I ran to our inn in a panic. The streets looked unfamiliar, but i didn't care to play spot the difference and ran to the inn with all my might.

I found that where our inn used to be, it's now a magic tools shop.

"Welcome! Come have a look at our wares, we even got Sharia made mana potions!"

The person running the store greeted me as I entered in panic.

"I'm sorry but this used to be an Inn right?!"

"Oh, i'm surprised you know. Yes before we opened this store this building used to be an Inn, the Inn was bought by the Rudo Mercenaries to serve as a magic tools shop and opened for business some 20 years ago."

The store lady explained to me in a professional smile.

"That's some fashionable robes you wear sir, you're a mage right? You're a spitting image of sir Rudeus when he was younger."

"What do you mean? Have you ever seen Rudeus?"

I asked, not referring to myself as Rudeus to avoid upsetting her like I did with the Dead End party. As unreasonable as it is to hide my identity as if I've done something wrong.

"Oh no I've never had the pleasure to do so. He visited this store only once when it was first acquired, and I wasn't present at the time. I only read about his description in the books and you look similar to how I've imagined it is all i meant. I'm sorry if that offended you."

"I'm sorry when was this store acquired again?"

"If i recall correctly, it was k465 i believe. I started working here only 5 years ago though so i'm not knowledgable about the early days of this store."

"I-I see, thank you for answering my questions, and sorry for bothering you."

"You're welcome sir, and might I interest you in some mana potions? They just arrived a week ago, and i doubt the stocks will last for more than another week."

Not to be rude, I bought a mana potion, it was quite expensive but I couldn't leave without buying anything after asking questions. Drinking the potion, I couldn't really feel any effect.

"Thank you for your purchase sir!"

I left the store, asked some people "Excuse me, but what year is it right now?" as if I was a protagonist of some time travel hollywood movie.

Sure enough, everyone answered k485 followed up with some confused mumblings and some insults.

After confirming that it truly was k485 from various sources, to be sure that this wasn't a huge practical joke, I gave up on denying it. And had to accept it as truth.

I learned that Rudeus Greyrat was some kind of hero especially famous in the Asura Kingdom and the Magic Triumvirate, and acknowledged by the rest of the world as a hero as well.

This all sounded like a lie. Like a huge practical joke played on me. It felt like Hitogami was gonna come into my dream any day now and tell me "Gotcha! Did you really believe you can be all that? Hahaha!"

But he didn't visit my dream when I camped enroute to Rapan, nor when I rested at an Inn i found near the former inn I was staying at with Paul and the rest. All I had was a nightmare about the fight with the Hydra.

After getting up, I went out to prepare provisions to travel to the teleportation circle to head back to Sharia. I had to get back there. I promised I would return to Sylphie.

While gathering provisions, I asked people where I can learn more about Rudeus Greyrat and his family. But the answers were to read about him in the books, but adventure and history books were hard to come by in the Labyrinths city Rapan. So I had to just wait until I got to Sharia.

After gathering provisions, I went to the adventurer's guild to request an escord party to Bazaar, the closest town to the ruins that contained teleportation circle to Sharia that Nanahoshi taught me and Elinalize. From Bazaar I could travel alone to the teleportation circle, it would be dangerous without Elinalize but I can't risk hiring someone to take me to the ruins. Hopefully, now that I have experience fighting Begarrit monsters and having traveled the road once, return trip would be easier... But then there's succubusses as well...

A single succubus would be enough to kill me. It's impossible to defeat it, at day if i were lucky i could kill it fast enough, but at night it *will* get me. So i have to risk it by hiring a female adventurer to accompany me, or take the long route to Sharia... Maybe in these 62 years there's a shorter route or better transportation available. Hell, maybe even sea travel route could be available.

So I asked a receptionist at the adventurer's guild. Rapan was known as the Labyrinth City, so the adventurer guild here was top level. People who worked here in this guild base were all experienced and knowledgable. So asking for advice was always reliable.

"Oh if you wish to travel to Sharia then you can take the teleportation circle to Sharia from the guild. You'll have to pay the fee equivelant of two asuran silver coins to gain access to the teleport circles."

"Excuse me, a teleportation circle?"

"Oh are you unaware? Rapan acquired teleportation circles connecting it to the rest of the world 20 years ago from sir Rudeus Greyrat when he established the Rudo Mercenary company base here."

"Wasn't it a taboo to use teleportation circles?"

"Yes it was until sir Rudeus broke the taboo by sponsoring the the genius inventor Silent Sevenstars, it was allowed by world leaders to prevent another disaster such as the Fittoa region displacement incident happening."

"I-I see, then can I pay you to use it?"

"Sure, please pay here and fill out these papers."

I did as she told. The paper only asked me to state my name and destination of travel, as well as understanding that the guild won't take responsibility for any accidents. When asked to sign my name, I had to come up with an Alias, I went with Paul. It was a common name afterall.

"Well then mister Paul, here this way."

She guided me along with two armed guards to a basement of the guild building. In the basement were rows of rooms with country and city names. After reaching a room with Sharia written on it, she opened it and lead me inside.

