# Chapter 18 – I Possessed the Villain’s Daughter #
“Lara, it seems you have an affinity for wind magic.”
“And?”
“Well… hmm. With more training, it could go either way, but for now, I can only say you have a bit of talent with wind.”
I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. My uncle’s reaction was lukewarm. It seemed like I didn’t have much talent for magic either.
The world is so unfair.
My father and uncle are gifted in spirit arts, my eldest brother is a genius in commerce and liberal arts, and my second brother is a swordsmanship prodigy. And me? I’m just… average.
“Sigh…”
I tried to hide it, but a sigh escaped me anyway. My uncle, noticing, offered words of comfort.
“Don’t be too disappointed, Lara. You might not see it now, but everyone is born with a gift.”
“Yes…”
Fiddling with my fingers, I decided to ask him something I’d been curious about.
“Uncle Laska.”
“Hmm?”
“The glow from that gemstone powder looks a little dimmer now… does that mean it has a lifespan?”
My father and uncle exchanged surprised looks at my words.
“You can see the light dimming?”
“Yes? I mean, yes.”
The gemstone dust was naturally sparkling, so the difference was subtle. But I was certain—I could see it. Uncle spoke again.
“You must have been born with the ‘Seeing Eye.’”
“Seeing Eye…?”
“Yes. It’s the ability to visually perceive even the smallest movements of mana or energy that others might miss.”
Then he added,
“Your mother, Bella, had those eyes too. Seems you inherited her talent.”
My mouth fell open slightly in shock.
“People with this ability often become alchemists.”
“Alchemists…?”
I became deeply immersed in his explanation. So, I did have something I was good at!
“Is there a major for alchemy at the academy?”
“Of course.”
“Then… when I return home, I want to study it more!”
I’d been thinking a lot about my future. Like my brother Eddie, who is studying to become the next duke, or my brother Eit, a master swordsman—I wanted to find something I could commit to and work hard at.
And now it felt like I’d finally found the perfect fit! As if destiny had guided me to it.
Fueled by my enthusiasm, Uncle Laska accompanied me to the study that afternoon and helped me pick out books related to alchemy.
Titles like:
-
Fundamentals of Magic
-
Accessible Magic Formulas
-
About Alchemy
These books were as easy and approachable as their titles suggested. Uncle advised me that since alchemy is based on magic, it’s important to have a strong grasp of theory.
Curiously, the books were a bit worn. When I asked, Uncle told me my mother had also studied this field with great interest.
Hearing that only made me more determined.
By studying alchemy, I felt like I could somehow feel her presence.
The next day.
The weather in the Forte territory was slightly colder than in the capital. But today, it was exceptionally clear and cool—perfect weather for an outing.
I sat in the carriage, staring out the window with curious eyes.
Today was market day in the estate. Uncle said he wanted to show us around. Even though it was a rural territory, the market was apparently quite large. I wished Father, Grandma, and Grandpa could’ve come too, but the adults were likely caught up in their own discussions.
—“It might be a bit boring for you city kids, though.”
Uncle said playfully, scrunching up his nose.
Still, since Father usually didn’t let me go out because of my health, even a countryside market was a fascinating and new experience for me.
Outside the window, I saw people bustling about. Eventually, the carriage arrived at the lively market square. As I stepped out with Eit oppa holding my hand, I felt the crisp air rush over my skin.
As Uncle said, the square was small compared to the capital’s. But the streets were well-paved and clean, so it didn’t feel too rural. I looked up at the clock tower, then turned my head. Uncle stood at a distance ahead.
Something felt odd.
People were starting to gather around him.
Puzzled, I called out.
“Uncle, what are you doing over there?”
What happened next was astonishing. Everyone who approached greeted him enthusiastically.
“Oh my, Lord Laska!”
“Are you here to inspect the estate?”
“It’s been a while!”
Uncle waved his cloak cheerfully and greeted each of them with a bright smile.
“Yes, how has everyone been?”
The lively atmosphere continued. As I watched in amazement, my brother Eddie spoke beside me.
“Uncle Laska is the next lord of this territory. In a small estate like this, everyone knows him.”
