Episode 102: Alicia's Perspective

After I finished talking with Faik, I headed straight to the library.

What I had to do next was search for records about blacksmithing.

The library was managed roughly, but

there were many books that successive heads of the family had collected as a hobby.

There were lots of books that made me wonder, “Why did someone buy this?”

What I was looking for were books about processing Esrea magic iron.

I hoped there was something like that somewhere in this library…

“Lady Alicia. Wouldn’t you like to take a break soon?”

I heard Refy’s voice; she was helping me.

“That’s right! Leave this to us!”

It wasn’t just Refy. Capri and the others were here too.

Everyone had come to the library voluntarily and were helping like this.

…Right now, I had even told my father my idea and during the times I wasn’t around, I had people who were free look through the library for me.

“Since Faik and everyone are working so hard, I can’t be the only one who rests.”

I didn’t want to leave it to Refy and Capri only to have them find it and be the one to hand it over instead of me.

More than anything, Faik was doing his best even now.

…Besides, after all, the reason Faik was working so hard was also for my sake.

So I wanted to do what I could as well.

As I desperately continued searching the library, I heard the library door open.

“Lady Alicia—I’ve come to help.”

“B-Bertie? But are you okay…? You said you fought a Horned Dragon during the day…”

“Yeah. That was nothing for me. I’m just a bit hungry. Besides, its direction changed a little, and there’s still plenty of time.”

“…Thank you. …The Horned Dragon is heading this way, right?”

It was what my father had hesitated to tell Faik at the dinner table.

…The Horned Dragon was surely advancing toward this town right now.

As long as Bertie was watching, it seemed to be pushing forward relentlessly, followed by monsters along the way.

“Don’t worry. If push comes to shove, I’m here. Leave it to me!”

Bertie slapped her chest and smiled, but I had heard she had been taking on fairly reckless fights repeatedly.

“Bertie, rest.”

“I’m fine. You can never have too many hands, right? Besides, I’m full of energy.”

“But…”

“Just let me help. After all, I’m the one who originally made the reckless request.”

She winked like that and turned her eyes to the documents spread out on the table.

There were ‘X’ marks on the places that had been checked in the library.

…Incidentally, Refy was searching the books while also organizing them at the same time.

The library, which had only been dusted over the years, was slowly becoming tidier.

Bertie pulled out a book, flipped through it, and scanned the pages.

…Sometimes odd notes were left between the pages, so it’s necessary to check the contents of the books carefully.

When I resumed checking the books,

“You really like Faik, don’t you, Lady Alicia?”

“I love him.”

I answered Bertie’s remark proudly. I was a little embarrassed, but if he’s not here, I can say this much.

When I glanced over, Bertie grinned and squinted teasingly.

“You’re so lovey-dovey. It’s really enviable to watch.”

“…Bertie, don’t you have someone like that?”

I asked instead because I didn’t want this topic to continue any further.

“Hmm, no I don’t. I live freely, and as long as I can eat a lot of delicious food, that’s all I need! If I had to choose, food is my lover!”

“That’s not a job?”

“Work is just a side effect of eating delicious things!”

“And as a side effect you also take on Horned Dragons…”

“Horned Dragon meat sounds delicious, doesn’t it!”

I gave a wry smile at Bertie, whose eyes sparkled.

…Both Bertie and Faik, though a bit different inside, seemed to enjoy their work.

I was a little envious of that.

“What’s wrong, Lady Alicia?”

“It’s just… it’s dazzling.”

“Huh? The lighting? Isn’t it a bit dim?”

“Not physically. …Bertie has a grand dream.”

I didn’t have anything like that.

…When I see people who work hard and have dreams, I think they’re amazing.

And… that’s why.

I wanted to support Faik’s dream. Because it’s something I don’t have… at least I want to support that.

My heart grew a little heavy.

I’ve never had confidence in myself. Even now, I often worry whether I’m worthy of standing beside Faik.

“Huh? Lady Alicia, you don’t have a dream?”

“…No.”

“Isn’t it to marry Faik and live a happy everyday life together?”

“…Eh? Th-that is a bit different from a dream… it’s, um, a desire?”

“I also have an appetite! Isn’t that okay as a dream? From my point of view, it’s a wonderful, admirable dream!”

“R-really?”

When I tilted my head, Bertie nodded with her usual smile.

“Yes, it’s a perfectly fine dream. Treasure it and do your best.”

“…O-okay.”

“Tell me when you get married. If possible, I’d like to attend too!”

“O-okay, I will.”

“You’ll prepare some delicious food too, right!? I’m looking forward to it!”

“…Your priorities have changed.”

“Ahaha, I’m joking. I’m looking forward to it.”

“…Thank you.”

I returned a smile to Bertie, who laughed cheerfully.

I opened the books in the library and searched through them one by one for information.