-Erna’s POV-
I pack my belongings at random. Today is the day of the long-awaited departure. I staggered to my feet with a heavy backpack on my back, grabbed my favorite staff, and put on a pointy hat.
Looking in the mirror, a dazzling beautiful girl was reflected before me. Yes, that beautiful girl is me. I’m Erna Frederia, who will be called the Great Mage from now on.
“Don’t you feel weird grinning in front of the mirror?”
I turned around and saw my little sister, Clara, who is sitting on the edge of the bed and is looking at me intently. She wore a yellow dress and her hair were in a ponytail. Her appearance similar to mine is worthy of being called a beautiful little girl.
In her hand is a thick open book and the spine reads, “A History of Sanargia and the Elves.”
“It doesn’t matter what I look like in front of the mirror.”
“Yes, but it’s still weird you know. By the way, what’s with the big baggage Oneechan is carrying?”
“Fufu. I’m about to embark on a journey to become a Great Mage.”
“Huh!?, Where are you going?”
“Sec~ret”
“……”
Clara looked at me with a look of pity. I guess she pity me because I don’t have a talent for magic. My little sister Clara and my older sister, Melissa, are both very talented and have great powers, unlike me. Well, it was supposed to be a standard ability in the Frederia family. At the age of ten, it is natural to be able to use advanced magic, and it is not uncommon for children to be born with two or three attributes.
Despite that, although I barely had two attributes, my mastery of magic was only at the beginner level. Now, because of that, there are whispers in the streets that I’m a shame for the Frederia family.
“I’m starting anew in another place. Besides, I need a new stimulus to bring out my hidden talents.”
“I feel like Oneechan is living an exciting life here though, isn’t it so?”
“You idiot. I can’t develop my talent just by being hated on the street. Adventure, that’s what I need. Putting my life at risk frees my true power. I’ll never awaken in a place like this.”
“You’re going to run away from this kingdom, right?”
After she finished speaking, she drops her eyes to the book. She’s still a cheeky little sister. On the outside, she is a good girl, but she really has a bad personality.
Just then, the door opened and Melissa-oneesama walked inside the room. As soon as she saw me, her eyes widened.
“What’s the matter with that luggage? Where are you traveling?”
“No, I’m leaving this kingdom. And I’ll become a Great Mage like Moore-sama.”
“I see. You’ve finally reached your limit and you’re going to run away.”
“That’s right but that’s not all. Oneesama and Clara too, listen! I’m certainly not that gifted with magic, but mine’s just sleeping! I have two attributes and a lot of magical power! It’s strange no matter how you think about it!”
Oneesama puts her index finger to her chin and begins to think.
—She is truly a beautiful woman. Melissa-oneesama had her long hair tied in a high ponytail and looked great in her everyday pink dress. In particular, she has a face similar to mine, but her plump pink lips radiates sex appeal. Even I, a sister, am thrilled.
“I understand what you are trying to say. But Erna, we are sisters of the honorable Frederia Family. I don’t think Father and Mother will allow you to leave the kingdom alone.”
“That’s why I’m leaving quietly. I’m sorry Oneesama and Clara, but I want you guys to tell them that I’m gone before you know it.”
“Hah! You’ve always been a kid who says outlandish things, but this time, it’s a big deal! The daughter of a duke’s family running away from home is going to be a big problem, you should know that.”
“It’s not like I’m really running away from home, I’m off for an adventure. Anyway, Oneesama, I already told you two. Oh right-, this is a letter I wrote. Give it to mother and she’ll be fine.”
I let my sister hold the envelope containing the letter and then I quickly left the room and headed for the front door. After that, I went through the grounds and climbed over the fence and succeeded in getting out of the Frederia mansion safely.
Now all I have to do is buy a horse and head to the kingdom of Logas. It’s just past noon. If I leave now, I will be able to reach the next city by night. I put my hat down and blended into the crowd so as not to be seen.
◇◇◇
A few hours have passed since I left the forest city of Zahra. The sun is beginning to set and sink into the horizon. I hurry my horse and run through the mountain road.
“Whew, I’ve come quite a bit. I’ll take a break first.”
I dismounted in the open meadow and sat down on a rock of just the right size. I then took a sip on my water bottle. I’m already at the top of the mountain. If I go beyond here, the next city is just around the corner. I took a packet out of my backpack, untied the cloth and smiled.
There are about six cookies borrowed from the kitchen of the mansion. While enjoying the crispy and sweet texture, I stared at the scenery reflected in my field of vision.
“I didn’t know I could still see the Sacred Tree in a place like this.”
Even from here, I can see the towering World Tree, which is a symbol of Sanargia. When I thought that I was going to live alone from now on, a sense of weakness spread in my heart.
No! I’m going to be a great mage in the kingdom! To do that, I have to become an adventurer and become stronger! Even Moore-sama has risen from adventurer!
I shook my head, trying to shake off my bearish heart. However, I was lonely and frustrated at the same time. I said all that to my sister and Clara, but what I am really doing is an escape from reality.
I can’t bear to live in Sanargia any longer. I’m just running away with an excuse to myself. I couldn’t help but think this way though. In this kingdom, I was constantly compared to someone else. It’s not surprising that we have excellent parents. But for me, it was painful. Because I don’t have the talent that people expect.
How many times have I been disappointed because of it?
To my parents. To my sisters. To servants. To the residents of the city. To teachers. To classmates. The list goes on. Even though I don’t want to, the hurdles are raised and as I can’t jump over it, I was looked at with sympathy and contempt.
No one understands how I feel. Still, I want to be recognized. I wanted to look back and do it.
“I want to be strong so I’m going to run away now.”
I clenched my fists tightly. Even when the cookie in my hand shattered, I did not loosen my strength. Someday, I will surely return to my hometown as a great mage. That’s what I decided. Gradually, the sun begins to sink into the horizon, and the sky and the ground are dyed red.
Zahra seen from here is very beautiful. My hometown, which has given me both joy and sorrow. Maybe I won’t be able to come back. I’ll at least burn it into my eyes. With the scene of the departure in my heart, I mounted my horse to set off.
I turned my attention to my homeland just one more time.
“I’m going.”
After a small murmur, I galloped my horse.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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