Ch.17 I Was Bullied So Hard I Was Isekai'ed Into A World of Sword And Magic And Emerged As The Lightning Samurai God To Hatefuck My Former Bully Until She Got Heart Eyes

— Law Greyrat —

I hopped off of the horse that I had borrowed from the Boreas Greyrat family and looked up at the sky. The day was partly cloudy, which made it perfect for the experiment I wanted to conduct. I had ridden the horse outside of the Citadel of Roa and quite far into the fields that surrounded the place.

Similar to Rudy and I’s graduation with Roxy as our magic tutor, I wanted to cast the spell Cumulonimbus to form a rain cloud, but that wasn’t my main goal.

My curiosity was always piqued whenever I thought of the potential Water Magic truly possessed—more specifically, the power of lightning through Water Magic.

I had seen a few lightning strikes whenever I had first attempted to use the Cumulonimbus spell, and while I couldn’t control the amount I generated, I wanted to retry now to see if I could have better luck.

I raised my hand to the horse and let my magic flow. A dome of Earth Magic surrounded it immediately, shielding it and granting protection from the crazy experiment I was about to dive into.

With the horse safe, I redirected my attention toward the sky and reached out.

I let my magic fill the air as slowly clouds began to form and darken. The wind began to quicken from a gentle breeze to several powerful gusts and rain began to fall roughly to the earth.

My experiment was simple. If wordless magic allowed me to input how much mana I wished to use, and set the desired size and speed, then using wordless magic on the Cumulonimbus spell should allow me to make the storm more powerful by increasing the amount of magic I put into it. Which should add more lightning strikes. The way this experiment would be a success is if I could manage to bring down lighting precisely where I want it at the exact time I want it.

Place and time… if I could control those two, then I could control lightning.

The winds picked up even more, nearly catching me off guard and blowing me away, but merely activating my Battle Aura allowed me to exist in the terrain like nothing was happening.

I smiled as the first strike of lightning hit the ground quite a ways from me and realized that it was time to manifest my will and control this storm of my own making.

Rain fell down hard on the field but I was left protected by the invisible barrier that my Battle Aura provided.

I narrowed my eyes in exertion as another lightning strike hit the ground closer to me, but it wasn’t where I wanted, nor was it at the time I wanted it to come either.

I added more mana to the storm and I could see that the terrain was starting to get worse and worse. There was no longer any visibility for the average person, it was just a torrent of rain, winds that would knock away full grown adults, and the occasional strikes of lighting that would devastate the field.

I knew I couldn’t add much more magic to this storm, not because of my reserves, but because I didn’t want to mess up this field anymore than I already had.

I focused my eyes on a specific place in the vast field as I increased the amount of magic once more.

Lighting danced in the sky as I tried my best to focus it on that one spot.

As the storm raged, I widened my eyes, calling to the lighting to strike—and it did.

*BOOM*

The loud rumbling of thunder erupted as I stared at the spot with shaky eyes.

The lightning… didn’t strike where I had wanted it to.

I had failed.

I let out a sigh as I completely stopped dumping my mana into the spell. The storm began to grow weaker and weaker and eventually there was nothing more than a drizzle of rain coming down and light gray clouds in the sky.

Today had been a failure… but I had no intention of giving up.

I got lightning to come down, but it wasn’t quite by my own will. I added magic so it came down. There’s gotta be something I'm missing to control when and where the lightning strikes.

I looked around the field and saw it was flooded with water up to my shins. I knew by the end of the day this water would be mostly gone and didn’t think too much about it.

I had gotten permission from both Sauros and Philip anyway to try out my little test here in this field, so I didn't have to worry about any repercussions.

I turned to the dome of earth and with a wave of my hand, dropped the dome back into the earth where it had come from.

The white horse that I had ridden out here looked spooked, which was just about what I expected to see.

I walked over to the horse and calmed it down with a gentle hand on the space between its eyes.

When it was calm enough, I mounted it and began making my way back to Roa.

Sure I failed today but I had no intention of stopping anytime soon. The benefits of continuing were just too great.

Besides allowing me to waste mana and grow my reserves further, eventually learning how to control lightning could be a huge boost to my combat ability.

Water Magic is cool and all, but freely manipulating something like lightning… that just sounds incredibly powerful, and would guarantee me a win against pretty much anyone!