"After reaching the teleportation circle in Sharia, please show your identification paper to the guard in Sharia office, you will be escorted out by the guard safely. Have safe travels mister Paul."

"Thank you"

I said and got on the circle.

The familiar sensation of being sucked in followed, along with the slight disorienting feeling.

I was now in an identical room, now facing the door. I exited the room, and saw a guard sitting at the exit of the basement corridor. As instructed I showed the papers, the guard grumbled, stamped it and let me out.

I was now in the adventurer guild of Sharia.

Huh, only 20 minute walk away from my house.

I was bracing for 2 year journey to return. I didn't have my heart prepared to face my family of 62 years in the future.

What am I gonna say to them? How am I going to explain myself? Hell, even I don't understand what the hell happened, how was I going to explain what I didn't understand? Thinking from their perspective, it sounds like I have children now, and I passed away 5 years ago. A guy younger than you shows up to your door claiming that he was your father that passed away 5 years ago. What the hell is that situation?

"Move away kid"

"Ah sorry!"

A big beast man told me from behind, I was spaced out and was blocking the entrance of the guild building.

"Don't mind it, live strong."

He went about his day without even looking at me, unbothered.

"Alright!"

I gave a small slap to my cheeks, waking myself up.

"I just have to get it done!"

I just had to go there without a plan and get through the awkward, or even disastrous conversation. If they accuse me of being an imposter and throw me out, I guess I'll become a homeless man and restart my life. I'll have to deal with it when the time comes.

I hope they at least won't hit me with a bat before throwing me out.

I walked the familiar streets of Sharia, seeing only slight changes in scenery. I felt a mix of nostalgia at finally returning home after traveling in Begarrit, and an uncanny sense of seeing sights that are just familiar enough to recognize it as the same, but changed just enough to feel off. The town was the same but not. It was 62 years afterall, things had changed.

To me it was only 4 months since I set out to Begarrit with Elinalize. 4 months felt long enough to leave behind the pregnant Sylphie. But 62 years had passed...

62 years.

Time I can't comprehend.

Just thinking about it stops me. The weight of the idea.

I didn't save a turtle or spend days partying with a loose princess under water. But I had somehow become Rudeus Urashima Taro Greyrat.

Was this how the fisherman from that fairy tale felt? Returning home to learn that you missed your whole life?

But I know that continuing to think about what it meant won't lead me anywhere good. I just had to get this done with, I had to return home. No matter what happened, how much time had passed, who I was to everyone I know, none of that matters.

I promised I will return home to Sylphie.

I was almost home.

As soon as I spotted the familiar green roof of my house, every step felt heavy. Every step I took was uncertain, like walking in the dark over a flimsy wooden bridge, I could only hope that my next step would connect to ground. Every step felt like I was going to fall down to a pit.

62 years.

The Greyrat Family.

I stood in front of the entrance.

What happened in the 62 years I hadn't experienced, how the me that's not me lived in these years. How everyone was doing, how they changed, what had happened to the people i care about and the world at large. I don't know any of these things. I could endlessly think and worry about these matters.

But what was important hadn't changed.

I will return to Sylphy, and hopefully I could hug her.

That's all that matters.

I walked to the front gate of my house.

Even though it was my house, and just until two days ago it always felt like the place I belonged to without question, it now felt distant. I felt a mix of opposite emotions, nostalgia as I've returned home after 4 months, and alienation as I've arrived at a house in 62 years future.

I hesitantly knock on the door, i never thought i would have to knock on these doors in my life. I would just open it, it was always my house ever since I bought it afterall, intrusion to my own house, asking permission by knocking to enter my own house was a thought that never occured to me.

While noticing the strangeness of this small act, I heard footsteps.

Thank god someone is home, I was worried that this house could've been abandoned.

Also, oh no someone is home, the moment of truth is here.

The door opened.

I saw a man who looks to be in his late twenties, he was slightly shorter than me, black hair slicked back, his right eye was amber and left was red. He had a refined air about him, but he looked at me with slight confusion, as i was a stranger of course.

"Good afternoon, young man. May I ask the reason for your arrival at our household?"

The man asked politely, his voice was kind and he felt like a priest.

"Excuse me mister, does Sy- Lady Sylphiette Greyrat still live here?"

I asked, needing to confirm. I was hoping that when I knocked on the door, that Sylphie would answer, or Norn or Aisha. Maybe even one of my friends visiting. But it has been 62 years, I guess I can't help it, seeing someone I don't recognize answering the house I used to own.

"Oh if it is grandmother then she is resting in her room. May I ask who you are and what business you have with her?"

Grandmother?! Does this mean he's my grandson? No, he could be an in law, or family friend.

"Ah, well, that's hard to explain, but can you call for her? I have a rather important matter to discuss."

The man looked at me for a second, really getting a full look at me, top to bottom. I was still quite ragged, I came from the Begarrit continent afterall. My robes weren't in it's best conditions, the inn I stayed at didn't have a bath so I was probably pretty dirty, and I was carrying a huge ruckack meant for three weeks of travel from Rapan to Bazaar.

After looking at me for a while, his expression shifted into surprise and disbelief.

"What is this?! But- No this can't be..."

"Umm excuse me?"

