Chapter 9 Capital City Savila
――Capital City, Savila.
Today, I'm accompanying Arnold Rocco to his royal alchemist exam in the capital city of Savila. It's like a preview for a test he'll take in 2 years.
It's been 3 years since I met Arnold, and I'm now 12 years old.
During these 3 years, I haven't seen him, but it seems his mentor, Marcedes-san, has been in regular contact with my mentor, exchanging information about their disciples. My mentor often tells me that Arnold is doing well and working hard.
According to my mentor, today's exam seems too easy for Arnold. Since then, Arnold has been studying even harder, aiming to be recognized as a genius boy.
I've been steadily gaining knowledge and skills as an alchemist too. I've almost memorized all the types of medicinal herbs, and I have confidence in my ability to perform basic and somewhat advanced alchemy — although it's dangerous, so I would never actually do it.
I've successfully completed complex alchemy tasks that are considered difficult, and I've even made healing potions for the people of Emme Village in place of my mentor several times.
My mentor chuckled and called me 'an apprentice who never ceases to be interesting.' He even said, 'If you were to take the exam now, you'd surely pass at the top,' which was the highest praise I could receive.
So today, under the guise of a two-year advance scouting mission, I've come to the capital city of Shvalia almost entirely for sightseeing.
My mentor, myself, and one more person.
"Laura, are you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks."
As I got off the carriage, a hand was extended in front of me. I took that hand and smiled at Lukas, the person who offered it.
Lukas, who turned 12, seems much more mature and refined compared to three years ago. Some of his childishness has faded, and he appears more manly now. However, when compared to three years ago, he still has a somewhat androgynous face.
The height difference between Lukas and me, which wasn't that noticeable three years ago, has started to widen gradually recently. His limbs have slender, and his palms have grown larger. It seems like he will keep growing taller. I don't remember the exact numbers from his detailed profiles, but I recall that Lukas was around 175cm (5'74ft) tall when the "Last Brave" story started.
Since then, Lukas and I have returned to being the "close friends" we used to be. Of course, we hang out with other kids too, but we spend more time together as a pair. However, I didn't worry about that.
Lukas is my precious childhood friend. It's natural for childhood friends to get along well. But—we won't become lovers. Yes, that's all there is to it. I was just being overly sensitive about it.
This time, Lukas immediately said he wanted to go with me when I mentioned going to the capital. I hesitated about taking Lukas to the capital before setting off as a Hero, but Lukas' parents and my mentor told me to take him along, so I had no choice but to agree.
When I told him we would go together, Lukas smiled happily, making me think about brushing it off with this smile.
"Berta-san too."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Lukas also reached out to my mentor. When their hands touched and their eyes met, she smirked. She probably thinks of Lukas as her "knight."
Ignoring that gaze, I looked at the capital city.
"Amazing..."
"Everywhere I look, there are grand buildings lining the streets. The exteriors, like roofs and walls, show a sense of unity, making the whole city feel like a single piece of art.
Amidst the bustling voices, I could hear lively music coming from somewhere. The scenery is vibrant with colors. Just like when I was playing 'Last Brave,' I realized that in reality, facing the capital city is overwhelming with information, making my head spin.
Completely engulfed in the atmosphere of the capital city, Lukas took my hand. And then, he led me by the hand.
"At this inn..."
My mentor stopped in front of a large building. This building - the inn, looked familiar. Once, 'I' too paid 240 Madoka to stay at this inn.
Passing through the familiar entrance, we found our waiting party in the spacious lobby.
A beautiful woman with light green hair, Marcedes-san, is waving towards us. Her smile, just as beautiful as three years ago, hasn't changed at all. Her hair, so long it almost touches the floor, is intricately braided today, giving it a voluminous look when tied up.
Next to Marcedes-san stands a black-haired boy, Arnold, whose handsome features seem to have been polished to a point where even coldness feels refined.
"Laura-chan, Mentor, long time no see."
We rush over and exchange greetings after three years.
Naturally, the distance between me and Arnold has also shortened.
"Wow..."
At 14 years old, Arnold has grown into a beautiful young boy upon closer inspection.
His eyes have sharpened since three years ago, his straight nose still as elegant as ever. Even the curve of his lips when pulled back is beautiful. His once rounded features have been chiseled into sharper angles, and he seems to have grown taller.
He remains the most beautiful boy I have ever known.
"Hey, what's with that weird voice?"
It seems like his voice has completely changed after going through puberty.
