1
It's the 9th month of K207.
I finally left Buena Village.
I say this, but moving away from home as a 7-year-old is a "Leave-your-home-and-find-a-job-RTA" level time. So 7 years were fast enough.
In my previous life, it took me 34 years and I didn't even get to the "find a job" part. I died right after leaving my home...
I'm probably more nervous than I thought. It's probably because I'm left alone here with no one to talk to. All alone in this spacious Carriage that can seat 6 people. With cushy seating, leg room, with a clean window.
Frederica, the Beast-Race Maid of Roswaal Mansion is busy driving the Carriage. I don't know anything about driving carriages, but I'm sure she's doing a good job, as I feel little to no bumps in the road.
It's like I'm flying First Class. Not that I ever set foot on a plane before.
All alone with my thoughts. I'm left here to linger in my nervousness, and my mind has just been reviewing the same few thoughts over and over.
This is my first job, in both lifetimes, as a Magic Tutor at the Roswaal Mansion, to teach two young girls Magic, Reading, and Arithmetics for the next 5 years.
When I asked Paul for a job that day, I wasn't expecting... this.
I was expecting something low stakes, with a "It's ok if you mess up here and there, me and your dad go way back" feel to it.
Something like: "Oh you're Paul's son? I heard you're good with letters and numbers, teach some to my daughter will you? Take her hand in marriage as well, since we trust you so much."
Not: "We invite you to the Mansion of Roswaal L. Mathers, the Magic God, the Court Magician of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica, and your father's direct boss. To employ you as a Magic Tutor in his residence."
...the pressure
...
...Well, the letter didn't really use those exact words.
It was more along the lines of: "Teach Magic, Letters, and Numbers to two young girls in the Mathers Mansion."
The letter was pretty vague, to be honest.
But Lilia has made it clear just how important Master Roswaal is, to the kingdom, and more importantly to our family. We can't just decline his invitation, especially since Paul was the one who asked for advice from Roswaal. This might be a case of "Make sure you don't mess up in front of my boss, our family's future depends on it."
Still, he sounds like a good boss.
Zenith said that Roswaal writes to us every year. Seasonal greetings, his recent going on, and even advice for Paul and Zenith.
He even granted Paul his job as Buena Village's Knight on short notice, you can say he made our family possible in the first place.
Maybe it's because I've never worked a day in my previous life, but his "Good-Boss" stats being this high on top of all those titles, it looks almost suspicious. I mean, do bosses normally treat their employees this well?
Or is this the case where the truly great people in the world are considered great because they're capable of such deeds, especially to those who work under them? ...It's hard to tell, I don't have the life experience to draw on in such cases.
I guess I can't know for sure until I meet the man himself.
When I first heard "The Magic God wants to hire you as Magic Tutor." I was confused.
I mean, why would the Magic God need someone else to teach magic to anyone?
But then, I remembered Roxy's words of knowledge.
"The Title and Name of 'Magic God Roswaal' has been a constant for the past hundreds of years. It's a name older than even the Armored Dragon King Calendar itself. The Mathers Heir is always named 'Roswaal' and inherits the title of 'Magic God'. Each generation is stronger than the previous without fail. The Mathers have never taught Magic to anyone except their Heir."
"'Roswaal's magic is only for Roswaal, the Selfish Magic God.'"
Thus spoke Roxy.
Thank you, oh great Roxy-who-reside-within-my-mind. I would be lost in this world without you.
So neither of my pupils is the Mathers heir, but they're still important to the Mathers family. Enough so to give them magic education, and I'm their compromise. That made more sense.
So Mr. Good-Bosswaal-sama could just be granting a favor to Paul and Zenith by taking a chance and hiring their son. He can simply hire someone else if I don't live up to his standards.
Since Roswaal is going so far as to hire a tutor for them, they must be some type of nobles. Paul often said that noble girls are often haughty but ultimately easy to handle. At worst they'll get a bit violent I imagine.
Well, how hard can it be?
I'm the disciple of Roxy.
I have received her guidance. Therefore I fear nothing.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
2
After a few hours of riding north, the sun had set.
The golden fields of the Buena village I grew up with were no longer visible. Instead, I could see a forest in the distance, and the tall walls of Costuul.