"I see, Paul! Can you call Grandmother Sylphiette?"

He turned back and said to this Paul who was probably in one of the rooms near. The man had no name yet as we haven't introduced each other, I didn't want to claim the name Rudeus Greyrat for now as I wasn't sure about what to say yet.

If Sylphie is here, then surely she would recognize me.

The man continued to look at me. He doesn't seem hostile, but his eyes looked like he was analyzing me, searching for something. Wary, but not hostile. He hadn't moved at all from the door, acting as a second door, protecting the house from a stranger who asked for Sylphie.

I could do nothing but smile nervously as I wait for Sylphie to arrive in this awkward silence.

There were some sounds of footsteps coming from the house. Some talks, some laughs, all from different rooms. It seems like this house is quite lively. That's good, this house should be lively. That brings a smile to my face.

"What is it Roland? Who's our guest here?"

Sylphie's voice came from behind this Roland. Her voice was exactly the same, just hearing her voice brought me so much relief, I felt like the tension I had in my body was released. I almost fell over from the relief.

Then she appeared in front of me, from behind Roland. She didn't look exactly the same, but it was Sylphie. She looked more mature, last I saw her she was 16 and pregnant. Now she looked like she was in her late 30s. Not pregnant of course, and wearing a nice comfortable looking green clothes.

Just the sight of her still gave my heart relief.

"...Rudy?"

She asked, looking straight into my eyes, her eyes widened.

"S-Sylphie!"

She recognized me, after 62 years, she recognized me.

"What do you mean grandmother? Rudy as in... Grandfather?"

"How is this possible? but he... but you are Rudy without a doubt."

Sylphie closed in on me, looking at me from top to bottom. Utterly confused.

"Yes it's me Sylphie. I came back from Begarrit."

I told her, hesitating on whether I should hug her or not. Scared of being rejected of a hug. Not from Sylphie, Sylphie moving away to reject me would hurt too much to bear.

"Grandmother this is Impossible! It's been 5 years since..."

"I-"

Sylphie hugged me, before I could say anything to Roland. She hugged me, and stroked me on the head.

"There there Rudy, welcome back."

Her voice was kind and gentle. Her hug was as warm and loving as I remembered. This was the same Sylphie that saved me, my wife that I swore my life to.

"...uu..I-I'm back Sylphie. I'm so sorry for leaving you for this long. Every day I missed you. I tried to come back as soon as possible."

I couldn't hold back my tears, finally I reunited with Sylphie. After leaving her during her pregnancy to save Zenith with Paul, every day I wanted to be with Sylphie, to return to her side as fast as possible.

Even after learning that 62 years had passed, and I felt like an alien. I still hoped that Sylphie would be there for me. Even if she didn't believe who I was, like those adventurers that I encountered, I wanted to know that she was safe.

But as unreasonable as it was, I wanted Sylphie to believe me, to welcome me warmly after all this time. I wouldn't have blamed her if she accused me as an imposter, afterall the Rudy she knew died 5 years ago. I'm sure she had all rights to be enraged at some young man impersonating her husband.

But I'm sure my heart couldn't have handled seeing Sylphie look at me with... eyes meant for a stranger, or even an enemy.

Sylphie just listened to me calmly and stroke my head lovingly.

"I-I'm calm now Sylphie. Thank you. Let me explain what happened."

"There, that's my Rudy."

She reassured me.

"But Grandmother! There's simply no way that this man is grandfather! This must be one of Man-God's apostles!"

Roland said to Sylphie, face full of concern and suspicion towards me.

Man god's apostle. That's the term Orsted called me when I encountered him. Nanahoshi explained that apostles were people that Man-God visited in their dreams and followed his orders. So it would be a lie to claim I wasn't one.

"Now now Roland, I wouldn't mistake my husband for anyone in the world. Your demon eye must be showing you that he is your grandfather right?"

"It does tell me he's Rudeus Greyrat and my grandfather indeed, but surely even the great Kishirika Kishirisu must make some mistakes right?"

Demon eye? Kishirika? Just more questions for later I suppose.

"She wouldn't mistake Rudy, and most of all *I* won't mistake him. But Rudy, this is still mysterious. I'll be patient to hear you out so please explain what you can okay?"

Sylphie... she grew up so much.

"I... I don't understand why I'm in the year k485 myself. But I'm from the year k423. I went to Begarrit with Elinalize to help Paul save Zenith, using the teleportation ruins that Nanahoshi told me about-which-was a secret that she learned from Orsted. We headed to Rapan where we reunited with Paul and-"

"Rudy, breathe."

Sylphie placed her hand on my back and carressed it.

Sylphie told me and I realized I wasn't breathing properly while trying to explain. I was too nervous about proving who I was. I had 4 months of report, after finally meeting Sylphie, I had to prove who i was afterall.

Sylphie looked at me with concern, her eyes were filled with kindness. And seeing her smile kindly at me as usual calmed me down.

I took a breath of relief.

"Now, let's head inside to talk further then Rudy."

"Grandmother!"

"It's okay Roland. I believe him. Besides, mister Orsted is visiting right now. He will surely unravel this mystery for us."

"O-Orsted?!"

I looked at Sylphie with concern and fear.