I mean who the hell can dodge lightning?

… Probably Ghislaine now that I think about it, but she can’t be that fast, right?

As the horse ran through the flooded field I began to wonder: If Ghislaine as a Sword King was so incredibly powerful… How strong was a Sword Emperor, or even the Sword God, Gal Farion?

More importantly… could I reach that level of strength?

I hoped so. If I could, then I knew I’d have a blast in the future and would be strong enough to defend everyone I care about!

— Later —

“This is stupid!” Eris shouted as she crossed her arms and turned away from her instructor.

“Lady Eris, the arts are essential for every noblewoman to-”

“I’m not just some noblewoman!” Eris argued, cutting off the old woman who was trying to lecture her. “I’m Eris Boreas Greyrat, student of Sword King Ghislaine, and future adventurer! I don’t need to play stupid harps or dance!”

“But… Lady Eris-”

“Come, Law, we’re leaving.” Eris ordered as she turned to me before heading out of the door.

I looked back at the older woman and gave her an apologetic smile and she returned it with a thankful one before I turned around and followed the girl I was employed to protect.

Eris stomped through the mansion halls, getting the working beastwomens’ attention.

“So stupid!” Eris shouted one last time as she finally reached the door to her room. She pushed it open and walked in. I slowly followed after her, making sure to close the door behind me as I entered.

“I don’t get why Mother and Father have me doing such stupid things!” Eris jumped front first onto her bed and pushed her face into her pillow.

“It’s your duty, Eris.” I reminded her and immediately she removed her face from her pillow to glare at me with narrowed eyes.

“I know that already!”

“Then why ask?” I tilted my head in confusion and my words made her pause.

“S-Shut up!” Eris dropped her face back into her pillow and I realized in that moment that the simple Eris I had come to know and tolerate was becoming a woman.

I knew this because her simple nature was beginning to dissipate, replaced by the elusive and confusing nature of a woman. There was no rhyme or reason in her feelings, only rage and misunderstandings.

In short, I didn’t stand a chance talking her down.

I considered taking slow steps back and leaving Eris to cope and seethe, but then I remembered that all of Eris’ rage would be directed at me if I left her without her permission.

However… if I stayed, there was a good chance I earned all of her anger anyway.

I’m cooked either way, aren’t I?

No… perhaps I can appeal to the simple Eris I once knew. If that fails, then I must accept my fate.

“Eris.” I said quietly as I approached her bed. She looked up from her pillow with narrowed eyes, but there was no real heat in them. “You want to be a swordswoman and an adventurer more than anything in the world, right?”

“You already know that!” Eris shouted and I nodded as I took a seat on her bed. I pat the spot beside me and slowly Eris pushed herself up from her stomach and sat beside me.

“I do, but I think it’s time you understand what you’re going to be. You’re Eris Boreas Greyrat, and with the name Boreas comes the responsibility of nobility. You must learn the ways of nobility, even if you don’t want to. That being said, it doesn’t mean you can’t fulfill your own dreams. Your Father hired Ghislaine to guard your family and teach you. He obviously values your progress with the sword. Why else would he have Ghislaine spend so much time teaching you?”

Eris paused and thought about my question. She ran her fingers along her lap lightly as a blush came to her cheeks.

“Then what should I do?” The red-haired girl asked quietly. I genuinely blinked in surprise at how quiet her voice was. This was a historical moment, one that needed to be marked in the records of history.

I cleared my throat, refocusing on what was important, Eris.

“You should give it your all. Not just sword training, but every class you have and every lecture you attend. Don’t just strive to be the greatest swordswoman and adventurer, dig deeper. Make your family proud and be the most respected noblewoman. Learn the harp, even if you don’t want to, learn to dance and show the rest of the nobility how Eris Boreas Greyrat dances.” I offered the girl a kind smile.

She stared at me with wide eyes for several seconds at the true weight of my words hit her.

I blinked as my realization set in. Holy shit… I just gave the mother of all hype up speeches!

Damn, if someone hyped me up like that in my last life, I’m sure I would have turned my life around and changed for the better!

As Eris contemplated my words, I gave myself a pat on the back, proud of what I had done today. Even if my words didn’t inspire a change in the stubborn girl, I knew I put up an incredible effort.

