...
“Shulim, is everything ready?”
“Yes, everything is ready.”
“Don't you need to bring some more clothes?”
“No need, Mother. The academy has dedicated uniforms, and we'll be wearing them most of the time anyway. I won't need many ordinary clothes.”
“I see. Check your purse one more time. Is that amount of money really enough? It's a long journey, and there will be plenty of places where you'll need money along the way.”
“I've already checked it. Besides, Father has already deposited some money in Langard ahead of time, so you don't need to worry about that, Mother.”
“Mmm... then what about these...”
Looking at her mother, Lilia, who had suddenly become rather talkative, Shulim felt a little helpless and could only say, “Mother, don't worry. I have everything I need with me. You don't need to fret.”
“Mmm... Alright then.”
Lilia didn't seem to be in very high spirits, but there was nothing Shulim could do. As the last child remaining at home, now that she was also leaving for a distant land, it was only natural for a mother to feel reluctant to see her go.
“Shulim, are you packed? The beast carriage is here!”
Her father Rezerian's voice came from outside the room.
“I'm ready! I'll be right out, Father.”
Shulim responded as she picked up her luggage case with her right hand. She then looked up at her mother, Lilia, and reached out with her free left hand to hold her.
“Mother, let us go outside.”
...
Outside the gates of the Hayeral household, a beast carriage drawn by a shield-horned beast stood parked at the entrance.
The driver was chatting with the butler, Lorenz.
Seeing Rezerian and the other two walking over, he immediately showed a warm smile.
“Hello, Master!”
Rezerian nodded in acknowledgment. “Hello. Thank you for waiting, and sorry to trouble you today.”
The driver quickly waved his hands and replied with a smile, “No trouble at all, no trouble! Well then... Master, Madam, please step inside?”
“Very well.”
The driver deftly took Shulim's luggage case and placed it on the cargo rack on top of the beast carriage, while Shulim and her parents climbed inside.
As Shulim was embarking on a long-distance journey, it was impossible for her to travel in a single beast carriage alone. Instead, she would join a passing merchant caravan. Traveling in a large group not only avoided many potential problems, but it also ensured a sufficient number of guards to guarantee safety.
Once everything was ready, the driver took his seat at the front and rang the bell.
“Ding-a-ling~!”
“Moo—!”
The shield-horned beast let out a low rumble and slowly moved its limbs.
“Miss! Have a safe trip! We'll be waiting for your return at home!”
As the beast carriage moved forward, Jessica, Lorenz, and the elderly Mrs. Yeager, who were standing by the gates, all waved goodbye to the carriage.
Shulim leaned her upper body out of the window, waving back to the three of them.
“Goodbye, Jessica, Mr. Lorenz, Mrs. Yeager!”
Although the shield-horned beast started off at a leisurely pace, its speed picked up steadily after accelerating. Before long, the gates of the Hayeral household had completely vanished from sight.
...
At the Mente Town station, several merchant caravans had gathered along with others who had business in other cities. Since departure time was fast approaching, everyone was busy checking their luggage, making the scene look incredibly hectic.
“Ah! She's here—!”
Fran was the first to spot the arrival of Shulim and her family.
Those waiting here to see her off all looked up as well.
“Shu—lim—!”
Just as Shulim stepped out of the carriage, a drawn-out cry rushed rapidly toward her.
No sooner had Shulim clearly seen who it was than the figure threw herself into Shulim's arms.
“Oof— Fran, you're hugging too tight! I can't breathe!”
“But, but, I really don't want you to leave, Shulim~!”
Fran looked up at Shulim with tearful eyes.
Seeing her like this, Shulim smiled helplessly.
Looking up, she saw that in addition to Fran, Instructor Collette, Ander, and even Instructor Kunon had come to see her off.
“Shulim, I've thought it over,” Ander walked up first and spoke up. “Even though ten of me wouldn't stand a chance against you right now, I won't slack off. One of these days, I'll become a powerhouse too. When that time comes, don't let me catch up to you because you got lazy at the academy!”
Shulim looked at him and calmly replied, “Don't worry. That won't happen.”
As for which “that” she meant—whether it was him becoming a powerhouse, or her being caught up to—Shulim did not elaborate...
After Ander finished speaking, Collette chimed in as well. “Shulim~ Don't forget that shop I told you about! You must tell me what you think of it when you go there~!”
“Yes, I will check out the sweet shop you mentioned, Instructor Collette.”
Collette gigled, then stealthily sidled up to Shulim. Sneaking something into Shulim's hand, she whispered in her ear, “The owner of that sweet shop is actually a friend of mine~ If you show her this, she'll know you were recommended by me and give you a huge discount~!”
“...Thank you, Instructor Collette.”
Shulim silently put away the pendant Collette had handed her.
“Hehehe~! You're very welcome, you're very welcome~!”
After Collette finished speaking, Shulim turned her gaze toward the last person, Kunon.
...
He remained silent for a moment, seemingly unsure of how to start.
“Ahem... Well, Shulim, you're the best student I've ever taught. Once you reach Langard, don't let people from other places look down on you! If anyone is asking for trouble, use your fists to make them fall in line!”
Kunon's words were characteristically tough and blunt.
Shulim looked at him, then nodded.
“I know what to do, Instructor Kunon.”
The title of “Instructor” instantly put Kunon in a great mood.
Indeed. No matter how absurdly talented Shulim was, she was still his student. As her instructor, he should simply feel happy and proud of his student's achievements!
“Excellent! Keep that spirit, and don't you forget it in the future!”
As the three of them finished saying their farewells, Shulim looked back at Fran, who was still teary-eyed.
She patted Fran's head, leaned in close to her ear, and spoke softly, “Fran, how about I bring you some famous sweets from the Royal Capital when I return next time?”
“Sniffle, sniffle... R-Really?” Fran asked, sniffling.
“Of course it's true. Do you want them?”
“I do!”
“Then promise you'll wait well for me to come back, alright?”
“Mmm... I...”
Fran looked deeply conflicted, but she eventually lowered her head reluctantly. “...Alright then.”
Shulim smiled and gave Fran's head another pat. “Fran is such a good girl~!”
Fran immediately pouted. “Shulim, I'm not a child!”
“Yes, yes, of course. Fran is not a child~!”
“Shulim—”
Clang! Clang! Clang!
A sudden clanging interrupted Shulim and Fran's conversation.
“We're heading out—!”
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