"What is he doing here?! Are you sure you're okay?!"

Sylphie looked at me with a raised eyebrow for a second. Before she smiled gently, unaffected by my sudden panic.

"Rudy, Orsted is your ally. If you're Rudy who just returned from Begarrit then you wouldn't know, but Orsted becomes your ally and boss after some time. Trust me, it will be safe."

"Now, Roland, can you go to the academy and get Roxy here for us?"

"Understood Grandmother."

Roland nodded to Sylphie and headed out immidiately. He seemed to hold immense amount of respect towards Sylphie, as he should, as everyone should.

Also Roxy? Was it my master Roxy? Or someone with the same name that met Sylphie in the 62 years that I wasn't aware of? Before I asked about it, Sylphie took my hand.

"Oh and Rudy"

She looked at me once again, smiling with nostalgia. The youthful innocence in her eyes were no longer there, she looked wise and patient. She was still the most beautiful girl I know.

"Welcome back home. I missed you."

Sylphie kissed me. I had been waiting for this for the past 4 monhts. She was my Sylphie afterall, even after all this time. Why was I so afraid of Sylphie rejecting me? All I felt now was love and acceptance from her.

Sylphie lead me by my hand and headed to the living room.

The house was the same, but different. The layout of the house was the same, the ceiling was the same, but the floor and walls felt different. The furnitures were new, but looked similar to the ones I remember.

I placed Aqua Heartia along with my robe and my luggage at the entrance. Next to the unfamiliar clothings and shoes.

I entered the living room, and felt fear.

Orsted was sitting there on a couch in the living room. He would look menacing but few kids who looked like Sylphie were playing in the living room. One was sitting on his shoulder and pulling on Orsted's hair, and Orsted seemed to not mind it as he was drinking tea.

My fear subsided after seeing a little girl with red hair jump to hug Orsted. But I was still confused.

62 years, but this was my house and Sylphie was next to me. Even with Orsted in front of me, with Sylphie next to me I was calm.

When Orsted's eyes met mine, his eyes widened.

"Rudeus!?"

"Mister Orsted, he seems to be Rudeus from k423. Let's hear him out."

Orsted looked at Sylphie, and he nodded his head. That Orsted listened to Sylphie's words! As he should! It was Sylphie after all!

"Now kids, go play in the other room with Anne. Me and uncle Orsted needs to have a talk."

Sylphie adressed the children. This was the first time seeing her act like a mother, she looked perfectly natural with the role. She reminds me of Zenith and Lilia.

"But Great-Grandmother I want to play with Uncle Orsted."

A little girl with long curly red hair and blue eyes spoke. Her face had a pleading look, it was an expression of a spoiled kid. Her little dress white dress looked like something a princess would wear as well.

"Now now, after we're done talking Uncle will play with you."

Sylphie patted the girl's head, and her smile returned. Also Sylphie just casually ordered Orsted to play with the girl. Future Sylphie must hold the number one spot in the Seven Great Powers by now.

"Okay Great Grandmother! I'll look after Lunette and Paul!"

A blonde haired boy with green eyes who seemed to be the oldest among the kids spoke, he looked to be around 8. He also wore an expensive looking white clothes, and had a millis necklace on.

"Noel, let's spar outside!"

A boy with brown hair and blue eyes excitedly called to the blonde haired boy now named Noel. He was holding two wooden swords ready.

"Let's go, Lunette, Paul."

Noel took the two other kids and left the room. The red haired girl seems to be Lunette, and the other boy was Paul.

After the kids left the room, Sylphie and I sat on a couch facing Orsted. Orsted looked at me carefuly, Sylphie kept holding my hand, I wasn't afraid anymore.

"Now Rudeus, report to me what you remember."

Seeing the man who killed me with ease and brutality asking me to report to him felt strange. I'm sure a lot had happened between us to reach a relationship like this.

"But before that, here. Put this on, your bracelet."

Orsted presented me with a bracelet. I inspected it for a second, seeing a mark i recognized as the dragon god mark. I looked to Sylphie, and she nodded. So i put it on without question. Then I started talking.

"I had received a letter from Geese asking for help at Begarrit..."

I proceeded to tell my story. Beginning at the point of time where I received the letter and headed for Begarrit. My reunion with Paul and the others. Saving Roxy from danger. Our mapping of the Labyrinth. And finally the fight against the hydra.

"We had finally cut down the heads until only one remained, which seemed to be the one with the conciousness. Then when we moved to attack the last remaining head, the Hydra made an unexpected movement. And that's where my memories are cut off, I think I passed out, or teleported outside the Labyrinth. As the next time I woke up, I was in pain, exhausted, depleted of mana, and outside the Labyrinth with the entrance to the cave missing."

"..."

Orsted looked at me analytically, he was completely calm and his expression was unchanging throughout the story.

Then I continued to tell what happened up until I arrived here.

"And that's all that happened. I'm still confused as well."

"..."

Orsted seemed to be deep in thought, so was Sylphie.

"Umm, I'm sure you two are thinking about important things right now. But I also have some questions I want to ask. Is that okay?"

"Oh my, of course Rudy. I'm sure you have a lot to ask, I should've been more considerate."

