Mushoku Tensei: Moving Forward

I was chastised.

You really can’t argue with pregnant women. Even when you’re right, their right, and nothing you can say can convince them otherwise. Or rather I'm not suicidal to try. I suppose. Not knowing what I did, I followed her whims.

I mean I did, as she gave me quite a lengthy explanation, but I didn't see it as a big deal. Saying; 'I'm too young to be flirting,' and 'Didn't I tell you not to go acting like your father,' or my personal favorite; 'Why are you latching onto another woman!' She chastised thoroughly from several different angles. As in her words I: 'shouldn't be playing with Maiden's hearts.'

Great parenting! I approve!

...I just wish it didn't came at my expense.

...you know... it was just some light teasing... couldn't you go easy on me?

I suppose she listened to the whims of my heart for going easy as she did.

I am now gardening.

...you know, I heard your earlier conversation right?

Taking a moment to figure out what she wanted to do with me, she thought it over only a moment, before she disappeared out the house door, and came back with a shovel and apron at tow.

I think she's still messing with me.

“...this reminds me of the time Anise used to help me out in our garden back home," Zenith reminisces. "'though, I'd suppose I be Anise in this scenario, and you'd be me," she carries on, a hint of humor in her voice as she recalls her past.

Yup~

As you would expect.

Zenith wins.

I'm still being punished, but it most certainly don't feel like it. Feeling a lot like our family outings, it feels like we're just hanging out, except without the inclusion of certain baggage.

*cough* Paul *cough*

Hmm... that's funny. I felt like mentally coughing for some reason.

In any case...

“I remind you of a cute blonde?" I jest.

“You are a cute blonde,” She does the same.

“I prefer handsome.”

“Suuureee you are sweetie~" She pinches my cheek, wiggling it to her amusement. "You're my most handsome man in the village~”

Careful now, I bite.

Also… Is that sarcasm I hear? Hmph, woman clearly doesn’t understand my own appeal. I’ll have you know I'm a true harem protagonist down to my soul. Do you know what I can do with my hands? Ask Lilia!

Please don't.

“Don’t you mean world?” I pushed her hand lightly, as I tended to my cheek.

Love hurts.

“Of course~” she kissed it. “The Latreia family is the most beautiful family in all of Millis. And Rudy did inherit my genes, and… your father’s couldn’t have hurt, sooo..." a kittenish smile blossoms upon her as her inner self leaks out. "Aren't you a lucky one~"

"I saw what you did there. Miss let me compliment myself as I compliment you."

"What's not to compliment? Have you met me?" She tilts her chin high.

The vanity!

Although I agree, but that's besides the point. She's simply having fun, and theirs no need to ruin that. Planting, working, and making quips at each other's expanse, we're enjoying spring in every sense, and I don't mind it one bit. It's the first time in a long time, it's been us, just us, and no one else. Paul, infidelity, existentialism, its all tossed to the side as we take a moment to ourselves.

Honestly... she just wanted an excuse. And frankly... so did I.

...

...maybe we're both a little awkward?

...

Nah, just my imagination.

In any case... a light 'punishment,' was just what I needed. It's as nostalgic as it is therapeutic, and I wouldn't mind a repeat. Even if my cheeks are a little sore, but that's besides the point. Simply stopping to smell the roses does the soul good.

Speaking of...

I looked into the hole where the freshly laid remains of plants, roses included, lay.

Yeah... I dropped the ball on that one. Specifically... the freshly laid roses, or what's left of them.

Sorry...

Back during the carefree days. Back when Lilia and I were ambiguous. Back when Zenith and I were more awkward then a pair of teenagers in a ballroom dance. We were testing the waters figuring out how to dance around each other. Tiptoeing carefully, dipping our toes, as if testing the deep ends of a pool, we took a while to figure it out.

It was a short time, an awkward time, but fun nonetheless.

Then the seasons changed, and we needed to put everything on hold. Needing to store away her babies, read: Plants, away before they wither and die. Some were stored in the attic. Some in her bedroom. And some, many, were laid by the windows, windows barred of course, sprucing up the place, and being easily accessible for an easy feeding. and then there was... my room. Sprucing up my room, a good portion of them were placed their for decoration and nurture.

There was just one problem.

I haven't slept in that room for several months.

Yeah... putting things out of sight, out of mind, I thoughtlessly left them to their fate. Joining Zenith for the warm winter, I completely forgot about them.

And leave anything unattended to for too long, and you get... mulch.

…sorry.

Needless to say I didn't fight too hard, or at all, when the Idea of gardening was proposed.

But I did think I was a dead man.

Funny enough though, she wasn’t too angry. Less infuriated, and more peeved, she looked downright adorable, with her puffy cheeks puffed out, and her hands at her hips. In fact... I'd call her cute if I wasn't sure I'd get hit for it.

Still tempting though.

I'll do it privately.

In any event, Lilia was the true MVP of the day.

