To a "stranger" meeting for the first time, his action—flicking the air in front of her forehead—might have seemed rude.
But Allen did it intentionally.
Partly because he felt guilty about the accidental flirting earlier.
But mostly because, if he didn't steer the conversation, this would turn into a "Guide to Being an NTR Protagonist." While he had loved Roxy in his past life—chanting "Blue Mama" religiously online—reality was now staring him in the face. Allen had to rely on his foreknowledge of the novels to navigate the Mushoku Tensei major events safely.
He needed to be close to Roxy, but maintaining a proper distance was equally necessary.
In this world, information traveled slowly. Human interaction was limited to letters or face-to-face talks. Relationships were simpler. That was why Rudeus could use cheesy internet pick-up lines and clichés... and get intense, colorful, positive feedback from the opposite sex.
It was ridiculous, but it was the truth.
Thoughts flashing like lightning, Allen didn't hesitate. He mimicked Roxy's stern expression, raised a sharp eyebrow, and stared straight at her forehead.
"Of course, if there really was a red Demon Eye there, before you could eat me, I'd probably cut your head off first. After all, the distance between us... is too close."
"One swing of the sword. What do you think?"
He tilted his head toward the headless corpses of the four monsters nearby.
Roxy followed his gaze instinctively and shivered.
Right... As a magician, she had just tried to intimidate a swordsman at point-blank range.
Ultimately, it was because she had just left Rudeus. Meeting another boy who looked young on the surface, her subconscious had defaulted to the "Teacher Mode" she used with Rudeus.
But this wasn't Rudeus. And he wasn't a harmless child.
He was an adventurer wandering a monster-infested forest at night. He had drawn his blade and decapitated four monsters in an instant, while simultaneously slicing apart her overcharged Water Ball with pinpoint accuracy.
That casual display of skill... was stronger than most A-rank adventurers she had ever seen.
Intermediate Swordsman? No, not enough. Likely Advanced.
Realizing this, Roxy sobered up immediately. She tensed her legs, ready to stand and create distance. But as her gaze swept over Allen again, she suppressed the urge.
In the span of a thought, Allen's expression had shifted to one of solemn respect. He extended his right hand, placing it over his chest in a noble salute, and bowed his head to her.
Roxy could see the fine hairs on the back of his neck.
Allen was showing with his actions that, contrary to his threatening words, he held no malice.
"Apologies, no more jokes. I truly thank you. To be honest, even though I cut your water ball, I still owe you my life."
He even used honorifics.
Roxy blinked. She settled back down, placing her hands on her knees.
With this push and pull—a complete cycle of tension and release—the atmosphere between them reset to something formal.
The conversation was back on track.
"What do you mean... and how do you know about the Migurdia race?"
Allen unbuckled the scabbard from his waist and placed it horizontally on the ground between them, signaling he had zero intent to attack. At the same time, he pointed at the scabbard and looked up at Roxy, lying smoothly.
"As you can see, the sword technique I used puts a massive strain on my body. If you hadn't been here, I would have been injured. If more monsters had been drawn by the fire, my life would have been in danger. As for the Migurdia... well, every swordsman dreams of legendary weapons."
"Though I'm young, I've read the Legends of the North God. Those magic swords with various effects were forged by the famous demon smith—Julian Harris. To learn more about that master, I read a lot of books about the Demon Continent. So I know a bit about the demon races."
Roxy fell silent for a moment.
"...But, if I hadn't cast that spell, you wouldn't have needed to use such a burdensome technique. Compared to the monsters, my water ball probably felt more threatening to you. You couldn't tell if the sudden magic source in the dark forest was friend or foe, so you eliminated the crisis in the shortest time possible while displaying your strength to deter the newcomer. Am I right?"
Allen looked at Roxy with surprise. She had returned to her sleepy-eyed, deadpan expression, but there was no fear or distance in it. She reciprocated his goodwill, sitting obediently on the ground in a "duck sit" that pulled her robe tight, hands on her knees, speaking matter-of-factly.
As expected of an adventurer who survived years on the Demon and Millis Continents. Aside from the 'moe points' emphasized for the anime market, Roxy's judgment is sharp. She likely lowered her guard with me earlier because she's been in the peaceful Asura Kingdom for two years. She got comfortable.
This was a woman who, with a frail magician's body, could solo labyrinth levels. Treating her like a fragile white flower that would break in the wind was an insult to her divinity.
Allen smiled.
"That logic holds up. But the fact remains: you cast that water ball to save me, not to harm me. Isn't that right? I realized that too, which is why I didn't push myself further. And after I fainted, you used healing magic on me. That kindness was real. I have to acknowledge it."
Roxy leaned forward slightly, staring at him with a hint of aggression in her gaze.
This time, she was silent for a long while before pointing at the corpse of the Terminator Boar.
She spoke flatly.
"So, your fainting was fake too, wasn't it? To test if I had malicious intent..."
"Even after you 'fainted,' you lay on your back. That position doesn't obstruct a sword draw. If I had tried anything bad while you were down, my head would probably be rolling next to theirs right now, wouldn't it?"
Allen froze. Crap. Busted. He scrambled for an excuse.
"That... that was subconscious..."
Roxy cut him off before he could explain.
"It doesn't matter. I could tell you dropped your guard after you sat up. And your thanks just now was sincere... A solo adventurer needs that kind of awareness. It's rare for someone your age to be that vigilant... actually, I'm the one who should learn from you. I've been too comfortable these last few years."
Roxy tugged at her bangs, looking a bit troubled. She glanced at her staff lying beside her, her voice dropping to a mumble.
"...However, being glib and not telling the truth... that part also makes you a qualified adventurer."
Allen looked at Roxy without blinking. In that moment, he genuinely felt the charisma she radiated unconsciously.
Not superficial things like skin or beauty.
She was truly kind.
Thinking this, Allen looked at her with intense seriousness.
Roxy seemed to feel the weight of his gaze and turned to look at him in confusion.
She heard his boyish, yet firm voice.
"Thank you. But I can't agree with the 'glib' part. Maybe the things I said when I 'woke up' sounded like nonsense to you, but every word came from the heart."
Roxy stared blankly at Allen's serious face.
[Note to Host: Repeatedly farming Roxy's goodwill does not yield additional rewards. However, I must say...]
Allen waved his hand, scattering the forming System text.
Can't I even say thanks? Calling genuine emotion 'farming'? Get out of here.
Roxy paused for a moment, watching Allen's odd behavior (waving at nothing). A subtle smile touched the corner of her mouth.
"Was calling me 'Mom' from the heart too? You were clearly mocking my height... Though, in the Asura Kingdom, no one expects a demon to be here. Small body, mature tone... it is suspicious."
Allen: Wake up, Blue Mama... Where is your tone mature? Migurdians live for 200 years; converted to human years, you're a teenager. Even your brain development is in the teenage phase... and I won't even mention the generally lower intelligence of demons.
In his thoughts, he heard Roxy clear her throat.
"Don't call me Mom. I have a name."
Allen nodded, following her lead.
"Then, may I ask your name?"
"Roxy Migurdia. And you?"
"Allen..."
Allen hesitated, looking at Roxy. In the dark night, her deep blue eyes held only sincerity.
Forget it. Too many lies tonight. I won't lie to Roxy anymore.
I'll just ask her later to keep my secret. Given her personality, even if she hears rumors in the capital, she'll help me by not revealing my location.
After a brief pause, Allen spoke his full name.
"Allen Boreas Greyrat."