Chapter 10: Mother's Footsteps
It was already dark when we finally entered the city of Termwills after waiting in line for a while.
Even at night, the number of people in the city was far greater than that in the Baron Shilun's territory or the Earl Gartner's domain.
Although it was a human city, I could occasionally spot elves, dwarves, and other non-human races like beastmen. Such individuals tended to avoid appearing in public in rural areas and the like. This was because lower education levels often led to increased prejudice, discrimination, and persecution based on superstitions.
For me, it was a rather exciting sight. The fact that they were real and not just NPCs or player avatars made a big difference.
While it might be a unique experience in a border city, I couldn't simply immerse myself in sentiment. There were plenty of things to do after arriving in the city. I couldn't just head straight to the labyrinth.
First, I handed over the remaining amount as a reward to Forestbird for completing the request upon our arrival in Termwills.
"Thank you very much. Oh? But isn't this a bit... No, quite a lot?"
"There might be more requests in the future, so consider it a show of goodwill for then."
"Really? I'm so happy!"
Lucian smiled and said so.
We had been traveling with Forestbird and the others without any major stress.
It was true that my father suggested having guards, but it was me who chose the actual companions for the journey. If it had been just Grace and me traveling alone, things wouldn't have gone as smoothly.
If it had been a journey with just the two of us, we would have been busy with procuring supplies and might have lost the carriage when we encountered the ants. Regardless of the actual circumstances, I believe we would have attracted unnecessary trouble with the way we stood out. Their presence played a significant role in our journey.
Above all, having trustworthy companions is invaluable. I wanted to maintain a strong connection with them.
"We still have some undecided parts about what to do here, so I'll talk to the Adventurers' Guild."
"Then, I'll let Teo-kun know the name of the inn we're staying at when he comes."
"It's fine to meet up at the guild. If we try working here for a while... and if it goes well, we might settle down."
"I hope things go well. Forestbirds are reliable when it comes to the basics, and as long as we don't recklessly delve too deep into the labyrinth, we should be fine."
Lucian and Monica nodded in response to my agreement and smiled.
"What are you two going to do now?"
"We're heading to a place my father's acquaintance recommended."
It seems there's someone named Rosetta Attenborough in the Eastern District, on Fallen Leaves Street. They said she's an old friend, but who knows what will happen. Just like having an escort on the way, it's a condition set by my father to visit Rosetta Attenborough on our way to Termwills. I have to fulfill that promise too.
"Well then, I'll take you there."
"You'll be looking for an inn and all... there must be a lot to do, right?"
"No, it's not that big of a deal. It's been quite stimulating for me too."
Hmm, well, I guess it's fine.
The Eastern District is predominantly inhabited by wealthy people. The reason is probably related to the amount of sunlight they receive. If someone living in the Eastern District becomes an acquaintance of my father... I can't help but think that person might be from a noble family.
As we headed towards the address written on the paper, we arrived at a modest yet elegant mansion.
"Well then, this is where we part ways."
"Yeah, thank you."
"See you, Teo-kun, Grace-san."
"Yes, let's meet again."
We bid farewell to Forestbird and headed towards the entrance of Rosetta's mansion.
When I rang the lion-faced door knocker, a woman with reddish-dark hair appeared. She looked to be in her late twenties to early thirties.
She didn't give off the vibe of a servant. Could she be Rosetta?
The gaze of the red-haired woman moved from top to bottom, focusing on Grace and then me.
"Apologies for contacting you so late at night. Is this the residence of Rosetta Attenborough-sama?"
"I am Rosetta, yes. Um... You must be Theodore, Henry's child. And you must be Grace?"
"...Yes. Have we met before?"
I have no recollection. If they know that I am Henry's child, does that mean my mother knows as well?
"You were a baby at the time. We met once at Henry's estate. So, in total, we've met twice. Well... It's understandable if you don't remember. Grace... I only heard about you from Lisa's letters, but I could tell at first sight. You're truly a beautiful child."
