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Mushoku Tensei - Chapter 234: Interval - We're Married

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  1. Chapter 234 : Interval - We're Married
  2.  
  3. An assembly of dozens of houses. Crude fences.
  4. Small fields with Pukkun Flowers (The reference went right over my head.) on the sides.
  5. Middle schoolers flocking to a large cauldron.
  6. All of them were just as before, just as in memory.
  7.  
  8. "I trust you're still healthy, father-in-law?"
  9. "I wonder about that..."
  10.  
  11. It was as if time had stopped in the Migurd village.
  12.  
  13.  
  14.  
  15. About two months had passed since Atofe was recruited.
  16. During that time, I made rounds delivering letters to demon kings in various locations.
  17.  
  18. With Atofe's letter and Orsted's recommended tributes in hand, we went from one end of the Demon Continent to the other...which is to say with the teleportation circles.
  19.  
  20. The demon kings were a colorful bunch.
  21. Bagraa'Hagraa, the gourmet Plundering demon king who resembled a pig.
  22. Rinebine, the demon king of Faces who could only have an expression like that of a Moai statue.
  23. Sahmedy'Nohmedy, the demon king of Light who always emits light from his body.
  24. Patlsetl, the Alluring demon king whose semi-transparent body was concealed by a veil.
  25. And the list goes on.
  26.  
  27. We even met Kebrakabra, the demon king of Displeasure that Orsted had warned about.
  28. He was a spherical demon king with open holes throughout his body, and was constantly emitting the stench of vomit from the so-called holes.
  29.  
  30. We had went to all the locations with the resolve to fight.
  31. They're demon kings, after all.
  32. When thinking of demon kings, Atoferatofe or Badigadi are the idiots at the top of the list.
  33. They aren't the type to listen to what you have to say.
  34.  
  35. Or so I thought, but they were surprisingly communcative.
  36. They were delighted like children when I gave them gifts, and when I gave them Atofe's letter, they would mutter, "A hero...?" with their faces pale, avert their eyes, and hang their head.
  37. Some were even unable to control their bowels while entreating, "Please don't kill me".
  38. Kebrakabra, the demon king of Displeasure was even one of them.
  39. I came to a good understanding just how feared and irregular Atofe is.
  40.  
  41. demon kings are basically a bunch of nice people who simply just do what they want to do.
  42.  
  43. If you give them a firm request, they'll consider it with a serious expression.
  44. However, while I had also asked about the search for Kirishika, most of them had replied "I'm not sure about that far off" for the things related 80 years from now.
  45. The long-lived demon kings apparently don't think about future matters.
  46.  
  47. On the way, we stopped by the town of Licorice, both the town that Badigadi rules over and where Kirishika's castle is located.
  48. The crater town that Kirshika had once set up as a stronghold.
  49.  
  50. Badigadi wasn't there, nor did it seem like he had ever returned upon asking around.
  51. No matter where I wandered to, the soldiers would only shrug.
  52. For the time being, I gave a letter to the defending soldiers and requested they not just search for Kirishika, but Badigadi too.
  53.  
  54. There were a few demon king castles left and it was looking like things were going to end without a hitch.
  55. When we got to that stage, Roxy called out to me.
  56.  
  57. "Would it be alright if I visited my home town for a little bit? Don't worry, it'll be over right away and I'll quickly come and go on my own."
  58.  
  59. Like hell I would let you go alone.
  60. I promptly returned home, grabbed Lara and a betrothal gift, and returned to the town of Licorice.
  61.  
  62. And upon ending a three-day journey, we arrived where we're presently at, the Midgurd village.
  63.  
  64. Just Roxy, Lara, and I.
  65. Eris had said this and that and restrained herself.
  66. I told her to at least thank them for the sword...but upon realizing that even she had remembered the thing called restraint, I was deeply moved.
  67.  
  68.  
  69.  
  70. Rokary, Roxy's mother, froze upon seeing Roxy.
  71. Well, not quite; she wasn't looking at Roxy.
  72. She saw me standing intimately next to Roxy, the child Roxy was carrying, and then froze.
  73.  
  74. Some people in the village took a look at Roxy and then stared intently at her.
  75. I'm sure they were trying to use telepathy, but Rokary was different.
  76. Her thoughts had certainly come to a complete halt.
  77. She was petrified for about 5 seconds or so.
  78.  
  79. "Mother, I've returned."
  80.  
  81. Spoken out to, Rokary then trembled.
  82.  
