Feels like he's reciting someone else's line.
Roxy can only smile wryly.
"... Nothing in particular. Didn't you ask Norn herself a few days ago?"
"I thought it would be better if I get your judgement of it."
Rudi sounds off. I snicker slightly.
"Ah... Makes sense. Her studies and sword practice are so-so, but she's working hard for the Student Council. She's being recognized for her work on Public Morals. Even though there are many cheeky students, but they'll generally give her way when they cross paths. That might have to do with being Rudi's sister. Mostly, since she has many upperclassman admirers, no one gives her any trouble. She seems to have many friends, so I don't think there's anything Rudi should worry about."
"I see. Thank you."
Yeah, Norn is a hard worker. I haven't been to the school much lately, but I have heard some news from other Student Council members. Rarely do you see a kid so diligent.
I don't get to act like an older sister very much...
"Roxy, how about on your side?"
"Huh, what is it?"
"Anything in particular that's bothering you recently? Right, for example, feeling hungry so you sneak out for food or something?"
"Recently Rudi has always been sharing your meal with me. I'm actually worried that I might get fat."
"How about at school?"
"... School has been whatever. Once in a while someone will make fun of me because I'm small, and some students don't pay attention to class."
"What? How dare they? Who are these impudent imbeciles that don't pay attention to Roxy's lessons. I'll teach a lesson so the only thing they'll say from then on is [JesusBABUCHAAAHHH]." [1]
Roxy bows lightly, a little shocked.
Feeling a little embarrassed, she plays with her hair.
How nice.
Having Rudi respect you so much. It makes me jealous.
"Well, there's one thing I'm worrying about..."
"Go ahead."
"That thing, I want to be sure before I announce it."
"... Then I look forward to it."
Ah, I think, I know what Roxy was going to say. Now that she mentioned it, her body has been acting strange recently.
Maybe I should prepare to congratulate her soon? No, she needs to confirm it still.
"Sylphy."
"What is it, Rudi?"
Suddenly getting asked, I try my hardest to look cute by tilting my head. Rudi's eyes focus slightly below my head, good, operation successful!
"Recently, em... Lucy, how is she?"
"Doesn't Rudi check up on her often? She's doing well?"
"She hasn't suddenly started yelling [I am my own Lord throughout heaven and earth.] [2] or anything like that right?"
"Heaven... What? Ah, but Lilia-san said she'll start to crawl very soon."
"Oh."
All thanks to Lilia-san, parenting has been going smootly.
Even though Ariel-sama has said to leave the child care to the maids, and that mothers don't need to be involved. But grandma said to give as much loving care with my own two hands as possible.
So I have been following grandma's advice. Rudi seems to want me to take good care of Lucy, so I will.
"Sylphy, anything in particular that's bothering you recently?"
"No, but if I can be honest, it's that my husband seems to be hiding something."
I finally said it, but I feel like I didn't say it well.
"Oh, ohh, sorry."
Rudi looks visibly shaken, sheepishly averts his eyes.
So he's hiding something.
But would he tell...
Right then, Rudi recovers.
Looking focused.
In these moments, Rudi looks so cool...
"That's actually what I asked you to come for today. That was it."
I sit back straight and stop unbuttoning my gown.
Roxy while puzzled also straightens up.
"Em.. Next, I don't know how I say this but... a few days ago, I met someone."
"Someone?"
"Yes, a miko that can predict the future... someone like that."
What Rudi said next even made us sense the impending crisis.
How a bad person has been eyeing Rudi and the family (us).
How that bad person might cause all sorts of misfortune on the family (us).
How because of that, Rudi might start doing many things that look very strange to us.
Honestly speaking, I'm worried that he's over thinking it, but Rudi seems to have some definite proof. He must have thought about the situation before talking to us, about what he can say, about what he can't.
Even though some of this doesn't make sense, but it'll be too late once something happens. I can understand Rudi's thought process here.
"I see. Then, is there anything we can do to help?"
"Not that there isn't, but for me, I just want you to stay as safe as possible."
That again, recently that's all Rudi says. When did this start... Was it when Paul-san passed away?
I know he's just worrying about us, but isn't he being too protective? I'm not a kid that can't do anything anymore...
"But what if Rudi faces danger while we're not looking?"
"It's too early to tell, but it's possible?"
"I don't want that..."
Rudi was hit hard during the Atofe fight.
Even though Rudi is strong, he doesn't actually enjoy battle.
Even though he still traveled far and wide, fighting, dying...
Even though I don't want to, I can only stay home and wait for Rudi, comfort him, encourage him...
Ugh-.
"I understand."