"From Lisa-sama?"
Grace's eyes widened in surprise, and Rosetta smiled. So, it seems that Lisa trusted her enough to talk about Grace...
The second time she met me would be after my mother passed away. I suppose it was when I learned about my mother's death... I think people who mourned her came to the estate, but I don't remember much.
"...This is a letter from your father."
Rosetta glanced briefly at the wax seal on the letter I handed her and nodded.
"It is indeed from the Earl's household. Please, come in."
"What does the letter say?"
"It requests various arrangements to be made to facilitate your life here."
We were led to the reception room and settled down before continuing the conversation.
"I understand the situation. If you're going to study magic in Termwills... does that mean enrolling in Perezford Academy? The letter mentions that they will accommodate your wishes as much as possible."
Perezford Academy is an educational institution located in the Eastern District.
In terms of formality, it is similar to a university, allowing those who enroll to pursue the education, knowledge, and skills they desire by attending lectures and training as they please. It is both an educational and research institution.
Therefore, the students vary in age, race, and purpose, and the approach toward students is relatively hands-off and liberal.
However, when it comes to noble children, the situation changes. There is a separation between regular students and the school building, and there are also dormitories. This is because the purpose is to provide appropriate education for noble children.
But well, that doesn't concern me much. I didn't come here to become a so-called "distinguished noble," so I have no intention of entering the dormitory. I'll just learn practical magic and finish the required courses quickly. If asked if there is anything else to learn, I can't think of anything. There will probably be more wasted time than anything else.
I will be enrolled and plan to go to learn practical magic, but basically, I intend to keep a low profile and do as I please. After all, it would be counterproductive if I couldn't freely explore the labyrinth.
"I understand that, but I want to find a house in the city."
"A house?"
"If I keep relying on Rosetta-san through my father's introduction, it's no different from being under the protection of my own family. As much as possible, I want to handle things on my own."
When I said that firmly, Rosetta peered into my face with a puzzled expression.
We stared at each other like that for a while, but eventually she averted her gaze from me and let out a deep sigh.
"...Very well. I shall grant your wish."
"I thought you would object."
"Surprising, isn't it? You had the face that showed you knew you would be opposed."
Rosetta smiled wryly.
"Of course, emotionally I am against it. But you... If that's what you decide, you'll leave without hesitation, won't you? You don't have the slightest hint of worry, and you have the drive to leave your own home if you're not satisfied. And you can use magic... without incantations, they say. Even if our conversation doesn't go well, you must have your own plans for that time, right?"
"Well, yes."
Get lodging, go to the Adventurer's Guild, delve into the labyrinth while establishing a livelihood.
Or establish a livelihood first, then delve into the labyrinth. It's only a difference in which comes first.
"So, you see. Rather than leaving you with no obligation to me, I judged it better to cooperate with you to some extent. That's the reason. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
...I see. Certainly, if I were ordered bluntly, I would have planned to leave at that time. Coming here to have this conversation holds no significance to me beyond fulfilling the promise with my father.
But it seems that's not the case for Rosetta. She said it with a faraway look in her eyes.
"If something happens to you... I'll feel sorry for Lisa."
"...She's acquainted with my mother, isn't she?"
"Acquainted with both of your parents, I suppose. We were classmates at the academy. We went into the labyrinth together with Lisa."
Ah, I see. So Father and Mother knew each other in Termwilz. Mother told me that she had known Father for a long time since childhood.
On the other hand, it's not strange. A border city where people gather from various places is a place where knowledge and skills are accumulated and honed. That's why nobles and talented individuals are associated with the Termwilz academy.
"Well, for today, stay at my house and rest from your journey. Tomorrow, we'll take a leisurely tour of the city."
"Understood."
...By the way, going into the labyrinth with Mother, huh? What kind of person is Rosetta? Even as I gaze at her, all she returns is a smile.