  83. "R-Roxy, who is man, and this child?"
  84. "My husand and child."
  85. "...!!"
  86.  
  87. The next instant, Rokary made an expression as if to say "Oh!" and surveyed her surroundings in a fluster.
  88. Almost simultaneously, the nearby Migurds looked at the spot we were at, so she was probaly yelling something with telepathy.
  89. Or maybe she was calling for Royn, Roxy's father.
  90. She might even be saying, 'Eek, Honey, Roxy brought home a man!'
  91.  
  92. "...."
  93. "...."
  94.  
  95. The silent gazes hurt.
  96. However, I'm Roxy's man.
  97. I must behave myself in a way that she won't be embarrassed.
  98. I folded my arms, aligned my legs, and threw out my chest, cladding myself in Psycho Power...
  99.  
  100. "Mother, is Father around?"
  101. "Y-yes, I just called for him. He's at the elder's home...so I'm sure he'll be back right away."
  102. "Then, please let us wait at the house. When too many gazes gathered on Rudy, he started making a weird pose, you see."
  103.  
  104. Whaat!?
  105. Weird!?
  106. It was the pose of a venerable evil leader, though...
  107.  
  108. "Now then, Rudy, this way."
  109. "Alright."
  110.  
  111. Abiding Roxy, I followed after her.
  112. The luggage feeling heavy on my back was likely the pressure from meeting the father-in-law and mother-in-law.
  113. I want to think that the affectionate posing didn't belittle my beloved Roxy.
  114.  
  115. "Thank you for having us."
  116.  
  117. Glancing about while following after the two, we entered the home of Roxy's parents.
  118. Come to think of it, I didn't ever go inside their home last time I was here.
  119. Maybe they'll let me see Roxy's room from when she was little.
  120. Well, I already know there's no concept such as a private room in this community, though.
  121.  
  122. "I wonder if there's enough food in storage..."
  123. "No, we'll be leaving before long, so don't worry over us."
  124. "But Roxy, you've finally returned, so stay a while."
  125.  
  126. While listening to Rokary's lonely tone, I sat down near the hearth, and Roxy promptly sat down beside me.
  127.  
  128. "We're rather busy, you see."
  129. "Is that so..."
  130.  
  131. Rokary looked rather dejected.
  132. If were inclined to, I think staying 3 or 4 days would be fine...
  133. But Roxy isn't all that fond of her home town, so it may only be natural she would want to leave quickly.
  134.  
  135. "Nevertheless, you returned so suddenly...and with such handome gentleman in tow, too..."
  136.  
  137. Rokary once again looked at, and after a fairly unrestrained examination from head to toe, she suddenly bowed her head as if realizing something.
  138.  
  139. "Oh, how slow of me. I'm Roxy's mother, Rokary. It's nice to meet you."
  140.  
  141. Meet me, huh...?
  142. It goes to figure she wouldn't remember me when we only met once over 10 years or so ago.
  143.  
  144. "I'm Rudeus Greyrat. We've met once before."
  145. "We have..."
  146. "Yes, around 10 years ago, once. Ruijerd had brought me here."
  147. "You're acqainted with Ruijerd Supardia? But he was last here..."
  148.  
  149. Hearing Ruijerd's name, Rokary put a hand on her chin as if pondering it.
  150. Eventually, she let out a small voice, seeming to have something come to mind.
  151.  
  152. "Are you by chance the small human child who was with Ruijerd when he was going on his journey?"
  153. "That's exactly right."
  154. "Oh my...! How nostalgic! You've certainly gotten bigger, I see. Only a little under 10 years have gone by, but when humans get so big, they're already splendid adults, right?"
  155. "Right. I think of myself as an adult, though lacking in many areas..."
  156.  
  157. There, I placed my hands on the floor and bowed my head.
  158.  
  159. "It's a fairly late notice, but I've wed your daughter."
  160. "...Oh, certainly. Erm, are you fine with this girl?"
  161. "This girl is very fine," I said looking at Roxy, and her face went red.
  162.  
  163. "Um, is Roxy being a proper wife for a human? There's friction between humans demons, isn't there? She isn't being a bother, is she?"
  164. "Regardless if there is some, I'm constantly being helped by Roxy. The most reliable one in my home is none other than Roxy."
  165. "Is that right..."
  166.  
  167. Roxy poked me in the side.
  168. Wondering what it could be I looked over at her, she spoke to me in a whisper, "You're flatting me too much".
  169. Not a word was exaggerated, though.
  170.  
