Chapter 5

If there's no bread, then eat cake.

That's a famous quote attributed to someone.

Well, in reality, it seems Marie Antoinette never actually said such a thing.

The issue isn't there.

That's right.

If there's no fire, then freeze it.

Why didn't I realize this before?

While groaning to myself in the library, I suddenly remembered.

Salt can be extracted by freezing (with a smug expression).

Well, everyone knows that, but I want it to be treated like the cool knowledge cheat in a manga protagonist.

That's it! The freezing point!

As I muttered to myself.

"Oh, you're awake?"

Said Lord Radius.

... It seems he mistook my deep thinking for a nap.

Well, it's true that before my memory returned, I would fall asleep immediately after reading a book.

"Lord Radius! I'm going out for a bit!"

I need to get some seawater and try it out with magic right away.

Just as I was about to dash off.

"Hey, Lady Letty, are you here to play?"

The children from the orphanage called out to me.

There were four of them in total, preparing to go out with baskets.

Little Lolo, my age mate Rin, one year older Ricardo, and the oldest Glen.

"Yeah. Where are you all going together?"

I asked with a smile.

These orphanage children are all good kids and often help out at the orphanage.

The Forest of Spirits is considered the property of the Spirit King, so the only things that can be collected are fallen leaves and branches.

Anything else, even a single fruit, requires the Spirit King's permission.

So, the only way the orphanage children can earn pocket money is by collecting fallen leaves.

"Yeah. We're going to collect fallen leaves to sell to Mr. Sector."

They answered with a smile.

These children are all good and often help out at the orphanage.

The Forest of Spirits is considered the property of the Spirit King, so the only things that can be collected are fallen leaves and branches.

Anything else, even a single fruit, requires the Spirit King's permission.

So, the only way the orphanage children can earn pocket money is by collecting fallen leaves.

"Where are you going, Lady?"

I said, and Lord Radius spoke up.

"That's right. Glen, it's dangerous for Lady Letty to go to the port alone. Could you accompany her?"

To the oldest orphanage child.

"Yes, I understand. Let's go, Lady Letty."

Glen, the oldest, smiled at me.

A quiet boy with black hair, I think he's about 12 years old.

Ordinarily, one might think, "An orphanage child and the lord's daughter!"

But this territory is so remote that there are no outsiders.

The land route passes through the Forest of Spirits, and the sea route has a demonic current, so no one from outside comes here, and the only thing the people of the territory can do is fish in the nearby sea.

Despite being connected to the capital by land, the presence of the Forest of Spirits makes it an island on land.

Therefore, almost everyone knows each other, and there's no need to worry about kidnappings.

I think this area is probably more relaxed than other territories.

... I don't know about other territories, though.

In this territory, at least, there isn't a significant class difference like in manga or novels.

I left the mansion with the orphanage children.