Ring Ring - Chapter 34

I totally just now realised I could have translated Airas name as Isla but it seems sort of pointless to change it now. Ill consider changing it if a bunch of poeple decide Isla is a better name though.

I see.

Said Lilia as she nodded, but she didnt really feel so within. It only felt kind of plain to her. She felt a bit down thinking about having to walk around outside in the dress.

Do I properly look like a commoner?

When Lilia asked that, Alisa and the agent girl both averted their eyes.

Eh?

When Lilia stiffened, Alisa said in a fluster,

It, its alright! Its, not really like a commoner, but you do look like a rich lady going out incognito!

Thats right! At the very least you dont seem like a dukes daughter anymore!

Should she really be reassured, or happy with that? Lilia couldnt think of an answer, and could only give off a vague smile.

Mistress Lilia. Please take this as well.

She was handed a straw hat. It was in the box with the dress. When she put it on, the two girls watching on both nodded with satisfaction.

Does it fit?

Yes. No problems.

You will be guarded no matter what happens so please rest assured.

Would she really be protected by this girl? Lilia looked at her a little doubtfully. The girl probably noticed, as she quickly shook her head.

If something were to happen I would not be able to handle it myself. After leaving the academy, Father shall be covertly following behind.

I see. Its fine even if we walked together though.

Eh? Is that really fine? Lilia, just imagine it. Some well bred young lady walking together with some old dude dressed up in all black.

Calling him some old dude, really you

Though she was admonishing her speech, Lilia did try imagining. Quickly, she came to the conclusion that it was no good, and shook her head.

Sorry. Let me revise that. I want to walk alone.

Understood. I shall return then

While smiling wryly, the girl gave a bow and left the classroom. As she was watching her depart, she suddenly remembered.

Now that I think about it, with that girl, and the other two as well, I still havent asked for their names huh.

It seems so. Shall I inform you their names now?

No, its fine. Ill ask them myself when I get the chance.

Leaving that aside she needed to get a move on or shell be late in returning. As Lilia walked out the door, Alisa silently saw her out with a bow.

There were soldiers constantly stationed at the gates of the academy. Normally one would go through various procedures to pass through the gate. She was anticipating just how she might talk her way past, or perhaps get them to let her through discreetly, but,

Have a safe trip.

They just let her though without saying much at all.

Whats with that?

Yup. Make sure you thank those agent people after. It seems theyd talked to them about it beforehand.

At those words, Lilias eyes widened. She hadnt heard anything about this

There was that thing you did to them the other day, so they were probably desperately trying to not earn your ire.

I didnt really intend to get that mad at them though.

Nah you were plenty scary back there alright?

So it was like that, thought Lilia as she left the school grounds. Right outside the south end of the academy was a wide road running parallel across the exit to either side, as well as an even bigger street that ran straight south from there. With either of the roads, there were all sorts of stores lined up along them. Lilia took out the paper she received from Aira and started walking down the indicated route. However she quickly came to a stop.

Sakura. Do you, understand this map?

Yep. I can read it but Ahh, I see. Only the basic points have been marked out here. Ill guide you along.

Following Sakuras instructions, Lilia set out into the south side town.

You see, a hundred years ago there was a great sage in this country. The great sage taught many things to the country, but the of all things it seems what hed put the most effort into was food. There wasnt a single thing he enjoyed eating here, so he tried super hard to fix that. What a wonderful person! By the way Lilia, youre not listening are you. Ah, make a right there.

Im listening. I just dont have as much of an attachment to food as most nobles.

Following Sakuras directions, Lilia walked down onto a busy street by herself. The various people coming and going turned to look at her as they went by, but it was the same even in the academy so she paid it no mind. And so, she didnt even really think about why she was garnering all this attention either.
As soon as Sakura began guiding Lilia along she had started to lecture about this countrys history. That said, it was mostly history related to food. She certainly had the desire to eat delicious things, but she wasnt as caught up in such a thing as Sakura. She had no interest in something like the great sage who brought about some revolution in food.
Sakura should be aware of that as well, but even so she continued to talk. She even periodically confirmed if she was listening properly.

Hey, dont you find it odd, Lilia?

About what.

The method to make salt isnt even known here, but it somehow became a common everyday item.

Lilias feet came to a stop.
There were various seasonings gathered in this country. Of course salt and sugar were among them. And they, with a magic formation and the spirits help, were created from raw materials while completely omitting the actual process of their creation.
Normally without knowing the actual process of making something you wouldnt be able to create such a magic. Therefore, it seemed that there was someone who indeed knew the full process for creating them, and yet the only known way of producing them currently was using magic formations. It seemed like something quite obvious, but only after it was pointed out did she notice the strangeness of it.

Right? It really is strange.

At Sakura who gave a cheerful laugh, Lilia felt a slight chill. The way she spoke made it seem like she actually knew all about the creation processes mentioned. The way to create them without relying on a magic formation.

Sakura. Could it be that you, were that great sage or something?

She asked with a tiny bit of conviction, but Sakura immediately denied it.

However, I do think that Mr. Sage guy was someone who resembles me quite a bit. Though I dont know if hed also possessed someone like I did, eh? Ah, Lilia that store there! Its strawberry daifuku buy some buy some hey buy some!

Just when I thought we were having a serious conversation Please put a bit more effort into staying on track

Voicing her complaints all the while, Lilia headed towards the store Sakura pointed out. The treats called daifuku were lined up on the counter, and the one called a strawberry daifuku was in the middle of them, lined up so that they stood out prominently. Buy just one, she put it in her mouth on the spot.

I see So the strawberry itself was inside the thing

A strawberry daifuku! It tastes like a strawberry daifuku too!

Sakura

Lilia