Chapter 16

As for why Fred changed his plans and boarded this ship, in summary, it all boiled down to "it's mostly my fault."

“I didn’t hear the details, but you know, Rio... Riana made a magical device and gave it to Tonus as a token of gratitude, right? It’s a small device that can be used for both air conditioning and heating, and it can be installed in a magic car without having to tamper with the car itself.”

When I heard that the magical device was the trigger, my heart skipped a beat, thinking something must have gone wrong. But the story continued in a completely unexpected direction.

“That thing is really convenient. It can be easily installed in a used magic car. But when you attach it to the window, the wind hits the person sitting next to it, making them a bit cold. So, I suggested adding a feather to the air outlet to change the direction of the wind, and Tonus temporarily handed it over to an alchemy workshop in Keldu.”

I couldn’t stop crying and couldn’t even nod in agreement as I listened to the story. I had confirmed that the functions worked, but I never thought such an issue would arise in actual use. I should have been able to realize it if I had thought about it a bit more.

“No, I think Riana is really amazing. Tonus said he got it for free because it was a prototype, but usually, a prototype is just a working model that gets improved over time. To create something of such high quality from the first prototype is incredible. I’ve seen room-sized stationary models and high-end magic car models, but I’ve never seen anything as small as this.”

The current air conditioning magical devices have a different mechanism, so I’ve never seen one like this. It was based on the structure of an ancient magical device from a diary written in an ancient language. It’s just not used anymore. While it’s true that the small size is an advantage compared to current air conditioning magical devices, it’s too much trouble to use, so I don’t think there’s much demand. Only merchants like Tonus, who travel long distances through various climates, would find it convenient.

“Still, I think it’s very convenient... But more importantly, that magical device has an incredible use.”

“What...?”

“It can make second-grade, attribute-removal-incomplete magic stones safe to use. It might even disrupt the current situation where the supply of high-quality, guild-certified magic stones is insufficient.”

I nodded at those words, thinking, “Yes, that’s a possible use.” I had designed the mechanism to use up only the attributes of second-grade magic stones, leaving as much magic power as possible for use as the driving force of a magic car. The magical device I based it on used the magic power contained in the magic stone, leaving both the attribute and the magic power drained. I modified it to use up only the attribute and leave the pure magic power needed for the driving force of a magic car.

Thinking about it, it could also be seen as a “device for removing attributes” rather than for air conditioning.

But I couldn’t understand why Fred looked so serious. I had learned that any magic user could handle the removal of magic stone attributes and that the quality was strictly taught.

“Is it really okay to use the magic stones processed to this extent as a driving force? If it’s evaluated as a method for removing magic stone attributes, I don’t think it does much more than a basic level.”

“This is going to be a great invention, but why doesn’t the creator realize it?”

The focus was on the excellence of the magical device itself, and I couldn’t imagine that it was being considered for commercialization or that the creator was being sought. So, I thought... it must be that my family found out I was the creator. It must be that.

My story might have been communicated to various fields related to my family. They must have suspected the creator’s identity because a suspicious magical device was brought in.

“Tonus, who was supposed to be working for me, had his breach of contract fee paid by the name of the Alchemy Guild, and I inferred from the indirect things Tonus said that... Riana, I think you are being sought as the creator of that magical device... Riana?”

I couldn’t hear Fred’s worried voice. I deeply regretted leaving traces and thinking too optimistically. My attempts at concealment were completely ineffective.

I had thought everything was going smoothly, but it was just good luck.

I must have caused a lot of trouble for Tonus. I used a fake name and lied about my destination, so I don’t think he would be considered an accomplice and would be released soon.

Considering the head of the family, I think they would understand that I was just an ordinary person and would give him a token of gratitude as compensation for the inconvenience once my life settles down. I need to properly apologize and thank him before calling Anna.

“What should I do... Fred, I’ve caused trouble for Tonus...”

“Eh? No, I don’t think it’s trouble. He seemed to be negotiating enthusiastically to be included in the commercialization of the magical device for removing attributes from second-grade magic stones and was happy to be involved in a good business deal.”

