Chapter 62 Reserved
They say the Silven dukedom is still out there, in the region that's now part of Norvalen. That's Lilicheska's old land.
"Wait, weren't Yuruyana's parents merchants or something?"
"...Dad eloped with Mom because her family was against the marriage. Ended up becoming a traveling merchant, I think."
Supposedly, a letter once reached the dowager queen.
It was full of regret ── about their son leaving home, and how they'd tried to stop the marriage.
"Makes sense. You can't settle down if you don't have ID. And if you told anyone who you really were, they'd find you right away..."
In this world, if you can't prove your identity, you can't own land or a home.
So they had no choice.
Just kept moving, always on the road.
"Now that you mention it, I don't remember ever seeing Dad use our family name with strangers. Though, maybe I was just too young to notice."
"You don't go around using your family name much, either, Yuruyana."
Sure, the license has her full name, and she'll use it when it matters.
But most of the time?
He just says, 'I'm Yuruyana the Arcanopharmacist.'
I didn't even know his surname until Sesto checked his license that one time.
"Yeah, well... that's just what my master told me to do."
"Huh. Really..."
Maybe it's some old Arcanopharmacist tradition.
Ages ago, they were like the village doctors ── but they didn't just use medicines.
People went to them for fortunes and dealing with curses, too.
Sometimes, if a curse was involved, it was risky to give out your real name.
That's why they started using aliases or stage names.
I remember reading that in some textbook back in school, just for fun.
"Okay, I get the picture. But what now? Are you gonna go to Norvalen?"
Just getting to Suuroi by Arcane Car would take 3 days. Then you'd have to cross the border, and go all the way to an area that used to be a different country.
The round trip alone could eat up 2 weeks. And if she did go, she'd probably stay there for a while. Could end up leaving her shop closed for a month, maybe 2.
"I haven't decided yet. Part of me's like... what's even the point, after all these years?"
"Yeah, I get that. It's a lot to take in, and it's all so sudden."
"For now, I've decided to wait a week... I'll think it through slowly."
"Got it."
"Either way, it's up to Yuruyana to decide."
I can only watch from the sidelines.
* * *
Before long, an order for air conditioning arrived, this time under Lord Osric's name.
Ms. Helmine asked how I measured the size of the room, and apparently tried it herself.
The letter said, 'The size should be about 2-thirds of Princess's room, the wall material is the same,' and included a magic gem.
Well-planned.
"Good thing I ordered a spare for the exterior too..."
Looks like no major changes to the specs are needed.
By the time Yuruyana replies, it should be ready for delivery.
As for Yuruyana, on the surface, they're still chatting cheerfully with customers, flashing that bright smile.
"Thanks to Yuru-Yuru's special compress, my back's feeling a lot better."
"Really? Don't push yourself too hard, okay? Make sure it doesn't get worse."
I waved goodbye to the elderly lady who regularly picks up her medicine, a calm smile on my face.
"Mr. Yuruyana, thank you again for last time."
"Long time no see. Did your child's cold get better?"
"Thanks to you, yes."
A mother with a young boy came in, bringing sweets as thanks.
It's only been a few months since Yuruyana started working here, but there's no doubt they've become indispensable in this little town.
I watched their diligent work from the counter, lost in thought, realizing again ── they're royalty by blood.
Being the direct male descendant of the former royal Duke family, they're among the highest class of nobles.
Even if they don't seem like it, the more I hear, the harder it is to grasp.
And then, it hit me ── if Yuruyana goes to Lilicheska, they might never come back.
After all, they've found the bloodline that was thought to be lost. They'll surely be welcomed there.
The Duke Silven family is Yuruyana's true place ── a place they've never had a chance to stay in one spot before.
"What? Are you staring?"
It had become so natural for them to be here, and I thought they'd just come back if they went to Norvalen... but when I really think about it, nothing is actually guaranteed.
"Whatever."
"You still stuck on me?"
"Guess I missed my chance the first time, huh?"
A sharp click of the tongue.
That's exactly what I mean...
I couldn't help but think, I would've missed them if they were gone, even though I tried to push that feeling away... but it vanished in an instant.
"Well, it's a good thing Tsukumo doesn't care about appearances, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, when you're cute like me, sometimes people don't care about gender at all."
I really shouldn't have asked.
I always thought looking good was an advantage, but maybe it comes with a lot more struggles than I thought.
They didn't seem too bothered by it, checking their watch.
"The crowd's died down, so how about lunch? Oh, right, I've got that delivery this afternoon."
"So, lunch and then delivery?"
"Sounds good."
Well, if Yuruyana ends up going to the Duke's place, at least I can keep in touch.
According to Dear Princess Ellen, Lilicheska is a nice spot for sightseeing, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to visit one of these days.
Walking through the scorching heat, we were heading out for lunch, looking for the address written on the note.
"Huh?"
Yuruyana glanced at a figure ahead of us, looking puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
"That person... something's off. They might be sick."
The moment I focused on the figure, they stumbled and collided with a passerby before suddenly collapsing.
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