Chapter 30

Suddenly, I felt a blinding brightness.

I turned over with a groan, as if trying to escape from it,

"Laura-sama, it's a lovely morning!"

The cute voice, still unfamiliar to my ears, reminded me that I was on a business trip.

My consciousness gradually became more awake. Still half-asleep, I saw Emilianna smile at me, her face as bright as the sunlight.

"Good morning!"

"O-oh, good morning..."

Emilianna's smile was as dazzling as the sunlight streaming through the window.

"Breakfast is ready, so please come down when you're ready."

With that, she left the room.

I yawned widely, realizing that if I stayed in bed any longer, I might fall back asleep, and hurriedly sat up. After stretching, I looked around the room.

Following Emilianna's lead, I found myself in the grand mansion of the noble family that governed this region, just as my memories had told me. I thought Emilianna must be the young mistress of this house, but it turned out she was the young lord's fiancée.

Arnold and I were shown to a lavish guest room that was far too large for just the two of us. Confused by such a warm welcome, I remembered Emilianna saying, "We asked them to invite us."

After getting dressed, I stepped into the hallway. Just as I did, the door opposite mine opened, and Arnold came out.

Surprised by the perfect timing, we still exchanged greetings properly.

"Good morning, Arnold."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, soundly."

His words were true. The bed was large and comfortable, and I slept better than in the dormitory at the royal castle.

"From today, we'll be busy with potions. Make sure to get enough sleep."

I chuckled at his deliberately ominous tone.

Without a word, we started walking down the hallway together. The noble's mansion was meticulously clean, even in the farthest corners. The wine-red carpet underfoot was elegant without being too showy.

Even a single vase in the room was likely very expensive, far beyond anything in the dormitory. I chuckled, realizing this was only natural.

This city, and the Platnovena region, is one of the largest in the country. The country I'm referring to is Ostravia, with its capital in Schvaria.

To explain the world's structure, there are two major countries, one in the west and one in the east, each occupying more than half of the world. The eastern country is my home, Ostravia.

The city I'm currently in also belongs to Ostravia. Although it was a long journey, I didn't cross any borders. The capital is relatively to the south, and this city is near the northernmost part of the country, so the distance traveled is considerable.

In other words, a noble who governs a particularly large territory in a major country must possess immense wealth and power. It's easy to imagine, and I don't even feel the need to compete with them. They are genuine power holders.

While lost in these trivial thoughts, I found myself right in front of our destination. There was no conversation with Arnold, but the silence between us was no longer bothersome.

I opened the large double doors. Inside, a long dining room stretched out, and two guests were already seated, with a few servants standing by.

One of the seated figures was Emilianna, and next to her was a man with silver hair.

"Good morning, Alex."

"Good morning. Arnold, Laura, I look forward to working with you from today."

His pale, light blue eyes narrowed.

He is the master of this mansion and the young lord, Alex Platnovena. His appearance, with a color that evokes ice and cold, and a face that is frighteningly handsome, might make him seem cold at first glance, but his smile was gentle.

He must be under 30, quite young for a lord. From what I remember, the previous lord, his father, passed away early, leading to his unusually early appointment, as I heard from an NPC in the city.

"Arnold-sama, Laura-sama, please come this way!"

Alex's eyes, watching Emilianna guide us to our seats, were warm and full of affection. It was clear from his gaze that he loved her.

The obvious but undeniable love between these two left a strong impression on me.

In a few years, no, probably very soon, you two will be a wonderful couple.

With this thought, I enjoyed the lavish breakfast.

***

The Platnovena branch, to put it bluntly, had a very heavy atmosphere.

In the morning, Arnold and I visited a building that seemed to be buried in snow. It was not far from the mansion where we were staying, and in my memories, it was built in a way that seemed to have crushed the local houses.

This seemed to be the Platnovena branch. When we entered, only Vilma and another male alchemist greeted us. I thought the other alchemists were in the back rooms, working on potions from early morning, but

"The Platnovena branch only has us two alchemists. It looks grand, but that's all."

Vilma said with a smile that betrayed her fatigue.

I couldn't help but look at Arnold. However, he didn't move a muscle and stared straight ahead.

Was he not surprised by what he heard? Or had he already known?

Two alchemists for a large region and a large city. It was understandable that they couldn't keep up with the production of recovery potions. I was more surprised that they had managed to do so until now.

We immediately got to work, as time was precious.

The herbs I held were drier than those from the capital, and many of the leaves were damaged. In a region where it snows all year round, herbs don't grow well. Even if they were brought from another region, the longer they were picked, the more they would deteriorate.

Two alchemists in a region where herbs don't grow well.

I had thought I was in a privileged environment, but this made me realize it even more. I had a supportive boss who recognized my talent, kind seniors, and gentle peers— but this situation couldn't last forever.

Wherever I go, in whatever environment I find myself, I must be as strong and diligent as Vilma and the others.

Make, make, make. Take a short break, pick herbs from the indoor garden, and make more. Eat, and make more.

I worked carefully and diligently, not wasting the few herbs we had. As a result, even though I didn't need advanced skills, I gradually felt tired.

"--- You can go home now."

When Arnold said this, I looked up. The clock on the wall showed that it was well past the end of the training hours in the capital.

When did the time pass?

As soon as I realized the time, I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders. I really wanted to rest, but Arnold and Vilma showed no signs of going home. It felt awkward to be the only one, the lowest in rank, to leave.

"But...?"

"Go home and rest."

