SYLPHIETTE

I have been feeling really anxious these days. Rudeus has been acting quite strangely, spending all day in his room. And when he doesn't he gets all clingy with me and Roxy, and talks about how he loves us. Well, it's nothing that out of the norm, especially with the weird things he says… and don't even get me started on all the groping he does.

I really wanted to just snoop around his stuff. But I know that, if I did, he wouldn't really trust me anymore. The last thing I wanted is for him to leave me, that's for sure. But… I was too curious! I tried to convince Roxy, since she also noticed how much attention Rudy was paying to us, but she ultimately shut down the idea. Quoting her, "Rudeus likes to keep everything to himself, but he would never hide nothing awful or disgusting… I hope. He surely has reasons, reasons that we can't, most likely, understand."

I decided to follow the advice of Roxy, but I couldn't quell the other emotion that was welling within: worry. He would sometimes get up and vomit his dinner—if he had eaten it. He took the habit of skipping meals, or worse yet, eating in his studio, drowning himself in whatever he was doing.

Roxy can easily ignore those feelings; like everyone, she sees Rudeus as the perfect mage—handsome, tall, extremely talented, able to overcome anything and everything. But I can see it. He wasn't just that… he was a human being too, who faced the common problems of daily life with determination. He wasn't perfect, nor will he ever be, thankfully. If he was, I don't know if I would've shared him with Roxy. I too can get envious.

I can't ignore it. Whatever is causing him to act this way laughing matter, and it will lead to discord that could tear our family apart if bad word gets out.

I simply cannot take it anymore… I must do something.

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The quarters of Perugius's palace were as pretty as always. It would be much more enjoyable if not for the, somewhat, pitiful display before me.

As always, the negotiations with Perugius ended in failure. Despite the charisma and will in every word spoken from the princess, Ariel was still stuck at square one, lamenting in her bedroom over the lack of progress.

"Heroes are surely tough to crack…"

"——"

As Silent Fitts, I decided to silence away, as I wandered in thought. The recruiting of Chaos Breaker to the cause of Ariel wasn't going anywhere, but it wasn't part of the plan to give up either. Ariel knew this better than me, which was why words of encouragement would only do so little.

And so, I returned to ponder the recent events happening in my life. Rudeus and his secrets, me and my curiosity, Ariel and her problems.

As I lost composure, Luke suddenly entered my field of view, annoyed.

"Drowsy on the job?"

"S-Sorry Luke."

"Hrph."

Ariel took heed of our quick exchange. Curiosity had the better of her, and after studying the two of us, she let a brief sigh of exasperation, and mustered a smile.

"Sylphie, do you have anything troubling your mind?"

"…Nothing that would trouble your highness."

Ariel giggled, a hint of amusement hidden beneath the bell-like sound of her voice.

"Is it Rudeus? He must be hiding something from you."

"Hrk! Cough…"

I chocked a gulp, coughing. Ariel started laughing, and soon Luke joined in. Damn it…

"Was it that obvious?"

"No, not really. I just guessed."

"Hrmm…"

"Go on, tell me about it."

Her smile widened in excitement; Luke looked just as curious as she did, as his stiffness and sense of duty faded.

"Hahh… Rudeus has been…"

Second guessing was starting to cloud my thoughts. I stopped midsentence, as an intrusive bad feeling crept up on me. What if, by telling Ariel about my problems, I somewhat created a much worse situation?

No… it's too late. Once Ariel sets her mind on something, she won't surrender until victory is assured.

But really, her curiosity is due to my transparent behavior.

If my actions have bad consequences, it's my duty to amend and repay the broken.

"He has been skipping school and missing meals, keeping himself secluded in his room. I thought that he was having a hard time, as he was seemed sick… I once caught him puking in the middle of the night. And he's been strangely loveful during the day and… a–a–at night."

"…Go on."

Ariel and Luke were becoming gloomy as I went on, a strange forlorness growing in their, now, empty stares.

Luke took a disdained expression, but I could tell that his feelings weren't directed toward me. He locked his eyes with mine.

