The Showdown

We set out from Forest Song City and kept heading west. On the way here, there had been seven of us traveling together. But on the way back, there were only three.

Although everyone was alive and well, with no casualties at all, it still inevitably left one sighing.

Still, with so many fewer third wheels around, I had plenty of chances to get handsy along the way.

Whenever Isolte went out to gather firewood, I would grope the little maid, and every time, she would look at me with eyes brimming with affection. It made my conscience feel just a tiny bit embarrassed.

"Master, if Lady Isolte comes back, this would not be very good. Ah, Master, not there." The little girl was growing more and more.

With the way she looked now, once she returned to the Prodia family, she would probably be met with the family's disdain. After all, there likely wasn't a single person in the whole household bigger than she was now.

Once, after I had enthusiastically interacted with Lilith, I started chatting with her.

"Lilith, do you still remember your original name?"

"I remember, Master. But I have already cast that original name aside. Now, I am your Lilith, Master."

"Lilith, do you like me? If there was a chance for you to be free, would you want it?"

"Master, do you not want me anymore? No matter what kind of chance it is, as long as it means leaving you, Master, I will not do it. Even if it means gaining freedom, I would not want it."

"Then, Lilith, if there were one choice where you could regain your freedom and then be with me, and another choice where you remained in your current status and stayed with me forever afterward, which would you choose?"

"Master, from the day you were four years old, from the day you saved me from that dungeon, I have been yours. So I like my current status very much. You will always be my master. I only hope you will not abandon me, and will let me stay by your side forever."

"All right. Although I may not be able to guarantee that I will always stay by your side, there will definitely be a place for you in my family from now on."

After that came time for massaging and being massaged.

That night, after Lilith had fallen asleep, Isolte and I leaned beside the campfire together to keep watch.

We sat back to back, holding hands, feeling each other's warmth.

I felt around her palm and said, "Lady Isolte, do you like me?"

My hand was pinched.

"If you ask that question again, I'll get angry."

"Then I'll ask it another way. Lady Isolte, after knowing how fickle-hearted I am, are you still willing to marry me?"

In my previous life, a question like this could be called a death-seeking question.

"Mr. Dolin, I also have a question. Answer me first, and then I'll consider answering you."

"All right."

"As a noble, do you think you can marry me? Even if not as your first wife."

"I can."

"Then won't you face resistance? Your parents, your grandfather, they may all want you to marry an Asura noble, or a kingdom princess. Your family's power is so great. Can you decide your own future?"

"It is precisely so I can decide my own future that I am working hard."

I turned my head to face her, only to discover, unexpectedly, that she had turned around at the same time.

"We live in this world, and there are many things beyond our control. But what I want to say is that all things beyond our control are just our own helpless inability.

"If I currently had the strength of one of the Seven Great Powers, who do you think could stop me if I wanted to marry you?

"Conversely, if you were a Water Emperor or a Water God, and you wanted to marry me, would my parents or my grandfather dare to stop you? Perhaps by then, even if I didn't want to marry you, I wouldn't dare refuse."

"Hmph, you dare not marry me!"

My hand was pinched again. I quickly broke free of her hand and pulled her into my arms.

"After we return to Ars, I may leave for a while. It might not be very convenient to bring you along for this matter. But you can go find Master Reida Reia and continue learning the Water God Style. Once I'm done with my business, I will definitely come find you."

"Why can't you bring me? Are you going to look for that little vixen again? Let me guess. Is it that Asura princess?"

Was a woman's sixth sense really this strong? I was indeed preparing to escort Ariel to Sharia. After all, only by ensuring her safety could I guarantee my plans for the future.

"Ah, don't guess. I definitely have something important to do."

"Hmph, I'm not going to bother with you. I'm going to work hard at learning the Water God Style, succeed Master as the Water God, and then see which mad bees and wild butterflies still dare to fight me for my man. By then, even a kingdom princess will have to stand aside."

"Yes, yes, you can absolutely become the Water God. When the time comes, you'll be the boss of the whole family. We'll all listen to you, all right?"

