Chapter 30 A New Legend
Suddenly, I felt a dazzling brightness that made my eyes hurt.
Trying to escape from it, I rolled over.
"Laura-sama, it's a pleasant morning!"
Hearing the unfamiliar and cute voice, I remembered that I was currently on a business trip.
Slowly becoming more aware, even in my groggy state, Emiliana-san greeted me with a bright smile.
"Good morning!"
"Go-good morning..."
Emiliana-san's smile was as radiant as the sunlight coming through the window.
"I've prepared breakfast, so please come when you're ready."
With those words, she left the room.
Letting out a big yawn, I realized I might fall back asleep if I stayed sitting on this comfy bed. I hurriedly got up, stretched, and looked around the room.
After that, Emiliana-san guided me to what seemed like a noble's mansion ruling this region, just as "I" remembered. Surprisingly, Emiliana-san wasn't the young lady of the house as I had thought, but she seemed to be positioned as the fiancée of the young master.
Arnold and I were led to a grand room that was excessively large for just the two of us. Perplexed by such a warm welcome, I asked Emiliana-san why, to which she smiled and said, "We requested your presence."
After getting ready, I stepped out into the hallway. Just then, the door of the room opposite opened, and Arnold emerged.
Despite being surprised by the perfect timing, we exchanged greetings.
"Good morning, Arnold-san."
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, like a log."
Those words were true. The bed was large and soft, and I honestly had a more comfortable sleep than in the familiar dormitory bed at the royal castle.
"Starting today, We'll be totally focused on synthesis for a while. Make sure to get enough sleep."
I chuckle at the deliberately unsettling remark.
Without a word, we walk side by side down the hallway. This is the mansion of the nobles who rule this city, and every corner is meticulously clean. Even the wine-red carpet under our feet is elegant without being too flashy.
I wonder how expensive even just one of the vases there must be. It's a completely different league from the vases in our dorm room.
It's only natural to chuckle at that thought. This city, and the Platonovena region, are particularly vast within the country. When I say country, I mean Ostria, the kingdom with Savila as its capital.
Let me explain the countries that make up this world. There are major countries in the west and east. These two countries are so big that they are said to occupy more than half of the world. The large country to the east is Ostria, where I live.
The city I am currently stationed in also belongs to the country of Ostria. Although we have traveled a considerable distance, we have not crossed the border. The capital city is relatively located to the south, but this time we're visiting a city closest to the northern part of the country, so we have traveled quite a distance.
In other words, what I'm trying to say is that when it comes to nobles ruling vast territories within major countries, it's easy to imagine the wealth and power they possess. They are true power holders who don't even bother to compete.
Lost in trivial thoughts, I had arrived right in front of my destination. There was no conversation between Arnold and me, but his silence no longer bothered me.
I opened the large double doors in front of me. Beyond the doors was a long dining room with two guests already seated in chairs. There were also a few servants standing nearby.
One of the figures sitting in a chair was Emiliana-san. And next to her was a man with silver hair.
"Good morning, Alex-san."
"Good morning. Arnold-san, Laura-san, I'll be counting on you from today."
His light blue eyes narrowed slightly.
He was the master of this mansion and a young lord, Alex Platonovena. With his icy and cold color eyes and a frighteningly perfect face, he might seem like a cold person at first glance, but the smile on his face was gentle.
He's probably not even 30 years old. He's very young for a lord. Although there was no opportunity to mention it in the story, I remember hearing from an NPC in the city that his father, the previous lord, passed away early, leading to his unusually early succession.
"Arnold-sama, Laura-sama, please come this way."
Alex's eyes, filled with kindness and charisma, gazed at Emiliana-san, who cheerfully guided us to our seats. It was clear from his gaze that he loved her.
The subtle yet undeniable love between these two left a lasting impression.
In a few years, or perhaps even sooner, the two of them will become a wonderful couple.
With thoughts of the near future in mind, I decided to enjoy a lavish breakfast.
* * *
The atmosphere at the Platonovena branch was undeniably heavy.
In the morning, I visited a pure white building that seemed to be buried in snow with Arnold. The building was not far from the mansion where we were staying, and it stood in a way that seemed to crush the image of a house in my memory.
It seems this is the Platonovena branch. Welcoming us as we passed through the door were Vilma-san and another male alchemist. While I thought the other alchemists were locked in the back room performing synthesis since morning,
"There are only two alchemists here at the Platonovena branch, him and me. Though he looks impressive, that's about it."
