TAMWSFB 32

Chapter 32 

 Departure!

In the novel, Elvin had seemed like nothing more than a muscle-headed prince, but maybe in reality, he’d just been caught up in the messy royal drama without even realizing it.

“This caramel is delicious! Give me more!”

Elvin held out his hand with a cheerful, innocent smile.

…Or maybe he had been through a lot, but was simply too oblivious to notice.

When I placed another caramel into his open palm, he happily popped it into his mouth, just like a big friendly dog.

In the end, Elvin ate five caramels before Ian finally stopped him.
Meanwhile, the capable royal guards were busy preparing Elvin’s disguise outfit.

At this point, it seemed clear — Elvin was definitely coming with us.

Both Father and my brother reluctantly agreed, saying that if the king himself approved of Elvin’s participation, there was no helping it.

Whaaaat!?
Father, Brother — you could’ve tried to stop him more seriously!

I mean, going on a disguised journey with the Crown Prince?
That’s impossible! The number of guards alone would give us away instantly — no way we could pretend to be a merchant caravan like this…

But as it turns out, my handmade charms solved that problem.

After several experiments, I learned that each charm could hold up to four embroidered characters, and its duration depended on both the words used and the difficulty of the magic imbued.

For example, a charm embroidered with 「敵は外」 (“Enemies stay out”) lasts over a week, while one like 「守護」 (“Protection”) varies in strength depending on the intensity of the attack.

Once a charm’s power fades, its threads fray or snap midway, as if worn down by friction.

So, I made a lot of charms.

The classics: 「守護」 (“Protection”), 「強化」 (“Enhancement”).
I wanted to make one for “Detoxification,” but it was too complicated, so I settled for 「どくけし」 (“Antidote”).
And for “Great Attack Power,” I had to abbreviate it to 「攻大」 since the embroidery space was too small.

I made plenty of other useful ones too.

Of course, I also crafted a large supply of 「守護」 and 「敵は外」 charms for Father, who would be staying behind.

“Lettie, must you really go?”

Dressed as the daughter of a wealthy merchant, I was being squeezed tightly in Father’s arms.

I could faintly smell the cologne he liked to use.

If he stayed quiet, he’d look just like my cool, handsome older brother — but ever since Mother passed away, he’d been unsure how to act around me and had kept his distance.
Now, as if making up for lost time, he’d gone full-blown doting parent mode.

He really wanted to come with us to search for the Golden Licorice, but of course, the entire Rosenberg family couldn’t just leave together. In the end, he had to give up, albeit tearfully.

Besides, our destination was Lady Miranda’s territory — the very woman aiming to become Father’s second wife.
If Father came along, it’d be like handing her a gift on a silver platter! No way we could let that happen.

Still, Father couldn’t bring himself to let me go. He clung to me as if trying to delay the farewell.

“Father, we should leave soon, or we won’t make it to the inn by nightfall,” my brother reminded him.

Even though this world has magic, people still travel by carriage. Cars haven’t been invented yet.

The horses that pull the carriage aren’t like the ones from my previous life either — each one has a small horn sprouting from its head.

Little things like that remind me that this really is another world.

“Father, I’ll be back soon.”

I kissed him on the cheek, and with my brother and the butler gently prying him off, I finally left the mansion.

I could still see him sobbing as we departed… but if I turned around now, I might not be able to leave, so I decided not to look back.

Yeah… I guess I’m feeling a little lonely too.

But I’ll come back healthy and strong!
Please wait for me, Father!

And now!

I’m going on a journey — with my brother!

My brother always looks dashing in his usual noble attire, but seeing him in his disguise — a wealthy merchant’s son — was a sight for sore eyes.

Is there anyone else who could look this good in a white shirt and moss-green vest?

He still had that sharp, dignified aura, but the soft green hue added a gentle warmth to his presence.

When I clasped my hands together in awe, he chuckled at me — but he really did look that good!

Elvin, too, was dressed down — gone was his overly ornate royal outfit. Now he wore a simple white shirt and slacks, fitting for a servant.

Not as striking as my brother, but… well, not bad.

As for me, I got a matching moss-green dress to go with my brother’s outfit.

It was slightly shorter for easier movement, and my sash was silver — the same color as my brother’s hair.

Just wearing it lifted my spirits sky-high!

“Lettie, I know you’re excited, but don’t get too worked up,” my brother said as soon as we climbed into the carriage.

Before I could reply, he gently placed a candy into my mouth.

Munch, munch.

…Yeah. I got a little too excited and had to rely on the Licorice Candy again.

All right, then — off we go!

To the land where the Golden Licorice blooms…
and to the Cave of the Holy Sword! ✨