Chapter 9

Standing in the kitchen with my mother.

Tonight’s menu consists of an omelet with stir-fried vegetables, potato soup, boiled beans, and stir-fried lamb seasoned with spices. Tonight, we are eating with the Ethan family.

“Alesia, thank you for shopping. Did you have fun in the capital? Did you buy clothes?”

“The capital was fun, and I bought clothes. Ethan was a good boy and very cute!”

“That’s good. I’m glad to hear that.”

My parents are busy preparing the new farm. Thanks to the rain, the crops are growing well.

“Today, people who have lived around here for a long time came to see the farm.”

I stopped stirring the pot and looked at my mother.

“Didn’t they suspect anything?”

“It’s fine. Everyone said that the rain at night is a blessing from the gods. They were happy when I gave them vegetables and fruits as gifts.”

“I see.”

“Also, since the rain, you sometimes sleep in the covered wagon after we moved here.”

That’s right. To avoid the rain that falls every night, I ride in a covered wagon two or three times a week. I sleep in a distant place early in the evening or move slowly in the wagon for a few hours late at night.

The range of the rain I cause is about 1,700 meters in diameter. Since the rain covers a wide area, it shouldn’t be linked to the wagon. However, Father and Uncle Nathan lose some sleep once a week. They both tell me not to worry, though.

I took the pot off the fire. I remembered that Mother had asked me something.

“Mom, can I plant a hawthorn tree in the farm?”

There was a hawthorn candy stall near the library. The hawthorn candy, with its bright red berries skewered and coated in hard, sweet candy, has a flavor that is both sweet and tangy, making it very addictive. It was my favorite in my previous life. I fondly remembered the times when the maids would secretly buy it for me to eat.

“Hawthorn? Sure, but why?”

“I saw hawthorn candy at a stall. It looked delicious, but I didn’t have enough money to buy it.”

“Hawthorn candy... I miss it. I loved it when I was a child. My family was very poor, so I looked forward to getting it only once a year during the festival.”

At that, Mother suddenly looked sad.

“Alesia, you lived there until you were eight, so you didn’t know about the capital’s festivals or hawthorn candy.”

“Now I can enjoy the festivals and hawthorn candy. So don’t make that face, Mom.”

I have nothing but gratitude for my parents in this life!

While we were talking, there was a knock on the door. It was the Ethans.

“Good evening. We’re coming in.”

Uncle Nathan led the way. It’s time for a fun dinner.

“Alesia, I heard you bought clothes for Ethan too. I’ll pay you.”

“Really?”

Aunt and Mother were looking at me.

I instinctively looked at Ethan, who nodded slightly, as if to say, “Don’t worry.” He hasn’t told them about the library. I’m sorry for causing you trouble, Ethan. I’ll tell them about the library now.

“I bought clothes for Ethan too. We went to the library wearing the clothes we bought. I want to go to the library from time to time. It will cost money, so I’ll work even harder. Can I go?”

The four adults were stunned. They must be wondering what a child who can’t read will do at the library.

“I want to study.”

“Sure.”

Father answered immediately. I didn’t expect him to agree without asking any questions.

“Really?”

“Yeah, sure. The farm is doing well, and we have enough to eat. We’re also saving a little. Don’t worry about the library fees. If Alesia wants to study, she should. But can you read?”

I expected that question.

“There are children’s books at the library. I’ll start by reading those. There are also many books with illustrations. So it’s fine. Thank you, Dad, for letting me go to the library!”

Oh, what wonderful parents I have. They are too good for me.

Ethan, who had been listening silently, stood up.

“What’s wrong? Do you want seconds?”

“Ethan, you’re in the middle of dinner, sit down.”

Uncle and Aunt called out, but Ethan stood there, trembling and glaring at me. What’s wrong?

“I want to go to the library too. I’ll study with Alesia and learn to read, so let me go to the library!”

Why is he glaring at me while asking our parents? His cheeks are puffed up. Reading? Was he so upset that he couldn’t read? Ethan, you’re too cute.

“Sure, Ethan. You always work hard on the farm.”

Aunt Benita smiled and gave her permission.

Since the day my memory box opened, I’ve been thinking about why I was born with the memories of my past life.

In my past life, I took so many lives in the war and yet I didn’t fall into hell. Instead, I was given a chance to live a happy life again. What is the reason for this?

There must be a reason.

I think the reason I was born with my memories is to “make the right choices this time.” No, I’ve decided to think that way.

I don’t want to make mistakes in this life. I don’t want to live a life filled with regrets. I want to live a life that helps others.

To do that, I plan to research magic at the library. Even a hint would be helpful. I want to find a way to control the rain I cause unconsciously.