It seemed hopeless.
No matter how you looked at it, there was no way they'd hire a demon who made a child cry at first sight.
That's what I was thinking as I prepared to leave.
But then, suddenly—
The child broke free from his mother's arms, ran over, and wrapped his arms around my legs.
"Teacher! Teacher!"
The boy sobbed as he clung to me, tears streaking down his cheeks.
"Please don't go. Please teach me magic!"
"…Huh?"
What… is happening?
I stood there, stunned.
——
Rudeus's POV
In my excitement, I'd almost scared Roxy away.
Thankfully, I fully employed the natural powers of a child—crying, clinging, pleading—and managed to convince her to stay.
Ah…
The embrace of a goddess is truly divine.
Hehehe… Roxy… small and warm… hehehe… Roxy… so small… hehehe…
I drooled as the thought looped in my head.
"Rudy, it's time for our lesson. Come down now."
Roxy said helplessly.
Tch. What's so great about learning magic anyway?
Just gets in the way.
That said, magic was the bond between me and Roxy. It couldn't be ignored.
Reluctantly, I leapt down from her arms.
...
The lessons were the same as in my previous life.
Historically, I didn't attract attention from Hitogami or others until after the Teleportation Incident.
Even so, I couldn't risk standing out too much too early. If I moved too boldly, I might draw their eyes before I was ready.
So, just like before, I played the part of an eager novice while quietly enjoying Roxy's lessons.
Never letting my facade slip.
Still, I felt a flicker of pride when I saw her surprised expression the first time I used chantless magic.
Watch closely, Roxy.
I'll become the kind of student you can be proud of.
...
Evening came.
Normally, by now, I would have exhausted my mana and drifted to sleep.
But tonight was different.
Something... noisy… creaked through the walls from the neighboring room.
Paul and Zenith were at it again—trying for their second child, Norn.
I slipped out of bed and crept quietly to their room.
At the door, a blue-haired girl was squatting low, peeking through the gap.
Her cheeks were flushed. She was breathing fast, eyes locked on the scene inside.
One hand clutched her robe as it moved in rhythm beneath the fabric.
Was this... the legendary silent water magic?
Incredible. I was beginning to understand everything.
This Roxy, the one right before me, looked no different than the Roxy who became my wife in my previous life.
Staring at her now, it felt like she'd come back from the dead, risen from the illness that had crystallized her body.
"Hmm…"
I covered my mouth and crept back to my room.
She was so cute.
Roxy… I wanted to rush out, embrace her, and whisper sweet nothings.
But no.
Not yet.
For a better future, I had to wait.
...
Still, some words couldn't stay buried forever.
One night, while we talked about the old war between humans and demons, Roxy sighed. Her hair, similar to the Supard race, was a source of concern.
That was when I spoke from the heart.
"Your hair is beautiful."
"…Thanks, but you should save that kind of compliment for the girl you fall for someday."
"But I like you, Teacher."
I said it.
Without hesitation.
It might've sounded like a child's innocent words, but I meant it.
"Really? If you still feel that way ten years from now, we'll talk."
"Then, please marry me when that time comes."
Oops. The truth slipped out again.
I hadn't said this in the original timeline.
Was it the emotional overload from seeing my goddess again?
"So we have to wait ten years," Roxy sighed, turning her head away with a helpless tone.
You're a little happy, aren't you?
Don't worry, Roxy.
Whether or not we marry again in this life, you'll always be the one I cherish most.
***
Roxy's POV
It's been half a year since I became Rudeus's tutor.
He's bright. Perhaps too bright.
A little lecherous, sure, but his magical talent is undeniable—and frightening.
The principal at the University of Magic once said that magic is omnipotent.
I always thought that was an exaggeration.
But watching Rudy's growth… maybe it isn't.
Maybe Rudeus Greyrat will one day be a world-renowned magician.
And I'll have been nothing more than the teacher who guided him in childhood.
That's what I believed.
Until one day, Rudy asked me a strange question.
"Should I call you 'Master'?"
I instinctively recoiled.
"No. You'll probably surpass me soon. It'd be awkward to be called 'Master' by someone stronger. Wouldn't you hate that?"
But Rudy replied instantly.
"I wouldn't hate it."
"I would," I said. "It's embarrassing being called Master by someone who's better."
That was what I'd always believed.
When I left the University of Magic, I'd even said harsh words to the person I once called Master.
Looking back, I was out of line.
But that was how I felt.
And yet…
Rudy smiled and gently took my hand.
"You'll always be my teacher, Roxy Migurdia. The one I respect the most."
"Even if you get jealous sometimes, that's okay."
"Because that's what makes you so cute."
I couldn't respond.
By the time I realized it, my face was burning.
I didn't need a mirror to know it was bright red.
Ah!
I quickly turned away, not wanting him to see me like that.
"In any case, a teacher-student relationship without strength will just end up awkward!"
I shouted stubbornly.
Rudy didn't argue. He just looked at me with that same calm, sincere expression.
I don't know why…
But it felt like I could drown in that gaze.
This child.
When he grows up, he's going to marry a lot of women.
——
Rudeus's POV
A shy Roxy is adorable.
A stubborn Roxy is adorable.
Every day, Roxy is just… adorable.