Re:Zero: No Job, No Magic, Just a Stupid Romance System

In the end, Roxy tentatively accepted the fact that she had picked up another wild apprentice.

Rudy's talent was clearly higher than Roxy's, but she was still the more professional teacher. All afternoon, she patiently explained various magical concepts to Sylphy in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Later that day, the group held a meeting. Since Roxy would be leaving soon, she decided to compress her teaching schedule to give Sylphy a "high-pressure crash course" over the next few days.

After observing everyone's performance on day two, a temporary schedule was made:

Morning: Group magic practice on the hill with Sylphy, Rudy, and Roxy. Allen would train with his sword nearby.

Afternoon: Magic theory classes held at home. Allen continued practicing beside them.

Evening: In the bedroom that now belonged to Roxy (formerly Allen's), she'd expand on magical stories and world anecdotes for Sylphy.

(Of course… Allen would still be practicing sword techniques nearby.)

Because classes were held in the evening, Sylphy often returned home late. So, everyone went together to ask Sylphy's parents for permission—and succeeded in getting her to stay at Rudy's house until Roxy's departure.

It's worth noting: when Lorz heard the proposal, he almost instantly agreed. Sylphy's mother even gently encouraged her.

The child who had once been bullied now seemed to have truly found good friends.

And so, time passed quickly in a blur of Allen's "One more shot, please," until finally, the night before Roxy's departure arrived.

"Okay, Sylphy, stop crying. You were fine a week ago—why are you crying now?"

Sylphy wiped her tears, ignoring Rudy's awkward attempts at comfort.

After all, she was still young. Just two months ago, she had made her first-ever friend. A week ago, she gained a kind, almost too-cheap teacher.

The new experiences, the fun atmosphere, and the excitement of waking up every day with something to look forward to—it had all become part of her life.

Then suddenly… it was all about to end.

The moment Roxy announced the conclusion of lessons, Sylphy's rising joy turned to hollow sadness.

And she broke into tears.

Roxy seemed unusually quiet today, and now she didn't know how to handle Sylphy's emotions.

Meanwhile, Allen was off to the side, swinging his blade awkwardly from the elbow. As the tip of the blade neared the end of the arc, it trembled slightly.

He wiped his sweat and glanced at Sylphy, his expression stiff.

"…Sylphy. Healing spell, please."

Sylphy, still sobbing, used one hand to wipe her tears and the other to stretch toward Allen as she chanted between sniffles:

"Merciful goddess like a mother, please heal this person's wounds and restore his health. Healing spell!"

Allen's complexion brightened. He immediately resumed his sword practice.

Rudy watched in silence for a moment, then spoke up—his usual joking tone replaced by quiet seriousness.

"…You always have something to say. But now, when Teacher is leaving, you act like nothing's happening. Don't you see Sylphy crying?"

Roxy stepped forward, sensing tension, and wanted to stop them from fighting. But she hesitated—and said nothing.

Allen held the sword, but didn't resume his usual slow swings. Instead, he twisted his grip and hacked at the air harshly, the candlelight flickering over his face.

"…Rudy, what kind of reaction do you expect from me?"

"So what if Sylphy cries? Do you think people shouldn't cry? Isn't it okay to be sad?"

Rudy blinked in surprise. Roxy and Sylphy also looked at Allen, stunned.

Allen ran a finger along the forging lines of the blade.

"I've always believed that in human interactions, joy should be remembered—and pain shouldn't be avoided."

"No matter what you're feeling—happiness, sadness, excitement, disappointment—you shouldn't suppress it. You should feel it, experience it."

"That's how you know the experience was real."

"…But, still…"

Allen flicked the blade. A crisp sound rang out.

"…Then we'll have the strength to look forward to the next time we meet."

He sheathed the sword with a clang. A breeze swept through the room, ruffling everyone's hair.

The three stared at him in silence.

"…Isn't that right?"

Rudy took a beat to process his words, then frowned.

"…Then what about you? You don't cry, you don't smile. You're calm as ever. So you don't feel anything about Teacher leaving?"

"Didn't you ask her to stay for a few more days?"

Roxy flinched slightly and instinctively turned her head, trying to avoid their conversation. But Allen's voice still reached her.

"Because I'm certain… we'll see each other again. That's why I'm calm."

Rudy glanced at Roxy. She seemed not to hear Allen, simply watching the candle flame flicker on the table.

The little flame licked at the air, unmoved.

Rudy felt disheartened. He had no words left.

Then, Allen suddenly put an arm around Rudy's neck, grinning as he leaned in close.

Rudy glared.

"…Get off. You think acting playful now makes up for anything? You're just good at sweet talk."

Allen laughed.

"Hey, Rudy. Want to celebrate tonight—with magic?"

"…What do you mean, celebrate with magic?"

"You know—use a fireball, shockwave, and maybe wind magic to make a magic combo… send it flying into the sky, exploding into a beautiful fireball. Like fireworks."

"Roxy and Sylphy would love that, don't you think?"

Rudy blinked.

"…Hanabi?"

Allen tilted his head innocently.

"…What's that?"

Rudy turned toward the two girls. They were watching curiously. He scratched his head, then walked to the window.

Outside, Buena Village was quiet. The wind slipped through the window and swept into the room, tossing the hair of Roxy, Sylphy, Allen—and Rudy himself.

Rudy looked back at Allen's smiling face and sighed inwardly.

As someone with the mind of a man over 30, I shouldn't have taken this so seriously. It's childish to fight over goodbyes.

The truth is… I just used this chance to vent on Allen.

But still…

I met Roxy first.

So why does it feel like she prefers him?