Chapter 14 – Arriving at Roa

Chapter 14 – Arriving at Roa

— Leon Greyrat —

“Here you are, young lad! You’re heading to the lord’s manor, right?” the stagecoach said.

Hopping off the carriage, I responded, “Yes, I am. They should be expecting me... hopefully.”

“Aye, then you should be fine. Just try to stay out of any alleys on your way there, alright? You’d be a prime target for muggers, after all.”

“Thank you, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” I said with a bow.

Although... I doubt any mugger would want to try to steal from me.

After all, the arming sword strapped to my side wasn’t just for show, nor was the short sword hidden behind my back.

From what Paul had said, they should be expecting me at the gate, and if not, I had the letter of my employment’s acceptance ready if need be.

While my position as the tutor of the young lady of the house, one Eris Boreas Greyrat, was still tentative, I had already been accepted as a guard to the girl.

A duty I would be tasked with alongside my soon-to-be teacher, Ghislaine.

I was excited to see her again.

Walking up the vaguely recognizable streets of Roa, I soon found myself in front of the gates of the castle once again.

“Uhh... what are you doing here, kid?” one of the guards asked.

“I’m the new guard and possible tutor for the young lady, Leon Greyrat,” I answered smoothly with a bow.

Dammit... I asked Lilia for a basic on etiquette, but I still hated doing it, and hearing about the other stories she had about nobles...

Yeah, I could see why Paul decided to run away as a kid.

I guess I would just have to grit my teeth and bear with it, I suppose.

“You’re the new tutor? Aren’t you a little, uh... small?” he said.

Huh... I was getting déjà vu.

This must have been what Roxy had felt like, right?

No, considering the fact she was actually in her 30s when that happened, it probably felt even worse for her.

“I promise I am. Here, I have a letter-”

“Let him through.”

Just as I was about to rummage through my sack, I was interrupted by a familiar voice.

My eyes lighting up in excitement, I ran forward, wrapping my arms around the woman in a hug.

“Big Sis!”

“It’s been a while, Leon,” she smiled as she rubbed my head affectionately. “You’ve certainly grown up well.”

Removing my head from her chest, I looked up at her eye. “Yep! And I got pretty strong too!”

“I can tell,” she smirked. “Paul complained quite a bit in his letter, even the Young Master laughed quite a bit. However, that only made him more open to hiring you.”

I then separated from her as she gestured with her head. “Follow me. You should greet your new employer.”

With us walking through the estate, Ghislaine spoke up, “I suppose I should apologize for not picking you up. I assumed that you would be able to handle yourself just fine for the trip.”

“No worries! It was only seven hours, after all!” I said back. “Just sending the carriage was enough. Though it was a bit hectic since I had to get ready to leave in a day.”

“Mmm,” she hummed.

Although she was acting so stoic and serious, I could tell it was a front she was desperately trying to keep up, evidenced by her tail flicking back and forth.

It warmed my heart to think that she missed me that much.

Entering the same room as we did last time Paul brought Mama and me here, Ghislaine then motioned for me to sit down.

“We can talk later when we begin your training. For now, you will meet your new boss, Philip Greyrat, the Young Master of the manor and the mayor of Roa.”

Nodding at her words, I sat in wait, and luckily, it didn’t take long before the door opened to reveal the familiar man.

Though he had aged since the last time I saw him, he was still handsome and still had that calculating smile that turned his eyes into crescents.

“You must be Leon Greyrat, no? I’ve heard much of you from Ghislaine and Paul’s letter,” he said.

Standing up, I went through the formal bow meant for nobility that Lilia had taught me, “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Leon Greyrat.”

“And I am Philip Boreas Greyrat,” he said, raising his eyebrow in surprise. “It seems you are somewhat knowledgeable in etiquette. Father will surely like that.”

“Yes, I learned from my... second mother,” Ghislaine snorted in amusement, “she used to be a maid for a noble family, thus she knew the basic etiquette I would be expected to use.”

“And in addition to that, you’re literate in two languages, an Advanced-rank swordsman, and a Water Saint, all before your second birthday? Paul seems to have raised you quite well,” he said, amused.

“Oh, no. It was rather the guidance of Mama- Ahem, my dear mother, and my magic tutor, Roxy Migurdia, that made me so,” I responded respectfully.

“I imagine,” he said with a smirk. “Now, how about we talk about your position, shall we?”

Sitting back down, I listened in on his words.

“As of right now, you are already to be the guard for my daughter, a healer, and also be acting as the manor’s mage when needed. Your salary for this will be five Asuran silver coins per month, alongside being trained by Ghislaine. Are there any questions about this?”

