Hello, it's been a while. I'm very very sorry for the wait. It has taken many months to get this chapter out there. For why it took too long:

First: I had to work a lot of hours at my job which caused me to put the story on hold. I have time now.

Second: Personal issues, I needed to spend time with family. Also, I had an editor that helps me with the story but they are also dealing with personal issues as well. So it's just me at the moment, which is taking slower

Third: I had to redo some of the chapters to scale it back a bit. There was just a lot of information going in that some were unnecessary to put in. So I have to cut it back a bit.

Fourth: I was unsatisfied with some of the writing, So I when back an change a few things. I still am a little unsatisfied with some of the writing but I do not wish to delay it any long. I'll just uploaded as it is, I might go back and changed a few things but that's it.

Fifth: Only chapter's one and two will be released. There was supposed to be three chapters but chapter three is the one I'm unsatisfied with. I know I said I'll release it as it is but not three. There's a lot I need to fix. So it will be release when it's ready.

That's really all I have to say. Again, I am very so for the wait and I appreciate your patience.

So now, here's Chapter 1 of Ruby's story and then Chapter 2.

P.S.- To answer a question regarding Aisha's relic and what's she's the Goddess of, her relic is her old maid uniform and she's the Goddess of the Hearth.

Anyway let's finally get on with the story.

Ruby's Perspective:

"How long do you plan to sleep? It's already afternoon."

Mmm? Who said that?

"Really now? How many times have I told you, slacking off like this is not good for your body. You should get out more, and loosen those muscles. It'll be very good for you, you'll feel lighter when you do it."

I sat up from my bed and looked to where the voice was coming from. At the doorway was Asher

Ugh, it's just you Ash-nii. Leave me alone, I'm tired. I've already worked hard today learning Water King Ranked magic from Blue mama. It really took a lot out of me, just let me nap.

I laid back down.

"No excuses now, you gotta keep pushing forward to achieve the impossible."

Ugh… another lecture.

"Well, I don't have much time to explain. I won't be here anyways anymore.

Huh? What do you mean? Asher?

"Take care of Paula for me will you? And mom and dad too, you know how much mom worries. Take care little sis."

Asher then proceeded to leave the doorway, fading into the darkness with the door swinging remaining a void behind him.

Wait! Asher, where are you going? Get back here you fool!

For some reason, I couldn't move. It's as if something was tying me down to my bed.

Asher! Asher! Come back! Oi, Asher!

Just like that, he was gone.

"Asher!"

I shot up from my bed, my hand reaching out to the doorway. Nothing was there, my door was closed.

I looked around me; yellow light shining through the windows, Asher's bed with it's sheet neatly folded, nothing seemed out of place. It was then that I knew it was a dream.

"Haahhh… Nightmare eh? Or maybe I'm becoming psychic."

I got up from my bed, and began putting on my clothes. A part of me wanted to return to the bliss of sleep, but I knew I was already too awake for that to happen.

"Might as well start the day then."

In the middle of my daily rituals, (taking a shower, brushing my teeth, etc.) I heard some laughing coming from downstairs, and decided to check it out.

I arrived at the kitchen with a yawn. At the table I could see several plates laid out, and a few cups of grape juice already drunk past half empty. I wasn't ready to head in yet though. I sat near the entrance just out of view, and continued to listen, and plan out a funny entrance for myself.

"… I was really excited back then taking on those wild dogs, but Rudeus… ahaha, the look on his face when his magic ruptured the beast's stomach. It was like- oh no- He could tell he messed up big time. The next thing we knew… we were in the desert, feet aching, and head to toe covered in monster guts. Real slimy stuff, and smelly too. Yuck! Rudeus got the worst of it though. I was making fun of him for the rest of the day."

Looking into the kitchen I saw that mama Eris, and mama sylph were sharing stories with Paula enjoying snacks on Red mama's lap.

Paula was laughing along in high pitched squeals, the way children do, but with a few hiccups thrown in.

Despite her worsening condition, it was a great relief to my heart that, at least here, surrounded by her family, she had a place where she could be safe. For her, leaving the house meant going into a maelstrom of emotions that tugged at her attention as ants would do to larger prey, but here at home, she had gotten used to the presence of our auras, which had helped in her resistance to our shifting thoughts, and feelings.

"Oh Paula… here drink this honey, and burp out those hiccups." Paula was handed another glass of juice. She did several airy gulps, and then let a loud belch escape at the end of it.

