Chapter 39

— There was a volcano called Abris near the mine.

 

“How many kilometers away is it?”

 

— Within about five kilometers.

 

‘Thank goodness.’

 

Mana condenses within about ten kilometers of specific climates. There could be a mana mine near the mine Father purchased. It seemed possible.

 

“Father, did Lord Molles ever mention that there was a volcano nearby?”

 

— No, I never heard such a thing. I was shocked when I learned there was a volcano during excavation!

 

Father ended up staying in the Shutra Kingdom unexpectedly and didn’t know the local geography well, which was probably why he was able to buy the mine.

 

— But Lilithia… how did you know there’s a volcano near the mine? I only found out recently myself.

 

‘According to the geography book, the last eruption was ten thousand years ago. No need to worry about explosions.’

 

It was clear Lord Molles didn’t know that a volcano was a condition for a mana mine to form. If he had known, he’d never have sold it so easily. This was a stroke of luck. I whispered quietly:

 

“Father, I think I need to tell you something important. There’s no one around, right?”

 

— …?

 

Father tilted his head.

 

— There’s no one around.

 

“Actually… the mine you bought might have a mana vein nearby.”

 

Of course he was shocked. And it was hard to believe. A daughter who’d never been to the region suddenly spouting something so outrageous—no wonder the baron’s expression stiffened.

 

“I know it sounds unbelievable. But that area is where mana condenses!”

 

Even I wouldn’t have believed it easily. But I had to convince him. This was the only way to supply mana stones to the imperial family.

 

“So I wanted to ask if you could check whether mana stones could be forming there…”

 

Just as I was about to ask seriously, Father’s answer came out of nowhere:

 

— Has the package already arrived?

 

I blinked in confusion.

 

“…No? We haven’t received any package at the estate?”

 

— ?

 

Father looked just as confused.

 

— Then how did you know?

 

“Know what?”

 

We were talking about the mine, so the sudden mention of a package didn’t connect at all. I tilted my head—then froze at Father’s next words.

 

— The mine I bought… it actually produced mana stones. I wanted to surprise you, so I mailed them to you.

 

“What!?”

 

The mine owned by the Baimery Trading Company had skyrocketed in value overnight. Absolutely ridiculous.

 

 

***

 

 

A week later.

 

Winnie entered my room carrying a box delicately wrapped with ribbons.

 

“Young Lady, a package has arrived from the Baron.”

 

“It’s finally here!”

 

I took the box to the table.

 

“Do you know what’s inside?”

 

“Of course! Father told me a week ago.”

 

With slightly trembling hands, I untied the ribbon. The wrapping fell away, revealing a wooden box.

 

‘Dudududu—time to open the treasure!’

 

The kind of sound effect that plays when opening a premium item flashed through my mind.

 

“Ugh… I’m nervous.”

 

I opened the lid. A radiant glow spilled out—inside were six mana stones and a letter.

 

“Wow.”

 

The largest stone sat in the center, surrounded by smaller ones. Their colors and size were exceptional.

 

“M-mana stones!”

 

Winnie’s jaw dropped like a plate. I carefully lifted the largest stone with both hands.

 

“You could call this ultra-high purity and people would believe it.”

 

It was white with a faint blue shimmer. Winnie rubbed her cheek with her palm, trying to recover, and asked:

 

“But how did the Baron send such rare, top-grade mana stones by mail?”

 

“Well, you see… the mine he bought is producing them.”

 

“What!?”

 

Naturally shocked. I only reacted less because Father had warned me in advance.

 

“…Young Lady!”

 

“You scared me.”

 

Startled by her shout, I almost dropped the stone. Winnie stomped her feet anxiously.

 

“Sir precious mana stone might get worn out! Please put it back in the box…!”

 

When did it become ‘Sir Precious Mana Stone’? Her eyes were full of desperate concern.

 

“Fine.”

 

I put it back.

 

“Winnie… I’m not even a mage. I can’t drain its mana.”

 

“You never know!”

 

She kept clenching and unclenching her hands while staring at the stones wistfully. I chuckled and opened the letter.

 

 

***

 

 

[Lilithia, it’s Father. I wonder if these surprised you.]

 

‘Yes. Of course they did.’

 

If I hadn’t known beforehand, I would’ve fainted backward.