Working in the background, tending to the garden, she revived several plants under our noses while we were still stuck with our everyday worries. Keeping on, carrying on, she took care of Zenith's 'babies' along with the rest of the household duties.

However... there was one caveat.

She only saved the plants in my room once she was brave enough to enter.

Yeah... although made of stronger stuff then I and Zenith, she's as much in the same boat as the rest of us. As such, she didn't dare enter my room in the early weeks less the situation become more... awkward. Hence sealed rooms remain sealed rooms until the hatchet was buried, but by then a good third of her garden had died.

Yeah... the dutiful maid is not to be underestimated.

“Where is she anyway?”

Zenith tilts her head. “Oh, you mean Lilia. She’s cleaning after us for the time being. We spilled quite a bit dirt on our way here, and she said it would be a good time to do some spring cleaning. Sooo…” she rubs her shoulder next to mine, tilting her head playfully. “It’s just you and me. And a few of my babies. Care for a flower handsome?" She passes a plant over.

You still acting like this is a punishment.

“I see. Well, spending your time with a blonde beauty isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon.”

“Aww! Rudy~” she starts ruffling my hair.

“I was talking about myself.”

“Snort, of course you would. And you say I'm cheeky.” Zenith says.

“I learned from the best!”

“Ha ha…” She brings a hand over her mouth. Not denying it.

Not that I dislike it.

“So mother’s family is filled with beauties and handsomes?”

“Yup! The Latreia family is quite popular.”

Doubt. That feels like the generic one liner anyone would say about their family. I never heard of a family member that willingly said; ‘Oh by the way everyone in my family is a pair of Ugos.’

Then again if they did, they wouldn’t be family.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“As you should. Now get to digging young man."

“Of course of course, my lady. ‘Tis every desire is what I live for,” parting the dirt, I used the hand shovel to start making room and parting the earth.

“I know.”

I froze at that. Stopping to look at her incredulously, she catches my eye, and we stop to look at each other as the world freezes.

""...""

Right before...

““Pff-ha ha...””

...bursting into laughter.

“And you say I get carried away,” I say.

“That's my line! ‘My lady?’ What are you even saying? I thought you hated that kind of thing."

“I do. I like to make fun of it.”

“Suuure you do, and that’s why you’re so good at it,” she raises an eyebrow, her kittenish smile returning.

I resent that. It just so happens that I came from a world where cliches like that are as comical as they're outdated. Sadly, I could not say.

“What can I say, I do my homework,” taking out the plant from its pot, I redoubled my duties, all the while thinking the obvious. "Why can’t I use magic again?" I kept moving the dirt, as instructed, but all the while thinking this would be easier if magic wasn't banned.

“Because it’s cheating, and it would shorten our mother/son bonding time.”

“So we're not even gonna pretend you're trying to monopolize me?”

“Like you don’t like it. Mama's your favorite.”

Wow… the arrogance of her. I mean you're not wrong, but still! You're in my top three. It's a three way tie for first place!

“That’s quite a proclamation you made. I’m tempted to go and play with Sylphiette just to prove you wrong.”

“That’s fine. Sylphy can be your number two, but I’m number one,” closing her eyes, she wags her index finger as if she’s teaching a lesson.

In her mind she probably is.

“I’m the one that decided it, therefore that’s how it is,” she says.

“Hahhh… to think I've gotten used to your lack of common sense.”

“I don’t want to hear that from Mr-No, Mrs. Princess of evil. Ah, you were so cute back then.” She wraps her arms around herself, hugging an imaginary person(me). “Why did you have to get rid of the dress? You made such a pretty girl.”

"Ha! Like hell! I wasn't gonna give you any more artillery so you can use against me. I do have some pride."

"You do?!"

"I'll bite you!"

"And I'll punish you for it!"

"...you're so lucky your number one."

"I know~"

I kept digging for a while as she stared at me wistfully.

Please stop that.

"Rudy... you have really fair skin..."

"I'm leaving."

I stood to leave, before her hands wrap around my waist. “Sorry, sorry. I'll tease you less. Don't blame your mother for being adorable."

Who are you calling adorable you adorable mess?

Looks like she too forgot that this was a punishment.

Nah! That ship has long set sail.

“A little appreciation would be nice,” I sigh, kneeling back down. “I don’t remember you being this… lively, before.”

“I’ve always been lively sweetheart, you’ve just been too busy to notice, and by the time you did notice, well… those weren’t my lively days."

Argh, I put my foot in my mouth.

“Zenith-”

She flicks my forehead.

Sasuke?!

“Mama. And no, none of that. You're thinking something stupid. Stop that, this is Mama's time, and,” she hands me a small hand rake, “we have work to do. We want this garden to be as lively and as beautiful as me.”

“You want to build a forest?!”

Flick. She flicks me again.

“Why?! That was a compliment!”

“Then make it sound like one.”

“Roses are red, violets are blue! You tease me too much, so I shall too!"

"Mhou, Rud-"

"But!" I interjected, before she could finish, my voice turning faint. "...I love that about you..."

"..."

