A wooden sword blurred, trying to smack my head.
I stepped back and parried it with one of my own before stepping in with a stab.
My attack was parried as well, and then my attacker leaped back, clearing the space.
Eris clicked her tongue and scowled at me. "It's not fair!" She stomped on the ground and pointed her sword at me. "You're only beating me because you're faster!"
I shrugged and said, "The whole point of the Sword God style is speed, so it doesn't really master if my form's sloppy, right?"
Eris stopped to think about that.
Wait.
Before I could react properly, there was a flash of silver by Eris's feet and she crossed the distance, her sword flying up at an awkward angle.
My eyes widened and I leaned back, barely dodging the strike.
And then she spun around to kick me, whipping her leg around just as fast as the sword.
"Oi!" I threw myself back with a gust of wind and then pointed my sword at Eris. "What the heck has my dad been teaching you! That's not sword fighting!"
Eris spun around a few times, her momentum leaving her dizzy. But then she shook her head and gave me a smug look. "Hah! I made you use magic! I win!"
"...Sure. You win." I sighed and rubbed my nose. After that, I took a look around.
Everyone was busy today... is what I would like to say. But the truth was that I had snuck off by myself.
Of course, it was just my luck that I got caught by Eris and forced into sparring practice. She dragged me all the way to the fields by the forest and tossed me a wooden sword before starting a fight.
Even so, that was better than the alternative.
Ever since Dad left, Mom had been ranting various scripture to me from the Milis religion or whatever. The usual 'thou shalt treat thy neighbor with kindness' stuff like in the Bible. Except, unlike in the Bible where the words came from God and had a theme of self-sacrifice, the Milis religion was just based off a master swordsman who killed some Demon Lord or whatever.
Apparently, since they were words that came from some strong guy who saved a bunch of people, they were supposed to mean something.
Seriously. All it meant was that strength was power. And going by that logic, if I went to kill a giant monster or something, I could say whatever I wanted and it would be treated as gospel truth.
I mean, they were good moral guidelines. But morality was overrated anyway. They were just shackles that made the strong act according to what the weak thought.
There was no good and evil, only power and those who were too weak to seek it. Social constructs created as a check to those who society deemed as threats to the social order.
What mattered was what you did with that power.
"Are you ignoring me again?!"
A sudden shout broke me out of my thoughts.
Eris growled and crossed her arms. "I don't get it! Am I really that boring? Or do you just hate me or something? What did I ever do to you!"
I blinked and said, "Hate is a very strong word. But yes, I don't really like you."
She was technically family. But she was also someone who just got plopped into the happy family life we had already. And if not for her, we would all still be doing just fine. Or at least, life would be less complicated.
Eris flinched and her lower lip started trembling. But she stepped forward anyway and said, "W-Well I don't like you either! Sylphy's much nicer to me!"
I nodded. "I agree. She's really patient and kind. I just don't have the capacity to deal with someone like you."
"Capa- What?" Eris furrowed her brow and said, "Stop using complicated words to make fun of me!"
I blinked. "...Aren't you older than me? And a proper noble? How do you not know what capacity means?"
Eris huffed and said, "Why are you pretending to be an adult? Isn't it boring sitting and reading all day?"
"...Is this how a kid usually acts?" I frowned and placed my hand on my chin. "Maybe I was mistaken on something..."
Could it be that Dad's genes just gave birth to geniuses or something?
Norn and Aisha were much smarter than the average two-year olds and I was... well, me.
I didn't think I was a genius since Norn and Aisha seemed to be following on similar tracks as me while not being reincarnated, but seeing Eris now...
Sylphy was smart, so I thought that most people around my age were like that. But maybe we were special?
...No way. I was a hundred percent sure that anyone else from Earth in my situation would be able to do what I did.
Right?
...Then again, I *had* always been pretty smart. I think. The exact details were blurry, but I remembered being able to easily pass exams and everything with just attending class. And it was only after I stopped showing up to class that grades started to slip.
Hm.
Still not sure if I was a *genius*, but I guess I was definitely gifted?
"Stop that!"
Eris's voice broke me out of my thoughts again.
I blinked and said, "Stop what?"
