Chapter 46

After Nonna's fever broke, I immediately bought the smallest and cheapest cart.

On the day Nonna's cold finally cleared up, I wrapped her in a blanket, put her in the cart, and traveled only during the daylight hours. When we passed through the border checkpoint between the Kingdom of Randall, Nonna was leisurely munching on fruits and sweets in the cart.

I am now Maria with black hair, and Nonna is Lyle, my black-haired son.

Maria's name was found out when I asked for an investigation into the real Victoria's situation. Maria is also a missing person, a woman who entered the Kingdom of Ashbury from the Kingdom of Randall eight years ago and never returned. She was two years older than me and had no children at that time.

Since Maria had black hair, I found it difficult to use that information. So, I was really happy when I found a long black-haired woman in the free city.

While moving through the Kingdom of Randall, I explained my situation to Nonna as accurately as possible.

"Did Vicky run away?"

"Yes. It was a job I couldn't quit even if I wanted to. That's why I need a wig, a new name, and to move. I might be chased by the people from my job since I ran away. I'm sorry, Nonna, that we can't settle down."

"That's okay. We get to travel to many places."

"…Thank you. From now on, can you call me Maria instead of Vicky?"

Nonna thought for a moment before answering.

"Can I call you Mom? I might accidentally call you Vicky if I use your name."

Surprised and delighted by this unexpected response, I hugged Nonna and nodded several times. I couldn't bring myself to ask her to call me Mom.

"Yes, yes. Of course, you can. Call me Mom. Thank you."

"Eh? Why are you crying?"

"It's nothing."

We have been living in the Kingdom of Randall since then. We started living in the autumn season of roasted chestnuts, and now, three months later, it's a cold winter.

We live on a sheep farm in the rural town of Egnil, located in the south of the Kingdom of Randall. They were hiring, and although the pay isn't very high, it's very helpful that we can live on-site. The servant's room is warm and clean, and we often receive shares of mutton.

The servant's room has a large wood stove with a chimney for cooking. The bed, stuffed with straw, smelled of the sun, and the quilt, filled with luxurious wool, was warm and cozy.

At the farm, I learned how to take care of sheep and how to spin and dye yarn in the winter. I was praised by the lady of the house, Mina.

"You learn quickly. And you work hard."

"Thank you. I like jobs that involve physical labor."

During the day, Nonna helps me with my work, changing the water for the sheep and cleaning the sheep pens. When she gets tired, she plays with the lambs. Every night, she tirelessly knits bobbin lace with yarn. She says she plans to connect the many motifs to make bedspreads and sofa covers.

"Mom, can we sell these?"

"You want to sell them?"

"Yes. I want to earn money."

"I can manage with the money I earn."

"But I want to sell them."

"Okay. I hope they sell for a good price."

Mina, the lady of the farm, is in her late fifties. She knows we have a story, yet she hired us and let us live there.

Sometimes she says,

"There are many men who beat their wives in this world."

It seems she thinks we ran away from a bad husband.

"When spring comes, I'll teach you how to shear sheep."

"Thank you, Mina. But I plan to move at the end of spring. I feel bad about leaving right after learning."

"Oh, right. I'll miss you."

"Thank you for saying that. We really appreciate your kindness."

I, who enjoy detailed work, spun yarn from the wool I received from the lady at cost. I dyed the yarn with plant juices and knitted sweaters as I was taught. I hadn't knitted since my days as a candidate, but my hands remembered the techniques from over a decade ago.

"Mom, the pattern is so beautiful!"

"Really? Thank you."

"You always say thank you."

"Is that so? It's because I really mean it."

The sweater is navy with white patterns knitted in. The collar and cuffs have white patterns that resemble snowflakes, and I think it's quite stylish.

Burgundy with white patterns, dark green with white patterns. Women's, men's, and children's sizes. Before I knew it, I had knitted ten sweaters in three months. The winter farm life has long evenings after the sun sets.

Nonna's bedspread was also completed. The bobbin lace made of yarn has many gaps, but it feels surprisingly warm when draped over the shoulders or knees.

"Should we go to a big town to sell them? Your cover will sell too, I'm sure."

"Can we go to a big town? Is it safe?"

"I'll wear a wig and a hat and cover my mouth with a scarf, so it's fine. Nonna, you only talk to me every day, but it's important for children to interact with others sometimes."

Before selling them in town, I asked the lady of the farm to check if the prices were appropriate. She inspected the patterns, collars, cuffs, and seams with a serious expression.

"I'm thinking of selling the men's sweaters for three small silver coins, the women's for two small silver coins and five large copper coins, and the children's for two small silver coins. What do you think?"

"At those prices, they will definitely sell. You could ask a bit more, but if Maria has decided, go ahead and try."

With the lady's approval, we got into the cart and headed to a large town about two hours away. We needed to buy Nonna's coat and some spices. I also wanted to buy some sweets for Nonna and myself, as we always make our own.

We searched for a store that might buy the sweaters while shopping in the big town. I entered a store that sells everyday clothing, bought a few items for Nonna, and then asked the store clerk,

"Could you buy hand-knitted sweaters here?"

The manager, a cheerful woman, replied,

"Depending on the item. If it doesn't fit our inventory, it might be difficult. Do you have them with you?"

"Yes. Can you take a look?"

"Of course, I'd be happy to."

The female manager bought all ten sweaters at the asking price.

"These are definitely sellable. If you plan to knit more, can we sell them here? And what about this bedspread? Eight small silver coins?"

"Yes! I'll sell them here!"

Excited, Nonna answered before I could.

"Wait, this child knitted them?"

"Yes, the motifs were done by her. We connected them to make it larger."

"Is this an application of bobbin lace? You did a great job."

"Yes, I did my best!"

Nonna's Randall language is more polite than her Ashbury language.

We earned twenty-four small silver coins and five large copper coins from selling the sweaters. And Nonna's bedspread for eight small silver coins.

We were so happy that we went to a fancy pastry shop and ordered cake and tea. The shop had tables and chairs, and even a small wood stove outside.

"Would you like apple pie?"

"No. I want a cake with lots of cream. I like the apple pie you make!"

We enjoyed the shop's cake for the first time in a long while. While eating the cake, Nonna asked with a smile, "Where are we going next?"

Nonna must know that I feel guilty about moving so often.

She's a smart child. She could have complained more.