 

[The mine we bought turned out to be a mana mine. It’s great fortune, but you know imperial law requires a mining license to extract mana stones.]

 

I nodded. That’s why Gortu, the merchant king, made his name as the empire’s licensed extractor.

 

[However, because this area lies on the border between the kingdom and empire, the mine falls within the kingdom’s territory. Thus, the mine owner can extract stones freely! To be honest, I was heavy-hearted leaving the trading company to you, but you’re leading it well. I’m truly proud. So I’m entrusting these first mana stones to you. I know you’ll use them wisely.]

 

I laughed awkwardly. I was doing my best, but I’d caused… a small incident recently. My conscience pricked.

 

[My daughter, all grown and capable. I’m so proud.]

 

…That little incident would be buried with me in the grave.

 

[The gods must have taken pity on our family’s hardships and blessed us. If Leticia knew, she would’ve been so happy…]

 

Leticia—Lilithia’s mother.

 

Tear marks stained the paper around her name, the handwriting slightly shaky.

 

[She would be glad to see how you’ve grown. When I return to the capital, let’s visit her grave together.]

 

I clamped my mouth shut. A heavy stone settled in my chest.

 

[I plan to establish a Baimery branch here. Once everything stabilizes, I’ll return. Wait for me. I miss you, my dear daughter.]

 

Warmth I’d never felt in my previous life as Lilithia’s mother overflowed from every line. Guilt and happiness collided painfully inside me. I squeezed my eyes shut. That warmth wasn’t meant for me. I wasn’t the real Lilithia.

 

Seeing my expression twist, Winnie touched my shoulder.

 

“Young Lady? Are you alright?”

 

“…It’s nothing.”

 

I forced a smile, pushing down the tears.

 

 

***

 

 

“Your Highness. I’ve returned.”

 

Jaybil entered Freyer’s study wearing clothing fine enough for a noble’s son.

 

“You’re late.”

 

“There were… difficulties.”

 

He shuddered at the memory of visiting the Magic Tower.

 

“Ugh. I knew they had top-grade mana stones, but when they said they didn’t and I pressed… they nearly blew up at me. Exhausting.”

 

“So you failed to get it?”

 

“That question disappoints me, Your Highness. I am Jaybil, operative captain of Silvertone.”

 

He grinned, approaching the desk. From his coat, he produced a small box and handed it to Freyer.

 

“Here is the mana stone.”

 

Freyer opened it. Inside was a yellow-hued top-grade stone.

 

Through Bilion, they had learned the southern Tower branch held one.

 

“Wizards really melt when you wave money at them.”

 

“A year of research funding is tempting.”

 

“Yes. The moment I said that, the Tower Master himself came down.”

 

“You’ve worked hard these past few days.”

 

“Then I’ll go rest. The palace has a major cleaning tomorrow, and I can’t skip it.”

 

Jaybil hummed as he left. He seemed fully accustomed now to being a butler. Not long after, arguing voices drifted from the hallway—Derek and Jaybil fighting again.

 

“How can they still not get along…”

 

Freyer shook his head and looked down at the stone. It had cost quite a bit to obtain, but the royal gold vein given by the faction leader was an endless well. All that remained was to deliver it to Lilithia.

 

He rose from his chair—

 

Something clattered. The communication orb had rolled off the desk.

 

—Ah…

 

A voice came from the fallen orb.

 

“Lilithia?”

 

Her voice.

 

Freyer snatched up the orb. The black screen flickered and vanished.

 

Bzzz—thuk—

 

The connection kept breaking and reconnecting unnaturally.

 

“No…”

 

A horrible thought struck him.

 

He pictured Lilithia captured by the Crown Prince’s scheme.

 

Otherwise, the communication wouldn’t be this unstable.

 

He tried calling her.

 

— kzzzt… help… kzzzt… please—

 

She was asking for help. His pulse spiked.

 

“Just tell me where you are! I’ll come right now—!”

 

— kzzzt… mansion… bzzt—

 

The connection severed. He tried again.

 

“It won’t connect.”

 

Even the unstable signal disappeared.

 

“She said… mansion.”

 

He had to go save her. Now.

 

Freyer grabbed his sword and rushed out. Derek and Jaybil, still arguing by the door, jumped in shock.

 

“Your Highness! Where are you going!?”