Mushoku Tensei: The Fool Magician

This was no longer a situation Rudeus could change, not with the way things had unfolded.

The moment Eris spoke those words, Rudeus swiftly cast an earthen barrier with earth magic to seal off the room. Grabbing Eris, he leapt out of the window without hesitation.

Though Rudeus wasn't physically strong, his mastery over magic compensated for it. As they landed, he subtly manipulated the flow of air to cushion their descent, emerging unscathed. Without wasting a moment, he pulled Eris along and bolted forward.

His eyes darted around the surroundings, quickly locking onto a stable not far away.

Behind them, the sound of hurried footsteps grew louder. Holding Eris tightly by the arm, Rudeus quickened his pace, running as fast as he could.

Fortunately, they moved just in time, managing to evade their pursuers. That fleeting moment of delay was all Rudeus needed to sneak them to the stable.

With practiced efficiency, Rudeus untied a horse. Luck was on his side—the horse was docile and cooperative. Had it resisted, Rudeus's subpar riding skills would've likely gotten them caught.

Throughout the escape, Eris was notably quieter than usual. After mounting the horse, Rudeus glanced at her and asked, "Can you climb up?"

Eris nodded. Although she'd sustained serious injuries earlier, she had recovered significantly.

The horse pulled a small carriage, and once Eris settled into the back seat, Rudeus began steering the carriage slowly forward.

Thus began their journey back the way they had come.

Under the dim glow of the stars, the night was still and silent.

But not far behind, a shadowy figure darted through the darkness, keeping pace with the carriage.

They weren't far from the Greyrat family estate—only about an hour's ride away.

When familiar streets and the silhouette of the distant palace came into view, Rudeus instinctively let out a sigh of relief. Reaching the city meant they were halfway to safety.

A faint smile appeared on his face as he stopped the carriage by the roadside. Dismounting, he called to Eris in the back. "Come down."

Eris poked her head out, puzzled. "Why not just ride the carriage all the way in?"

Rudeus explained, "The carriage is too conspicuous. It'll attract unwanted attention. Besides, whoever managed to capture us at home clearly had an insider's help."

Eris considered his words, then nodded. She climbed down, glancing warily around. The quiet streets were eerily empty.

Just as Rudeus was about to say something, a voice interrupted him.

"Well, well, you two gave us quite the chase. The family has been worried sick."

Startled, Rudeus turned toward the source of the voice. A young steward stood there, holding a lantern, his eyes narrowed as he smiled.

The steward had a close-cropped haircut and a gentle demeanor that radiated familiarity and warmth. Seeing him, Rudeus instinctively relaxed and approached. "Steward, do you know what's going on?"

The steward furrowed his brows in thought, then replied cryptically, "What's going on? Oh, I suppose you could call it that."

Something about his tone felt off. The words were strange, almost unnatural.

Rudeus's mind raced. How had the steward appeared so quickly, as if waiting for them?

His eyes narrowed. Before he could react, a figure darted from behind and seized Eris, covering her mouth and effortlessly hoisting her onto their shoulder.

Rudeus's lips twitched in frustration. As he suspected, they had been betrayed by their own people.

Fixing his gaze on the steward, who usually wore a kind smile, Rudeus couldn't help but ask, "Why? Why are you doing this?"

The steward chuckled. "Why, you ask? Why indeed?"

His expression darkened, and his eyes gleamed with resentment.

Turning his gaze to Eris, the steward muttered bitterly, "Why? Why indeed?" It wasn't clear if he was addressing himself or Rudeus.

After a moment of silence, his face became devoid of emotion as he spoke flatly to Rudeus. "I suppose you've figured it out by now. That little brat Eris has made my life miserable for far too long. It's about time she learns her lesson."

Rudeus outwardly maintained a calm facade, but inside, he was a bundle of nerves, panicking like an old, cornered dog. He glanced back at Eris and saw the fear etched on her face, prompting a weary sigh in his heart.

How many people has this girl managed to offend? he wondered bitterly. Even the family steward harbored such deep resentment toward her, enough to conspire with outsiders and turn pretense into reality.

The steward, holding a lantern, stepped forward with a mocking grin. "What's this? You're really going to help her? Oh, I heard she used to beat you up every day when you first started working for her. Have you forgotten that? Why not just turn a blind eye? I'm not unreasonable. Let's say I give you thirty gold coins—how does that sound?"

Rudeus began channeling his magic, focusing it into his right arm. Fixing his gaze on the middle-aged steward, he asked, "Would thirty gold coins be enough to send three people to the magic academy?"

At those words, Eris flinched. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill. A wave of regret and helplessness crashed over her.

What is this? Betrayed by everyone?

The steward was momentarily taken aback but then burst into laughter, loud and unrestrained. His gaze shifted to Eris's horrified expression, his voice dripping with mockery. "Three people? Hah! Thirty gold coins could send ten people to the academy with room to spare. So, what's your choice?"

Rudeus flashed a cheerful smile, one that seemed to say, Pleasure doing business with you.

The steward laughed even harder, his guard completely lowered. But before he could say another word, Rudeus struck.

With his magic fully charged, the ground beneath the kidnappers began to soften, and an earthen wall erupted from the ground.

The steward and his accomplices, caught off guard, stumbled. In the same moment, Eris's eyes lit up. She lunged forward and sank her teeth into the kidnapper's hand with all her strength.

The man yelped in pain and instinctively let go. Seizing the opportunity, Eris bolted toward Rudeus.

The steward and his accomplice turned dark with rage.

The steward's face, in particular, twisted into a grotesque snarl. "You little brat, daring to trick me? I don't get it—why would you risk your life for someone like her?"

He began advancing on Rudeus, leaving no room for escape.

From the shadows, five more figures emerged, each brandishing long swords. Under the pale moonlight, their blades glinted with a chilling, deadly shine.

Rudeus swallowed hard, his mind racing as he plotted an escape route. Inside, he cursed his bad luck.

If I'd known it would come to this, I'd have asked Roy to escort us. Then I wouldn't have to deal with this mess!

***

Bonus Chapter:

100 Power Stones = 1 BC

300 Power Stones = 2 BC

500 Power Stones = 3 BC

700 Power Stones = 4 BC

1000 Power Stones = 5 BC

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