Mushoku Tensei: The Sword, the Magic Hat, and the Love System

Roxy wore a thoughtful expression.

"I asked around. There were indeed a few bands of thieves that went north, but the ones south of the Red Dragon Mountains were just that one group. Apparently, they had a human trafficking base in the forest, so they stationed people to keep tabs on any information about you. That's all I found."

Alan narrowed his eyes.

"So you rushed back here fearing they might've tracked me all the way to Buena Village and that the Greyrat family could be in danger. If something happened, you'd at least be able to help? That it?"

Roxy glanced at him, then averted her gaze and nodded.

"I was also worried about Rudi. He was my first student, after all. So how have you been recently? Has the village been disturbed by anyone?"

"Not at all~"

"I see."

Alan frowned.

'Once again, my actions stirred up a butterfly effect... but this time it's tricky. If I don't handle this carefully, the entire storyline might change. If Roxy stays here out of concern for the Greyrats for a year or so, what kind of developments will that cause?

'Would Rudi and I go adventuring with her to earn money for university tuition? That would completely change the original arc. What happens to the childhood and adolescence phases? Would Eris ever meet Rudi?'

'No... I need to steer this story back on track. I have to talk Roxy into leaving as soon as possible, minimizing this butterfly effect.'

"So you saw I was safe and sound, and that's why you relaxed a little? Since the feared attack never came?"

Roxy nodded, assuming Alan was still anxious about the thieves. She tried to reassure him.

"Since you must've taken the main road after we parted ways, you didn't leave a trail through the forest. That made it impossible for the thieves to follow you to Buena. So there's nothing to worry about now."

"Right, just a false alarm. So, are you continuing your journey like planned?"

"Yes. Now that I know you're all right, I'll continue as intended."

"...I see."

They fell into an awkward silence. Roxy lightly tapped the ground with her shoe, unsure of what else to say. She'd rushed back out of panic, but now that there was no danger, she was unsure how to continue.

"Then—"

"By the way, how did you deal with those roadside thieves?"

Roxy blinked and frowned, then looked Alan in the eye, slightly annoyed.

"I killed them. Cleaned up the bodies too. They deserved it."

Alan realized how distrustful his question sounded. In his mind, Roxy was still gentle and kind, and he feared she may have let them go. If they'd tracked her and overheard something, it could've put Buena Village in danger.

He lowered his head.

"I didn't mean it that way. But... thank you."

Roxy smiled and tapped his head with her staff.

"I used to be an adventurer, remember? I don't make amateur mistakes."

"Sorry."

They stood in silence again. After a while, Roxy slapped her cheeks.

"Okay then. Now that I know you're all fine, I'll continue with my planned journey. Goodbye, Alan."

Alan blinked. He had guided the conversation to this conclusion himself, so he simply nodded.

"Aren't you going to tell Pa—I mean, the others?"

"No need. It's too late. I'll leave now. Don't tell them I came back. It's better this way."

She looked him over once more. Moonlight danced in her pupils, and her previously cool expression curled into a gentle smile.

"Seems like you've been doing well in the Greyrat household since we parted. You look much calmer now. Less aggressive. That's good."

Alan raised his brows.

"Really?"

Roxy studied his neatly parted bangs and straighter eyebrows in the moonlight.

"Yes. Even your hair's grown longer. Your eyes aren't as sharp as before. If someone only had the description on your bounty, they might not recognize you at first. You really don't need to worry so much."

Seeing Alan stay silent, Roxy figured he had nothing more to say and was politely ending the conversation.

She smiled softly one last time, then turned and raised a hand in farewell.

Just like he had done two months ago.

"Just like you said... life always finds a way to bring people back together. Though this was rather sudden..."

"Well then... goodbye."

Alan blinked and watched her swaying robe in the wind. Almost instinctively, he responded.

"Ah, right... goodbye."

Roxy headed toward the exit of the courtyard. Alan glanced down at her boots under the silver light of the moon.

Her robe was stained. Some edges curled from long sitting. Her once-clean boots were caked with mud, and a dried leaf dropped from the heel with each step.

The soles were worn down.

Alan stared at them, dazed.

"Um."

Roxy paused and slightly turned her head. Moonlight glinted off her slightly sweaty forehead.

Alan hesitated, then his shoulders slumped, and he spoke with his usual lazy drawl.

"Uh. I think... you should come in and sit down. Maybe stay a few more days. Rudi keeps saying he misses you... and also—"

"Also?"

"Well... You said it yourself, right? 'Life brings us back together again and again.' But if we meet and part this quickly, doesn't that cheapen the meaning of that reunion? Doesn't it make us just strangers passing on the road? Uh, I mean—Rudi and the others spent so much time with you, right? So... yeah."

Roxy watched him struggle with his words and then interrupted gently.

"Okay."

Alan stared, wide-eyed, at her smile.

And suddenly, the moonlight above felt a little too bright.

(End of Chapter)

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