She blinks a couple times owlishly as she processes what I said. Turning her head away, she parts her hair in a way only she can, and hides her face away from me. “ ...that’s acceptable…” a faint whisper coming from her.

Eh? That good? I just kinda winged it. Wait… what is her experience with poetry?

“He’s going to be a lady killer when he grows up,” she mutters under her breath.

Eh? Really? I hope so. Maybe I can be a Harem protagonist?

“Now enough sweet talk,” she turns to me, patting my back, “back to work.”

Maybe not.

“Hai~”

She tilts her head at me.

“That means yes,” I look despondently to the earth below me.

Sylphy… you’re the only one that gets me.

“I always wondered what you were saying... Rudy always making up his own language-oh!” she claps her hands. “That reminds me, once my sister and I found a book about the beastman language, and we were feeling annoyed with mother and father, and we decided to make up our own language, in protest.”

“You, don’t say.”

“Really! Oh, and don’t forget the water. Yes, me and Therese were going through a…”

She’s on a roll.

///

Continuing on, rolling on, I let her win before I doubled my attention on gardening instead.

You can’t win against her, not even going to try.

Zenith's supremacy is foreseen.

Stuck in my little ditch I reminisced of the last time we did this. Digging and frolicking less playing and more teaching our relationship back then was less mother and child and more student and disciple. We had a hard time figuring each other out. Pleasant but peaceful, it took a while for it to become what it is.

“...unfortunately brother also knew Beast language, and knew exactly what we said, so he commissioned a tutor to give us a better understanding of the language… after he told mother and father… the lessons came out of my allowance…”

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Reminiscing and planting, she speaks her mind absentmindedly, her hands going through the motions, while the smile on her face never once fades.

I think I'm a fool.

I was worried for the longest time over trivial things, but when I look up the answer was staring me right in the face.

Unhappy? What was I on? It's as clear as day to anyone that can see that she's happier she's ever been.

Childish, teasing, headstrong, and a little awkward at times, Zenith is a lot of things, but a mystery was never one of them. I think in all my lessoning, and distracting, I forgot one simple thing. I forgot to look up.

I need to get my head out of my ass, and look at her more.

Privately that is.

If she catches me looking one more time, and gives me that knowing look, I'll blush again in frustration. Again.

I want to win too, you know!

I peek at her.

Going through the motions, she continues recalling tales of her past as she lays her 'babies' to rest.

You know... I love your stories as much as the next guy, but even I have my limits. I have to concentrate a little.

Lost in her own little world I'm the only one focused on gardening. I don't have the green thumb she has, and as such must give it all my attention, less I mess up. Again.

Keeping to her instructions I made sure all the seedlings were properly placed. Some of them required special care, some of them required more room to grow, and some being medical herbs, all needed to be placed in their proper areas to receive proper care. Turns out this garden was divided into many sections separating the 'lively ones' from common ones, so no plant can overgrow, and hamper the growth of the other.

If nothing else the Mulch I created would at least make good fertilize-

Wait a minute…

“Snff, snff,” I sniff my hands.

Hmm... that's good, they don’t smell.

“Rudy what are you doing?”

Now you decide to pay attention to me?

“Nothing, just checking something. What’s next?” Looking around us I can see no more plants around us. It’s time to call it a day.

“What’s next is Mama’s magic touch?”

"Mama’s magic what? What are-" I stop as I see her pose. Kneeling down, and praying, her eyes are closed in peaceful contemplation.

…Is she?

“Oh merciful mother of gods, please nourish these one's youngs, and let them grow with healthy bodies to heal healthy bodies!"

“...isn’t that?”

“HEALING X!”

And a moment later I feel the mana coursing through. The land, the air, their is a veritable explosion of mana as I feel the waves of mana flowing around me. With her at the epicenter, the storm wallows around her, flowing into her garden. The ground is enchanted now, I can even see the green.

The freshly laid plants are blooming.

“Whew,” whipping off a bead of sweat off her brow, she stands up with a smile on her face, “all done. It’s too bad I forgot my stave, but oh well, maybe next time,” she turns to me, “right Rudy? Anyways, let’s go home.”

“Chotto-matte!” I Interrupt her. “Hold your pretty little horses right there one moment,” I grabbed her, holding her in place, by both arms.

Seriously you-that! What the hell just happened?

It was a complete and total accident, and she just… she just, as naturally as she breathed… blew my mind.

Isn’t that a variation of my mana echo technique? How?!

“You, talk now.”

“...is something wrong Rudy?” Tilting her head, she looks at me quizzically.

“No, I’d say everything is right. In fact it’s perfect! Now please explain.”

“Explain? Explain what?”

“That!” I point to the now vibrant garden before us. Ignoring the fact that I'm not allowed to use magic, I want to know what she just did. All of it. If I didn’t know any better... that looked a lot like mana echo. Her mana went through the ground, and just nourished through.

No, more important than that.

Her mana just flowed through the whole garden in one fell swoop! Do you know how hard that is?! It didn’t even look like she hit any resistance. At the very least work up a sweat!

