Chapter 44 - Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Sierra seemed flustered by the sudden suggestion to go out, but she didnundefinedt refuse.

I was excited to have a chance to become closer to her. Thereundefineds nothing like shopping for becoming close with a friend!

But there was one fatal problem…….

undefined……Thatundefineds right, Sierra has no money.undefined

Having lost her family and all her possessions overnight, she was practically alone in the world. There was no way she had money to go shopping. She had probably used what little emergency funds she had to get to the ducal castle.

But if I offered to buy everything for her, Sierra would definitely feel burdened. Although she was penniless and alone, her will to live without shame was great.

So rather than just giving freely…… it would be much better to offer kindness conditionally.

I spoke casually to Sierra, who was getting into the carriage behind me.

"Sierra, I have a favor to ask."

"A favor……?"

Sierraundefineds eyes widened as she sat down on the carriage seat. Her only outfit for going out was old and plain, contrasting with my flashy attire.

Hmm, I should buy her some clothes first.

I calmly resolved and continued.

"Could you send up some medicine for headaches to my room tonight? Iundefinedll pay you in advance. Here."

Before Sierra could answer, I took out a hidden money pouch and handed it to her.

Sierra, receiving it blankly, blinked, looking back and forth between the hefty pouch and me. I grinned and said.

"Iundefinedm not officially engaged to the Duke yet. Iundefinedm not a member of the Rashiane Ducal family, so itundefineds only right that I pay you."

* * *

Galantea in the east, ruled by the Rashianes, was a prosperous city. The well-maintained streets were clean and beautiful, and the people were bright and kind.

Even the slums that could be found in any city were absent in Galantea. It was a scene truly worthy of the praise undefinedRashiane of Light.undefined

It was said that even the Emperor, the master of the splendid imperial palace, occasionally coveted Galantea, and I could somewhat understand that feeling.

"Um, Lady Rosnia…… is it really alright for me to accept this money? No matter how I think about it, itundefineds too much……."

Sierra, walking beside me, spoke in an anxious voice. In her hand was the money pouch I had given her as undefinedpayment.undefined

Sierra was restless, as if the money pouch were a bomb.

Pretending not to notice her state, I answered calmly.

"Is that a lot of money? That canundefinedt be. By my standards, itundefineds just pocket money?"

It was a somewhat unlikeable thing to say, but I was confident it would be effective.

And as I expected, Sierra tilted her head with an expression that said "Is that so?" and put the money pouch in her bag. Perfect effect.

Come to think of it…… I feel like Iundefinedm in the male lead position in many ways. The male lead should be doing all this!

undefinedIf Sierra ends up falling for me, that would be a big problem.undefined

Thinking idle thoughts, I opened the door to the store with a haughty expression. Well, it wasnundefinedt me who opened it, but the knight following me.

Anyway, I entered the store, pretending to be an elegant young lady. If Adrian Hyll had seen me, he would have snorted. But Adrian Hyll wasnundefinedt here now. Beside me was only a rabbit-like Sierra and a handsome knight. I could say it was perfect.

"Welcome, customers!"

"Welcome!"

The shop assistants who had gathered greeted me with friendly expressions and voices. Seeing my well-dressed appearance, they must have smelled money.

Yes, well. They recognized the right person. I was the daughter of the Hyll family, ranked within the top three wealthiest in the country.

"Is there something youundefinedre looking for? The person next to you is……."

But the moment one of the shop assistants pointed at Sierra, the atmosphere turned icy cold.

Before that shop assistant could say something like undefinedAh, she must be a maid,undefined I quickly cut in.

"Sheundefineds my friend. A very, very precious one."

"Y, your friend, I see. My apologies. Both of you, please come this way."

I was relieved that Sierra didnundefinedt get hurt by the shop assistantundefineds insensitive remark. I need to firmly win Sierra over today! I wonundefinedt tolerate anyone interfering!

"Ready-made items are displayed here. If you choose a design you like, weundefinedll alter it to fit your measurements. And if youundefinedd like to place a special order, you can choose from this catalog, or request our designer."

The shop assistant was quite perceptive, treating Sierra equally with me, without discrimination. I should give him a little tip before leaving this store. I nodded my chin with satisfaction and opened the catalog the assistant handed me.

If I only bought clothes for Sierra, that would be too much like a male lead, so letundefineds pick out a few for myself as well…….

I chose two outfits for myself from the catalog, and two for Sierra. Of course, I actively reflected Sierraundefineds tastes and opinions.