"Then Sylphie, was our child born healthy? Were there any complications? Did I make it in time before the child birth?"

At that question, Sylphie smiled warmly

"Ah you really are Rudy. Of course that would be the first thing you ask. Yes Rudy, after you came back from Begarrit, our baby, Lucy was born healthy without complications."

"I see, I'm glad. For me that's been on my mind all this time in the past 4 months."

Sylphie smiled at that. Then turned to Orsted, her expression was no serious. I never saw an expression like this on her face before, I'm sure this was how she looked before battle.

"Mister Orsted, do you believe Rudy?"

"..."

Orsted looked at me, and then turned to Sylphie

"Yes, he is without a doubt Rudeus in his youth."

"I see, I'm glad you believe him mister Orsted. I was afraid you might doubt his identity."

Sylphie said, letting out a sigh of relief

"That doubt dissapeared the moment I saw you holding his hand. I know you wouldn't mistake your husband for anyone."

Orsted said and smiled.

Huh? Orsted is a good guy? He seems like such a good guy! I'm sure he was a CEO that the me who passed away looked up to. He looks like a scary Yakuza Boss with a heart of gold or something.

"I'm relieved, I was preparing myself to fight you if you tried to hurt Rudy."

!? Whoa miss future Sylphie! You're saying some scary things to the scariest person in the world!

"I'm sure you would have."

Orsted smiled, he seems amused. Sylphie just threatened the Dragon God and he was fine with it. Wow, future is crazy.

Sylphie really is the best.

"Sylphie really is the best."

Ah, my thought leaked

"Hehe, you're the best Rudy."

Sylphie giggled and scratched her ears, just like she did when she was a kid back in Buena Village. She was now in her 70s and she was still just as adorable. How is she this cute!? Aah if Orsted's scary face wasn't in this room, I'm sure I would've jumped to hug and kiss the adorable Sylphie in front of me.

Then I heard loud footsteps approach the room rapidly.

"Sylphie! Sylphie what do you mean by-"

I turned to the person who just ran into the living room and called for Sylphie loudly. It was a girl with blue braided hair and she was out of breath, she looked around the room and spotted me and looked at me in my eyes.

It was

"Roxy!"

"Rudy?!"

I stood up in surprise, not expecting Roxy to arrive. And before I could say anything, a blue missle was launched at me.

"Rudy!"

Roxy dove into my arms and pulled me in for a hug. She was in tears, her arms were shaking and she held me in a surprising amount of strength. I hugged her back.

"I'm here Roxy."

Roxy cried into my chest, hugging me as if I was going to dissapear unless she held me. She couldn't say anything as she was just crying loudly and sniffling.

"I'm glad you survived the Hydra as well. It was scary right? Suddenly waking up alone, 62 years into the future. It's okay, I'm here now."

Hearing my words, she stopped burying her face in my chest and looked up at me. Her face was a mess of tears and snot, far cry from the constantly cool and collected Roxy I saw growing up. Then with confusion she looked at Sylphie and Orsted, then back to me.

"...Rudy, I'm not from 62 years ago. You're the only one who is."

Huh?

"I heard from Roland that Rudeus from K423 arrived at our doorsteps and that Sylphie believed him. I rushed back home to investigate, then saw the Aqua Heartia and your old robe in the entrance and then I saw you and I just..."

She blushed and returned her face to my chest and looked away, averting her gaze from mine.

"Wow, I thought you were also transported to the future. I mean, you look *exactly* the same!"

"Hah... You really are Rudy."

Roxy chuckled, and smiled while looking at me lovingly.

"Aaah It's the Rudy that saved my life in the Teleport Labyrinth. The Rudy I fell in love at first sight with."

"Kyaaa-!"

Someone squeeled, whether it was me or Sylphie I wasn't sure.

"Wait? Love at first sight?"

"We're married Rudy."

Roxy stated, smiling with pride. I turned to Sylphie, who was also giggling. She looked truly amused, with her hand hiding her giggling mouth.

"She's your second wife Rudy."

"A-Ah I, Did I- But- I- Master Roxy- But-"

Master Roxy, the goddess of wisdom that I have worshipped in this life, who had allowed me to live this life. This divine being that a mere mortal such as I could not imagine touching with my tainted hands was hugging me tightly, my chest was blessed with her tears of joy, and her holy smile along with her eyes of wisdom and divinity was directed at me, filled with love.

That Roxy had claimed that she loved me and that we were married.

But also, right next to me was Sylphie. The goddess of love that had cured and saved me from those hellish years of emptiness. The woman I had swore my life to, the wife I love with all my heart.

That Sylphie had confirmed that Roxy was my second wife.

"It's okay Rudy, I love Roxy as well. Don't worry about having a second wife."

Sylphie continued to giggled, ah how adorable.

"Oh what am I doing, Rudy are you uninjured? You said you were just fighting the Hydra right?"

Roxy said as she lifted up my shirt as if it was the most obvious thing. Oh no Master! Not in front of Sylphie-

"Aww Roxy can't resist the young body of Rudeus. I understand Roxy, but let's wait just a little bit okay?"

