1 Month has passed.
-----Narrator POV-----
The reception room was far larger than anything an adventurer would expect. Polished marble tiles reflected the warm glow of chandelier light, and the walls were lined with ornate paintings, embroidered tapestries, and carved wooden panels that displayed the wealth of the Boreas household. The guests waiting inside shifted in their seats, glancing around the room to pass the time.
Matheus sat upright, his eyes wandering from one decoration to the next. Three maids stood near the far wall, each with distinct animal traits. One had long rabbit ears that twitched when she turned her head. Another had soft dog ears that perked whenever footsteps echoed in the hallway. The third had sleek cat ears that flicked with every small sound.
Matheus stared at them longer than he intended. Their movements were unfamiliar, and the way their ears reacted to the environment caught his attention. He leaned forward slightly, trying to understand how those ears worked and how sensitive they might be.
The thought startled him. His cheeks warmed, and he jerked his gaze away from the maids as if waking from a strange daydream.
What was I thinking…
Roxy noticed the sudden shift. She leaned closer, her staff resting against her shoulder as she studied his face.
"Are you nervous, Matheus? Your cheeks are quite red. Do you feel unwell?"
Matheus straightened his posture and shook his head quickly.
"No… I am fine, Roxy."
She raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, and watched him for a moment longer. Matheus kept his eyes fixed on the floor, hoping the warmth in his face would fade before she asked again.
Creak
A soft creak echoed through the reception room.
Both Roxy and Matheus turned toward the door as it opened, revealing two men. The first stepped forward with composed confidence. Phillip Boreas Greyrat carried himself with the posture of a noble accustomed to authority. His dark green coat was trimmed with gold thread, and his short blond hair was neatly combed back. His expression remained calm, yet his eyes moved with the sharpness of someone who managed an entire territory.
Behind him stood his assistant, James Boreas Greyrat. He was taller, with a lean frame and a reserved demeanor. His uniform was simpler, but his movements were precise, and he kept a respectful distance behind his lord while observing the guests with quiet attention.
Roxy rose from her seat and bowed, her staff held close to her side.
"Nice to meet you. I am A Rank adventurer, Roxy Migurdia."
Matheus followed her lead.
"Pleasure to meet you. My name is Matheus."
Phillip nodded once, his expression softening.
"That is a fine introduction. Please, take your seats."
He moved to the head of the table and sat down. Only after he settled did Roxy and Matheus return to their chairs.
"I am Phillip Boreas Greyrat, the mayor of this city. I apologize for keeping you waiting. Security has been stretched thin throughout the territory. The recent increase in monster activity has left me with more responsibilities than usual."
Roxy folded her hands neatly on her lap and offered a polite smile.
"There is no need to apologize. We arrived without notice, and we are grateful you made time for us during such difficult circumstances. Do you know why the monsters are behaving this way?"
Phillip rested his hand on his chin and narrowed his eyes.
"It is difficult to determine the exact cause. However, our reconnaissance team reported a flock of red dragons migrating south about a month ago. Their movement may be connected to the disturbances."
Roxy glanced at Matheus. Her eyes tightened with concern. Matheus returned the same troubled look, his fingers curling slightly against the armrest.
Phillip noticed the exchange and tilted his head.
"Is something the matter?"
Roxy exhaled slowly, straightened her posture, and began to explain their journey from Zellenrhode to the Boreas Territory.
Phillip leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression brightening with genuine interest.
"Amazing. To think that you, a mage, and this warrior named Reinheardt managed to drive away an entire nest of dragons. I am impressed. Our territory is short on capable fighters, and with strength like yours, we could restore stability for the citizens of Boreas. I am not asking you to work without compensation. You will be rewarded appropriately. Would you consider assisting us?"
Roxy lowered her gaze to her hands resting neatly on her knees. Her fingers curled for a moment as she thought. Then she lifted her head and offered Phillip a small, polite smile.
"Thank you for the offer, but I must refuse."
Phillip's brows rose.
"May I ask why?"
Roxy shifted slightly in her seat. Her shoulders tensed, and she looked away for a moment.
