……

  ……

  “Hulim, is everything packed?”

  “Everything is ready, Mother.”

  “Won’t you take more clothes?”

  “There’s no need, Mother. The academy has its own uniform, and I’ll be wearing it most days. I won’t need many casual outfits.”

  “I see. Then check your purse once more. Is this enough money? The journey is long—you’ll need plenty along the way.”

  “I’ve already checked. Besides, Father deposited extra funds in Langard in advance. You needn’t worry about that.”

  “Hmph, then what about these……”

  Hulim felt a touch helpless as her mother Lilia suddenly grew fussy and overbearing.

  “Mother, please rest easy. I have everything I need. You don’t have to worry.”

  “Hmph…… very well.”

  Lilia seemed downcast, but Hulim could do nothing about it. As the last child still at home, she was now leaving for a distant land—and a mother’s heart could not help but ache.

  “Hulim, are you finished? The beast carriage has arrived!”

  Her father Rezelian’s voice called from outside.

  “I’m ready, Father. I’m coming now.”

  Hulim replied, lifting her trunk with her right hand. She then looked up at Lilia and took her mother’s free left hand in hers.

  “Mother, let’s go outside.”

  ……

  Outside the Heyerar family gate,

  a beast-drawn carriage pulled by Shield-Horned Beasts was waiting.

  The driver chatted casually with the butler Laurent.

  When he saw Rezelian and the two women approaching, he broke into a warm smile.

  “Greetings, sir!”

  Rezelian nodded in acknowledgment. “Hello, sorry to keep you waiting. I’ll be in your care today.”

  The driver waved his hands hurriedly, laughing. “It’s no trouble at all! Well…… sir, madam, shall we board?”

  “Very well.”

  The driver quickly took Hulim’s trunk and strapped it to the roof rack, while Hulim and her parents climbed into the carriage cabin.

  Hulim’s journey was a long one—she could not travel alone in a single beast carriage. Instead, she would join a convoy of passing merchants. More people meant fewer problems, and enough guards to ensure safety.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Once ready, the driver took the reins and shook the bell.

  Jingle-jingle~!

  “Moo——!”

  The Shield-Horned Beast let out a low rumble and slowly began to walk.

  “Miss! Take care on the road! We’ll be waiting for your return home!”

  As the carriage moved, Jessica, Laurent, and the elderly Mrs. Jaeger at the gate waved goodbye.

  Hulim leaned halfway out the window and waved back.

  “Goodbye, Jessica, Mr. Laurent, Mrs. Jaeger!”

  The Shield-Horned Beast started slow, but once it picked up speed, it moved quickly. Before long, the Heyerar gate vanished entirely from sight.

  ……

  At the Mentor Town waystation,

  several merchant caravans had gathered, along with others traveling to other cities. With departure near, everyone busied themselves checking luggage, making for a busy scene.

  “Ah! There they are——!”

  Fran was the first to spot the Heyerar family’s arrival.

  Everyone gathered to see them off looked up at once.

  “Hul——im——!”

  The moment Hulim stepped down, a drawn-out cry came rushing toward her.

  Before she could clearly see who it was, the person threw herself into her arms.

  “Mmph—mmph, Fran, too tight! I can’t breathe!”

  “But—but I really don’t want you to leave~!”

  Fran looked up at Hulim with teary eyes.

  Hulim smiled helplessly at the sight.

  Looking around, she saw not only Fran but also Colette, Ander, and even Teacher Kuno—all had come to see her off.

  “Hulim, I’ve thought about it.”

  Ander stepped forward first.

  “Right now, even ten of me wouldn’t stand a chance against you. But I won’t slack off. Sooner or later, I’ll become strong too. When that day comes, don’t let me catch up because you slacked off at the academy.”

  Hulim looked at him calmly and replied, “Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”

  She did not clarify whether “that” referred to Ander growing strong…… or her being overtaken.

  After Ander spoke, Colette followed.

  “Hulim~! Don’t forget the shops I told you about! Be sure to tell me what you think later~!”

  “Yes. I’ll visit the dessert shop you mentioned, Teacher Colette.”

  Colette giggled, then sneaked over to Hulim, slipping something into her hand and whispering in her ear:

  “The owner of that dessert shop is actually a friend of mine~! Show her this, and she’ll know I sent you—you’ll get a huge discount~!”

  “……Thank you, Teacher Colette.”

  Hulim quietly put away the pendant Colette had given her.

  “Hehe~! Don’t mention it, don’t mention it~!”

  Once Colette finished,

  Hulim turned to the last person: Kuno.

  “……”

  He fell silent for a moment, seemingly unsure how to start.

  “Ahem…… Well, Hulim. You’re the finest student I’ve ever taught. When you reach Langard, don’t let folks from other places look down on you! If anyone talks back, make ’em submit with your fist!”

  Kuno’s words were tough and straightforward.

  Hulim looked at him and nodded.

  “I understand what to do, Instructor Kuno.”

  The single phrase Instructor Kuno lifted Kuno’s spirits at once.

  Yes—no matter how extraordinary Hulim was, she was still his student. As her instructor, he ought to rejoice and take pride in her achievements!

  “Excellent! That’s the spirit! Don’t you forget it!”

  Once the three had said their goodbyes, Hulim turned back to Fran, still teary-eyed.

  She patted Fran’s head, then leaned close and whispered:

  “Fran, when I come back, I’ll bring you famous desserts from the capital. How does that sound?”

  “Sniff, sniff…… r-really?”

  Fran asked, sniffling.

  “Of course. Do you want them?”

  “I do!”

  “Then wait patiently for me to come back, okay?”

  “Mmph…… I……”

  Fran looked conflicted, then hung her head reluctantly.

  “……Okay.”

  Hulim smiled and patted her head again.

  “You’re such a good girl~!”

  Fran immediately pouted. “Hulim, I’m not a little kid!”

  “Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. You’re not a little kid~!”

  “Hulim——”

  Clang! Clang! Clang!

  A sharp knocking sound cut through Hulim and Fran’s conversation.

  “We’re departing now——!”