"Dolin, when we were in Forest Song City, I didn't dare ask. What magic was it that you released at the bottom of the sea back then? It actually had such powerful force. Not only did it kill so many Sea People in one breath, even the seawater turned into points of light, and the power produced after that thing exploded was far too terrifying. That was a power I had never seen before, and had never even imagined. I feel like even Master Reida Reia definitely couldn't do it. Are you already a god-class magician now?"

"My dear Isolte, you're overthinking it. I'm not as amazing as you imagine. The magic I released was the same magic my teacher used in front of the temple to stop those patrolling Sea People back then.

"It was just that at the time, I was holding the elves' token, that Mercury Sword, which could absorb the surrounding magic and transmit it into my body. That gave me infinite mana. That was why it ultimately had that effect.

"I don't know that magic's rank either. But the Lingus Sea was blasted out with god-class magic, and my magic probably hasn't reached god-class.

"Don't worry. If the two of us sparred now, even if I used magic, the person who won in the end would probably still be you. Hehe, you're still very strong."

"Hmph, stop being so glib. Right, accompanying you out this time and constantly tempering myself has let me touch the edge of the Time Flow realm. I'm confident I can successfully advance to Sword King within three years. When the time comes and you practice with me, I'll go easy on you."

"Hehe, no need. Right now, I want to see exactly who's going easy on whom. Let me see whether they've grown bigger lately."

"Hmph, you're so bad."

After nearly nine months of flirting and bantering like this on the road, we finally arrived at Sharia, a city we passed through midway.

That day, while we were eating at a restaurant in Sharia, we heard the traveling merchants next to us chatting with one another.

"Man, business is hard this year!"

"You're transporting grain from the Asura Kingdom to sell here, right? Was the harvest bad this year?"

"It wasn't bad. The harvest was fine. But when we were collecting grain from Asura's Fittoa Territory this year, we were attacked by Demonic Beasts. I lost several men and grain wagons. I've taken a terrible loss."

"Fittoa? Isn't that area very safe? Hasn't the Asura Kingdom always organized the Patrol Knights to clear out the Demonic Beasts in the forests along the borders? Did the patrols stop this year?"

"No. This year, they actually sent two rounds of Patrol Knights in a row to wipe out the Demonic Beasts, but it seems the number of Demonic Beasts in Fittoa Territory suddenly exploded. A lot of knights were injured while clearing them out. They simply couldn't keep up."

"Man, an autumn of many troubles. Looks like if we're going through the Asura Kingdom, we'll have to go around Fittoa Territory."

The conversation ended there.

My feelings were extremely complicated. Seeing this situation, I knew the exact reason very clearly. This disaster—in the end, was there still no way to avoid it?

I needed more time to prepare. I had to do something, otherwise I simply wouldn't be able to feel at ease. I couldn't deceive my own heart. So many lives. So many people would die in the disaster. I couldn't turn a blind eye.

That night, I summoned Isolte and Lilith.

"The situation has changed. We need to return to Asura as soon as possible."

"Is it because of what we heard over dinner today, about the Demonic Beasts increasing? Dolin, don't worry. There are several squads of Patrol Knights. They'll definitely be able to handle it."

"No, I have my own reasons. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you the details for now. Please, both of you, trust me absolutely.

"Lilith, do you still remember the house I bought in Sharia? Here, this is the key to the house. I have a mission for you now."

"Please tell me, Master. I will definitely work hard."

"Mm, I trust you very much. This mission is very important. I need you to stay in Sharia, live in that house, and help me manage it. In addition, I need you to go to Ranoa University of Magic to study magic. Several years from now, someone you definitely know, but would never expect, will come to Ranoa University of Magic to enroll. When the time comes, you can try to approach her. Don't worry, I'll come here too. When that time comes, we'll live together all the time."

"Hmph, then what about me?" Isolte sounded a little jealous again.

"Yes, Master. Though being separated from you will make me feel very miserable, I will definitely complete your mission."

"Mm. When you study at Ranoa University of Magic, you can use your old name, Doris. Let's call you Doris Prodia Greyrat."

