Vol 16 summary [spoiler]Various things happened, and in the end Hitogami finally shown his true colors, demanding MC to kill the Dragon God Orsted.  With Hitogami holding his family hostage, MC had no choice but comply.  He begun making preparations for his duel to the death.  To shore up his weakness in close combat, MC reached out to Zanoba and Cliff on creating a magical armored core.  With assistance from Sylphy, Roxy, and consultation with Hitogami, progress advanced rapidly.  In the end, standing 3 meters tall and weighting several tons, the armour came complete with magical minigun capable of firing 10 rock bullet-a-second on its right hand, and the magic absorbing Hydra scale embed on its left.  Additionally, MC prepared the duel site various traps and poisons, and acquired Nanahoshi's cooperation as bait.  Finally, MC sent a letter to Eris to requesting reconciliation (and possible assistance).

You should read ch 162-163[/spoiler]

164 Mushoku Tensei

Morning begins with exercise and sword practice with Norm, then return home to give Sylphy a tight hug, whose busy taking care of Luci.  Drop by the living room to greet Aisha and Lilia good morning, help the still sleepy Roxy braid her triple ponytails, head to the yard to call Zenith (in midst of a staring contest with Giraud) in to eat, then everyone ate breakfast together.

As if nothing actually happened, life returned to normal.

But the truth is, something did happened.  I did indeed have a duel to the death with Orsted and got my ass whooped... yet I'm alive.

The proof of that is -- I look at my hands, when I curl them up into a fist I can feel my fingers touching, both of them.

After what happened, after I prostrated myself before Orsted and swore loyalty to him, as promised Orsted casted healing magic on me.  Soon I regrew both of my hands, and finally regained all my limbs.  After casting another magic on me, he handed a ring he had on him and said, "After your magic replenished, contact me."  Then he left.  That ring I now wear on my left hand.  What it actually does, I'm not particularly sure, maybe something to help with replenishing magic?  Or perhaps it helps to prevent Hitogami from spying on me.

It's been 10 days since then, but Hitogami has yet to reappear in my dreams.  Under the protection of the Dragon God, since Orsted has said that he could pretend Hitogami's interference, so maybe the latter case.  Then again, it could be meaningless, just a symbol of a subordinate of the Dragon God or something like that.

Regardless, I lost to Orsted, joined his camp.  Betraying Hitogami and joined the other side, this ring is probably something I can't take off anymore.

Honestly, I don't regret betraying Hitogami at all.  I feel good about it, rather than "what have I done?," my feelings are closer to "I did it!"

No retreat, no matter how annoying Orsted is, I won't betray him.  We're in the same boat.  Even if this was part of Hitogami's plan too, what's done is done.

Still, in my personal opinion, Orsted seemed more trustworthy than Hitogami ever was.  Somehow, he reminds me of Ruijerd in a way.  Although he doesn't honor and care for children like Ruijerd.  Still, compared to the Hitogami that just stare down from above but does nothing on his own, Orsted seems like someone who puts his all in everything he does.

In any case, despite such a heavy burden, I suddenly felt emancipated, like a huge weight off my shoulders.  If I look at it seriously, maybe I'm not exactly of the fire, but at least I escaped from death's door.

Afterwards, I spoke with Sylphy and Roxy at the duel site.  Sylphy cried, and Roxy yelled at me.  She regret not knowing how dangerous an opponent I was facing.  She also felt uncomfortable that I now work for Orsted.  I told them it couldn't be helped.  What's done is done.  I can only follow through now, hopefully they will understand.

Returning to Sharia and letting everyone know that I'm fine.  I report to those that helped how I lost to Orsted and joined his camp.  By the way, Peruguis seemed the most relieved out of everyone.  Heh, I guess nobody really want to make enemy out of someone like him.

Everyone seemed shocked when I met them.  I couldn't figure it out until they point out that my hair was dyed white.  I don't really get it either, maybe similar to what happened with Sylphy?  Even if it's permanent, since Sylphy and I match now, I don't really mind...

Ten days of peace and quiet.  I'm a bit vigilant of Hitogami's next move, but for now nothing.

My body is recovering well, and my magic has replenished.  Speaking of which, Orsted seemed to know some secret about this body, Laplace Factor?  Or something like that...

Putting that aside, there has been one change to my comfortable everyday life.

----

"Another bowl!"
"Eris-sama, we're out of soup already."
"Eh, it wasn't enough!"

There's a new addition to the dining table, a tall woman with red hair.  That tall woman is Eris.

As a matter of course she came home; as a matter of course she took the guest room; and as a matter of course she begins to live here.

