Chapter 51

"Amber, are you going to the big bath with me? Do you want to come along?"

"Big bath! I'm going!!"

After finishing our tour of the market and returning to the inn, we were each spending our time freely. Since we had successfully changed the number of people for the dinner reservation, I felt relieved and invited Amber.

When I did, Amber, who apparently knew the comfort of submerging her body in a large bathtub, lit up with excitement. I think my guess that she had once lived in a wealthy environment is not off the mark.

Considering that she didn't even have a proper grasp of common sense, and how she ended up becoming an adventurer on her own, I planned to ask her about these things in private. So, Anna is waiting in the room, pretending to have something to do.

Fredo offered to try and get the information for me, but since I decided to take her as my disciple, I thought I should properly hear her story if there's anything to it...! So, I didn't ask for his help from the start. If she doesn't want to talk or if she's against it, I won't force her, of course...

If I can't get the conversation going, I'll ask for your help later.

"Paradise~"

Her tail peeked out from under the child-sized yukata, swaying gently. Her animal ears twitched in response to the water droplets, which was quite cute.

Amber, submerged up to her neck in the bathtub, looked very relaxed. ...Now might be a good time to talk, as she seems very relaxed and it might be easier to bring up difficult topics.

"Hey. Why did Amber... What made you become an adventurer?"

The best time to have a conversation, according to my knowledge, is during a meal. I read this in a psychology book I studied. The sound echoed in the bath. There were few other guests, but I kept my voice down since it wasn't something to be said loudly. Amber's ears would be able to hear me clearly at this volume.

"Why did Amber become an adventurer? It's... to become strong."

Strong... She said that at lunch too. I don't really understand what her criteria for "strong" is. This might turn into a long story, so I straightened my posture.

"...So...?"

"Done."

"...Huh?! That's... just it? When you say 'strong'... it doesn't include being an adventurer...?"

"I don't know anything. I was told I could return once I became strong, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

I thought I would understand the reason, but her unexpected words left me unsure of how to react.

Anyway, if Amber herself doesn't know... there's no point in me thinking about it. I believe there is some standard, but I can't verify it right now.

"...Who told you that?"

"My aunt, as part of our family tradition."

Is it like a martial arts training journey...? But to send out a child who doesn't even have basic knowledge or common sense... If it weren't for Amber, who knows what would have happened.

No, it's not that I think it's okay for a child as strong as Amber to do it. It affects not only her but also those around her. Indeed, Amber has caused many problems.

I've experienced a lot of things I wouldn't have if I had stayed at home. I've never once thought of returning and I'm glad I left home. But that's not something to force on someone else.

Becoming an adventurer was purely by chance. My decision to become an adventurer was also almost a whim.

As I listened further, I learned that she initially had a substantial amount of money, but she spent it quickly on snacks without planning, which made me feel dizzy. Comparing the color and shape of the royal currency, I think it was enough to live in the city for a year without working.

But, based on what I imagine from Amber's words... I suspect that unscrupulous adults, knowing that Amber couldn't properly calculate money, made her pay exorbitant prices.

It was also strange that, despite being a gold-class adventurer, she sometimes struggled to find food. When I asked about her daily life, the cause became clear. She might still be overcharged due to her inability to calculate.

...Indeed, this child has caused many problems, but that doesn't mean it's okay to exploit her. But there's no evidence, so I'll consult Fredo and Anna about this matter.

"But, according to the tradition, even though my father, brother, and grandfather said I didn't have to do it and could stay at home, my aunt must have sent me away out of malice."

"Out of malice...?"

"That's why, Amber will become a strong person that everyone has to acknowledge. And I won't return to my homeland until my aunt bows her head in recognition."

Amber's fist, raised in a surge of emotion, splashed the water.

Her determination seemed more like stubbornness. Just to get back at her aunt...

"...So, Amber... What do you want to do once you're strong enough to get back at your aunt?"

"What do I want...?"

"Once you're strong... What will you do? I don't know what you think a 'strong person' should be, but from what I've read, famous heroes... people everyone acknowledges as strong, usually had a purpose. To protect someone important or their hometown..."

I stared at Amber through the steam for a while. She seemed to be thinking, but her eyes moved aimlessly, as if she couldn't find what she was looking for.

"Then, why don't you start by finding that?"

"Find it? How?"

"I didn't know what I wanted to do at first either... Now, I want to become someone who can help people in trouble. It's a secret, though."

My dream, as you can tell, is a rather mundane wish to be thanked by someone. I feel embarrassed to say it out loud to someone who works with conviction.

"Purpose..."

"I promised to take you as my disciple. I'll help you find your purpose... and maybe we can look to famous heroes as role models."

But first, I need to teach her common sense. I don't understand the criteria for being strong, but strength comes with responsibility. Amber should learn proper etiquette to avoid being overwhelmed by her own strength. This is urgent.

"Riana is amazing!"

"Amazing?"

I repeated the words, impressed, which I've been hearing a lot from people other than Anna since I left home.

"Because when I was at home, everyone always praised Amber. My father, mother, and brother... I was praised for everything I did and even for doing nothing, so I thought that was just how it was."

"Even for doing nothing...?"

"But after I left, everything went wrong. Everyone scolded Amber."

"That's..."

Ah, I'm glad I took her hand. I had some doubts, but now I'm certain.

Our environments were fundamentally similar, though opposite. I was never praised for anything, while Amber was always affirmed and pampered.

Both are forms of personal negation. "Liana, you're never acknowledged for anything" and "Amber, you're never scolded for anything."

"How do you know what's right and what's wrong, Riana?"

Amber's eyes looked at me as if I were a hero.

