“Did we forget anything?”

“Of course not.”

Luca, Ottbo, and Bella, each carrying travel bags.

Standing before them was Herote.

“I’m telling you now, if you ever need help, use ‘that’ to call me. Got it?”

“I got it.”

The rectangular plaque engraved with a magic power formula that Herote had given them before.

If they used it, they could receive Herote’s help anywhere on the continent.

‘I don’t plan on using it, though.’

Luca understood.

If he relied on her help for something not part of the story, fate would surely twist and cause trouble somewhere.

‘Unless she’s included in the scenario, like with the darkness at the Academy, if she suddenly appears in a completely different tale, trouble is bound to pop up somewhere.’

Remembering that some things can never be changed no matter what he tried, Luca thought it best to minimize Herote’s help.

“Then I hope you have a nice journey.”

Herote flashed a bright smile and snapped her fingers.

Swoosh!

“… Wow.”

Ottbo couldn’t hide his amazement at how the scenery changed instantly.

How many people could send three people from the heart of the empire to its edge without using even a single magic circle?

Especially to Ottbo, well‐versed in magic, it must have seemed even more impressive.

“So this is the Evode border, huh.”

Luca looked around and couldn’t suppress his admiration.

“It’s desolate.”

Desolate.

No better word could describe it.

Not a single house in sight—only rows of magic stone pillars, presumably marking the border.

“Ah, there’s a special magic between those magic stone pillars; if you try to pass through, your body will melt.”

“Huh.”

“Even if you don’t melt, if anything passes through, the border guards get an alarm. Soon a pursuit squad will come after you—most people would die before making it out.”

Ottbo explained with suspicious delight, as if he were excited to see an actual border for the first time.

“But why is it called the Evode border?”

“The Evode Border Guard keeps watch here, so it’s called that. Since the area near the border is a conflict zone, there’s no territory here. The border guards are basically the de facto rulers.”

“I see.”

As Luca calmly surveyed his surroundings, he spotted a building between two magic stone pillars.

“Is that the immigration office?”

“Yep! After passing through there, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the auto-carriage rental. We ride an auto-carriage to Count Michichi’s territory, then take the airship from there!”

“Got it.”

Ottbo was practically a living navigation device.

Satisfied, Luca headed for the immigration office.

“Yaaawn…”

Inside the immigration office, only a few staff members could be seen, yawning lazily.

Luca swept the room with a disinterested gaze.

No one seemed to care they had arrived.

“Haha… Not many people come here, and those who do are usually ready to leave right away. I guess they don’t need to worry about anything.”

Ottbo explained, watching Luca’s reactions. Luca only replied bluntly.

“Is that so? Then let’s not waste time and move quickly.”

“Right!”

The three went up to the immigration counter.

The yawning officer noticed them and, still looking indifferent, muttered,

“Identification, please.”

“Here.”

Luca produced the seal issued by the imperial family that proved he was a member of the Traverse family.

The officer took it, checked its authenticity with a magical device, and handed it back.

“Pass. Next.”

All three passed without issue.

Tucking the seal back inside his coat, Luca twisted his lips.

“No baggage check, no questions. Hard to believe they’re so lax.”

“Well… Not many make it out this far. And…”

Ottbo glanced around and lowered his voice.

“Smugglers often use places like this. Since this border is so remote, hardly anyone comes. “

“So why not keep a close watch?”

“The scale’s too small. How much could really be smuggled through a checkpoint like this? Just getting the goods out here would cost more than it’s worth.”

He made a good point.

Even with a subspace bag, there were more efficient ways than this.

Luca thought for a moment, then nodded slowly.

“I see.”

Luca answered blandly and headed for the exit.

After walking about ten minutes past the immigration office, they reached the auto-carriage rental as Ottbo had said.

“… Ugh. Terrible.”

But the place was nearly abandoned.

The auto-carriages were all dusty, outdated models, and the old man running the place was asleep, even with customers right in front of him.

“In a place like this, no wonder they don’t even bother with inspections.”

“Luca. Luca.”

“?”

Ottbo called to the sighing Luca.

Luca looked over in puzzlement.

Ottbo pulled something out of his pocket.

A bracelet—Luca tilted his head, recognizing it from somewhere.

“That’s…”

Swoosh!

As the bracelet sparkled, a spotless, refined auto-carriage materialized next to them.

Ottbo beamed.

“I brought it just in case something like this happened! Pretty smart, right?”

“… Impressive.”

Truly the best partner.

* * *

The great city of Al Garmang, in the Duchy of Thier.

Here stood both the grand Thier ducal mansion and the headquarters of the Heteromorphic Alchemy School within the alchemist association—a highly advanced city.

Most famous of all: the Thier Exhibition Hall, hosting daily exhibitions.

The works of alchemists and artists on display here were considered the most popular throughout the Lamata Empire.

So, hosting a party at this venue was a dream for many nobles.

Even the head of the Thier ducal family, the founder, was booked out and couldn’t throw a party there at will.

“Today, we celebrate the induction of Duke Thier’s head, Makhassel Thier, as Top Alchemist of the Heteromorphic Alchemy School! Please, everyone, give a big round of applause!”

Spotlights bathed the central figure.

A distinguished middle-aged man with a tall frame and a majestic, well-groomed beard—he wore a bright smile and waved.

“Wowwww!”