She pointed at me and said, "That! You stopped talking and ignored me again!"
"Ah." I shrugged and said, "It's a bad habit. I'm not trying to ignore you."
Considering her personality, I couldn't even if I wanted to.
Eris pouted and then crossed her arms together. "I still don't get it. Why does Dad want me to marry someone like you anyway?"
My ears perked up at that and I quickly crossed the space to grab her hand. "You don't want it either, right? Great. Let's dissolve the contract then. Since you don't like me, it's a win-win, right?"
Eris's face suddenly turned red and she quickly backed up, wrenching her hand back. "W-W-What are you doing?! Don't grab me so suddenly like that!"
"Oh. Right." I laughed and rubbed the back of my head. "Sorry. I got a little excited."
Dammit. Wasn't going to be that easy, huh?
Eris frowned and then said, "...Do you not want to marry me that bad?"
"Hm?" I blinked and said, "What do you mean?"
Eris's frown deepened and she said, "I apologized to Sylphy. I play with Norn and Aisha. And I get along with everyone. But... Why don't you like me?"
I blinked again and said, "I mean, it's not that I don't like you, but-"
"But you said it!" Eris stepped forward and glared at me. "You said you don't like me earlier!"
"I said I don't 'really' like you. Not that I don't like you." I stared at Eris and said, "I mean... I think our personality types just don't match?"
I hadn't spent much time just chatting with Eris... in fact, this was pretty much the first time I got alone with her since she got here. From what I could see though, she was impatient, stubborn, and quick to anger. She also had a habit of acting first and thinking later. Not only that, but I could see that she was physically resisting against lashing out when she was angry. Like she had to visibly hold herself back.
Granted, she wasn't all bad. She was definitely hard-working considering how she spent as much time swinging her sword around as I did studying. And she got along with Sylphy and my younger sisters, like she said. That, plus considering how even Mom seemed to be warming up to Eris meant that there were parts of her I didn't know.
Like Dad said, she was probably a good girl if you got to know her.
I just... didn't really want to know her?
Eris flinched and bit her lips. "...We don't match...?"
I nodded and said, "I mean, take right now. You're the one who dragged me out here, weren't you?" I frowned and said, "I just wanted some peace and quiet for myself, but you grabbed me and made me spar with you."
"T-That's..."
My frown deepened and I said, "Do you want to show that you're better than me that much? Because you are, you know?"
"H-Huh?" Eris blinked, confusion in her red eyes.
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "Honestly... What's with all the geniuses around me? Are people stealing my talents or something? Or am I radiating experience buffs?"
Everyone that I had met seemed to either be a genius or suddenly improve. Just a bit of advice and help from me and BOOM, instantly stronger, smarter, or faster.
Eris glared at me.
I blinked. "What?"
"Don't do that!"
"Don't do what?" I frowned, confused. "Thinking out loud?"
"No! You keep saying that you're not a genius! Do you think the rest of us are that stupid?"
"No...? I'm saying that everyone else seems to be a natural genius except for me. Like you." I pointed at Eris and said, "Just earlier, I said something and then you suddenly got better. It just clicked for you and then you could do it. That's a natural genius, you know? I have to actually think about each and everything thing I do."
Eris stomped on the ground and said, "That's what a genius does!"
I nodded. "I know. And I agree. A genius just gets it."
Eris gave me a blank stare and then got really angry. Gnashing her teeth, she said, "You... you're making fun of me!"
"But I'm not?"
She grabbed her wooden sword and jabbed me with it. "You are! You think it's fun pretending to be dumb like that?"
I blinked and said, "I... really don't know what you're talking about? What do you mean, pretend to be dumb?"
Eris glared at me, staring into my eyes. But then she blinked and lowered her sword, looking confused. "Huh?"
"Don't 'huh' me." I frowned and said, "What do you mean I'm pretending to be dumb?"
I mean, I was kind of doing that a bit with Master Roxy since it would make things awkward, but I didn't think I was doing it with anything or anyone else.
Eris blinked and then said, "You... Do you not know what a genius is?"
"Of course I do." I rolled my eyes and said, "It's someone who's naturally good at something. A genius. Like how you're naturally good at the sword."
