Chapter 12

"Where are you planning to go, Rio-kun?"

"I'm thinking of going back to my hometown for a trip while my master is away. He said he'll be back in about six months."

After the dinner I was treated to, I was proposed to buy any leftover magical tools I had made. Given my financial concerns, I accepted it as a good opportunity. I only used techniques that wouldn't lead back to my true identity, such as those related to the patents held by my sister, Cornelia, or any other technology that could reveal who I am. I thought it would just help cover the travel and accommodation costs to the port town, but I was surprised by how much they offered to buy them for.

I was planning to exchange the gems and jewelry for cash after leaving the country where the currency units change, so this was very helpful. To avoid leaving a trail, I made them in bulk and without settings, but it's still safer to do so after leaving the country.

I was thinking that I wouldn't need to be as frugal with accommodation when I was suddenly asked such a question. However, since I had already thought about my response, I answered smoothly. Skilled alchemists are often commissioned by the government, and the content of their work is confidential, even to their families. So, I responded as if I were a novice alchemist who hadn't been told anything.

If the person is knowledgeable about alchemy, they wouldn't pry into my master's details, and if they don't know much, they would just think I work in a well-off workshop. Given that Tonos-san seems to be doing quite well, he would likely be the former.

When asked which route and country I was planning to take, I replied, "I'm thinking of heading to Shellport." There didn't seem to be any probing, but I wondered what he was getting at.

There were no signs that my disguise was being doubted, and my gender hadn't been discovered. Or so I hoped.

"Shellport... then you'll probably go through the port city of Keldu, right?"

"Most likely."

Shellport is a famous tourist destination, so I could later say it was just a stopover, not my final destination. It's also a hub for sea routes, making it convenient. Keldu port is the closest from this country, but I could take a detour for a combined trip, which would allow me to go in a different direction. Everything was calculated to avoid revealing the truth while ensuring no contradictions arise later. I spoke as "Apprentice Alchemist Rio."

"Since Keldu is in the same direction as my next stall, how about I give you a ride?"

"Really? That would be too much trouble."

"Not at all. You let me buy high-quality potions and magical tools at a good price, so this is the least I can do. Besides, I want to do a favor for a future famous alchemist."

Surprised by his unexpected offer, I weighed the benefits of having a travel companion to throw off any searchers against the risks. The more time spent together, the higher the chance of my secrets being exposed. However, we met by chance, and I initiated the conversation. From what I recall about his business registration, he runs a legitimate business, owns a used magic car with an expansion compartment, and isn't financially struggling. Fred has a silver-level guild tag for this country, and there's no reason for him to be involved in kidnapping or human trafficking. The benefits of harming a mundane apprentice alchemist are minimal. Moreover, I can definitely escape if needed.

There's no need to be on guard while sleeping since Keldu isn't far enough to require overnight travel in the magic car. After quickly considering all this, I gave an innocent, grateful smile.

"Are you sure? I'd be very grateful."

"Rio-kun, as a skilled alchemist, you must be quite capable with magic, but I think it's better to have a travel companion. Some people might approach you without realizing your capabilities."

I thought I heard Fred mutter, "It's not flattery," but it was probably a mistake. I only follow the basic alchemy textbook instructions and don't use any remarkable techniques.

Reflecting on it, I could guess why he made this offer. Tonos-san must be a very kind person, worried about a young boy traveling alone over long distances. He even flattered me. I hadn't really considered the dangers of a minor traveling alone, and I was grateful for the high prices he paid for the potions and magical tools. I decided to accept his offer and thank him later when I was sure my family wasn't tracking me.

That night, we all returned to our rooms, but I was too restless to sleep. I made something I had planned to create early in the morning and then went to bed.

The next day, Tonos-san went to the Chamber of Commerce for remaining negotiations in the city, and Fred went to pick up weapons he had left for maintenance. Our departure was scheduled for the following day, but the prospect of traveling by magic car gave me more flexibility.

Moreover, not rushing to leave might make me less noticeable to my family. I couldn't outpace the communication of a ducal family, so avoiding detection was more important.