“Duke Thier! Congratulations!”

“Incredible! To be selected as Top Alchemist!”

Clap-clap-clap-clap!

Roaring cheers and applause poured down.

Even for the Thier ducal family, famed for their heteromorphic alchemy, the honor of being named Top Alchemist was significant.

Makhassel Thier bowed his head in gratitude for the congratulations and accolades.

“Father became the Top Alchemist?”

“You could show more interest, sis.”

Pasmo Thier looked on in surprise, while her younger brother, Gremo Thier, seemed exasperated.

“Impressive, though he doesn’t have much time left.”

“Wh-What do you mean by that, sis?”

Gremo Thier scowled at Pasmo Thier’s nonchalant words.

She made it sound as if Makhassel Thier was about to die.

Pasmo Thier only shrugged.

“I’ll be the Top Alchemist soon anyway.”

“That’s… well…”

Arrogant though it sounded, Gremo Thier couldn’t disagree.

Pasmo Thier, hailed as a prodigy of the century.

No one would bat an eye if she was chosen Top Alchemist before she turned twenty.

“Haah. More than that, I’m bored.”

“Huh? What do you mean? Isn’t it your first Lamata-style party in a while?”

Lamata-style parties were known for fast, festive music and energetic dancing.

Given that she only attended the Hernan Empire’s parties, famous for their calm music and reserved dancing, Pasmo Thier was expected to miss these vibrant salons.

“I’ve attended so many similar parties that I don’t get homesick for Lamata-style ones anymore.”

After all, the Theodore faction’s parties also followed the Lamata style.

With nothing new to catch her interest, Pasmo Thier wore a bored expression—until someone approached her.

“Long time no see, Pasmo Thier.”

“… Oh my.”

Deep blue hair, black eyes.

A tall, broad-shouldered young man with an easy smile.

Pasmo Thier’s eyes grew round as she recognized him.

She placed her hand to her chest and gave a slight bow.

“It’s been a while, prince Odrima Lamata.”

Odrima Lamata.

Second prince of the Lamata Empire—and the crowned heir.

Though the second prince, he had already been named future emperor.

“Haha, there’s no need for such formalities between us.”

Odrima laughed and offered his hand.

Pasmo Thier hesitated for a moment, then took it.

Odrima kissed the back of her hand, grinning gently.

“You’re as lovely as ever. I was so sad when I heard you’d gone to study at Hernan Academy. I couldn’t see your beautiful face for six whole years.”

“… Hoho. Thank you for the compliment.”

At his words, a flicker passed through Pasmo Thier’s eyes.

‘Strange. His words are the same as always… so why do they sound so grating now?’

That flowery Lamata Empire-style greeting.

It had never bothered her before, but now it unsettled her stomach for some reason.

“Your necklace suits you beautifully. Though you’d look good in anything.”

“….”

The mention of her necklace made Pasmo Thier reach up and touch it.

A beautiful necklace of crimson jewels.

Pasmo Thier smiled serenely.

“Yes. It’s a piece I particularly like.”

As she answered, Odrima stepped closer.

“Then, may I ask you to join me for a dance? It’s been so long.”

“…”

Pasmo Thier looked up at him briefly, then slowly shook her head.

“I’m not really in the mood to dance tonight.”

“Really? That’s too bad. Next time, then.”

“Sorry.”

Pasmo Thier bowed slightly, and Odrima offered a faint smile.

“It’s fine. See you around.”

Odrima left, and Gremo Thier approached, looking anxious.

“Sis! What’s going on? Weren’t you here to dance with Odrima?”

“Nope.”

“Still, when Prince Odrima asks, you shouldn’t refuse!”

It wasn’t that Odrima was unpleasant; getting to dance with him was considered a great honor.

Many in the Lamata Empire envied Pasmo Thier for exactly this reason.

They’d grown up together as childhood friends, dancing together at numerous parties.

He thought she’d come just for that.

“I can choose my own dance partner.”

“I suppose… but… oh.”

Gremo Thier’s face soured as he noticed someone else approaching and stepped back.

“Miss Pasmo Thier, would you grant me the honor of a dance…?”

“No, thank you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, miss Pasmo Thier! I am of the Elkado marquisate—”

“No, thank you.”

“Miss Pasmo Thier, to have the privilege of—”

“No, thank you.”

Pasmo Thier turned down every dance invitation from the scions of famed families that approached.

Gremo Thier grumbled as he watched.

“Are you going to turn everyone down all night? Maybe you should just go home.”

“… Maybe I should.”

The party was in full swing, with nearly everyone paired up and dancing.

Watching them, Pasmo Thier gave a bitter smile.

“Guess I’m just not in the mood to dance tonight.”

“That’s a shame. I suppose I won’t get to fulfill my promise with you this time either.”

“…!”

At that moment, an indifferent voice brushed her ear.

Pasmo Thier stiffened, her eyes widening.

Slowly, she turned her head.

“It took some time, but I’m here to keep my promise.”

Standing there was a boy with mysterious emerald-green hair and lake-clear eyes.

He extended a hand, speaking in his familiar, flat tone.

“Pasmo Thier. Will you dance with me?”

Pasmo Thier’s eyes trembled.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then smiled with slightly damp eyelashes.

“Of course I will!”

————-= Clacky’s Corner ————-=

I prefer Isella.

「( っ °､｡)っ」

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep