For a 'stranger' meeting for the first time, that action was a bit rough.
But Allen did it on purpose. On one hand, it was a little bit of teasing, borderline mischievous.
On the other hand…
If things continued like this, it would truly turn into a romantic comedy starring a blonde protagonist. Although before his transmigration he had liked Roxy very much—constantly thinking about "Blue Mom, Blue Mom"—the reality now was clear: Allen had to rely on his prior knowledge from reading the novel to safely take part in the major events of Mushoku Tensei.
Allen needed to get close to Roxy, but maintaining the right distance was just as important.
In the world of Mushoku Tensei, information was limited and slow, so communication between people was mostly through letters or face-to-face conversations. Relationships were simpler, so when Rudeus said some cheesy romantic lines or little tricks picked up from the internet, they often got strong, vividly positive responses from the opposite sex.
Absurd, but true.
In a flash of thought, Allen's actions were decisive. He mimicked Roxy's serious expression, furrowing his sharp eyebrows and staring straight at her forehead.
"Of course, if there really was a red demon eye here, I'd probably chop it off before you could eat me—after all, we're standing a little too close."
"What do you think about a quick sword swipe?"
He then tilted his head to glance at the four headless monsters lying nearby.
Roxy instinctively followed his gaze and shuddered.
Yes, as a magician, she had just been face-to-face intimidated by a swordsman.
Ultimately, it was because she had just parted ways with Rudeus and, upon meeting someone who looked like a kid, subconsciously slipped into the behavioral patterns she had with Rudeus.
But this was not Rudeus, nor a harmless child.
He was an adventurer wandering in the woods where monsters often appeared at night, able to draw his sword in an instant to kill four monsters, while simultaneously cutting through his own Water Sphere magic right in front of his face—a perfect demonstration of precise distance control.
That casually displayed skill was even stronger than most A-rank adventurers she had seen.
Not just a mid-level swordsman, no—probably a high-level swordsman.
Realizing this, Roxy immediately calmed down and was about to stand and put some distance between herself and Allen, but when her eyes flicked over him, she stopped herself.
In just a moment, Allen's expression had turned serious. He extended his right hand forward and gave a noble's salute, bowing his head to Roxy.
She could even see the fine hairs on the back of his neck standing up.
Allen's actions contradicted his words—he bore no ill intent.
"Sorry, no more joking. Thank you truly. Honestly, even though you cut through my Water Sphere, I am indebted to you for saving my life."
He even used a respectful form of address.
Roxy blinked, resettled herself, placing her hands on her knees.
Through Allen's push and pull, a full 'tug of war,' the atmosphere between them formally reset.
Their conversation got back on track.
"What does this mean? And how do you know about the Miglud tribe?"
Allen took the sword still sheathed at his waist, laid it horizontally between them to show he had no intention to attack, then pointed at the sheath and looked at Roxy, telling a little lie.
"As you can see, the sword technique I just used puts a heavy strain on my body. If you hadn't been here, I'd be wounded, and if more monsters followed the firelight, it could be life-threatening."
"As for the Miglud tribe, you should know every swordsman longs for a trusty divine weapon."
"Although I'm young, I have read The Heroic Legend of the North Gods. Those magical swords with special effects were forged by the demon craftsman—Yulian Halis."
"To learn about this master, I read a lot about the Demon Continent, so I know quite a few demons."
Roxy was quiet for a moment.
"But if I hadn't cast my magic, you wouldn't have had to use such a taxing technique. Compared to monsters, your Water Sphere probably posed a greater threat to you. Because you couldn't tell if the sudden magic source in the forest at night was friend or foe, you did your best to remove the danger in the shortest time possible while showing your strength to intimidate whoever came. Am I right?"
Allen was surprised to hear this from Roxy. Her expression was calm, half-lidded and cold, but not hostile or distant. She returned his goodwill with her own, sitting obediently on the ground, her robe stretched round by the way she sat—hands resting on her knees, plainly discussing the matter.
No wonder she was a seasoned adventurer who had scraped through years on the Demon Continent and the Milis Continent. Beyond the deliberately emphasized cute points in the anime, Roxy's judgment was very sharp. Her relaxed guard was probably due to having lived peacefully in the Asura Kingdom for so long—too long, perhaps.
This woman, a physically frail magician who could solo-level in a dungeon, was no delicate flower. To truly treat her like one would be a grave insult to the divine.
Allen smiled lightly.
"That's true, but the fact remains that your Water Sphere was indeed to save me, not for some other purpose. Right? I noticed that too, which is why I stopped struggling. And when I fainted, your healing magic was genuine kindness. I'm truly grateful."
Roxy looked at Allen and leaned forward slightly, her gaze a bit sharp, almost aggressive.
This time, she was silent for quite a while before pointing to the dead boar nearby.
Calmly, she said,
"Sure enough, your fainting was intentional, wasn't it? To test if I bore ill intent."
"You kept your face upward when you fainted so you wouldn't block a sword draw. If I had taken advantage of you just then, my head probably would have ended up like theirs."
Allen froze, caught and exposed. He hurriedly tried to explain.
"That… that was subconscious."
Before he could finish, Roxy interrupted.
"It's fine, I can tell you weren't on guard after sitting up. Your thanks now is sincere. You have the mindset of a lone adventurer, which is rare for someone so young. It's actually me who's learned a lesson after being too safe for these years."
Roxy tugged her bangs with a slightly troubled look, glancing sideways at her magic staff. Her voice dropped.
"But smooth talker and not telling the truth—well, that does make you a proper adventurer."
Allen stared at Roxy intently. At that moment, he genuinely felt the natural charisma radiating from her.
Not superficial beauty or fair skin.
She truly possessed kindness.
Thinking this, Allen looked at Roxy with utmost seriousness.
She seemed to sense the intensity of his gaze and turned to him with a puzzled expression.
Then a youthful yet resolute voice sounded softly by his ear.
"Thank you. But I can't agree with you calling me a smooth talker. Maybe when I 'woke up' just now, my words sounded like lies or nonsense to you—but every sentence came straight from my heart."
Roxy stared, stunned, at Allen's earnest face.
[Reminder to host: Repeatedly boosting Roxy's favor won't earn extra rewards, but still…]
Allen hurriedly waved his hand, dispersing the system message that had not yet solidified.
"Can't even say thanks? Genuine feelings get called spamming now? No way."
Roxy paused for a moment, watching Allen's strange behavior, and a subtle smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
"So, when you call me 'Mom,' is that also genuine? Clearly, you're teasing me about my short stature. But on the Asura Continent, no one would suspect a demon of being here—short, with a mature tone—it is indeed suspicious."
Allen (thinking): Get a grip, Blue Mom. Your tone isn't mature at all. The Migludia tribe lives about two hundred years—by that measure, you're still a young girl. Even your brain development is at a youthful stage. I won't even bring up the demon's naturally lower intelligence.
Lost in thought, Allen heard Roxy clear her throat.
"Don't call me Mom. I have a name."
Allen nodded in response and asked,
"Then may I know your name?"
"Roxy Migludia. And yours?"
"Allen."
Allen hesitated for a moment, looking at Roxy. In the darkness, her deep blue eyes shone with nothing but sincerity.
Forget it. I've lied enough tonight. No more lies to Roxy.
He would remind her gently later—knowing her character, even if she went to the capital and heard rumors, she'd keep his whereabouts secret.
After a slight pause, Allen said his full name.
"Allen Berrias Grayrat."