CH 43

Memories of two people.

The story of a princess battling illness and the boy who supported her made my heart feel warm and emotional.

There were probably moments just between the two of them that even I didn’t know about, and I’m sure Yuren-kun didn’t either.

What could be a more beautiful story?

“Fusaki-kun is so kind.”

“That’s not true. It was just my duty.”

Although he said this with his mouth, it was clear that he had other emotions besides work.

As he spoke of the past, his expression was filled with nostalgia and sadness.

Surely he had wanted to do something to help ease her suffering.

At that time, he felt helpless and frustrated, but now he can see the expression that she has.

Fusaki-kun is still a boy, but his heart has grown to the extent that it can hold its own against adults.

Perhaps he has a stronger heart than I do.

“I can’t lose either.”

“Huh, what are you talking about?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Fusaki-kun’s bewildered expression is cute, showing the changes in expression that are natural for someone his age.

Just like he supported Irina-chan and protected her smile, I will also work hard to support Yuren-kun.

Having heard about their first encounter, I secretly thought that in my heart.

◇◇◇

One day, at the workshop.

I and Fusaki-kun were struggling, along with Irina-chan.

“Hmm, this one is also a failure.”

“Did we not have enough material? What do you think, Onee-sama?”

“…I think we are missing a material that can connect them together.”

We had been working on creating wheat for a while now.

The first one was a success, but since then, we had been struggling.

We had a few pieces that had taken shape, but we couldn’t reach the stage of mass production.

The production process was too difficult, and it would be meaningless if it could only be made with my transmutation skills.

“Fusaki-kun, do we still have materials left?”

“Just a moment.”

He easily lifted the wooden box.

“Well, the material box has become much lighter.”

It contained the materials that we had ordered and imported.

But more than half of them had already been used, and the inside was cool.

“Should we order more? I can provide a list of materials.”

“No, I don’t think the ones in there will work.”

“I think so too. We have tried everything already.”

“Ah! Then how about the ‘seven leaf grass’ that we talked about before?”

Irina-chan’s suggestion clicks with me.

“That’s it!”

I had a feeling that something was missing.

Another material is needed to connect the materials.

Seven leaf grass grows in a wide range of environments and is adaptable to even harsh conditions.

Furthermore, depending on the environment in which it grows, the seven leaf grass changes into seven different types of leaves.

Each leaf has a different effect, making it the most versatile material.

“If it’s a place where it grows, I know it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I found it near a town called Floria. But, isn’t the harvesting method difficult?”

“Yeah. If you don’t handle it properly according to the type of leaf, it will wither immediately after being pulled out.”

It’s also difficult to distinguish the different types of leaves.

It’s a material that even knowledgeable individuals tend to avoid due to the fact that leaves that resemble edible leaves sometimes include poisonous ones.

I haven’t seen the actual thing myself, and I only know how to handle it as knowledge.

But now, that material is necessary.

Fusaki-kun asks me.

“What should we do? Should we place an order for the materials?”

“No, I think it’s probably better to go and gather them ourselves.”

“That makes sense. They’re not on the material list. Then I’ll go do the procedures for going outside!”

Just as he was about to rush out the exit, a voice spoke up.

“There’s no need for that.”

“Ah! Your Highness?!”

“Yuren-kun.”

“Onii-sama!”

Yuren-kun opened the door and came into the workshop.

The three of us were slow to notice and let out a loud exclamation that echoed in the workshop.

He spoke as he walked.

“I’ve heard the story. You want to go to Floria to gather materials?”

“Yes. We want to go and gather materials.”

“Well, then it’s perfect. Shall we go there the day after tomorrow?”

“The day after tomorrow?”

It turns out that Yuren-kun and his party also have plans to go to Floria, and if we accompany them, we won’t need permission.

“Why would Yuren-kun go out of his way to go there? Was there something wrong?”

“No, it’s just a regular inspection. That area is under my jurisdiction.”

“Oh, that’s right! I forgot about that! The timing is perfect.”

Fusaki-kun’s reaction… he seemed to have known already.

The permission he mentioned earlier, was he planning to talk to Yuren-kun about it?

“What will you do? If it’s inconvenient, we can reschedule the permission for another day.”

“No, it’s okay! That day works for me too.”

“Then it’s settled. We depart early in the morning, so make sure you’re prepared and don’t be late on the day.”

“Okay.”

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

On the day of departure, Fusaki-kun and I waited for Yuren-kun and the others in front of the royal palace.

“It’s too bad for you, Princess. Being the only one left behind.”

“Well, it can’t be helped.”

Even though she recovered, it’s still dangerous to go out casually.

Irina-chan understood that and gave her consent, but she seemed a little lonely.

“Let’s bring back souvenirs. I’m sure it will make her happy.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

If Fusaki-kun tells her a story about even just one of the souvenirs, I’m sure she’ll be happy.

While we were talking, Yuren-kun and Hisui-san arrived on horseback from the direction of the royal castle.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go?”

“Yeah.”

I was secretly excited.

It was my first trip since coming to this country.