"Rudeus…" He almost spat his name in spite. "Did he make sure that no one could enter his room the last few days?"

"He, well…"

I wasn't the only one with such curiosity about Rudeus this past week: Aisha and Lilia were on the same page, but Lilia was more perplexed than anything. I tried to recall an exchange we had two days ago.

"He didn't actively try to keep us out, but he told us to not enter. And when Aisha and Lilia came to clean things up, he would tell them to wait a couple of minutes. He would then get out of the room, always looking pale."

"I see…" he said, eyeing Ariel, who nodded in unison.

They were taking a very comical pose. They were identically sitting, their hands joined together, whilst their heads rested on top of their thumbs. Eyes closed, Ariel exhaled.

"He's most likely cheating on you."

It hammered as hard as it could. I gasped, bringing a hand over my open mouth. Without losing pace, I denied the very possibility of it. It's simply absurd… right?

"W–What? B–B–But… he has me, and Roxy…"

Luke was side-eyeing me with pity, and said, "a man is a man… we tend to not control our urges…"

"A–Am I… not enough?"

"No Sylphy," Ariel interrupted before Luke could say anything, taking my hands in the process. I didn't realize it until now, but they were trembling. "You are a wonderful person, better than most. But he…" she retailed, almost hissing, "He might simply wish for more. I've seen many of the students at the academy end up in ugly matters like this. Their situations always sound like this at the beginning, when no one suspected a thing."

"But… how would he be able to hide… any sound—!" I stopped my words, realizing I answered the question before Ariel could.

When I, or Roxy, or both get busy with him, he makes sure to soundproof our room, as he goes all out on our bodies.

Something really bad was growing in my heart; Something painful—and dark.

"But that… wouldn't explain why he was all sick in the middle of the night, pale… or still feeling so energetic with us…"

Luke stepped forward and gently patted me on the shoulder. He made sure to not be too touchy or anything; instead, he softly pressed his fingers over my restless frame.

"He must be feeling guilty, at least. As for your last point… I know he's no normal mage. He is strong with the sword, stronger than I could ever be. I heard he trains diligently every morning, too. And he was an adventurer for more than five years to boot. He must have a very good stamina, enough to keep up with more women."

"I… I…"

My knees felt weak; I nearly fell off. Quickly, I took support on the wall. Ariel rushed to my side and helped me sit down on the bed.

I lost complete focus now. I know that, from now on, everything I say will come out unfiltered.

"No… no. No, no, no! It can't be! He wouldn't… he would never!"

I had my eyes closed, facing the floor; my hands covered my long ears. Was it my ears…? Does he find them ugly, unsightly?

Ariel, with pain glinting at my sight, gently took my head in the cradle of her grasp, and calmly said, "Sylphy, calm down. Don't let your emotions take hold of you. Just breathe, in and out…"

I almost crushed her hands as I took them away from my face. My strength was still that of a mixed blood, and even a slight bit more would've crippled Ariel. She whimpered in pain, and Luke rushed to her, but a quick glance from Ariel stopped him in his tracks.

"Sylphy, you need to calm down."

"Prove it, prove it! Prove me he's as you say… prove it!"

I grit my teeth in frustration. I felt utterly awful. I ran my fingers between my hair, confusion and anxiety mixing in my heart. My hair… did he still see that grotesque, green hue radiating from his memories? Did it make him feel uncomfortable?

I held the rising nausea in my throat, and screamed, "tell me, he wouldn't! Just tell me this, and I could lie to myself, at the very least… why can't you!?"

"Have you, at least, heard him talk, in the middle of the night, when it was impossible for him to be with anyone…?"

I froze in my trucks.

No.

No… no. No, no, no, no…

I couldn't help but squint my eyes wide. My heart skipped a beat.

The very night before I had caught him puking his guts out, Roxy and I, preoccupied, made our way to his room because of the strange sounds coming from his quarters. Just before we knocked, thanks to my highened senses, I could feel a faint trace of whispering. I dismissed it quickly as just an echo of his own voice, but now… they kind of fit in with this absurd image.