My mana technique doesn't work like that! I have to plow through the earth, not just... whatever that was.

Still slightly muddled, she turns her head looking at her handiwork, then back to me, wondering what I was talking about. “I thought you already know healing magic?”

“Heali- That's not-" I stop to gather myself. "I do... I do... But… that… argh... how?”

“Oh? Oh. Ohhhh!” Her mouth and eyes open wide, as she gets what I’m trying to say.

That makes one of us.

“You mean my magic touch,” she stated.

“Yes that. Please that. Explain that.”

“Weeeelll, you see-” she kneels down, in seiza, and starts patting a patch of grass beside her, inviting me to sit.

I eagerly obliged.

Zenith Sensei please explain.

“Well you see Rudy, you know how healing magic nourishes correct?”

“...yeah?”

“Well, one day I was caring for my garden as usual, when momma messed up, and didn’t realize a young tree had grown beside a few saplings, it ate a little too much and killed many of the saplings, blocking the sun and stealing their blessings. So I had to move it away, and take care of the little ones before they completely died off. Soooo…” she clapped her hands, “trying to keep them alive as best I could I casted a little healing magic, and… kind of over did it.” She scratches at her cheek. “I healed the plants, the plants around them, and even the tree, and… not only did they grow back, they were more healthy then before. Amazing right!” She turns to me her eyes beaming, and a coquettish smile gracing her face. “He he, my babies came back to life.”

“H-Hai…” I muttered. “Very amazing…”

By complete accident she managed to do something completely absurd.

How the hell did she do it?

By my experience, it should not have been that easy. Putting mana into the ground is not something as simple as that. Both me and Sylphy can attest to that.

It looks like mana echo, but it clearly can’t be.

“You… are you a genius?”

“Heh heh~” a smug smile appears on her face, as she straightens her posture, and raises her chin.

“Mom.”

“Yes Rudy?”

“Can you please make me your disciple?”

And so on this day Rudeus the gardener will become Rudeus the priest.

///

“Okay, so it’s like that. Got it?”

“Got it.”

I didn’t get a single thing.

Forget what I said. I won’t go becoming a man of the cloth any time soon, or ever.

Things did not go as expected.

Story of my life.

What followed after our little gardening stint was pretty much Zenith preaching to me. Quoting to me from the good book, or whatever Millis was written on, she pretty much preached to me for at least thirty minutes. How Millis died so we could live. How she teaches benevolence to our fellow man. How all things are possible to those who believe. How mankind wouldn't have made it to the current era without her deeds. Etc. etc.

She gave a sermon.

It's funny, I've interacted with her plenty of times, but in actuality it's only been a few months, and so small things about her escape still escape me. Like, apparently, how pious she is. I mean, I knew, but I didn't. I didn't think it was to that extent. The mystery of Zenith continues to allude me. Calling her a saint takes on a whole different meaning.

In essence; magic is based on faith.

I want to face palm.

She wanted them to heal, so they were healed. That is all.

How the hell was I supposed to use that?!

What she said simply didn't correlate. Working under a complete different set of principles then my own, she did something completely different. There was no healing of tendons. No shooting your magic. No pressuring. No concentration. No control. No disconcerting. No, none of what I would consider common sense was anywhere to be found.

It’s just faith, and feel.

My fucking God. No, wait a minute… My fucking Millis!

Seriously?! Feel!

I can’t deny the results. They're literally being shown in front of me.

But I simply can’t do that. It’s impossible for me.

Hahh... Logic is nowhere to be found in a fantasy world...

Still though, impossible or not, I took note of it.

Healing trivia number... etc! Faith is incredibly useful for healing magic.

…and everything associated with it.

What is this harry potter?

To a degree I was already aware of this. I just didn’t think the effects of faith extended this much. The things I do; Water Ball, Fireball, and the like are proof of that. With every time I cast them, a modicum of faith being used. For example, I am aware of the scientific process behind the spells I used, at least most of them, healing... alludes me at times, but that doesn't mean I know everything.

I was not a scientist. I can not see the molecules move. I cannot feel the compounds. I can't a lot of things, so when I cast a Water Ball or a Fireball, more often then not I find myself ignoring the process of condensation or friction. I simply don't need to. Thinking about said things does give them a little 'oomph,' I can literally feel the heat of a fireball be much higher then when I don't, but ultimately it's superfluous.

That’s not the only instance.

Gravity, Inertia, tend to ignore my castings. With every spell I cast tending to hover in place before release. Wave it around, and it even follows you. Hell, Sylphiette doesn't even have an understanding of gravity, and her spells tend to dance in the wind as it follows her.

Conclusion; A mental image is key.

Honestly, it should have been obvious, but... not once did I actually 'think' to defy gravity. That was simply my unconscious thought. That was simply my unconcious casting. I simply imagined my spell to be, and therefore it was.

And Zenith does the same. Apparently.

The wonders of magic I suppose.

Now… How do you teach that?

Conclusion... You don’t.