I noticed the city's population is made up mostly of humans, and a good number of demi-humans.
According to Roxy, "Demi-Human" is the term to refer to non-Demon races, such as the Beast Race, Dwarves, Hobbits, and Elves. Generally, every Race that looks similar enough to Humans gets labeled demi-humans in the Human regions.
Roxy herself gets away with calling herself a demi-human and not a Demon thanks to the Migurd-Tribe looking almost completely human outside their blue hair color and short stature. Even Paul and Zenith didn't know about Migurds, so it's likely the case that most Humans aren't knowledgeable about the many subraces in the Demon Continent, and other continents.
As long as they resembled humans enough, they were demi-dumans.
Our carriage kept moving in farther into the city. Moving past various interesting-looking buildings, some were obvious to me, such as inns and taverns, I saw some smithies as well, but I didn't know the purpose of most of the places.
I also saw a building with a sign that said "Adventurer's Guild" which caught the attention of my fantasy novel reading, RPG playing heart.
According to Roxy, there's also a Mage's Guild in this town, that's where she found the job listing that Paul and Zenith posted. In a sense, the Mage's Guild has some religious significance to me. I should visit it someday.
After reaching the part of the town that seems to be for the rich, Frederica opened the carriage door.
"Good evening, Rudeus. We have arrived at our Inn. We will spend the night here, and leave for the mansion tomorrow."
"Understood, Frederica." After exiting the carriage, I went to pick up my luggage, which was just one briefcase packed with a change of clothing, my diary, and a box containing the Holy Relic.
"Dear Guest, we will carry your luggage to your room." A rabbit-eared maid said to me, with two butlers by her side. They seem to be the staff of this mansion.
The Holy Relic... "Thanks for the offer, but I'm fine carrying it myself."
"Understood, allow me to escort you to your rooms." The rabbit maid smiled, thankfully she doesn't seem to mind me holding my bag.
"We will be in your care, miss Limrear." Frederica greeted the maid by her name. "Aagh! you're just so cute Frederica!" the rabbit maid excitedly hugged Frederica, before schooling her expression and returning to her professional persona.
The Inn was named "Golden Night" an A-Rank Inn for rich merchants and nobles. Attendants in maid and butler uniforms tended to us. Moved our Carriage and ground dragons to the stables, carrying pieces of luggage, and escorting us around the inn.
We were shown to our rooms, and shortly after our supper was ready. We arrived just in time for food it seems.
Sitting in front of Frederica during a meal, I had no idea how to talk to her. She told me to speak casually, but she herself continued to speak formally. So it was pretty awkward for me.
"I apologize for the rushed journey, Rudeus. The Master has instructed me to return to the Mansion as soon as possible. So we won't have any time to sightsee."
"It's alright, Frederica." After spending so much time with someone with little to no words exchanged, it increasingly gets difficult to start a conversation.
In this case, I can use my status of being a cute boy! Onee-san like her surely cannot hate the Shota-deus.
"So, Frederica, is there anything I should know before we reach lord Roswaal's mansion?"
"The Roswaal Mansion is the Master's personal home, and he prefers having fewer servants there. He likes picking up those with nowhere to go and helping them. The Roswaal Mansion is mainly used as grounds for training new servants before sending them to branch families. Some of the staff here were trained in such a manner."
"Like Miss Limrear just now?"
"Yes, she was my senior until just recently. She's now the Miload Family's Head Maid, currently working here to oversee the training of new employees. This Inn is owned by the Miload Family."
If I recall correctly, Miloads were the lords of Costuul. Maybe my Pupils are Miload daughters?
"About the girls I'll be teaching, can you tell me anything about them?"
"...They're good girls, though a bit shy with new people. They have a strong character and a good head on their shoulder."
I wonder if this is how Roxy felt when she first arrived at our home. An adult's description of children seems to be worthless information for tutors. Assuming Frederica is their servant, she's unlikely to give any honest opinion about the girls.
"Can you tell me about lord Roswaal? What kind of person is he?"
"Hmm... The Master is a unique man like no other. It's hard to describe him with simple words. But most importantly, he is a kind person who takes great care of his subjects."
So far, Mr. Good-Bosswaal-sama's reputation seems to be solid.