After tasting a second body in a row, his need of new flesh must've born. It's all Roxy's fault—no, she had no fault. Yeah, she knew me and Rudeus were married, but her goal was to only cheer him up when I couldn't.

From the very start, I hoped that all of this was only a big misunderstanding. What would come out of Lucy if her father were a scummy player? What would her life turn out to be? Bullied and sullied over the mistakes outside of her control… I know that feeling. The sense of hopelessness, as it slowly fills your soul with scorn and fear toward the world. I know how utterly lost you are in that darkness…

But now, there's not much to argue about. Yes, he was very sincere, and he did love us—that's not even a debate, yet I couldn't wash away how he looked at me or Roxy these past days, guilt hidden behind his over-the-top persona.

Luke was facing away from me. I could tell he was holding back his emotions. He was afraid of hurting me more than I already was. Ariel, on the other hand, had tears welling up in her eyes.

I exhaled. I know what to do now.

Without even thinking twice, I stood up, my new resolution patching me up.

"I'll go and check."

"Sylphie… are you sure? You could see something… something that might change you. Wait, I—"

"No… princess Ariel. It's my duty as a wife to understand and reason with my husband. If harm will come up… I'll do my best to eliminate the cause."

The look in my eyes must've been frightening, since Ariel and Luke were quite taken aback. This is a side I don't show to anyone but my enemies.

Rudeus as my enemy… that's a frightening thought. I'm not even sure if the entire city of Ronoa would be enough to take him on before he uses one of his most powerful, chantless spells.

But… I have to do what needs be done. I just hope that happiness will still blossom after this ordeal.

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Thankfully Perugius had not taken his leave to his room, and I was able to quickly run back home with my boosted speed. I'm thankful to my mixed blood once more. Yes, it was thanks to my hard work that I was this strong, but having blood of strong species flowing in my veins did the trick to make me who I am now.

I still forsake my elven heritage, too… maybe if I had a better body, more curvy or charming at least, I wouldn't need to worry about Rudeus looking at other women.

That kinds of makes me think…

Rudeus is a pervert, yes, who had a… bad kink about panties. It was quite peculiar and hard to swallow. I found out when I peeked him taking care of the laundry. He was rubbing my dirty stuff all over his face with an awful expression drawn on him. I thought at that moment: "is he the man I fell in love with?"

But that thought didn't last more than a second. After all, he loved me, despite my once green hair, my underdeveloped body; he loved me despite my meekness, shyness, and inexperience in the matters of love. He's a good man, to boot. I'm so lucky to even have someone like him as my lover. I can accept a flaw like that.

Though, what could be happening right now… I doubt that I can take it. The betrayal… I just, cannot.

Lucy… Roxy… Norn… Aisha… Lilia…

They would all have to face the raw truth. Just imagining it makes my blood cold.

"Rudeus, if you really did it… I won't forgive you."

I would cry. I'm sure of that. And maybe… not love him anymore. I'm scared of that, too. After all, I still haven't repayed for everything he has done for me.

The only reason I escaped that black pitch I was in as a kid is him… the light that shone the way out.

The only reason I survived the Teleportation Incident was thanks to the magic he taught me.

To just… abandon him after all he did for me… it pains me to no end. But, if he's proven to have betrayed me… I will do it.

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I stood at the doorstep of our home. I gently opening the door, I made no sound whatsoever.

"Welc-"

"Shh!"

Lilia and Aisha came to greet me, candle in hand. But I silenced them. They immediately did as I asked, a serious expression drawn on their faces.

Mimicking me, we made our way toward Rudy's room, all of us three going tiptoing.

Upon destination, Lilia and Aisha positioned themselves by the door, eavesdropping. I squeeze my way between them, laying my ear against the cold wood. All I could hear was paper—pages of a book being skimmed. Is it just a illusion meant to mislead us? That thought grew stronger when I heard a faint, "urk…" a sound that he makes when I… it's a bit embarrassing to say. You know, he asks me sometimes to, well… put it in my mouth.

