Chapter 34 I Got A Disciple
As soon as the carriage was ready, Emiliana-san and I had to evacuate from Platonovena. We didn't even have enough time to properly say goodbye - not that we wanted to think of it as a permanent farewell. We quickly packed our belongings and loaded them onto the carriage as if we were being chased.
Just before leaving Platonovena, Alex-san and the others managed to spare some time to see us off. However, as soon as they saw Emiliana-san, the lovebirds completely immersed themselves in their own world, leaving me out. I didn't mind feeling left out, but it still made me uncomfortable, so I decided to wait in a slightly more distant place.
"Alex-sama..."
"Don't make that face."
Alex-san tightly embraced Emiliana-san, who was shedding tears. The beautiful scene of the lovers bidding farewell captivated me, almost like a scene from a movie, despite its indiscretion.
I averted my gaze, feeling it was impolite to stare so intently, yet my ears remained tuned to their conversation.
"Please, stay safe."
Emiliana-san's voice trembled as she spoke. Surely, her eyes gazing up at Alex-san were filled with tears, even if I couldn't see them.
What expression did Alex-san wear as he looked at his fiancée? Was he smiling reassuringly, furrowing his brow at Emiliana-san's distress, or something else?
"Emiliana-san, I will wait for you, always."
His words were brave and resolute.
The sincerity in his voice made my heart ache, and I found myself involuntarily stepping away. If I had listened any longer, I might have found myself in tears too.
In the city, they will confront the monsters.
I wonder what their chances of winning are. Both Alex-san and Arnold never shared detailed information about the monsters with us. At the same time, they never mentioned words like "victory" or any similar words.
I feel anxious.
I think the possibility of Arnold dying here is extremely low. Elvira's issues are still unresolved. However, little by little, we are starting to see some hope. It would be unthinkable for him to die at a time like this - it feels almost meta. "Last Brave" is a classic RPG. The production staff probably wouldn't favor twisted or unsatisfactory developments like that.
But now, I can't fully trust even this thought.
Alex-san is unlikely to die in battle in the game since he appears in it. However, this world is gradually showing differences from the "Last Brave" that I know.
All I could do now was pray for their safety. Memories from my past life are useless. What makes someone strong in a new game?
"Laura-kun!"
As I looked down, a dignified voice called out to me. I lifted my head as if drawn by that voice and saw a vivid red color entering my sight.
Vilma-san, accompanied by another alchemist from the Platonovena branch, was walking towards us, so I ran over from my side.
"Will Vilma-san and the others stay here?"
"Only until reinforcements arrive. If a magician is dispatched, we'll have more means of recovery. Once that happens, we'll evacuate to Anea. We'll be busy with synthesis from now on. Laura, take it easy and take care of yourself."
Vilma-san gently bent over and smiled kindly as she met my gaze.
They continued with synthesis at the Platonovena branch, planning to evacuate to Anea once they had enough support. If all goes well, we'll probably meet again in Anea in a few days. ――If there are no troubles, that is.
I glanced up at Vilma-san, and she noticed my gaze, tilting her head and smiling, "Hmm?" Her casually swaying red hair reminded me of a time when I had lost sight of her, making me shudder.
"I guess I should too—"
"No, it's not good. Ampère, evacuate to Anea for now. We've already contacted the Anea branch."
Just as I was about to speak, Arnold interrupted from behind. Startled, I turned around quickly—instead of his usual white coat, Arnold was now dressed in a more practical soldier's attire, approaching me.
Without responding to his almost commanding words, I looked up at him with a hint of resentment. Sensing my dissatisfaction and resentment, Arnold's eyebrows raised slightly.
I have no intention of going against anything. I know that if I stay here, it will only cause unnecessary trouble. However, I still can't help but want to be by the battlefield, to be of help if possible. Isn't it only natural to want that?
"...Should I continue the synthesis there?"
"Yeah. Soon, instructions will come from the capital — Kasper-san. I'll leave it to you until then."
Instructions from Kasper-san. Those words brought me back to reality in an instant.
Depending on the instructions, I might have to evacuate from Anea to the capital. Remembering Arnold's past words, it seemed like Kasper-san was originally against sending me to the Platonovena branch."
"I understand."
I nodded quietly. Arnold then released his crossed arms, lightly pulled his chin in a nod.
As Arnold turned on his heel and walked away, he said,
"...Please take care. Take care of yourself."
I wanted to say words of farewell as I watched his retreating back, but the words that came out were childish and my voice trembled softly.
I thought my words probably didn't reach Arnold - at that moment, the sound of footsteps crunching on the snow stopped.
"I can't die, yet."
Without looking back, he continued,
"For Elvira."
* * *
Inside the carriage, I handed Emiliana-san the healing potion I synthesized before leaving the city. This potion, made from herbs that warm the body, is similar to warm tea. It has a slightly bitter taste but is good for health, even young children drink it.
"Emiliana-san, here you go. It will warm your body."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
As she accepted it, she quickly drank from the container, as if trying to distract herself.
I also drank the healing potion I had prepared for myself, feeling its immediate effects as warmth spread through my fingertips.
"Um, Laura-sama..."
Her voice, filled with hidden determination, made me instinctively straighten my back.
What could she possibly be about to say? Could it be something like asking to come back — while I pondered this, waiting for Emiliana-san's next words with bated breath,
"Would you please take me as your apprentice!?"
"...Huh?"
Her unexpected words shook my eardrums.
Unable to respond immediately, Emiliana-san seemed to misunderstand my silence as a rejection, and she leaned in as if clinging to me. And then she continued,
"I want to be of help in some way too. But, I have neither magic power nor strength..."
Her words trailed off, and Emiliana-san lowered her gaze.
Through the gap in her softly falling blonde hair, I caught a glimpse of her shimmering blue eyes and her cute pursed lips.
"I know that synthesis requires a lot of knowledge and solid skills. Even if I study for a few days, I might not be able to make a decent healing potion... But I can definitely help with tasks like gathering the instructed herbs, cleaning, and other miscellaneous chores!"
As she desperately pleaded, I saw my past self.
To escape from the future of being a losing heroine, I remember the day I became an apprentice to Granny, my mentor on the outskirts of the village. It has been over 6 years since then. I'm not sure if I should say 'still' or 'already.' It feels like yesterday, yet also like a distant memory.
――But now is not the time to indulge in sentimentality. I need to figure out what to do with Emiliana-san, who is bowing her head in front of me.
Asking me to take her as an apprentice... I honestly couldn't believe it, it was something I had never even considered."
"Um, well, uh, Emiliana-san."
"Feel free to use me as much as you like! Please! ...I can only wait, that's all I can do."
A single tear rolled down from her eye. Once it started, tears continued to flow down Emiliana-san's cheek.
Seeing the tears of the lovely girl, I felt unsure of what to say. However, she didn't pay any attention to her own tears and instead looked straight at me with eyes filled with an unusual strong light.
Please.
Her lips moved. Her voice sounded strained, as if she was trying hard to control her trembling voice, with a tense and pained tone.
We locked eyes for a few moments. The one who gave in was me.
"I understand. But not as a disciple... Can you please help this inexperienced me? Thank you in advance."
I smiled gently and extended my right hand. At that moment, a bright smile spread across Emiliana-san's face.
My right hand is held. And with a big smile, Emiliana-san said, "Please take careof me, Mentor!" Even though I tried to say she's not a disciple, Emiliana-san didn't seem to hear those words.
――Royal Alchemist assistant, 14 years old. It seems like I found a disciple.
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