Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Roxy
Two more years passed, and Roah successfully arranged for Rudeus to meet his future wife, Sylphy.
Bringing the shy Sylphy to their home, Roah silently told himself, You already have one. No wandering eyes allowed.
Outside of his usual magic and swordsmanship training, Roah found himself constantly checking the calendar.
What was he waiting for? Roxy.
Rudeus had his Sylphy, so as the older brother, wasn't it only fair for Roah to have someone as well?
When Rudeus turned four, Roah made a formal request to his parents.
"Father, Mother, I believe Rudeus and I would benefit from a proper magic teacher," he explained in his usual calm tone.
It wasn't long before a girl with azure hair stepped down from a carriage.
"My name is Roxy. Pleased to meet you," the girl said.
She had small, delicate features and was wearing a brown robe typical of a magician. Her sky-blue hair was tied into braids, and her petite frame made her look like a middle school student. She was undeniably cute, with an air of calm and reserved elegance.
Half-lidded eyes and a faintly cold demeanor gave her a slightly distant impression.
The moment Roah saw her, he wasted no time pulling Rudeus aside.
Roah's expression turned serious. "Rudeus, have I treated you well?"
Rudeus blinked, confused but nodded. Though his brother's face was always cold, Rudeus knew that Roah was genuinely a good person.
Leaning close to Rudeus's ear, Roah whispered, "I've decided. I'm taking that girl."
Rudeus's eyes widened as he glanced at the adorable Roxy, then back at his older brother's flawless features. His mind raced to inappropriate places, imagining scenes straight out of "those" kinds of books.
Afraid Rudeus hadn't heard him clearly, Roah repeated, "I've decided. She's mine."
Rudeus nodded knowingly. Leaning closer, he whispered, "So… what's your plan?"
"What plan?" Roah asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rudeus grinned slyly, his expression turning lewd. Roah instinctively took two steps back.
"Come on," Rudeus whispered conspiratorially. "She's so cute. Don't tell me you don't have thoughts."
Roah fell silent, deep in thought. After a moment, he nodded, causing Rudeus to pat his shoulder in approval.
Rudeus called out loudly, "Sylphy, come outside and watch with us!"
Paul, noticing the two whispering, frowned and shouted, "Roah, Rudeus, stop mumbling and come greet your teacher!"
Roxy curiously glanced at the two boys. Adjusting her hat, she asked Paul, "I heard there were two boys to teach. Where's the other one?"
With a slightly awkward smile, Paul pointed to Roah. "This is my eldest son, Roah."
Then he pointed at the golden-haired boy beside him. "And this is my younger son, Rudeus."
Roah, already used to these introductions, bowed politely. "Are you to be my teacher? It's an honor to meet you. My name is Roah Greyrat. Please call me Roah."
Roxy stared at him, stunned by his doll-like appearance. After a moment, she pointed at him and asked, "You're… a boy?"
Roah's brow twitched slightly. He knew his delicate features often caused misunderstandings, but this reaction still stung.
"Yes, I'm a boy," Roah replied firmly.
Roxy laughed awkwardly, shifting her gaze between the two brothers. "So, they're the ones who'll be learning magic?"
Rudeus raised his hand hesitantly. "Um, if possible, could Sylphy join us too?"
Sylphy, blushing shyly, stammered, "I-I'm fine just being with Rudeus and Big Brother Roah. Isn't learning magic too much trouble?"
Rudeus flashed a bright smile and waved her concerns away. "Don't worry. I've got this!"
Paul pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You two shouldn't be deciding this on your own. The agreement was only for you two."
Roxy sighed, glancing at the timid Sylphy. "She can stay and watch. But… aren't you all a bit young? A six-year-old and two four-year-olds?"
Both Rudeus and Sylphy froze, their earlier smiles vanishing.
Paul, however, puffed out his chest with pride. "The boys in our family are geniuses," he declared confidently.
Roxy sighed in resignation, rubbing her temples. "Alright then. Let's start today's first lesson."
---
The four of them moved to an open area in the yard and sat down.
Roxy pulled a heavy magic book from her bag but, after some thought, set it aside. Looking at the three children sitting cross-legged before her, she said, "Before we start, let's see what you're capable of. I'll demonstrate first. Watch closely and see if you can replicate it."
She extended her hand and chanted, "Oh great blessings of water, heed my call and manifest where it is needed. Bring forth a gentle stream—Water Ball."
A fist-sized ball of water formed in her palm, swirling gently before shooting off into the distance.
The water splashed against the ground, soaking the nearby fence.
"Did you see that?" Roxy asked, her tone listless. It was clear her expectations weren't particularly high.
"That was amazing!" Rudeus exclaimed, his enthusiasm slightly exaggerated. He glanced at Roah and winked conspiratorially.
Sylphy tilted her head in confusion. 'Didn't they already know how to do this?' she thought.
Magic, undeniably, was a wondrous thing.
It allowed one to conjure wind, fire, water, and earth from nothing. But it was also notoriously difficult to learn, requiring strict control over one's mana.
Today, however, Roxy had encountered three prodigies.