DHDF 44

chapter 44

Since my birthday was unexpectedly set, a few changes had occurred.

After much effort, I had finally managed to achieve “mana sensitivity.” It was crude, but just as Laot had said, if you keep at it, it works.

“It would have been better if it hadn’t taken so long.”

Since I had read plenty of books beforehand, I quickly grasped the theory and was now learning basic magic.

“Like how to properly recite magic incantations, or how to draw magic circles effectively.”

I thought I’d lose interest quickly, but Laot had been patiently guiding me all along.

The second change was that I had started a penpal correspondence with Mailey.

“It turns out Mailey asked Rosalyn about my birthday because she was curious about it.”

It all began with sending the early version of The Girl in the House with the Green Roof along with a letter as a gift.

Her handwriting was short and blunt, but neat and full of care. It always carried a faint floral scent.

I had been staying at the Duke’s mansion for over half a year, and it became a nice form of entertainment for my otherwise boring days.

“Besides, it’s a moment where I can be completely honest without overthinking.”

“I finally finished reading Chronicles of the Lost World that you recommended yesterday. It was fun.
I particularly liked the psychological depiction of the protagonist overcoming the past.
The ending was neat, but it’s a pity there’s no next series.

Mailey, you really seem to like books.
I also spend a lot of time in the library, but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly passionate about it.
It’s just a hobby I can enjoy.
Still, thanks to you, I’m getting more interested.

The weather’s getting warmer; do you have any plans?
I’m going to follow Ritema to the imperial capital for her Seim exam.
By the time you receive this letter, I should already be there.
I’ll be staying at a townhouse in the capital for a while, so you should send letters there.
I’ll include the address.”

Deciding to follow Ritema to the capital wasn’t easy.

Naturally. Raheis was there.

The chance of meeting was low, but you never know what might happen. It was unavoidable to be cautious.

“Still, I can’t miss the day Ritema’s hard work bears fruit…”

I solidified my decision thinking I would regret missing it. Besides, since Karlin was also in the capital, it was a good opportunity to meet him as well.

After preparing, I went downstairs to the entrance, and Ritema was sitting on the stairs, apparently waiting for me.

“Hello, Verjene. How are you feeling today?”

“I’m always fine.”

“Same here.”

Getting into the carriage and observing Ritema, I noticed she wasn’t nervous at all. In fact, she looked as calm as if we were just going on a casual outing.

It was strange. I constantly get tense, and people can always notice it.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

I couldn’t help but ask, and Ritema smiled briefly.

“Of course I’m nervous.”

Her clear affirmation almost felt like a playful joke.

“But you don’t seem like it. So…”

I chose my words carefully, trying to pinpoint exactly what puzzled me.

“Yes, I don’t look worried.”

“Exactly. I don’t worry.”

“How can you be like that?”

“Well, I know I’ll do well. The reason I’m nervous is that I’m anticipating everyone acknowledging me.”

I wondered if she had some kind of extraordinary mind control technique, but no, there was nothing like that.

The Edendale siblings were simply beyond the range of ordinary people.

“I could never think like that.”

After a brief check, the carriage slowly started leaving the mansion.

Neither the Duke nor Laot were on this journey. As usual, one was busy, and the other was too lazy.

They had promised to stay with me until the kidnappers’ mage was caught, but now it seemed my worries had somewhat eased.

“Even though I cast a variety of powerful protective spells…”

I think I had even used summoning magic. I tightly gripped the gemstone on the necklace I had carefully put on.

The empire actively incorporated magic, and many roads had portals installed, allowing one to travel to desired locations through magic circles.

Of course, not every place had them, and if it was out of range, one had to take the train.

It took two hours just to get to the train station. We passed the time playing card games or word games until we arrived.

“How’s your condition? You’re not feeling dizzy, right?”

Then I realized I had never spent such a long time this close to Ritema.

I felt all the color drain from my face. I leaned back to check her expression.

Outwardly, nothing seemed different, but…

“Yes, a little motion sickness, but otherwise fine.”

“Really?”

“Really. Why? Are you feeling unwell, Verjene?”

Ritema looked puzzled, insisting she felt nothing. It seemed she assumed I had asked because I was the one unwell.

“No, I just asked just in case…”

After carefully checking, it was true—there was nothing wrong.

Relieved, I realized it was okay to be with her for now.

Though we shared the carriage, the train cabins were separate.

I didn’t mind, but Ritema seemed slightly annoyed by that.

I heard Evan speaking with her.

“…Even so, you should sleep separately.”

“Why? I can share the same bed.”

In the end, Evan seemed to have persuaded her, and the topic didn’t come up again.

During the four-day train journey, I learned new things about Ritema.

For instance, she didn’t dislike reading. Despite liking physical activities, she was surprisingly academic.

“There were a few parts I couldn’t relate to, but the story is warm. I understand why you like it.”

Somehow, since she subtly suggested sharing it, I willingly read along.

Reading the same book while sitting close together was very enjoyable.

“That’s Jack, Verjene. He’s going north to travel with his family,” Ritema mentioned.

Ritema was also quite sociable.

I had assumed she was standoffish at social gatherings, but she quickly learned the names of many children on the train.

Perhaps she simply disliked uncomfortable atmospheres.

She greeted them but didn’t form deeper connections.

“Well, I can’t really join in…”

Even if Ritema mingled with new friends, I didn’t mind, but she chose to stay with me.

Finally, we arrived at the imperial capital.

Honestly, until then, I thought the capital city wouldn’t be much different from any other city.

“What a grand misconception that was.”

The magnificent train station immediately caught my eye.

Stepping out, towering and majestic buildings surrounded us. I was awestruck.

Even my vague memories from a past life couldn’t prepare me for this.

“Have you been to the capital before, Ritema?”

“Maybe long ago, but I don’t remember well.”

She didn’t react much, but her eyes showed subtle surprise.

We couldn’t leisurely explore, as we were obstructing others’ passage.

“Ah, there’s our carriage.”

We got into the carriage that Rosalyn pointed out, and Karlin was already inside.

“My little blessings.”

Karlin hugged Ritema and me tightly, giving short kisses on our noses.

While Ritema took it calmly, I awkwardly smiled and took a seat.

Will the day come when I can respond naturally to displays of affection?

“Was everything okay on the way?”

Karlin gestured, and the secretary offered a candy jar.

Ritema took some, and I followed. I got a lemon-flavored one.

“Hm, nothing special, Mother.”

“Really? How about you, Verjene?”

“Yes, same here. Everyone took care of us, so it was very comfortable.”

Having come in first-class, we had enjoyed all the conveniences.

Naturally, the Edendale family had a townhouse in the capital befitting their grandeur.

Exhausted from the journey, I immediately collapsed upon reaching the mansion.

Of course, I woke up when Rosalyn came close, as I hadn’t slept deeply.

“I’m not eating dinner…”

I buried my face in the pillow again but sat up at the sound of her voice.