His tone and expression left no room for argument. If I insisted on staying, I might get scolded.

I quickly started to get ready to leave. I was almost empty-handed, so I was ready in no time and hesitantly moved away from the alchemy table.

"Excuse me, I'll be going ahead."

Before leaving the alchemy room, I said this. The seniors, still working, nodded and smiled— except for Arnold— and saw me off.

As I stepped out of the grand building, a cold wind slapped my cheeks. I shivered and looked ahead, where— to my surprise— Emilianna was standing, carrying two large bags.

"Laura-sama!"

"What... What are you doing here?"

"I came to pick you up."

"Eh, but...?"

She laughed, looking embarrassed.

"It's just a coincidence that I passed by... hehe."

Her smile was so adorable that it was hard to believe she was older.

It seemed Emilianna had gone out for some errands. The large bags in her hands were likely related to her plans. Perhaps she was preparing for dinner— but then I remembered that the servants would handle that. Our lives were on completely different scales.

She stretched to peek behind me and tilted her head.

"Is Arnold-sama not with you?"

"He said he'll work a bit more. I was told to go home first."

I chuckled, and Emilianna frowned.

"Please don't overwork yourself."

The conversation then fell silent. But this was convenient for me, and I brought up a topic that had been on my mind.

"That's quite a load. Let me carry it for you."

"N-no! A guest shouldn't...!"

"Don't worry, I'm almost empty-handed."

I waved my hands to show her. She hesitated but, given the weight, she reluctantly handed me the large bag on her right arm, saying, "Please take care of it."

When I received it, I didn't mean to, but I saw the contents. There were many books neatly placed inside, and I understood why it was so heavy.

"Do you read books?"

"No, these were requested by Arnold-sama..."

I widened my eyes at her answer.

At the same time, I remembered. Another reason for his visit to this city. Perhaps what he wanted to confirm was related to these books.

Still, it was surprising.

"Even if you're busy, to ask a woman to carry such a heavy load..."

Even if he was busy during the day and couldn't go to the library, he should have known how heavy it would be to request so many books at once.

Emilianna chuckled at my words. She would be in a difficult position if a guest criticized another guest.

I regretted my words and, to avoid the awkwardness, I unconsciously looked at the bag in my hands. Then, the title on the spine of one of the books caught my eye.

"Legends of the Platnovena region...?"

The word "legends" made me stop. I quickly checked the spines of the other books.

Most of them were documents related to this region, such as history, geography, and research materials left by local scholars. I found a few mentions of legends and myths. There was also a thick book about monsters.

A possibility flashed through my mind.

Emilianna, noticing my pause, looked at me. I kept my eyes on the book spines and said,

"Emilianna, I'll give these to Arnold for you."

***

That night, when the sun had long set, Arnold finally returned to the mansion.

"Welcome back. Here are the books Arnold asked Emilianna to get."

Arnold took the books from me, slightly widening his eyes in surprise that they were from me, not Emilianna.

He peeked into the bag, and, apparently satisfied with the lineup of documents, he nodded.

His black eyes met mine. I thought he would thank me for carrying the bag, but I spoke first.

"About Elvira?"

At my question, he paused. I continued without waiting for a response.

"My master said that, at this point, the only way to cure the self-destructive disease is to rely on legends and myths."

Arnold sighed, as if resigned, and took out a book. He opened it to a certain page and showed it to me.

The page depicted a beast-type monster. It had huge horns, sharp claws, and red eyes. Its body was unnaturally bulging, as if its muscles were overdeveloped. The fur covering its body was a deep, eerie purple, and it looked strange at first glance.

To put it meta, it looked like a dungeon boss.

"According to the legend, drinking a potion made from the horn of this monster, which lives in this region, can cure any disease."

As he explained, Arnold crossed his arms, looking troubled.

I understood why this was what Arnold wanted to confirm in this city. At the same time, I looked at the illustration with a skeptical eye.

I had never heard of such a monster.

"This monster rarely shows itself to humans, but there are multiple eyewitness accounts. It definitely lives in this region. ...However, it's unclear whether its horn has such effects."

Putting aside my memories, it seemed there was some evidence of the monster's existence.

However, if it did exist, it looked strong. To obtain its horn, it would have to be defeated. Even with Arnold's genius in magic, it seemed impossible for him to do it alone.

I thought about the monster, lowering my gaze. I had completely forgotten about Arnold's presence and was lost in thought.

--- As a result, I didn't immediately react to the words that followed.

"Isn't it ridiculous?"

"…What?"

"Me, relying on such an uncertain thing."

A smile appeared on Arnold's lips, but it was self-deprecating.

I was surprised by his words, which sounded like a sign of weakness, and quickly shook my head. This was a reflexive reaction to a senior, but it was also my true feelings.

He was willing to dedicate his future, even his life, to his sick sister.

"No! That's... That's really... really wonderful, I think... really."

Arnold's face was shadowed, and his eyes were like those of a worried child.

It wasn't ridiculous at all. Far from it. You must be the best brother for Elvira.

I couldn't form the swirling words in my mind and could only shake my head.

Arnold smiled again, but it was more like a sigh of relief.

His reaction was much softer— more accurately, weaker— than usual, and the tension in my shoulders eased. I regained some composure and spoke again, my tone more calm.

"I'm not good with swords or magic, but if there's anything I can help with, please let me know. ...You're relying on my talent, right?"

I said this with a slight hint of a joke to lighten the heavy atmosphere. Arnold looked at me with wide eyes and uncrossed