“I give up…” I muttered. Throwing my hands in the air, letting myself collapse. My mind more tired than my body. It simply wanting to graze in the grass. “Ma… let’s take a break…”

“Hmm? Sure, want to go inside? I’m sure Lilia’s done cleaning by now.”

“No… I think I’ll just lay by the tree…” I sigh. “or something…”

“He he he…” she pokes my cheek with her finger. “Rudy is so lazy.”

…I wonder if she’ll slap me if I throw a Waterball at her? Gently of course.

…nah, too much trouble. Too tired. To drained. Too tired to play around.

“Ma, let’s go over there,” moving to a sitting position I pointed to her favored tree. “It has good shade, and... I think we're done."

Please?

“Sure,” reaching down she takes my hand into hers before guiding me along to her favored tree. The original baby.

“How you doing?” I made some small talk as we traced our way along the wall.

"Dirty."

"Not what I mean."

“I know. I’m good, sweetheart. Just a little stiff around the shoulders. Today was more work than I expected.”

“I told you we didn’t have to do the whole garden in one breath.”

“I just kind of lost track of time,” she scratched at her cheek.

“Yeah, I noticed.”

Looking at her hand I’m holding I can’t help but think that being a child has it's moments.

“This is nice.”

“Yes it is.”

“Should we sit?”

“That is usually how people rest.”

Still rolling I see. So much teasing.

In any case, I stop her, throwing a palm to get my meaning, before I wipe the ground before us, and sit against her favored tree first, and signal her to sit down. "Come. Sit," I open up my arms in invitation.

She raises a brow, but nothing more.

“...you’re acting spoiled now,” she sits down slowly, and leans her back into my open arms, before I envelop her. “Why the sudden tone shift?”

“I’m tired.”

You wear me out!

"That's a first."

"Congratulations, you're number one..."

...in exhausting me.

“And…” wrapping my hands around her body, I let them slide into place, as I rest them over her belly. “I just thought this would be the best way to recover. You're a mama now, times two, and you shouldn’t put any pressure on your baby bump, besides… I'm more comfortable to lean against than any rigid old tree.”

“Well aren’t you attentive,” she caresses my hand. “Thank you.”

“I’m also cuddly.”

“Pff- is that right? Says who?”

“I believe her name was… Zenith Greyrat…”

She turns her head to the side, giving me a glance, before shaking her head silently. “You sure do remember the most useless of things don’t you?”

“Only when it’s convenient.”

I was right. This was just what I needed.

All the mental exhaustion just pours out of me when I'm with her.

Priceless.

So Zenith was my charger all along, who knew?

“Hey mom, let’s talk.”

“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing?”

So much cheek on her.

Screw it. Exhausted or not. I'm having a little petty fun at her expanse. Just a little. With my arms still around her, I let one of them slide up, and pinch her right cheek. Pulling it as she did mine an hour ago.

“So much cheek.”

“Ruuudyyy, let go,” she playfully slaps at my hand.

“Hai!”

She turns her head once more to look at me with mild displeasure. Emphasis on mild.

I know your looks you know? You can't fool me with Fake anger anymore. It only makes you cuter.

“What did I say about playing with women Rudy? I’ll get angry.”

“Sorry,” I kissed her. The very same way she did as well. “Just a little bit of petty fun. You know... like you’ve been having with me.”

“...I’ll forgive it this once,” she turns away, hiding her face from me.

I still caught the rosy red in her cheeks though. So I know she's having as much fun as I am.

Or it could be because I pinched her there...

Could be~

Regardless, she’s doing wonders for my stress.

“Hai hai. I thank you for your benevolence, my queen.”

“You're forgiven," she closes her eyes, tilting her chin high.

Ah, there she goes again.

Well, not that I mind. A proud Zeny is a cute Zeny.

But she’s definitely going to take me for all I’m worth if I'm not careful.

Note for the future.

“Now what did you want to talk about?” She asks.

Oh that's right…

“Just…” I rubbed her belly.

Before I go to sleep theirs one worry I want to lay to rest.

“How is the baby? I know we've talked about it a little, but... it's the final months, and... I'm wondering if you're okay. I heard second pregnancies are easier, but... you know..." I trailed off.

I can’t forget about Norn after all.

“Hmm,” she turns, and gives me a curious look, pausing a minute, before facing forward again. “Yeah... I know. I'm great actually. Better than I've ever been. I had a lot of worries the first time around, me and your father, but now..." she wraps herself tightly in my embrace. "I'm peachy. It's funny... I didn't think I would feel like this. With the way everything's been I thought for sure I would struggle, that we would be running around with our heads cut off. And screaming, definitely a lot of screaming, but... it's been nothing like I expected," she pats my hand gently. "In many ways..." she leans back into me, “a charming prince coming to my rescue. A charming maid, turned sister. It's all so... fantastical. If it wasn't so absurd I'd think I was dreaming, but theirs's no way I could dream this. I'm so lucky to have you here dear."

“I haven’t really done much for you though.”

