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When did I realize that Sylphiette had grown up?
Was it at this very moment? Or was it earlier?
Perhaps it was last winter, after returning from the snowy valley, when Sylphiette's hair had turned white, yet she still softly comforted her mother?
I can't say for sure.
But if I were to peel back the layers and think about it,
it might have something to do with three people. Because over the past two years, the changes in Sylphiette's life have revolved around these three individuals.
The first is Sylphiette's idol, the starting point of her transformation—Allen.
The second is someone Sylphiette deeply respects, the one who poured a ladle of "hot oil" onto that starting point—Roxy.
The third is Rudeus.
Thinking about it this way, I can begin to understand why Sylphiette has become such a strong child.
Why do I say Allen is the starting point? Because he was the one who pulled Sylphiette out of the "mud of the irrigation ditch."
Though it's a bit frustrating to admit that an outsider accomplished something her own parents couldn't, as Sylphiette's father, I can't help but feel a little defeated.
Allen even said her green hair was beautiful?
How clumsy of a sweet talker is he??
Alright, I admit it. I'm just a little jealous.
After all, if someone disliked green hair, why would they approach Sylphiette?
If it weren't for genuinely finding her green hair beautiful, and instead acting out of momentary pity, how could someone persistently protect her so well?
Allen is a good kid.
He even saved my life once.
That was the "starting point."
But to be honest, when Allen first arrived, I often worried that under his protection, Sylphiette might gradually lose her independence.
And for the first two months, it did seem like things were heading in that direction.
Then, Roxy returned.
Of course, I knew her. Rudeus's tutor, a Saint-tier Water Mage.
Over the past two years, she had repeatedly helped the villagers irrigate their fields at a low cost.
Though she was a demon, she was undoubtedly someone worthy of respect, far beyond the reach of a humble hunter like me.
Allen actually knew her? That was unexpected.
And then…
Things took a turn I never anticipated.
At Allen's urging, Sylphiette actually became the disciple of a Saint-tier Mage??
That Roxy??
She became Sylphiette's teacher??
And recently, I heard that Roxy might have already advanced to King-tier in Water Magic.
When I heard this news, I couldn't help but wonder:
Was all of this part of Allen's plan?
Did he deliberately "arrange" all of this to give Sylphiette a better future?
I wasn't there when it happened,
but according to Paul afterward, he was quite impressed with Allen's handling of the situation.
His exact words were:
"Now that's a true Greyrat. Rudeus still has a lot to learn in this regard. Look at Allen's reaction—it really reminds me of my younger self."
That pretty much confirmed it.
This was all part of Allen's "design."
When this thought crossed my mind, even though I had already marveled at it many times, I couldn't help but sigh again.
This kid is really mature.
But even with such careful arrangements, wouldn't it only make Sylphiette more dependent on him?
Then the second variable occurred.
Allen and Roxy disappeared for a while.
When Allen returned,
Sylphiette had become stronger.
Even the way she wrote her diary seemed more resolute.
She wouldn't even let me read it anymore?!
I felt heartbroken, but also relieved.
I think she might have found a "goal."
As for what that goal was, I could roughly guess from the way she looked at Roxy and Allen.
She wanted to become someone who could stand by their side.
One was a swordsman with terrifying talent, the other a mage with extraordinary achievements.
How could an ordinary person stand beside them?
That was my guess.
Later, I asked Paul about what Allen had been doing during that time. Paul was vague, only saying it was something "dangerous."
I also asked Sylphiette, and she was equally evasive.
But in her words, she seemed to regard that "dangerous" thing with a sense of longing.
As if she found it incredibly romantic.
My child was no longer telling me the truth… I felt disheartened.
But one thing was certain:
The reason for Sylphiette's newfound strength was that she didn't want to be left behind in the village. She wanted to be with them, even if it meant doing dangerous things.
It sounded a lot like being an adventurer.
Was Allen an adventurer? Was Roxy one too?
Did they go dungeon diving during that time?
It suddenly dawned on me.
When I asked Sylphiette about it, her eyes sparkled, as if she had found her "direction."
I had my answer.
Sylphiette wanted to be like Roxy, to follow these two and become an adventurer in the future, to be part of that "romance."
That was the ladle of "hot oil."
Not only did Allen not make her lose her independence, but he actually fostered her growth.
I have to admit,
I don't have that kind of "skill."
He's still a kid, but I admire him.
Still, I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable. It's not a rational thought, but more of a father's stubborn sentiment, I suppose.
But if we set aside Allen's influence, has Sylphiette made any progress on her own?
Yes, she has.
Last winter, during that horrifying incident in the snowy valley, when everyone later reviewed what had happened, they discovered that it was Sylphiette who, defying Allen's wishes, made a split-second decision.
That decision helped the two of them survive the fall into the valley.
The cost?
Her mana was depleted, turning her hair white.
I was heartbroken about this,
but Sylphiette was happy.
I didn't understand why, but her mother's words once shed some light on it:
"This is proof of her bond with Allen."
After that,
she became noticeably bolder, more confident, and more willing to express her thoughts when Allen wasn't around.
This was completely different from before.
Compared to two years ago, it was like night and day.
Though she still acted gentle around Allen,
this change had indeed happened.
In just two short years,
she had grown up.
And now, as I watched the two of them arrive late at night, proposing their idea, all these memories came flooding back.
Had I expected this?
Yes, I had.
Because of the "adventurer team," I knew Sylphiette would eventually leave me one day.
I just didn't expect it to happen so soon.
Seeing Sylphiette's slightly anxious expression, I couldn't help but ask myself:
If Allen left, would Sylphiette become stronger?
Maybe.
But.
If she could gain strength through stability, why force hardship upon her??
What's the logic in that??
And after the hardship?
Would Sylphiette's smile…
disappear?
When I thought of this, and then saw her mother lovingly stroking her head, her eyes filled with adoration but not a trace of sadness,
I had my answer.
As for Allen,
do I trust him?
Yes, I do.
I've said this indirectly and directly many times, but does this kid really need me to spell it out for him?
And so,
I heard my own voice.
From my throat.
From my heart.
"Allen."
"Take care of Sylphiette."
"Don't let her cry."
"I want her to always have a smile on her face."
He only replied with one word.
"Okay."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 162 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 130 power stones I will publish the next chapter.