Sierra seemed quite burdened, but wanting to get out of this store quickly, she actively participated in choosing the clothes.

"I think this outfit would fit Sierraundefineds measurements. Would you like to try it on?"

I intended to get her out of her shabby outfit today, so I handed her the clothes and suggested casually.

After hesitating in surprise, Sierra nodded and took the clothes.

Hehe…… just as planned. I smiled inwardly and pushed her into the fitting room, then sat on a nearby sofa and waited leisurely.

After a moment, Sierra came out wearing the clothes.

She seemed very awkward and flustered by her appearance. But I inwardly cheered, admiring my own taste.

I had chosen a dress that was neat yet elegant and dignified, with a somewhat simple feel, but subtly hinted at its high quality with pearl buttons. It suited Sierra perfectly.

I deliberately made a fuss.

"Wow, Sierra! It looks great on you! You should wear this out. Right?"

At my question, the perceptive shop assistant eagerly chimed in.

"Yes, indeed. It looks wonderful on you―. You should definitely wear it out. Ah! How about choosing a hat and shoes that go well with this dress? Theyundefinedre displayed over there."

This shop assistant was no ordinary salesman. He had definitely sold things before.

Anyway, Sierra and I finished our successful shopping and left the store. Of course, we also bought a hat and shoes for Sierra. I also replaced her old bag, and bought her lace gloves and a scarf.

undefinedGood, perfect……!undefined

Sierra seemed unfamiliar with her own appearance, constantly glancing at the shop windows we passed.

It was somehow cute, and I smiled contentedly. Indeed, the most fun part of having a friend is dressing them up.

"Next is the bookstore. You like books, donundefinedt you, Sierra?"

"Pardon? How did you……."

I smiled at Sierra, who asked with a surprised expression, and answered.

"I just thought it seemed like you would."

Actually, I knew because she was the heroine of the original story. But that was my secret to take to the grave.

"Come on, letundefineds go! Iundefinedll buy you books as gifts too! Pick out as many as you want!"

"Ah, no, Iundefinedm already so grateful for you buying me clothes……."

"Itundefineds nothing between friends!"

I took Sierra, who was flustered and didnundefinedt know what to do, and headed confidently to the bookstore.

The rumor that the fourth-largest bookstore in the empire was in Galantea was no lie. The bookstore was four stories high, as spacious as a ballroom, and had a vast collection of books.

Moreover, the books were very diverse and well-categorized, so if you wanted a specific book, you could find it easily.

Even Sierra, who had been flustered and desperately refusing all the way here, was staring at the bookstore in awe.

I knew she would like it.

I watched Sierra with a contented smile, then slowly started choosing books for myself.

Letundefineds see, Ruwellinundefineds taste is…….

undefinedDelicate yet concise, not too dry, and good to read at night or dawn…….undefined

That was poetry or prose, definitely.

undefinedHmm, Iundefinedm not sure. It all looks good to me.undefined

It all seemed well-written. Actually, I didnundefinedt even know exactly what Ruwellinundefineds taste was……. No matter how I thought about it, the idea that Ruwellin liked reading poetry or prose at night or dawn was an over-elaboration. The original author was too greedy! Trying to give the male lead a romantic vibe!

undefined……But thatundefineds just the original story setting. What if itundefineds different in reality?undefined

But Ruwellin said he would be happy even with a piece of paper…….

Maybe I could just pick the best-looking book? Since I wasnundefinedt sure, I might as well choose one with a pretty cover. Hmm, good. Letundefineds do that.

After about a minute of deliberation, I chose a book for Ruwellin. It was a collection of prose with a cover depicting a blue night. It seemed like a good read for a quiet night, so I thought Ruwellin would like it.

undefinedGood, I think I chose well. Now, shall I go to Sierra?undefined

Holding the poetry book, I walked around the bookstore looking for Sierra.

Then, on the second floor, in the medical books section, I found Sierra and happily hurried over.

But looking closely, Sierra was talking to someone. The person she was conversing with was hidden by a bookshelf, so I hadnundefinedt noticed.

That person was tall, had distinct features, and his well-combed blonde hair fell to his shoulders. His eyes were such a light gray that they looked almost white, and perhaps because of his glasses, they seemed even hazier.

And judging by his neat, well-dressed appearance, he seemed to be a noble or of equivalent status.

He was talking to Sierra with a perpetually kind smile, so he didnundefinedt seem like a bad person.