"It is a little embarrassing. I would rather not say."
Her eyes drifted toward Matheus. The boy watched her with quiet curiosity, leaning forward just enough to show he was listening. Seeing his expression, Roxy's hands fidgeted in her lap.
"I want to teach. I want to become a teacher."
Phillip straightened his posture, intrigued.
"What inspires you to pursue teaching?"
Roxy met his eyes directly. Phillip felt a gentle sincerity in her expression, and beneath it, a faint sadness.
"When I left my home, I carried ambition and determination. I wanted to explore the world, but I was alone and careless. I faced many obstacles, and I collected many scars. By chance, I met my sensei. Thanks to him, I began to understand the meaning behind those hardships. Now I wish to find my purpose, and for that, I intend to follow his final lesson."
Phillip leaned forward slightly.
"And that lesson is?"
Roxy placed her hand over her heart.
"To teach others."
Phillip tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest, his expression brightening.
"A remarkable student indeed. Very well. As it happens, I have a relative in Buena Village who is searching for a magic tutor."
Roxy's eyes lifted with interest.
"That is wonderful. I will certainly review the position and determine whether I am qualified."
Phillip raised his hand in a gentle dismissive gesture.
"There is no need for evaluation, Roxy Migurdia. An A Rank adventurer of your caliber exceeds the requirements. In truth, the payment offered for the tutoring position is modest, and my relative cannot increase it to match your skill. Therefore, allow me to propose an alternative. Buena Village is also dealing with a surge of monsters. I would hire you as both a village guard and a tutor."
Roxy straightened her posture, her hands tightening slightly on her lap.
"A village guard and tutor. I appreciate the consideration, but I am not interested in—"
"The payment will be five gold coins per month."
Roxy's eyes widened. Her mouth parted in disbelief. She leaned back slightly, as if the weight of the number pushed her into the chair.
"Why such a large amount…"
Phillip smiled.
"It is simple. They are my family. Investing on a capable mage within the household is far more valuable than you might imagine."
"O-Oh I see..."
Phillip shifted his attention to the documents Roxy had handed him earlier. He leaned back in his chair, crossed one leg over the other, and began reading in silence. The room remained still until he spoke again.
"Matheus Boreas. Many individuals come to my mansion claiming blood ties with me. Even when their claims are genuine, I turn them away. Do you know why?"
Matheus sat up straighter, his hands tightening around the edge of his seat.
"... Because you are the mayor of the city?"
Phillip lowered the document and looked directly at him.
"And why must the mayor turn away those who claim to be relatives?"
"... Because their identities must be verified and approved by the Asura Court?"
Phillip uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His gaze sharpened.
"Correct, Matheus."
A chill ran down Matheus's spine. For the first time, he saw the full intensity of Phillip's fox‑like eyes, their pupils focused entirely on him.
Roxy leaned forward slightly, concern tightening her expression.
"Does this mean you cannot take Matheus in?"
Phillip adjusted his posture and released a quiet sigh.
"Unfortunately no. The law applies only to acting nobles."
He shifted his gaze toward Matheus, waiting. A bead of sweat slid down the boy's cheek as he gathered his thoughts.
"... Meaning that I could still be taken under the care of the Boreas household?"
Phillip's eyes narrowed with interest.
"And how would we place you under our protection?"
"... By having the Lord of the city adopt me."
A heavy tension filled the room. Phillip's presence sharpened, and a cold pressure settled over the air. Both adventurers stiffened in their seats.
"Correct. You are very knowledgeable in politics, Matheus."
Phillip's fox‑like eyes opened fully as he studied the boy's face. The silence stretched, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Roxy's eyes flicked back and forth between the two, her breath growing shallow as sweat formed along her temple.
Phillip raised his hand. The butler stepped forward immediately, placing a pen and a sheet of paper before him. Phillip began writing while speaking.
"Go speak to my father, the current lord of this city. He will take you in as an orphan, and you will receive the protection of the Boreas household. The five families of the west and the other three prominent Asuran families will not be able to touch you without answering to the Boreas Household."
