I do not own Mushoku Tensei, only the characters Asher, Ruby, and Paula.

Ruby's Perspective:

The town was as lively as usual. Patrons dashed from one stand to another buying groceries, or gifts for their loved ones while Merchants advertised their wares. Haggling, and arguments filled up one corner, while near a confection stand, the laughter of couples sharing snacks lit up the air in another. This was a place that I found both beautiful, and ugly. In every house you'd have a flower being watered, or a family enjoying their life as they manifested their own dreams into reality. In dark alleys where the eyes of law could not glimpse into every nook, and cranny, you could find wicked crooks exploiting unwilling customers. It was a place full of stories, and opportunities. It was a place full of drama, and misfortune. This was my town. It was a place full of emotions, and the wonder of life.

I continued on my way greeting familiar faces, and stopping by snack stands. To some I gave sarcastic quips, while others gained my genuine surprise. It's true that I am sometimes crude, and sloppy, but one thing others rarely call me is unsociable. Of course I can't say I'm completely amicable to all. Disputes after all are my forte, especially when taken into the light of entertainment.

After many more minutes of walking, I had finally made it to the doors of the mercenary Corp. It was as busy as always; People rushing about, carriages being stocked up with supplies, the fevered yelling of recruits in training, the sharp clashing of metal as swords create sparks. It was all there. I went deeper in, strolling casually to the office. However, on my way there, I felt hands come from behind, and cover my eyes.

"Guess who."

It was a young man's voice. A voice I'm quite familiar with.

"Oh, I don't know. Could it be that muscle headed red head who owes me a basket of cinnamon buns since he, and another reddish brown hair boy ate my last basket?" I then heard an uncomfortable sound made from the person behind me.

He moved his hands away from my eyes, "I-I see you still haven't forgotten about that little incident me and Asher did huh?"

I turned around, in front of me was my older brother Ars. "Those cinnamon buns were limited in stock, and made from the finest of ingredients. They were the magnum opus of a renowned baker who had gifted them to me when I was tutoring his twin daughters. These cinnamon rolls were born from the gratitude he experienced after seeing his twin daughters achieving the highest score they had ever gotten on their tests. Their scores Were nearly perfect, just like the baked goods I had received. I will never forget, nor will I ever have the chance of eating them since the baker in question had moved away on a business adventure. Dear brother, I advise you to remember this one thing. I'll take this grudge to the grave, and back." For an entire week I refused to talk to them, sparing them no more than the occasional glare. I eventually forgave them, but I will never forget. On the bright side, it gives me something to tease the two about whenever I find myself bored enough.

"Cough* fine, if it pleases my dear sister, and clears away any malice, then I shall take it upon myself to find him once more so that I may request another cinnamon bun of equal greatness, or even further supremacy of taste."

"Hmph, if this task is accomplished, then so be it. All debts shall be repaid, and no more shall I write on my grave stone these words. - Here lies poor Ruby, betrayed, and unfulfilled. She was was a wonderful girl whose heart was stricken by two treacherous brothers.-"

Ars cringed at the thought, judging from the discomfort from his face, he was actually very disturbed by the prospect of it. "You know, that would be great if you didn't do that… Like, at all."

"Then get me those cinnamon buns, and there won't be a need to."

He sighed, "Alright, I will. Anyway, what brings you here? Recently, you often don't usually come here since you hate how the younger recruits regularly flirt with you."

"Oh, I'm here to tell you I have fallen madly in love with you and want to be together with you always." I said while striking a girly pose.

Ars rolled his eyes, "uh huh, that's cute. I guess you're being Ruby as usual."

"Of course, if I wasn't Ruby, the world would've ended right now. I am doing you and everyone a favor. You should thank me." I said, sticking my arms in the air.

"Yes, how lucky we are to have you oh great savior. But seriously. What brings you here?"

"Why do you suppose that I need to have some great reason, or important plans? Can't I just arrive with the desire to be teased by my older brother, and be coddled by my loving mother? Can it not just be the design of a bored mind that leads me down this way, or an appetite towards familial society, and sibling bonding?"

"Careful with your words my dear princess, I might take you up on the offer of sibling bonding."

At this I blushed "cough* you know I didn't mean it that way. Gross. Cough* Such impropriety."

"Hahaha. Hey, it's not my fault. I'm a simple man. I see the opportunity for an amusing joke, and I go for it. You should thank yourself for creating such chances."

"WOW! And now I see you're blaming the victim. How horrid of you brother. How horrid indeed. You'll never settle down with that personality."

"Me settle down? I think not. Well at least not anytime soon. But I think you're better off worrying about yourself when it comes to that department."

"No worries dear brother I have plenty of suitors to choose from whenever I have the wish to."

