Episode 29
Flight (1)
Temia hadn’t just removed her family name when she entered Etval to avoid revealing her identity to the man—there were several other reasons behind it.
She was worried that the work she’d end up doing here might bring disgrace to her family. Above all, she feared that being a noble might limit her actions.
Could it be that the man had similar reasons? When she had previously investigated around the Trearn family, everyone had deliberately avoided mentioning him.
Piecing together everything she had learned so far, Lowell van Trearn was known as the academy headmaster’s prized disciple and even called a wizard who had rewritten magical history. If he was such a distinguished son, the family should have been proud of him. Yet they never spoke his name, and Lowell himself had never once mentioned his family in passing.
“Well, it’s not like we needed to share our private lives anyway…”
Now that she thought about it, she’d never had a conversation with Lowell that wasn’t about work.
And while those work-related talks were more than plentiful, she was starting to realize how limited her understanding of him really was.
For the first time, Temia felt a deep regret. A day might come when she’d need to know him more personally.
If they became even slightly closer emotionally, he might naturally begin to let a few personal details slip.
“And if I collect enough of those bits and pieces… they might help prevent something in the future.”
Temia resolved to shift her mindset a bit.
At the same time, she reminded herself to stay vigilant and not lower her guard too much.
—
That night.
“No, no. Wanting to grow a little emotionally closer to someone and hearing people gossip about that same person at a matchmaking event are two very different things!”
Still unable to shake the absurd memory from earlier, Temia fumed inwardly and couldn’t fall asleep until late.
—
Temia opened her eyes on the bed in her room. Sunlight filled her vision, warm and gentle.
Come to think of it, it had been a while since she’d woken up without the usual chattering of the bluebird by her ear or the soft pecking on her cheek.
Temia had grown used to starting her days with Lerry. So she tilted her head in confusion when no one came to wake her.
Judging by the familiar ceiling, this was definitely the workshop’s living quarters. So what was going on?
Still, the comfort and freshness that spread through her body kept her in bed. She remained lying there, enjoying the calm moment.
It was a small room—nothing like the spacious beds she’d had in the mansion or academy dorm—but now, even this tight space felt cozy to her.
She stayed wrapped in her thoughts for a while, soaking in the peaceful morning.
“…Wait, why didn’t Lerry wake me up today?”
A sudden thought struck her.
And just like that, she shot up.
“Hold on. What time is it?!”
Lately, due to constant work and incidents, she had been waking up sluggish and tired in the mornings.
But today she felt unnaturally refreshed. She wanted to deny reality, but her eyes darted toward the clock in panic.
And sure enough, the clock showed that she was already two hours past her scheduled work time.
Her second tardy day since starting here.
“KYAAAAAH!”
Temia screamed and flung off her blanket. She moved so fast she nearly slipped trying to put on her slippers.
But none of that mattered right now.
She splashed water on her face like a frantic cat, threw on the first outfit she could find, and dashed out of her room.
Gone was the image of the elegant, top-graduating lady of the Roshtia aristocracy. In her place was a woman in complete chaos, tripping down to the workshop with zero poise or dignity.
By the time she reached the workshop, the familiar green head—Lowell—was already at his desk.
Without turning around, he spoke first.
“Temia? You’re awake. A little late today, huh? Exactly two hours and seven minutes late, to be precise.”
“Huff… huff… I-I’m really sorry! I must have fallen asleep without realizing… You could’ve sent Lerry to wake me!”
“It happens. As long as you’re rested, it’s fine.”
His tone didn’t sound particularly upset. That unsettled Temia even more.
“Wait, shouldn’t he be saying something now?”
This magician was the type to be extremely strict about work and always pointed out even the tiniest mistakes with uncanny precision.
She had expected him to scold her or at least tease her. So the lack of response was unnerving.
Just as Temia’s suspicious glare deepened, Lowell finally turned around and spoke again.
“I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?”
“Good and bad news? That already sounds terrifying… okay, tell me the bad news first.”
“Oh? I thought you’d want the good news first.”
“Normally, I would. But if it’s bad enough for you to label it bad, I need to hear that first so I can brace myself.”
Temia pouted as she spoke. Maybe because she already felt guilty, she figured she might as well take the punishment all at once.
Besides, knowing Lowell, even if the workshop blew up, he’d probably just say, ‘Well, it’s annoying, but let’s clean it up,’ and get to work. The fact that he had bad news at all made her nervous.
“Alright then. The bad news is—Lerry will be away for the next few days.”
His tone was lighter than expected, but Temia’s face quickly stiffened.
To her, Lerry wasn’t just the bird who woke her up every morning. He had become a companion who gave her gentle advice, someone she could vent to when Lowell acted up.
More than that, Lerry had been like an emotional buffer between her and the unpredictable magician. In some ways, he had become her emotional support.
And now he was gone—without warning. Temia’s anxiety spiked.
“Wait… is something wrong? Is it hard for you to summon him now? Or—don’t tell me! Did you overwork him?! Did he collapse from exhaustion?!”
“Do I look that irresponsible to you? Maintaining a familiar like Lerry is nothing. He’s actually been enjoying having less to do since you arrived. Besides, familiars don’t ‘run away.’”
“Then why is that sweet little bird gone?!”
“…I didn’t think you’d react this strongly. I guess it really is bad news, huh?”
“Hey!”
“I just sent him on a little errand. I’m not sure how long he’ll be gone, but I think he’ll be back in a few days.”
He casually stroked his chin, estimating the timeframe.
The workshop, which always had Lerry fluttering about keeping things lively, already felt too quiet.
Temia realized just how big of a presence Lerry had become—and she missed him. Still, knowing he’d be back soon was a small relief.
“Hmph… If it’s for that, I suppose I understand. But I hope he comes back quickly. So what’s the good news?”
“Well, since Lerry’s away, you’ll need to assist me more directly while making potions. That means more than just handling customers or fetching herbs—you’ll need to help me hands-on.”
“…Wait. That’s the good news?”
Temia barely held back the urge to yell “Isn’t that bad news?!” at him.
The thought of being left alone with this difficult man without Lerry’s help made her feel a bit hopeless.
Still, there was a silver lining. As he said, if she worked directly beside him like Lerry, she’d be spending a lot more time with him.
And that meant more chances to observe him—and possibly learn his secrets.
“I guess it’s a good opportunity if I really want to dig something up… But seriously? The moment I make that decision, the chance just falls into my lap?”
A strained smile appeared on Temia’s face.
“Why do you look so discontent? Time’s passed, and I’m offering you the chance to work as a full-fledged assistant instead of a temporary one. Are you protesting in front of your employer?”
He seemed to misread her expression entirely.
“W-What? No! I just… didn’t expect that to be the ‘good’ news, that’s all.”
“Hm? Weren’t you the one who said that when living with others, it’s important to try to meet them halfway?”
He was right—she had said that once.
“…I did. But why are you bringing that up now?”