By the way, Ghyslaine booked a room at a nearby inn instead.  Maybe she was shocked by how Eris' acting, or maybe she's trying to be considerate for us.
In any case, Eris stayed.
She would go out some times, but basically she's always home.  She'll watch Sylphy make the meal, or watch Roxy prepare for class, or watch Aisha and Lilia taking care of the house, or spy at Luci and Sylphy when they're together.
In any case, when she's not doing anything, she would just watch.  Especially when Sylphy or Roxy are busy at one thing or another, she would look with a troubled expression and :<.
Eris has changed since when we last met.  What I mean is, she's prettier now.  She's tall for a girl, her body well proportioned and appropriately dressed.  Wearing a leather jacket like Ghyslaine, a light black undershirt and trousers that are easy to moved in.
Anyone can see, at a glance, the muscles chiseled on her well toned body.  But they're not at all budging, but layered tightly.  It's hard to look away.
Particular to note are her chest, thigh, and waist.  Explosive, tight yet explosive.  The childish face from five years ago has disappeared, and what's left is a cool beauty.  Not longer a girl, now transformed into a mature femininity.
For some reason or another, I could never find a chance to talk to her.  While rushing to and forth to report about my battle, I have lost the opportunity.  Even with an excuse, for whatever reason, just seeing her from behind makes my heart race.
On more than one occasion I tried to make conversation with her, but my timing were always off...  As soon as I try to come up with a topic for conversation, her piercing stare would make my chest pound.  By the time I recovered, she have already looked away.  Some time after I couldn't stay calm, and only with time would my heart beat return to a normal oace.
Is this... fear?  Nah, a joke, it's a joke.
This must be, yes, a crush.  Looks like I fell for Eris.  Once again I have fallen for her.  Maybe I'm that simple, but at the death door and suddenly see her valiantly arrived to my rescue,  pushing back Orsted, even betting her own life to protect me.  With her outline still carved vividly in my memory, it would be odd if I didn't fell for her.
Right now I'm but a maiden in love, Maiden Rudi, has transformed in a angelic high school sophomore.
Yet.

I heard this from Sylphy after coming home.  In the past few years, Eris has been single-mindly training at the Holy Land of the Swords, for the sole purpose of fighting Orsted by my side.  The cause was the fight with Orsted at Red Dragon Lower Jaw.  Seeing me practicing [Magic Disturber] afterwards, she mistakenly assumed that I intend to challenge Orsted.  Although I never felt a tremendous difference in strength between us back then, Eris thought otherwise and decided to leave and train.
From Eris' perspective then, it was I that betrayed her.  Almost like she left for overseas to train, only to return to find her lover with another woman.  Unfaithful, cheater.
How our opinions differ on this point, we already have some communications, so she should understand.
Still, her heart must be in turmoil.  With temperament like Eris', even coming at me with a knife isn't exactly out of question.
If I just tell her, "I fallen for you  again, please be my wife," doesn't feel exactly right.
Besides, I really am scared of what Eris would do.  I don't get what she's thinking at all.  Like, what's she keeping to herself?  The Eris I used to know would just inconsiderately say whatever she wants.
Rudeus!  I love you!  Let's get married!  Come to my bed tonight!  Don't even think about getting any sleep!  Rudeus belongs only to me!
Thing like that.
Yet she said nothing.  Not even talking to herself.  Just silence.

Unless...
Several days ago she put her life on the line to save me from Orsted.  Up till then, she had placed me upon a pedastal.  For five years she trust that I been just like her, working constantly to become stronger.  Yet I didn't.  Even though I was working hard in my own way, but not like that.  I got my ass whooped by Orsted.  Eris must have saw how pitiful I looked back then.  Not only that, but already with two wives.  The Eris, whom already reached Sword-King at the Holy Land of the Sword, must have fell disillusioned by what I became.
She said nothing.  So maybe, she's just getting ready to leave in a couple days, just trying to figure out how to break up with me.
With those thoughts in mind, I'm even more scared of talking with her, scared of getting dumped.  To hear from the cool Eris, "You're nothing now!" I'll feel hurt.
If that happens, it would only be right, but I would be dejected.  Well, if that's the case, please just go ahead and say it already... Ugh, sigh.
Anyways, we should really talk this out.  Have a good heart-to-heart, and then the future.  Having said that, the timing is off, and I'm getting nowhere.
I said nothing, and Eris also said nothing.  Each day just drags on and on.  If possible, I want to settle this before Orsted contact me again.  But I don't know what to do.  Do I just keep dragging on and live with Eris like this?
With those thoughts in mind, Roxy suddenly asked.

