MCFATTKM

42

In the novel, even after the Mad Dragon's death, the temple became more deeply involved with the five kingdoms.

Her conclusion; 'I am an alchemist. So what?'

In every empire, the high-ranked nobles secretly hire alchemists. Wherever people live, there are bound to be people who fall for false promises.

She remembered the Duke mentioning alchemy as well. He said he had met a number of alchemists who claimed they could heal his wife.

She understood Carius' objective in intimidating her, but Lelia had no intention of being cowed.

"..."

While Carius was stunned to see Lelia's brazen attitude, he was caught up in a strange thought.

'Surely... Is she really my sister's daughter?'

Elizabeth was a sorcerer who was strangely interested in alchemy. Carius was very disquieted with that fact and always worried that his precious sister might be arrested by the temple for dabbling with alchemy.

'No, she can't be...'

To be honest, he was here in this room to warn the child.

She was pretty good at deceiving his father, but he would never be fooled. But when he unexpectedly found something in common with his sister, he was speechless.

"Also don't call me an imposter. I am not an imposter."

"What...?"

"It doesn't matter if you don't believe me, Grandfather believes me."

"..."

Carius became even more speechless at Lelia's blunt way of speaking.

In the end, he was unable to salvage anything and left the room with an unsteady gait.

Carius narrowed his eyes and stared at the closed door. He was kind of upset.

***

A while after Carius left.

Sweet-looking maids came to Lelia's room. The highest-ranked among them introduced herself as Becky.

Becky explained that if she needed anything, to ring the bell on the table or pull the rope next to the bed.

She brought some very sweet snacks. Lelia was so happy that she almost cried.

The maids smiled at how cute Lelia was and left the room.

"Delicious..."

Lelia started eating snacks excitedly. She could taste the flavor of the sweet butter. The snacks reminded her of the desserts she had at the temple.

[Editor: I was surprised to find out there is such a thing as sweet butter. O_o]

[I want to see them...]

Her reminiscing made her miss her friends.

Lelia nibbled at the cookies while thinking of her most precious treasures; the fountain pen and the letters still in her bag.

[Where should I hide them?]

She wanted to hide them in a very safe and secure place as they were her most cherished things.

"Mother made secret spaces in the cabin, she might have some here."

[T/N: Here, 'her' refers to Elizabeth. Back in the cabin/hut, she had made several secret spaces.]

Lelia ate the cookies thinking that she should check for them slowly.

[By the way...]

Lelia agonized as she gulped down the drink the maids brought with the delicious cookies.