Chapter 12: Recruitment: Carnelia Liberius

The next morning, the sun was high in a clear blue sky, its light so pure it was as if the world itself was blessing my new beginning.

The wind caressing my skin was pleasant, but contrary to its refreshing feel, my body felt a little heavy.

It seemed my stamina had declined during my few days as a shut-in. Even so, a new ambition was burning brightly within my heart.

“First, I need to assemble the members!”

To put my plan into action, I first needed to gather those four.

I decided to start negotiations with Carnelia, as she seemed the most likely to be cooperative.

She, of all people, should be the most willing to listen to my proposal with an open mind.

Muttering to myself, I set off for Carnelia’s estate. Her home was located in the northeast of the capital, in a part of the Royal District blessed with abundant sunlight and lush greenery.

Carnelia’s house was a mansion that stood out, even in this city.

An elegant gate covered in ivy was set into a chalk-white wall. The garden was a riot of colorful flowers, and a sweet fragrance drifted on the air.

I placed a hand on the gate and rang the doorbell.

“Yes, who is it?”

After a short wait, I heard Carnelia’s voice from the other side of the door. Soon, the sound of the door opening followed, and her face peeked out. Her blond hair shimmered in the sunlight.

“—!”

Her eyes went wide the moment she saw me. But that surprise quickly melted into a smile.

“Good morning, Michelle!”

A brilliant light seemed to switch on across Carnelia’s face. Her expression told me she was genuinely happy to see my return.

“Are you all better now?”

Carnelia stared intently at my face, her voice laced with concern.

“Yes, I’m sorry to have worried you. As you can see, I’m perfectly fine!”

I put on a huge smile to show her how energetic I was. My heart was hammering a bit, but I acted as cheerful as possible so she wouldn’t see through it.

“By the way, about that dungeon crawl party you mentioned before—is it already decided?”

I asked, trying to sound her out. My heart was pounding as I asked the critical question, but I feigned composure.

I kept my face a perfect mask, making it seem like a natural part of the conversation.

“Nope, it’s not decided yet. We still have a few days, so I was thinking I’d take my time with it.”

Carnelia answered, tilting her head slightly. My heart gave a little leap at her words.

This was my chance. It was unfolding exactly as I had predicted.

“In that case, would you be willing to form a party with me?”

When I asked, Carnelia’s eyes widened for just a second before she broke into a delighted grin.

“Yes! Of course, I was planning on it! I was waiting for you to ask, Michelle! I’m so happy! I can’t believe we get to adventure together again.”

She beamed, squeezing my hands tightly in hers. I let out a sigh of relief at their warmth. One down.

“I have already selected the remaining members. I will gather them myself.”

“Okay, I’ll leave it to you… Oh, wait just a second. I’ll get ready right now so we can go to the academy together!”

With that, Carnelia pattered back into the house. I waited for her to come out, and then the two of us headed for Altmegia Academy together.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Click.

The dry sound of the door closing echoed in the quiet house.

As if reacting to the sound, my father peeked his head out of the living room and into the hall.

“Carnelia, did someone stop by?”

I spun around and gave my father a huge smile.

“Yeah, Michelle just came to pick me up! I have to get ready!”

“I see. Be careful on your way.”

“Okay!”

After my energetic reply, I spun on my heel and hurried back to my room.

The moment I closed the door, my heart felt like it was floating. I threw myself onto my bed, buried my face in my pillow, and couldn’t stop myself from smiling. I was so happy, and just a little bit embarrassed.

“I’m so excited for the dungeon crawl with Michelle… It feels like we’re little kids again.”

I closed my eyes, and fond memories slowly began to surface.

Back when Michelle was much smaller, so timid and shy. She was the kind of girl who was always hiding behind my back.

Because I was born a little earlier, I always felt like she was my little sister.

Back then, Michelle was always holding my hand in a tight grip.

…But somewhere along the way, that changed.

By the time we entered middle school, she’d had a growth spurt, and her magic skills had been polished.

She became a little cheeky, and sometimes we even had verbal spars.

But to me, she was—and always will be—my special best friend.

I was worried the whole time she was absent from the academy. I never said it out loud, but I was just waiting for the day she’d come back. And now, here she was, smiling and standing before me again.

That alone was more than enough.

“All right… I have to get ready and go!”

Turning my pounding heart into energy, I headed for the entrance. When I opened the door, I saw Michelle standing under the clear sky.

Her pink hair shone in the morning light as she noticed me and gave a little wave.

The gesture sent a warmth deep into my chest.

With a new lightness in my step, I ran to her side.