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Finally, Roxy reluctantly accepted the fact that she had picked up another stray disciple.
Rudeus's talent was clearly superior to Roxy's, but when it came to teaching, the latter was far more professional. Throughout the afternoon, she patiently and thoroughly explained various magical concepts to Sylphie.
As night approached, the group discussed their plans. Since Roxy would be leaving soon, she decided to conduct an intensive training session for Sylphie over the next few days.
After observing everyone's performance on the second day, they finalized a schedule:
Morning: The three of them would gather on the hill to practice magic, while Allen practiced his sword skills nearby. Afternoon: Magic theory lessons would be held at home, with Allen still practicing his sword nearby. Evening: In what was once Allen's room but now belonged to Roxy, she would expand Sylphie's knowledge of world magic through stories and anecdotes. Of course, Allen would still be practicing his sword nearby.
However, since the evening "lessons" often lasted until late at night, Sylphie would return home very late. To solve this, the group approached Laws and successfully convinced him to let Sylphie stay at Rudeus's house until Roxy's departure.
It's worth noting that Laws agreed almost immediately when he heard the proposal, and Sylphie's mother also gently encouraged her.
It seemed that their child, who had always been bullied in the village, had finally found good friends.
And so, time flew by as Allen repeatedly pleaded, "One more round, please!" Soon, the night before Roxy's departure arrived.
"Come on, Sylphie, don't cry. You were so brave a week ago. Why are you crying now?"
Sylphie wiped her tears, unresponsive to Rudeus's clumsy attempts at comfort. She was still young. Just two months ago, she had made her first friends, and a week ago, she had gained a kind and beautiful mentor. The novel experiences and the lively, joyful atmosphere had filled her days with excitement and anticipation...
And then, suddenly, the time for farewell arrived.
When Roxy announced the end of the lessons, Sylphie felt as though she had stepped into empty air after climbing so high.
She immediately burst into tears.
Roxy, who had been unusually quiet all day, was now flustered and unsure of how to comfort Sylphie.
As for Allen... he was practicing his sword, swinging it awkwardly from his elbow. When the blade reached the bottom of its arc, it trembled slightly.
Wiping the sweat from his face, he looked at Sylphie, who was crying, and said with a grim expression,
"...Sylphie, cast a healing spell on me."
Sylphie, still sobbing, wiped her tears with one hand and extended the other toward Allen. She chanted haltingly,
"Like... the loving mother goddess... please heal this person's wounds... and restore his health... Healing... Healing Spell!"
Allen's expression softened, and he resumed his sword practice.
Rudeus, watching Allen, spoke in a calm tone, devoid of his usual playful demeanor,
"Allen... you're always so good with words. Why are you acting so indifferent now that our teacher is leaving tomorrow? Can't you see Sylphie crying?"
Roxy stepped forward, intending to defuse the potential argument, but after hesitating for a moment, she remained silent.
Allen gripped his sword but didn't swing it as he had been doing during practice. Instead, he twirled it casually and then slashed forcefully through the glow of the candlelight beside him.
"...Rudeus, what kind of reaction do you think I should have? Sylphie is crying, so what? Do you think crying isn't allowed? Or that sadness shouldn't be accepted?"
Rudeus was momentarily stunned, and Roxy and Sylphie also stared at Allen in surprise.
Allen ran his finger along the blade's forging pattern, all the way to the tip.
"I've always thought... in relationships between people, joy should be remembered, but pain shouldn't be avoided. Whatever emotion you're feeling—happiness, sadness, excitement, or sorrow—don't suppress it. Feel it, experience it. That's the proof that these moments existed..."
"But... but if that's the case..."
Allen flicked the blade with his finger, producing a clear ding.
"Then you'll have more strength to look forward to the next reunion."
He sheathed his sword with a sharp clang, and a gust of wind erupted around him, tousling everyone's hair. The three of them stared at him in astonishment.
"Right?"
Rudeus was silent for a moment before finally responding,
"...Then what about you? According to your logic, you're not crying or smiling, just staying calm. Does that mean you don't feel anything about our teacher leaving? Weren't you the one who invited her to stay longer?"
Roxy flinched, avoiding eye contact with both of them, but she couldn't escape their words.
Allen's lazy voice echoed through the room.
"Because I'm certain we'll meet again in the future, that's why I'm calm."
Rudeus glanced at Roxy. She seemed as though she hadn't heard Allen's words, her gaze fixed on the candle flame on the table, blinking slowly.
The flame flickered, unmoved.
Rudeus felt a wave of frustration and lost the desire to continue the conversation.
But then Allen suddenly wrapped an arm around his neck, pulling him close with a grin. Rudeus stared at him for a moment before finally saying irritably,
"...Get away from me. Trying to butter me up now won't work, you smooth-talker."
Allen chuckled.
"Rudeus, what do you think... about celebrating with magic tonight?"
"Huh? What do you mean by celebrating with magic?"
"Can you mix a fireball spell with a shockwave or something to create a combined spell that shoots into the sky and explodes into a dazzling firework? Wouldn't that be beautiful? I'm sure Roxy and Sylphie would love it."
Rudeus was taken aback and instinctively replied,
"Hanabi?"
Allen feigned confusion and smiled.
"What?"
Rudeus glanced at Roxy and Sylphie, who were both looking at him curiously. He scratched his head, then walked to the window and opened it. The night breeze from the quiet village of Buena swept into the room, tousling the hair of Roxy, Sylphie, Allen, and himself.
Rudeus turned back to Allen, who was still grinning, and sighed inwardly.
As someone with the mental age of a thirty-something adult, he wouldn't get sentimental over a farewell or engage in childish arguments like this.
His reaction was simply an excuse to vent his frustration at Allen.
After all, he had been the one to meet Roxy first.
Why did she seem to have a better impression of Allen?
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 100 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 80 power stones I will publish the next chapter.