I slowly approached. But I wasnundefinedt given a chance to see the man clearly. Just as I reached Sierra, he turned and left.

"Ah, Lady Rosnia."

Sierra turned to me and smiled brightly. I didnundefinedt know the details, but she seemed to be in a good mood because of her conversation with that man.

Who could that man have been? I looked in the direction he had left, but he had already vanished, nowhere to be seen.

undefinedSomehow, he gave me a strange feeling…….undefined

I looked at Sierra and casually asked.

"Sierra, who was that man just now?"

Sierra blinked her transparent eyes, showing no suspicion, and answered.

"You mean that gentleman? We happened to bump into each other while looking at medical books, so we started talking. I didnundefinedt catch his name. But I think he might be a physician."

That man was a physician?

undefinedHmm, he certainly gave the impression of a physician.undefined

He wore glasses, was neatly dressed, and seemed intellectual and kind.

undefinedAm I just being unnecessarily suspicious……?undefined

I scratched my cheek with a sullen expression, then met Sierraundefineds eyes, who was looking at me in bewilderment, and reflexively smiled.

Yes, well, itundefineds probably just a groundless worry.

undefinedItundefineds not time for the villain to appear yet, anyway…….undefined

I smiled kindly at Sierra and asked.

"Sierra, have you chosen all your books?"

Then Sierra flinched for some reason and subtly averted her gaze.

I looked at where her gaze had landed. There was a book cart there, piled high with thick medical books. And also a few research books on divine magic.

I wondered why she flinched, and it was because she was worried about my reaction to her having chosen so many books.

undefinedI told her she could choose as many as she wanted.undefined

In this world, books were expensive items, but not extremely so, so even buying many wasnundefinedt a prohibitive price.

So I wished Sierra would choose books with a lighter heart, so I put my hand on her shoulder and spoke in a calm voice.

"Itundefineds fine to choose as many as you want. I have a lot of money."

Wow, the line undefinedI have a lot of moneyundefined is thrilling.

Being born with a silver spoon in my mouth is really the best.

"Iundefinedll…… buy them with the payment you gave me earlier. You already bought me new clothes, so you donundefinedt have to buy me books―."

"Oh my? What are you saying? Thatundefineds one thing, and this is another. Think of it as a gift from a friend! Donundefinedt feel burdened!"

It wasnundefinedt difficult to persuade Sierra, who tried to refuse again, like a serpent.

And so, I bought one collection of prose for Ruwellin, and Sierra bought a bunch of medical books and research books on divine magic.

We couldnundefinedt carry the books ourselves, so we left it to a porter to move them to the carriage, and Sierra and I headed to a coffeehouse near the bookstore.

Sierra said it was her first time trying coffee. I ordered two cups of black coffee, and after a moment, the waiter served them with sugar, milk, and cream.

Perhaps because of my experience drinking coffee like water while studying all night at the Magic Tower, or because of my previous lifeundefineds self who considered Americano a life elixir, I didnundefinedt find the coffee here particularly bitter.

So I was sipping it without adding anything, when Sierra, sitting across from me, started coughing.

"……Sierra, are you alright?"

"Yes, Iundefinedm, Iundefinedm fine……."

She didnundefinedt look fine.

It seemed the black coffee was too bitter for Sierra. She has a bit of a childundefineds palate, I thought calmly, and pushed the tray with sugar, cream, and milk toward Sierra. Then Sierra blushed with embarrassment and muttered quietly.

"Thank you……."

It was nothing to thank me for. I laughed softly and picked up my coffee cup again. The subtle aroma rising from the coffee put me in a good mood.

* * *

After spending enough time at the cafe, Sierra and I headed to where the carriage was parked.

But somehow, we must have taken a wrong turn, and when I came to my senses, we were in a strange alley.

undefinedWhere on earth is this?undefined

As I looked around, the knight following me also seemed to sense something was wrong, as he cautiously approached and asked.

"Lady, did you perhaps take a wrong turn?"

"Hmm, yes, I think so. I was trying to go to where the carriage is parked……."

"I thought so. I know this area well, so please follow me."

"Thank you, Sir."

I was really glad I brought the knight. I almost got lost.

undefinedI should have just asked this knight to guide us from the start.undefined

I thought I must do that next time, and leisurely followed the knight leading the way.

The alley was quiet, and not a single person was passing by. Feeling a strange sensation, I casually asked the knight.

"Um, Sir. Is this alley always this empty?"

