We decided to leave the next morning.

Before hopping into the carriage, I yawned loudly, earning me a look of confusion from Cecily’s older sister.

“You really didn’t sleep at all…”

“I mean, I did prepare all the correct documents by myself. Anyway, I can just take it easy on my way to the royal capital.”

Naturally, our next destination was the royal capital. I found an error in the documents that had been submitted, so I sent a letter last night requesting that they be resubmitted. Moreover, I also arranged the documents for applying for the grant, and then the morning came before I knew it.

“Well, you could be drunk.”

Despite those negative words, Neria still came to the entrance to see me off…

I guess that’s just the kind of person Neria is.

I couldn’t find the right term for it.

Smiling wryly at Neria, whose cheeks were still swollen after being assaulted by her father yesterday, I asked Cecily for her thoughts.

Would you like to say something to her?

[I’ll pass. It’s not like this will be the last time we see each other.]

Hmm…

Neria would remain at her parents’ house until the end of summer break. She’d also be consulting her future plans with them. Meanwhile, Cecily and I were planning to go through the formalities at the royal capital and then return to the academy. Therefore, we’d meet again at school.

As a parting gift, I touched Neria’s cheek, weaving a small formula.

“Eh…”

Neria must’ve noticed that her cheek warm. After I released her, she reached for the affected area. Once she looked into the mirror later, she had better thank me.

A pretty face is a woman’s weapon.

I’ll treat Cecily’s face properly later.

[Okay, thank you.]

Then, when I was about to leave—

“—Lady Cecily, please accept this.”

A maid handed me a paper bag. When I peeked inside to see what it was, I found a folded medicine packet, along with a tasty-looking sandwich. As my eyes widened, the maid whispered into my ear.

“—It’s from the madam. It’s medicine for motion sickness. The madam also got up early to prepare the sandwich.”

I looked around and my eyes met with Cecily’s mama. She was secretly peeking at her, but hid right away.

I took out a piece of paper from my pocket.

“Can you give this to Mama?”

Then, we went on our way.

When I got into the carriage, I spotted Papa watching us from the second-floor window.

As soon as I saw him, he immediately closed the curtains.

I pray that he suffers horribly from now on, saddled with the misery of being rebelled against by his two daughters.

Rattle—rattle—…

The carriage I rode alone in with Cecily was very quiet.

From the outside, I appeared to be traveling alone.

[I wonder what kind of decision my mother will make…]

What I gave to her mama was a letter of introduction.

A territory not too far away from here had been putting a lot of effort into pharmacology lately. Pharmaceutical research involved cultivating plants. They’d need as many hands as possible.

I popped Mama’s homemade medicine into my mouth.

800 years ago, I was a leading figure on medical sorcery. Nothing could top the spreading of information about ways to deal with illness and injury, even for those who couldn’t use magic. I had more knowledge about pharmaceutical science than most people.

…I think it’s a great career.

This way, even if she gets divorced, she’ll be able to live on her own.

At the same time, I also took a bite of the sandwich.

Hmm, I think it needs more salt.

Even though Mama could make medicine, she seemed to be bad at cooking.

Well, understandable, considering she was originally a young lady.

After swallowing the sandwich with mixed feelings, I shrugged my shoulders.

“Who knows?”

She doesn’t have a hundred years to live anyway, so shouldn’t she just do whatever she likes?

[Nora, you’re being whimsical again.]

They aren’t my parents.

I didn’t have any parents, so I couldn’t relate to all of Cecily’s feelings.

When I suggested for her parents to get a divorce, Cecily didn’t particularly object. Maybe that was her answer.

…But right now, there’s a more pressing matter—

—Will Anita get mad at me?

[Let’s buy a souvenir for Anita in the royal capital.]

Without any prior arrangements, I asked my friend, ‘Send a greeting to my soon-to-be divorced Mama!’ And tossed everything to her. Anita had every right to get angry.

Aah, but I believe that she’ll still take care of Mama somehow.

Merely imagining that situation…

—I love my friend so much today.

---

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