Chapter 114

I don’t know exactly how late the members of the Alchemy Club stayed up, but I resolved to pay close attention from now on so I don’t stay out too late myself. It wouldn’t do to have Bryce walk me back to the dormitory every single time.

On Saturdays, Mary comes to pick me up after breakfast, but I was a bit busy this morning. I wanted to water the low-grade herbs I am cultivating in the greenhouse before heading home.

Yes, they are growing quite splendidly. Their leaves are jagged and look just like mugwort. I finish watering them and leave the greenhouse. If I cultivate low-grade herbs in my family’s greenhouse, would it turn into a good money-maker? Is it actually possible to sell low-grade recovery potions? I feel like I am about to succumb to Professor Machias’s tempting invitation to join the Pharmacy Club. If I could become a pharmacist, would I be able to support myself entirely on my own?

Right now, I am pushing myself for the sake of my younger brothers, but eventually, I will grow into an adult. What should I do then? Previously, to align with Patience’s original desire to become a lady-in-waiting, I had expanded on that idea and chosen the Civil Servant Course. However, I no longer find the prospect of becoming a bureaucrat all that appealing. After all, it is entirely a man’s world. And as for a lady-in-waiting, the drama of an all-female society terrifies me, so I’ll pass.

What I truly fond of is weaving, dyeing, and embroidery. I don’t dislike sewing either, but working as a seamstress doesn’t sound like a money-maker, so I’ll pass on that too. Just thinking about the dreadfully low pay I received for that side job of darning socks makes me dizzy. Then again, one probably has to weave in massive quantities just to make a living. Perhaps what I want to do is merely a part of a hobby. Taking up side jobs for calligraphy sounds like it would pay poorly too, though I’ll have Wyatt look into it just in case.

Wages in this alternative world are simply too low. Hmph! Because of that, I suppose choosing to be a bureaucrat—where a man can earn a salary sufficient to support an entire household—is technically the correct path… but I am a deeply troubled eleven-year-old.

Besides, I harbor plenty of anxiety over whether a woman can even become a bureaucrat.

After joining the Alchemy Club, I realized that crafting things is incredibly fun. However, I also learned that I need to study magic circles much, much more. I must absolutely take Magic Circles 2 in the autumn term. For the time being, I am entirely dependent on Director Caesar.

“Mary isn’t here yet. I might as well think about my resolutions for this year.”

My first goal for the year is, above all else, securing food! This is absolutely non-negotiable. I swore to myself that I would never let them starve again.

The second goal is firewood. This is also non-negotiable. Benjamin claims that this winter is going to be rather mild, but it is plenty cold for me. Furthermore, once a fireplace is lit, I refuse to let it go out. When I first reincarnated, it was so freezing I thought I would die. I absolutely refuse to experience that again.

The third goal is clothing. This is especially true for Nasius, who will be entering the Royal Academy next year. The boys’ uniform consists of trousers, a shirt, and a jacket. In other words, he will need several shirts. I can hardly let him wear shabby, worn-out shirts. On top of that, he will require gym clothes, riding gear, and protective equipment. But it isn’t just Nasius; Henry and my father need new clothes as well. I have been managing somehow with lifestyle magic, but I would love to have at least one more proper outfit. Our servants need new clothes too.

The fourth goal is magic stones. Magic stones are an absolute must-have item for a civilized lifestyle in this alternative world. Even if I craft magic lamps for my brothers’ rooms or a reading lamp for my father’s study at the Alchemy Club, it will all go to waste without magic stones.

“In short, we need money!”

While waiting for Mary, my thoughts cycled through this and that, but every conclusion led right back to money. Of course, I know that money isn’t everything in life. However, there are so many things you simply cannot accomplish without it. Is it really acceptable for my resolution for the year to be “I need cash!”?

Should I seriously consider Professor Cains’s flea market plan? Wyatt has been putting out a few pieces at a time, but that might simply be because genuine broken antiques are hard to come by.

“Times like this, I wish I possessed the Appraisal or Item Box skills that always pop up in alternative world reincarnation stories.”

Fantasizing about making a killing is a hollow endeavor. After all, I only possess this slightly unusual lifestyle magic.

“Even so, isn’t Mary terribly late? Could the rental horses have been completely booked out?”

I finished breakfast, went to water the greenhouse, came back to indulge in my delusions, and yet Mary still hasn’t arrived.

“Don’t tell me Mary has fallen ill?”

I left some low-grade recovery potions behind, but Mary is frugality personified. (Well, everyone in the Granger household is, though my father might be a slight exception.) I hope she hasn’t worsened a cold by refusing to drink it, claiming it would be a waste. Just as I was worrying, Mary finally arrived to collect me.

“I am terribly sorry for being late. An unexpected guest scheduled a visit, so I had to properly arrange the drawing room before leaving.”

The only guests who ever visit our family estate while my father is suspended from duty are Lord Salyers or my aunts. Besides, there is no reason for Mary to apologize. The fault lies in the fact that we only have a single maid. I would love to have at least one more under-maid.

“No, it is perfectly fine. I was merely reading my textbooks,” I say, putting on a mature facade. Since thinking about making money is hardly ladylike, it would only disappoint Mary, so I can’t possibly tell her the truth.

The carriage arrived at the estate in no time. I can finally see my little angels! This past week felt incredibly long. Ever since I entered Middle School, so many things have happened, leaving me thoroughly exhausted. I must quickly embrace them and recharge my energy!

“Welcome home, Sister!”

Seeing how adorable Nasius and Henry look after a week apart makes me feel like I am about to get a nosebleed. Seriously.

“Have you both been healthy and free from colds?”

I embrace them tightly and give them kisses. I wish I could stay like this forever.

“Sister, are you exhausted?”

Concerned by the fact that I remained entirely motionless while hugging them, Nasius asks with a worried face. No, I was merely taking a bit of time to thoroughly recharge my energy. Inhale, exhale.

“No, I am perfectly fine.”

“I am glad to hear that.” Seeing Henry’s worried expression, I can’t help but give him a kiss.

“Let us talk in the nursery.”

I notice roses are displayed right at the entrance. In other words, Mary decorated the space specifically to welcome a guest. It wouldn’t be for Lord Salyers. While I am grateful that Lord Salyers has been guiding my brothers in swordsmanship, we wouldn’t waste such efforts on someone who wouldn’t even notice the roses. We merely treat him to some tea and sandwiches as a token of our appreciation. Yes, I would love to offer him a proper thank-you gift sometime. I shall have to thoroughly discuss this with Wyatt.

It must be one of my three aunts. I lazily thought to myself that I hoped my father’s mood wouldn’t turn sour, entirely failing to grasp the true meaning behind why Mary had decorated the entrance with roses. Whenever my aunts visit, she only ever places roses in the drawing room. As expected, my brain was completely non-functional, overwhelmed by the pure charm of my younger brothers.