Chapter 51: Lost Among the Alleys

“I… I want to send my letter together with you.”

“A letter?”

“Yeah, I don’t really know how the capital’s post works. Since we have another day off tomorrow, how about we send them together then?”

“Alright.”

I didn’t mind either way.

“My uncle might come by, too.”

Cecilia’s face looked a little lonely as she said that.

“Really?”

Cecilia had grown close with her uncle after the carriage accident. Did he visit the mansion around this time? Well, he came by often enough that it was hard to remember every single visit.

“Liana! If you give me your letter, I’ll put it in the envelope together.”

Cecilia reached out her hand.

“He’ll probably stop by your mansion too. I wanted to thank him.”

“Huh? Thank him? For what?”

“Because you let me stay with you. I’m really grateful.”

“You don’t have to do that…”

I felt embarrassed.

I could hardly even remember it anymore. For some reason, I felt a little sorry.

“It’ll be easier to sort them if we send them together.”

“Will it?”

It didn’t really matter.

When I handed over my letter, Cecilia beamed.

“Even if it’s just a little thing, I want to help.”

She took the letters in both hands as she spoke.

“…Alright, thank you.”

A jumble of things twisted inside me, but in the end, all I managed to say was thanks before I stepped outside.

‘What’s with her?!’

She never said things like that before!

And now, when I’m actually trying to keep my distance from Cecilia, why is she suddenly thanking me? My heart was restless and confused.

“Phew.”

I wrote my outing in the dormitory log on the first floor and headed to the Academy’s portal.

*****

With a faint dizziness, I opened my eyes to the Convenience Pavilion.

A space filled with sparkling glass.

Light burst out from the other portals as well.

‘I ran into Hawkins here.’

It was strange since I’d never had a chance encounter like that before. Not now, though!

I glanced at the short steps where Hawkins had sat, then moved on.

The streets were bustling with activity since it was the weekend. Being here alone gave the city a different feel.

I could hear vendors hawking flowers and fruits and guides enticing tourists at every corner.

Leaving the Convenience Pavilion, I made my way toward the central fountain.

The capital’s main avenue was divided into four districts, with the central fountain at its heart.

There was a district full of shops and restaurants favored by nobles, another with a mishmash of stores catering to Academy students and the middle class, and an area where tourists mainly gathered.

The shabby slums were excluded from these four districts and located on the outskirts. But since the capital’s streets were all tangled with alleyways, a wrong turn could land you in the slums, so you had to be careful.

“So why does it feel like I’m heading that way…?”

I muttered gloomily.

I’m sure! I’m sure I—

I found the central fountain with the water gushing from the baby angel statue just fine! I made my way to District 3, where Academy students and most city residents hang out! I even ran into people touting their wares, sightseeing nobles accompanied by knights, and all that!

“Liana Credere?”

“Ah…! Vans Odeho.”

Even ran into a fellow Academy student…

Truly, we both stared at each other, wide-eyed at the chance meeting.

Vans was dressed quite nicely, with his hair slicked back with pomade. Behind him stood a man in neat clothes who looked to be his escort.

At Odeho’s gesture, the escorts stepped back a little.

“What a coincidence running into you here… Where are you headed?”

Odeho asked with a friendly smile.

“Yes, I have something to buy.”

“What is it? Should I go with you? Even in the capital, it’s not good to walk alone.”

He looked genuinely concerned.

‘Hmm. Maybe it’d be easier if he came with me…’

But then, the escort who’d been standing behind him leaned in and whispered something to Odeho.

Ah! Right, dressed like that, he must be on his way to an appointment. Well, that shop’s popularity is still a long way off.

I’d better go alone!

“It’s fine, it’s close by. I’ll just buy it quickly and come right back.”

“It’s not dangerous, is it?”

Odeho looked troubled. I could see him sneak a look at his watch hidden by his sleeve.

Looks like he’s almost late—hurry up and go, Odeho!

“I’m just buying a flowerpot.”

I forced a smile, trying to hide my embarrassment.

I didn’t want to say it in case he asked how my plant was doing… No, no! This time, I’ll keep it alive for sure!

