The next morning at breakfast, Zenith looked at Allen in shock.
The boy sitting at the table had freshly washed hair. His soft brown locks now slightly covered his neatly trimmed eyebrows. He also wore a pair of black rectangular glasses—with the lenses removed, but at a glance, it was hard to tell.
His clothes were now a loose set from Paul, with a low collar that gave him a lazy appearance.
Allen smiled warmly at the family across the table.
His entire demeanor had shifted from sharp and intimidating to gentle and approachable.
He nodded in thanks to Lilia, who was dutifully standing off to the side, not eating with the family.
"Thank you."
Lilia blinked.
Last night, Allen had knocked on her door, asking for a pair of glasses, claiming his face might be too scary for Rudeus. Though confused, she gave him an old unused pair.
Now it looked... surprisingly fitting.
"You're welcome. They suit you."
Allen smiled again and nodded inwardly.
This should be better. He'd spent quite a while in front of the mirror last night modifying his look. Hopefully, it would make Rudeus less scared of him...
Wait, why does this feel like I'm playing a galgame?
He glanced toward Rudeus—
Rudeus looked horrified, then quickly ducked his head and started devouring his food.
Pervert in disguise!
Allen's smile twitched.
Paul, on the other hand, was staring at Allen's glasses, then at his exposed chest muscles, then at Lilia, nodding approvingly.
[Congratulations, host. You've gained more affection from Paul.]
Allen swatted away the system text with his spoon and scooped up a mouthful of soup.
This is ridiculous.
Throughout the morning, Allen kept hovering near Rudeus. At lunch, he even used the Franklin effect—"accidentally" dropping his spoon and asking Rudeus to pick it up.
He made a serious face as he expressed his gratitude.
But Rudeus, upon seeing that expression, reacted as though he had seen Dragon God Orsted early—a mix of horror and disbelief.
In the afternoon, Rudeus didn't even return home, skipping sword training entirely.
Instead, Paul enthusiastically challenged Allen to a real man's one-on-one fencing match.
By evening, Rudeus finally returned, and Paul, having thoroughly enjoyed their match, didn't even check whether Allen had fulfilled his teaching duties.
That night, as the system joyfully announced another affection boost from Paul, Allen fell into a despair-filled sleep.
The next day, Paul once again invited Allen to spar.
Unable to refuse, Allen agreed.
This time Rudeus stayed home.
But the problem was, the match went on for the entire day.
Allen noticed that Paul's swordsmanship had clearly improved after living in the countryside for so long.
That night, Allen collapsed into bed, exhausted.
What is my life right now?
On the third day, there was finally a breakthrough.
Rudeus could no longer avoid his sword teacher, and after observing Allen for two days, he realized that Allen's intimidating face didn't mean he was a bully from his past life.
But the affection still hadn't been earned—Rudeus now simply viewed him as a stranger.
That afternoon's training was a chance.
However, an unexpected mishap occurred—Rudeus lost grip of his wooden sword. Paul, who had been frowning nearby, suddenly jumped in.
He picked up the sword and began brawling with Allen!
Allen looked at Rudeus in horror, only to see the boy watching Paul with starry eyes—like a god had descended.
Then Rudeus turned and ran into the house, only to come out moments later with a plant encyclopedia and run off to play.
By evening, the system informed Allen that he had improved the bond between Rudeus and Paul, rewarding him with +5 points to his Mushoku Tensei Event Participation score.
That night, Allen smacked himself in the face and swore: he would complete the Rudeus affection quest tomorrow!
Allen, how far have you fallen!?
Day four.
Sword training.
By evening, Allen sat gloomily at the table, staring into his food like his soul had left his body.
[Rudeus Countdown: 9:16:47]
[Hang in there, host. At this rate, Paul is going to propose to you.]
Allen slammed his face into the bowl.
Zenith looked at him in concern.
"Are you alright, Allen? Are you feeling unwell?"
I feel very unwell. At this rate, I'll become your mistress before Lilia does.
Allen lifted his face from the bowl, forced a twisted smile.
"No, it's nothing. The food is delicious. I really like it."
"Really?! Darling, Allen's been praising my cooking every day!"
Paul nodded with approval.
"He also often praises my swordsmanship."
Bro, don't do this. You're scaring me.
Allen clutched his forehead and looked at Rudeus, who was still eating.
The boy seemed to sense Allen's gaze and looked up with a mischievous grin.
Allen sighed and nodded at him.
Then Paul suddenly spoke.
"Rudeus, I've noticed you've been a bit careless with your sword practice lately."
Rudeus's eyes lit up. He glanced quickly at Allen, seeming to understand the cue. Then he said:
"Father, actually, Allen-sensei is really good at swordsmanship. But I think my talents lie more in magic. And with the weather warming up, I've been fascinated by all the growing plants. I can't help but want to go out and identify them using my encyclopedia. I'm sorry."
Allen was moved. That was unexpectedly considerate.
[Reversal! Rudeus has gained affection from the host!]
Damn it. Let me die. Right now.
Paul rubbed his chin and looked up at the ceiling. After a pause, he said something shocking.
"To be honest, I didn't think so before, but now that Allen's here... I really do think you're not suited for swordsmanship."
Allen turned to Paul in horror.
Bro, don't ruin this for me! My affection score's hanging by a thread!
Steam rose rapidly from the food.
[You have successfully gained Rudeus's affection. Time taken: 86 hours and 31 seconds. Evaluation: Narrow escape. Sharp angle. Paul is truly a man you can entrust your life to.]
[Poison-cleansing magic slot unlocked.]
Allen stared at Rudeus in disbelief. The boy gave him a thankful look, then widened his eyes innocently and faced Paul.
Then came the finishing blow:
"Then Father, may I reduce sword practice time and focus on magic instead? I think physical training is enough—I'm not really suited for swordsmanship, right?"
Paul blinked and instinctively looked at Allen.
Allen's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish.
Rudeus, that was some next-level manipulation. I give up. But Paul—why are you looking at me!? Shouldn't you be discussing this with your wife!?
(End of Chapter)
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