“No, it’s not that... I actually... ran away from home.”

“Ah, I kind of expected that. I said I would listen, and I might not be able to do anything, but I might be able to help. I won’t tell anyone, no matter what.”

I hesitated about involving Fred in my situation but eventually gave in to his words. I knew Fred was a good and trustworthy person, partly because he had a silver adventurer’s license.

“My family... well, they have considerable power. I think they realized I was the creator and started searching for me, which is why Tonus got involved.”

“I don’t think so... I’m sure it’s just a business deal.”

Our conversation diverged, with me insisting that I had caused trouble and Fred saying it was just for commercialization.

“I think Tonus doesn’t know, so he can’t track me, but I need to apologize for the trouble I caused...”

“Hmm... If it’s as you say and you get caught in your family’s investigation, you should apologize. I can pretend to contact your family through the adventurer’s guild so they won’t know. But if it’s as I say, about the commercialization of the magical device?”

“That’s impossible.”

“Well, if it’s as I say, can we proceed with the commercialization?”

The hypothetical conversation ended, and Fred went to buy lunch this time.

“No, I’ll go. I caused a commotion, so I’ll buy it.”

“Riana, you were quite noticeable. You might get surrounded by musicians again. And... I think you were wearing makeup and disguise, but it’s smudged from crying. I think it’s better not to go out right now...”

I hurriedly took out a mirror and almost screamed at the sight of my face, which was smeared with brown and black around the eyes from tears.

“Phew”

I closed the door to the compartment and carefully exhaled in relief, making sure the child inside couldn’t hear. I was glad I could protect her. I had thought it was suspicious from the start, but I couldn’t leave a girl in the third-class cabin.

“Ah, perfect timing. Hey, is there any available room in the second-class cabins? A relative of mine is also on this ship. It’s too dangerous in third-class, so I want to bring them here.”

I found a crew member I had met since boarding the ship and called out to him familiarly. The man, who responded with “Hey, Fred,” seemed to be thinking, looking up for a moment.

“Hmm, there are no available rooms until the next port. Fred’s room is originally a double, so why not use that?”

“Yeah, but I thought it might be awkward for a young person to share a room with someone much older.”

“You’re still young enough, in your early twenties, right?” The crew member laughed, and I laughed back.

“Then, if the second person is using the room, who should I pay the difference to?”

“No one’s that picky.”

“I just can’t stand it.”

I know there are many people who bring in third-class women and get away with it, but I can’t treat this girl that way. She’s Riana, and she seems very intelligent but not used to this. She probably ran away from home not long ago. She’s likely a noble or a wealthy family’s daughter.

She was doing a good job acting as a boy, and I didn’t notice until she started acting more feminine after being caught in a lie. Her movements were all graceful, so I think she’s from a good family. Probably a noble. I’m not going to pursue it, though.

According to international maritime law, identity verification is required for second-class cabins and above on international passenger ships. However, the quality of the ship and unspoken rules or negotiations can change that. I don’t engage in criminal activities that require bribes, but I’ve learned to use them for my benefit.

Thinking back, when she was telling her story, she didn’t say anything that could be considered a clear identity fraud. If she had that kind of intelligence and flexibility, she would have used it. I’m sure she can do it if I teach her. I intended to take care of her for a while and got involved on my own.

“Sorry for the wait...”

I returned to the room with two paper bags of lunch, and Riana, who had removed her makeup, looked up. Her appearance had changed so much that I almost froze, but I managed to maintain a calm demeanor and return to my seat.

“Is there anything you can’t eat?”

“No, thank you.”

The makeup that made her look like a boy was completely removed. Who would have thought that underneath was a strikingly beautiful girl with slightly upturned eyes? No one, really.

“People can’t think straight when they’re hungry, so let’s eat first.”

I tried to keep the conversation going while maintaining a calm appearance, resisting the urge to look at the girl sitting next to me.

No, I don’t have any guilty feelings, just the natural reaction to beauty. I tried not to look, but I couldn’t help but recall Riana’s appearance in detail from the brief moment our eyes met.