Sylphie teased Roxy, to which Roxy blushed red and stopped what she was doing. Then started backing away from me in a panic.

"N-No that's not what I- I was just making sure he was okay!"

She almost tripped while backing off

"Master!"

I caught her before she fell. Her face blushed even harder and was now a tomato shade. She looked adorable. I see, I am married to this adorable girl. What a blessed time line, this must be the choice of Steins;Gate.

"Rudeus, Sylphiette, Roxy. We need to talk."

The scary Dragon God that was seated on the couch called to us and we remembered his existence and realized we had been ignoring him all this time.

"Ah of course mister Orsted, good afternoon."

Roxy got up and stopped blushing, going into work mode, then greeted Orsted and he nodded. Nodding seems a bit lacking though, even as a Dragon God shouldn't he be bowing at least?

"Now, we need to fill in Roxy on what happened, and discuss how we handle this situation."

Orsted said and everyone nodded.

Seated in the living room was Sylphie, Roxy, Orsted and Myself.

Before we got propery started talking business, Sylphie briefly left the room and brought along Nanahoshi.

Nanahoshi who was wearing a maid outfit had entered with a tea set for everyone.

"Nanahoshi!?"

"Good day master Rudeus"

Nanahoshi said while bowing to me

What the hell did my future self do to make Nanahoshi our maid?! Is what I thought but Roxy only chuckled lightly and explained

"That's just Anne, an automaton you made with Zanoba, only the appearance was modeled after Nanahoshi."

Future is scary. To refer to an actual walking maid robot this casually. And why the hell did I base it on Nanahoshi? Wait I wonder how we made the private parts? No, not important right now.

Sylphie informed that Roland who returned with Roxy from Ranoa Magic Academy was now looking after the kids.

Apparently Lucy, my first child with Sylphie was visiting with her children, Roland being her eldest son, meaning my grandson.

Lucy married Clive, the son of Elinalize and Cliff and had Roland. My grandson was 41 now...

"Now to start with, we should probably explain the relationship you have with mister Orsted."

Roxy said, after learning that I came from K423 and don't know how I got here. As expected of Roxy, I had been wondering for a while.

"To give a brief explanation. After Man-God betrayed you by trying to kill me and Sylphie, he ordered you to kill Orsted or he will kill everyone in our family."

Right at the start I was hit with a bombshell. Roxy and Sylphie knew about Man-God, and he tried to kill them. Roxy saw my surprise, paused a little to give me a little time to let it sink in. She probably understood how I was feeling right now, so I let her continue, I didn't want to interrupt Roxy's explanation.

"With the help of Zanoba and Cliff you contructed the first Magic Armor MK.1 to defeat Orsted. The fight destroyed a forest, but it wasn't enough to defeat Orsted. Before he killed you, Eris came to your rescue, me and Sylphie was convinced by Eris to come to your aid despite you forbidding us.

Orsted forgave your attempt at his life. He was impressed enough by your power, and hearing that you weren't affected by his curse that made the world hate him and that your children will also be unaffected, he accepted you as his subordinate.

After the battle, you took Eris as your third wife. Sylphie and I welcomed her happily. Then as Orsted's subordinate, your and by an extension our entire family's goal had become to defeat Man-God. For that goal in the future, you would accomplish great things, which we can talk about in further detail later."

Roxy finished the brief overview.

So I did something so suicidal, but if it's to protect Sylphie and Roxy I understand why I would. So without Eris I would've been killed by him. She didn't hate me afterall. Also

"Why was Man-God trying to kill our family?"

At that, Orsted's scary face became scarier. Sylphie and Roxy also wore a troubled expression.

"Because he is the most comtemptable piece of trash."

Orsted says, and I agree. He was an asshole, I know it from meeting him multiple times and since he apparently tried to kill my family even more so. I did want an explanation on why though.

"Rudy, let's leave the details on Man-God for later. It will be a lot to take in at once. For now let's discuss more immidiately important topics okay?"

Roxy said, I nodded. If Roxy deemed it so, it must be true.

"Mister Orsted, do you have any idea how or why Rudy here has come from the past?"

"...For how, I know time travel is possible, both me and the future Rudeus that brought the diary could use it. As for why the young Rudeus had traveled forward in time, I don't know."

Orsted said, saying something insane from the get go without expanding on it. Apparently another timeline Rudeus could also use time travel like Orsted. Judging from how he said it, it wasn't the Rudeus that passed away 5 years ago.

"So you're not aware then... Then do you think this is the doing of Man-God?"

Sylphie asked

"No, the existance of Rudeus is one of the biggest threats to his life. This does not benefit him."

said Orsted.

"Man-God can't interact directly with the world anyways right?"

Roxy said and Orsted nodded.

"So it's still a mystery then. Maybe we should ask Nanahoshi the next time she wakes up. I'm pretty sure she can good advice."

said Sylphie with a smile.

"When she wakes up? What happened to Nanahoshi?"

Actually what was up with her? She was still here in this world? So her experiments failed? And the doll looked just like her as well.

"Nanahoshi will probably explain it better than we would. But simply put, her world traveling device was completed but wouldn't function until she meets the person she knew from the other world. So until the person appeared, she's been in a suspended animation state in the castle of lord Perugius."