“Not true,” she interrupts. “You’ve been my pillar. I don’t know if you know how important that is, but if it wasn’t for you… I don’t know… dealing with your father... Lilia... it would have been… well I don’t think we would have ever seen Lilia or Paul ever again.”

Scary.

“I’d even say… my family might have ended that night. Just,” she turns briskly, and gives me a quick peck on the cheek. “Thank you for being here.”

Leaning into her, I rest my chin on her shoulder, before adjusting my arm and wrapping her closely, bringing her torso into me. “...right back at you…” I whispered to her ear.

Things aren’t ideal. This isn’t your typical family, but… as long as she’s smiling.

I could...

“Are you happy?” I muttered.

I just need to hear her say it.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she turns to me, a smile spreading on her face, “I... am… absolutely…” she reaches for me, her hand grabbing my neck, gently pulling on me, as her breath tickles my ear, a faint word coming out, “ecstatic...”

Smooch.

And kissing me for good measure.

Then... if only for a second... time slips, as the faint touch of her lips fades...

Sliding away, I catch her eye, and... a look I couldn't describe is upon her.

"I'm the happiest I've ever been."

"..."

I stopped working at that second.

…I can not see my face, but I am sure it is red.

“I’m glad you were born.”

Wow… she is so…

“Wow…”

Have her eyes always been this blue?

Ba-dump.

Shit.

No good. No good no good no good. I’m no good right now. I’m too close. Need to distract. Need to…

Perhaps it’s the lighting… perhaps it’s the exhaustion… perhaps it’s… her… but, I got lost in her eyes once more. Beautiful ceruleans, the color of the sky. Hair blonde as gold, and a smile that dazzles anyone who is lucky enough to catch it.

It’s mesmerizing. She's mesmerizing. It's all...

She is... the centerpiece of this garden. No… our household.

Need to-

“...can I kiss you one more time?” Without thinking the words escape me.

“That's never stopped you before, has it?” Arching her neck to the right, she parts her hair, and gives me a clear shot at the side of her face.

The usual.

…and I hold it for a second or two longer than I’m used to.

This is nice.

Just once. Just once more, before time slips, let me spoiled.

Without any worries, I held her tightly in my arms, both of us content. My heart calming.

This is enough. Just this…

For this peace, I could fight even the world.

///

Lilia [pov]

“Whew… all done.”

The floors are sparkling clean, the wood polished, counters dusted. I would wager this house is cleaner than it was when it was first built. The sun shining through it illuminates everything as the polished floors glisten with my effort. The house now reflecting a proper noble household.

Had I slacken?

No… things were merely… messy, and there was no time to clean. Now there is.

“It is true as they say. Hard work is healing for the soul. Rudy and Zenith will be ecstatic.”

It took longer than expected, but a maid’s work is never done.

After Rudeus’s… faux pas, Madame might have been 'too' excited, to drag him away, and 'punish' him for his transgressions. Dragging him along the stairs, she made a mess of things, as dirt trailed the household. Regardless, it is a maid's duty to clean up after their masters, and clean up I did. Polishing, dusting, organizing, I did everything and anything that my heart entailed, and cleaned up the household, including and not limited to Paul's room as well.

The trash had to be taken out-

Oh, and so did the mess.

Tee-hee?

I jest, but fortunately he wasn't there. Finding it difficult to clean in his presence, at the best of times, I've limited myself to cleaning only when he isn't there. But the man has a habit of kicking up dirt every day, and my time isn't as limit-

Okay that would be a lie.

I simply didn't want to clean before him.

I am Rudeus' maid.

“In any case, Zenith is also my master. I wonder if she's done with all the her fun?”

Before I had resumed my duties, mistress was tempting me with sweet nothings of roping Rudeus into her games, and for a moment, I considered it. However...

"It's been hours madame."

Doing it for hours at a time might be too bold of me.

"She made it clear not to interrupt her 'private time,' but... they couldn't still be at it. Could they?"

With madame it's hard to say, or rather... they both get too caught up in things. Not that I'm reprimanding them. That would be unbecoming of me. Yes, most certainly not.

“I'll gather some towels…”

But being prepared is never wrong.

Striding to the cabinet, I retrieved some towels along with a few refreshments, before walking out the door. All the while a part of me wondering how madame who is one month more foregone than I is as active as she is.

Adventurer's really are something else.

I pondered such a thing as I made it into the garden.

“Young master, Zenith, I have finished all the cleaning if it would be alright for me to I-” I am struck. The words getting stuck in my throat, I pause as I look at them. I am-

“...stunning…”

Captivated.

Under the Madame’s favored tree sleeping bodies lay. Intertwining, intermingling, like a mother and her cub, pure and free of worries I found them sleeping in sweet embrace. The master's dirty blonde, the mother's golden locks, a mess of gold and brown mixing and glistening as their figures reflect a good day's hard work. Like a rose glistening under the morning dew their figures shine in the limelight of noon.

As well as...

The array of flowers blooming between them.