"Yes, Master." Lilith looked somewhat upset when she heard her name was going to be changed, but when she heard that her surname would be changed to Greyrat, she became a little happy again.

I looked toward Isolte again. "Isolte, starting tomorrow, we set out. We won't take the carriage. The carriage and the things inside it will all be left to Lilith. Starting tomorrow, I'll use flight magic to take you on the road. We'll return to Ars as soon as possible."

When Isolte heard how urgent it was, she also understood that the situation was grave. She nodded.

That night, I slept with Lilith. After helping measure her size, I thought to myself that I hoped the next time I saw her, her measurements would give me a surprise. I really was looking forward to it.

The next day, after taking care of miscellaneous matters and helping Lilith move into her new home, I brought Isolte with me and rushed back to Ars.

Along the way, whenever I had magic, we flew. When I didn't have magic, we walked on the ground. We flew straight over lower mountains, and rivers and canyons were no exception.

Traveling in a straight line was faster than expected. Though we had to spend a lot more time recovering magic along the way, we still returned to Ars in less than two months.

But even though it was fast, I still didn't plan to use this method of travel often. Though I had a windproof hood along the way, the wind still blew my hair wildly, and I didn't know whether using too much wind magic carried some kind of curse. I felt like I'd lost at least a dozen strands of hair over these two months. Just thinking about it made my skull ache.

After I returned to Ars, I parted ways with Isolte. She also needed to go home and report that she was safe.

As soon as I got home, I went to find my grandfather. Though it was already night, my grandfather still received me.

I reported to my grandfather on my growth over the past few years and told him that I had now become a Water King Tier magician.

He looked very gratified.

"Dolin, you'll be fifteen at the end of this year, won't you?"

"Yes, Grandfather. After my birthday this year, I'll be fifteen."

"That's right. You're going to be an adult too. Stay in Ars during this period. After your fifteenth birthday is over, you will have to shoulder the responsibilities of the Prodia Family. When the time comes, I will help you choose a suitable candidate to be your wife."

"Yes, Grandfather." I had no intention of refuting him, because I knew that refuting him now would have no meaning at all. I had my own plan.

After finishing my report to my grandfather, I returned to my room.

The maids were still the same few people. While preparing my bath, Annie even asked me about Lilith's recent situation. I said directly, "She's dead."

Annie and the other maids were all silent. But when I saw their tightly pressed lips, I knew that their hearts were actually anything but calm.

However, I didn't really count as having lied to them. In my heart, Lilith was already dead, but Doris was still alive, and she was still waiting for my return.

After I got under the covers, my mind kept thinking. I carefully thought back on the contents of the books when I read Mushoku Tensei before.

The Teleportation Incident should have affected the entire Fittoa region. It wasn't only the city of Roa.

Among the people I knew, the only ones who should have died directly because of the Teleportation Incident were Philip and my aunt Hilda.

Saulros should have been executed later when responsibility was assigned, so the place he was teleported to shouldn't have been far. At least, there shouldn't have been a safety issue.

Then as long as I called Philip and Hilda to Ars, the two of them should be safe. Right, I didn't know whether Eris had gotten to know Rudeus yet. If she hadn't, then being teleported to the Demon Continent alone should also be very dangerous. To be safe, I should call her over too.

Rudeus's family all survived, so there was basically no need to worry about them.

What remained were those strangers I had never met. Though the novel never said, the survival rate was probably extremely low. It might not even reach twenty percent.

And this was also related to a person's strength. If it was a sturdy man, his chances of survival would probably increase. But if it was a child, then they probably wouldn't be able to survive.

So I could only save as many people as I was able to save.

Fine. That was what I would do.

Early the next morning, I wrote a letter to Philip, inviting him, my aunt, and Eris to come to Ars together to attend my birthday. I also informed them that they could come earlier.

Then I changed into the Guardian Knight uniform I hadn't worn in ages and entered the imperial palace.

To be honest, I was a little uneasy about coming to see Ariel this time. When I'd left Ars last time, it had felt a bit like I'd slipped away.

After all, I'd only notified her after I was already gone. I didn't know whether she would still be angry with me.