In fact, I think I’ll be taking Rudy out tonight, a little celebration for the both of us.

“I… get it.” Eris said slowly, stealing me away from my proud moment. I looked at her with unhidden confusion, and she turned to me with a small smile. “To be the best… I need to try my best in everything I do.”

“That’s right.” I nodded. I hid my surprise well, but I was flabbergasted that my words managed to strike anything in Eris’ mind. I had thought my words had gone in one ear and out the other, but thank all the gods above, she’s learning!

“But…” Eris looked away suddenly and ran her hand along her arm. I blinked at her sudden shift in demeanor. Why was she acting all shy now?

“Is something wrong?” I questioned as I placed a hand on her shoulder.

She turned her face toward me slightly so I could see her strong blush as she looked at me out of the corners of her eyes.

“I… don’t know how to play the harp… or dance, or anything like that.”

I blinked at her words. That was all? No shit she doesn’t know. She never listened to her instructor!

“Well, that’s what an instructor is for.” I grinned and again her eyes widened. Seriously this girl didn’t do a lot of thinking for herself, but I had already grown used to it.

“B-But my birthday is only a couple months away, and Father said I have to dance.” Eris looked at me with unintentional puppy dog eyes.

I placed a gentle hand atop her head and offered her a comforting smile.

“Well that just means we have less time to turn you into the greatest dancer this world has ever seen!” I chuckled.

Eris smiled brightly at me as she pushed her head into my hand a bit harder.

“Mmm!”

My grin grew just a tad wider as I realized I had completely managed to avoid Eris’ wrath.

This conclusion is undeniably ‘The Good Ending.’

— The Next Day —

“One two three four, one two three four.” Eris’ instructor on noble etiquette, Margery, clapped along as Eris and I attempted to dance following the rhythm of her claps.

“You’re going too slow!” Eris scolded me and I deadpanned at her.

“You’re going too fast.” I answered with a dead voice. Eventually, Eris stopped trying to dance and let out a scream at the top of her lungs.

She threw a punch at me, but with the experience I had, I knew it was coming.

I nonchalantly caught her punch, then caught her second punch, then ducked under her attempt at kicking me.

She glared at me and I remained looking at her with an expressionless face.

“Are you done?” I asked, and she pulled both hands away only to throw another punch.

She was not done.

“You’re a braver man than me, Law.” Rudeus admitted as he took a bite from the apple he was holding. He had been watching us practice this entire time though I honestly had no idea why.

The classes he taught Eris and Ghislaine came before Eris’ class on noble etiquette, which left me to believe he was here for no other reason than to watch me suffer.

Honestly… I’d do the same if it were him. Only I’d be talking shit the entire time.

“I think everyone here already knows that.” I frowned as I sidestepped another one of Eris’ attacks. At this point I think it’s best I tire her out a bit. Maybe she’ll slow down her pacing if I do.

“That’s rude!” Rudeus crossed his arms with an affronted look. He turned to the large beast woman beside him and placed a hand on his heart. “Ghislaine, do you think Law is braver than me?”

“Dunno, does it matter?” Ghislaine raised a brow and Rudy shrugged.

“I guess not.”

“Stop dodging!” Eris shouted and I did just that. I let her punch me on the cheek, only it stopped just in front of my cheek as my Battle Aura leaked out.

The red-haired girl pouted at me. “That’s not fair.”

“Life isn’t fair, and neither is dancing. Slow down a bit and follow the rhythm.” I frowned at her and her pout increased along with the heat in her eyes.

“You’re just going too slow!” Eris argued and I blinked at her genuine ignorance.

“Again, that’s not true.”

“Lady Eris… I believe your partner is correct. Your movements are a bit too quick and are exceeding the rhythm I have set in place.” Ms. Margery helpfully explained to the stubborn girl.

Eris crossed her arms under her budding bust and frowned deeply.

“I don’t mean too, okay?!”

“We know.” I said as I looked into her red-eyes. “You just move too fast, like you’re fighting rather than dancing.” I placed my hand on my chin as I thought of a potential way to correct this problem.

“Well, if Eris is moving like she’s fighting rather than dancing, maybe teach her that way instead?” Rudeus suggested from his place at the side of the room.

