Chapter 16 - Time Passes

—-- Leon Greyrat —--

Another few months had passed since arriving in Roa, and as the days became longer with the arrival of summer, I fell into a comfortable routine.

Save for the free day at the end of each week, my daily plan was like so:

First thing in the morning I would do some basic exercise, focusing on cardio and basic bodyweight exercises, both as a way to improve, but also as a way to get warmed up and ready for the day.

After that would be a quick breakfast before Eris and Ghislaine's lessons began.

The lessons themselves were very easygoing and freeform with the two, as not only did I try to integrate many subjects into each session, but Eris' interest in certain topics differed from day to day, so I had to adjust.

Usually, the first hour was mainly testing the waters and seeing what changes would need to be made to my plans, but recently, Eris had been much more… obedient.

I guess the extra day and city visits helped a lot, huh? And Hilda's affectionate gesture probably played a part too.

Anyway, lessons would go on until lunch, and after letting the food digest, we would then head to the training grounds for afternoon sword training with Ghislaine.

There was no exact set time for training, so it would usually go on until Eris and I were too tired to continue. Ghislaine was pretty skilled at knowing how to push us to our limits without overexerting us. But… it hurt quite a bit.

After that was free time, which I would usually spend in the library, doing some individual magic practice, or hanging out with Eris after she completed her etiquette lessons.

I had also noticed that my mana capacity had stopped growing, likely due to approaching the static growth age of ten, and also due to being unable to deplete my magic power reserves anymore.

Well… it wasn't like I was unable to deplete it, but rather that the effects of doing so would be… devastating, to say the least.

I don't think Sauros would appreciate me casting Cumulonimbus across his lands.

Anyway, I recently started learning horseriding with this free time, as well as practicing some North God techniques in hand-to-hand combat and survival skills. Sometimes I would also be asked to do some tasks asked of me as the manor's hired mage and healer, but those were fairly rare.

If I was reading the situation right, Philip seemed to not want to flaunt me to the world, especially to nobles.

That was probably due to me being a Greyrat. Even if Paul had been disowned, he was still a former heir to a prestigious house.

Since I was adopted, I had an easy way to dodge these problems, but that would only shift the focus onto Rudy and my soon-to-be-born siblings, so I didn't mind the attention if it ever came.

After this free time, I would then have dinner, sometimes sharing the table with Eris and her family, but most times just eating with Ghislaine before being taught the Beast God tongue by her before bed.

"Continue attacking, Eris! Do not let up!" Ghislaine instructs.

"Grr! Hah!"

When I first arrived here, Eris had been focusing on her posture and form in swordsmanship training. But now, with her graduating into the Intermediate rank in the Sword God style, she had moved onto more spars.

This was the approach that was taken with disciples in the Sword Sanctum, where only after one perfected the basics of the Beginner rank and moved onto the Intermediate rank would they begin sparring. Mostly in an attempt to spur the development of their Touki.

While those two did their thing, I swung down my sword vertically, focusing on the blade as it whistled through the air.

Well, not the blade exactly, but rather the energy that was coating it.

After learning about Touki, and having many of the kinks in my swordsmanship removed with Ghislaine's instruction, I had begun to take a deep dive into what Touki was.

Battle Aura, in essence, was a form of mana manipulation.

But instead of how mana formed into elements from spells, the power of Touki came from the mana itself. More specifically, Touki enhanced the already present abilities of an object.

A sharp sword would become sharper, a fast sprint would become faster, and things like that.

Touki was also invisible, and different from normal mana, it was much more difficult to control. Although that may have just been me.

Since I already was so skilled at using mana with spells, I assumed getting control of Touki would be easy, but contrary to my expectations, it hasn't. Even though Ghislaine said I was a prodigy at it, it didn't feel that way compared to how well I could control mana.

If I were to guess… Touki seemed a little different from regular mana.

A more… spiritual kind, where it would be boosted in moments of stress, and was able to be used without consciously knowing of it, like Paul.

It also, unlike mana, didn't seem to drain, as Ghislaine only ever mentioned physical stamina affecting how long one could fight, not Touki. 

But that belief could also be wrong. I had to remember that in this world, not everything that was known as truth was actually correct. Such as the fact one's mana capacity was set at birth. There was no scientific theory here, so assumptions remained for many years before being disproven.