I arrived at the Silver Tear Palace and found no one there, so I headed toward the palace garden.

While I was still far away, I heard the cling-clang of weapons colliding. Was it another assassination?

Was the imperial palace really this unsafe now? Without realizing it, my pace quickened.

When I reached the courtyard by Tear-Shaped Lake in the garden, I discovered the reason. The attendants who used to follow Ariel were all undergoing swordsmanship training. The magicians were also practicing magic.

Ariel, meanwhile, sat in the courtyard, leisurely drinking tea.

I ignored the attendants who stopped their training when they saw me arrive. Under their gazes, I walked up before Princess Ariel, dropped to one knee, and performed a knight's salute.

"Your Highness Princess Ariel, your knight, Dolin Prodia Greyrat, has returned."

It was a little awkward, and I was somewhat stuck with no way to gracefully step down. Ariel showed no reaction at all. She didn't even glance at me.

This time, though, I didn't stand up on my own. After all, I had left her without notifying her first. I was in the wrong.

After waiting a while longer, I finally heard, "Oh, so you still knew to come back. My Guardian Knight, Dolin Prodia Greyrat. I thought you had already turned your back on your country and on me."

"I would not dare. I left this time with a purpose. After I left, I confirmed something. This matter can fulfill your dream."

Ariel looked at me with an incredulous gaze. Then she immediately adjusted her expression, stepped forward, and extended her right hand before me.

I didn't put on airs either. I directly held up her right hand with both of mine and, toward the back of her hand, gave it a heavy suck with a loud "mwah." When I let go, I even licked it with my tongue.

The "mwah" was a bit loud. This could count as my tiny revenge for her leaving me hanging at the side just now. The personal attendants behind her all heard that "mwah."

They looked at me strangely. Without changing expression, I held Ariel's little hand and walked toward the stone table.

Then I sat directly across from Ariel.

That whole sequence of movements, smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water, left both the people training outside and those standing behind Ariel somewhat unable to react. I was, at any rate, Ariel's Guardian Knight. In theory, I was her subordinate.

Why was I allowed to sit as Ariel's equal? But when they saw that Ariel said nothing and simply sat calmly across from me, the other attendants all fell silent.

Luke seemed a little angry, glaring at me with an extremely venomous look. I glanced at him, and he didn't dare say a word.

After all, my mighty reputation was illustrious even in Ars.

Even if someone lent him ten guts, he probably still wouldn't dare duel me.

Now he only dared to act fierce with his eyes. He didn't even dare say a single word.

After sitting on the stone chair, I poured myself a cup of tea. Ariel's servants had far too little sense, so I could only do it myself.

"Lady Ariel, I won't beat around the bush with you. You want to sit in that position. I know. I can help you, offer you plans and strategies, and I can even face powerful enemies for you."

"Oh? Then what are your demands? You can't be selflessly coming to invest in me, a princess no one thinks highly of, can you? State your demands. That would put me a little more at ease as well."

"Haha, saying no one thinks highly of you is a little much. At the very least, hasn't the Notos Family already placed a bet on you?"

I cast a glance at Luke, then continued.

"What I want to obtain is inconvenient to say here, and now is not the time to lay bare my purpose to you. What I can tell you is that my goal is absolutely not something like obtaining you. My goal is not for myself. It is for my entire family!"

"Oh? If your goal were to obtain me, then this matter would be simple. Hasn't your grandfather Darius already become the most important ally of my dear elder brother? Has your family developed a split?"

"Haha, there is no split. In the eyes of anyone with vision, you have no chance of winning at all. I am only representing myself in helping you. I will not use any of my family's connections or influence.

But don't worry. I'm not an idiot. If I can lie down and win yet still come to help you, it means I have a perfect plan. As long as you do as I say, you can absolutely achieve your wish."

After painting Ariel a grand pie in the sky, I tried picking up the novel she had just been reading from the table.

I wanted to wait for her to think this matter over, then wait for her reply.

When I took the book in hand and glanced at it, I froze a little. It was actually an erotic novel.

Sigh. I felt sorrowful for my bleak future.