The Journey Back

Silva walked toward us after obtaining the Eternal Flower with a smile on her face.

“What kind of pouch are you using?”

“Oh, this pouch is also an artifact. It can preserve the original form of anything you put inside it for a long time.”

“Even food?”

“Yes… but since the storage is limited, people rarely use it for food.”

I see, so in short, that pouch is basically a mini fridge. It seems there are still many things I don’t know about this world.

“Why are you spacing out? Come on, we need to descend and return to Mikaor Village.”

After successfully obtaining the Eternal Flower, we descended Mount Kathu with Wufy’s help once again. Even though the snowfall grew heavier and the path more difficult, thanks to Wufy’s guidance we managed to come down quickly and avoided being stuck there until nightfall.

When we arrived at the inn, Mr. Brian and Mr. Robert welcomed us.

“You really managed to do it. Did you run into those bandits?”

“Yes… just like you said, there were a lot of them.”

“My goodness, then what happened?”

“As you can see from my wounds. We fought and defeated them all.”

“I’m relieved you’re all safe. Thank you. Because you got rid of those bandits, this village will soon return to normal. I will spread the good news about you helping our village. Is there anything you need? Or would you like to rest here first?”

This time Silva spoke up, with the same priority she always emphasized.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Robert, but we must return to Mikaor Village as soon as possible.”

“I see. Then wait here a moment while you prepare for your journey, I will bring you some warm drinks and a change of clothes.”

Mr. Robert hurried to the back to do what he had said.

“Mr. Brian, would it be alright if we head straight back?”

“Of course, miss. But you won’t be able to rest comfortably in the carriage.”

“That’s fine.”

Silva looked at me, as if telling me to agree with her.

“If Rin doesn’t mind, then I won’t say anything.”

“I don’t mind. Wufy, you don’t mind either, right?”

“Woof!”

I noticed a smile on Mr. Brian’s face.

“Very well. I’ll prepare the carriage.”

While Mr. Brian went outside, Mr. Robert returned carrying a large tray. On it were three glasses of warm milk, three thick outfits, a drinking bowl filled with milk, and clothing for a pet. He placed the tray on our table and pointed to the back.

“Please have your drinks first. There’s a changing room back there for you.”

Rin’s eyes sparkled when she saw it, clearly delighted.

“Wow! Even something for Wufy too! Thank you, Mr. Robert. Wufy, you should thank him as well.”

As Rin bowed slightly in gratitude, Wufy mimicked her with a bark.

“Woof!”

Silva also bowed a little, and so did I.

“Thank you, Mr. Robert.”

“Haha, don’t mention it. Compared to you defeating those bandits, this is nothing. As a villager here, it’s only natural for me to treat you as best as I can.”

After drinking the warm milk and changing clothes, we boarded the carriage that was ready in front of the inn.

“Come visit again sometime. I’ll welcome you even better next time.”

“Yes, we look forward to coming back. Farewell, Mr. Robert.”

The carriage began to move, and before long Mr. Robert’s figure disappeared from sight.

Night had begun to fall, the view outside narrowing. The carriage was lit only by oil lanterns inside and out, yet Mr. Brian drove swiftly through the falling snow and strong winds. It took great skill to handle the carriage like that. I felt a bit impressed by him.

Rin and Wufy had already fallen asleep on my lap. This journey must have been exhausting for them, and that was only natural. Seeing Rin, something came to my mind.

“By the way, can you explain now about Rin using magic?”

“Alright… I’ll start from the first time we met. When I saw you all, I could feel an immense power, but it wasn’t coming from you. It was from Rin.”

“Are you saying I looked weak?”

“No, but from the eyes of a sorcerer like me, I can see a source of power we call ‘mana.’ That is what we use to cast magic, like the fireball you saw.”

“So you mean Rin has mana inside her.”

“Yes, and a large amount of it. That’s why…”

“What?”

Silva lowered her voice and turned her face away.

“Ugh… at that time I attacked her.”

“So that’s what happened. You misunderstood and thought Rin was a powerful mage because of the massive mana she has, right?”

“Yes. Not only that, she was holding a staff with strong ice attributes. It wasn’t wrong for me to assume she was a sorceress.”

I fell silent for a moment. I never expected that random staff Rin picked up on the road was actually a magic staff, but still…

“Silva… Rin is just a child.”

“In the world of sorcerers, age doesn’t matter. If the amount of mana in her body is great, she has the potential to become an incredible sorceress.”

“I see…”

I gently stroked Rin’s head as she slept.

“You finally became strong, Rin.”

I looked at Silva.

“W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Thank you for teaching Rin how to use magic.”

Silva turned her face away, her cheeks slightly red.

“Y-yeah… of course you should thank me. I am a genius sorceress, after all.”

“Haha, you’re right.”

And with that, our journey to find the Eternal Flower on Mount Kathu came to an end. There were still many things on my mind, but I was grateful that we all returned safely and accomplished our mission. I hoped it would always be that way.