“That… could work.” I admitted as a smile tugged on my lips. Honestly, how the hell did I not think of that?

“What do you mean by that, Master Rudeus.” Margery questioned with unhidden curiosity and hope.

“Eris moves like she’s fighting and doesn’t want to stay on beat with the rhythm, so instead how about doing things at her pace and instructing her as if she were in a fight rather than dancing.” Rudeus further explained.

“Yes, it’s a great idea.” I nodded.

“You think this will work, Law?” Eris asked and I could tell by her voice that she wasn’t so sure.

“I do. Similar to how someone would need to dodge and counter attack at a certain rhythm depending on the fight, Eris, you just need to adopt that rhythm like you’re fighting, but instead you’ll be dancing. Here, take my hand and do the moves when I transition to each move when I tap your back, okay?” I offered my hand to her and she stared at it hesitantly for a moment before nodding.

“Mmm.” Eris took my hand and we stayed there until the instructor set us off.

“Okay, one two three four-”

As the instructor started, Eris and I did as well. The start went smoothly and when the first transition came up, I tapped Eris’ back and for a moment she paused but she still transitioned. It was a bit late, but nothing we couldn’t smoothen out later. As Margery continued to count us off while clapping, we danced and executed the moves with only a few errors here and there.

Altogether, the dance was acceptable. I’m sure Philip and Hilda would have been impressed if they saw it.

“Well done.” Rudeus clapped once we stopped. Ghislaine gave her own round of applause as well.

“I must agree, that went much better than any of the previous attempts. I believe this way of dancing may be most beneficial to Lady Eris.” Margery said with a small bow.

Eris’ face lit up with happiness and excitement as she pumped her fist into the air.

“We did great!” She looked at me and smiled wider. “We’re gonna do even better on my birthday!”

I smiled at the girl and nodded.

“I’m sure we will, Eris.”

— Eris Boreas Greyrat (Two Months Later) —

Today was it, the day she had been waiting for.

Eris looked in her mirror and gave herself a small frown. She didn’t like how her face looked, not with all the makeup on it. It wasn’t like her. It was… different.

Today was her tenth birthday, and as such, there were many people in attendance. Those of noble birth had come to see her beauty and talent, as well as mingle with one another for foolish reasons.

Eris didn’t care much for the second part, but she understood that today, all eyes were on her.

She had thought she would have been less nervous when this day came, after all she had done what she was supposed to do. Beyond sword training and magic tutoring, she had focused intently on her academics and noblewoman etiquette.

She had learned how to do important things like count, add, subtract, and also less important things like how to play a few melodies on the harp, and how to dance.

These were the things required of her, the things she needed to understand if she wanted to make her mother, father, and grandfather proud today.

It was her duty as a member of the Boreas Greyrat family!

*CLICK*

The door to Eris’ room opened and the red-haired girl turned around to see her father standing in the doorway.

“Father.” Eris greeted with curtsy as she had practiced many times over.

Philip gave his daughter a genuine smile as he stepped forward and admired her. Red eyes shined with pride as he ran his hand through her tied up hair and down her cheek.

“You look lovely, Eris.”

Eris blushed at the compliment. In all her life… she didn’t know if her father had ever called her lovely.

Beautiful? Yes. Strong? Of course, why wouldn’t he?!

But lovely… only today.

It warmed her heart, and even without impressing the nobles that had come to her birthday yet, she still felt a huge sense of victory wash over her.

She had won, even if it was in her own little way.

“T-Thank you, Father.”

Her father’s smile slowly shrank until his lips were thin. He offered his arm to her as he narrowed his eyes.

“Are you ready, Eris?”

Eris wrapped her arm around her father’s and nodded. They began walking and left her room before making their way down the hall and eventually toward the stairs.

“Prepare yourself, Eris.” Philip said in a warning tone and again Eris nodded. She had long since been prepared!

“Fine guests of the Boreas Greyrat family, the lady of the day has arrived. Please welcome my granddaughter, Eris Boreas Greyrat for the first dance of her tenth birthday!” Her grandfather announced from the bottom of the stairs and there was a light round of applause.

As Eris reached the top of the stairs, she realized just how many people had come to her party and for a moment her nerves flared up.

Her father was either unknowing or uncaring of her nerves as they descended the stairs, and she felt like every step was harder to place than the last.