"Haha. There… is that better now Paula?", White Mama said.

"Mm…"

"That's good. Now, let me wipe away those juice stains on your lips." As mama Sylph said that, she grabbed a napkin from the table and started gently wiping Paula's lips.

"Be careful not to drink too fast. Otherwise, you'll make a mess. Okay sweetie?"

Paula nodded slowly, "Mm."

Then she turned her head to my location, "Rubi…"

"Huh? Rubi? Where?", Red Mama looked to where Paula was looking.

Sigh, I still can't hide anything from her still. I kinda miss the days when we were playing hide and seek when she was just a toddler. She could never find me. But now, it's like she has a second sense.

I walked in the kitchen, revelling myself.

"Tada, I have entered." I then pose as a hero would, my hands on my hip, with my chest sticking out proudly, facing my head to the ceiling.

I waited for a response until I heard…

"I thought you hated sticking out your chest." Mama Eris said bluntly.

Ugh… way to ruin the mood Mama Eris.

I immediately covered my breast- I mean chest. Screw the chest- breast! Still, I wish I didn't have these. Why couldn't I have been born flat like Blue mama, Lara, and Lily-nee? Oh wait, they are Migurd. They don't grow, but still.

I quickly shook away the thoughts, and regained my poise, one hand behind my back, the other stretched out ready for performance. "Cough* Yes it's true. These Jiggly bits that hang out front, the heavy fat that makes me hunch, the counter weight that, hmn... makes my spine crunch, It is indeed something I do not like showing. But mama Eris, mama Sylph, please present to me a showman that does not like to stand boldly in front of their audience? As the bit commands, I must do, and regrettably... that means sticking out my chest."

"Oh come on Ruby they're not all that bad. They have their uses. Sometimes they're the safest place to store things, or when it's cold they're natural heaters, but of course they also work really well in negotiations." Red mama sat back in her chair grabbing another sandwich, this time offering it to me.

"I don't know, weighing the benefits, and cons… I still think they're a pain in the back that I'd rather not deal with." I took a bite out of my sandwich as I sat down with the three of them. Green mama poured me a glass of orange juice as I joined in.

"Well, when you find the right guy, you might be a bit more thankful for your size." Mama Eris began brushing Paula's hair as Mama Sylph finished pouring the juice.

"I doubt that. I think I'd enjoy a guy who loves my stellar personality rather than someone drooling over my looks. God there's been a ton of those types of boys lately at school. It's kind of annoying how they hover around you. Kind of like a busy bee trying to take a sip of your honey tea, or maybe vultures wanting a nip of some flesh."

Ugh… it's been hectic. Boys, left and right kept confessing to me.

An underclassmen, "Ruby-chan, will you go out with me?"

A noble classman, "Miss Ruby, would you care for a night in town?"

A senpai from Offensive Magic class training, "I know a perfect stop we can go to for some quality time together."

Someone from the Mercenary Corps, "I charge by the hour, but I'll sleep with you for free." He said before being thrown out by Ars-nii who just so happened to be there.

The last one was my favorite.

Wait, back up for a second.

"Mama Eris, what do you mean when you said they were good for hiding places and great for negotiations?"

"Well… your father said these breasts were good enough for hiding small knives or snacks. As for negotiations, one time, me and Aisha would show our chest out when we would-"

I hold my hand in front, "that's enough, thank you."

"Oh… okay.", she looked a little disappointed when I stopped her story telling.

"Yes… Negotiations." I sat there for a little while contemplatively drawing both my mothers attention.

Finally mother sylph took the bait, and chimed in. "What are you thinking about Ruby? Care to tell us?"

"I was just thinking about what mama Eris told me. I should be more proud of these er… Assets. I'll try them out on the next group of guys I see. They can be my business partners. Instead of trading my skills, or some of my fortunes, I'll hand these funbags off to them instead. I'm sure it'll be of great benefit between all parties involved. They get to indulge in their fantasies, and I get to reap whatever rewards I see fit. The only cost to me is my own dignity. Something I'm sure no one really actually needs. It's a commodity only necessary to fools afterall."

There was a slightly glum, but playful look on Mama Sylph's face. "Come on dear, that's not what we meant. It's true that there are some parts that can be a hassle, but… We're just saying, you don't have to look at them as a burden, and that in time you might find some aspects that you'll appreciate about them. It's like everything else in the world. Depending on your viewpoint, leaving your home can be a terrifying experience with danger lurking behind every corner, or it can be a fun new adventure with whole new worlds to explore."