"Pardon? Ah…… well, if I recall correctly, I donundefinedt think it was this empty……."

The knight also seemed to think it was strange, tilting his head with an awkward smile.

Just in case, I became alert and prepared to use magic at any moment.

This was Galantea, ruled by the Rashiane Ducal family, so bad things probably wouldnundefinedt happen, but…….

undefinedStill, you never know.undefined

After walking like that for a while.

The knight smiled and pointed in a direction, speaking in a bright voice.

"Ah, over there. If we go out that way, weundefinedll reach the main street again."

"What a relief. This city is like a maze……."

Then, a sudden presence made me close my mouth and flinch.

The knight also seemed to sense something, stopping dead in his tracks. Only Sierra looked back and forth between us with a confused expression.

"Lady Rosnia? Whatundefineds……."

"Shh, Sierra, please be quiet for a moment. Donundefinedt leave my side."

I grabbed Sierra and pulled her close, focusing on the sounds around us and the flow of mana.

I strained my senses, trying not to miss even the smallest sound, and then I heard a very faint rustling, like fabric brushing against something.

At the same time, dozens of spells flew toward us.

I quickly cast a defensive spell. As the enemyundefineds magic wasnundefinedt very powerful, the spells flying toward us were all deflected by my barrier.

I immediately calculated the next formula and manipulated the mana. A spell that distorts the barrier of mana to reveal hidden targets. This was a piece of cake.

As I quickly cast the spell, the hidden figures were revealed all at once.

A group wearing black hoods pulled low over their faces, looking suspicious just at a glance.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at them.

undefinedThe spell they just cast at us was a binding spell.undefined

It meant they didnundefinedt intend to kill us. But a binding spell…… were they a criminal group looking for ransom? Or fallen wizards conducting secret experiments?

undefinedDid they attack knowing who I am? If itundefineds the latter, itundefineds possible…… or is it Sierra……?undefined

The only people who knew about Sierraundefineds ability were her family……. But they had been killed by Killian and no longer existed in this world.

Killian probably didnundefinedt know about Sierra. Because he didnundefinedt kill Sierraundefineds family out of desire for her ability.

undefinedBut he might have found out in the process of killing Sierraundefineds family. Sierraundefineds secret.undefined

Sierraundefineds father was a physician, so he was probably in the habit of recording everything. So isnundefinedt it possible that Killian stole his records?

If Sierraundefineds secret was written in those records…….

undefinedUnlike the original story, much earlier, Killian might have learned of Sierraundefineds existence…….undefined

If so, were these people sent by Killian?

"……!"

Another binding spell flew toward us. I cast a barrier again and lightly deflected it. The magic was laughably weak. Their power definitely couldnundefinedt even reach my feet.

Realizing that fact, they stopped casting binding spells and surrounded us, not moving.

I glared at each and every one of them and asked.

"Who are you? Why did you attack us?"

"……."

As expected, no answer came. The assailants just silently surrounded us.

Seeing that they didnundefinedt retreat, it seemed they had no intention of giving up.

I scoffed lightly.

"You donundefinedt really think you can catch me, do you?"

"……."

"You canundefinedt even scratch me with your pitiful magic. Why donundefinedt you just give up?"

But the assailants seemed unwilling to back down. Another binding spell flew toward us. I deflected it again like swatting a fly, then gave up on talking to them and decided to capture them instead.

"If you donundefinedt intend to tell me who you are, Iundefinedll make you talk."

I cast a binding spell much stronger than the one they had used on me.

My magic spread out in a wide circle, hitting the enemies. A total of thirteen assailants were bound by my binding spell and lifted into the air.

I gathered them together, folded my arms, and looked down at them.

Letundefineds see your faces. I intended to remove their hoods one by one.

"……?!"

But then, their bodies began to crumble. Like dolls made of sand.

For a moment, I considered whether I should even use the forbidden time-stop spell. I stared wide-eyed at them, no, at the black sand that undefinedhad beenundefined them.

A wind blew from somewhere, fluttering the black cloaks. I blankly watched the black sand scattering away, then took out a small bottle from my bag and scooped up some of it.

"Lady Rosnia…… what on earth happened? These people suddenly turned to ashes……."

Sierra muttered in a voice thick with bewilderment. I was bewildered too. I would take this sand for component analysis, but if, if this was…….

undefined……The bone powder of what once were people…….undefined

Who, where, why, such―

Crazy thing is happening?