Vilma-san said with a smile, her fatigue showing through.
I couldn't help but look up at Arnold. However, he didn't even raise an eyebrow, just staring straight ahead.
Was he not surprised by what he just heard, or did he already know about it?
In a wide area, in a big city, there are only two alchemists. In such an environment, it's understandable that they struggle to keep up with the synthesis of healing potions. It's actually surprising that they've managed to handle everything by themselves up until now.
Feeling pressed for time, we immediately start working.
The herbs they have are drier than those from the capital city, with many showing signs of wilting at the tips. In this region where it snows all year round, it seems herbs don't grow as well. Even if they were brought from another area, the longer it takes from harvesting, the more the herbs deteriorate.
It's a place where herbs don't thrive for the two alchemists.
Although I thought I understood this, I once again realized I was fortunate to be able to do as I pleased in my favorable environment. I have supportive boss who recognize my talents, kind senpais, and friendly colleagues. However, this situation won't last forever.
No matter where I go or what circumstances I face, I must fulfill my duties bravely and resolutely like Vilma-san and her colleagues.
Create, create, create. Take a short break, go pick herbs in the indoor herb garden, then create again. Eat, then create.
Carefully and efficiently, I worked to ensure not to waste the scarce herbs. As a result, although it didn't require highly advanced skills, fatigue steadily built up.
"――You can go home now."
When Arnold called out to me, I quickly looked up. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I realized that the training session in the capital city had long ended.
Before I knew it,
As soon as I became aware of the passing time, I suddenly felt tired, my shoulders weighed down. Honestly, my desire to rest slowly crept up on me, but Arnold, and even Vilma-san, showed no signs of leaving yet. Being the only one to leave among the youngest one made me hesitate.
"But, I..."
"Go home and rest."
I quickly started getting ready to go home. But to be honest, I was pretty much empty-handed.
I finished getting ready quickly and timidly left in front of the synthesis table.
"Excuse me for leaving first."
I said before leaving the synthesis room. The senpais who were still working on synthesis each nodded and, with a smile - except for Arnold - saw me off.
As I left the impressive building, a cold wind hit my cheeks. I involuntarily shrugged my shoulders and looked in the direction I was heading, and there stood Emiliana-san. She was carrying a large bag in both hands, quite a heavy load.
"Laura-sama!"
"W-what's wrong?"
"I came to pick you up."
At my surprised voice, she blushed and smiled shyly.
"Oh, I just happened to pass by... hehe."
Her smile was so lovely that I wouldn't think she was an older woman.
It seems like Emiliana-san had some errands to run outside. The heavy bags in her hands must be related to those plans. Maybe she was even thinking about preparing tonight's meal, but then reconsidered that it's the job for the staff. Our lifestyles are completely different.
Suddenly, Emiliana-san stretched to peek over my shoulder and then tilted her head.
"Is Arnold-sama not with you?"
"He seems to be working a bit more. He told me to go home first."
With a wry smile, Emiliana-san furrowed her brows and said, "Please don't push yourself too hard."
After that, the conversation stopped. But for me, it was convenient as I seized the opportunity to bring up the topic that had been on my mind since earlier.
"That's quite a heavy load. Let me carry it for you."
"N-no! I can't let a guest do that!"
"Don't worry, I'm practically empty-handed."
"Here," I said, waving both of my hands. Even so, the girl in front of me hesitated, but it seemed heavy after all. With an apologetic expression, she handed over a large bag that she had been carrying on her right arm, saying 'Please take care of this.'
When she handed it over, I hadn't intended to look, but I ended up seeing what was inside the bag. There were many books neatly packed inside, and I understood why it was heavy as I felt the weight on my arm.
"Do you read books?"
"Oh, no, these were requested by Arnold-sama..."
I was surprised by Emiliana-san's answer.
At the same time, I remembered. The other reason he visited this city. Perhaps what he wants to confirm is related to these books.
Nevertheless...
"Even though he's busy, asking a woman to carry such a heavy load..."
During the day, we're busy with work, so we can't go to the library. Still, it's hard to imagine how heavy it would be to order this many books at once.
Emiliana-san gave a wry smile at my words. Even if someone talks bad about another guest, it would just be awkward to react.