"Haaaah this is a lot to take in"

I exclaimed, there was too much to think about. Sylphie giggled at that.

"It really must be a lot, we got so used to it but to Rudy it must all sound so strange huh?"

Sylphie said

"I feel like I'm getting a headache just trying to take in all of this information and I haven't even gotten the details yet."

"You can take your time Rudy, there's no rush or danger. Everyone is safe, your children and descendents are all healthy and happy, don't worry."

Roxy said, patting me on the head like she did back in Buena. Speaking of which

"What happened to Paul and the others after the fight with the Hydra?"

I asked, there was a small moment of silence, Roxy and Sylphie had a troubled expression. Orsted was silent.

"...We defeated the Hydra. But mister Paul died saving miss Zenith."

"..."

So Paul died... I didn't know how to feel hearing it like this. So much had happened and I heard so much. But what was most fresh on my mind was the Teleport Labyrinth. I had been trying to save Zenith with Paul for months now after all.

Hearing of the result as history, instead of being there myself placed a giant distance to it. I wasn't there to see what had happened, I was just teleported into the future. I don't know if this is an alternate timeline, I don't know if the outcome would have been different from this Rudeus if I wasn't teleported to the future. I just had no way of knowing.

I didn't feel like I've accomplished anything. I hadn't been there, I didn't conquer the Labyrinth, I wasn't there when Paul died. I was only hearing about another Rudeus who did these things.

I couldn't get happy about saving Zenith, what I felt was more of a failure at not being there.

"I see... So things happened that way. I understand."

It's all I could say, I had no right to say anything else on the matter. I wasn't there, for Paul or Zenith.

Sylphie and Roxy hugged me from both sides. As expected, getting hugged by these two was extremely comforting. I could feel my worries melting already.

"It's okay Rudy."

Sylphie said kindly, her soft and loving voice came from my right.

"I know how hard it was for you Rudy. I saw how hard you've worked in he Labyrinth"

Roxy said reassuringly, her understanding voice came from my left.

It was... difficult to get sad when I had the two by my side. Sylphie on my right and Roxy on my left. I felt the scary Dragon God in front of me couldn't defeat me with these two by my side. Speaking of which, he's looking right at me.

"I'm okay now. I'm sorry about that lord Orsted."

"Don't apologize, I understand."

Orsted said, he really is kind to me huh? The 62 years, or I guess I died 5 years ago so 57 years of service made us close it seems. Although to me this is new, the last time I saw him he killed me, so the whiplash is quite something.

"Oh by the way mister Orsted. How should we explain to others about Rudy?"

"Whad you mean?"

Sylphie questioned Orsted

"We recognize and trust Rudy, but others might not as he passed away 5 years ago. Even Roland with his demon eye of identification was distrustful of him. We should find an explanation so Rudy doesn't get accused of lying."

"That's right, we still don't know the cause of this time travel. So we should figure out what to say to our children about Rudy."

Roxy agreed with Sylphie. It made sense, normally people would doubt me for claiming I was Rudeus who died 5 years ago, and I already experienced what that's like. It was Sylphie and Roxy who were special in how much they trusted me.

"Hmm I see your point. I don't want others to look at Rudeus with suspicion either."

Orsted agreed and nodded his head.

"But saying the truth about how he was teleported from K423 would be hard to convince right? Time travel magic isn't publically known to be possible afterall."

Roxy said

"How about I just name myself Rudeus the second or something? I don't need to claim I was the person who passed away 5 years ago."

"No!"

To that Sylphie denied strongly, raising her voice for the first time since I saw her today. Even when we reunited her voice was calm and collected, this took me by surprise.

"That's too cruel for you Rudy! You're you! You're Rudeus! I won't allow you to make yourself the second of yourself. You're living your first life in this world! Just because some time travel accident happened, your identity shouldn't be stolen from you!"

Sylphie got upset at me, upset at me for my sake. She was holding my hands together, her nose was almost touching mine. Her face was determined and voice resolved.

She didn't want my identity to be taken away.

"B-But I am not the first Rudeus who passed away right? I'm some alternate timeline Rudeus that came after the one you know. I'm not the same amazing Rudy you know-"

"No you are Rudy! Rudy is Rudy and that's all that matters! I vowed to marry Rudy and love you until the day I died. Please don't say something so sad, you're the same amazing Rudy I fell in love with, all the way back in Buena village, nothing changes that!"

Sylphie declared.

I was stunned. I'm so... loved.

"That's right Rudy, don't talk as if we don't love you. Sylphie loved you since she first met you and I fell in love with you since I saw you in the Labyrinth. We don't want you to disregard yourself."

Roxy placed her hand on my back as she said kindly. Then my eyes met Orsted's. Really, I know this is disrespectful to the Dragon God, but these romantic moments keep getting ruined by his scary face staring.

I regained my composure, is this called shock therapy? Dragon God therapy?

"Thanks Sylphie, Roxy. I'm fine now."

"You're welcome Rudy. Now mister Orsted. Is there a way to have Rudy's identity proven? Can you do something about it?"