Anyway, while coating my body in Touki enhanced my physical abilities and my senses, and coating my sword allowed me to cut through boulders, those were only the basic applications.

Finer applications of Touki were labelled as techniques.

If Touki was comparable to mana, then techniques would be spells.

Techniques came in many forms. Some were attacking, like the Longsword of Silence of the Sword God. Some were defensive like the Water God's parrying techniques. And some were more utility-focused, such as the North God's sword throwing.

It differed from spells though, where with a good enough image and focus, one could simply cast a spell through an incantation on their first try.

With techniques, you needed to practice to have the Touki flow correctly, as it was a very stubborn energy to control. However, that might just be because of my current skill level.

Anyway, compared to magic which was based on intelligence and understanding, Battle Aura was much more instinctive and based on practice. So I suppose I could give Paul a pass for being such a 'dolt', as he would call it.

"That's enough," with a final exchange of blows, Ghislaine then lowers her sword.

"Eris, go through your forms once again, putting my advice into practice. Be sure to have your attacks connect smoothly, and not be so segmented."

With Eris nodding with a face drenched in sweat, Ghislaine then turns to me.

"Your turn, Leon. Let's focus on your countering with Resonance Reversal ," she says.

Well… time to get smacked again, I guess.

But it was fun. And feeling myself improve with each spar made the pain worth it.

"Got it, Ghislaine."

"Mmm."

With a nod, her wooden sword then whips toward me, faster than the speed of sound as I bring my own up to her approaching wrist.

"Not fast enough."

I got hit.

Ouch.

—-- Information on the Six-Faced World —--

Asura Kingdom

The Asura Kingdom is a human kingdom and is the world's strongest nation located in the western area of the Central Continent. Due to bountiful resources, fertile land, and relatively few monsters, it is a very rich and prosperous region, and the capital of Ars is the largest city in the world.

The Asura Kingdom is split into the following regions:

King's Region : Governed by the Asura Royal family, it is the region that governs the kingdom with a high population density and is the center of commerce. The Water God Style is housed in this region, in the capital city of Ars. This region is located in the west of the kingdom.

Fittoa Region : Governed by the Boreas Greyrat family, it is known as the land of perfume, and also for its production of agriculture. This region is located in the northeast of the kingdom.

Milbots Region : Governed by the Notos Greyrat family, it is known as the land of alcohol for its production of beer and wine. This region is located in the east of the kingdom.

Donati Region : Governed by the Zephirus Greyrat family, it is known for its abundance of sugar and wool, as well as the export of arms. This region is located in the northwest of the kingdom.

Wishiru Region : Governed by the Eurus Greyrat family, while it does not have any local specialty, it has a large production of agriculture and is known for its trade with merchants of other nations. This region is located in the south of the kingdom.

—-- Leon Greyrat —--

'L-Leon! R-Run! Gah!'

Red covers my vision, as a course laugh echoes into my ears.

'P-Please… take care of my son…'

My body tenses in fear as the familiar scene plays out before me.

The dread of what I knew was to come. The helplessness. The anxiety.

It was overwhelming.

I was strong now, right?

I knew I could cut that bandit's head off easily, so why was I chained to sit back and watch this play out again?

'Please… live happily…'

As the light leaves my mother's eyes, I feel my heart clench in sadness. A pain like no other.

And a moment later, I woke up. Shooting up in my bed.

"Haa… haa…"

My body was drenched in sweat and my heart was racing. Bringing a hand to my face, I feel the trail of tears reaching down my cheek.

"Hoo… Haven't had that dream in a while."

Or perhaps a nightmare would be a more apt description.

Looking down at my fist, I feel a wave of emotion wash over me as I clench it tightly.

"I won't let that happen again… Never…"

I couldn't save my mother, Alice, as I was but a baby. Weak. Helpless.

Now… I was stronger. And I would get even stronger. To protect my family.

Looking out the window, it was still dark, but seeing the slight red glow on the edge of the horizon, it wasn't too long before the time I usually woke up.

Getting to my feet, I stretch out the stiffness in my body before drenching myself in water to clean off the sweat.

"Guess I'll take a walk before my routine then."

Making my way through the castle halls, I'm surprised to see Ghislaine standing right outside my door.

"Uhh, morning? What are you doing up?" I ask.