Just as she felt her nerves grow, her eyes locked onto her bodyguard.

Blonde hair slicked back, a black suit fit for a nobleman, and confident blue eyes met her red orbs.

In that moment, it was just him and her, and her nerves began to fade like they never existed in the first place.

She and her father reached the bottom of the stairs and she let go of the man’s arm to continue on alone.

Eris ignored everyone else, keeping her eyes locked onto her bodyguard until she was standing right in front of him.

Law bowed to her, a true nobleman’s bow as he extended his hand to her.

“May I have this dance, My Lady?”

Eris smiled and promised to punch him later. She had told him too many times to call her Eris.

“If we must!” Eris took his offered hand and the music began to play.

Just as they had practiced, Law tapped her back as they moved around the hardwood floor. He gave her a spin and pulled her tight into his arms, and all the while the party marveled at the grace and fluidity in their steps.

As Eris was twirled away from him, she found herself enjoying the moment more than she ever thought she would. When he brought her back close to him, his hand on her waist and their faces inches apart, she blushed red before he spun her around, taking her off one foot and holding her a few feet above the ground, finishing their dance.

A light round of applause filled the mansion as Law pulled her back up and gave her a proud smile.

“And just like that, you did it.” He whispered to her, and her heart sped up. She didn’t know why, but she knew she didn’t dislike this feeling.

In fact… she wanted more.

“Ahaha!” Sauros laughed as he patted his hands on Eris’ shoulders. “That's my granddaughter!” Before she could say anything, he began leading her away, which made her eyes widen as she attempted to escape his grip.

“Enjoy your party.” Eris heard from behind her and she turned her head to see Law standing there with an encouraging smile and again her face flushed.

She quickly turned back around and let her grandfather lead her away.

Even as she mingled with the partygoers and important nobles, she couldn’t stop thinking about the boy that made all of this possible. The boy that had set her on the right path and helped her attain what she wanted.

She’d have to thank him… maybe on his tenth birthday?

Yes. That’s what she’d do!

A confident smile came to Eris’ face as she enjoyed her party. Law had helped her, and she planned on keeping her promise, no matter what!

— Law Greyrat —

“Nice moves.” Rudy complimented me as he came to stand beside me. Eris had just been yoinked away by Sauros which was actually pretty funny to watch.

“Thanks, though the last two months filled my life with more dancing than a normal guy should experience.” I shivered as I remembered all the hours of practice. With how much time we put in, I honestly don’t think I even needed to tap Eris’ back to cue her in on the rhythm, but I did it just in case.

“You’re telling me. It was a bore watching some of it. I can’t imagine how dull it got.” Rudy placed both of his arms behind his head as he leaned against a wall.

“I definitely deserve employee of the month.” I grinned and earned a laugh from him.

“In your dreams! I’ve taught Eris the basics of math, reading, and writing! Don’t forget about beginner level fire magic either, I deserve it more!”

I chuckled at him. He was wrong, and I’m sure he knew it too. I put in more work, where the hell is my bonus?!

As my eyes locked onto Eris. Her tied back hair, her expensive dress, and her smiling face, I had to admit that I had already gotten the bonus I wanted.

This job, one that I actually enjoyed, and that smile… I’d treasure this memory for the rest of my life.

I had helped a simple girl like Eris find some purpose in her life, beyond just cutting and killing things, and that made me happy.

It was cringy, I understand that, but I was proud nonetheless.

Purpose… maybe I should start figuring out one for myself? Something I should stick to and strive for…

I glanced at Rudy who was eying a group of noblewomen around our age who were looking our way. He gave them a wave and I joined in, the group giggled and hid their faces behind their hands and hand fans.

Eh, fuck it. I’m too young to be thinking about purpose. I have plenty of time to live out a good life in this world, I’ll take my time and figure out my reason for living later.

“I must admit, you and the Young Boreas Lady put on quite the show.” A voice said behind us and we both turned to see a brown haired boy around our age.

“… Thank you. I don’t believe we’ve met.” I offered the handsome boy a smile and he returned it as he offered his hand.

“Luke Notos Greyrat, son of Pilemon Notos Greyrat, the Head of the Notos Greyrat Family.”

Rudy and I blinked then shared a look.