"Oh, it's just... your atmosphere feels different."
Ignoring my words, Arnold asks,
"You haven't been slacking off on your studies as an alchemist, have you?"
"No, of course not."
I aim to become a royal alchemist and diligently study every day. This has been unchanged for the past three years.
There was a time when I underestimated the study of alchemy, thinking that with my unusually sharp memory that excels only in the knowledge required for alchemy, I could quickly finish studying to become an alchemist. However, there is no end to the study of alchemy. New alchemical methods are constantly being discovered, and sometimes new effects are found by brewing already known herbs in different ways.
To put it in simple terms, even with my almost cheat-like ability in alchemy, I think there is an endless amount to learn, so it must be incredibly tough for those who are studying normally.
"I'm going to become a royal alchemist ahead of everyone else. If I fail the exam, I won't forgive myself."
"Sigh..."
Arnold acts like he's already passed the exam even though he hasn't taken it yet. He knows he's talented, but his confidence is quite impressive. It must be because he's worked hard for the past three years.
"Are you Lukas-kun? I'm Marcedes, and this is Arnold. Nice to meet you."
Marcedes notices Lukas standing behind me.
Lukas, who had been quietly blending into the background until now, hurriedly stepped forward.
"Yes, I'm (Boku) Lukas Kamil. Nice to meet you."
"Oh my, you're so cute. You're Laura-chan's childhood friend, right? I've heard about you."
Marcedes smiled kindly at Lukas, who blushed slightly but nodded in response. Watching the rare sight of my childhood friend's shy expression, I couldn't help but think about how Lukas might have fallen in love with that smile.
Lukas seemed to catch Arnold's eye. He took a few steps towards Arnold and extended his right hand, wearing a friendly smile.
"Nice to meet you."
Arnold glanced at Lukas's outstretched hand and then shook it—
"...'I' (Boku) suits you well."
I thought, but he started to say something nasty.
Arnold directed his hostility even towards me, a first-time acquaintance. However, it was because we both aspired to be alchemists, so to speak, he was jealous of me as a rival.
But Lukas was different. He had nothing in common with Arnold, a complete stranger. Yet, to think he would suddenly make a sarcastic comment like that.
Moreover, if I look closely, Arnold is actually smirking. Clearly making fun of Lukas. But still, this is the first time I've seen Arnold smile like this.
Three years ago, he seemed a bit more cute. He had a childlike innocence that was age-appropriate. Has he become even more twisted in these three years?
"Arnold! I'm sorry, Lukas. This guy is shy and has a rough way of speaking..."
Marcedes-san hurriedly interjects. But Arnold, as if cutting off his mentor's words, throws a question at me. His voice clearly showing irritation.
"Ampère, why did you bring such a guy here? He's an outsider."
Faced with that question, I show a momentary hesitation on how to respond.
Even if you ask why, there's no deep meaning, so I can't come up with a clever response. Plus, judging from Arnold's demeanor, if I were to make a careless reply here, it would likely worsen his already bad mood and lead to trouble.
In place of my hesitation, Lukas answered in a strong tone,
"It's to protect Laura. That's why I came along."
Instantly, an awkward atmosphere filled the space between the two.
――These two don't get along.
I felt that intuitively.
Arnold is clearly strong-willed. And Lukas, despite appearing calm on the surface, has a strong-willed personality as well. He can be stubborn about decisions he's made.
When strong-willed individuals meet, it doesn't always mean they won't get along. However, these two clearly don't get along.
In the tense atmosphere, I found myself unable to say anything.
In the first place, it all started when Arnold picked a fight without even saying hello - that's what I thought. When I glanced at Arnold, his dark eyes widened slightly. His gaze was directed at Lukas' eyes. No, that's not it. I realized his gaze was actually focused on the crest floating in Lukas' left eye.
"...What's with that left eye?"
It wasn't meant to be sarcastic; it just came out as a question involuntarily. But those words clearly unsettled Lukas.
――Is Laura scared of this power?
The words from three years ago and the frightened blue eyes flashed in my mind. Almost reflexively, I found myself slipping between Lukas and Arnold unconsciously.
"Arnold-san, please don't speak ill of my childhood friends. Lukas came with me because he was worried."
In my own words, Arnold frowned at what I said. He started to say something but then just turned on his heel and walked away without a word. He disappeared into the back of the inn.
――Seriously, what was that all about?
I muttered to myself, looking in the direction Arnold had gone. I could only hold my head in my hands at the trouble that had arisen so soon after arriving.
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