157 Mushoku Tensei

== Sylphy's perspective ==

Recently Rudi has been acting strange.
He locks himself all day in the study, and his face looks pale when I thought he was going to come out.
What he is doing?  Even though I'm worried, but he won't tell even if I asked.  Last night when I try to break the question, he instead takes me to bed.
Well, if taking me helps him destress, then that works too.
When I ask Roxy about this, she said.

"Sylphy has noticed too...  Rudi when troubled rarely likes to talk about it... Let's just try to help him when the time comes."

So she's worried too.  But if this continues, maybe I should take the initiative and try to force him to explain what's going on.
With that in my mind, after dinner, Rudi pleads with some difficulty.

"Ah, Roxy-san, Sylphy-san, can you come to my room after dinner?"

A strange tone, feels a little like Rudi that time when he had Roxy and I together.
But that's nothing to feel guilty about, he shouldn't feel like he's imposing.
That's the kind of guy Rudi is, even I have no choice but to forgive him.
Roxy doesn't seem to mind, and she takes good care of me, so I don't really mind doing it together either.
Why is Rudi so worried.

Regardless, since he asked, Roxy and I are busy preparing ourselves.
We went in the bath together, and spread on perfume specific for this occasion.
For panty, I picked one I recently bought, and nightgown... the high exposure one.  Rudi really likes it soft and with sleeves, so I picked that one.
Also, I left two buttons unbuttoned in the front.
Even though I'm a bit flat chested, so that isn't very sexy....  But even if just a little, I want him to cherish me.
Wait, will he think I'm too naughty...  No no, Rudi won't think so.  It's fine, it's fine.
A few days ago I caught him peaking when I had two buttons unbuttoned as well.
Even though I caught him, since that seems to delight him, I let him has his fill, and that night he took me too.
Roxy wears her usual one-piece nightgown, but she isn't wearing any panties.  That's her method of attack as well...
Regardless, since we're both ready, we head towards the bedroom all fired up.

Rudi sits on a chair in the bedroom, waiting on us.  Roxy and I sit down side by side.  I on the right, Roxy on the left.  There's no particular reason for this, that just seems to be the way it works.

"..."

Usually, Rudi will with a perverted face squeeze between us.  But today, something's different.

He sits solemnly on his chair, his face serious.  Like searching for a way to break the ice before Rudi said "Ah!" and face Roxy.

"Ah-, Roxy."
"Em?"
"How's Norm doing in school?"

Feels like he's reciting someone else's line.
Roxy can only smile wryly.

"... Nothing in particular.  Didn't you ask Norm herself a few days ago?"
"I thought it would be better if I get your judgement of it."

Rudi sounds off.  I snicker slightly.

"Ah... Makes sense.  Her studies and sword practice are so-so, but she's harding hard for Student Council.  She's being recognized for her work on Public Morales.  Even though there're many cheeky students, but they'll generally give her the way when they cross paths.  That might have to do with being Rudi's sister.  Mostly, since she have many upperclassman admirers, no one give her any trouble.  She seems to have many friends, so I don't think there's anything Rudi should worry about."
"I see.  Thank you."

Yeah, Norm is a hard worker.  I haven't been to the school much lately, but I have heard some news from other Student Council members.  Rarely do you see a kid so diligent.
I don't get to act like an older sister very much...

"Roxy, how about on your side?"
"Huh, what is it?"
"Anything in particular that's bothering you recently?  Right, for example, feeling hungry so you sneak out for food or something?"
"Recently Rudi has always been sharing your meal with me.  I'm actually worried that I might get fat."
"How about at school?"
"... School has been whatever.  Once a while someone will make fun of me because I'm small, and some students don't pay attention to class."
"What?  How dare they?  Who are these impudent imbeciles that don't pay attention to Roxy's lessons.  I'll teach a lesson so they can so the only thing they'll say from then on is 'JesusBABUCHAAAHHH'." <ref>Sazae-san reference.</ref>

Roxy bows lightly, a little shocked.
Feeling a little embarrassed, she plays with her hair.
How nice.
Having Rudi respect you so much.  It makes me jealous.

