Chapter 6

The next morning.

Rane greeted her parents, then took the luggage she had packed the night before and headed for the village square.

Leaving the village where she was born and raised and her parents behind was sad, but if she stayed, she might end up being a burden to them. Besides, it would be better for her to find a new way of living rather than dragging around her feelings for Aider in this village.

She promised her parents that she would definitely write to them once she settled down.

"Take care of yourself."

"Yes, Father, Mother, you too."

She was worried that her large luggage might raise suspicion, but the people gathered there all had similar bags.

(This way, I won’t be asked any unnecessary questions.)

She felt relieved to see this.

She had grown up with childhood friends, but she didn’t intend to tell anyone about leaving the village.

Of course, she didn’t plan to say goodbye to anyone.

It might seem heartless, but she thought they wouldn’t want to talk about it either.

While thinking this, she glanced at her childhood friends.

Rane had always been an outsider among the village women.

As Aider grew stronger and advanced in his career, some of the women started to treat Rane harshly.

When they were engaged, they had laughed at her as a weirdo, but now they spread rumors that she had forced Aider into the engagement by taking advantage of his kindness.

In particular, Meg, who often made nasty comments at the laundry, and her friend Mie, were the worst.

They seemed delighted that Rane had been dumped and giggled at her several times.

There was another childhood friend, Claire, who was two years younger.

She was quiet and never said anything mean to Rane, but it seemed she had liked Aider too. She appeared more shocked by his marriage than Rane did and looked down with a gloomy face.

There were three other men in the village besides Aider.

Tris, the grandson of the village chief, Ron, the blacksmith’s son, and Sord, the hunter’s son. All three were muscular and used to bully the small-framed Aider. Now that he had advanced in his career, they probably felt conflicted.

None of their expressions were particularly cheerful.

Aider’s parents were dressed in fine clothing, like nobles, and had servants carrying their luggage. It was understandable that they would think they were special with such treatment.

While thinking about this, she absentmindedly gazed at the village scenery.

She might never return.

As she was feeling a bit sentimental, multiple people suddenly appeared in the square.

She almost cried out in surprise when she saw that they were wearing matching uniforms with beautiful decorations.

They were the Royal Magic Corps.