Eris's face turned a bit red, but then she shook her head and said, "You're doing it again!"
"Doing what?" I frowned, starting to feel a bit frustrated.
Eris pointed at me and said, "You're a genius!"
"No. You're a genius. I'm just smart."
"That's a genius!"
I frowned and said, "Being smart doesn't make you a genius."
"But you're not just smart!" Eris kept pointing at me and said, "Rudy can look at something and figure out how it works! Fighting, magic... even the big things the adults talk about!"
"Well, yeah." I nodded and said, "But that doesn't make me a genius. Anyone can do it."
"I can't!"
"Mm, true. But Sylphy can."
"Because you've been friends with her for a long time!"
I paused.
...Now that Eris mentioned it, I did talk about a bunch of random things with Sylphy when we first met. And I did make sure to keep her curious and question a bunch of things... but she was already pretty mature.
Plus...
"She doesn't count. She's a half-elf."
Right. I bet there was some magical DNA thing going on that helped with that maturity of hers.
Eris growled and said, "Why are you like this? Stupid! Idiot! Dummy!"
I rolled my eyes. "What? Since I don't think I'm a genius, I'm suddenly dumb?"
Eris spun around and ran off. "Why do I even think you're cool anyway?!"
Wait, what?
"I'm telling your mom you ran away!"
"W-Wait!" I ran after Eris. "We can talk about this!"
"No! You're stupid! I don't want to talk to you anymore!"
"Fine, I'm a genius! Please don't tell-"
"MISS ZENITH! RUDY'S OVER HERE!"
"Argh!" I ran my hand through my hair and said, "See! This is why we can't get along!"
Freaking bipolar tsunderes... Definitely needed to spread mental health awareness and train some therapists in the future to fix this...
[author]No chapter tomorrow. Taking a day off to read and refuel creative juices.[/author]
Zenith absently hung up some sheets to dry.
It was another peaceful day. But even so, Zenith couldn't enjoy it. Not after yesterday when Rudy ran away in the middle of Zenith telling the story of Saint Milis and then had to be dragged back by Eris.
She was sure of it now. Something was wrong with Rudy.
At first, Zenith thought that it was just the shock from everything that happened since Paul's dumb mistake. Then she thought it was just because her baby boy was growing up. And then she thought it might be due to the supposed Demon God influence Roxy mentioned... but it wasn't that.
Zenith knew. Her mother's intuition told her that something was wrong with her son, and that it wasn't natural.
It wasn't anything 'bad.' At most, he was acting like a rebellious child should in running away from her lectures and spending the day doing what he liked. But even then, he made sure to take care of his baby sisters, play with Sylphy, and even start to get along with Eris. And he was studious as well, continuing to study magic with Roxy in the evening.
On the surface, nothing was wrong. But Zenith could see it in the way he talked and responded to Milis's teachings that she recited.
When Zenith told the story of Saint Milis and the teachings he passed down, Rudy brushed it off and said there was no need to follow the words of someone who was just strong and good with a sword.
A complete rejection. Not only that, but Rudy said that Saint Milis only had the right to say those words because he was strong.
Instead of being enthralled with the story like he used to be, Rudy had completely ignored Zenith. And not only that, these days he was spending a lot of time out of the house and away from Zenith.
He came back during meal times and acted normally then. But if Zenith brought up even a suggestion about discussing Milis's teaching, Rudy blocked her out.
She could see it. The way his usually bright face turned stony and his emerald eyes turned sharp.
Was it the way she brought up the teachings? Zenith thought that might be the case, but she told Milis's teachings through story and his heroic feats, similar to how she told him Perugius's tale in the past.
So it wasn't anything on her part.
Zenith thought that he might simply be upset at Paul's actions. But that wasn't it either.
Her genius son wasn't someone who would just throw away another person's opinion like that. He was caring and compassionate. Someone who carefully thought about the others around him and did his best to make sure everyone was happy and got along.
So then why had he changed so much?
Zenith knew. The Rudy who set the plan to keep their family together would never have said it was fine to abandon a girl who would suffer a terrible fate. And considering how he risked his life to save Sylphy, he was being a hypocrite as well in saying that.
