Lately, I’ve been noticing that the Duke of Perdia has been paying attention to me.

The feast of leeks laid out before us, or the prompt approval of things I wished for, all of these actions from the duke, which he would have never done in the past, were rather surprising. I would have been happy to bury it, but the perfectionist Jansi didn’t seem to think so.

“Even if it’s later, if the royal court finds out that Lili has developed an ability, it could lead to trouble, Father.”

“I couldn’t care less about those royal folks’ muttering.”

While it was an arrogant statement that held potential issues given the target was the royal court, coming from the Duke of Perdia, it carried no hint of arrogance.

It felt natural enough. Jansi, who rarely countered his father’s wishes, was particularly tenacious today.

“However, it’s better to prevent any problems from arising-“

“Jansi Perdia.”

 “…….”

“Who dares to threaten my daughter?”

Jansi hesitated briefly before chuckling softly and answering.

“…..Father’s words are correct.”

Even Jansi seemed to realize there was no persuading his father any further. But this time, Carlot began to grumble.

“Ugh, what a waste. Those people who babbled nonsense about sister would shut up if they knew she had an ability.”

 “Hmm, who are they, my little son?”

When the Duchess elegantly asked, Carlot suddenly started to speak excitedly.

“Well, isn’t there one? Doro, Doro something… Anyway, the Angellus family’s daughter. That wretch kept running her mouth!”

“Dorothea, Carl.”

Jansi quietly corrected the name, but Carlot continued his energetic demeanor, ignoring it.

“What do I care about her name, ugh.”

To say the least, not knowing the name of the only direct female member of the Four Families is a bit much, Carlot.

If Dorothea had overheard this dialogue, she would have stayed up for days and nights in frustration.

At the mention of Dorothea’s name, Jansi said, as if it had suddenly occurred to him.

 “Come to think of it, I heard that Dorothea Angellus was in charge of the Ishtar Altar for this year’s founding festival.”

“I heard that too. When I attended the gathering, Dolsinia bragged so much about her daughter.”

As the Duchess sighed as if troubled, Carlot interjected.

“You know, it’s like putting on airs to pick up what my sister didn’t want to do. Right, sister?”

Carlot looked at me with sparkling eyes, as if seeking praise. I answered, carefully avoiding his expectant gaze.

“It’s more appropriate for someone who wants to do it than someone who doesn’t.”

 “Don’t you think you’re being too nice, Sister Lili. I could overturn the altar for you, then, maybe Dorothea something or the other would get some humiliation-.”

It was then.

 “Carl.”

The Duchess interrupted Carlot mid-sentence. I thought she might scold him for openly saying he’d cause trouble in front of the family head, but it wasn’t that.

“If you want to do it, do it from behind. Secretly. Isn’t that the way of Perdia?”

‘What on earth is she teaching her son…’

No matter how you look at it, the Perdia way of parenting is brutal. They weren’t a villainous family for nothing.

“Do it from behind, it’s not fun… You can’t see the humiliated expression!”

“It’s more thrilling to leave lingering doubt and remove the evidence, Carlot. Isn’t it exciting to see someone constantly doubting whether their suspicions are true or not?”

“…I understand.”

The Duchess, who was sternly educating Carlot, turned her gaze to me and spoke.

“Lili, if anyone ever bothers you, let me know.”

The Duchess seemed steadfast in her assurance that she would take care of things from behind, no matter who it was. But to me, this family-like dinner conversation felt awkward and uncomfortable. While I was grateful and touched by their concern, I knew that I would eventually leave Perdia.

 “Yes. Thank you, madam.”

I couldn’t ignore the duchess’s consideration, so all I could do was thank her. Although the meal was a feast of leeks, the chef was skillful, and the plate was quickly cleared. I discreetly glanced at the Duke of Perdia, gauging his reaction.

 “I, Father.”

 “Yes.”

“I was thinking of returning to the annex now-“

The Duke of Perdia cut me off firmly.

 “The annex is currently undergoing repairs. You can’t go there.”

“What? Repairs?”

Suddenly? But I had never heard any discussion about repairs from Martha, who went to the annex every night. Before I could ask further, the duke stood up from his seat.

“It will take a while, so just know that.”

 “Huh?”

Without a word of farewell, the duke left the dining room. As I stared at the entrance where the duke had disappeared, feeling somewhat empty, the Duchess gave a small smile.

“He really can’t be straightforward, can he? He could have just said he is worried about leaving you in the annex.”

 “Is that so…….”

I replied in a daze, and Carlot exclaimed cheerfully.

“I prefer having you in the main mansion, sister. We’d be able to see you more often!”

Please, just stop.

***

While I couldn’t return to the annex as I wanted, I achieved some results.

‘Half-hearted freedom…!’

The household staff, who had always hovered around in the bedroom to make sure I was doing well, disappeared. Except for the occasional visit from the Perdia members, I was able to have some time to myself. Among the first people I contacted using the communication magical tool was Isis, the master of the magic tower.

 [It’s hard to hear your voice, isn’t it?]

“Did you contact me?”

[Yes. I thought your magical tool was malfunctioning, and I was about to go to Perdia].

The words were harsh, but they meant he was worried about me, nonetheless. I smiled awkwardly and then suggested cautiously.

“What if a record of missed calls appears when communication is not received?”

“What? Lili, it’s been a while since you contacted me, what’s with the sudden… well, it’s good, though?”

