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

"There's a kind of social monster called the maned wolf around the Red Dragon Mountains. It has a strong sense of territory. Individually, it's only D-level and its attack power is low. But when acting in groups, adventurers typically treat them as an A-level monster disaster. Hundreds of them attacking together can be a real nightmare."

Under the soft candlelight, Roxy shared her knowledge of Central Continent monsters.

After the fireworks, everyone should've gone to bed. But Sylphy didn't want to sleep, so Roxy ended up telling stories again.

"It sounds scary."

Roxy glanced at Sylphy and Rudy. They were slumped over the table, clearly sleepy, yet neither made a move to leave.

"Yes, and when their territory is invaded, they'll tear the intruder apart no matter who it is—even monsters far stronger than themselves. Even if the opponent is a lone red dragon—an S-class monster that has left its group in search of food—they won't hesitate."

"...Will the red dragon eat them?"

"No. Red dragons aren't interested in creatures that can't even pierce their scales. Their bites are like mosquito nibbles to it."

"Then... won't the red dragon get mad if they keep attacking? What happens then? Will... those wolves... run... away...?"

Roxy couldn't help but smile at Sylphy's drowsy, childlike question.

"The dragon's rage burns like fire. And in that fire, the maned wolves are reduced to nothing—not even bones are left."

She looked at the now-closed eyes of Sylphy and Rudy and softly whispered:

"They don't get the chance to escape."

Roxy lifted her eyes and looked at Allen, who was sitting in a nearby chair, squinting at a map with a faint smile. He seemed lost in thought.

Noticing her gaze, Allen turned his head toward Rudy and Sylphy.

"They've fallen asleep. I'll take Rudy to his room?"

Roxy nodded.

"I'll help."

Allen rolled up the map, stuffed it into his pocket, and gently lifted Rudy.

Roxy glanced around. There wasn't much to help with, so she just grabbed Rudy's magic textbook and followed Allen into the room.

Allen laid Rudy carefully on the bed.

Then, Roxy's hesitant voice came from the side.

"…Are you serious?"

Allen looked confused as he started taking Rudy's shoes off.

"Huh?"

Roxy's eyes flicked sideways, eventually landing on a certain black leather pouch poking out from under the bed.

"I mean… are you really sure? That you'll see us again someday?"

Allen paused mid-motion, his hand holding Rudy's shoe.

"I'm sure."

Roxy instinctively bent down and picked up the pouch, her fingers brushing the preserved hide of the End Boar.

"It's okay even if it's a lie. Just saying something nice like that—it's comforting, for both Rudy and Sylphy."

Allen blinked, then grinned.

"I meant it. I'll see you again."

Roxy didn't reply.

Allen placed Rudy's shoes beside the bed, then added:

"As for when... maybe tomorrow. Maybe a few years later. I don't know. But what I do know is—"

Roxy still didn't respond. Allen looked up and locked eyes with her.

"I will see you again."

But before he could finish the last word, he froze.

Roxy was staring at something in her hand with wide, stunned eyes.

In her hand was... the original pair of underwear Rudy had placed in the household shrine.

Allen's eyes bulged. Time seemed to freeze.

And then—

WHACK!!

The entire shrine, still wrapped in End Boar hide, was slammed directly into Allen's face.

Roxy bolted from the room in a panic, underwear stuffed into her pocket, leaving Allen stunned and speechless.

He stood frozen for a moment, then slowly turned his head to look at Rudy's sleeping face.

Rudy's eyelashes fluttered—he was waking up!

Too fast!

Allen's Sword God Flow instincts kicked in.

He zipped across the room, yanked open the closet, grabbed a clean pair of Rudy's white underwear, stuffed them into the shrine, shoved the shrine back into the pouch, kicked it under the bed, and slapped Rudy's shoulder.

Rudy jolted awake.

Allen immediately acted.

"Ah! A nightmare? Go back to sleep, go back to sleep. I'll wake you before Roxy leaves~"

Rudy groggily rubbed his eyes.

"Is the teacher... not gone yet?"

"Nope~ Still early~ Sleep well~"

"Okay... wake me up, alright?"

"Of course~ I will~ Sweet dreams~"

"...Thanks, Allen. You're such a good person."

Allen forced a crooked grin.

"You're... welcome."

The Next Morning

Rudy was woken by Zenith.

When he went downstairs, Roxy was already packed and holding a tearful Sylphy in her arms.

He looked around.

"Where's Allen?"

Zenith blinked in confusion. "I saw him earlier this morning."

Paul looked equally puzzled. "Just now he was washing up—Allen? Allen!!"

Roxy's eyes flicked with unease, and she quickly said:

"No need to call him. We already said our goodbyes this morning. Maybe he's... in the restroom."

Rudy blinked, then grinned.

"Heh! This time, I won! You hear that, Allen? Ha! Victory's mine! Misery never felt so good!"

They all walked out to see Roxy off. Still no sign of Allen.

Everyone waved goodbye. Roxy patted Sylphy's head, then turned to Rudy. She reached out—

—and instead of a pat, smacked him lightly on the head.

Rudy was thrilled.

"I won, Allen! She hit me on the head instead of patting it! Wait... why didn't she touch my head like she did Sylphy's? Huh? Why does her expression look... off? Did she not sleep well last night?"

Roxy glanced at the house one last time and exhaled.

"Well then... goodbye. If fate allows, we'll meet again."

Zenith was crying again, and Paul... well, he used the opportunity to grab his wife's butt. No one noticed—except Lilia.

"Goodbye, Teacher! I'll definitely find you again—with Allen!"

Rudy shouted cheerfully—then his expression soured.

"...What about me?"

Unlike last time, they had arranged for a carriage ahead of time. Lorz had paid for it, saying it was thanks to Allen. Apparently, the well-preserved End Boar hide had sold well, giving them enough money to offer thanks for the apprenticeship.

And so, Roxy left Buena Village.

The morning sun spilled over the road leading out of the village.

The sound of hoofbeats echoed as the carriage carried her away.

Inside, Roxy leaned on her hand, gazing absently at the passing scenery.

Old fences crept by, their crooked shadows stretching across the road… and then—

The carriage stopped.

A voice reached her ear.

"Miss. There's someone blocking the road."

The coachman's voice grew louder.

"Miss!"

Roxy snapped out of her daze.

"Ah? What?"

The coachman sounded exasperated.

"Someone's blocking the road. They want to hitch a ride."

Roxy blinked, lifted the curtain, and looked out.

And froze.

Bathed in the golden light of morning stood a familiar figure.

His dark gray eyes were sharp and cool, exuding distance and indifference.

But to Roxy, he looked... warm.

The figure smiled with that familiar lazy tone:

"Good morning, miss. Mind if I hitch a ride?"

Sunlight flickered in Roxy's blue eyes. The orange light of dawn danced like fire.

"…Okay."

At the Greyrat House

Everyone stood around the table, staring at a letter:

Master:

I'm going to clean up some maned wolves.

I'll be gone at least a month, maybe two. I'll be back soon.

Sorry I left without saying goodbye—if I told you, you'd probably try to stop me.

Don't worry, I can take care of myself.

P.S. No need to pay my salary during this time. Deduct a few months if you like.

—Allen