"Do you have any advice for when I meet the lord?"
Frederica smiled kindly, "The Master has been looking forward to your arrival. You should have nothing to fear, Rudeus."
That only adds pressure, Frederica-oneesan.
"That's good to hear. I'm glad the Marquis is a kind person."
"Indeed, it's thanks to his kindness the demi-humans are treated with respect in the Mathers Region."
"Is that rare for nobles?"
"The Mathers Family is well known for being accepting towards demi-humans, even from times before the Laplace War, back when Humans openly regarded the Beast Race as lesser."
So Mr. Good-Bosswaal-sama is good to all races.
"Are you from the Great Forest, Frederica?" I asked.
...After asking, I realized it might have been an invasive question. Maybe it's akin to asking a foreigner if they're from America. An assumption that can be annoying or even insulting to some.
Oh no... She's probably used to being asked this.
"I was born in Lugnica."
Frederica replied with an even tone, it seemed like she did not intend to expand on that.
"...I see." I continued eating my meal. Running away from my blunder.
"Don't worry, Rudeus, I take no offense to your question. This is the first time you're meeting a demi-human, right?"
"Well, yes you're the first Beast-Person I've ever met, so I got curious about it." I agreed with Frederica.
Well, there's Roxy and Sylphie, but it's better to not mention them here. So I said 'Beast-Person'.
"It's okay, demi-humans aren't so common in Lugnica outside the capital after all. But unfortunately, I'm not very knowledgeable about Beast-Race culture, or the Great Forest, as I was born and raised in Lugnica."
"I see, I'm sorry for making an assumption." I apologized, lowering my head.
"Again, it's alright... So, are you interested in the Great Forest, Rudeus?" Frederica asked me. Luckily, she seemed to have forgiven my blunder there.
"According to my Master, it's a beautiful place full of various races and unique delicacies of different cultures and rare sweet ingredients. So I am quite interested in it."
According to Roxy, the Great Forest is where the sweetest fruits are found. Carrying the rare fruits all the way to Lugnica, passing by Millishion, and Volcanica, it loses most of its sweetness. Yet it still tastes better than normal fruits found in the Central Continent. Adventurers in Millishion risk their lives to forage these fruits, intending to sell them for their high price, and oftentimes end up eating them all themselves, unable to hold themselves back after merely tasting them. It's a common adventurer rite of passage in Millishion.
Roxy told me about this when Zenith prepared a fruit cake with Great Forest fruits on my birthday. To teach me just how special that cake was, and how thoughtful Zenith and Lilia were being.
The drool on Roxy when she saw that cake... I need to learn how to make sweets.
"Oh my, your master must be quite well-traveled."
"Indeed she is! Her name is Roxy, and she's the person I respect the most in the world!" I said with a smile. I wouldn't be here without Roxy after all.
Frederica asked me about Roxy, and I bragged about Roxy until the end of dinner.
I told her episodes about our family in Buena.
Frederica would listen to me talk with a gentle smile on her face. While asking questions when appropriate. I decided that I would love to be friends with Frederica. Her gentleness, etiquette, and professionalism reminded me of a mix of Zenith and Lilia.
And it seems like she understands the greatness of Roxy now.
We enjoyed our meal, bathed, and retired to our separate rooms for sleep.
My review of the "Golden Night" Inn of Costuul City.
The bed was very fluffy, the room was warm and smelled pleasant. Service from the staff was professional. My compliments to Miss Limrear.
The Terminate Boar stake was juicy and rich in umami. The drink options were lacking in their non-alcoholic options, although the Lemgra tea with honey was good enough with its smooth and sweet taste to make up for it.
The bath was a bit small, enough for one person, but in the future I foresee trouble going in with another person. The bath water was not hot enough, but a simple casting of |Heat Island| made it just right.
So overall, a very good experience. However, I didn't learn of the price for the rooms, so the price is not factored in this review.
Overall a good 4.2 stars from me. I believe it deserves its A-Rank status.
I'd love to bring Sylphie or Roxy here someday.
Uehe, Uhehehe...
3
We left Costuul early in the morning.
The distance between Costuul and Arlam Village was longer than Buena and Costuul's. After riding further north all day, we finally reached Arlam Village.