I shook my head.

“No, that is more than acceptable. And as for the tutoring position?” I asked.

He leaned forward, his expression turning a bit pained.

“The tutoring, huh? If you accept, you will be tutoring my daughter in arithmetic, reading, writing, and simple history. That will net you an additional three Asuran silver coins per month. Now... do you like girls?” he asked, steepling his fingers.

...What?

“Are you... asking if I am a homosexual?” I said, confused.

What a weird interview question.

“No, no. Rather, I am asking if I will have to worry about your father’s teachings interrupting your role,” he clarified.

Oh.

Is he asking if I would assault his daughter?

The one that is meant to be my student?

“You don’t have to worry about that. I am not as... lust-driven, as my father. And any ‘teachings’ I unintentionally picked up from him were quickly driven out by my mother,” I said.

“I see. Then you pass,” he said with a shrug.

That’s it?

“I-Is that all? Are you not going to question my teaching capabilities?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, I am not in the position to choose who can tutor Eris,” he said.

...Well that doesn’t sound good.

“...What does that mean exactly?” I asked.

“As you know, she has had... trouble, with the school for noble children. And the two tutors we went through left shortly after meeting her due to her violence,” he explained.

...I see. So she was a troublesome child.

And considering the fact she was likely a walking ball of noble pride, she was probably the complete opposite of Sylphy.

Haa... well, I’ll try.

“She seems like a ball of sunshine then,” I said jokingly.

“Ha. That is one way to put it,” he chuckled. “So? Are you up for it? Even when she’s scared away everyone else?”

“Yes, there is no harm in trying. Besides, were any of the other tutors Advanced-rank swordsmen?” I asked with a smirk.

Philip shook his head.

“No, they were not. Although that wouldn’t help much if you’re attacked in your sleep.”

...Sorry, what?

“But if you’re so confident... Thomas, can you send Eris down please?”

Now hold on a minute!

“Of course, Master,” the butler that was standing by the door said with a bow before leaving.

Twiddling my thumbs as I waited, eventually, the sound of pounding footsteps echoed from the open door.

“What is it, Father? Did you want something?”

A loud voice, overflowing with arrogance.

“Yes. Eris, come meet your new tutor,” Philip said.

Suddenly, a girl appeared in the door frame, with wavy, blazing red hair that reached down to her waist and a pair of narrow, sharp eyes that darted around the room before honing in on me.

Her nostrils flared as she pointed her chin upward. “Who’s this boy? Is he meant to teach me?”

She was fierce, that was for sure, but I could also see a bit of cuteness in her features that would shine if she wasn’t glaring so much.

Though... that didn’t seem to be happening any time soon.

Standing up, I decided to not bow to her, as she didn’t seem like someone who liked noble etiquette upon first impressions.

“You must be Eris, right? I’m Leon. Leon Greyrat. And I will be your tutor for the foreseeable future. So let’s get along.”

Her glare hardened as her lips spread into a snarl, teeth bared in anger.

“Just who do you think you are!? Trying to teach me? Me!?”

She then marches over before whipping her hand out to slap my cheek.

Violent... that indeed was an apt description for the girl.

My head tilted backward as the wind blew against my face from her missed strike.

“Huh!? Who do you think you are to dodge me!?”

Uh... I’m pretty sure most people would dodge, Miss Eris.

She tried to hit me a few more times, even resorting to closed-fist punches, but to no avail.

Her tirade only stopped when Ghislaine cut in, “Eris. It’s no use. While he is your age, Leon is already an Advanced-rank swordsman in both the Sword God and Water God styles. You’ll pass out before you land a hit on him.”

Eris’ eyes widened as she seemed to look at me with a new light.

At least, that was before the arrogance returned a moment later.

“Hmph!” she huffed, crossing her arms. “I’ve only seen him dodge like a coward! If you’re that strong, then hit me!”

My eyebrow raised as I looked over to Philip for permission, to which he nodded with a sly smile.

The hell...?

Allowing me to hit his daughter... this family is so weird.

“Well... you asked for it.”

My hand then whipped toward her, and as she tried to block, I decided to clip her nose with my strike, weaving smoothly past her arm.

“Ow!” she exclaimed. “You hit me!”

“You asked me to.” I shrugged.

Shaking my head, I watched as a small trickle of blood began to leak from one of her nostrils.

“Haa... Here, it must hurt, right? Let me heal you,” I then extended my hand slowly toward her face before casting Healing.

Chantlessly, of course.

“Oho? So that’s what he was talking about... quite amazing indeed,” Philip said from the side in admiration.

