Mushoku Tensei — Chapter 100 - Love, Sylphiette — Tears Unshed

I nestled close with Sylphiette.

Sylphiette is gentle. Our beginnings always have this tone.

You could say it perfectly matches my idea of what "love" should feel like.

Not that I'm saying I don't enjoy my nights with Roxy and Eris. But it's only with Sylphiette that I can completely let go.

When the atmosphere crept past a certain threshold, Sylphiette reached out and softly ran her hand across my body.

"Wait, there's something I want to tell you first, Sylphie."

"Hmm? What is it?"

I stopped her and stroked her head.

"I've been researching a spell that can temporarily change a person's appearance — hair color included. That way, whenever you want to go out and walk around town, you can do it without worrying. And also..."

Before I could finish, Sylphiette leaned in and kissed me, tender and unhurried.

Her hands began to move across me, slow and gentle.

Then, halfway through, she stopped.

"Rudy..."

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"It's just... you're always thinking so much for me. And I..."

Her voice carried guilt. I couldn't figure out what she had to feel guilty about.

My instinct kicked in: lay things out in the open, or they don't get resolved.

"What is it? Tell me. No matter what it is, I'll..."

"It's nothing."

Sylphiette shook her head before I could finish. She smiled.

"It's nothing. Really."

"Something you can't tell your own husband?"

"That's not it."

"Then tell me?"

I pulled her into my arms.

I've always believed that an embrace says more than a kiss. There's something about holding someone that feels closer to love than anything else.

Maybe it was the security of being held. Slowly, Sylphiette began to speak.

"Rudy... you're always thinking of me. You even researched a spell like this just for my sake. But do you know what I've been thinking about lately?"

"Hmm? What has my Sylphie been thinking?"

"I've been thinking... whether Rudy would take Miss Nanahoshi as a wife. I'm sorry. I'm such a selfish wife."

"Huh... hmm?"

Nanahoshi?

Why would Sylphiette think there was something going on between me and Nanahoshi?

Sure, Nanahoshi is beautiful, and we get along well. But that's because we came from the same world. I don't have even a trace of that kind of feeling toward her. Not one.

Though... is it because Nanahoshi is my only friend here? Is that why Sylphiette can't quite relax?

I tried putting myself in her position. If Sylphiette's only friend were some guy, I wouldn't feel at ease either.

Actually — there's no way I'd be at ease. On top of that, I'm about to leave on a long trip for Orsted's plan. Leaving my lovely, gentle wife behind while Nanahoshi stays close by. How could I possibly be at ease about that?

The thought made me pull Sylphiette a little tighter.

"Sylphie."

"Hmm?"

"I'm never going to take Nanahoshi as a wife. Because I don't... well, 'don't like her' is a bit strong. I interact with Nanahoshi as a friend. That's all. I don't have that kind of desire for her."

"I believe you, Rudy."

"Mm."

"So... does Rudy still want to?"

I shook my head.

"Sorry — I almost forgot you're on your period today. Tonight, all I need is to hold my lovely wife."

"It's my fault for not reminding you. I'm not even feeling well, and I still wanted this time alone with Rudy..."

"Sylphie. You always say exactly the things that make me love you more."

"Rudy, honestly... then let me help you?"

"Hmm?"

Sylphiette's face went red and she complained in a small, coy voice.

I told her she didn't have to. She slipped under the covers anyway, and took care of me in her own way.

......

A night with Sylphiette is a gentle night.

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