It was a small village built near a forest, a short distance away from the Roswaal Mansion. This village was a lot more compact than Buena, with houses built much closer to each other than that of Buena's. The fields were smaller, and more trees surrounded it.
I will say it, Buena looks better. Though I might be slightly biased.
"Here's where we purchase supplies for the Mansion. If
you wish to make a specific purchase, then you can make an order to the merchant, they'll buy it from Costuul." Frederica explained as I was looking out at the village.
The villagers that were still out and about were all humans. Kids playing outside waved at us, and the adults bowed. They must be used to seeing this carriage passing through their village.
We drove through the village without stopping, crossing the bridge on the northeast side of the village, and following the road uphill to reach Roswaal Mansion.
The Mansion was visible from the Village's center, it was built on a hill that oversees the village. Even from afar, it looked impressive.
Finally reaching the Mansion, I couldn't help but be amazed. The Mansion was comprised of Three Wings, and it was three stories tall. The Mansion was mostly white in color, and black in roofing. In front of it was a giant garden and cobblestone pavement that led to its entrance.
It was almost nighttime by the time we arrived, so it looked more imposing and scary than pretty and beautiful. With the red and orange sky, and the dark shadows the Mansion cast, it looked like an environment from a horror game.
"We made it, Rudeus. I hope the ride was comfortable."
"It was. Thanks, Frederica."
"Now, please wait here while I take Lulu to the stable. He's been running with little to no rest these two days after all."
So the ground dragon is named Lulu.
"Thanks for the smooth ride, Lulu." I patted the big lizard boy, but he ignored me, and left with Frederica.
I was left in front of the Mansion alone in the dark and cold.
Doesn't a large mansion like this have staff to welcome in the guests?
I was expecting the Magic God's mansion to have a small army of maids working for it. A wide variety of beautiful maids, from A to G even. And maybe even welcome me with excitement when I arrive as a guest.
"Kyaa! It's Rudeus-sama! Splash me with Water-Ball! Cast Cumulonimbus!" Such a scene would've been encouraging. Even if they don't treat me like a male idol, just the sight of maids lined up would've been quite a treat. Of course, I understand them not going out of their way to welcome me. But at least one person should welcome back Frederica, right?
Is Frederica hated here? Is there workplace harassment going on in this Mansion?
"Now then, let's head inside, Rudeus." Frederica returned.
I followed Frederica into the mansion.
The first thing I noticed was how well-lit the whole mansion was. It seems like the Mansion is illuminated with numerous Crystal Lamps, a relatively expensive Metia, an item that our family only owned one of.
There were small Time Crystals set alongside the Crystal Lamps, judging from the color, it's around 8 pm now.
The second thing I noticed was how expensive everything looked... Except most of the mansion seems to be in need of cleaning. The flowers are dying, and their vases are covered in dust, much like everything in sight. I'm sure the Mansion looks beautiful when it's clean. But right now I can't help but notice the dirt and grime that sticks out in all of this luxury.
At the entry, there are two large staircases that lead up to the second floor. From the entrance hall, the building splits into two wings.
"Still... There's no one here? Is everything okay, Frederica?"
"Ahem, I'm sorry about the embarrassing display, Rudeus. There should've been two maids here to welcome us, but it seems like they're slacking off..."
So there are only three maids to look after this entire mansion? That's it?
"Is that all the staff in this mansion currently?"
"Unfortunately, yes. The Butler and the rest of the staff were sent to different mansions on the Master's orders. Currently, there's only myself, and the two maids in training remaining... " Frederica explained with an apologetic expression.
So the Mansion will just be lord Roswaal, me, the three maids, and my two pupils?
"If you will excuse me, I will go grab the slacking maids." Frederica's expression darkened for an instant, her voice gaining a faint growl in it.
As soon as Frederica's mood worsened, two sets of footsteps were heard from the second floor, and soon after two maids jumped down the staircase, landing elegantly in front of Frederica. Well, the pink-haired maid stumbled a bit after landing and nearly fell before regaining her balance. Otherwise, it was a very impressive athletic display.
"Welcome back, Frederica. Excuse my tardiness. I was busy cleaning the bathroom."
"Welcome back, Frederica. Excuse Big Sister's tardiness. I took too long massaging Big Sister."
