Chapter 9: A Quiet Little Village

Early the next morning, I sat at the entrance of the inn, waiting for Frey.

I’d changed back into a simple green dress, having stowed away the Lolita outfit from yesterday.

“Finally here, Frey—wait, why are the owner and Warren here too?”

I stood up as Frey approached.

The innkeeper and Warren had come along as well.

Were they seeing us off?

“I was just about to tell you, Miss Rosa.

The owner’s—uh, brother here is actually heading to Luberg Academy too.

He’s hoping we can travel together.”

I could run into a schoolmate just by staying at a random inn?

And when did they even discuss this last night?

I hadn’t noticed at all.

I took another look at Warren.

Slender limbs, a fragile build that didn’t look like it could take a hit, and not very tall either—not that I was surprised, given how easily he was mistaken for a girl.

So he wasn’t a warrior type, then.

His appearance might trigger some twisted protective instincts, but I couldn’t picture him actually fighting.

“Are you going to the academy to study magic?”

“Well… actually, I’m a magic swordsman.

I get to learn both swordsmanship and magic.”

A magic swordsman, huh?

Could he even swing a sword?

I had my doubts.

Still, one more person didn’t really matter, and besides, after what happened yesterday—

Just thinking about wearing a dress brought back the shame I’d spent all night suppressing.

“I know a shortcut that’ll get us to the next town faster.

Let me come with you.”

Warren looked at me with hopeful eyes.

“Well… alright then.

We’ll travel together.”

“Really?

That’s great!”

The moment I agreed, Warren exclaimed excitedly.

It was just agreeing to travel together—why was he so surprised?

After an emotional farewell with his sister, we set off.

At least, that was what I thought.

But then—

“Sorry, but we’ve detected traces of dark magic in the area recently.

There might be necromancers, warlocks, witches, or even liches roaming nearby.

By order of the lord, all private travel is prohibited!

Please turn back.”

…This, this couldn’t be because of me, could it?

Was it because of the monsters we’d killed along the way?

I glanced at Frey, who looked back at me.

We seemed to be thinking the same thing—this was probably my fault.

I should’ve let Frey handle all the monster-killing from the start.

But I had Karin’s necklace on—it should be fine, right?

Still, what about the rest of our journey?

Was I going to be stuck in this town for a while?

“Hard to say how long this will last.

If we’re delayed too much, we might miss the start of term… Miss Rosa, why don’t we use your teleportation magic to get out of town?”

Frey suggested.

“Miss Rosa can teleport?

That’s an advanced spell far beyond ordinary mages!”

No wonder short-range teleportation consumed hundreds of times more mana than other spells—even I couldn’t cast it too many times a day.

I hadn’t realized teleportation was such a big deal.

Seeing Warren’s stunned expression made me feel a little proud, even if it wasn’t really my own power.

“Alright then.

Let’s find a spot and get out of here.”

I puffed out my chest and raised my chin slightly as I answered.

Taking both of their hands, I successfully teleported us outside the city walls.

“Oh, right.

Since we’re going to be schoolmates from now on, just call me Rosa.

No more ‘Miss Rosa’ stuff, okay?”

“Sure, Rosa.”

Warren smiled.

“…Fine.”

Frey reluctantly agreed, glancing at Warren.

We ran into patrols along the way, naturally.

“Let gentleness soothe your heart, let calmness ease your soul… Calm!”

The guards noticed my chant and tried to stop me, but Frey and Warren held them back long enough for me to finish the spell.

Though I could have cast the illusion with just the spell’s name, I went through the motions of a full incantation to avoid drawing too much attention.

The guards under my Calm spell seemed to lose all aggression—they sheathed their weapons and went back to their patrol, even waving at us as we passed.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“That was just Calm.

And you could do that with only that spell?

I never would’ve guessed you were so strong, Rosa, and you look so young…” Warren’s voice trailed off, a hint of dejection creeping in.

“Heh, I’m just that strong.”

Karin had called me weak.

What a joke—she was clearly worrying over nothing.

I was a powerful lich.

In my opinion, there were barely a handful of people in this world stronger than me.

I could walk all over this world without a care.

We followed Warren’s lead and made it to a small village deep in the forest before sunset.

“I’ve stopped by this village from time to time when I used to train out here.

The villagers are really friendly—they often let passing adventurers stay.

We can rest here for the night,” Warren explained.

“Great.

Let’s hurry in—I can’t wait to lie down.”

I was exhausted from walking all day; I couldn’t exactly float around in front of Warren.

All I wanted was to collapse.

“Who would’ve thought there’d be a village this deep in the forest,” Frey remarked, looking around.

“There isn’t even a proper road to this place… and there must be plenty of beasts around too.

How do the villagers protect themselves?”

“Actually, quite a few retired adventurers have chosen to settle down here for a quiet life.

I used to spar with the villagers whenever I visited, so you don’t need to worry about their combat abilities.”

“I see…”

“Hey, isn’t that Warren?”

As soon as we stepped into the village, a burly man approached.

“I heard there’ve been sightings of a necromancer nearby.

What are you doing here?”

“Uncle Hans!

Well… I kind of sneaked out of town.”

Warren rubbed his head sheepishly.

“Uncle, so you’ve heard the news too?”

“A patrol came by earlier to spread the word—they’re still at the chief’s house now.

But Warren, you’re this grown and still getting into trouble?

Isn’t your sister worried?”

“I, I’m heading to the academy with these two classmates.

I’d be late if I waited any longer.”

“I see.

Hahaha, fair enough!”

The man let out a hearty laugh.

“It’s getting late—stay for dinner and a good night’s rest, then head off tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Uncle.”

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