"Knowing the right answer, Riana is amazing!"

This is something you usually learn from adults around you before you can understand it, and it's not particularly amazing... but I couldn't say that out loud.

"Happy birthday, Riana!"

After getting out of the hot spring and returning to the room with Amber, a very cheerful Anna was waiting for us, inviting us to "dress up!" I hadn't done makeup in a while. When we met Fredo to head to the restaurant, he said, "You look even cuter tonight," and even though I knew it was just a compliment, my cheeks felt warm. I guess that's why women always get approached by men!

I bowed my head to hide my flushed cheeks and entered the reserved private room, only to be startled and frozen in place.

Why was the private room I was led to dark? Did I go to the wrong room? But when the room was lit up with a voice, I understood. Ah, right, today is my birthday. I had completely forgotten.

"Okay, the guest of honor, Riana, will sit in the middle."

"Hehe, Riana... You look so surprised. The surprise was a success!"

I was still in shock, having genuinely forgotten my birthday, but I sat down as Fredo prompted. Then, everything from the past few days made sense.

Fredo suggested a trip for my long journey. Anna insisted on making the dinner reservation. It was because it was my birthday...!

"Regarding Amber, it was unexpected for us too, but we can combine it with a welcome party."

"Is it like offering red rice to the altar, serving sake and rice cakes?"

"Um, it's a bit different... Here, a birthday is celebrated by gathering around the person who is having a birthday and wishing them a 'wonderful year ahead' with cake and other delicious foods."

When I lived at home, there was a ceremony in the morning to pray at the church, but I forgot about it this year. But I wasn't a particularly devout believer, even though I was a member of the state religion. There's no church of Ygdira here because of the cultural differences, so it would have been difficult to remember even if I had.

By the way, I realized I didn't know Amber's birthday and asked, but her surprising answer was, "I don't remember."

"Well, let's talk about Amber's birthday tomorrow."

"That sounds good. When I told the restaurant we wanted to celebrate a birthday, they prepared a cake for us. I thought it might be a bit too big for three people, but it was a good idea to order a whole one."

Anna smiled, probably imagining Amber's eating capacity. Anna and Fredo seemed more excited than I was, who was just thinking, "Oh, right, it's my birthday."

"Although I couldn't prepare a home-cooked meal... I secretly made a present."

If I had celebrated my birthday in Lindemen, I would have been treated to Anna's home-cooked meal. I need to make sure to take a proper holiday next year and not forget to go on a trip.

"Wow... What a beautiful scarf. It feels so soft..."

"I made it short and with buttons to keep it from getting in the way during fieldwork. It can be dangerous if it hangs down."

I touched the deep blue scarf, thinking. But if I wear it outside and it gets dirty or unraveled, I'll be sad... I've received gifts from Anna, who is good at knitting, a few times, but things like a throw or a cardigan to wear over nightwear, which I can use in the room, were reassuring to use...

"Since I made it, please use it!"

Said as if she could see through my character, I nodded hurriedly. Yes, you're right. I should proudly wear this hand-knitted scarf.

It will be very useful as it gets colder.

"From me... To celebrate Riana becoming an adult, a drink of the same age! It's a low-alcohol trial version, so it's okay."

I was a bit surprised to see the bottle label with the year I was born. This isn't just a good bottle of wine...

"Oops... I thought you wouldn't know much about alcohol since you're underage, but did I get caught for splurging?"

"Yes... But since it's a celebration, I'll gratefully accept it. Thank you for choosing such a wonderful first drink for me."

"Sure! I'll be happy if you drink it without holding back."

For a moment, I thought, "This is such a good bottle of wine, it's a waste to drink it for me," but I'm glad I didn't say it. Fredo, who was grinning mischievously, didn't seem to notice my inner thoughts. Maybe I'm gradually improving my negative self-image.

I used to have a birthday party every year, and it was always a grand celebration, but I never got what I really wanted. "Now that Liana is one step closer to adulthood," I was pointed out for what I couldn't do this year and given goals for the next year.

A day when I was confronted with how bad I had been for the past year by each family member.

But even if I achieved everything I was told to do the next year, no one praised me.

I found myself thinking about unpleasant memories and shook my head to dispel them. I refocused on Amber, who was happily enjoying the new foods she had never tried before.

Since I just turned an adult, it's natural that this is my first time drinking. I've heard that some people start drinking secretly before they turn 16, but I've never wanted to break the rules.

I was nervous as I took my first sip of alcohol, but it was easier to drink than I expected. I've read that it can be bitter or burn your throat, but maybe because it's good wine, it tasted really good.

Feeling light and happy, I thought my chest was full of joy and happiness, and before I knew it, I was waking up on the bed in the inn.

I froze, not understanding for a moment. What...? When did I leave the restaurant...? I don't remember anything from the middle of the meal. No, I don't remember anything from the first glass. The light through the curtains told me it was already morning, and I was stunned. Could it have been a whole night...?

"Riana, you shouldn't drink anymore."

"Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't drink anymore..."

At breakfast, as the two of them said this without meeting my eyes, my mind went blank, wondering what kind of embarrassing behavior I had shown. What did I do...?!

"Why? Yesterday's Riana was just cute, there was no problem... mmmph"

"Hey, Amber~ I'll give you my dessert!"

"Amber, I'll give you my cake too."

"?? I don't understand, but if I can get it, I'll take it. Yay"

I didn't notice that Amber was about to say something as Fredo stuffed a small cake into her mouth, and I was trying in vain to remember my lost memories from yesterday.

At least... I don't know what I did, but I should follow their advice and ban alcohol...! I vowed to myself.

Riana's homeland (Kronheim) and the place she is now both have a drinking age of 16.