As I was apologizing, two girls came running from the eastern wing. They stood in front of Frederica and apologized.
"Bow when you're apologizing! You're in front of a guest! This is not a proper attitude for a maid under the service of Master Roswaal!"
Frederica reprimanded them with a volume that was twice as loud as Zenith's angry voice. I felt my heart stop from hearing her booming voice. And I wasn't even the target of her Ire.
Yet the twin maids being reprimanded stayed still, their heads held high and expressions unchanged.
How are they not flinching after facing that?!
They looked identical, if not for their different hair colors of Pink and Blue, you could call them an exact copy of each other. Even their haircut was the same, only mirrored in how they parted their bangs that nearly covered one of their eyes. They're about Sylphie's height, so we're likely the same age, or they're one year younger than me.
Wow, they're wearing the same Maid Outfit as Frederica's, but it looks completely different on them!
The same Maid Outfit that looked elegant and mature on Frederica looked fluffy and adorable on these girls! The seamstress of this world really gets it! Hooray for twin maids!~
"I have already apologized to you, Frederica. I don't intend on lowering my head in front of a weak child."
The pink-haired girl spoke first while raising her chin to look down on me, even if she was shorter than me.
"Big sister has apologized purely for proper ee-ti-kette, Frederica. She has done nothing wrong in the first place, so she should not lower her head, especially not in front of an outsider. Make do with mine."
The blue-haired girl spoke second, bowing her head to Frederica, apologizing in place of her big sister.
Frederica raised her right hand slightly, then made a tight fist. The twins immediately jumped back and took their fighting stances. For the first time since their arrival, their expressions crumbled into that of fear. Frederica calmly lowered her arm, then turned to look at me. Her gentle smile had returned.
Scary!
"I apologize for their behavior, Rudeus. They're yet to learn proper etiquette, their training is clearly insufficient, and it's my fault as their teacher. I hope their attitudes will improve with your guidance from here on." Frederica spoke softly and gave me a graceful bow, lowering her head to a point where I couldn't see her face.
"I-It's fine, you have nothing to apologize for Frederica."
Wait, what was that about my "guidance"?
"Ahem... More importantly, the Master will see you shortly. Please get acquainted with these young ladies in the reception room in the meantime." Frederica said calmly, then she turned to the twins and her voice regained it's edge "Ram! Rem! Introduce yourselves already!"
"I do not need to introduce myself to a weakling—" The twin maids started speaking arrogantly,
"Big Sister does not need to acknowledge the presence of a weakling—" but Frederica twitched slightly, and the two shut up once again.
What did Frederica do to them for intimidation to be so effective?
"Ram's name is Ram. Do not look at Rem without my permission, child." standing with postures that of warrior statues,
"Rem's name is Rem. Do not speak to Big Sister without her permission, child." the maids introduced themselves,
See no maids, speak no maids huh? I should hear no maids as well, and ignore these rules.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Rudeus Greyrat, I've been invited here to work as a Magic Tutor by Lord Roswaal." I gave my introduction along with a bow the way Lilia taught me.
"Rudeus here will be your Magic Tutor from here on. He's an important guest invited by the Master. Treat him with respect."
huh? I'll be teaching these two? The maids?
Ram and Rem looked disgusted at the idea, but they held their tongue. They likely knew Frederica would get mad if they spoke their minds, so they merely glared at me. Their damage output is high even when they're silent.
"Now then, you two serve, escort Rudeus to the VIP room, serve him tea, and get to know each other." Just as Frederica was about to leave, she remembered to add one last thing.
"—Oh and Rudeus, let me know later if you have any complaints about their service. They're still maids in training, despite their attitude. Feel free to order them around as such." then she turned to Ram and Rem.
"You two, don't forget your manners," Frederica said with a smile and left.
The top dog who kept these two beasts in line had left.
4
After Frederica left, the twins visibly relaxed. Their restraints were let loose.
"Follow me, child."
"It's Rudeus."
"I don't care."
Ram, the pink-haired big sister, was bossy, completely assured of her own superiority.
"Don't go telling Frederica anything stupid now."
Ram somehow threw together a cup of icy cold poison from presumably luxurious ingredients. Poured in a beautiful porcelain cup and almost threw it at me with disregard.