I should have thought a little more before speaking, and while regretting that, to distract myself from the awkwardness and boredom, I unconsciously looked at the items in my hands. At that moment, the words written on the spine of a book caught my eye.
"Legends passed down in the Platonovena region...?"
Legends. I stopped in my tracks at that word. Hastily, I checked the spines of the other books as well.
Most of them were literature related to this region. It included history, geography, research materials left by scholars of this region. Among them, I confirmed several instances of the words "legend" and "folklore." One more thing, a thick document about monsters.
――A single possibility crossed my mind.
Emiliana-san, who noticed me stopping, approached me suspiciously. While feeling her gaze on my profile, I kept my eyes on the book's spine and said,
"Emiliana-san, I'll pass this to Arnold-san."
* * *
That night, after the sun had completely set, Arnold finally returned to the mansion.
"Welcome back. This is the book that you asked for from Emiliana-san."
Surprised that it was given to him by me instead of Emiliana-san, Arnold slightly widened his eyes as he accepted it.
He peered into the contents of the package. Satisfied with the lineup of literature neatly arranged inside the bag, he nodded lightly.
His black eyes reflected me. Thinking he might thank me for holding onto the package, I spoke before he could.
"About Elvira-chan, is it?"
In response to my question, the movement stopped. However, I continued speaking without concern.
"I was told by my mentor. At this point in time, there seems to be no way to cure the Self-destruction disease without relying on legends or folklore."
As if resigned, Arnold took a breath and pulled out a book from his luggage. He then opened it to a certain page facing me.
Illustrated there was a beast-like monster. It had huge horns, sharp claws, red eyes. The muscles were overly developed, making the body's lines unnaturally uneven. The fur covering its body was a frightening deep purple, giving off an eerie feeling just by looking at it.
Metaphorically speaking, it resembled a dungeon boss.
"It seems that by brewing and drinking the horns of this monster that inhabits this land, any difficult disease can be cured."
While explaining this, Arnold crossed his arms with a troubled expression.
I understand that Arnold came to this city to confirm something, and at the same time, I couldn't help but stare at the illustration of that monster with suspicion.
I don't know this kind of monster.
"It seems like this monster rarely shows itself in public, but there have been multiple eyewitness accounts in the past. It definitely inhabits this area. ...However, it's uncertain if the power lies in the horns of this monster."
Setting aside "my" memories, it seems there is some evidence of this monster's existence.
However, even if it does exist, it looks like a formidable creature. Obtaining the horns of this monster would mean we have to defeat it. Even if Arnold has a genius talent in magic, he probably can't fight it alone.
I picture the monster from earlier in my mind and lower my gaze, completely forgetting about Arnold in front of me, sinking into the sea of my thoughts alone.
――Because of that, I couldn't react immediately to the words that shook my eardrums the next moment.
"Isn't it funny?"
"...Huh?"
"Clutching onto something so uncertain..."
Arnold's mouth curved into a smile. That smile seemed to mock himself.
While I was surprised by Arnold's words that sounded like a complaint, I hurriedly shook my head. My reaction was somewhat reflexive in front of a considerate senpai, but no, that's why my true feelings slipped out.
He is planning to dedicate his future, even his life, for his little sister suffering from a serious illness.
"It can't be! I think you're a very... very wonderful big brother... truly."
Shadows fell on Arnold's face as he laughed at himself. His eyes were trembling like those of a worried little child.
It's not funny. Not at all. You are surely the best brother for Elvira.
I struggled to put my thoughts into words, just shaking my head.
Arnold smiled at me again. Well, it was more like a relieved sigh than a smile.
His reaction was much softer than usual - or rather, weaker. I felt the tension leave my shoulders. Without realizing it, my body had been stiff. This helped me relax a bit and I spoke again. My tone had regained its composure.
"I'm not good with swords or magic... but if there's anything I can help with, please let me know. You're counting on my talent, right?"
I tried to lighten the heavy atmosphere with a slightly joking tone. Arnold looked at me wide-eyed and then released his crossed arms.
His released arm wandered in the air. Then his palm lightly grasped something in the air a few times before hesitantly placing it on my shoulder.
"Take it easy."
Okay.
With a small smile, nodding.
Arnold will probably stay up late reading those documents.
I've decided to go to the library after work tomorrow. Maybe I'll find something that triggers a memory in me again.
That's what I've set my mind to.
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