Chapter 7.1 - [Part 1] – That’s My Job

Chapter 7 [Part 1] – That’s My Job

After leaving the gate, Ventus guided Ashia to a small cabin in the forest.

“This is where I come to rest once in a while.”

He also mentioned that when he is tired of researching, he visits this place to calm himself down. Thereafter, he poured hot tea into an old teacup and gave it to Ashia.

“I’m not sure if the taste will meet your expectations. In fact, I don’t even remember the last time I made tea.”

As if he was embarrassed, Ventus scratched his cheek with a worried look on his face. Ashia, who drank the hot tea, smiled at his face.

“It tastes the same as the one you used to make in the tower.”

“Really…..? That’s a relief.”

“Yes, it still tastes bitter.”

“……What?”

As Ashia looked at his round eyes, she briefly frowned before bursting into a mischievous laugh.

After that, Ventus and Ashia started to fill in each other on the events they have missed about each other.

How have you been doing since you left the tower? What have you been up to? After being asked that, I was able to hear information about the tower that I couldn’t ask other people.

However, not all the information we exchanged was pleasant to the ears. In the midst of it, there was definitely a couple of pleasant and unpleasant news. Nevertheless, we talked for a long time as if we met a friend from our hometown.

“By the way, did you open a store in the capital?”

“Yes, it’s on Dershio Street, Third Avenue.”

“That’s great. You settled down as soon as you left the tower, right?”

“I was lucky. What I learned from Ven was very helpful.”

Ventus, who was holding his chin with the hand that was resting on the table, said with a pleased smile.

“Well, show me around the store that I helped in a lot.”

Ashia smiled softly at his playful expression.

“Of course, but I can’t do it right now. I have a pile of uncompleted work that needs to be dealt with. It’s the Grand Duke’s request.”

“Oh? You must be very busy then.”

“Yes, I have to acquire the necessary ingredients for the potion, so I think I’m going to be busy for a while.”

“Ingredients?”

Ashia nodded her head as she glanced at the teacup.

“Yes. His Highness Kaligo…….is a pure fire attribute.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“He’s a pure fire attribute and is of high class.”

“Oh, pure! That’s why you need special ingredients, right?”

As Ashia continued to speak, Ventus’ eyes widened.

“Yes, I didn’t get the ingredients in advance because only a few people needed them.”

“What’s bothering you then? If you are in need of a distributor, I can find someone.”

“No. I’m probably the only one who has the ability to get it.”

“Huh?”

When Ventus noticed that Ashia was smiling, a confused look made its way on his face.

Ingredients that only Ashia can get.

The place where you can acquire the ingredients is a place where no one else can get in. To be exact, it was a place you couldn’t enter without her permission.

The Fairies’ Forest. It was a place that is only mentioned in old books. At present, dragons, fairies, and gods are believed to be just legends. As the saying goes, “The Fairies’ Forest” has long vanished and forgotten from human life.

Because I knew the original story, I could find its existence first before anyone else. Although she did not find it on her own, Ashia, who had to be kicked out of the tower before she reached adulthood, could not afford to dwell on her conscience.

Thanks to this, she was able to open a potion shop, make her name known, and earn a lot of gold. So, even if she turns back in time and goes back, her choice will not change.

“Ashia?”

Ashia, who was immersed in her thoughts, was called by Ventus.

“Ah……I’ll tell you everything later.”

There was no need for me to hide it from him, but I’m sure Ventus would want to hear it in full detail. However, Ashia couldn’t manage to do it today due to lack of strength.

Ashia then rose from her chair, while Ventus followed.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Yes. I have to go to work.”

Ventus burst into laughter at the sight of Ashia, who had her fists clenched with a determined look on her face.

“Alright, today is not the only day anyway.”

“That’s right.”

“I’ll open a gate for you. You said Dershio Street, Third Avenue, right?”

“No need, I can do it myself.”

“Huh?”

Ashia reached her hand out into the air. The blue mana flowing out of her fingertips fluttered along the movement in the air, creating a gate.

“Oh…….”

Ashia couldn’t create a gate before she left the tower. It seems like she wasn’t just focused on making potions.

“Well then, I’ll get going.”

“Yes, I’ll see you again soon, Ashia.”

“Yes.”

Ashia then turned to the gate. Beyond the gate, white snowflakes slowly fluttered through the landscape.

‘Snow…..?’

It was snowing in Carmain, the capital where her shop was located. Upon knowing that, she tightened her robe before she stepped into the gate.

***