"Rejoice, Big Sister has personally poured a cup of tea for you."
Rem the blue-haired little sister, had much more disdain in her eyes toward me.
"You're lucky to taste a cup poured by Ram, treasure this memory for the rest of your life." Ram said, as she sat down on the sofa facing me.
"Big Sister's tea is wasted on you, child. Treasure this memory for the rest of your life." Rem said as she poured her big sister a cup of tea. The tea smelled like a warm loving embrace, unlike the entity in my cup.
Where Ram was merely wearing the outfit, Rem was an actual maid, but only in service to Ram. Rem stood by Ram's side, ready to serve her, as Ram sat comfortably on a sofa with her legs crossed while enjoying her cup of tea.
"Thank you for the tea, Rem. It was delicious." the twins smiled at each other warmly.
"It's my pleasure, sister." their voices took a sweet loving tone, completely different from when they address me.
"Why aren't you drinking the tea I served?"
"Why aren't you drinking the tea my sister served?"
They pressured me into drinking the tea...
—My mind blanked out for a while.
"Rem Rem, I doubt a weak child like this can teach us anything worthwhile." I heard Ram and Rem speak,
"Sister Sister, I doubt a weak child like this has anything to teach to anyone." my mind slowly regained consciousness.
I feel like I gave a whole speech in my mind, describing how the... affected me, but I don't remember it now. I don't understand why, but it was probably good to not remember the... Do not look at the cup.
I felt a strong revulsion to the idea of trying to remember what had happened. My mind returned to the present and tried to catch up to Ram's words.
"We have no interest in being taught Magic by anyone except the Magic God himself. Tomorrow, you will tell the Master that you're quitting. He will either have to teach us directly, or stop wasting our time with subpar mages."
Is that why they were treating me this badly?...
"Doesn't the Mathers House have a tradition of never teaching magic to anyone except their heir?"
"Don't you dare correct Big Sister!" Rem shouted, however, Ram silenced Rem by holding her hand gently.
"I've never heard of such tradition, but traditions mean little to Ram. The only traditions I permit are ones that benefit me and my cute little sister. Commoners may be bound by them, but—" Ram put down her cup, and lifted her head up gracefully as she looked down on me.
"We are the exception." Ram declared proudly, Rem clapped.
This girl is so full of herself...
"I see you're eager to learn magic—"
"No, not really." Ram cut me off...
"Magic is not a true weapon. It's a way for the weak to cope with their weakness, hiding behind the strong while they recite poetry. Magic is reserved for the backlines of armies during war, far away from real battles."
"But the Magic God Ros—"
"The only exception is the Magic God." She cut me off again... This brat!
"His magic alone is a true weapon, mountains and armies perish in its might. Even a Red Dragon is a mere bug in the face of his power. He is the only strong mage. The only one worthy of teaching us magic."
...She looks up to Roswaal it seems. There was a sense of reverence when she spoke of Roswaal's magic.
I've seen a similar look on Roxy when she spoke of the Magic God. The fabled "Peak of Magic".
If the Magic God can inspire such awe from even Roxy, then I can't blame Ram for finding me lacking when compared to the Magic God. She has supposedly met him after all, as his maid, maybe she even witnessed his magic. She sees incantations as a weakness and silent-casting as the only viable method. I can see her logic at least, despite her extreme wording. Even Paul and Roxy agree that Mages generally don't win against comparatively weaker swordsmen at close range.
"If it's silent-casting then—"
"Big Sister hasn't finished talking!" this time, Rem cut me off.
"No, Rem. I finished talking"
"Understood. Then you may speak, Child. But watch your tongue." These little!
...Let's calm down. They're not Somal and the other village boys. Punching the maids of Lord Roswaal is a bad idea.
"If it's Silent Casting, then I can also do the same. Although I'm not the Magic God himself, I am still a Saint-ranked Water Mage, and Advanced-Rank in every other foundational Element. I'll do my best to teach you everything I know." I said, calmly.
There... I managed to retain my cool. Good job me!
"We're done talking now. You may enjoy Frederica's cooking today, do as you're told tomorrow and leave." Ram said, then finished drinking her tea, and stood up.
"Let's go Rem" Ram said, leaving out the door, completely ignoring me. "Understood, sister." Rem followed, saying nothing to me.