To repay the favor of the ride, I decided to make a magical tool as a gift during the journey. After buying the necessary materials, I headed to the Adventurer's Guild to mislead my trail.

"I want you to bury these relics and hair in the forest of my grandmother's hometown."

"Yes, there are no relatives left there, so there's no one to entrust them to."

The guild receptionist, used to such requests, noted down the conditions I provided. It's common for citizens without the time or means to travel to entrust items to merchants or adventurers going in the same direction. The cost changes if it's treated as a delivery.

While more expensive, the guild's mediation is reassuring, especially for requests like mine. I wouldn't want the items to be discarded after being taken.

I entrusted a bundle of white hair made from my cut silver hair and a new magical ring made to look like an antique. The ring would activate the day after tomorrow, leaving traces as if I had used magic at various locations. The traces would disappear when the magic stone's power ran out, but by then, the lack of sightings of a girl named "Liliane" would be enough to throw off the search.

I specified a rural town in the opposite direction of Keldu from Loital and paid the request fee and handling charge before leaving the guild.

The next day, as I left Loital, I reflected on my situation for the first time since running away. The relief of having a travel companion to the port, reducing the risk of being caught by my family, was significant.

I felt overwhelmed by the impulsive decision to leave. I should return and apologize to everyone involved. I've caused a lot of trouble for people I've worked with. Intellectually, I know this, but I couldn't bear to go back.

My biggest concern was Anna. Her job was to take care of me, and I worried about how she was being treated without me. I didn't think the Ajette family would unfairly blame her for my disappearance, but I was sure she was uncomfortable.

Additionally, Anna faced hostility from her colleagues, which troubled me. She said, "It's understandable that they think I'm not good enough to be a duchess's personal maid because I come from a baron's family," but I found her to be an excellent maid. Why did people treat her so poorly? Was being the youngest and least favored personal maid that enviable?

Even if I was favored by my family, it wasn't to the extent that people would envy her for it.

My main concern was whether Anna's situation had worsened.

I wanted to write a letter to apologize and assure her I was fine, but I feared it might make her a suspect or lead to her being questioned. Contacting her could also alert my family. I wanted to let her know I was safe, but I needed to be cautious.

After thinking through everything, I felt unsettled as the cart jolted. The front seats were cramped, and I was told to either sleep or do as I pleased in the back, but I had no idea what to do.

Sitting idly made me feel guilty and restless. Reflecting on this, I realized something that left me stunned: I had never spent time aimlessly.

I had taken breaks, but always with a purpose, like "it's time for a break" or "to reset myself." Now, without the structured lessons from my family, the assigned tasks, and the business I had left behind, I couldn't think of what to do with my free time.

What had I done with my free time before? After returning from school, I would receive lessons from family members. After those, I would plan the next lesson. After bathing, I would complete assignments and read related papers until the day ended. During school breaks, I socialized, but even then, I sometimes wanted to use the time for assignments. I never relaxed, even when I had some leeway.

On weekends, I worked on business-related tasks, drew, or played instruments at salons, but all of these were "work" to me. Conversations with Anna were a source of comfort, but she supported me, and it wasn't the same as enjoying hobbies.

I had never done anything out of pure enjoyment. Everything I did had a goal, like wanting praise from my family. Now, without those goals, I couldn't find anything I truly wanted to do.

Alphonse-niisan, who openly declared his love for storytelling, wrote his debut work, "Ange's Adventure," at nine. He had told stories to our family before, but I don't remember them. Mother once mentioned that the protagonist's name was different when he told the story to the family, and Alphonse-niisan forbade him from telling me, so I don't know the details.

Alphonse-niisan said he would continue writing stories even if the world ended and no one was left to read them. He loved his stories so much that writing was like breathing, something he couldn't stop. He said he couldn't give it up for any treasure or honor.

His eyes sparkled when he spoke, and I found it very beautiful to see someone so passionate.

I envied him. I realized I lacked such passion and had only shallow reasons.

The protagonist of the story Alphonse-niisan wrote at eight was named "Lili," but it was changed for publication.