Sylphie is quite casual with Orsted. Maybe when I was alive, Sylphie was the boss of this household, maybe even over Orsted? I should ask about the Seven Great Power later, the top 3 ranking could be Sylphie, Roxy, Orsted in this time and age.

Hearing Sylphie almost demand him, Orsted smiled.

"I could claim that I revived Rudeus in his young age."

He stated

"Oh that sounds good. We can go with that."

Sylphie agreed, smiling as if the problem was solved.

"Would that work? Would people believe that?"

"Rudy, mister Orsted is now well known as the Dragon God that is almost omnipotent. If people hear that 'The Dragon God Orsted has revived his right hand man Rudeus Greyrat' then I'm sure people will believe it, even our children would I bet."

Roxy explained, having the same smile as Sylphie

"But what if someone finds out?"

"Nearly every country in the world has agreed to fight under the Dragon God's banner against Laplace when he revives. No one would have a problem with Rudy reviving."

Sylphie explained. Seriously, every country? How did that happen? Orsted was some elusive figure that no one knew about except his name on the Seven Great Power stone right?

"If they have a problem with it, then they're most likely an apostle of Man-God and they will get killed."

Orsted said, he looks scarier everytime he mentions Man-God. But what he said was still reassuring, it was like the scary Yakuza boss with heart of gold cared about me. Which he does apparently.

"Now that that's decided. We'll have to tell the children, and have ourselves a welcome back party right?"

Sylphie said

"Oh that's right, I'm sure things will get real busy for a while. For now we should have a small celebration, before we announce it to the world."

"Oh my, just imagining the faces of Lucy, Sieghart and Christina hearing their papa revived is getting me all excited."

"We should call everyone to have a small family celebration. Before Christina goes all overboard and throw a parade around Ars or something."

"Haha Christina would do that, she was always a daddy's little girl afterall. But big celebrations are probably inevitable. There's the magic university, Aside from Asura Kingdom, there's also Ranoa, Basherant, Nerris, Shirone, Dragon King, and Millis..."

"There's also the great forest, and we should also inform the demon king Atofe Ratofe and lady Kishirika Kishirisu... Sounds like a headache already... We should also tell my parents while we're in the demon continent."

Sylphie and Roxy started having a conversation that I felt left out of. My two wives were saying some outrageous things that I couldn't understand yet. I was still stuck accepting the fact that I married Roxy, and now the two were rapid firing names and places. They were ignoring Orsted again as well, he really was outranked by the two in this household.

All I felt was the weight of 62 years and utter confusion about why we would travel to all these places.

Future is scary.

Author Note

Calling the chapter done! This was pretty difficult to write without it spiraling out of control. I tried to keep the tone relatively light, didn't want it to get too dark. Having Rudeus get info dumped about multiple tragedies that happened in his life at once always made things spiral out of control. And writing it too much like a react fic felt wrong as well, there's a limit to how much Rudeus can get surprised and saddened afterall.

Having Sylphie and Roxy be considerate felt right for me. This was written by Rudeus's perspective so it doesn't come across completely, but Sylphie was being extremely careful in this chapter. Her and Roxy knew Rudeus well, so they tried to be as gentle as possible when interacting with him and telling him of what happened in the past 62 years. Without such consideration this situation would almost be impossible afterall.

This might be the final chapter of the fic, or not. I'll try writing further and if I don't like it enough then I might not post it. Any serious plot that could happen would have to involve Laplace's revival in the next 10 or so years, and that's pretty much impossible for me to write in any acceptable quality.

I realize that I could have taken this idea in a completely different direction from chapter 1. Man-God could have appeared in his dream to manipulate him, to hopefully nip this Rudeus in the bud using this confusing situation. Afterall, Rudeus had finally died, so if another young Rudeus appears then he'll have the Greyrat problem for another 70 years and his defeat will be guaranteed.

I wonder what a competent writer could come up with if they used the idea of this fic. If anyone is interested in writing something like this, or the other fic I uploaded, then please go ahead. I would love to read it, you don't even have to mention me.

I was surprised that people actually enjoyed the story. So I'm uploading the second chapter. Hopefully I'll write and like the third chapter enough to upload it.

Some ways the story spiraled out of control:

Lucy arrived with Roxy and refused to believe Rudeus's identity, calling him an imposter (among us) and even after Sylphie and Roxy insisted on it, she refused to call him father. Rudeus had a hard time even grasping the situation and things got way too tense. I cut this because it was too much to throw at Rudeus right away, and I believe that Lucy would be more mature than this, she's 62 afterall and had a great family upbringing.

Sylphie and Roxy mentioned Eris had passed away. I cut this because I believe the two would be more considerate.

Anything about the diary and such I avoided. I believe Sylphie, Roxy and Orsted wouldn't throw every tragedy that happened in his life all at once at him, and would slowly fill him in on what happened one by one. Only giving him what he could handle, and the diary's content is only known by Orsted, so he will probably show him after some time. This stuff will probable be off screened, if I want to write a react-fic I'll do it in a different way.

Speaking of, someone write a react fic please! I want to read it! But I know I'm not patient enough to write it myself! I have a job that requires me to be creative, and it's hard to squeeze out any more creativity from my pebble brain.

Thanks for reading!