Mushoku Tensei, due to the lack of efficient communication, interactions between people were relatively simple, relying mostly on letters or face-to-face conversations. As a result, when Rudeus spouted cheesy pickup lines and tricks from the internet...

He often received strong, positive reactions from the opposite sex.

It was absurd, but it was the truth.

In a flash of thought, Allen didn't hesitate in his actions. He mimicked Roxy's earlier dark expression, raising his sharp, upward-slanting eyebrows as he stared directly at her forehead.

"Of course, if there really were a red magic eye here, I might cut off your head before you could eat me. After all, the distance between us... is too close."

"It's just a swing of the sword. What do you think?"

With that, he glanced at the headless bodies of the four monsters nearby.

Roxy instinctively followed his gaze and shivered.

That's right... She, a mage, had just tried to intimidate a swordsman at close range.

Ultimately, it was because she had just parted ways with Rudeus, and upon encountering another seemingly young child, she subconsciously adopted the same behavior pattern she used with Rudeus.

But this person wasn't Rudeus, nor was he a harmless child.

He was an adventurer wandering deep in the forest at night, where monsters frequently appeared. In an instant, he had drawn his sword and decapitated four monsters, all while effortlessly splitting her water ball spell, which she had amplified with extra mana, right in front of his face. His control over distance was impeccable.

This casual display of skill... was even stronger than most A-rank adventurers she had seen.

Intermediate swordsman... No, that's not enough. He's likely an advanced swordsman.

Thinking this, Roxy immediately calmed down and moved to stand up, intending to put some distance between herself and Allen. But when her eyes swept over him, she restrained her impulse.

In the time it took for a single thought, Allen had already composed himself, extending his right hand in a noble gesture of respect and bowing his head to Roxy.

Roxy could even see the fine hairs on the back of his neck.

Through his actions, Allen conveyed that, contrary to his words, he meant no harm.

"Sorry, no more jokes. I really am grateful to you. To be honest, even though I split your water ball, I still owe you my life."

He even used an honorific.

Roxy blinked and sat back down, placing her hands on her knees.

After Allen's push-and-pull tactic, the atmosphere between them became more formal.

The conversation returned to a proper tone.

"What do you mean... And how do you know about the Migurd race?"

Allen removed the sword from his waist and placed it horizontally in front of them, signaling that he had no intention of attacking. At the same time, he pointed to the scabbard and lied to Roxy.

"As you can see, the sword technique I used earlier put a lot of strain on my body. If you hadn't been here, I would have been injured, and if more monsters had been attracted by the firelight, I could have been in serious danger."

"As for the Migurd race, well, all swordsmen dream of wielding legendary weapons."

"Although I'm young, I've read the North God Hero Chronicles. Those magic swords with various effects were crafted by the famous demon blacksmith, Yurian Harris."

"To learn more about this master, I've read many books about the Demon Continent, so I'm familiar with many demon races."

Roxy fell silent for a moment.

"...But if I hadn't cast that spell, you wouldn't have had to use such a taxing technique. Compared to the monsters, my water ball spell must have felt like a greater threat to you, since you couldn't tell whether the sudden magic in the middle of the forest night was from a friend or foe. That's why you acted so quickly to eliminate the danger and display your strength to intimidate the newcomer. Am I right?"

Allen looked at Roxy in surprise. She had returned to her usual half-lidded, cold expression, but there was no trace of wariness or distance in her demeanor. In response to Allen's goodwill, she reciprocated, sitting politely on the ground with her mage robe stretched taut by her seated posture, her hands resting on her knees, as if ready to discuss matters seriously.

'As expected of an adventurer who's survived the Demon Continent and the Milis Continent for years. Aside from the marketable moe traits emphasized in the anime, Roxy's judgment is sharp. The reason she's let her guard down around me is probably because she's been in the peaceful Asura Kingdom for too long, growing complacent.'

'This is the same person who, despite her frail mage body, can solo dungeons. Treating her like a delicate flower would be an insult to her status as a goddess.'

Allen smiled.

"You're right, but the fact remains that your water ball spell was meant to save me, not harm me. Isn't that so? It was only after realizing this that I stopped pushing myself. And after I fainted, you used healing magic to save me. That kindness was genuine. I owe you my gratitude."

Roxy leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing as she stared at Allen.

This time, she remained silent for a long while before pointing at the dead boar nearby.

"So, your fainting was also intentional, wasn't it? To test whether I had malicious intentions..."

"When you fainted, you kept your face upward, which wouldn't hinder your ability to draw your sword. If I had tried to do something bad while you were unconscious, my head would probably be lying next to theirs, right?"

Allen froze. 'Crap, she saw through it.' He quickly tried to explain.

"That... That was just instinct..."

Before he could finish, Roxy interrupted him.

"It's fine. I could also tell that after you sat up, you were completely open with me. Your gratitude now is sincere... As a solo adventurer, you need to have that level of caution. It's impressive that someone as young as you can be so vigilant... Meanwhile, I've grown too complacent after years of peace. You've taught me a lesson."

Roxy tugged at her bangs with a hint of frustration, glancing at the staff beside her. Her voice grew softer.

"...But being smooth-talking and not telling the truth are qualities of a proper adventurer."

Allen stared intently at Roxy. In that moment, he genuinely felt the charisma she naturally exuded.

It wasn't just about her fair skin or beauty.

She was truly kind-hearted.

Thinking this, Allen looked at Roxy with utmost seriousness.

Roxy seemed to sense Allen's intense gaze and turned to him with a puzzled expression.

Then, she heard a young but firm voice beside her.

"Thank you. But I can't agree with the 'smooth-talking' part. While my words when I 'woke up' might have sounded like nonsense to you, I truly meant every word."

Roxy stared blankly at Allen, who looked completely sincere.

[A reminder to the host: Repeatedly gaining Roxy's favor won't earn you more rewards, but I must say...]

Allen quickly waved his hand, dispersing the system panel before it could fully materialize.

'I can't even express gratitude now? Being genuine makes me a tryhard? Give me a break.'

Roxy was stunned for a moment, but when she saw Allen's strange behavior, a subtle smile crept onto her lips.

"So, was calling me 'Mom' also sincere? You were clearly teasing me for being short... But then again, no one in the Asura Kingdom would expect a demon to be here. Being short and speaking so maturely does make me seem suspicious."

Allen: 'Get a grip, Blue Mommy... Your tone isn't mature at all. The Migurd race lives for two hundred years, so you're practically a teenager. Even your brain development is at a teenage stage... Not to mention the fact that demons generally have lower intelligence.'

As he thought this, Roxy cleared her throat.

"Don't call me 'Mom.' I have a name."

Allen nodded along with Roxy's words and asked,

"Then... May I ask your name?"

"Roxy Migurdia. And you?"

"Allen..."

Allen paused, looking at Roxy. Her deep blue eyes in the darkness held only sincerity.

'Forget it, I've lied enough tonight. No more lies to Roxy.'

He would just give her a small reminder. Given Roxy's personality, even if she went to the capital and heard some rumors, she would be willing to help keep his whereabouts a secret.

After a brief hesitation, Allen spoke his full name.

"Allen Boreas Greyrat."