Ah, so he was a big shot.

“Well it’s nice to meet you, Lord Luke-”

“Please skip such formalities, we’re just mingling amongst ourselves aren’t we?” Luke offered with a sly grin. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”

You know what… I like this guy. He isn’t a stuck up bastard like most of the guys in here.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Luke.” Rudy grinned. “I’m Rudeus Greyrat and this is my younger brother, Law Greyrat.”

Luke’s eyebrows momentarily rose as his demeanor shifted a bit.

Did he know us?

“You… are Paul Greyrat’s sons?” Luke asked and we nodded as our eyes widened. “Paul Greyrat is my uncle. Though he left the family before I was born, that would still make us cousins.”

Both Rudy and I facepalmed and I assumed for the same reason. How the hell didn’t we figure out that Luke was our cousin. We already knew Paul ran away from one of the Greyrat branches, and Notos was the only other one. We honestly should have put two and two together much sooner without needing to be told.

“Well that makes our meeting even better.” I placed my hands on my hips and offered the boy a smile after I recomposed myself.

“Indeed it does. Would you mind my company?” He asked as he looked at the wall we were leaning against.

“Oh no, not at all. Go right ahead.” Rudy gestured and Luke nodded thankfully before he joined us and leaned against the wall.

We stayed like that for most of the party, talking about little things while mostly leaving out family because it was a pretty awkward subject.

Paul was apparently the heir to the Notos Greyrat family, but when he ran away, he gave up the name and his claim as heir, making Luke’s father, Pilemon the new heir.

Which means Luke is the current heir of nothing but our fathers own disobedience.

Which we weren’t actually upset about, but Luke had the feeling we were, and I didn’t blame him for that.

Being a noble sounds kinda cool… I guess, but chances are we wouldn’t have been born if Paul didn’t run away from home anyway, so I’ll take our current circumstances over what could have been.

Eventually Luke had to go off and continue mingling with the partygoers. As the heir to the Notos Greyrat family, it was his duty to build relationships with the next generation of houses and form ties, or something.

We let him go and Rudy and I waited until Eris was permitted to head back upstairs before we finally left.

It was a hectic and rigorous two months, but all in all I was happy with the results.

— Philip Boreas Greyrat —

His plans had worked out perfectly thus far, and Eris’ birthday was a huge success.

He sat on his bed with his wife beside him. A confident smirk danced on his lips at the thought of how everything was falling into place.

Eris was ten and had earned the respect of the nobles that had attended, or at least she had outwardly. Philip wasn’t foolish enough to believe that what a noble displayed on the outside equated to their feelings on the inside. Only an inexperienced child would believe such a thing.

However what Philip understood that kept him positive was public opinion.

Nobles dance to the tune of what they project, even if they believe what is projecting. If a group of nobles shows they believe something, and then someone goes against that belief, that someone would be shunned.

The same applies to Eris’ current standing. It is of everyone’s belief that she is a model noblewoman, even at her young age, and her reputation will stand that way unless she does something to taint it.

His plans bank on her staying just as polished as she appears. That way everything can end how he wants.

Philip’s brother was head of the Boreas Family within the Asura capital where he holds the position of Cabinet Minister. The man is strong and has the backing of many nobles.

More than that… he has Philip’s sons.

The sheer thought made Philip clench his fists in rage, but he forced himself to calm down. He needed to be calm if he wished to see his plans come to fruition.

Eris Boreas Greyrat, his daughter, she’d become the next Boreas Head and Philip would ensure it. Philip didn’t care for the Fittoa Region, that wasn’t what he wanted, he wanted everything his father had given to Philip’s swine of brother!

Eris had presented herself well, but it wasn’t enough, and Philip understood that.

Which is where the main factor of his plan came in.

Law Greyrat. Seven years old, Saint in Sword God and Advanced in Water and North God Styles. He was a powerful figure with Notos blood. He would easily be welcomed as the new Boreas Head with Eris as his wife, and judging by how the two got along and how much time they spent together, he couldn’t see either of them complaining about such an arrangement.

Yes… soon, he would see the future he envisioned, and his wife would get to hold her sons again.

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Beta Reader: @LuluViBritania (FF.N, SB, WN and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th Britannian Emperor(Discord) @Basilisk

Author’s Note: