Chapter 3: Learning Magic (Patreon)

Honestly, that's what Rudy said, in this moment. For everyone who had been through so much. It was real. Truly, deeply real. If you didn't want to be bullied, if you wanted to gain more, then naturally, you had to make yourself stronger than everyone else!!! This was something everyone already understood, on some level. But for a three-year-old who had never suffered real pain to actually grasp something like that — that was simply incredible!!!!

Moved to the core of her being, Zenith, his mother, couldn't hold back the tears welling in her eyes. She stepped forward and pulled Rudy's small three-year-old body into a tight embrace.

And Roxy, who had been about to quit her job as his tutor, found her own heart stirred by those words. This three-year-old child — just what had he been through? Rudy had said it was simply from listening to his father and mother's words. That was how he'd come to this realization. But deep down, Roxy suspected that Rudy must have gone through something terrible. Yet the ever-considerate Rudy never explained anything to his father or mother. He simply buried the matter deep in his young heart. And it was precisely this that had driven Rudy to study so hard. To find the motivation to master ever more powerful magic.

Ugh!! At only three years old, to have endured something unimaginable. Looking at that solemn expression, it was hard not to feel for him.

Paul, his father, let out a soft sigh, stepped forward, and reached out to pat Rudy's forehead. In his heart, too, he wondered if something had happened to Rudy. Still, Rudy's talent for magic really was extraordinary. By comparison, his swordsmanship left something to be desired. Could it be that they really needed to let Rudy give up on swordsmanship and focus on magic?

Rudy reached up and pushed away Paul's rough, large hand. Gently hugging his mother Zenith, he said with a smile, "Don't worry, Mother... From now on, I'll protect you both. I swear it on my life!!"

"Rudy!!!"

Hearing this, Zenith couldn't help bursting into tears again.

Paul, on the other hand, laughed. "Hey now, kid, don't forget about your father here."

Rudy looked up at Paul, and said with a grin, "Father, you're so strong and sturdy already—I'm sure you can take care of yourself just fine."

"..."

At those words, Paul's smile froze in place. Everyone else, though, couldn't help bursting out laughing. And seeing everyone else laughing, Paul himself couldn't help but crack up too, laughing like a fool.

Letting out a long breath, Zenith wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. She stood up and took Rudy's hand. Turning to Roxy, she said, "From now on, our child will be in your care, Teacher. But before that, let's have a meal together and get to know each other. It's also to celebrate Teacher Roxy's arrival!!!"

"Eh!!??"

Flustered, Roxy said, a little embarrassed, "That... I really don't have anything prepared to give in return, I'm afraid."

Zenith laughed and waved her hand. "What kind of talk is that? Come on, let's go."

With that, Zenith took hold of both Roxy and Rudy, and walked briskly into the house. Naturally, the maid Lilia and Paul followed close behind.

That night, everyone happily held a welcoming celebration for Teacher Roxy.

Before anyone knew it, the next day had already arrived. When Rudy sat down at the dining table for breakfast, he saw that Teacher Roxy, sitting across from him, had dark circles under her eyes. Puzzled, he couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, didn't you sleep well last night?"

At that, his mother Zenith also came over, concerned. She asked worriedly, "What's wrong? Was the bedding not comfortable?"

Roxy shook her head quickly and said softly, "Actually, actually... actually, it's just that after seeing Rudy's abilities yesterday, I spent the whole night thinking about the questions he raised. That's why I didn't sleep well. I'm sorry to have worried you."

Nodding, Rudy asked, full of anticipation, "So, Teacher, do you have an answer?"

Roxy replied with confidence, "Yes, I've arrived at something of an answer."

Rudy grinned, nodding eagerly.

But seeing Rudy's smile, Roxy inexplicably felt a shiver run through her. Yesterday, what Rudy said had genuinely moved her. But a day later, thinking it over again — at three years old, Rudy already possessed the strength of a Saint-rank mage. He already stood at the same height as her. The only thing he lacked was a more detailed understanding of the higher-level magic theory. She had no idea how much she could even teach him here. Half a month? Or a full month?

Ugh!! By the time she couldn't teach him anything more, she'd have to start looking for another job again. Her heart felt so tired!

Soon, after finishing breakfast, Roxy took Rudy and headed out. She began teaching him Saint-rank magic knowledge, bit by bit. And using that as a foundation, with the question Rudy had asked yesterday as the goal, they worked through it together, step by step.

Before they knew it, half the day had passed.

After lunch, in the afternoon, once the two of them came back out again, Roxy asked Rudy, "So, do you understand what we covered this morning?"

Nodding, Rudy said with a smile, "I understand it. Let me explain my understanding, and you can tell me if there's anything wrong, Teacher."

Roxy made a sound of acknowledgment, watching Rudy with clear anticipation.