Chapter – 04
A Life Choice
“I never expected you to cause such a problem on the very first day. The training at the Association has been turned down by the other party.”
Oh dear, maybe I did go a bit too far.
After that, I was sent back to the royal palace, and now I’m being scolded by that unpleasant man again.
“You have three options going forward.
One: Return to the country of Ultard.
Two: Live as Lord Cruz’s companion.
Three: Work as a medical mage under the Margrave of Valeriano.
That is all. Now, what will you do?”
What a stunning set of three choices. Still, I suppose I should be glad I wasn’t punished for excessive self-defense.
“Please let me speak with Lord Cruz.”
“Are you going to become his companion?”
“I said I want to talk to him.”
“At present, the royal palace is busy with preparations for the wedding. We cannot afford to compromise our security over such trivial matters.”
This is infuriating. Why does this man have the final say? I’m not even Eldian!
I’m sure even if I complained, he’d just say something snide like, “You agreed to follow our rules in the beginning, didn’t you?” If I’d known I’d be treated like this, I never would have signed that document.
“Then let me ask you this. Why is it that the only place I can work as a medical mage is in the borderlands?”
“That region currently needs medical mages due to the conflict with Grasses. Valeriano is the only place in our country that accepts people regardless of gender.”
…Is Grasses really going to attack?
A place that might become a battlefield. But if war does break out, medical mages will absolutely be needed.
“How many personnel are you planning to send?”
“At present, we have a wedding to attend to. Decisions regarding that will be made after the ceremony is successfully completed.”
That’s terrible! The other side won’t wait for that. Eldia may want to show its strength through the marriage with Ultard, but there’s no telling what will happen.
What should I do? What’s the right move? I want to see Cecilio.
But… am I going to rely on him every time I’m in trouble from now on? Am I going to let him decide my life for me?
“I understand. I’ll work at Valeriano. Can I borrow a carriage?”
Ah, he’s surprised. Good. Seeing that pathetic look on his face calmed me down a little.
“…I see. Then I will prepare your letter of appointment and a carriage. We’ll make it so you can depart in one hour. I’ll send a messenger bird to Valeriano ahead of time. Rest assured.”
Take that back! One hour?! You’re definitely trying to keep me from seeing Cecilio. What is wrong with this man? Is he a fan of Cecilio or something?!
“I’m sorry to ask so late, but may I have your name?”
“…It’s Cahal.”
“I see, Cahal. You seem quite tired.”
“No, nothing of the sort.”
“Oh, no need to hide it. Because look, your hair is falling out.”
I brushed his shoulder lightly and smiled.
“Stress is no good, you know? Oh, there goes another one.”
“Y-You, did youā!”
I said nothing, just chuckled softly.
“Take care of yourself.”
Hmph. I didn’t do anything. But it’ll bother him, won’t it? Let him count the hairs on his pillow for a while.
—
“Thud.”
That Cahal. He downgraded the carriage. I didn’t even cast that spell on his hair!
But maybe this way, I’m less likely to be attacked.
I reluctantly cast recovery spells on it.
Please, let there be no pointless discrimination in the borderlands. I prayed as I went.
—
“I’m here…”
My body was in tatters. I traveled from Ultard to Eldia, and on the evening of the day I arrived, I set out for the borderlands again. How many days did I spend being jostled in that carriage…
No matter how much healing magic I used, if fatigue kept building, I’d eventually hit my limit.
I never wanted to ride in a carriage again, not even for one more day. As I staggered, trying to get down, a hand was smoothly extended to me.
Who? I wondered, but fatigue won out, and I instinctively grabbed that hand.
“Thank you. You saved me.”
“No, I heard you were a medical mage, but it seems you’re the one who needs treatment.”
Then you try being jostled in a carriage for that long! A little annoyed, I looked up at the owner of the voice.
Oh my, quite handsome. A fine, sturdy build and a chiseled face. Black hair and golden eyes. Could he beā
“Lord Margrave of Valeriano, I presume?”
“Yes, welcome to Valeriano.”
His refreshing smile was a little dazzling to my tired eyes.
“Thank you for coming all the way to greet me. I am Lucia Ortiz, a medical mage from the country of Ultard.”
“You really came all the way from Ultard? That must have been exhausting. Sorry for teasing you. But why are you here?”
I see. He doesn’t seem like a nasty person.
“It seems there are no female medical mages in Eldia. I was told there was no place for me to work except here.”
“What about the Association? Wouldn’t they have accepted you?”
“…There was a bit of trouble due to a misunderstanding. I was turned down.”
I averted my eyes slightly. I’m not the one at fault here.
“I see. We’ll save that interesting story for later. So, food, a bath, or sleepāwhich one do you want?”
“Since you’re offering, I’ll take all of them, please.”
This is wonderful. Thank goodness the Margrave is a kind person!
Ah, right.
“Oh! You’ll be going back to the royal palace again, won’t you? Could I ask you to deliver this letter to someone from Ultard?”
I hurriedly called out to the carriage driver. Ideally, I’d want it to reach Cecilio, but that’s probably impossible. Anyone would do. If they give it to someone from Ultard, surely word will get back to him.
I’m sorry, Cecilio, for letting things turn out like this.
I wonder what you’re doing right now.