Eris, meanwhile, was simply looking at me with sparkling eyes.

Wait... this room... a red-haired girl my age... healing a bloody nose...

I remember something like this!

“It’s you! The one with shiny hands!” she exclaimed with excitement.

“Uh... yeah. I think I remember you too. You ran up to me before falling on your face, right?” I teased.

Her face turned bright red. “S-Shut up! T-That was years ago!”

“Apparently not long enough for you to forget, huh?” I smirked.

Her nostrils flared further in indignation. “W-Whatever! Forget about it! This instant!”

So why... why was he so much better than me already?

This was swordsmanship, something I was touted as naturally gifted in, but he was already so far ahead!

Didn’t he have that boring academic stuff and magic already?

Leave Ghislaine and the sword for me!

But still... despite those thoughts... I also couldn’t help but gaze at the boy with a hint of... not anger.

He was pleasant to look at, I suppose.

With golden hair that reached his shoulder tied into a short ponytail, and a handsome yet cute face... but that wasn’t what kept my eyes from wandering.

Rather, it was his strength.

Ghislaine had been with us for nearly two years now, and I had yet to see someone keep up with her as well as Leon was doing right now.

Even among the knights, there was only a couple that could move as fast as they were.

Each speedy attack would be redirected to the side, and each time he attacked in turn, Ghislaine would be forced to defend seriously.

She wasn’t going all out, that much I could understand.

But still... it was... amazing.

“Gah!” Leon exclaimed, clutching his arm in pain.

“That’s enough,” Ghislaine said.

“You did well, and now I know exactly what you need to work on. You’ve taken your training seriously, it seems. Zenith must be proud,” she continued, rubbing his hair affectionately.

I couldn’t help but grit my teeth.

Why couldn’t Ghislaine do that more with me?

Why couldn’t Father or Mother look at me that proudly and tell me I did a good job?

I... I was trying too, in my own way!

Leon’s arm then set alight in that familiar shining glow as his bruises and cuts began to heal.

That... was healing magic, right?

I remember seeing it done before by one of Grandfather’s healers, but for some reason, even though their hands glowed, it wasn’t as pretty as his.

I guess that’s another thing he’s better at, huh...

Dammit!

“Anyway,” Ghislaine said, looking my way. “Eris. Come on out.”

Hah!? I-I was found out?

N-No! This is fine!

It’s only natural for me to survey the manor, right?

It was rightfully mine, after all!

So, with confidence, I stepped out from behind the tree before walking up to Leon.

“You!” I shouted. “How are you so skilled!?”

He blinked before showing me a kind smile.

W-What’s with that? Isn’t he going to shout back at me?

“It’s simply because I started training earlier. Ghislaine told me how talented you are, so I’m excited to train with you,” he said, sticking out his fist.

Huh? What’s that?

“Eris, it’s a common greeting amongst adventurers to connect fists. Much like a noble’s bow of introduction,” Ghislaine explained.

“Aha! I see!” I exclaimed. “W-Well! I... I suppose I’ll permit you to join me in swordplay!”

I then extended my fist towards his. “And I’ll also gratefully exchange your greeting!”

Leon, on the other hand, only grew a teasing smirk. “You’re grinning pretty happily, you know.”

“What!? S-Shut up! I’m leaving! Hmph!”

I then turned and began walking away, stomping back toward my room.

Dammit!

I wish I could smack that smug smile off of his face!

— Leon Greyrat —

A day had passed since my arrival in Roa, and it was time for my first set of lessons with Eris.

The only problem... was that she wouldn’t show up.

“Haa... I really wish I could just drag her back, but I don’t think that’d work,” I sighed.

Ghislaine just shrugged. “That’s just how she is. She reminds me of myself when I was younger.”

“Ha. I guess you view her as a little sister?” I asked.

She nodded. “I suppose so. Much like how I view you.”

I leaned back into my chair, thinking.

The only people that Eris currently liked were her grandfather Sauros, her etiquette tutor Edna, and Ghislaine.

And while she respected me, that was only in terms of magic and swordsmanship, not academics.

That meant she was still extremely averse to learning arithmetic and literature... but I hoped I could teach her some basic history just by saying random facts here and there.

Hmm... and there was her interest in magic too...

Luckily, I think I could try to mould the other ‘boring’ subjects into those lessons, and maybe I could use her interest in swordsmanship too.

Things like using combat situations or real-world examples would probably work better than a more traditional approach, and in my opinion, it would likely be a better method of teaching anyway, as it would teach her how to apply the knowledge while also learning it.

“Ghislaine? Can you tell Eris that we’re starting the magic lesson now?” I asked.