“Everyone seems to like him.”
“We do too.”
Eit oppa chimed in with a grin. I looked at Uncle’s back as he greeted the people, then nodded.
Yes, I really liked Uncle too.
We walked through the streets lined with general stores.
Uncle wanted to go first to the area that sold dresses and shoes. He said he wanted to buy me something.
But I firmly declined. I had enough clothes and shoes already—there was no need for more.
Right now, I was standing in front of a fruit stall. The unfamiliar fruit intrigued me, so I pointed to it and asked Uncle,
“What’s this?”
“Oh, that’s a rose apple.”
A rose apple?
I leaned closer to sniff it. Uncle explained beside me.
“It’s a local specialty. Once picked, it spoils quickly and loses its scent, so you probably haven’t seen it in the capital. It’s called a rose apple because of its pink color and fragrance.”
Indeed, the apple was a lovely rose-pink color, and a sweet floral scent wafted from it. I asked the young woman running the stall,
“How much for four of these?”
The friendly-looking vendor smiled.
“Just speak casually, miss. Take a bag—it’s free.”
“Huh? Um…”
“It’s a small thank-you. The Lord and future Lord always protect this town.”
Uncle took off his hat and scratched his cheek, embarrassed.
“If you don’t take money, I’ll feel like a greedy landlord exploiting his people.”
“Oh, not at all! We’re always grateful to the Lord.”
The vendor stuffed not only rose apples but also tangerine-like fruits into a bag for us.
As I bit into a rose apple outside the stall, sweet and fragrant juice burst from its firm flesh.
‘Delicious!’
It was so good that I couldn’t help but smile. While savoring the taste, Eit oppa called out to me.
“Lara, want to go in here?”
I turned and saw a fairly large general store. Colorful ribbons were displayed in the window. I nodded. I had been thinking of buying a ribbon.
Ding—
A small bell rang as we entered.
The store sold hats, ribbons, accessories, notebooks, pens, colored pencils, and even simple herbal remedies. The sunlit wall was slightly faded, and a bitter herbal scent lingered in the air.
Even here, Uncle was well-known.
“Oh, if it isn’t Lord Laska!”
A burly man with a thick beard, likely the shopkeeper, greeted Uncle warmly. Beside him stood a beautiful young lady—probably his daughter.
“It’s been a while, Lord Laska.”
She smiled shyly, and she was so pretty. Pretending to browse the ribbons, I stole glances at her.
From what I could tell, she definitely liked Uncle. Understandable, since Uncle was very charming. I was a bit distracted watching them when—
“Found something you like?”
Eddie oppa appeared suddenly. Ah—um…
“How about this one?”
I picked up a sturdy straw hat with a blue ribbon. It wasn’t expensive or flashy, but its simple design appealed to me.
“Are you sure you want that one?”
Uncle and Eit oppa had come over too. When we tried to pay, the shopkeeper once again laughed heartily and refused.
I put on the straw hat with the ribbon and spun in place.
“How do I look?”
All three of them spoke in unison.
“You look wonderful.”
I beamed.
As we stepped out of the store, Uncle said he had somewhere to stop by.
“Then we’ll go ahead to the restaurant and place our orders.”
Eddie oppa checked the time by the sun and said.
Uncle turned to me.
“Lara, come with me. We’re going to a magic supplies shop.”
My ears perked up.
“Yes, I’d love to!”
I eagerly followed him.
According to Uncle, it was rare for a rural estate to even have a magic shop. So when one opened in his estate, he’d been overjoyed.
The magic shop was tucked away on the third street off the square. It had elegant green glass windows. I entered and curiously looked around. Though small, the shop was cozy and smelled of jasmine.
The owner seemed to know Uncle too. Uncle returned the greeting and said something to him.
The shopkeeper brought something from the back. Uncle called me over. I quickly left the blue water bottle I was admiring and ran to his side.
What the shopkeeper brought out was wrapped in rich velvet. As he carefully unwrapped it, its true form was revealed.
A brilliant, iridescent gem that sparkled in a thousand hues with just a single ray of light.
“It’s a magic stone,” Uncle said to me.