...
...
They never gave me a chance to fight back. I froze up from not knowing how to deal with personalities such as them.
If they were simply physically violent, it may have been easier to deal with. I don't know if Lord Roswaal permitted self-defense against their maids, but I at least could've simply run away into an Earth Fortress and I wouldn't have to feel this way.
However, they were verbally violent, with no interest in real conversation. Neither willing to talk it out or fight it out, they one-sidedly attacked me, and I had no defense against it.
Oh, Roxy. Bless me with your wisdom and patience.
5
"We~lcome to my hu~mble abode. I hooo~pe my maids were hoooo~spitable."
In front of me was a strange man with indigo-blue hair. He had clown makeup on, a white foundation with purple lipsticks, and eyeshadows, and his yellow eye had a larger purple marking around it. At a glance, he was dressed like a clown, with loud vibrant colors, and a tiny hat on top of his head. He spoke oddly, rhyming and extending his words, almost singing as he spoke.
"It's nice to finally meet you, little Rudeus."
Also in front of me was a tall, regal man with a handsome face and long straight hair. His piercing blue eye looked to be evaluating me, it was as if he could see straight through me. Wearing clothes that seemed to be made from expensive magical materials, the difference in our station was incomprehensibly large. His voice made me feel like he knew everything about me, it sent shivers down my spine.
Both of these descriptions, however, were only for one man.
I felt small, naked, and vulnerable in his presence.
"It is a blessing to be in your presence, Lord Roswaal. I am Rudeus Greyrat, son of Paul and Zenith Greyrat. Our family expresses their gratitude towards you, my lord." I bowed deeply, in the way Lilia taught me, saying the words Zenith suggested.
Roswaal L. Mathers, the Magic God, Margrave of Mathers region.
The strange man with one yellow eye, clown makeup, and vibrant clothing.
The regal man with one blue eye, a handsome face, and luxurious clothing.
Both were this one man at the same time.
"Myy~ what a polite little noo~ble you are. Maay~be it's to be expected from the he~ir of the No~tos, and La~treia."
Hmm? Notos? Latreia?
"An impree~ssive Asuran high-nobility bow and a paa~ssable Millishion styled brief greeting. I'm happy to see Paul and Zenith have raised you rii~ght."
What is he talking about?
"Oh? So you aren't awaa~re of your roo~ts? Interesting."
He just asked me a question, I have to answer. I've just been staying quiet this whole time. Wait, am I even allowed to raise my head? To speak?
"Haha, you're ju~st like your fa~ther. You may raise your head, take a seat, and don't worry about formalities, we are in pri~vate, just speak free~ly."
I did as I was told and took a seat facing his office desk. I wonder if Paul had to be told the same.
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, despite my age and lacking experience. I'm not sure what you mean by my roots, but I'm grateful to my parents for how they raised me." I said, worried that I was staying too quiet.
"I trust your parents are well and healthy?"
"Thanks to your kindness, we are all well and healthy."
Roswaal chuckled, "It's fuuu~nny to hear that from you~."
hmm?
"Oh, I just found the turns of fate ii~nteresting. Last time you were heee~re in this room, you were ii~nside your mother's belly, with your father neee~rvously bowing in just the same way as you did just now."
So that's what happened. I wish they told me ahead of time.
"This is the first time I've heard of that episode. I'm sorry for not bowing properly last time." I apologized with a smile.
"Haha, consider yourself pardoned. Since you'll be teaching my adorable maids after all." Roswaal laughed.
That's it? Did I get the job?
Considering the position and the interviewer, I thought it would've been more difficult. He didn't ask me any questions aside from small talk regarding my parents. Is this the power of connections? Nepotism! Banzai!
...Wait, this can't be this easy right? If I just accept the position without any questions, then I might be jumping into a trap. Or is this some sort of test?
"Thank you for your pardon, my lord. As for my pupils, is it correct to assume I'll be teaching Misses Ram and Rem?"
"That's riii~ght. They might be a lii~ttle priii~cky, but they're faaa~st learners and seem ea~ger to learn magic. You've met them already yes?"
"Well... They told me to reject this position, so they can learn directly from you."