"Hmnn… alright. I guess I can try to learn… about, appreciating them. I guess. But I'm still gonna complain. Afterall complaining is one of the funnest parts about any new venture. It's nice to give a good old rant every now and then. It really gets your brain pumping as you try to articulate, in as best clearity as you can, why you're so passionate about hating something."

As I finished my tiny spiel. Both of my mothers giggled at my final words. "Alright alright. Continue on as you will. We'll be glad to hear about your rants whenever you want. After all, who could hate watching their cute daughter being so happy, and animated."

"Then I'll be happily animated elsewhere. Until then, I bid you Adu." Once I finished my drink, I was beginning to get up before Mama Sylph spoke up once more.

"Ah Ruby dear, before you go, can we talk some more."

I stopped my action and sat back down. "What about dear mother?"

"Well, I was wondering how your magic training is going. I heard you became a Water King Class Magician this morning. Such a big feat for someone your age."

Ah, the lesson from this morning.

"Yes, I've become a King, or… I guess Queen, in Water Magic. Bow down to my glory foolish peasants." Once again, I posed like before while sitting. Paula was excitedly, but gently clapping along. "Thanks Paula, I can always count on you to stroke my ego."

"My my, someone has become full of themselves. Maybe I didn't put enough discipline into you." Red Mama said, smiling very menacingly.

I looked away from Paula, and back at mother, nervous sweat slowly dripping. "Ah, on second thought… I think I was a bit too hasty in gloating." Cough* I returned my gaze to Paula. "You see dear sister of mine, the path of learning, and self improvement is a never ending road. It is a long arduous path to the top of the mountain where the view from the peak shows an even higher climb to overcome. Be sure not to get cocky on this journey, or you might find yourself tripping."

After imparting this great lesson unto Paula, my attention returned to the ever growing menacing gaze of my mother. "And uhhh… because of that, I must say… I'm very sorry. Please, forgive this poor fool for being so rude. I was just too excited, and caught up in the glory of the moment. This young one shall cease their arrogance." I stopped posing and bowed my head on the table instead.

"That's better. So, how's your training?"

I stopped bowing, "well it's been great. As you heard before, I'm King Ranked now thanks to Blue Mama."

"I heard your father wanted to celebrate but you immediately went back home and fell asleep." Mama Sylph said.

"Well, it was a big spell. It really took a lot out of me. I just wanted to recharge."

"True, how is your other Magic? It's been a while since you said how it was going."

"Well, I'm a Saint in Earth Magic, while Fire and Wind Magic are still in the Advance stages." I said.

"That's very impressive Ruby. You really improved a lot." Red Mama said with an ecstatic look on her face.

I continued, "my Healing, Barrier, and Detoxification Magic are also advanced, but I still need to use chants for Healing. I still don't get how Asher is advanced in Healing Magic while using chantless. I'm still trying to figure it out."

Asher had also improved in his magic as well. Being a Saint in Fire and Wind Magic, and Advance in both Healing and Detoxification. But his Water and Earth Magic is still Intermediate, and his Barrier magic is only Elementary. But still, using chantless Healing Magic is pretty impressive. I've been trying to figure out how to use chantless Healing Magic for years. Asher said that I need to know how wounds heal first before knowing how to use it as a chantless spell. To be honest, I was never good with blood, so I can't progress well. I guess since Asher is always practicing his sword skills, and sparring with the other mercenaries, he gets a lot of practice with healing wounds, especially his own.

"If you like, I could help you. I've taught Asher how to use chantless healing." Mama Sylph chimed in.

"I appreciate the offer, but I probably know how to proceed with improving it. I just have to get over my fear of blood first. Besides… There are some things that you just want to overcome yourself."

"Well, if you ever need help, I'll always be here." She said smiling.

"Thanks Mama Sylph, this student shall gratefully remember this. If I still can't progress I'll return here, and take up that offer."

Mama Eris then spoke up, "how about your sword training. Have you been doing what I asked you?"

I could only sigh, "Mama Eris, we've talked about this. I can't wear Toki, so I can't improve my sword training."

Unfortunately, it was true. I can't wear any Battle Arua. My body is completely normal like daddy's.

