Chapter 77 Extra： Elza's Memory
I don't remember exactly when the symptoms started.
At first, I thought it was just tiredness—trouble waking up in the morning or zoning out during the day.
When I thought it was just fatigue, I eventually stopped noticing even when the alarm went off or someone woke me up. I began arriving late to Lady Helmine's mansion more and more often.
Since we're close in age, Lady Helmine always says I'm not her servant but her close friend, and she treats me very well.
Still, I felt guilty for failing my duties, and other servants started gossiping, calling me lazy or overconfident.
"I know better than anyone that Elza isn't that kind of person. It's probably an illness."
I was lucky Lady Helmine believed me, but I still felt guilty for causing trouble. Each day felt heavier, like my heart was being slowly worn away.
When I collapsed at work and slept for half a day, I finally had to see a doctor.
"This might be Sleeping Illness."
Hearing the name of a disease I'd never known, and that only arcane medicine could treat the symptoms, both Lady Helmine and I were at a loss. Because of her position, she couldn't discuss it openly with others.
"That's right. The Oldrinii family might have connections we don't know about."
One day, she said this with a sudden, inspired look.
"The Oldrinii family?"
The Oldrinii family is Lady Helmine's mother's family. Her mother married the eldest son of the Duerre family, whose heir is her elder brother's wife. Since they've overseen the military for generations, I thought they might have connections different from the nobility.
"But wouldn't that spread to everyone in the Duerre family?"
"It's okay. If it's him, he'll manage somehow."
Given her role as an attendant to Princess Ellen and her strictness with men, I wondered what kind of person she trusted so much.
She must be a sincere and wonderful lady.
"I see, Sleeping Illness, huh."
"..."
Sir Luka, who came to check on me after hearing about my situation, looked much lighter and more cheerful than I expected.
He's a skilled Arcanopharmacist with no ties to nobility and is tight-lipped. If that's the case, he's the perfect person for this.
He apparently works for the royal army, but his grin made it clear he wasn't entirely trustworthy.
"Really! That's a big help!"
Still, since Lady Helmine trusts him, he can't be a bad person.
"Don't worry, it's to help the lovely young lady. Besides, it's rare to owe Lady Helmine a favor."
I was still a little worried he might not be a good person after all.
Despite my anxiety, the Arcanopharmacist Sir Luka introduced, Sir Yuruyana, was indeed a wonderful person. I was surprised to learn he was a man, but his gentle demeanor made me forget that, and I felt at ease talking to him.
Sir Tsukumo, who came with him, was also impressive. As Sir Luka's former superior, he had a strong build and initially seemed intimidating. But when I spoke with him, his gentle nature made me wonder if he could really keep Sir Luka in line—reckless thoughts, I know.
I heard he's an Arcane Engineer now, but the hands he used to investigate my illness were, like Lady Helmine's, trained to protect people.
And at the same time, Sir Tsukumo said something unexpected.
He said I have the potential to become an Arcanist. My horizon brightened even more than when the illness was cured.
If that's true, I can study magic and be more useful to Lady Helmine.
With the help of Sir Yuruyana and Sir Tsukumo, I was finally able to stay awake day and night, so I immediately started studying magic.
"I didn't know Elza had a talent for magic."
Just being able to use a little of the magic from the textbook made Lady Helmine and her parents happy.
Furthermore,
"Elza... When I told them there might be a cure for Sleeping Illness in the Arcanist group, the Division Commander wants to meet you."
"Eh!?"
The Division Commander of the Arcanist group isn't someone you meet easily.
"It's okay. I'll go with you, and Sir Tsukumo and Sir Yuruyana will explain everything."
"I-I see. If that's the case..."
Somehow, this feels like it's getting bigger and bigger since I talked to Sir Luka.
The Division Commander, whom I met for the first time, had both dignity and kindness.
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