Her well-shaped eyebrows and large, slightly upturned eyes. The deep, noble purple, like the morning sky. I think it’s called lavender. I recalled the gem-like color but couldn’t remember the exact term.

Her lips, though not painted, were naturally red, and her perfect, doll-like appearance was hard to believe even when I saw her eating.

Her eyelashes were much lighter than her hair, possibly gray or silver.

Her eyes were a bit red and moist from crying... What am I thinking? She’s a minor, probably around fourteen.

But I’m glad I could protect her. Spending a night without being caught was a miracle.

“Fred?”

“Huh? What is it?”

I almost acted suspiciously but managed to respond normally. I wanted to think I responded normally.

Anyway, I can’t let her go back to the third-class cabin tonight. It would be best for my mental health to give up my room and ask someone from the second-class cabin to take her, but she would probably be too polite to accept...

I know I don’t do strange things, so I have to let her stay here. She knows she can’t use that room anymore.

I can say I’ll take a potion as a thank you. It’s a high-performance potion, far more than a fair exchange for sharing a room for a night. She doesn’t seem to understand its rarity, so I’ll give her a bit extra...

“Why are you being so kind to me, someone you just met?”

Her voice was genuinely puzzled. I’m not a pushover, and I usually brush people off like I did with that Shaku boy.

If I were a hero in a romance novel, I’d say, “I can’t leave you alone,” but I have no ulterior motives.

“...It’s something I’m doing on my own, so you don’t have to worry. But I understand if you’re not satisfied with that. Hmm... I don’t really have a specific reason, but I guess it’s for my own sake.”

“For your own...?”

“I knew Riana, even when she was calling herself Rio, was a really good kid. She has secrets, but I don’t think they’re malicious. I think there are reasons. Since it’s a good kid’s problem, it’s not a bad thing... Seeing her in trouble and leaving a good kid behind would be bad for me in the long run. It’s for my own benefit.”

So, it’s not out of kindness or a desire to help. It’s 100% self-interest, and it just happens to align with Riana’s benefit.

“But... I’m really grateful for your help.”

“Ah, yeah... I’m glad I could help.”

I felt a bit embarrassed by her straightforward gratitude and changed the subject.

“...By the way, you said you ran away from home... Is it okay if I ask about that? Of course, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“No... If you don’t mind, could you listen?”

The story she told was not something I could easily accept.

I felt intense anger at the treatment Riana received from her family, even though it didn’t happen to me. I often felt my self-evaluation was too low, but I never imagined she had been treated like this.

No matter how comfortable her life was, it was right for her to run away from such a family.

That’s why, despite her suspicious behavior and leaving traces, she created a brilliant magical device and performed brilliantly on the deck.

She doesn’t realize how rare her talents are.

“But there are many people living in much worse conditions, and I feel guilty for running away... But I couldn’t do it anymore.”

“You don’t have to endure that. Yes, there are strict people, but to never praise such an excellent Riana and to praise the relative’s child so much... It’s really frustrating...”

Riana didn’t say anything bad about her family. She said she didn’t want to think more about it and that she was weak for running away, but I think it’s right to leave such a family.

Her self-evaluation, instilled by her family, seemed completely unchangeable. Even when I gave specific examples of praise, she didn’t believe them at all. Of course, she’s still a child. Family evaluations are a big deal at this age...

She said the evaluations she received were flattery, but that’s not true.

Just from what I’ve seen, she has extensive knowledge and skills in alchemy, singing, playing the veela, and even acting and makeup. To make a strikingly beautiful girl look like a simple, cute, ordinary boy is impressive.

To have so many incredible talents and for her family to never praise her... It seems they were intentionally hurting her. It’s unforgivable, even if there were reasons.

I was completely on Riana’s side and determined to help her escape to a place where she could be happy.

I want her to live in a place where no one knows her and receive a lot of praise from the people around her. Her family is the one that’s wrong, and I hope she can eventually accept the correct evaluation of herself.