“You’re into flowerpots? Is there a good shop nearby?”

It’s fine to tell him the name of the shop, right? He won’t suddenly bring a crowd of friends there.

“It’s a store called .”

“I see. Well, I’ll see you at the Academy, then. Be careful. Stick to the main roads.”

Just as I thought, Odeho didn’t ask more about the shop.

“I will. Thanks for your concern. Goodbye.”

“Yes, take care.”

Odeho bowed politely, and his escort followed suit before hurrying off toward District 1.

‘He must be meeting some noble.’

Up to that point, everything was fine.

“But why!”

Why are there so many alleys here…?

I finally stopped walking.

I must have gotten lost. I’d wandered from the central fountain in the very heart of the capital… all the way to a street that didn’t even seem part of the capital proper.

“Whew. Calm down. I’ve walked these streets plenty of times.”

I murmured, trying to steady myself.

Don’t panic, Liana. You know this! You do!

Time to use my experience. I’ve got at least four more years of it than most.

Right?

Recall everything I know about the plant shop .

Looking around, I felt at least relieved that there was no one else around.

It’s not good to linger in unfamiliar neighborhoods. I’m not completely clueless, after all!

‘Tera!’

‘Tera, you say?’

‘Yes! The name of the plant shop is “Tera.” Tera!’

‘That’s a fitting name for a shop.’

‘Right? It made it so much easier to find!’

‘Oh, really?’

‘It used to be way deep in the alleyways, apparently. You know how easy it is to get lost in alleys. I mean, even though the capital’s supposed to be a planned city, why did they leave so many alleys? I almost got lost in one of them once! Nearly ended up on a street that doesn’t even count as a district! Ever since, I never go out alone!’

‘That must have been scary.’

‘Not scary—terrifying. Liana, you should be careful too, especially since you’re not great with directions.’

“Ha… hahaha!”

I was left feeling hollow.

Ah, I just want to crouch down.

“Maybe… maybe coming alone was a mistake!”

How could I forget! How easily I lose my way if I’m not careful.

Why did I get so excited and forget! The plant shop  I knew had moved once already!

“I was careless, too careless… Am I really such an airhead?!”

I scolded myself weakly.

Still, at least it’s still daytime.

It’s just past noon, so I have plenty of time before it gets dark.

I just have to find my way! That’s all I need to do!

“Hahaha!”

I laughed out loud on purpose.

I can find it… right…?

I hurried off in the direction of the alley I thought I’d come from.

‘It’s fine in the daytime, in the daytime.’

But that only means it’s dangerous after dark.

It means I might run into the same trouble I did with Cecilia!

And even that day, it was before sunset!

‘Let’s find the way out, quick!’

*****

A splendid carriage stopped on the capital’s main avenue. When the door opened, anyone could tell the passenger was a lady from a distinguished house. Evan, who’d been waiting for the carriage to stop, got off his horse and offered his hand.

“Margareta.”

She tried to keep her lips from curling up, grasped Evan’s hand, and stepped down lightly.

“You’re not late.”

‘Ah! Why am I like this!’

Margareta immediately regretted her words.

It was because Evan seemed somehow displeased. In truth, she was just happy to see him! But saying “hello” felt too awkward!

Evan was as kind as ever, which somehow annoyed Margareta.

She grabbed his arm for escort, squeezing it a bit harder than necessary with an almost angry look.

“You’ve got quite the grip.”

“Hmph.”

At Evan’s faintly amused joke, Margareta finally laughed.

It stung her pride, but she couldn’t help it. What use is pride in the face of love?

Margareta’s heart was already filled with the warm breezes of spring.

“I made a reservation.”

“It’s a private room, right?”

If it’s not, you’ll regret it—her growl seemed to say.

Evan let out a dry laugh.

They soon stopped in front of an exclusive club frequented by royalty and dukes.

“Are you satisfied?”

Evan’s tone was somewhere between tired and teasing, hard to read.

“Yes!”

But Margareta was very satisfied.

How nervous she’d been!

Worried she might run into Cecilia Menthesen! But here, a baron’s daughter would never dare show up. Even if I asked Liana to bring her, she’d never come here.