"So, when's the wedding reception with Eris?"

She said.

"Wedding reception?"
"Yeah, I had one too, so shouldn't her get one too?  I need to ask for a day off that day, so if you can tell me when..."

I fell silent listening to Roxy.  Roxy frown her brows watching me.

"Don't tell me, you haven't said any yet."

I can feel my embarrassment.  Everyone in the family have already talked about it, and they're all set to welcome her in.
Aisha of course, even Norm has begun to treat Eris as part of the family.  Not just that, Norm and Eris always chat with excitement over stuff about Ruijerd.  Unexpectly, those two got along really well.
Nobody had any objection, only I have yet to pull the trigger.

"Rudi, you can't keep running away.  Eris has been waiting for you."

Roxy points with a finger, putting up the air of an older sister.

"Waiting?"
"That's right.  She has been waiting for Rudi to say, 'leap into my open arms!' the whole time!"

Roxy spreads her arms as she said, how cute!

"Eris would never say something like that... Rather, isn't that what Roxy want?"
"Hey!  I'm being serious here.  Quit joking around!"

Roxy puts up a serious face while keeping her arms spread.
... What a joke, is that really the case?  Eris has been waiting to hear those words from me.  Is she really someone like that?
No, Roxy would never lie.  This is a truth relevation, a sign from God!
If even Roxy is giving me a push, then I really can't hesitate anymore.
Courage, come to me, I must go.  I'll properly say it, we'll talk, and if she rejects me, I can find comfort in Roxy's and Sylphy's bosoms.
Okay.

But before that.  Abruptly, I spread my arms to test.

"Roxy, leap into my open arms!"
"I said quit joking around already..."

Roxy stops herself and look into my eyes, then looks around, checking to make sure no one's around.
Then she wrap her raised arms around my shoulders.  A simple leap, right into my embrace.
Her slightly prominent tummy pressed up against me.

"You should be more careful leaping around like that, with a child inside you, princess!"
"If I don't give him some exercise, he'll be borne weak, so it's fine."

Roxy murmuring by my ears are quite stimulating.
Is that how it works?
Is that how it works?
Of course, that's how it works.

I feel like staying intimate for a little longer.  So I sat Roxy on my thighs and myself on a chair.  Meanwhile, I suddenly spy...

"... Eh?"

Someone in a maid outfit, spying at us from the shadows outside the door.  her eyes sparkling, a penetrating stare.
-- It's Eris.

"Yah!"
"W-what's wrong, Rudi?"

In tight embrace with Roxy, Eris looks away unhappily and disappeared into the hallway darkness.
Terrifying.  Nothing said, but still so terrifying.
Eh, tomorrow, we'll talk tomorrow.

---

Next day, I look around for Eris so we can talk.
Soon I found her at the yard, practicing sword swings, but for some reason together with Norm (not going to school today?)
To Norm, Eris says, "No, not like that, like this" teaching her how to swing a sword.

"I said like this!  Why don't you understand?"
"Even if you say so, I don't know what's wrong with it."
"How should I say..."

Eris is the instinctive type, so teaching Norm must be hard for her.  These genius instinctive-types won't know how they does things.  In spite of my assumptions...

"Your left hand lacks power, so you only swing with your right.  Your blade's edge are tilted."

Eh?  Am I imagining this?

"So that's why.  Make sense."
"As long as it makes sense."

After that conversation, those two restart practice merrily.  Feels like Norm's swings got a little better.
Well, no matter what Eris is also a Sword-King.  Ghyslaine once said, one cannot become Sword-King on instincts alone.  Eris must be the same, in the process of becoming Sword-King, she learned the logic of it.
Still, Eris' swings are fast, from the shaft of the sword onwards I can't even see a blur.  Beautiful too, her wavering figure is mesmerizing.  Looking alone makes one's breath hoarse, watching sweat drop from that imposing profile, that firm body with those muscles flexing...
Ah!  Found something incredible!  Every time Eris makes a swing, her chest would bounce with vigor, not yet violent, but a subtle shake never the less.
Probably because her style has no margins, her upper half are almost entirely unwavered, leaving only light vibrations.  Speaking of which, the sleaveless shirt she's wearing looks almost like a gym wear.  Don't tell me she's not wearing any chest armor?  With every swing imposes itself in my eyes, those are some iron grips...!

"...?"

Suddenly Eris's chest... I mean her swings stopped.  I look back up to her face wondering what's wrong, but she's already looking back at me.
Her mouth in :< shape, her feets shoulder apart, her chin slightly raised.  Ah, if she crosses her arms, it would just be how I remembered it.
While those thoughts crossed my mind, I suddenly noticed that in her hand.  The sword she once battled Orsted with, it looks really sharp.
So I backed up and walked away.  Talking over difficult stuff with her holding something so dangerous... Seriously?