He finished the document with an elegant signature. The butler retrieved it and handed it to Roxy.
"Thank you very much."
"It has been my pleasure."
Phillip rose from his seat and adjusted the front of his coat. Before leaving, he turned to Matheus, his gaze steady.
"The previous lord can be quite a character. Now, if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
Roxy and Matheus stood and bowed as Phillip walked toward the door. He paused briefly.
"Ah, right. Ghyslaine, please guide them to the lord's room."
"Yes, sir."
Ghyslaine stepped forward. She was tall and muscular, wrapped in a revealing leather outfit that left her scarred brown skin exposed. Her animalistic characteristic of wolf like ears and a tail like a tigers representing the beast-folk race.
"Please follow me."
She turned and began walking out of the reception room. Matheus followed, his eyes drawn to the steady sway of her tail. Roxy leaned closer and whispered with a shy tone.
"I did not know they could grow that large…"
-----
Knock. Knock.
"Mn?"
"It is Ghyslaine."
"GHYSLAINE?! COME IN!"
The warrior opened the large wooden doors with a firm push. A modest study came into view. Shelves lined the walls, filled with scrolls and thick ledgers. Near the window stood a man with a broad frame that cast a heavy shadow across the floor. His face was rugged, marked by deep lines carved around his eyes and mouth, and a long thin mustache rested above his lips. His eyebrows were thick and sharply angled, giving him a fierce expression even in silence. A lit cigar rested between his fingers, and his other hand gripped an elegant walking stick.
Ghyslaine stepped inside and bowed with disciplined precision.
"Lord Sauros. I bring our guests."
Roxy began her greeting.
"Nice to meet you—"
"WHY ARE YOU IN MY STUDY ROOM!?"
Sauros's voice exploded through the chamber. The sound rattled the bones of both adventurers. Roxy froze mid‑bow, her eyes wide. Matheus stiffened, his shoulders rising instinctively.
Roxy extended the document Phillip had given her, her hand trembling slightly. Sauros stomped toward her, snatched the paper from her grasp, and unfolded it with a sharp flick. His eyes moved across the text, shifting left and right with quick precision.
When he finished reading, he looked at Matheus. His gaze lingered, then he closed his eyes and released a long sigh.
"You are one unlucky bastard."
He rolled the document and tossed it onto his desk without care. Then he faced the two adventurers directly.
Sauros inhaled from his cigar and exhaled toward them. Smoke drifted across their faces, forcing both to lean back and blink rapidly.
"Matheus Boreas, was it? Why are you in my study room?"
Matheus swallowed and shifted his weight, his fingers curling against his trousers.
"I spoke with Phillip‑sama, and he said that—"
Sauros lifted his walking stick and slammed it against the floor. The impact echoed like a hammer strike.
BAM!
"THAT IS NOT WHAT I ASKED YOU!"
Matheus flinched. Confusion flickered across his face. He looked toward Roxy, who gave him a small nod. His breathing steadied.
"I am here to seek refuge from the Boreas family."
Sauros pointed the tip of his walking stick at him.
"WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH A MAN LIKE ME?"
"Because you are the only one in the Boreas household who can adopt me without any repercussion from the Asura Court of Law."
"NONSENSE! IF YOU WISHED TO JOIN THE BOREAS HOUSEHOLD, PHILLIP WOULD HAVE SENT YOU TO THE CAPITAL ARS!"
"I do not understand."
Sauros leaned forward, his voice rising again.
"YOU FOOL! PHILLIP IS NOT THE PATRIARCH!"
A sharp ringing burst inside Matheus's head the moment Sauros's voice struck him. It felt as if a heavy bell had fallen beside him, the metallic echo tearing through his ears. The study blurred at the edges, and Sauros's shouts faded into a distant vibration while the boy stood frozen in a haze.
"THAT DOCUMENT YOU HANDED ME STATES THAT YOU ARE AN UNNAMED MIKO CHILD TAKING REFUGE IN OUR CITY. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THAT ENTAILS?!"