"Ohh~ my, I'm sorry about their rudeness, I'm suuuuu~re they'll come around to you."
Will they? From how they acted, I can't imagine them paying attention to my lessons the same way Sylphie does.
"You will have complete freedom regarding hooo~w you teach them, and how muuu~ch you teach them. Just teach them some Maaa~gic, Leee~tters, and Nuuu~mbers for the next five years.
"You will receive a monthly sa~lary of 1 holy gold coin and two tuitions for Ranoa Ma~gic University." Roswaal explained.
Wait, 1 Holy Gold coin?!
Paul earns 3 holy gold coins a month, and our family is quite wealthy. Since my food and housing are provided, my earnings can go into my savings with basically no expenses. I don't understand the economy of this world just yet, but it's obvious that earning a third of Paul's salary without any expenses is a lot. Paul was wealthy enough to employ a maid and a tutor, while still affording small luxuries here and there.
These conditions sound good, maybe a little too good in his leniency...
"Hmm? Are you perhaps unsaaa~tisfied with these conditions?" Roswaal asked, tilting his head, and his ever-present smile dropping slightly.
"No! No, of course, it sounds good! More than I could ask for, in fact. I'm just a little unconfident whether I can make them accept me as their teacher."
"Myyy, is that so? They are a liiii~ttle wrathful and prideful, but they wiiii~ll learn from you if you prove your power to them as a mage... I know you're capable enough to teach them, so don't worry." Roswaal said, dropping his sing-song manner of speech in the end. Sounding much more genuine when he spoke normally.
"Thank you for your confidence, my lord... I apologize if this is rude to ask, but why are you so confident in me?" I hesitantly asked.
It's hard to tell just how much I'm allowed to question him, as a lord of such importance, but this is probably worth asking. It's a question that might hurt my chances of being hired. But I had to ask it.
He hadn't asked me anything about magic, in fact, we haven't spoken about anything even related to my qualifications. Yet he's confident in me, willing to hire me, in contrast to how much the twins hate the idea.
"Ohh my, quite hu~mble aren't you? You're right, I should've explained to you just whyyy~ I'm so confident in you..." Roswaal paused dramatically. Folding his arms and closing his eyes as if he was thinking.
"It's because you're Roxy's disciple!" as he opened his arms dramatically.
Oh~! That makes sense! "You know Master Roxy?" I asked.
"Of coooou~rse, I haven't had the pleasure to meet her peeeee~rsonally, but she is a King-Rank Water Mage. One of veeeee~ry few in this world, and the ooooo~nly Migurd-Tribe Mage in this entiiiiii~re world, she is quite accomplished, I would looooooo~ve to meet her one day."
Wait! He gets it! This weirdo with clown makeup might actually know what he's talking about!
"It's a shaaame I missed the chance to hire her when she was in Costuul. By the time I learned she was in Co~stuul, she had already left for a job as a home tu~tor you see." Roswaal winked at me.
Oh! Of course! And good job Paul for hiring Roxy before he got to her!
Of course, Roswaal would want to hire Roxy. That fancy title of his is not just for show then. He must trust that I'm capable enough if that Roxy decides to grant me the Saint-Rank.
So referrals from Paul, Zenith, and Roxy were why Roswaal trusted me so much.
Nepotism! Banzai!
"I will do my best to live up to the expectations set on me as master Roxy's disciple, and endeavor to not sully her reputation!"
"Ohh my! I'm haaaaa~ppy to haaaa~ve you, Young Ruuuuuuuu~deus. Please get along with my maids." Roswaal smiled, spreading his arms wide open.
I once again bowed to Roswaal, with confidence this time.
After leaving his office room, and I had some time to myself, I calmed down. I reflected on the interview and tried to put my thoughts in order.
Roswaal L. Mathers, the Magic God.
After meeting the man in person, I understood why everyone struggled to describe the man, and why the descriptions of that man were inconsistent from person to person. Maybe he was something else entirely if he allowed one to know them. But the mystery behind this man should not matter to me, I'm merely an employee, and I will leave after 5 years.
I already signed my name in the papers Frederica handed me. I am now contracted to stay under his employment for the next 5 years.
From the 9th month of K207 to the 9th month of K212.
I will have to do my best as a Magic Tutor and avoid troubling my family.