"Hahha. I have no doubts about that. There's already plenty of them to deal with here. But seriously Ruby. What's the occasion? Tell me why you're really here."

"Aww, come on. Why did you have to stop the bit? I was having fun."

Ars just stood there raising his eyebrow in an inquisitive expectancy.

"Sigh* alright, alright. Aside from wanting to spend time with Mom and you, I'm also here to give updates to Orsted on Paula. I know our other moms, and the rest of the family give him new pieces of news whenever they can, but sometimes it's nice to just do it myself. Well I'm also here to get more magic training, and some more pointers on his unique style of toki"

"Alright, that's fair. It's perfectly reasonable. Yeah it is heartbreaking what's happening to Paula though. It's nice seeing the progress being made, but it's still far from a completely normal life for her. I wish the best for her."

"That makes two of us… well more than two since it's the whole family, and anyone else involved, but you know how it is. I have to talk in dramatic phrases."

"Hahaha, true that little sister."

As we continued chatting for a bit, a middle aged woman came by.

"Ah, Rubi!"

I looked at who it was, my face began to light up, "Mommy!"

I ran up to her and hugged her. She returned the hug with a tight grip.

"I heard from your father that you reached Water King Class Magician. I'm so proud of you sweetie." She then gave me gentle kisses on my head.

"Hehe, praise me more." I said as I buried my face in her chest. Not in a perverted way, I'm not like Ars or Asher. It's just a nice feeling being hugged by your mother.

"Careful Aisha, the more you fuel her ego, the more her head grows." Ars said as he came walking by.

"You're probably right, but it's in a mother's nature to want to spoil their kids. That's one of the special privileges you get having such great children. You're not going to try to take that away from me are you?" Mom gazed at him questioningly with a fake intensity in her eyes, and a playful tone to her voice. "Besides, not rewarding your child after a special accomplishment like this can cause it's own damage. I wouldn't want Ruby to think I'm taking for granted all the effort she puts in."

At that Ars shook his head defeated. "Well I can't argue with that. She may act lazy sometimes, and others who don't really know her will say the same, including herself from time to time, but we all know she's put in her fair share of hours. Yup she's the type of girl who can't muster up much energy for the things she doesn't care for, but once she finds something interesting, you can really feel the passion."

Ars is right, this is going through my head. It's a good feeling when people appreciate the hard work I'm doing. "Ahhh, it's good to get some recognition for my work." I let go of my mother.

"Of course, you deserve it. You and Asher have worked hard these past few years. Now, you're on your way to learning to be a teacher while Asher is in a relationship with Julie. You two grew up so fast." A single tear fell down her eye before wiping it away quickly.

"It's okay mom, no need to get emotional." I said, trying to relieve her.

"I know, but it seems like you two are growing so fast. Pretty soon… before I even know it, it feels like my babies will be leaving the nest. It's just kinda sad." There was this forlorn expression to her as if she was seeing something far off. It was like she was already missing something despite not losing it yet.

"Oh come on. I won't be leaving for a while. Now since me and Asher can't go to Asura Academy."

I don't know the whole story, but what Ars has told, Asura Academy is having issues with there students. Like someone or some group are causing problems that people are getting hurt. Ars won't tell me anymore and my parents said I shouldn't worry about it. They decided to let me and Asher stay at the Magic University for another year.

"Besides, I can't really give up on our home cooking. There's also all the paperwork I have to deal with, and chores I have to handle once I move out. Honestly I think I'll be begging dad to let me stay. He'll be trying to wave me off goodbye, and I'll be glued to the front porch like a spoiled brat. He'll say off you go,'' while I'm just there wanting to selfishy go back to bed, and be taken care of."

"Hahaha. Oh Ruby. If you do decide to try that out I might have some trouble on my hands, because I'll be tempted to fail my duties as a mother. Instead of trying to push you off into the world to start your own life, I'll want to horde you all to myself. It'll be hard to refuse you, but no. I know there will come a time when freedom calls you, or when you'll find some handsome guy to take you away. I won't keep you. Every kid has to grow into their own person at some point, and start their lives."

Ars looked at mom again. "Hmnnn… Well, even if she does leave the house, I'm sure she'll still be close by like the rest of us. It took a long time till Sieg went away, and Lara's just a stroll towards the academy all hunkered up in her research."

This time I was also standing besides Ars. "Yup that's true. This city is my home. I like it here. I don't see myself leaving this place anytime in the near future." With those last words I saw a warm tender smile spread across Mom's face in this mellowed out sort of feel. It wasn't a beaming smile full of excitement, nor was it a crying one. It was just a smile. A deep satisfied smile that said everything is all good.

"Well, as long as you know where home is. That's all that matters." Mama said.

"Of course, home is where you and papa are. I wouldn't forget that, Paula is here too as well."

"What about Ash?", Ars said.

