Leon Greyrat: The Second Son - Mushoku Tensei OC

Chapter 59 - A Proper Send-Off (R-18)

— Eris Greyrat —

It was currently dusk, and with the sun lowering over the magic city, I swung my sword down yet again, the rhythmic sound of air parting from the blade calming my mind.

Usually, when I swung my sword, I did so for the purpose of training. But right now, I was simply doing it to think.

I didn't like thinking.

It was usually annoying, and with Leon by my side, there was no real need to, but for this... I needed to think.

After all, this was about me, and only me.

I couldn't rely on anyone else.

The reason I was thinking so hard was the same reason I had been somewhat avoiding Leon lately, instead using the time to train and, more often than not, think, like now.

Leon's mothers... Zenith and Lilia... should I go with him to help?

I remembered them quite fondly from my time in Buena Village.

After all, before my parents' change, they were the only sources of familial warmth I had ever felt.

And that, paired with them bringing so much happiness to Leon, as well as that the fact that they would soon be my mothers-in-law, it was obvious that they were important to me.

But... should I go get them?

I was conflicted.

Especially after hearing about the shorter journey and their new plan.

But, past wanting to... would I even be useful?

I knew Leon was stronger than me, and with his magic and mind, he was more useful for almost everything too.

At least before, I could justify joining him by being someone to lean on and sharing his burdens.

After all, for a proper night shift, you needed two people to exchange duties.

But now... with Rudy and his girlfriend going along... Leon could lean on them.

Besides, while not as good as me in a fight, they were quite strong themselves, and Rudy had magic even Leon couldn't perform.

So... was I even needed?

I knew what I wanted.

I wanted warm family time.

I wanted more of those warm, pleasant, giddy feelings I had come to adore thanks to Leon's love.

And I didn't want to part with them, obviously, even for a moment.

But more than momentarily parting with them... I was more fearful of losing them entirely.

Not like I nearly did on that day.

I still remember it clearly.

The overwhelming power of the Dragon God, the sight of Leon's arm flying through the air, the feeling of his blood running through my hands as I tried to stem his bleeding in futility... I remember it all.

It came up in my nightmares, and while Leon would hold me gently, rocking me back to sleep as he calmed me down with cuddles and kisses... they still never left my mind.

I know Norn also remembered it clearly as well, and I could tell there was a deep rage hidden beneath those wide, innocent-looking blue eyes, but I... just couldn't feel the same.

I was angry at Orsted, of course.

I was enraged at him for nearly taking away my world, but more than that... I felt rage toward myself.