She looks at me with a frown, "You were talking in your sleep, so I went to check up on you."

"Oh… sorry for waking you. Just had a little nightmare, is all," I shrug.

As we were both technically employed as guards to Eris and as tutors, Ghislaine and I's rooms were next to each other, while also being close to Eris' in case of any attacks.

Though, since there was a barrier spell set up in her room, and another one for the castle itself, there wasn't too much of a worry. But it was always good to be careful.

She then pulls me in for a hug, burying my face in her breasts much like Mama's did.

Damn… I can't wait to be taller.

"About your mother?" she asks.

I nod, "Yeah. It's just… I'm glad I'm somewhat strong now, don't get me wrong. But… I just wish things were different."

She shakes her head, "You can't change the past, Leon. You can only look toward the future."

Huh. I didn't think I'd ever hear such… philosophical words from Ghislaine.

"Are you missing home?" she then asks.

"Somewhat," I answer. "Exchanging letters only does so much, you know? But I'll be visiting soon when Mama is due."

According to Paul, both Mama and Lilia were doing fine, and with Rudy becoming six years old, he was now a Beginner-rank swordsman in all three styles.

From Rudy's part of the last letter, Sylphy had been missing me quite dearly and had also begun learning healing magic under Mama while I was gone.

My brother was quite upset that he wasn't able to silently cast healing magic like Sylphy and me, but considering his massive mana pool, I think he was doing just fine.

Ghislaine hums, "Yes… how long do you think you will be gone?"

"Around a month. I hope Master Philip doesn't mind my absence, and that my leave doesn't harm Eris' progress," I say.

Since we didn't know exactly what day she had conceived, nor how long she would be in pregnancy, I wanted to have enough of a range of time so that I was there when she went into labour, and then I would need to wait until Lilia did as well.

It would suck if Eris disregarded all the progress we made while I was gone. But then again, my contract was open-ended in terms of time, so I wasn't too stressed about it.

"I'll allow the informal use of my daughter's name to slide this time."

Hearing Philip's voice, I quickly separate from Ghislaine and do a polite bow, "My apologies, Master Philip."

"No need. I was just kidding around," he says, waving me off.

Raising my head, I notice him looking at me with his usual analytical gaze.

"I already accepted that you would visit your family during this time when I hired you, so there are no problems there. But… you said you were worried about Eris' progress, right?" he says.

I grimace at the words.

It was a tough position to be in because as much as I wanted to give it my all to tutor Eris, I was completely unwilling to abandon my family at this time.

"Well… if you're that worried," he claps his hands together as if coming to a decision, "then Eris should simply go with you!"

…Say what?

"Sorry… you want Miss Eris, your noble daughter, to live in a rural village like Buena for a month? Maybe even longer?" I ask.

I loved my home, but that wouldn't exactly be the same for everyone. Especially not nobles, who lived a life of luxury much different from those of a remote farming village. Even if it was a knight's home, which was better than most, the difference would be shocking.

"Well, I would have Ghislaine escort you two, of course. And as a knight, Paul already has the duty to guard Eris when needed. So it would be fine, no? I'm sure Eris would love to get away from the city, and I can even throw in a few silver coins to help with the extra meals," Philip explains further.

He was… right. Eris would surely love the adventure.

And considering how stuffy she felt around the prim and proper customs of the manor… it was possible she would enjoy life there too.

This way, I would be able to continue teaching Eris, while also giving the girl a broader view of life.

The guest room that Roxy used should still be prepared, as my siblings would be sleeping in Mama or Lilia's rooms until they became a little older, so there were no issues in terms of space either.

"I… believe that would be something better discussed amongst you and my father, but I agree it might be good for Miss Eris. That way, I could introduce her to my brother and my friend in the village, as the Young Miss has a distinct lack of people her age to talk to," I say after a few moments of contemplation.

Philip nods his head, "You did say your brother and this 'Sylphy' were skilled at magic and academic subjects, so I'm sure they will be a good influence. But your brother…" his eyes narrow. "He is the son of Paul, yes? His true son. Will I have to worry about anything happening?"

I shake my head, "No. While certainly an odd kid, Rudy wouldn't-"

I then remember how Rudy had stolen Roxy's panties and how much he enjoyed their… 'essence', as he called it.

And that was a year ago.