“Hm? Sure. Did you give up already?” she asked while getting up.

“No, I’m just... gonna try something, is all. I’ll be focusing on Eris to start and get her interested in the subjects, so if you have trouble with my methods, I can teach you at a separate time,” I said.

“I see. But don’t worry about me, Leon.”

It didn’t take long for Eris to return, and not wanting to scare her off, I put the papers and books to the side.

“Hmph! Finally done with that boring stuff? Now teach me magic!”

So haughty...

“Of course, Eris,” I said.

As I had suspected, she hated the formality of nobility, but at the same time, she hated not being treated with respect by those deemed ‘lower’ than her.

Luckily, she seemed to respect me, so I was able to talk to the girl without her immediately snarling with anger.

“You want to learn magic, right? The one I showed you was healing magic. More specifically, it was the elementary spell Healing,” I explained.

Her face lighting up in excitement, she decided to take a seat next to Ghislaine to hear what I had to say.

“Now, while I will teach you this, I will also teach you fire and water magic, at least to the basic level. These two spells,” I generated a ball of flames in my left hand and a ball of water in my right, “are the most useful for survival, and are seen as a necessity among adventurers.”

Her lips curled into a smile as she turns to Ghislaine, “Is that true!?”

So she liked adventurers as well... good to know.

Ghislaine nodded. “Indeed. Magic is the easiest way to make a fire, and having a source of clean water is a necessity for survival. Zenith and Talhand always made sure to keep extra mana for those spells, but when I was on my own, I found out just how important those spells were when I was starving for warmth and water.”

Nice work, Big Sis!

I nodded my head as well. “Indeed. But to learn such magic, one needs to understand the words written in this book.”

I then pulled out the magic textbook, courtesy of the manor’s library, before flipping to the page that had the spell Waterball.

“These words,” I said, pointing my finger at the chant, “are called an incantation, and they allow the speaker to cast magic. How about we go through it together?”

Eris’ eyebrows scrunched up. “I don’t need to read! You do it for me!”

Haa... okay, Leon... baby steps.

So using her love of magic didn’t work for reading as I had hoped.

I guess I would have to try something else.

“...Fine. Now, could you two hold out your hand like so?”

Following my example, both Ghislaine and Eris place their palms face up in front of them.

“Now repeat after me...”

— Leon Greyrat —

“Dammit! Why can’t I do it!?” Eris shouts.

“It’s not so easy. You need to practice discipline and focus to learn how to properly use your mana. Something that reading and writing would help with,” I answered.

“Hmph! I’ll do it without that useless stuff! Just watch!”

The magic lessons had borne no results, but this was somewhat expected.

I mean, Roxy said that only one in twenty people could properly use their mana for magic, and even then, it wasn’t so easy as chanting an incantation.

Well... it was for me... but that’s beside the point.

I was a bit of an anomaly.

They both said they felt something, though, so I was confident that they could eventually learn.

It would just take a while.

“Now... since it’s not lunch yet, how about we move on to arithmetic?” I said casually.

Eris instantly got up to leave but stopped as I took out a pair of wooden practice swords.

“...What are those for?” she asked hesitantly.

Ha. Got her.

While Sylphy was always interested in learning arithmetic, it would sometimes get pretty boring, so I sometimes mixed magic in with the lessons.

So I just had to use the same method with our dear Eris here, but with swords.

“We’ll be learning subtraction with a more... practical approach,” I answered, tossing her a sword.

Gripping the handle, Eris looked at me cautiously. “What does that mean?”

Smiling, I raised my sword vertically towards her.

“We’re going to play a game.”

She only looked at me with confusion. “A game? What type of game?”

She was interested... good.

“I’m going to call out a number, and after that, you will attack me with your sword, with each strike lowering my number by one, and you will call out the new number each time. Once you reach zero, you jump back and we start again. If you don’t call out your number, or do so incorrectly, I will strike you. Lightly, of course,” finishing my words, she seemed excited to perform the exercise.

So I guess violence is the way to go, huh?

“I’ll demonstrate,” I said as I formed a sword of ice in my left hand. “3!”

The blades clashed, “2!”

The blades clashed again, “1!”

And again, “0!”

I then had the ice sword transform into water before evaporating into the air.

“And then you jump back and start again. Simple, right?” I asked.

Eris nods her head excitedly before raising her sword in expectation.

“Ah, Big Sis. I’ll have you perform this exercise as well, but please don’t go all out against me,” I said.

Ghislaine just nodded her head. “Maybe.”

...I couldn’t tell if she was kidding or not.

That was a bit scary.