"He has Julie now, then later, little Ash and Little Julie. If their relationship lasts, I hope it goes well."

Mommy giggled, "true, my grandbabies are gonna be so cute. I can just imagine carrying them around with their short little bodies."

"Yes, but I still think it's too soon for them to have kids. It hasn't been a year yet. They still have to take the time to nurture that bond." Ars interjected.

"That's true big brother, let's hope Asher doesn't take your advice about women to heart. He might screw up if he did."

Ars-nii made a frowning look of disapproval, "what do you mean? I give the best advice."

I sighed, "not when it comes to women's feelings."

"Wow! I take offense to that. Not to be vain, but I'll have you know I'm quite the ladies man. It sounds Narcissistic of me, but there's plenty of ladies who have their eyes on me"

"You're right brother. It is Narcissistic of you." I chuckled a bit at my response. "However you won't have me calling you a liar. There's no doubt of your appeal to the ladies, but I'm talking about a good stable relationship, not occasional flings. Wait... Maybe I was too hasty in my response. I haven't given you enough credit. I'm sure you've learned quite a bit after all the relationships you broke off. There's got to be a few nuggets of wisdom in there. After all failure is the progenitor of success. "

Ars reeled back in feigned injury. "My sister... I love you, but you do injustice to my pride. We'll have to settle this debate later. I don't think my heart can handle any more damaging remarks like that."

"Backing out like a coward I see. I shall note this down as a victory for team Ruby then." I held my head high with pompous countenance, and a voice as exaggeratedly shrill as a parodied Noblewomans. I gave my brother another look over, and waited for a response, but he remained resilient in his fake solemness. He would not budge.

My initial thoughts were, "I guess he just couldn't hold out any longer with our impromptu play, and decided to double down with silence. -When in doubt just sit it out- is probably the strategy he's going for. Or maybe he's still having fun with the little game we're having, but I didn't give him enough threads to play off of." But as I paid closer attention, I noticed a bit of awkwardness in the air. I didn't notice it before because of the playful delivery he added to his words, but It was clear that there was actually a bit of hurt there.

I looked at him again, and took on a more genuine voice. "Uhhhh… Maybe I went a little too far with the whole relationship breaking off comment. Sorry..."

He looked at me, and let out a deep sigh* "Oh sister. What am I gonna do with you?" Stepping in, He ruffled my hair a bit, and gave me a few small pats on the shoulder. "Don't worry I'm fine. But yeah… maybe let's steer away from that subject a little." He gave me another pat, and ruffled my hair once more as he stepped back.

For some reason, over the course of the past few years, Ars had been dating several girls, but none of those relationships ever fleshed out into anything substantial. For the most part they had ended things off amicably, and he was still friends with many of them. He never talks about it, but sometimes It feels like he's on the search for something right out of his reach. At least that's the atmosphere I get from him. Although he's dependable, sometimes you can sense this sort of brokenness in him.

"I'm sure you'll find someone that completes you." I said.

"We'll see." His face then turned gloomy. "Well, I think I had my fill. I'm gonna do that assignment with the younger recruits. Got to make sure they are able to handle bigger jobs." Ars-nii began walking away, "I'll see you around little sis… big sis."

Like that, he left.

"I hope I didn't hurt his feelings. He knows I'm joking right?" I felt a slight hit of guilt creeping up in me.

Mommy patted my back,"of course he knows sweetie. He's just… well, it's complicated."

Oh… was there someone in Ars's life?

"What happened?" I was curious.

My mother went silent for a bit before sighing, "it's a long story. Maybe another time perhaps."

I guess it was bad, mommy usually tells me everything. I won't press any further.

"Okay mommy, sorry for prying."

"It's okay honey, it's fine. Let's get inside."

We spent the stroll towards Mama's office chatting about new food stalls, and random gossip that caught my ear while walking through town. Some back, and forth banter about our opinions on certain recruits also took place, but as we neared the end of the hallway it was time for me to get down to business with other plans.

"By the way, oh dear mother of mine. Is Orsted in today? I wanted more advice on his special form of toki. I've been pushing my magic pretty far, but I don't think I've been using my manna as efficiently as it could be. I think spending a bit more time with Orsted would remedy that."

"Oh of course Ruby. Good on you for taking the initiative. He's probably down in his office researching more artifacts."

"Alright then I'll be heading off to seek advice from the great master himself. Also, I think you should finish work early today. I was in the kitchen earlier, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a great deal of ingredients. I think we're going to have something really tasty tonight."

"Alright I won't hold you up, and thanks for the heads up Ruby. Enjoy yourself.'' Mama waved me off, and I continued up the stairs towards Orsted's office.

As I make my way, I see the elf receptionist at her desk. She noticed me, "Ah, Ruby-san. Welcome, it's good to see you."