In the middle, where their bodies curve and meet, an array of flowers grow and glow between them, as faint glows of green emanate from them and their fingertips.

The young master, the beautiful Madame… a bed of roses, and the sun's rays blessing them. It was all so... enchanting.

...I felt magic was afoot.

“Spirits... you both are so…” I whispered, before stopping, less I disturb them.

Walking quietly, I strode through the garden, and watched my step so as not to set of sleeping beasts. The towels, and refreshments abandoned, I knelt to their side.

"I suppose I’ll wait."

That too is a maid’s duty.

“...”

…even if it’s lonely.

///

"..."

A few more minutes passed, and It's now been hours since they first left this morning.

“...I wonder how much longer they'll keep me waiting?" It’s only the afternoon, and Paul won’t arrive, but as peaceful as they look...

I peek at them.

Their hands and person are still very much dirty.

"Madame... my apologies... but you'll have plenty of days later on," I confessed, before striding to wake them. It seems I will have to intrude.

A little fun is great, but a lot of fun is an obstruction.

I kneel before them as I gently nudge him, “master… master…”

“Mmn,” he moans, but refuses to wake, moving in his sleep he moves and... rolls his head over, embracing my lap.

“M-M-Mas-” I stuttered, before halting myself as I noticed it’s a mute point. He’s still very much asleep. And using my head as a lap pillow.

"...honestly, you're so..." I look towards Zenith who is very much still asleep. "This is why madame is afraid you'll pull adapt some of Paul's mannerisms," I roam my hand through his hair. "Although... I wouldn't mind, but... be gentler..."

"..."

Naturally he didn't respond.

But quiet moments like these are bliss, as my heart can leak, if only a little, free of consequence.

“This is…” looking towards Zenith it appears she’s also asleep. “There's no one else here…” I look around, and truly there is no one here. Just silence…

“A few more minutes should suffice...” I continued stroking his hair, gently, as he sleeps on my lap. “Until you wake."

“Mmn, Ru…dy… where are you?” A voice whispers.

Turning my head, I see that due to my own intrusion, Zenith has fallen to her side as well. Searching, her hands start roaming, as they unconsciously move about, searching for her cub. She has been using him as her own personal pillow it seems.

How envious…

I think that the madam might have grown a little spoiled, and I might have grown a little envious, but she really is enjoying herself to the fully.

“...and I just getting started.”

Gently laying Rudy’s head to his side, I grab the towel I had prepared, and slide it gently underneath his head, as it would soon be time to awaken.

“Another time Rudy…”

Right now the Madama is struggling to sleep, so I think she takes precedence.

Pleasant partings.

“Mada-” I halt, as I remember the 'new rule.'

“Hahh... Zenith…” I place my hand gently on her hair as I had with her son, and parted it, revealing her ear, and whispering gently on it, “Zenith… it’s time to-”

“Mmh, Rudy~”

Then she captures me.

Eh?

…pulling me in a strong embrace, a faint smell of herbs tickles my nose, as white cloth clouds my vision.

Madame is hugging me to her chest.

Ah. I'm stuck.

No one was hurt, as Zenith is simply holding me. Avoiding her stomach as I'm pulled I managed to stumble, and avoid a precarious fall, however... her hold, unexpectedly strong. I am now her pillow.

…this is… unexpected. Has she woken?

“Rudy…” she whispers, “come back to bed...”

She has not.

“...Hai…”

…Eh?

A male’s voice suddenly appears. Turning its source, all the while still being gripped by Zenith, I see Rudeus crawling his way over.

“R-Rudy?” Despite my shock, I managed to lower my voice into a whisper less I awaken Zenith, and bring attention to this precarious position.

How long has he been awake?!

Locking eyes with him I Immediately got my answer. He hasn't. He's still asleep. Eyes clouded, lethargic crawling, he’s simply acting on instinct, and responding to Zenith's cries. “Rudeus…” I muttered.

Please help me…

I silently plead, trying to look him in the eye.

“...hmm…”

It was a futile endeavor.

“...haven’t dreamed this in a while. How nice…” he says in a daze. Still asleep, he ignores me, crawls his over, and nudges himself behind me, and wraps his arms around me as... he d-did once b-before.

“...R-Rudy…” I whisper, feeling nervous, a faint skip of my heart as his breath tickles my neck.

This is…

“...Lilia…”

“Yes…”

“You smell like lilies…”

“...”

Is this really the time for such things?!

…I want to yell out, but I lost my chance.

Embracing dreamland, Rudeus escapes me once more and falls into a sweet embrace.

The madames’ hold also tightening.

“You two really are..." I look at them both. "How does this happen?”

They really are the same. They are both equally pushy. Both equally 'loving.'

Now enveloped in my master's holds I find it impossible to move. Doing so only helping them as they envelop me even more their hands move about, and snuggling closer. Now Zenith is at my right, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and pressing her chest into the side of my face, and Rudeus is on my left, hugging my waist and resting his head between my chest, as well as his hands, as his breath tickles my skin through a gap in the fabric.