  171. "But, such a handome... Are you really fine with our daughter?"
  172.  
  173. She repeated the question she had just said.
  174. Even Rokary seems fairly flustered.
  175.  
  176. "Rudy has two other wives as well. I have a position similar to a concubine, so even if I were more or less unworthy, no problems will arise," Roxy interjected.
  177.  
  178. Roxy doesn't have a single unworthy point about her, nor have I ever treated her as a concubine, though...
  179.  
  180. "Is that right... But..."
  181. "Mother, you're making it embarrassing, so please cease."
  182. "Oh...ok. But I'm still worried. You were always unsociable and silent back then..."
  183. "I understand my own faults. But as you see, I've given still given birth to a child, and am fulfilling my duties as a wife."
  184.  
  185. Duties makes it sound businesslike.
  186. Even if, for example, she never gave birth, my love wouldn't waver, though...
  187. But maybe it is better to say it that way.
  188.  
  189. "Rudeus, is this true?"
  190. "Yes. At the very least, my love for Roxy will never run out. I swear to God."
  191.  
  192. My love is agape.
  193. It's infinite love.
  194.  
  195. "I see..."
  196.  
  197. Rokary wore a bewildered expression.
  198. It's probably best to show with action after all.
  199. Thus, I tried embracing Roxy's shoulders.
  200. Oh, she caught my hand.
  201. You've got it wrong, Roxy, I wasn't thinking of trying to touching your butt, I thought, but she grasped my hand.
  202. Roxy's hand was very warm.
  203.  
  204. "Like that, I see."
  205.  
  206. Rokary seems to have reached an understanding.
  207. Then Lara, who was sitting next to Roxy, suddenly turned her face toward the outside.
  208.  
  209. "Oh, Royn's returned."
  210.  
  211. Looks like the father-in-law has arrived.
  212. I'll have to once again give him my regards.
  213. I'll brace myself.
  214.  
  215. I was ready to prostrate myself any time.
  216.  
  217.  
  218.  
  219. Things went smoothly with Royn.
  220. He had a similar reaction to Rokary.
  221. He would say similar phrases, and I would say similar responses. It was very smooth operating.
  222. Looks like I won't have to prostrate after all.
  223.  
  224. "At any rate, congratulations, Roxy. I'm glad as long as you're happy," Royn finally said being moved to tears, and grasped Roxy's hands.
  225.  
  226. "Thank you, Father."
  227.  
  228. Roxy and Rokary were also tearing up.
  229.  
  230. I wonder if I'm actually making Roxy happy.
  231. In the first place, what is happiness?
  232. I'm not certain, but I want to maintain my love for her.
  233.  
  234. "Still, Roxy married, huh... The Roxy would trip over nothing and be a moment from crying when she was small..."
  235. "Please leave out these kind of stories in front of Rudy."
  236.  
  237. When Roxy was little, eh?
  238. I'm sure she was adorable.
  239. Or maybe her outer appearance wasn't all that different from right now.
  240. If I had met her at that time and grew up together...I'm sure our relationship would be different than it is currently.
  241. Well, regardless of the relationship, I don't think the destiny where I respect Roxy would be replaced.
  242.  
  243. "Still, I never thought I'd my grandchild's face."
  244.  
  245. Seems like Royn was getting emotional.
  246. His words were that like of chiding, but he lifted Lara up in a good mood.
  247. Lara, like always, didn't struggle and simply stared at Royn.
  248. Seeing this made Royn break out into a grin.
  249.  
  250. "I see, you're name's Lara. Being able to clearly say your name, you're a clever one.
  251. "Huh?"
  252. "Huh?"
  253.  
  254. I think Roxy and I let out a voice at the same time.
  255. Lara has yet to say her name.
  256. Or rather, she has yet to say anything at all.
  257. So what is this...? I thought, when Roxy came to a realization and stared at Royn.
  258.  
  259. "...Can our girl use telepathy?"
  260. "Huh? Yeah. She still has a little difficulty with it, but is clearly understandable."
  261.  
  262. Roxy and I exchanged glances.
  263.  
  264. The shocking truth that just came to light.
  265. That our little girl was an esper.
  266.  
  267. Thinking it over, it really isn't that strange of a thing.
  268. Roxy can't use telepathy, but both of Roxy's parents can.
  269. Which means it just isn't hereditary.
  270.  
  271. "You weren't aware?"
  272. "...None of us can use telepathy, you see?"
  273. "Really...? But Lara says she often talks with grandma."
