Chapter 48

The next morning.

A letter for Schna arrived at the Sylphid household.

The sender was listed as Baron Trimel—Schna’s father.

"Already a reply?"

"It seems so."

In response to my words, Schna nodded and cut open the letter. In fact, on the day Schna decided to become my servant (after dueling Dion), I had sent a message via magic courier informing him of the decision.

As Schna read the letter with a serious expression, I asked her,

"What does the letter say?"

"It’s mostly words of gratitude. Thank you to the Duke of Sylphid for allowing me to attend the academy, even as a servant."

After saying that, Schna hesitated for some reason. Then, as if hesitating about something, she looked up at me with a shy gaze.

"W-well, then... he says, please take good care of my daughter, Zeros."

"I see. He’s a good father."

"J-just that?"

"Hmm? Just that?"

"Ugh, never mind. I just felt a little embarrassed, that’s all!"

Schna puffed out her cheeks and shouted, which I found rather odd. I then asked her to let me read the letter again. The letter conveyed the deep affection Baron Trimel had for Schna, filled with warmth.

Ideally, I should have gone to meet him in person to discuss making Schna my servant, but unfortunately, the entrance exam was approaching. I decided to visit him another time when I had the chance.

"Anyway, with this, we can leave for the capital today without any worries."

At my words, Schna tilted her head in confusion.

"Leaving already? I thought we could leave in about a week and still make it in time for the exam..."

"Actually, there’s a skill I want to acquire near the capital before the exam. I’d like to get to the capital as soon as possible."

"I see. Then I’m ready whenever you are. I’ve made all the necessary preparations!"

With that, despite the suddenness, Schna and I set out for the capital that very day.

I informed Duke, my father, of our plans and the contents of the letter from Baron Trimel. He replied, "As a member of the Sylphid family, strive to do nothing to be ashamed of."

If I pass the academy’s entrance exam, I will immediately start attending. It will be a while before I see Duke again.

After exchanging our farewells, Schna and I were about to leave the mansion when we noticed a familiar figure at the end of the corridor.

A blonde boy—my brother, Dion. I had heard rumors that he was having trouble finding a servant over the past few days. Judging by his flustered appearance, he was probably still in the middle of his search.

"Do you not want to say goodbye to your brother?"

After pondering Schna’s question for a moment, I averted my gaze from Dion.

"No, if we meet again in the capital, we can talk then."

"…I see."

With that, we finally left the mansion.

We then headed to the stagecoach stop. Regular services run from the Sylphid territory to the capital, with several carriages departing in groups twice a day. Fortunately, there were empty seats, so we boarded the carriage without any issues.

After a brief exchange with the driver, a group of adventurers appeared in front of us. The swordsman at the front addressed the passengers.

"I’m Gareth, the leader of the D-rank party ‘Evening Calm Sword.’ I’ve handled escort missions many times, so you can relax and enjoy the ride!"

After saying this, the man named Gareth laughed heartily.

To be honest, the road from the Sylphid territory to the capital is well-maintained, and powerful monsters rarely appear. There’s no real need to worry about that.

"Alright, let’s get going."

"Okay, Zeros!"

And so, Schna and I left the Sylphid territory, where we had spent so much time.

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