Chapter 28

Natalie, the self-proclaimed Sage of Twilight, clad in a robe, trudged through the town.

Unable to forget the delicious meals that Touya had prepared, she had gone to his mansion hoping to eat them again, only to find him absent. She learned from the Adventurers' Guild that he had secretly left town on a bodyguard mission.

Back at her shop, which was also her home, Natalie rested her elbows on the counter and lost herself in thought.

"Still, those meals and his kind nature that the spirits favor... how nostalgic..."

◇◇◇

—Ten years ago—

"Are you really going to resign from your position as the head court mage...?"

"It's about time. I've trained many young mages, and I want to retire and take it easy."

Natalie, who had long served as the head court mage of the Lunette Empire, was facing the emperor, Garnet Van Lunette, to resign from her position.

Sitting on the throne, Garnet, with his impressive mustache, sighed deeply.

Natalie's skills were unparalleled among the mages in the country, and she had held the position of head court mage for decades.

She had trained many disciples and dedicated herself to the development of the country.

The Lunette Empire, where the imperial family was human, was a place without discrimination against humans, long-eared people, or beastfolk. Instead, it protected the long-eared and beastfolk, who were known for their delicate appearances. Talented individuals were highly valued in the Lunette Empire and often held important positions. Natalie, excelling in magic, had held a key position as the head court mage.

"I see... You have served this empire well for a long time. Ever since I was a child..."

"That's right. I've watched over you since you were a snot-nosed brat. You've grown well. I was worried when you became emperor, but the country is doing well. The provocations from the Generate Kingdom have also calmed down a bit. I think now is a good time to resign."

Garnet, referred to as a snot-nosed brat, nodded with a wry smile.

"So, what are your plans for the future?"

"Well, I'm thinking of traveling a bit and opening a shop in a quiet place. I still have the salary I've saved up."

"I see... Take it easy in your future life."

Leaving the room, Natalie walked through the castle where she had served for decades.

"Ah, Grandma Natalie!"

"Don't call me grandma!! Call me Natalie-neesan!!"

A little girl, about five years old, wearing a pink dress, called out to Natalie with a smile. She had light blue hair that reached her chest and blue eyes, and she was so adorable that she was sure to grow into a beautiful woman.

"But, Father said you've been in the castle since he was a child."

"Even so, call me neesan!! Charlotte, you are also a princess and an important presence in this country. Grow up to be a fine lady. You are favored by the spirits, and you will surely be able to use spirit magic."

"...? Okay... I understand... Grandma Natalie."

"Call me neesan!!"

Natalie tried to catch Charlotte, but she slipped away.

As Natalie chased Charlotte, a girl ran down the corridor.

"Charlotte-sama! There you are! I've been looking for you!"

A girl with short, shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a knight's uniform, and with distinctive ram-like horns on her head, Altria von Milda, ran up to them, out of breath. She was a bit older than Charlotte.

"Ah! Al found me!"

"Charlotte-sama, you really are something. Ah, Natalie-sama, hello."

"Al... It's not easy dealing with Charlotte..."

"That's true... She's about to turn five, so she needs to settle down soon..."

"She's still only five. But, humans grow up quickly..."

As Natalie lost herself in thought, Charlotte suddenly spoke up.

"By the way... Natalie... neesan. Everyone in the castle calls you 'Young Sage.' What does that mean...?"

At those words, a ball of flame appeared in Natalie's hand.

"Who said that? I need to educate them myself..."

Natalie's dark smile made Charlotte and Altria realize they had made a mistake. They remembered the last time Natalie had that expression, her disciples and the court mages had been left battered and bruised after training sessions.

"Ah, I remember. I have to go. Bye, Grandma Natalie!!"

With that, Charlotte ran away as if fleeing.

"Excuse me, Natalie-sama. Charlotte-sama!"

Alone, Natalie dispersed the flame and sighed deeply.

"I told you to call me neesan..."

In the empty corridor of the castle, Natalie muttered to herself.

One month later, Natalie resigned from her position as the head court mage and set off on her journey.

She traveled through the towns of the country and eventually opened a shop in the town of Fendy in the neighboring kingdom of Sarandiel.

Through connections, she bought a mansion at a low price, but a house spirit lived there and did not allow her to live in it. However, she was not refused, so she settled in the living quarters behind the shop.

She sold magic books and healing potions, occasionally entertaining customers. Although the business was in the red, she had savings that would last a lifetime, so she didn't worry much. She ran the business as a hobby and recorded her experiences.

—And ten years passed.

"Has Charlotte grown into a good girl..."

Leaning on the counter, she sighed, lost in nostalgic thoughts.

Thank you always.