“Sister! What should I wear? Would that blue dress from last time match my necklace? Can you come look for me?”

Erika tugged on Rachel’s hand, swinging her body back and forth as she pleaded.

She had been excited since early morning because today Rachel and Erika were scheduled to visit the Hestein estate.

Moreover, Erika felt consumed by the desire to perfectly match the necklace Rachel had given her the day before with her outfit.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.”

Rachel straightened Erika’s hand in hers and answered with a smile.

Only then did Erika’s face brighten.

“Let’s hurry!”

Erika pulled Rachel along while holding her hand.

Rachel pretended to give in and allowed herself to be dragged toward Erika’s dressing room.

“Sister, look. Which of these two is better?”

Upon reaching the dressing room, Erika pointed to two dresses that were prepared.

Rachel rubbed her chin thoughtfully as she examined both dresses.

They had similar designs, but one was covered with frills throughout, giving it a cute appearance, while the other was relatively simple and modest. Though not elaborate, it gave off a neat impression.

“How about this one?”

Rachel asked, pointing to the more modest style dress.

“Great. I’ll go change into it and come back!”

“Take your time.”

It didn’t take long before Erika returned, changed into the dress.

“How do I look?”

“It suits you well. You look cute.”

Erika deliberately twirled around once. Only after Rachel complimented her did she smile broadly and take Rachel’s hand.

“Let’s go now!”

They left the mansion and boarded the carriage heading to the Hestein estate.

Rachel leaned against the seat back and smiled as she watched the excited Erika.

“Are you that happy to meet Viola?”

“Yes! It’s fun playing with Viola! But I like you best, sis. So you shouldn’t be jealous. Got it?”

“Got it. I won’t be jealous, so don’t worry.”

Rachel watched Erika swinging her feet back and forth, then turned to look out the window. The landscape of the capital slowly passed by.

When Duke Bermund staged his rebellion, the capital would be in chaos for a while.

She had seen it happen numerous times in timelines where she couldn’t save Tervan, during the period when she was learning and mastering magic.

The results varied each time. There were instances when Duke Bermund overthrew the imperial family, while other times the imperial side suppressed Duke Bermund.

However, she couldn’t know exactly how things had unfolded.

At that time, all that mattered to her was improving her magical abilities.

She needed stronger power to save Tervan, who died every time.

What happened to people other than Tervan wasn’t particularly important to her. After all, they would come back to life when she turned back time.

Having thought that far, Rachel realized once again how withered she had been back then.

Even now, things weren’t much different from then.

[Why did you suddenly get so serious?]

Creon, who had read Rachel’s thoughts, asked.

‘Because of Duke Bermund.’

[You’re wondering whether to accept the manuscript or not, right?]

‘Yes. I should probably accept it. I can check its contents and then turn back time, making it never happened. Then I can start from the beginning.’

[……]

Creon didn’t respond to Rachel’s words.

‘Creon?’

[I appreciate that you’re trying to find the Tears of Licorice for me. But think carefully before you choose.]

Creon, who had been silent, spoke to Rachel in a measured tone.

[Turning back time won’t be difficult. You’re my contractor after all. Still, you should always remember what you lose each time you turn back time, and what you have to bear.]

‘…I know.’

Rachel understood better than anyone what Creon was trying to say.

Her regressions didn’t come without a price.

Knowing this well herself was also why she couldn’t readily accept Duke Bermund’s offer.

[There’s still plenty of time until the deadline you gave that scoundrel. No need to rush, Rachel. Time is on our side.]

‘Alright.’

Rachel took Creon’s advice and decided to take more time before making her decision.

The carriage finally stopped when they arrived at the Hestein estate.

When the carriage door opened, Erika jumped out first, hopping energetically.

“Be careful, Erika!”

Rachel called out urgently, fearing Erika might fall. Fortunately, she landed safely on the ground.

Rachel was about to follow when—

“Take my hand to get down.”

A hand suddenly extended before Rachel. Turning to look, she saw Edward smiling kindly while offering his hand to her.