  274.  
  275. Grandma.
  276. In this case, Lara's grandmother...doesn't refer to Rokary.
  277. It's Zenith.
  278.  
  279. "Ahh..."
  280.  
  281. At the same time, I reached a sort of understanding.
  282. Miko had said so, that Zenith can read others' minds.
  283. Thus, Lara was quite the chatterbox in Zenith's memory.
  284. The always silent Lara who wore a stern expression.
  285. She had happy memories of chatting with Zenith.
  286.  
  287. I see, telepathy.
  288. Lara had always been talking with telepathy, which is how she was able to converse with Zentih.
  289.  
  290. "...."
  291.  
  292. For some reason, I'm relieved.
  293. But Roxy didn't share my feelings.
  294. She had a somewhat troubled expression while hanging her head.
  295. She might be thinking about how her daughter can do something she herself cannot.
  296. It was getting dark here.
  297.  
  298. "Really... Eh? What should I do... Lara, it's daddy~" I said, standing up and brushing Lara's head.
  299. Lara didn't smile or anything, just staring at me.
  300. She's probably saying something.
  301.  
  302. "She says she has no idea what you're saying."
  303.  
  304. Oh dear?
  305. Oh, right, I was speaking in the Demon God language.
  306.  
  307. 'Lara, it's daddy~'
  308.  
  309. This time I used the human language and peered at Royn.
  310.  
  311. "She says she knows that."
  312.  
  313. Oh, she knows.
  314. I suppose that's natural, there's no way she wouldn't.
  315. I say it often enough, anyway.
  316.  
  317. Nevertheless, how dry.
  318. I think even a "I love you Dady" would be fine even as just lip service.
  319. Recently, even Lucy been saying it.
  320.  
  321. I suppose language and telepathy aren't related, though.
  322. Maybe spoken words come off with a different nuance...
  323. I suppose so, otherwise conversing with Zenith would be difficult.
  324.  
  325. "At any rate, I was thinking she was a bit of a late bloomer, but I'm actually a little relieved."
  326. "She's still young so she can only speak with her head, but I'm sure she'll be speaking with her mouth before long," Royn said with a nostalgic smile.
  327.  
  328. "I'm sure what you two are feeling is the same when we had Roxy."
  329. "What do you mean?"
  330. "We also thought Roxy was a bit of a late bloomer when she was born since she couldn't speak..."
  331.  
  332. Roxy, the only one in her family who can't use telepathy and Lara, the only one in her family who can.
  333. They are similar situations.
  334. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
  335.  
  336. All the same, I'm relieved.
  337. Our girl is growing up just fine.
  338. I really was worried she had no one to speak to at home, but it was nothing of the sort.
  339. Zenith clearly has been, and likely Leo has some sort of telepathy power as well and has been conversing with Lara with it.
  340. Once she's able to speak with words, she'll be able to interact with the other family members as well.
  341. It's just a little longer.
  342.  
  343. "Lara is just like Roxy, isn't she?"
  344. "Ha ha ha. Right, just like her, particularly her eyes."
  345.  
  346. Royn was happily laughing and Rokary was enjoying herself, too.
  347. Even Lara, in some way, looked like she had an expression of enjoyment.
  348.  
  349. After that, I paid back the money they had lent me times ten, and presented them the betrothal gift.
  350. I was grimacing inside at the Great king Land Tortoise cooking I haven't had in so long while on the outside I was saying how delicious it was.
  351. It was a fun time.
  352.  
  353. I'm glad I came here, I thought, but Roxy's expression didn't liven up.
  354.  
  355. She didn't cheer up all the way to the end.
  356.  
  357.  
  358.  
  359.  
  360. In the end, Roxy and I decided to say the night in the village.
  361. Maybe in consideration of being a married couple, we were staying at a vacant house nearby Roxy's parents' house.
  362. The three of us were sleeping with Lara in the middle in an unoccupied house with a little dust still remaining.
  363.  
  364. Were this a hotel, I'd feel something over there only being 1 bed and two pillows lined up.
  365. Though it's not like I can do that stuff when Lara's with us, and right now I'm Rudeus the Abstinent anyway.
  366. Even with Roxy lying next to me, I can keep my hands off of her.
  367.  
  368. But seeing Roxy lying down with her eyes shut certainly isn't helping.
  369. I started to feel maybe just a little was ok.
  370. I'm getitng excited, or rather, I am excited.
  371.  
  372. Well, let's think about it.
  373. I began a life of abstinence for a little while so I can't have any children.
  374. To flip it around, anything fine as long as it can't end up with children.
  375. Fate won't go amiss just from the act of ejecting the evil matter.
  376. Roxy is safe.
  377. That said, if you'll pardon me here—
  378.  
  379. "Rudy"
  380.  
  381. Faah!
  382. I'm sorry.
  383. It was just a passing impulse.
  384.  
  385. "Are you still awake?"
  386. "Zzz zzz."
  387. "Skip the pretend sleep. Didn't you just look me in the eyes?"
  388.  
  389. I relunctantly opened my eyes.
  390. Roxy, who was lying next to me, was staring at me with a serious expression.
  391.  
  392. "It's about Lara."
  393.  
  394. Lara was already sleeping soundly.
  395. Usually she had the most brazen expressions, but her sleeping one was that of an angel.
  396.  
  397. "To be honest, I had been thinking that was how it was."
  398.  
  399. What is, I couldn't bring myself to ask.
  400. It was what she spoke of today.
  401. The fact that Lara can use the Migurd racial ability just fine.
  402.  
  403. "I had been quiet up until now...but every time I saw Zenith and Lara staring at each other, I considered the possibility."
  404. "It never came to mind for me."
  405. "I'm sure. You've been quite busy these few years, always moving around."
  406.  
  407. I haven't been watching over my children, is what it felt like she said.
  408. Well, if I had assert one or the other, maybe it would be that I haven't.
  409. Maybe I've just been watching the cute parts and doting on them.
  410.  
  411. I haven't done a single thing that would count as raising or educating them.
  412. Frankly, I've just been taking advantage of Sylphy and Roxy for that.
  413.  
  414. "What kind of expression is that? I'm not blaming you for it."
  415.  
  416. I appreciate she can say that.
  417. No matter how much I worry and reflect over it, my hands are currently full with the Hitogami stuff.
  418. I have no resources to devote to raising children.
  419.  
  420. "It's just, I was thinking a little."
  421. "About what?"
  422.  
  423. Roxy was stroking Lara's head.
  424.  
  425. "I was born in this village. Once I became aware of my surroundings, I grew up always feeling alienated."
  426. "...."
  427. "Thinking back on it, those days were really difficult. Leaving the village, going to a town where they come to mutual understandings with words, making acquaintances there, and when I began my life as an adventurer, I keenly realized that the world I lived in was right here."
  428.  
  429. She can't do what everyone else can.
  430. Not being able to just such a simple thing.
  431. When asked why she couldn't do such an ordinary action, she wouldn't even know.
  432. Just unable to do it and spoken of as a useless failure by her peers, and she even recognized herself as such.
  433. But that really wasn't common sense.
  434. She was glad she couldn't do it.
  435. When Roxy knew that, she undoubtedly had an indescribable sense of freedom.
  436.  
  437. "If Lara is raised as it is, maybe she'll have the same thoughts I did. I may be glad I left the village, but Lara isn't me. There aren't any other races that can use the same ability as the Migurds."
  438.  
  439. Roxy, then, suddenly looked away.
  440.  
  441. But she may be right.
  442. The Migurds don't leave the village often.
  443. Even on the Demon Continent, I had almost never saw a race like the Migurds.
  444. It may not be exclusive, but they are a self-enclosed race.
  445.  
  446. I can't say that Lara won't feel alienated in the future.
  447.  
  448. "So I was thinking," Roxy said, still facing away.
  449. She had a troubled face as if she had no confidence in her own idea.
  450.  
  451. "How about leaving Lara with my father and mother?"
  452. "...Huh?"
  453. "I wondering that it might be best to live in the Migurd village as a Migurd Until she's 10 or 15, until she's grown to some extent. Afterwards, wouldn't it be for the best to decide if she should leave or stay in the village? That's what I was thinking."
  454. "...."
  455.  
  456. I want to be with my son and daughters as much as I possibly can.
  457. I think that's the obligation as one who conceived them. I view taking responsibility as including that.
  458. Minus the Hitogami stuff, I want Lara to be raised somewhere I can see.
  459.  
  460. But Roxy was telling me something she had thought hard over.
  461. She isn't saying it because she wants to escape from responsibility or because she wants to resign from childcare.
  462. It's because it will be hard on Lara.
  463. She's saying it because Lara wouldn't want to go through the same things she herself had.
  464.  
  465. A child with blue hair who has a different means of talking with others.
  466. There's no way there won't be painful times.
  467. It goes without saying a parent can't shoulder the child's pain.
  468.  
  469. "I'm against it... But if you think it's for the best, then I..."
  470.  
  471. The words wouldn't come out.
  472. I can't choose.
  473. Should I prioritize my own feelings or Roxy's suggestion?
  474. I could only keep silent, unsure.
  475.  
  476. "I'm sorry, Rudy. Please forget this. The conversation never happened," Roxy said after a brief period of silence.
  477. That was where we ended the day.
  478.  
  479. Roxy and I slept with our hands held.
  480.  
  481.  
  482.  
  483. The Migurd village was a quiet village.
  484. You can't hear any conversation.
  485. Since the villagers talk with telepathy, there was no conversations in the village.
  486. Maybe some of them would greet Roxy, but she couldn't hear it.
  487. But Lara probably could.
  488. The conversations of the people preparing food over there, or a lover's quarrel inside a home, or all other kinds of racket.
  489.  
  490. "Seeing this lack of change, I can understand the richness my past ten years had...or rather, the bustle of human livelihoods have," Roxy said, turning her gaze to our daughter that she was carrying.
  491. Lara, as always, was staring at Roxy with a surly face.
  492. I don't think this village would change even after another decade.
  493. Or even were there a change, we wouldn't notice it.
  494.  
  495. "Then, take care, alright?"
  496. "You alright if you stay a little longer..."
  497.  
  498. Royn and Rokary were seeing us off at the village entrance.
  499. They looked rather lonely.
  500.  
  501. "Could I hold Lara once last time?" Royn asked, and extended his arms.
  502. Grandchildren are cute no matter where in the world you are.
  503. It didn't appear like they have any intention of having children aside from Roxy.
  504.  
  505. "It's perfectly fine, here."
  506.  
  507. Roxy held out Lara, who she was holding, to him, or at least tried to.
  508.  
  509. "What's this?"
  510.  
  511. Lara was firmly clinging onto the neck area of Roxy's robe.
  512. It was like a scene I had saw somewhere.
  513.  
  514. "Come now, Lara, say goodbye to grandpa and grandma."
  515. "...."
  516.  
  517. Lara, making use of both her arms and legs, was clinging onto Roxy like a cicada.
  518. Just like that, she looked over at me.
  519. The usual surly and brazen face she always had was...gone.
  520.  
  521. Her mouth was warped, her brow furrowed, and had an expression that looked like she was going to cry at any moment.
  522. It was an expression asking for help.
  523.  
  524. "Ahh... Ha ha ha. Nevermind, it's fine after all," said Royn with a wry smile, waving his hand. "She's saying she doesn't want to be separated from Mom.
  525. "...!"
  526.  
  527. Roxy looked at Lara, surprised.
  528. Upon seeing Lara's expression close to crying, anxiety filled Roxy's own expression in the blink of an eye.
  529.  
  530. "No, want to be together..." Lara said, as if squeezing out the words.
  531. Our little girl, who had never spoken before, asserted herself for the first time.
  532.  
  533. "...."
  534.  
  535. Perhaps, Lara had heard last night's conversation.
  536. Even if she hadn't, maybe she had a dream where she was left behind due to it.
  537. Maybe all we did was make her meaninglessly uneasy.
  538.  
  539. "It'll be just fine."
  540.  
  541. Roxy hugged Lara tightly in silence.
  542. Her lips were tightly pressed together while holding back tears.
  543. As both mother and daughter were making the same expression, Roxy spoke.
  544.  
  545. "We'll always be together."
  546.  
  547. With those words, Lara relaxed with a relieved expression.
  548.  
  549. "Roxy, when will you come back next?"
  550. "Let's see, once Lara is a bigger... I think we'll come again in about 10 years.
  551. "...Alright, that's good. Take care, ok?" Rokary said, not seeming to think of 10 years as all that long.
  552.  
  553. And thus, we departed the village.
  554. The two saw us off at the village entrance until we were out of sight.
  555.  
  556. It was a bit awkward at times, but I'm glad we visited them.
  557. Eris and Sylphy's parents are gone, passed away.
  558. Roxy's parents were estranged, but even so, parents are still parents.
  559.  
  560. I think that as long as they're alive, you can visit them as many times as you want.
  561.  
  562. "Now, Rudy, things are going to get hectic again."
  563. "It sure is."
  564.  
  565. Before that, I'll tidy up the immediate tasks.
  566. With such thoughts in mind, we returned to the town of Licorice.
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