I smiled at her, "thank you, it's good to see you too."

"Are you looking for Orsted my lady?"

"Yes I am, is he in today? My mother said he was."

She shook her head slowly, "I'm sorry Ruby-san. I'm afraid he went downstairs into the teleportation room. I am unsure when he'll be back."

Damn, I was hoping to ask him something about Paula.

"Is that so? *sigh… I see. I'll come back another time."

What a waste.

"But still… I wonder what matter took his attention."

"Oh! Ruby, before you go…" The receptionist ruffled through her desk and produced a yellow square of parchment paper, "He left this message for you."

After she handed it to me, I unfolded the note, and read it to myself.

-Ruby-

If you're trying to find me, I won't be available for a month or two. There is a mana anomaly that I must investigate, and some… personal matters that require my attention. I send you, and your family my best wishes.

Huh… Well, this is unfortunate… and a waste of time.

I came here to get help for Paula, and all I get is that the one man who could do that is away on some personal quest.

Very unfortunate.

I couldn't be mad, it was to be expected. Orsted would go on unexpected expeditions and wouldn't return for a while. But still, I felt like this was a wasted trip to the office.

What could be so important that requires him to leave. Doesn't he know how important it is to cure Paula. He's the only person I know that could solve Paula's condition.

Years ago, when Paula's condition had worsened and no doctors could fix her, we brought her to Orsted with mommy, daddy, and Red Mama. Me and Asher were there too, even as children, we wanted to know what happened to Paula. Once we brought her face to face to Orsted, she started screaming and throwing up. She also began bleeding from the nose and eyes. Immediately, Orsted ordered mommy to leave his office away from him. She did so without haste and ran out of the room.

Beforehand, Orsted had already been aware that if Paula were to come close to someone, she would start screaming in pain. He assumed that was the case and made that demand to leave his room.

Luckily, Paula was "alright" before any more damage was done to her. Both mommy and daddy were in so much distress that time, even Asher began crying his eyes out because he was worried that his sister was dying. I have to admit, even I was panicking. Red Mama demanded Orsted to tell them what was going on with Paula. He said, from a certain distance, that something magical is happening to Paula. He explained a theory that if she gets close to someone who is powerful or if they have a high enough intelligence, she absorbs it all at once which causes her brain to overload, that was the theory.

Mommy asks how this could happen, Orsted said he doesn't know unless he gets to examine her. But Mommy and Daddy weren't going to risk Paula's health, so they decided to examine her at home and give reports to Orsted from time to time. Orsted agreed that it would be best that Paula remained in solitude until he could find some answers for this condition.

That's pretty much how we got into this little arrangement.

I've been trying to hide my worry, and act normal, but lately it's been rather difficult keeping up the facade. I'm tired of spending late nights researching things that might explain my sister's condition. I'm tired of seeing her fall deeper into this downward spiral she's been unfairly thrown into. The truth is… I'm beginning to lose hope, and having these regular meetings with Orsted is one of the few things that keep that hope alive. Lastly… I think my sister might be losing it too.

For a while now, we've found a sort of stability in her condition, and daily routines, but lately I've been noticing some spikes in outbursts, and further changes. The precarious balance that we've finally found seems to be ready to shift any time in the future, and it's terrifying thinking about that. It's like we've got a dormant volcano ready to explode at any second. I just want her to be ok already. I want her to have everything be ok.

There's nothing to do right now, I guess we'll just have to play the same game…

Waiting.

I left the receptionist desk and went downstairs.

None of it showed on the outside, but for the rest of the day I was in a sour mood. Even after passing by some food stalls that always had me smiling from the fragrance, I barely took any notice, and just gazed dazedly forward. I was lost in thought, and pissed at the unfair forces that lead to the circumstances of my sister's strange condition. Despite the gradually growing doom in my heart though, a part of me shook with a certain defiance.

"I don't care how long it takes, but I'm never giving up. I'll help my sister, and anyone else who ever has to deal with unfair crap like this. I'm not gonna let the cards they were dealt, hinder them in living the life they're supposed to live. If there be an almighty fate out there, then screw you! We'll make our own fate."

I made a striking hero pose with one hand on my hip and one in the air in the shape of a fist.

In my mind, I looked fantastic.

But in reality…

"Mommy, what is that girl doing?", said a little girl holding her mother's hand and pointing at me with her other hand.

"Ignore her sweetie, people these days have no sense of awareness to themselves." She said before walking away with her daughter.

I immediately stopped my pose and left hastily towards home. I can feel my cheeks heat up from that interaction.

Okay maybe doing a pose in public is not such a good idea.

Then my stomach started to grumble a bit.

"Maybe I should pick up a few snacks on the way."

There goes chapter two. Thanks again for reading.

Chapter Three will come out soon.

See ya then.

-JJ