... Two hours later.
With the training period over, I tried to find Eris once again.  She has left the yard.  Where did she go?  Maybe she changed and left the house?  Maybe I should wait for her.  No, no reason that we have to be home to talk.  If she leaves, then I need to go after her.  With that in mind, I head to the restroom and swung the door wide.

"Ah"
"...!"

It's Eris, standing in shock before my eyes, a perfectly proportioned beauty.  Her wavy, red hair drapes over her shoulders, wet, like a river flowing towards her chest.
Her shirt soaked in sweat, and through it I can see a ravine, and from that deep ravine two mountains peak.  The deeper the ravine, the greater the heights, and there rests two majestic mountains.
Sweat contours her shirt tightly around those mountains, and at their peaks arise prominent protrusions.  In other words, those are what dreams are made of.

"W-wwwhat are you doing..."

Eris looks completely lost for words.  Red faced, adorably cute, unconsciously I held out a hand and touched those meaty mounts, in particular pressing against that slightly harder portion.  Ah, but soft.
--In the next moment, a flash came from Eris' shoulder, and I lost conscious.

---

Coming to my senses, the back of my head wrapped by something firm yet soft.  Harder than my usual pillows, but warmer and full of bounce, along with a gentle rustle over my head.
Ah, a lap pillow.   I see, I'm still in bed.

"Mmm, I can't eat anymore."

Pretending that I'm still asleep, I turned around bury myself in the Bermuda Triangle between those thighs.  I take a deep breath of that crevasse, at the same time rub that behind.

"Yah?"

Eh?  The shape of those buttocks, not Sylphy's.  Sylphy's small and slender, with so little fat that you can't grip in your hand.
That smell isn't Roxy's either.  A whim of Roxy would calm me, yet this smells of a bit of sweat.  Alarms ring danger from the back of my head as soon as the smell reached.  It's not bad at all, actually rather nostalgic.
( ﾟoﾟ)
Slowly, I turned around and open my eyes toward the owner of these lap pillows.  Two mountains tower above, and above that a pair of sharp eyes glaring.
Eris.
Eris grabs my cranium.  It's going to break--
Sylphy, Roxy, please forgive me for this is goodbye.
Yet, suddenly, instead my head was rubbed by a strong but gentle hand.  I curl up into a ball looking at Eris.  She's pouting, her face red, but she isn't angry.

"Excuse me, Eris.... sama?"
"Just Eris."
"Eris... Em, I'm sorry."

For that apology, my head was grasped forcefully.  Ahh, please forgive me for this is goodbye.

"... To be honest... I was also in the wrong."
"Oh, well... yeah."
"The letter, I read it.  Rudeus must had it hard too."

My brain firmly locked in place, I nod lightly at Eris.  I'm not mature enough to say Eris done nothing wrong.
Back then, we misunderstood each other.  I was hurt, and now Eris is hurting.

"Hey, Rudeus."
"What is it?"
"..."

Her mouth shut, Eris looks uncertain about what she should said.  Things that must be said, but so difficult to put into words.
For me, for Eris, these five years have been too long.

"Rudeus, two those, do you love them?"
"Yes, I love them."

With those words, Eris' grip grow stronger.

"Even more than me?"
"... Yes."

Hearing that from me, sorrow overwhelms her features.
It's over.  I should have picked my words.  They can't be compared.
I like Eris, I have fallen for her all over again.

"Do you... hate me?"
"Of course not, it's just... we been separate for too long, so maybe, I don't know how I can face you."
"Even now, I still like Rudeus, I want Rudeus to love me."

Eris, red faced, was that a..? No, of course that was a confession.
How should I respond?  The answer has already been decided, but before that, I should make sure.

"But, I already... have two wives."
"..."

With a face of fury, Eris stood up suddenly, from the lap pillow I fell over onto the floor.  Looks like I'm in the living room, but not a person in sight.  Even though Norm and Aisha should be both home, yet they're no where to be seen.  Those clever girls must want to leave us two some personal space.
Towering over me, Eris crosses her arms, feets shoulder wide, her chin raised, exactly the posture when we first met, staring me do.

"Rudeus, outside, duel!"
"Eh! Duel?"

Nervously, as I stand back up and dust myself, I asked.

"That's right! Duel: you win, I leave!  So, if I win..."

Eris point at me and declares.

"If I win, you have to love me too!"

Feeling something wonderful, I could only nod.