…they really like spooning it seems...

"Well… this too is a maid's duty.”

Although I never expected for Zenith to participate.

Lucky for us no one will be here for several hours, so a little mischief can be forgiven. If only a little.

No one to see us. No one to hear us.

...no one to hear me...

“You two are so incorrigible,” I whisper, under the solace of the young tree’s shade, “...but I don’t dislike it,” reaching out tentatively I move the hands of those that are nearest to me, dearest to me, and place them where they should be placed. One by my head, Zenith’s, and another that is by on top of my breast, Rudeus’s, sliding them together, bringing them together, and pressing them to myself, as I indulge in this silent pleasure.

No one to see us.

I feel I am intruding, but... it's only in moments like this when I can speak.

“I... am glad to be your…” even if I don't know what to speak.

I struggle to find the words. Locked in my heart, and abandoned for so long. My words... betray me...

Maid… servant… family...

I simply am...

“...yours.”

Looking upon his sleeping form I can’t help but feel a sudden wave ease.

"I. Am. Yours. Maid, servant, other, I do not know. I do not deserve, but... so long as you will have me... I will be what you want me to be."

It is my silent prayer.

My happiness is where he is. So long as I can stare at his sleeping form, I'm sure I'll find the words in my heart. A smile spreads across my face.

This is...

“I am yours.”

In this moment of solace… my words go unheard.

I part the hair revealing his brow, before leaning in and kissing it.

Smooch.

“...”

My chest warms. My heart warms. This is where my heart blooms.

Madame was wrong... I don't need to wrap him around my finger... I'd rather be wrapped around his.

Looking upon his sleeping form holding me tightly I feel content.

In another life… we…

“Love you… eternally…” I mutter.

“...love you too Lilia.”

I flinch.

My eyes bulge wide open, as I look at Rudy’s sleeping form. His lips still. His eyes closed. His voice... not that feminine...

I turn slowly behind me.

“hah…” and breathe out a sigh of relief.

It was simply the Madame mumbling in her sleep. Her eyes are closed, her breathing steady. She is still very much locked in slumberland, leaking out her true feelings as I just did.

“...love you too…” a leak is heard as Rudy responds in kind.

“You two…”

So lovable yet so insufferable. It truly runs in the family.

“Just a moment… I’ll rest.”

Closing my eyes, I dream.

///

.

..

...

A simple time came along, born from something long past gone. Never underestimate power strong, for a heart is never wrong. A simple time such as this, came upon a later bliss. As time continues crawling on, rolling on, worries never gone, are... done.

...

The curtain has set upon Greyrat garden.

As their sleeping forms go undisturbed, undeterred. One boy, and two woman go slip into blissful ignorance. With Lilia in the middle, they sleep snuggly without a trace of worry in the world. Minutes turning to hours, hours turning to evenings, and soon the three are a mess of sweat, dirt, and grime, as they roam unconsciously in slumberland's sweet embrace.

"Hahh..."

Among others...

"Hahh... hahh..."

Hands roaming.

"Hmm..."

Rolling...

"Hnn!"

Roaming...

"Mmm..."

They reach for certain things they shouldn't. Both Mother and child. All the while the one sleeping the middle could do little but embrace it.

"Hnn!" A moan escapes her.

'Peaceful' dreams were had all around. In many sense.

Hands breaching as they sleep.

It's funny, it's an unconcious habit they developed from sleeping with each other, that both master and mistress would reach for each other as their hands would reach and move the other where they wanted. Her, bringing him to her chest, and feeling his humble breathing as he sleeps. Him, wrapping his hands around her as he takes in her scent drifintng him into a blissful peace. And both tightly holding on as if afraid the other would somehow slip in their sleep.

Not that one ever did. But unconcious habits are hard to control.

As a certain read head can confess.

"Hahh... Hahh..."

Unsteady breathing, sweating, exposing of skin.... they wore a compromising look if anyone were to see them. Especially Lilia who lies in the middle.

"""..."""

Needless to say they were at a loss for words when they would eventually wake.

"..."

...especially if you were in the middle struggling to breath.

""....""

...or embarrassed of what you just did, and looking down at her all tousled.

Tone legs, splitting threw her seams. Ragged breathing, as her chest rose seductively. A faint trace of saliva... glistening from her corner lip. And a Blouse... thoroughly explored, exposing many parts of skin, including and not limited to the black lace underwear underneath. Her skin fresh as snow glistened head to toe, as proof of her silent... atonement.

"..."

Under different circumstances a certain young master would have happily stared more.

"..."

Under the same the mistress did.

""...""

Staring at each other, they paused unsure what to do.

*Trot*

Until the decision got taken from them, and the sound of hoofs were heard going down the road.

Stumbling over themselves they tried their best to dress without peeking at said person.

.

..

...

"""..."""

One embarrassing dinner later, and their faces were still very red.

The household smelled of Lilies all day.

Please leave comments of your opinions.

Thank you for reading.

...poetry is hard...