And it was bad enough that even *Paul* had sensed it.
Before they left with Ghyslaine, Paul and Lily had a talk with Zenith about the reasoning behind the departure.
Paul thought that Rudy was taking life too lightly. That being in Buina village all this time without seeing the broader world had resulted in him seeing everyone outside of his family as worthless. Because of that, Paul wanted to set an example of how one person could make a big difference.
Zenith and Lily didn't agree. After all, if it was just that, then all it would take would be a reminder about how Rudy had saved Sylphy for no reason as well.
And that conversation went nowhere.
Still, Lily felt that Rudy was being crippled by fear that they would be hurt. That he had changed because of anxiety, so she wanted to go with Paul and return safely to prove that there was nothing to fear. And also to trust in his abilities to keep them safe.
That reasoning was one that the three parents could agree on.
If Rudy was acting that way and being so callous because he was driven by wanting to protect his family, then having concrete proof that they would be fine should be enough.
But now that Paul and Lily had left, and now that Zenith spent time watching Rudy interact with the others... she was sure that it wasn't just that.
Rudy was worried. From how hard he was studying and the number of magic experiments he ran, it was clear that he was worried he would fall short. And to prevent that, he was scrambling to become as strong as he could get.
If it was just that, Zenith could accept it. But Rudy was still... off.
He was super protective of Norn and did his best to carefully teach her whatever he could. Reading, writing, magic... even swordsmanship. When Rudy was with Norn, he was patient and doting. The perfect and kind older brother.
With Aisha though... Rudy was a bit more distant. He still doted on her, but Rudy seemed to be subconsciously favoring Norn. And while he taught her just like Norn, he didn't go into as much detail. As if he expected Aisha to understand with just a brief explanation.
Which she did, considering how smart Aisha was, but even then it came off as negligent. Like Rudy was purposefully trying to not get too attached.
At the same time, Rudy talked up Paul.
Zenith knew that Rudy was close to his father. That much could be seen from how Rudy forgave Paul even after all his blunders. But even then, when Aisha asked questions about Paul, Rudy would go out of his way to paint him in the best light possible.
Which would lead to Aisha asking Zenith questions about Paul to confirm what Rudy said.
It was odd. Rudy's actions didn't match what they should be.
With how close Rudy was to Lily... As much as Zenith didn't want to admit it, Rudy should be doting on Aisha over Norn. After all, Lily was the one who believed in Rudy and first noticed he was different. She was also the one who gave him the freedom to live as he wanted without any expectations.
And yet Rudy was treating Aisha the exact opposite, expecting Aisha to be a genius and trying to make her believe her father was the best.
It didn't match up.
Rudy wasn't like that. Not her Rudy.
If anything, Rudy would have treated both of his sisters the same, showering them both with love and affection. And while he was definitely doing that, he was doing that more with Norn.
Was it because he felt guilty about making Zenith worry so much in the past by spending time with Lily?
Zenith thought it might be that... but instead, it seemed more like he was worried that Norn might not like him and was acting to make sure that didn't happen. To be the best brother and one Norn could always rely on.
It didn't make sense.
Even if he was worried about that, Rudy was the one who helped during Norn's delivery. And according to Lily, he was the first person who got the chance to hold Norn, casting healing magic to make sure she was healthy.
And Norn seemed to be subconsciously aware of that considering how the first person she turned to was always Rudy.
So Rudy should know. Norn adored her big brother already and would never hate him.
But he kept acting like he expected that to change at any moment.
Not only that...
Rudy didn't smile anymore.
He had always been a serious child, but these days he seemed much older. Almost like a dour old man who believed the entire world was against him.
The only times he relaxed was when he was with his sisters, Sylphy... and half the time with Eris. At least, when he wasn't bickering with her about inane topics.
But even then, the bright and cheerful smile he used to have was gone.
"Coin for your thoughts, Zenny?"
Zenith flinched and spun around. As she did, she lost her balance, starting to tip.
"Careful there!" Thin but firm arms held Zenith close and steadied her. Elinalise- No, Rostelina.
The beautiful elf woman smiled and said, "Being active is good and all, but you should be careful about the little one in your belly, you know? Leave the chores to me and Rose."
