Chapter 97

Eliza, stealing a glance at her mother Tsukimi, had fled the capital several months ago. She didn't have a specific destination in mind. She just felt that it was wrong to cross over to her mother's homeland as things were, and she impulsively left out of rebellion.

Anxiety soon set in. The family's situation was far from good, and she might end up causing them even more worry. However, as she was packing her belongings, a place to go came to mind.

The beautiful scenery of the Helan territory, which she had seen a long time ago, resurfaced in her mind. Even though it seemed strange to think of it at such a time, her heart was drawn to it. Moreover, that place was where Kururi-sama was. If she relied on him, he would surely take good care of her. But, it felt a bit unfair to do so. She had always been blessed with everything since childhood. It didn't seem right to suddenly rely on someone else just because she was in trouble.

She had many other conflicting feelings as well.

This might be a turning point in her life. She had to push through here.

In the end, she decided to head east. If she could reach the eastern end, she would safely arrive in the Helan territory. Her journey would come to a temporary end there. From there... she would think about it when she arrived.

Actually, she had always been fascinated by the idea of a solo journey. She had once heard a travel story from Iris, whom she considered a rival. Iris had apparently tried to walk the long distance from her hometown to the academy alone. There were deserted paths and areas where monsters appeared, but she had taken on the challenge with a heavy load. Sometimes, Iris seemed like a very significant presence. It was probably not just because of what she was born with, but because she lived her life with great effort.

I can't be left behind.

Carrying unnecessary baggage, she set out on a long, long journey.

During the journey, she often recalled Iris's old stories. They were also about travel.

It was when she was quite tired and resting in the shade of a tree. When she was feeling exhausted, a carriage happened to pass by, and that was where she met Kururi-sama.

What a stroke of luck! I'm so envious.

But, if I were in Iris's position, I think Kururi-sama would have abandoned me. Because I was very selfish. I might still be that way, but since meeting Kururi-sama, I've had many thoughts.

Since I started caring about that person, I've tried to change to be like them. To be as calm, bright, and cheerful as them. To work as hard as them.

Have I changed? Iris once said I had become easier to talk to... I must have changed.

The journey has been quite smooth so far.

The rain is tough, but everything else is manageable.

I'm worried that my preserved food is running out, but the advice Iris gave me before seems useful.

When the day's fatigue set in, I veered off the road to search for food in the forest. I had already let go of all the jewels I once possessed. I had no money left and couldn't stop at any town to buy anything.

So be it. It's not the same conditions as Iris.

I entered the forest and searched for animals and plants. I quickly found a rabbit. It was a cute rabbit with soft, fluffy fur. It's so cute, but I have to eat it. Because...

The first rule of Iris's travel:

Always catch rabbits, birds, and fish!

I didn't take it seriously at the time, but now I'm grateful for the valuable advice. I shouldn't have boasted about making cakes.

I activated a wind spell in my palm and gently blew. As a signal, an invisible wind slash flew towards the rabbit. Its cute face and body were cleanly severed.

...I, I will eat.

The second rule of Iris's travel:

Don't hesitate because it's cute, or you'll lose!

Hesitation could fall under this rule.

I never thought I would end up skinning a rabbit as a noble lady. But, when I lit a fire and roasted it, the irresistible aroma made me think it might not be so bad.

The journey continued like this, with some close calls but generally progressing smoothly.

Thanks to Iris's travel rules, I managed to get through everything. But, it happened when I was quite tired.

My judgment was severely impaired.

Yes, I had gained confidence from the smooth journey so far. And, I hadn't eaten for a while and was quite hungry.

So, I broke Iris's 16th rule of travel:

Stay away from mushrooms!

I gathered pretty-looking ones, was used to making a fire, and in a good mood, I roasted the mushrooms. The aroma was quite inviting. I couldn't resist breaking the 16th rule.

For a while, my hunger was satisfied, and I felt good.

But, when I ran to a pretty flower I found, I suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness.

Next to the pretty flower, I thought I saw a small forest fairy. It must have been a hallucination caused by the mushrooms. Oh, how great. Iris's travel rules are...

I don't know how long I was asleep.

When I woke up, I was in a house, on a fluffy bed.

The unfamiliar roof and furniture were all wooden, handmade, and clearly well-used. A clear glass of water and some fruit were placed by my pillow.

I was as hungry as before I fainted, so I found myself eating the water and fruit. As a noble lady, I would never have done such a thing. But now, I felt I had to be strong and live.

"Are you awake? I'm glad you're feeling better."

The door suddenly opened, and the forest fairy I saw before I fainted was standing there. Short, with droopy eyes, a large nose, and white hair. An old fairy.

"Um, I'm sorry. I took the fruit and water without permission. But, I'll work to pay you back."

"Huh? It's fine. We have plenty of fruit here."

"Is that so? But, if there's any work I can do, I'll do it!"

"Fairy?"

Then I immediately realized that this old man was not a fairy. Just an interesting-looking old man. It was confusing. I mistook him for a fairy because he appeared with the pretty flower.

Petal said I should stay here because my condition wasn't fully recovered. He said it wasn't too late to leave once my body was back to normal.

Yes, it was quite a tough journey. I didn't think I could make it this far.

Wait, where am I now?

"Mr. Petal, where is this place in Kudan country?"

"Here? It's the Helan territory. Didn't you know that's where you were heading?"

"Well, yeah..."

When I heard that, I felt a surge of joy from deep within. I made it. I came here on my own. I was just being led before, but this time, I accomplished it on my own.

If this is the Helan territory, my journey is over.

What to do next. I thought I would think about it when I arrived... but I still don't know even now.

Right.

"Mr. Petal, what are you doing here?"

"I'm studying this land. The curse that plagues the Helan territory."

A curse? In this beautiful Helan territory?

"Really? You're seriously studying this alone, even now? You've been reading books, investigating the geology, the sky, the water, the wind... all this time, you were studying the curse?"

"Yes. It's not a joke or an uncertain story. It's an important, important truth left by a friend."

Though said in a calm voice, his words made me feel the vastness of a world I didn't know, the depth of someone's thoughts. I sensed the pure dedication of someone who had fought for a long time for someone else.

...Then, my path is decided.

"Mr. Petal, I'm sorry for doubting you. But, your words have made me believe you. Please let me stay here. I'll do my best to help with the curse research. I promise I'll be of help."

"...It's not your concern. You should quickly return to where you belong."

"I'll decide where I belong. Please, let me help you."

Petal was silent, staring at Eliza, as if to confirm her resolve.

"Why? Why would Eliza join this battle? It's not an easy path."

That's obvious. This land is important to me. I've received much from it. So, I want to give back.

"This land, the Helan territory, is important to someone I care about. If it helps him, I want to fight here."

Petal's eyes widened as he looked at Eliza. He was impressed by her seriousness.

"Then, you're the same as Petal. Petal is also fighting to protect this land he loves. Eliza, I'll count on you from now on."

Thus, Eliza found her role and place, and began to work with Petal, based at the cursed swamp.

The curse, as Petal had said, had struck the land.

Despite Petal's efforts, everything he had built was shattered by the magnitude of the curse.

Petal said there was still one last key, but he didn't give specifics. Thinking of his disappointment, my heart ached.

In the midst of such despair, one day, quite suddenly, I met Kururi-sama by the lake.