"Well, there's one thing I'm worrying about..."
"Go ahead."
"That thing, I want to be sure before I announce it."
"... Then I look forward to it."

Ah, I think, I know what Roxy was going to say.  Now that she mentioned it, her body has been acting strange recently.
Maybe I should prepare to congratulate her soon?  No, she need to confirm it still.

"Sylphy."
"What is it, Rudi?"

Suddenly getting asked, I try my hardest to look cute by tilting my head.  Rudi's eyes focus slightly below my head, good, operation successful!

"Recently, em... Luci, how is she?"
"Don't Rudi check up on her often?  She's doing well?"
"She hasn't suddenly start yelling 'I am my own Lord throughout heaven and earth.' <ref>localized, originally a phrase the Buddha is reputed to have said when he was born: 天上天下唯我独尊</ref> or anything like that right?"
"Heaven... What?  Ah, but Lilia-san said she'll start to crawl very soon."
"Oh."

All thanks to Lilia-san, parenting has been going smoothing.
Even though Ariel-sama has said, that leave child care to the maids and mothers don't need to be involved.  But grandma said to give as much loving care with my own two hands as possible.
So I been following grandma's advice.  Rudi seems to want me to take good care of Luci, so I'll.

"Sylphy, anything in particular that's bothering you recently?"
"No, but if I can be honest, it's that my husband seems to be hiding something."

I finally said it, but I feel like I didn't said it well.

"Oh, ohh, sorry."

Rudi looks visibly shaken, sheepily averts his eyes.
So he's hiding something.
But would he tell...

Right then, Rudi recovers.
Looking focused.
In these moments, Rudi looks so cool...

"That's actually what I ask for you to come for today.  That was it."

I sit back straight and stop unbuttoning my gown.
Roxy while puzzled also straighten up.

"Em.. Next, I don't know how do I say this but... a few days ago, I meet someone."
"Someone?"
"Yes, a miko that can predict the future... someone like that."

What Rudi said next even make us sense the impending crisis.
How a bad person has been eyeing Rudi and the family (us).
How that bad person might cause all sorts of misfortune on the family (us).
How because of that, Rudi might start doing many things that look very strange to us.
Honestly speaking, I'm worried that he's over thinking it, but Rudi seems some definite proof.  He must have thought about the situation before talking to us, about what he can say, about what he can't.
Even though some of this doesn't make sense, but it'll be too late once something happens.  I can understand Rudi's thought process here.

"I see.  Then, is there anything we can do to help?"
"Not that there isn't, but for me, I just want you to stay as safe as possible."

That again, recently that's all Rudi says.  When did this start... Was it when Paul-san passed away?
I know he's just worrying about us, but isn't he being too protective?  I'm not a kid that can't do anything anymore...

"But what if Rudy face danger while we're not looking?"
"It's too early to tell, but it's possible?"
"I don't want that..."

Rudi was hit hard during the Atofe fight.
Even though Rudi is strong, he doesn't actually enjoy battle.
Even though he still travel far and wide, fighting, dying...
Even though I don't want to, I can only stay home and wait for Rudi, comfort him, encourage him...
Ugh-.

"I understand."

The person that said this is Roxy.  Still twirling her hair, she looks at Rudi in the eye, smiling.

"When Rudi isn't home, I will protect Norm-san and Aisha-san."

Straightforward she answers.  Like she wants to confirm her mission to Rudi.

"Roxy won't mind?"

Doesn't Roxy want to follow him?  That's what I actually wanted to say.  Roxy nods.

"Because Rudi would be more upset if his family fell to misfortune than himself."
"... But."

Speaking of which, Roxy was with Rudi when Paul died.  I only heard about how depressed Rudi was by Paul's death.  They said Rudi was at the worst he ever been, so the situation must be really desperate for him.
Desperate enough to break our vows... Ah, I'm a terrible woman, forget it.
Rudi came back to me, that's all that matters.

"Sylphy, of course I don't want to just watch on the sidelines if Rudi is in danger."

What does that mean?  Roxy will stay home?

"If we feel there's a time we have to lend him a hand, then let's make our own judgement on how to help Rudi, when the time comes."

Ah, so that's what she means.  That makes sense if I think about it.
We don't need Rudi's permission to help Rudi.  We should do it, as long as Rudi is safe.

"... You're right.  Em, I understand."

Rudi can only smile wryly at Roxy's words.  Not with rebuke, but looking at her with eyes of trust.

"Rudi, don't look back, please just do what you think is right.  We'll protect you from behind."

Roxy said with a smile.  Rudi's eyes sparkles.  Roxy is amazing, to have Rudi's respect like that.

"Then, when I have it bad, please come to my aid."

With a sigh of relieve Rudi finally smiled.  No matter what, as long as it helps Rudi calm down, that's what's important.
If Rudi face danger, I'll decide on my own to help him.  Yes, that's right.
Maybe it has always been like this for me, be his support when he's in trouble, and be a good wife when he isn't.
That's fine.

"Then, there's one more thing."

At that moment I was clenching my fist with enthusiasm, when Rudy said in a meek voice.
Somehow the atmosphere is different.  The stuff said earlier was difficult, but was with wording.  This time it feels like we're back to the topic he has been avoiding.

"... This, is there even a good way to say this?"
"Is it really that bad?"

Roxy carefully prods Rudi.  He nods forcefully.

"It's hard for me to tell you two."
"..."

What is it?  Now I'm feeling anxious.  Is it about Rudi looking unwell recently?
Don't tell me he has some incurable disease that even Detoxification Magic can't cure?

"I'm not sure yet, but, we might have to add another person."
"..."
"..."

Eh, add a person, so a girl?  That's what he means?
Even though I told him don't add anymore...
No, I never ask him not to, forget it.
But Rudi doesn't keep his promises!  What is he even thinking?
But I won't ask, I am the good wife, good wife won't object to her hubsand.

"Who?  Nanahoshi?"

I try my best to stay calm, pretending that I'm angry.  I think I'm successful.
Speaking of the wench, Nanahoshi.  She doesn't feel right to me.  She doesn't seem to like Rudi, at most the only thing she feels for If Rudi push the issue, I won't object to her.  But just because I won't object doesn't mean I will welcome her... Em--. <ref>Might be misread: 　ルディが抱かせろって迫ったら、拒否しないんだけど、それは拒否しないってだけで歓迎してるわけじゃなくて……うーん。</ref>

"She's not Nanahoshi."

Rudi denies it, but Rudi frowls his brow, like he feels particularly apolegetic.

"A girl by the name of Eris."
"Eris..."

Eris, who's Eris?  I think I heard of her before, but she's not someone from school.

"I remember her.  Rudi was her home tutor at Fortress City Roa back then, right?"

Quickly, like coming to my rescue Roxy answers.  Now I remember her.

"... She's the one that gave Rudi that illness."
"Yes, ah, something like that."

Has Rudi already forgotten, what happened when we reunited?
It wasn't clear to me back then, but from how much Rudi changed after we got married, I know now how much that illness destroyed his pride as a man.
Those pain, was that woman, even though I don't have a solid grasp of her, I know that to be the truth.  Even at the start I suffered as well.

"Rudi suffered so much back then, yet, you still like her?"
"The person I like now is Sylphy."

He stares straight into my eyes and said bluntly.  How embarrassing.
Ohh, Rudi is so cool, I want to roll around and yell.
If they're here still, I want to go show off to Rinia and Pursena.
No no, right now there's this person call Eris.  I can't lie to myself.

"Then, since she left Rudi, will she still have any lingering feelings and want to make up with you?"
"No, leaving is my misunderstanding.  Lingering feelings and such, I don't think her heart has changed."
"... But, Rudi suffered so much."
"Yes..."
"I still remember how savage Rudi felt in those days."
"Back then, not only could I not forgive Eris, I was even afraid of meeting her."
"..."

So it's different now?  Is this the future-predicting miko's doing?
Maybe he gives that sort of prophecies.  Em, still, something feels wrong.
Well, if someone tell me "in the future, you'll marry a boy name Rudeus and have 5 children," I'd look forward to it.
But for these things how the person in question feels is important.  Getting married even though Rudi obviously don't like her.  How does that owrk?

"If Sylphy objects marrying her, then let's just stop here.  But ultimately I still want to clear the air with her."

Rudi said, but he seems to come to some realization from his own words.  What is it?

"But apparently, Eris, for me even till now, has been training at the Holy Land of the Sword.  Isn't it pitiful for her if I reject her when she return?"
"True, it might be as you said."

Always working, but finally get rejected.  I can sympathize with that kind of fear, because back Buena Village, I too was doing the same to chase Rudi.

"I'm not really objecting..."

If the Metastasis Event didn't happen, and Rudi never came back to Buena Village, I might have went to search for him.  If I saw him married with another girl... Then it would hit me hard...

"I never seen her... but.... well..."

Yes.  I never seen her either.  Because the way she treated Rudi, I always thought she was an terrible person.
But, a misunderstanding, in other words she always have loved Rudi, in other words she never meant to hurt Rudi like that.

After some thought, Roxy finally speaks.

"Why not wait until you finally reunite with Eris-san before deciding on this?"
"Roxy?"
"I got a feeling that even Rudi doesn't really know where you stand on this.  Until you meet with her again, there're are a lot that you won't know."

What is Roxy thinking?   A third player has appeared, yet she doesn't show any objection.  Yet all I can think about is all my own concerns...

"After meeting Eris, if I can see no way for this to work, then... I might object as well."

Ah, so that's how it is, the same idea as before.  Just an agreement.  As expected of Roxy.  She has thought this though.
Feels like she's a much more reliable wife than I am.

"Of course, this doesn't involve just us alone.  We need to talk with rest of the family as well... But for me, I'll support Rudi's decision."
"Thank you."
"As long as you won't forget about me, even if you add 3, 4 more, I won't mind."
"Forgetting Roxy is impossible."
"Promise?"
"Promise."

Rudi's complete trust, smart...
She makes me so jealous.
No, I have to work to be like her too.
My goal as a mature woman.

"Sylphy, I'm really sorry."
"No, rather, seems like I do is complain.  Sorry."

Rudi and I both lower our heads in apology.
Roxy laughs quietly at this sight.
This feels a little different than with Luke and Ariel.
It's a pleasant space.

But if there's one more.
How it change...
It makes me anxious.
Will she steal Rudi?

== Rudi's perspective ==

Afterwards, the three of us sleep in a row.  Even I'm in no mood for fun after those heavy words.
... Still, in my head I can't help but remember Eris' face, no matter how hard I try.
Even though I have long put her behind me, but from the depths of my bowel I feel something rising.
Just like Roxy said, I don't even know what I really think about her.
No matter what, I need to settle the score with Eris.

But, to be honest, I'm scared to meet her.  She'll definitely kick my ass.  She seems to have become impossibly strong.
That Eris, if she saw Sylphy and Roxy beside me, what will she do?
... Well, the diary didn't mention anything about her attacking Sylphy.
But the diary might not be always right.  Depend on how the topic and mood shifts, things can easily go out of hand.
Unease.  The way it is, if I meet with Eris again, what will actually happen?
With my mind running in circles I eventually fall asleep.

Hitogami appears.

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