No longer hesitating, I sprung the door open.

Rudeus held a book. It appeared ruined, but was kept well. I had only a second to properly burn the image in my memory, when Rudeus quickly hid it, beads of sweat running down his forehead.

His eyes were watery, as they stared at me with confusion and surprise. His breath was rugged, and he was trembling. I must've startled very badly; he his gaze met mine with fear before it shifted away.

That book… he doesn't want to show me. Is it filled with love letters, proposals—is it the incriminating evidence? No one would be that stupid to keep the proof of their crimes remotely near them, but some enjoy the thrill, and him… well, Rudeus is a pervert, but not that perverted. Maybe.

"S–Sylphie… what, uh, what's up with this ambush? Weren't you supposed to be with Ariel a–and—"

"That book… what's that?"

I didn't let him talk. He's very good and slippery with words when he gets worked up, and I'm sure he's smart enough to easily dodge the bullet.

"Can I see it?" I said, moving a step closer to his work table. He immediately cowered, fear resurfacing.

"Wait… w–wait—wait!"

"What?" I blurted, somewhat coldly.

"What's up with you?! Why—"

"what's up with you! You've been holed up in this place for the past week, doing things we have no clue about!"

He stood silently; words seemed to roll off his tongue. He tried to utter something, but hesitation seemed to stop him from speaking.

"Urk… er, I…"

"Please, be honest. In the good or in the bad; speak with me—with us."

"I…" He looked conflicted.

A heavy feeling began to swell in my chest. I just now realized how tired I was. My muscles ached, most likely due to all the stress I've been experiencing the last hours. All those emotions must've clouded my senses to what was going on.

Rudeus sighed, and a new expression appeared on him, one of exasperation.

"This is… the diary of someone I knew. He passed away some time ago, and a friend of his brought it to me by his own request."

"——"

At my silence, he took a glimpse to me before resuming.

"In his respect, I'd like for you not read it."

"I, I see…"

Was Ariel just assuming? But she was really smart when it came to analyzing people. Who do I trust, who do I trust?

Rudeus, the love of my life?

Ariel, my dearest friend?

No—it's not the time for trust. What I should be trusting right now isn't anyone. But myself. And what's inside me is nothing but worry, and curiosity.

"Rudy," I said, now sitting before him; I on the bed, him on his chair, "whatever is written on that book is making you ill. I have to know, as…" It may sound manipulate, but I continued. "As your wife, I have to know what troubles you, so that I may help you when in need."

I gently placed my hand on his thigh. He eyed it with immense guilt, as he pursed his lips. After exhaling deeply, he looked me right in the eye, and retorted, "No, I can't."

Hearing that sent a surge of pain. It ran down my throat, like I had swallowed a handful of nails. I held back the rising tears as I questioned myself "why?" aimlessly, over and over again.

"Do you… not trust me?" I finally asked, after a long minute of silence.

"What, no! I trust you, I really do!"

"But, how can you say that, when you're leaving us in the dark about everything?"

"I…" He trailed off, leaving his sentence unfinished.

I felt a sense of disappointment. I was unsatisfied.

Reasoning seems to have failed me. I underestimated how stubborn he could get.

If words won't do the trick no more, be it the use of brute force then.

Putting strength in my soles, I launched myself at him. In a single movement, I grabbed him by the shirt and took the diary from his grasp, throwing him on the bed. He couldn't react in time, landing flat on the sheets. He screamed a "no!" as I hurriedly took the diary from his grasp. He rushed at me, hands prompt to take it from me. I conjured a little flame, quick to threaten the well-being of whatever was written within its pages. He stood still, as if frozen.

My heart hammered in my chest. I know that doing this had taken things in a completely different direction. Rudeus activated his Eye of Foresight. Stunts like this wouldn't work anymore.

Now: it's truth or dare, and daring is my choice… risking everything in one blow.

Rudeus, what will you choose?