Zenith sighed and said, "I know. But... Doing chores helps calm my mind." Saying that, Zenith started to squat to pick up another sheet from a basket full of wet laundry.
"Bad Zenny." Rostelina grabbed Zenith before she could grab any sheets and pulled her back up. After that, she gently patted Zenith's belly and said, "Squatting is dangerous when you're this far along. Trust me."
Zenith frowned. But then she sighed and said, "Fine." After that, she brushed off Rostelina's arm and looked around.
The sun was high in the sky and in the distance Zenith could see Rudy sparring with Sylphy and Eris. And from inside the house, Zenith could hear the sounds of cooking. No doubt Rose, preparing lunch for everyone.
Zenith turned to look at Rostelina and said, "Are Norn and Aisha napping?"
"Mmhm!" Rostelina nodded and said, "Those cute babies got tired out after I told them some stories and went straight to sleep."
Zenith smiled and said, "Thank you again for helping to take care of them, Lina." She sighed and looked back at Rudy and the others. "I'm not sure how I would handle things without your help." She looked back at Rostelina and said, "Roxy and Rose are nice, but it's really reassuring to have someone as you around to help."
Rostelina smiled back and said, "It's the least I could do for one of my closest friends, Zenny." She pulled Zenith into a one-armed hug and said, "Don't mention it, alright? Just relax and make sure to stay healthy so you can deliver another cute baby for me to dote on, alright?"
Zenith laughed and said, "I'll do my best."
Rostelina nodded and then waved her hand. As she did, the ground stirred before grass grew and laced together, forming a comfy chair. "Then have a seat and relax. I'll take care of the laundry."
Zenith did so. But as she sat down, she frowned and said, "Since when can you use magic so well?"
Rostelina pulled a sheet out of the basket and hung it up on the laundry line. As she did, she shrugged and said, "It came naturally to me after I reunited with my Master."
Zenith rested her hands over her belly and said, "You never did mention who this mysterious 'Master' of yours is, Lina. Or why you call him that."
Rostelina giggled and said, "It's a long story, Zenny." She pulled out some shirts from the basket and started hanging those. "I'll tell you... Mm, let's say after Paul gets back. But forget about me for now." She glanced back at Zenith from over her shoulder and said, "What's got you so upset to get up and do laundry to calm down, Zenny? Didn't you hate doing it in the past?"
Zenith smiled and said, "Like I said, doing chores helps me to calm down. And I'm a mother now. It would be a bad example for my kids if I hated them, wouldn't it?"
"Mm." Rostelina hung up some pants and said, "I don't think liking chores has anything to do with being a good parent, but sure. Now, what's troubling you, Zenny?" She turned around and said, "Is it Paul? Lily?"
Zenith shook her head. "It's neither of those." She looked off in the distance and said, "I'm worried about Rudy."
"Rudy?" Rostelina turned to look at him and hummed. "...I suppose he does seem extra serious for a kid. Should I try to get him to loosen up?"
Zenith's eyes turned sharp and she said, "No, Lina."
Rostelina held up her hands and said, "Relax! I'm a taken woman now. And even if I wasn't, I like real men, not boys. But I do know how to calm children down."
Zenith looked skeptical, but she slowly nodded. "...If you say so."
"It's the truth. Besides, the only man who can satisfy me these days is- Ah." Rostelina cleared her throat and said, "Sorry about that. We can talk about the dirty stuff later. Anyway... If you're worried about Rudy, I think I know how to cheer him up."
Zenith shook her head. "It's not a matter of being cheered up, Lina." She looked back at Rudy and furrowed her brows. "Something's wrong with him. I just know it. But I don't know what's wrong or how to help him." She sighed. "...But maybe I'm just imagining things."
Rostelina turned to look back at Rudy before her crimson eyes turned sharp. "No. You should always trust your mother's intuition. And... Hm. He didn't mention this, but I guess he thought I could fix it...?"
"Lina?"
Rostelina smiled and then patted her chest. "Leave it to me, Zenny. I'll have Rudy back to normal in no time. But for now..." She lifted a pair of lacy black panties from the basket and said, "Do you really want to hang these out to dry, or...?"
Zenith blushed.