Mama Eris was about to respond, but I was too quick for her. Arms raised, I began a passionate speech of my woes, and hardships.

"Besides, It's not like I plan on fighting on the front lines, or going out into the world on some perilous quest. I think I have enough of those troubles here in the city. Let me tell you, the ferocity of a rumbling stomach is like the war cry of a thousand strong army. I'm way too busy battling it out against the superhuman chef's, and their culinary summons. You have to fight tooth, and nail wherever you go. And then there's the children. Every few days, I must venture into enemy territory, and enlighten the next generation, fighting off demons of anxiety, and bringing a boost of pride to those naive sheep who seem so lost. How can you expect me to try, and master the sword when I'm already having so much trouble wandering the field of magic in all it's mystery. Are you going to take responsibility for the frontlines I'm leaving undefended in that new frontier of knowledge?"

After the flamboyant spectacle of hands turning into poignant gestures that demanded attention, expressions that breathed life into story, and tone painting words into drama, I ended it off with one last pose of an outstretched hand asking for a response.

Red Mama let out a deep sigh. "Oh Ruby… come on. You never know what's going to happen in life, it's better to prepare now instead of regretting not learning later. There were so many times I cursed myself for being so powerless, and I don't want you to experience that type of pain. Please don't give up on swordsmanship."

There was a deep underlying pain in Red mama's eyes as she said that. The same pain could be heard slightly in her voice. It was a strong mix of regret, and desperation. No one else noticed it but me, but Looking down I could also see Paula beginning to take on a similar look except it felt more pungent. There were tears welling up in her eyes, but I could also see her holding the emotions back.

I sighed once more, "it's not like I'm giving up. It's just that I can't go any further than Intermediate in the Sword God Style. No matter how hard I try, my body remains normal. I can't learn any advanced techniques, and besides, I'm tired of doing sword training. It's making my body sore. What's the point of doing something you're not good at? Just focus on the skills that you have the most experience in. While I'm making zero progress in one area, I'm making leaps, and bounds in another. Why can't I just funnel all that energy there, and let it explode?"

I sat back in my chair, and swirled the juice in my cup, looking down into my own tinted reflection. "Sometimes life is like managing a territory. You have a limited amount of resources such as time, and energy. It takes a lot of wealth to build multiple buildings, and manage so many projects. There's the initial investment you've got to put in, and then there's the regular maintenance. If you spread your wealth among too many ventures you find your resources exhausted, none of the projects get finished, and then some of them start to crumble down. While you train one talent others start to degrade. I might as well put the majority of my time into setting up a good foundation for a few key skills, and then upgrading them as high as possible. At that point I won't be fighting with a sword. I'll be fighting with a giant explosive ready to take on a whole army."

My hands came close together, fingers curled up, and then suddenly they parted ways with the fingers spreading like a flower. "Bwwwooom," I said, hands, and mouth creating an exaggerated explosion.

I looked back at Paula, and saw the tears were beginning to subside. It looks like the therapy sessions were working. She had come a long way.

"But anyways, my fair mothers. I think I am done with my late afternoon meal. It is time for this lass to head out into the world, and procure some funds. I'll be off to work now. Maybe we can continue this discussion later." As I got up from my chair I also gave Paula a little wink recognizing her efforts.

Red mama gave one last sigh, and waved me off. While Green mama finished packing up a lunchbox, and was ready to hand it to me. "Well, unfortunately neither of you were able to come to an agreement, but before you go, I hope our young female adventurer won't reject a humble meal for her later struggles against the demons of hunger ready to rebellion in her stomach."

I gave a small chuckle, and accepted the package gratefully. "Yes, thank you Mother Sylph. This indeed will be helpful in my journey."

I looked back at Red Mamas' slightly dejected face one last time. "Also… again. I never said I gave up on swordsmanship. It still has a lot of uses. I'm just going to be putting more effort into magic from now on, but as I said before, it's important to make a strong foundation. And although I'm not the best… I still think I have a pretty solid foundation in my sword skills thanks to all the training a certain someone gave me. I don't think my sword will grow dull anytime soon. Besides, all of the blue mama's male students dig that swordplay stuff. How else am I supposed to catch their attention without a brilliant blade in hand."

After that I walked off, and waved the three of them goodbye.

I glad that's done a over with.

Again, I'm very sorry. I can't make any promises that I would update regularly. All I can do is try my best.

Thank you for read and I'll see you on the next chapter.

-JJ