Chapter 4

Guri-chan chirped bravely, "Pii!"

It felt as if she was saying, "If you need anything, just call me like you always do."

"Thank you."

"Pii!"

Guri-chan flapped her large wings and took off into the sky without a running start.

I waved my hand to see her off.

"Well, Sable, we part ways here."

"Yeah, see you later!"

I wondered if I would ever return to this place.

Though I didn't know, I waved and said, "See you again," to him.

After parting with Guri-chan and Sable, I exited the back gate of the mansion and stepped onto the street of the noble district.

The raccoon fairy sisters followed me with light, quick steps.

It was particularly cold today, and I shivered.

I had been thrown outside on such a cold day, wearing only a work dress and apron.

Since I had no money, I couldn't even buy a coat at a passing store.

Noticing my shivering, Mofu, who had particularly fluffy fur, offered to become a scarf.

Gratefully, I picked up Mofu and wrapped him around my neck.

My body gradually warmed up.

First, I went to the government office and submitted the divorce approval form at the marriage registration window.

It was accepted without any questions.

"Here is the annulment of marriage. Please keep it safe as it cannot be reissued."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you."

I was finally free from Eugen.

I questioned whether this was the right decision, but no answer came to mind.

Now wasn't the time to worry about him personally.

I needed to look forward and live my life firmly.

Next, I visited the Ministry of Finance. I had deposited the money I had earned personally and the will my grandfather had left for me there.

Until now, I couldn't accept my grandfather's death and couldn't read the will.

Now that I was leaving the Eisenburg Duke's mansion, I needed to face it properly.

The headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in the capital was a large building, almost like a theater, with five floors.

Security guards were stationed at the entrance to prevent unauthorized entry.

To enter, I needed to present a registered handprint.

When I placed my hand on the magic array on the door, it opened automatically.

The medicine beasts Muk, Moko, and Mofu were not stopped and entered with me.

It seemed that my arrival had been communicated to the staff through the handprint.

A young bank clerk, Lily Bell, wearing glasses, ran over.

"Welcome, Lady Eisenburg!"

"Hello."

"Hello! What brings you here today?"

"I want to withdraw all the money and my grandfather's will that I have deposited."

"Understood. Please follow me to the inner room."

Although the Eisenburg Duke's family was significant, I was not a VIP to the bank.

Despite the amount of money I had deposited not being a fortune, I was always treated with great respect.

While waiting in the VIP room, a fragrant cup of tea and pastries were brought to me.

A magic gemstone was also prepared for Muk, Moko, and Mofu.

They happily crunched the gemstones.

After a while, Bank Clerk Bell returned with a leather bag of gold coins and my grandfather's will on a silver tray.

However, there was more than just the items I had deposited, which made me tilt my head in confusion.

"Excuse me, what is in that wooden box?"

"This is an item entrusted to us by Mr. Gray von Eisenburg. He asked us to give it to you when you arrived."

A card was attached to the wooden box, which read "To Beatrice" in my grandfather's handwriting.

The card said, "Please dispose of the item in this wooden box."

What was inside was unbelievable.

"Is this—!?"

Inside the wooden box was the cloak that symbolized the "Royal Alchemist Noble."

The Royal Alchemist Noble was the only title allowed to be used by a magic pharmacist recognized as the closest to the royal family.

The head of the Eisenburg Duke's family had been using this title for centuries.

However, ten years ago, after the death of my uncle—Eugen's father—my grandfather gave up the position of Royal Alchemist Noble.

As a result, the title, which had been passed down through generations, was transferred to another family.

Although my uncle's early death was cited as the reason, my grandfather didn't say much about it.

The cloak, which should have been a symbol of honor, was now being asked to be disposed of.

I couldn't understand why my grandfather asked me, and not Eugen, to do this.

I couldn't be distracted by my grandfather's request. I needed to check the gold coins.

There were exactly one hundred gold coins, worth one million gilders.

This was the money I had earned by selling magic potions to local villagers during my herb-gathering trips and from my personal regular customers.

If I didn't choose my living place and food carefully, it would last me about six months.

"They are all here."

"Next, this letter."

On the silver tray was a letter in my grandfather's familiar handwriting, addressed to "My dear granddaughter Beatrice."

"I will leave now. Please check the contents thoroughly. When you are done, please ring the bell on the table."

"Yes, thank you."

Bank Clerk Bell bowed and left the VIP room.

As I reached for my grandfather's letter, I noticed my fingers were trembling.

I had resolved to face my grandfather's will someday, but I still couldn't accept his death.

From now on, I needed to live a strong life on my own. For that, I needed to receive my grandfather's will.

If it said that I should support Eugen for the rest of my life, I would have to bow to him and continue making magic potions for the Eisenburg Duke's family.

In that case, I would rent a house and visit the mansion.

I had no intention of intruding on the new family with Heidi.

"Ha..."

I sighed, and Muk, Moko, and Mofu placed their hands on my knees.

Their round eyes seemed to be encouraging me.

That's right. I'm not alone.

I have Muk, Moko, Mofu, and Guri-chan.

I needed to overcome this trial to live a happy life with everyone.

Determined, I picked up my grandfather's letter.

"Huh?"

The letter was heavier than I expected.

When I touched it, I realized something long and hard was enclosed with the letter.

I took the paper knife on the table and opened it.

When I tilted the envelope, a beautiful silver key rolled into my palm.

"What is this...?"

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar key.

I knew all the keys to the Eisenburg Duke's mansion, but this one didn't belong to any of the rooms.

"Where could this key be for?"

The raccoon fairy sisters answered in unison.

"It's the key to the hermit's residence!!"

Confused by the unfamiliar words, I felt question marks raining down in my head.

The key's purpose was probably written in my grandfather's letter.

I placed my hand on my chest, took a deep breath, and opened the folded letter.

First, the letter praised me for my hard work, saying, "You have worked harder than anyone for the Eisenburg Duke's family and have continued to make better magic potions for patients."

My heart swelled, and I wanted to tell my grandfather that I could still work hard and wanted to continue making magic potions.

However, that wish would never come true...

Next, my grandfather's last wish was written.

"Beatrice, I am truly sorry for making you marry Eugen due to my selfishness.

After my death, live as you please. You don't need to sacrifice your life to be by Eugen's side. Break up with him quickly and be happier than anyone else. That is my last wish."

Tears streamed down my face as I read the message.

My grandfather was apologizing for my marriage to Eugen, but I didn't regret it.

Marrying Eugen made me feel like I had become a real family with my grandfather, which made me very happy.

If my grandfather had asked me to help Eugen, I would have done so.

However, his last wish was for my happiness.

If that was the case, I needed to live for myself to fulfill his wish.

"Thank you, Grandfather."

I hugged the will to my chest and expressed my gratitude.

The letter wasn't over; there was a second page.

It detailed the hermitage.