Matheus did not answer. His head lowered, his shoulders sagged, and his eyes fixed on the floor. His lips trembled as if tears were ready to fall, yet his body remained motionless.
Roxy felt sweat gather along her forehead. She stepped forward, her voice rising in protest.
"Lord Sauros, I do not understand. Matheus is seeking refuge from the Boreas household. Why does it matter that Phillip is the patriarch of the Boreas family?"
Sauros shifted his gaze toward her. His eyes narrowed as he began to explain.
"Phillip not being the patriarch makes all the difference. He does not have the authority to hold Matheus under his custody. He cannot claim him, he cannot protect him, and presentong him to the Asura Court will default his ownership to the head of the house. Therefore, he is using a backhanded method to keep the boy within this city through my status as lord."
Roxy's brows tightened.
"I do not understand. Why would Phillip do this just to make Matheus stay?"
Sauros let out a slow exhale, the sound heavy.
"In the world of nobles, families can be fragile, especially when ambition is involved. Phillip lost the succession battle against his older brother. He was cast out of the capital and placed here, in a city that produces only wheat."
He turned slightly, his gaze drifting toward the window.
"I am sure my child was displeased with his upbringing. I filled his youth with stories of my time as the patriarch."
Sauros faced her again, his expression sharp.
"But despite his efforts, there is no path that could possibly take him back to the capital. Not until a godsend gift arrived at his doorstep."
Roxy's eyes widened. She slowly turned her head toward Matheus. Sauros took another long inhale from his cigar.
"B‑but Matheus is still a child. Even if he was born different from others, he should not be treated as a bargaining political piece."
Sauros shook his head.
"Roxy Migurdia, was it? Have you heard the expression that a tiger's cub is still a tiger?"
"... Y-yes."
"Miko children hold immense power, both military and political. This boy has the potential to shift the balance even for someone who has been removed from the game."
"But that is only one person! I am not familiar with Asuran politics, but even I understand the importance of collective power over individual strength."
Sauros's voice erupted again.
"EGREGIOUS! YOU ARE TOO YOUNG FOR THE WORLD OF POLITICS!"
"What? I will have you know that I am thirty—"
"SILENCE! I WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY MORE OF THIS NONSENSE!"
Roxy's mouth closed instantly. A small sound escaped her throat as she lowered her gaze.
"Mn…"
Sauros took a long inhale from his cigar and exhaled. The smoke rolled across Roxy's face, forcing her to cough and turn her head away.
"I will grant your point. The strength of one miko child cannot compete against the established powers in Capital Ars. However, politics is not about the strength a miko child possesses. It is about the perceived concept of that strength the miko influences."
Sauros shifted his body slightly, directing his attention toward the beastfolk warrior standing silently in the corner.
"Ghyslaine is a Sword King in the Sword God style. Her power belongs to her alone, yet her association with me has granted the mayor countless requests from lower ranking nobles and nearby cities. They seek security assurances, and that opens business opportunities for bodyguards throughout the territory."
He turned back to Roxy, his gaze sharp.
"Now consider what happens when a tiger's cub becomes associated with me."
Roxy remained silent.
"Suddenly nobles who possess tigers of their own become interested in the city under our mayor's control. They begin sending letters, request audiences, which could potentially offer alliances. They attempt to place their influence here, believing that a city with a miko child is a city with potential military power. The mayor gains options he never had before and these opportunities to negotiate with families who normally ignore wheat‑producing territories."
The meaning struck Roxy all at once. Her head snapped toward Sauros, her expression filled with horror. She grabbed Matheus's hand tightly and turned toward the door.
"Come, Matheus. We should leave. You should not involve yourself in an adult's game..."
She took a step, but Sauros's voice stopped her cold.
"I must stop you there."
Roxy froze as her back remained turned toward him. She clenched her jaw and tightened her grip on Matheus's small hand, trying to steady her emotions.
"The mayor's activities are recorded and reported daily to the Asura Kingdom. The moment you requested an audience with him, and he accepted, Matheus's existence was exposed. His presence will be circulating through high society by tomorrow. It will not be long before other families become interested in the miko child."