Isis, who had been puzzled by my suggestion, retorted with a hint of amusement in his voice. Honestly, he was like a simple-minded magical device researcher. After a while of silence over the communication magical tool, Isis finally responded.

 [A new feature. Not bad. I should add that soon.]

 “How’s the research for the next magic tool coming along?”

[This body contacted you about that!]

Ignoring my attempt to shift his attention, Isis erupted in anger once again. I felt like a granddaughter who made various excuses to avoid visiting her grandfather in the countryside during the holidays.

After a barrage of nagging about keeping in touch more frequently, Isis finally got to the main point.

[Lili, I can’t seem to get the clear magic circle on the entrance like you said].

“Is the shape of the magical device the issue?”

[Yes, structurally, it’s difficult to engrave the magic circle at the entrance. It’s too narrow.]

“It doesn’t have to be at the entrance. It’s okay as long as it’s clean, right?”

[It doesn’t have to be at the entrance? Hm, then maybe I can engrave it in the center. It might be worth trying.]

The next thing I suggested to Isis was a water purifier.

The water quality in the neighboring countries, including the Wallentian Empire, wasn’t very good. So, people mostly brewed tea and drank a lot of beer.

If we could develop a water purification tool that didn’t require fetching water from the mountains, life would be much easier.

Of course, it could also make a lot of money. Greed, lying next to me without a care in the world, perked up excitedly.

 [Splendid. Gulp].

Then, as if nothing had happened, Greed went back to snoring.

 “…….”

The other end of the communication magical tool fell silent. After a considerable amount of time, Isis’s voice came through.

 [You’re young. I hope your digestion is good. Yeah…….]

 “It’s not me.”

 [No need to be ashamed, I understand].

 “I’m not.”

 [Yes, yes. You’re still a dreamy girl, no matter what].

Even if I denied it, Isis wouldn’t listen to me. In the end, I couldn’t escape the disgraceful label of “Greed addict”…!

 ‘Greed, I will not leave you alone.’

I sharpened the blade of vengeance against Greed, who was still sound asleep. Putting that aside, I had one more question for Isis.

“But Isis, a few days ago I saw a notice about canceling magical device orders from the Knights. What happened?”

It said that the wizard Elby had unilaterally cancelled a contract with a certain family to stop distributing communication tools without giving them a reason.

This was something I hadn’t been consulted about, so I was surprised to read about it.

 [They don’t deserve this body´s masterpiece].

‘Did you do it on purpose? Why?’

Even if he had invented a tool that sold well, in the eyes of the world, I was just a promising novice magician. It wouldn’t sit well with the nobles or the Knights.

But Isis must have had his reasons. He wasn’t the type to recklessly stir things up.

 “Why did you do that?”

[You don’t need to know. Take care of your health and well-being. I heard you collapsed and had to rest for a few days. Don’t just wander around weakly and suddenly collapse. Eat properly too. Is Perdia’s cuisine so poor in ingredients?]

 “Pfft.”

Isis’s nagging, like a real father, actually made me smile. Despite the minimal age difference, he spoke like a grandfather, which was both amusing and endearing.

 [Why are you laughing, do you find this body’s advice funny, you spoiled little Lili Arcel].

 “I’m not.”

At the sound of Isis’ voice, calling me by the full name of my pseudonym, I suddenly remembered my first meeting with him. Isis knew my real mother, and I wondered if he knew that she’d turned the world back to save me.

“My mom didn’t abandon me.”

Even to my random and contextless remark, Isis replied without hesitation.

 [I know].

 “…….”

 [Of course. Arcellia is not the kind of person to do that.]

It was a statement filled with a strong conviction that my mother hadn’t abandoned me. There was quite a difference between thinking something alone and having someone confidently say it to you. I fumbled with my communicator and pulled my lips away.

 “By the way, Isis.”

 [Yes.]

“Never mind. I forgot what I was going to say.”

A chuckle echoed through the communication device as I laughed out loud.

 [Foolish fellow.]

 “I’ll hang up then!”

I hastily ended the communication and pondered over the unsaid words.

‘Then where did my mother go?’

It was a question I hadn’t managed to ask.

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***

Near the outdoor main square where the nation-building festival was being held, Dorothea sat in the carriage, breathing heavily. Whether due to nervousness or something else, she couldn’t seem to calm down. She pleaded with her teacher, Gabe, who sat across from her.

“G-Gabe, please give me some medicine.”

 “No. You’ve already taken your dose for today.”

“I feel like I’m going to die. My hands are trembling so much!”

Dorothea’s condition was far from good. Her complexion was pale, and she was covered in cold sweat. Her limbs were shaking uncontrollably.

“You said we have to finish this properly this time! What if I make a mistake?”

“D*mn it, woman…”

Gabe muttered under his breath, almost as if he was disgusted, and tossed a vial of medicine onto Dorothea’s lap. Trembling, she opened the bottle and swallowed a pill with her shaky hands.

“Phew……”

She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. Within a few minutes, Dorothea’s condition improved. The color returned to her face, and she stopped sweating. The trembling in her limbs subsided. Feeling energy coursing through her body, Dorothea smiled.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”

With a sweet smile, Dorothea stepped out of the carriage. Gabe watched her departing figure persistently.

 “Dorothea Angellus……. Your powers have been quite useful, but your body can’t take it anymore…….”

It’ll have to be used until it’s used up. It was just one chess piece disappearing, but Gabe didn’t feel the slightest regret. For when Ishtar’s power reaches the earth today, he will have a new chess piece, one with the power of Irkala.