Episode 21

“How was it?”

“It’s just a place where people live. Nothing special.”

There are good people and bad people. They have daily lives, just like anywhere else.

Cedric gave a small laugh. Since he had his hood pulled over his head, I couldn’t see his face clearly. For some reason, I wanted to know what his expression looked like.

“A place where people live, huh…”

“Yes.”

“That’s a nice way to put it.”

Cedric must have thought I was feeling a little better, because he started walking faster again.

As we walked, we passed through other villages. Surprisingly, we blended in naturally with the townspeople.

I noticed Cedric’s clothes were a little different today. A thought came to my mind.

“Did you already plan to go out for an inspection today, Your Highness?”

He glanced at me and replied, “I did. Finding a runaway servant on the way was just a bonus.”

“That’s true, but the way you say it is kind of annoying.”

“…”

Cedric had a habit of staying quiet when something didn’t go in his favor.

We kept walking and teasing each other.

Cedric was more open to people than I expected. Even longtime friends hadn’t managed to be this comfortable with me.

Eventually, we arrived at Ruetta Village. The village looked the same as before. Celine was running around, and people were busy working.

I took a deep breath. Unlike last time, the air felt refreshing. It was a good place.

Cedric looked around the shelter with a serious face and checked on the medicines I had left. He also seemed to be checking how well the rebuilding was going.

“I have a question. Can I ask?”

“Go ahead.”

“What’s this place known for? Like a specialty?”

I realized I didn’t know much about the Grand Duchy. I didn’t know what it was famous for or what kind of work people did here.

But I figured I could learn from now on.

“Hmm… maybe the kind-hearted people?”

“If you don’t want to answer, just say so…”

He shrugged and went back to looking around.

I also had things to do. I wasn’t a well-known person like Cedric, and I had the magic item he gave me. So I confidently walked around without pulling my hood up.

I asked Cedric if people couldn’t recognize me anymore, and he said no. It just made it harder for them to clearly remember my face. That was still helpful.

“Rita! It’s been a while! You went to the Grand Duke’s castle, right? Are you okay?”

It seemed Cedric was telling the truth. Soon, people started recognizing me.

“Of course! How have you been, Miriam? And Celine?”

“Celine is at Maria’s clinic. She’s almost fully recovered, thanks to you.”

Miriam looked much brighter than before.

That made me happy. Seeing Celine running around, and the people around her smiling—it all felt good.

I smiled. Miriam smiled back and handed me something.

“What’s this?”

“I dried some fruit. I hope it tastes okay.”

Miriam was a great cook. She ran the village’s only inn and restaurant. It was small, but very well-managed.

So I was sure this would taste good too. It was a logical guess based on the “big data” from my past meals there.

Miriam said she’d bake apple pie next time and waved goodbye.

After seeing her off, I thought about what to do next. I should walk around the village a bit and then visit Maria’s clinic.

Maybe I’d see Tony too…

Tony often helped merchants and knew a lot about the world. He would be useful.

Cedric was watching with interest as people greeted me warmly and talked to me.

“What are you looking at?”

“You’re quite popular.”

“Of course. I’m the lovable type.”

Cedric chuckled and pulled his hood down a little more. Then he leaned closer and said:

“Let’s split up for now.”

“Why?”

“I’ve got my own things to do. And so do you.”

“What are you going to do?”

He just smiled mysteriously and shrugged. He clearly didn’t plan to tell me.

Was he going to betray me later? Like reporting to that naggy old man Tinte?

I grabbed his sleeve tightly. He looked back at me, confused. I whispered:

“…You’ll back me up when I explain things to Tinte, right?”

Cedric burst out laughing and nodded.

The sun was slowly setting. Time had gone by quicker than I thought. After playing with Celine and chatting with the villagers, it was already evening.

Clouds scattered across the sky were glowing in the sunset. I stopped walking and looked up.

With no tall buildings in the way, I had a clear view of the sky. It felt freeing.

I had missed this kind of sky, the kind you could only see through bare trees in winter.

Back when I was locked in that cabin, I waited desperately for winter. That was the only time I could see more of the sky.

Even though I was freezing and scared I might die, I still wished for winter.

The bare branches of winter trees weren’t enough to block out the sky.

“But now, nothing’s in the way.”

The winter coat Cedric gave me was much warmer than it looked. I pulled it tightly around me and walked faster.

I was on my way to see Maria.

Maria’s clinic didn’t even have a sign, but it was easy to find. I knocked and opened the door.

“Maria, I’m here!”

“Oh, Rita! Celine heard you were in town and rushed out to find you. We’ve been waiting!”

“Rita! Long time no see! Welcome back!”

“Tony, you’re here too.”

Everyone I wanted to meet was already gathered. That saved me time, and I felt satisfied.

Tony laughed loudly when I greeted him. It was good to see familiar faces.

“How’s the Grand Duke’s castle? Is the work okay?”

“Not bad. You know I can handle it.”

I headed to my usual seat. My chair was still there, just like before.

Maria handed me some freshly brewed tea and asked,

“You seem in a good mood?”

“Huh? Do I? I’m not sure.”

“You definitely do. Did something good happen?”

Actually, only bad things had piled up recently.

Like Tinte, who was probably waiting to scold me the moment I returned. Or who was preparing new ways to lecture me. Or who was dying to make me study surgery…

Now that I think about it, all my stress seems to come from that old man.

Maybe I should get rid of him…

“You’re thinking something suspicious again.”

Tony chuckled.

“Wait, do you read minds or something?”

I was surprised by how he seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. Everyone around us burst out laughing.

“Rita, don’t you know? Everything you’re thinking shows on your face!”

“No way.”

“It’s true, Rita. So don’t try to lie.”

But I’m great at lying…

Maybe Tony and Maria are just unusually sharp. After all, Harun and Cedric always believed me when I lied.

Feeling wronged, I waved my hands, and they laughed again.