“Thank you, Edward.”

Rachel took Edward’s hand and slowly descended from the carriage.

After safely getting down, Rachel smiled at Edward. Only then did she realize Viola wasn’t present.

“Where’s Viola?”

“She’s in the garden. We can go there. I’ll guide you.”

“Okay.”

After answering, Rachel took Erika’s hand and followed Edward toward the garden.

It was the first time Viola hadn’t come out to greet Rachel when she visited.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s not like that. Just…”

“…?”

When Edward trailed off, Rachel became even more curious.

“You’ll see when we get there.”

After pondering his words for a while, Edward suggested she see for herself rather than explaining.

Rachel agreed, thinking it would be faster to check directly.

Guided by Edward to the Hestein estate’s garden, Rachel sensed an unusual flow of artificial mana, unlike usual.

And in the middle of it was Viola.

“Viola?”

“Viola!”

Just as Rachel cautiously called her name, Erika ran toward Viola.

Viola then dispersed the mana she had been concentrating.

“Erika!”

Viola embraced Erika as she ran into her arms, looking startled as she glanced back and forth between Erika and Rachel.

“When did you arrive?”

“We just got here.”

Rachel answered as she approached. Only then did Viola look at Edward with a realization.

“You looked so busy, so I went out myself.”

“You should have told me. You know how much I’ve been looking forward to Rachel’s visit.”

Viola spoke to Edward in a somewhat petulant manner.

“I’m sorry, Rachel. I should have come out to greet you.”

“What were you doing just now?”

When Rachel changed the subject and asked, Viola shyly averted her eyes.

“Actually… I’ve been studying spirit magic again.”

“Ah, I see.”

Rachel nodded, recalling the mana that had been swirling around in the air.

“Yes. Everyone else is working hard, and I felt like I wasn’t doing anything, so I wanted to try something.”

Considering that Viola had set aside spirit magic after graduating from the academy, this was a significant change for her.

Rachel smiled faintly, remembering that in the future, Viola would summon Naiad, the water spirit king.

“It’s really admirable that you’ve started again, Viola. I’ll always support you.”

Viola’s somewhat dejected expression brightened.

“Thanks, Rachel. I’ll try my best.”

“Me too, sis!”

When Viola responded positively, Erika clenched her fists to show her support for Viola. This brought smiles to everyone in the garden.

While Viola went to tidy herself up, Rachel and Erika took a rest in the gazebo set up in the garden.

“Is your schedule okay, Edward?”

Though grateful for his company, Rachel asked with concern, wondering if he might be busy.

“I’m happy that you’re worried about me, Rachel.”

Edward smiled, his eyes curving pleasantly.

“Would you like to stop by my study after spending time with Viola?”

“Yes, I will. For the documents, right?”

“Yes. I’ll point out some specific sections for you.”

“Alright. Thank you, as always. It must have been troublesome because of me.”

“I’m doing this because I want to. Don’t think that way.”

Rachel looked into Edward’s eyes for a moment. When her gaze lingered, Edward tilted his head curiously. Yet he didn’t avoid Rachel’s eyes.

“Thank you so much, always.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m not just talking about this. I’m grateful for everything Edward has done for me. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Rachel conveyed her gratitude to Edward with sincerity.

Until now, she had been so obsessed with saving Tervan that she hadn’t properly thanked Edward.

Even now, she couldn’t clearly specify what she was thanking him for, but she wanted to convey her feelings nonetheless.

Edward hesitated for a moment, trying to understand Rachel’s words.

Then he gazed steadily into Rachel’s eyes.

While Edward had helped Rachel, in his memory, there wasn’t anything that warranted such gratitude.

But he also didn’t think Rachel would say such things without reason.

After a brief hesitation, Edward quietly spoke.

“I’m not sure if I’ve done that much, but you must have a reason for saying this. Right?”

“Yes.”

When Rachel nodded in agreement, Edward nodded along with her.

“Then I’ll say it again. I did it because I wanted to. If it helped you, that’s enough for me.”