Sauros turned toward his desk without expression. He placed his cigar into a pot filled with used ones, the faint smoke rising in thin trails.
"An unnamed miko child wandering inside Asura territory is like a lamb without its herd walking into a den of wolves. It is only a matter of time before one of those wolves decides to take a bite."
Roxy spun around. Her expression tightened, her breath caught, and her hand pressed firmly across her chest as she tried to steady herself. Her voice trembled with urgency.
"Matheus fled his home because of heritage persecution. I will not allow him to fall into a political's scheme! I am his official guardian, and I will protect his independence under my guidance."
Sauros faced her fully, his walking stick tapping once against the floor.
"Roxy Migurdia, you will be standing against the four most powerful families in the Asura Kingdom. You will be hunted by trained pursuers, and a bounty will be placed on that boy's head. You may be a high‑ranking adventurer, but you cannot guarantee your safety or his."
A cold sensation poured over Roxy's head like water spilling from a bucket. It washed down her face and left her mouth open, her chance to counter slipping away as Sauros continued speaking.
"Fortunate or unfortunate for the boy, the Asura Court has recently passed a law granting lords the right to claim ownership of a miko child if they are the first to find them within their territory."
Roxy felt her body sink deeper into the hard floor. Her knees weakened as she watched Sauros turn toward his desk. He reached for the document she had handed him earlier, then faced them again with the rolled paper raised in his hand.
"And you walked into my study room, handing me an identification document of an unclaimed miko child seeking refuge in my city."
Roxy bit her lip. Her expression tightened further, but before she could speak, she felt a soft tug on her arm.
She turned toward Matheus. Her expression was kind yet strained, and she steadied her voice.
"Matheus—"
"Roxy, I will be staying in this manor. With Lord Sauros."
Roxy's brows drew together as she knelt down trying to meet his eyes.
"They will drag you into a political scheme, Matheus. The very thing you are trying to escape. You are still young. You need to look toward the horizon and explore everything this world has to offer. All this time we have traveled together, you have always wanted to become an adventurer. What about now? Is that not what you want?"
"..."
Roxy understood the silence. A warmth rose in her chest, mixed with a piercing cold that tightened her breath. Her eyes sharpened with determination.
"Matheus. Tell me you want to become an adventurer, and I will do everything in my power to support you."
"… I—"
"Roxy Migurdia."
Roxy felt a faint discomfort crawl up the back of her neck. She turned and met the piercing gaze of the lord of the city.
"As much as I wish to fulfill your request, I cannot allow Matheus to walk free. If I do not claim him, then letting other lords claim him would be detrimental to the Boreas family."
Roxy rose with determination in her eyes and confronted the man twice her size.
"I apologize for the rudeness, Lord Sauros. But I will protect Matheus regardless of who is pursuing him, and that includes you."
A sharp glare cut across her side. Ghyslaine had shifted from her resting stance, her amber eyes fixed on Roxy.
"..."
"..."
"Mph."
Sauros broke the eye contact first. He stepped past the dignified mage and walked toward the door.
"Come see me on the watchtower, boy."
He left the room. Ghyslaine followed him and closed the door behind her.
Roxy wanted to release a sigh of relief. She had stood her ground, yet something inside her warned that the situation was far from resolved. She turned to seek reassurance from the boy beside her, but his eyes stopped her cold. Determination filled them, steady and unwavering.
Her first thought struck her with warmth.
Matheus truly wants to be an adventurer. I am glad for him. Children should not be tools for their relatives to gain power.
She exhaled softly and reached for his head.
"Mat—"
"I will be staying here."
Her hand froze midair. Her expression stiffened completely. Contrary to her assumption, the boy began dismantling her thoughts one by one.
"The Boreas household is a strong family. They can grant me protection and support for my upbringing."
"Why—"
"I do not care if I am being used. In truth, I am also using them for my growth."
"But—"
The child stepped forward and hugged her. Roxy's breath caught, and her chance to rebut vanished.
"I do not want to put you in danger, Roxy."
"… Is this what you truly want?"
Matheus lifted his head. Roxy saw his face clearly before he closed his eyes and offered a bittersweet smile.
Roxy's expression softened. She raised her hand and gently brushed her fingers through the boy's red hair.
-----
The watchtower rose above the manor like a stone pillar. From its height, the entire city stretched outward in a wide circle. Rows of wheat fields swayed at the outskirts, their golden color catching the afternoon light. Clusters of homes filled the center, their roofs packed close together. Smoke drifted from chimneys, and merchants moved through the streets with carts full of grain and tools. Guards patrolled the walls, their armor glinting faintly under the sun.
Matheus stood before Sauros. Ghyslaine waited in the corner with her back against the wall, her arms crossed and her tail resting quietly behind her.
"Tell me, boy. How old are you?"
"… I am ten."
"Perfect. You will be enrolling in the Fittoa Noble School. My granddaughter has been failing all of her subjects, and she will be expelled if she does not improve."
Sauros took a long puff from his cigar and exhaled. Smoke filled the room in a thick cloud.
"So make sure her grades improve. If she gets expelled, say goodbye to the Boreas household. Do you hear me?"
Matheus nodded quickly. His eyes widened as he tried to process the sudden shift in tone.
Sauros burst into laughter.
"Welcome to our family, boy!"
He slapped Matheus on the back several times. Each strike stung, forcing Matheus to rub the spot as Sauros walked out of the watchtower. His voice echoed down the hallway.
"Ghyslaine, take the boy to James. He will handle the paperwork."
Ghyslaine bowed once toward the direction Sauros had gone. She turned and looked down at Matheus, her amber eyes steady.
"Lord Sauros is a good man."
Matheus managed a small, bitter smile in return.
-----
At the entrance of the manor stood a horse prepared for travel. Its coat shone under the morning light, and its saddle and packs looked brand new. The supplies were arranged with care, each strap tightened and each pouch filled with fine provisions. James, the head butler, held the reins and greeted the two guests with an elegant bow, his arm placed across his chest.
"Roxy‑sama, here is Mackenzie. We fed her properly and arranged our finest quality equipment for easy travel."
Roxy offered a small, bitter smile.
"Thank you, James. This is more than I can accept."
James straightened his posture, his expression warm.
"Do not be so humble, Roxy‑san. You are not only a valuable guest in these troubled times, but also a fellow coworker. I hope we can work well together in the future."
He reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a scroll, handing it to her with both hands.
"This is the map to Buena Village. May fortune follow you on your travels."
"Thank you, James."
Roxy accepted the scroll and took the reins from him. She watched the head butler walk back toward the manor. As she turned, her eyes fell upon the young boy she had traveled with for the past four months. It was a short time compared to her long life, yet those months were filled with memories she treasured.
She placed the scroll into her pocket and gently patted the horse's neck. Mackenzie snorted in response.
Roxy walked toward Matheus. He stood with his gaze lowered, his expression tight, as if he was too ashamed to look her in the eyes.
"Are you mad at me?"
Roxy was not content with his decision, but she smiled softly.
"Of course not. I should be apologizing. Sigh... I was too immature."
Roxy lifted her gaze toward the sky. Two birds chased each other in circles, their wings cutting through the air before they broke apart and flew in opposite directions.
"Matheus, you are a strong boy. I am certain you will succeed in life, no matter which path you choose."
Matheus nodded and stepped forward. He wrapped his arms around her, and Roxy returned the embrace with a gentle smile. His small frame pressed against her robes, and she held him as if trying to memorize the warmth of the moment.
"Please write to me every three months."
"Mn…"
His voice was soft, almost swallowed by the wind passing through the manor gates. Roxy kept her arms around him for a moment longer, then slowly released him. Her hands lingered on his shoulders before she let them fall to her sides.
Matheus stepped back, his eyes lowered, yet his posture steady. Roxy watched him, her expression filled with pride and sorrow woven together.
She then mounted Mackenzie and adjusted her posture. With a final look at the boy, she guided the horse forward. The manor gates opened, and the young mage began her journey toward Buena Village, now a tutor and village guard under the Boreas household.