Chapter 22

After that, a completely different daily routine began.

Reine prepared a room for Lane next to her own room on the second floor. Lane was hesitant at first, given the spacious and beautiful room, but she had no choice but to accept it, as she was told that all the rooms in the mansion were similar.

The next day, they went shopping with Alex.

They had brought some daily necessities from the village, but there were many things they still needed.

They planned to gradually buy more once they found jobs.

However, Reine, looking delighted, insisted on buying matching items and pressured Alex to do so.

Lane, however, desperately tried to decline, as she couldn’t accept having her share bought as well, even if it was Reine.

"Sorry, but could you indulge my sister's whims?"

But while Reine was choosing items, Alex whispered to Lane,

"It’s not a whim. But..."

"Reine was once almost kidnapped as a child. That’s why I was worried and made her live in a place with good security. Even with a mage as a bodyguard and Sally, she spent a lot of time alone and felt lonely."

Given her beauty, Reine must have been as lovely as a doll in her youth. Alex’s concern was understandable.

And so was Reine’s excitement at having someone close to her age like Lane.

"Understood. I plan to repay you once I start working, but for now, I’ll have to be a bit spoiled."

"Thank you. I’m always asking too much of you, I’m sorry."

To Alex, who looked apologetic, Lane smiled.

"No, not at all. I like Reine too."

Reine, bright and cheerful, and willing to stand up for Lane, was like the sun. Though they had just met, they had already become close.

"Lane, which color do you like better?"

Holding up two large cushions, Reine asked.

"Both are beautiful. But I prefer this one."

"I thought so too. Brother, two of these. And the rest..."

They had many childhood friends, but none as close as to go shopping together.

They spent a lot of time shopping and were quite exhausted, but it was a pleasant time for Lane.

"Yeah, we bought a lot."

Reine nodded, looking satisfied, and turned to Lane.

"Sorry, I got carried away and dragged you around. Are you okay?"

"Of course. I had fun too."

But she was indeed tired from walking. They decided to rest in the park for a while.

"Let’s buy some drinks."

"Okay, brother. Please do."

Alex went to the stalls around the park, and Reine and Lane sat on a bench together.

"Lane, what kind of job do you want?"

"Well, I used to do embroidery. So, it would be helpful if it’s related to sewing, but I’m open to anything. I can manage as a helper or a server to some extent."

"Really? You’re so skilled."

Reine nodded in admiration but then whispered a bit sadly,

"I want to do something too. But my brother only lets me go to the cathedral or the library. And there’s that saint in the cathedral."

Sometimes she goes to her hometown, but the female guard always accompanies her, and she is usually brought back the next day.

Alex must be worried about Reine.

Given her beauty and being the only family of the hero, she might still be a target.

But for a young woman like Reine, it seems a bit confining.

"Why don’t you try embroidery? You can do it at home, and I can teach you."

"Really?"

Reine’s face lit up, and Lane nodded.

"Let’s go to a craft store. We’ll need embroidery threads and fabric."

"Yes, let’s go. I’m so happy. Thank you, Lane!"

Reine stood up, not trying to hide her joy.

But behind her, an unknown man was sneaking up. Lane quickly pulled Reine’s hand.

"Reine!"

"Kyaa!"

Reine, losing her balance, fell into Lane’s arms.

Holding her tightly, like a mother protecting her child, Lane glared at the man.

Surprised by Lane’s unexpected strength, the man quickly fled.

"Reine..."

"I’m fine. I’ve chased away wolves in the village before."

Of course, real wolves.

The man was just trying to hit on them.

Alex soon arrived, but Reine became even more attached to Lane, who had saved her from a dangerous situation.

"I’ll work hard at embroidery too, so Lane can do it at home. So, why don’t we live together?"

"That’s..."

Indeed, having a job in embroidery would be great, and both Reine and Alex are pleasant to be around.

But is it really okay to be so dependent on them?

While Lane was hesitant, Alex readily agreed with his sister.

"Sure. That’s a good idea. Let’s buy the supplies right away."