Now that he was older, and more time had passed since Roxy had left, I couldn't be so sure he wouldn't be clouded by lust.

"...I'll be sure to protect the Young Miss' innocence," I say.

"Hah. I see," Philip smirks.

"Well, I'll be sure to send Paul a letter regarding your visit. And also convince Hilda to allow Eris to leave… but that will be a bit tougher," he grimaces.

…Why would that be tougher? Was she that overprotective?

Hilda didn't really seem that way though…

"Excuse me, but if I may ask… what exactly is the history of Lady Hilda?" I ask. "I am sure that she loves Miss Eris, but… she seems distant. And her dislike of me, while not a large problem, is a bit confusing."

Philip reveals a languished smile before nodding his head to the side, "Here. Let's walk and talk."

Following his footsteps, he then explained the situation.

Hilda and Philip had two children other than Eris, both being sons. And they, due to the Greyrat noble family tradition, had been taken away at birth.

As for why they were taken away? 

That was because Philip had lost the bid to become the next head of the Greyrat family.

The tradition to take any sons born to the losing heir, while barbaric, made sense, as it made sure to not create too many branch families, which would then lead to issues with future successions.

This tradition, in fact, is the reason why the Greyrat family had been in charge of the regions of the lands since the dawn of the Kingdom of Asura.

The only reason Eris was not taken was because she was a girl, so she wouldn't have a claim. Or rather, not a claim strong enough to shake the balance.

Anyway, while Philip had begrudgingly accepted the situation, his wife, Hilda, did not.

Coming from a noble family without such traditions, she was incredibly sad, and she was also angry. Angry not only at those who took her sons away but also at Philip for allowing it.

As for why this made her distant from Eris?

Well, I would think that a mother in such a situation would dote on the only child they had left, but I was guessing that she wanted to distance herself in case Eris too, left the family. To not bear the same pain again.

And as for why she hated me?

That was for two reasons.

First, the family that had taken away her sons was the Notos family. The family that Paul was originally from.

Although I was only an adopted child, and Paul had long since been disowned, such a grudge didn't disappear so easily.

There was also the fact that I, a random, albeit talented, boy from a rural village was making this place his home when her own sons were unable to. So thinking about it, her dislike for me was quite understandable, even if it wasn't my fault.

As I thanked Philip for the information before heading outside for my workout, a realization struck me.

If Eris was going to visit Buena Village… then that would mean she would inevitably meet Paul.

…I had a feeling that would be quite a memorable meeting. And not in the good sense.

—-- Zenith Greyrat —--

My name is Zenith Greyrat, though it used to be Zenith Latreia.

By birth, I was a member of the nobility of the Holy Country of Milis. A land noted for its beauty, history, morals, and most prominently, religion.

As a young lady, I obeyed my parents and the tenets of the Milis Church, and always played the role that was expected of me.

I was the picture-perfect example of a Milis noble lady.

But that life came to an end during my 15th birthday when it was decided I was to marry a man I had never seen.

For the first time, I rebelled, and after an argument, I ran away from home.

I had trouble at first, but I was then saved by Paul and his party of misfits, and shortly after that, was when Leon came into my life.

Perhaps it was because of my little Leon that I began to think of having a family, or maybe it was a woman's instinct. But one thing was for sure.

This time, I would be having a family on my own terms. 

But that wasn't the only change that happened over the years. 

The man I had previously hated, Paul, I had grown to love. Even with all his… Paulness, I had grown to love the man despite his faults.

After some time, one thing led to another, and I became pregnant with my second child. One Rudeus Greyrat. My little Rudy.

That was the story of my life so far.

"Zenith, would you like something to drink?" Lilia asks.

"No, I am fine. You should sit down too," I say back.

She just shakes her head, "Someone needs to clean the dishes. And I'm not one to trust your husband with such a task."

"Lilia," I say sternly, "he's our husband, remember? You can't get out of this that easily."

"Ah… Of course, Zenith," she says with a laugh.

Such a thing as sharing a husband, and such a thing as laughing happily with the other woman, I would have never thought possible before.

But on that day, when I had been betrayed by the two people I had trusted most, I was forced to change.

Rudy and Leon's methods weren't exactly admirable, but after Leon cried in my arms, I quickly understood the situation.

He was scared. They both were.

Scared of our family breaking apart.

