"What, you want to find a job as a governess?" Paul exclaimed at the family dinner table during lunchtime.
Rudy, who had recently hit a plateau with his magic and wanted to increase the family's income, said, "I feel like my recent magical progress has reached a bottleneck. Also, if we don't find additional sources of income, Aisha and Norn will end up wearing my old childhood clothes."
Paul, still the nominal head of the family despite being bested by his son, seemed taken aback by this suggestion. Rudy knew that this proposal might embarrass him.
Paul took a moment to consider Rudy's request seriously. After a thoughtful pause, he looked at Rudy and asked, "Aren't you worried about Sylphy?"
"I only have water holy-level magic left to teach her. What's the concern?" Rudy replied, dismissing Paul's worry.
Paul, who was a seasoned swordsman, looked uncertain. After all, it had always been his dream to have his childhood sweetheart, Sylphy, by his side. The idea that his son, Rudy, was so at ease with this situation was surprising. Paul wondered if the blood of the Greyrat family was really so different.
Zenith, with a playful smile, chimed in, "It's not every day that a son makes such a request. As parents, we must think it over carefully."
Lilia, seizing the moment, added, "Indeed. We'll definitely support Master Rudy's first request."
After some deliberation, Paul finally nodded. "Alright, I understand. I'll make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible."
Paul recognized the value in having a magician with holy-level water magic and a swordsman skilled in both sword god style and water god style. Despite his previous defeat, he knew these abilities could not be underestimated.
Paul also recalled the unsettling feeling of being immobilized when Rudy used his gaze. He suspected it had something to do with the power of Rudy's eyes.
While waiting for the job arrangements, Rudy received a letter from Roxy. Her update was consistent with what Rudy had previously heard: she had found a new position in the capital of the Shirone Kingdom. Her strength had advanced from Water Saint to Water King, and she was now aiming for the title of Water Emperor.
Roxy's letter was filled with disdain for Prince of Shirone, despite his magical talents. She described him as extremely lustful and mentioned that she had disciplined him several times.
He decided to reply, detailing his recent experiences, including his lengthy coma of nearly seven months. Rudy also updated her on his magical developments and progress in swordsmanship.
In his letter, Rudy explained that he had been working on secondary magic techniques inspired by ninjutsu, such as Chakra Wings, which were designed to enhance mobility. He detailed the method but acknowledged that, without her guidance, Roxy would likely find it challenging to master.
Less than a month had passed since Paul sent a letter with news about the governess position. Despite the anticipation, Rudy continued with his daily training and teaching Sylphy.
After persistent effort, Rudy had finally brought his Chakra to the level of a ninja, although it still lagged behind his magical power. This new skill ensured he wouldn't suffer from a coma like in his previous battle with Paul. He now had access to the chakra origins of the nine-tailed beasts, which was a significant advantage.
Sylphy, despite being prepared and reassured, was still heavily dependent on Rudy. Outside the village, under a tree, she clung to him with a pained expression.
"Don't… don't go… I don't want to be separated…" she pleaded.
Rudy gently stroked Sylphy's hair, which looked even more adorable as it grew longer. "I just got a job. It's not a permanent separation; I'll be back when the time comes. If you miss me, you can come to Roa to visit. I plan to set up a property there bigger than Buena Village in no time."
He continued, "Besides, you want to become a skilled magician yourself. You can't always rely on me. If one day I'm in danger, you might need to save me."
Sylphy looked up with tears in her eyes and asked, "Really?"
"Of course it's true," Rudy said, his face calm despite the familiar sentiment. He had given similar reassurances before.
[Heh, this routine is well-practiced. I guess being a "born scumbag" is one trait I inherited from my past life.]
[In any world, there's no rule that says a person must be monogamous. Perhaps that's why I don't miss modern societal norms.]
Rudy shook his head and continued to comfort Sylphy. "We'll see each other soon. Roa is a big city with many things you can't find in the village. I'll bring back many gifts, but for now, I have a present for you."
He took out a thin booklet from his pocket titled "Compulsory Education Mathematics Edition - Rudy's Selection." It covered mathematics from elementary to junior high school, which Rudy had reviewed while in the ninja world. His experience from his previous life made the knowledge easy to recall, making it perfect for Sylphy.
Sylphy blushed and took the booklet shyly. "Rudy, please close your eyes for a moment. I have a gift for you too."
Rudy was surprised but closed his eyes. He had prepared his gift long ago and hadn't told Sylphy about it. He wondered if her gift was related to that.
However, after waiting for a while, Rudy felt Sylphy's presence disappear and then return.
She approached, panting, and handed him a necklace that looked like an amulet. Rudy accepted it solemnly, understanding its significance as a token of her feelings.
"By the way, there's one more thing," Rudy said, turning Sylphy around and tapping her neck. He planted a Flying Thunder God spell imprint discreetly.
"Ah… it's so cold," Sylphy said, turning away shyly. After a moment, she asked, "What's the use of this magic?"
"As long as I'm alive, this imprint will stay. It allows me to find you anytime and anywhere. It's an advanced space-time magic that can make you appear beside me instantly, but please keep it a secret," Rudy explained with a serious expression. Sylphy nodded in agreement.
Paul had not been able to accompany Rudy personally, which was disappointing. One morning, a carriage arrived at the gate of Rudy's yard. He climbed aboard, waved goodbye to his family and Sylphy, and set off for Roja.