And then, after accepting the situation, and opening my eyes further after learning of Paul's past sins against Lilia, things became like this.

And… I was happy.

Very, very happy.

The only thing that would make me happier would be if Leon was here with us, but knowing he was doing fine filled me with enough joy.

I still couldn't believe he was already working at his age. And sending money back for us too.

He really was reliable. Responsible too.

So much so that I often found myself incompetent.

Both he and Rudy were like that. 

Although Leon often showed a bit more of a childish side compared to Rudy even though he was older… but that just made him cuter.

It was the same with Rudy when he wasn't able to cast healing magic without an incantation. 

Their pouting faces were simply adorable.

Anyway, with all their reliability and cuteness, I was sure the two would be the greatest older brothers any child could ask for.

"Wait… water turns into vapour when it heats up, right?" Sylphy asks from the side.

"Yeah, what of it?" Rudeus says.

"Then… how come the same doesn't happen for other things? Like rocks."

"It does. It just would need a lot of heat."

"I see… could you do that?"

"I don't know… it would probably take a lot of mana."

Sylphy was such a nice girl. It was a shame she only started visiting after Rudy joined her and Leon in playing around. I had missed a lot of time to tease.

"Do you think Leon could?" she asks.

"Probably," Rudy shrugs. "Brother is pretty amazing, after all."

"Yeah..." Sylphy says, releasing a sigh as she leans onto her hands, looking out the window with longing.

While she may not have noticed it herself yet, she definitely was developing a crush on Leon. One that was growing with each passing day.

I guess the saying that 'distance breeds fondness' held some truth.

However, she was also extremely close with Rudy, so I didn't really know how it would turn out in the future.

Maybe it will end up with some sort of lovers quarrel, which would be quite amusing.

Although… considering both Rudy and Leon were Saint-ranked magicians… the two of them getting into a serious fight would be quite devastating.

"Honeys! I'm home!" Paul says opening the door with a smirk. "And I got a letter from a certain someone!"

At that, Sylphy immediately raises her head, "Really!?"

Fufufu… Yep, definitely a crush.

"Well? Don't keep us waiting. Read it out, Father," Rudy says.

"Jeez. So impatient~"

"Just read it, husband," Lilia sternly adds.

"Fine! Alright, it says here- Oh?"

Pauls interrupted as a gold coin fell into his hand.

"Gah. Seriously kid, you're making me look bad," he says before putting it into his pocket.

"Paul," Lilia glares.

"I'm just joking! Here, I'll put it right on the table. Happy?" he says with a laugh.

Shaking my head in exasperation with a smile, he continues, "Right. Ahem! 'Hello everyone. I am doing well. While I have not progressed in rank for any discipline, you should be pleased to know that all the errors in my swordsmanship, courtesy of Paul, have been fixed'- Hey? What's with this!?"

"Continue, Paul," Lilia says with a smirk.

"Tsk. Damn brat… 'As Mama will likely be going into labour soon after fall arrives, I will be coming back at that time and will stay until Lilia gives birth safely as well.'"

"Really!? He's coming back!?" Sylphy exclaims.

"He promised, right? But errors… Father, it seems you'll need to be instructed by your own son soon," Rudy teases.

"Zip it! And the last part, 'As the education of the Young Miss has been going so well, and such a break may have disastrous consequences, Master Philip and I decided that she will be joining… me… in Buena Village.'"

What?

"'Master Philip has written a letter concerning the details on the attached paper. Much love. Your son, Leon Greyrat…'"

So it seems we would meet this 'Eris' that he had written about very soon.

He said she was a bit troublesome, but also a good kid at heart. And recently, she had gotten much better with her outbursts.

I just hope that our meagre house would be enough to satisfy a noble lady… but if it's her father sending her, then we should be alright.

"What does that mean, Mister Paul?" Sylphy asks.

"I think," Rudy answers, "that means that we'll be getting another kid our age to play with. Well, assuming she wants to."

"Cool!" Sylphy exclaims happily.

Hmm~? Although she sounded so excited right now, I think that once this 'Miss Eris' arrives, that might change.

Knowing how charming my little Leon could be, I would be getting to see a lover's quarrel a little earlier than I thought.

Though at this rate… I just hope my sweet boy doesn't turn out like Paul.

"Huh? What's with that glare, honey?"

I shake my head, "Nothing. Nothing at all."