It became March in winter.

Just the other day, the children of the nobility from within the territory who were heading to the Royal Capital’s noble academy gathered in the territorial city before departing.

I remember that when we went to the Royal Capital as Seriana’s attendants, it was around this same time.

But considering the distance from this town, which is even farther than Zelkis’ territorial city… will they make it in time? Well, if they take a certain method, they’ll manage.

That certain method is by ship.

Normally, the journey to the Royal Capital would take at least over two months, but by using the shipping route through Zelkis and Reizelk, it takes less than a month.

Greeting the territories they pass through on the way to the Royal Capital is an important duty for the children attending the academy.

Last year, they took the usual route, so this year they decided to try the alternate route instead.

In our territory, the number of nobles ranked Baron or higher is still small, and consequently, there are few children of academy age.

If there were more, they could rotate between the two routes each year… but that’s still a future concern.

Well… aside from that, the workshop that had been busy making personal items for those students to use in the Royal Capital for a year has finally calmed down, and my cushion order has also been placed.

Alec was with me at the time, and besides the guest cushions, he also ordered cushions for Luka.

Two of them.

One for home and one for the lord’s mansion, I suppose.

The cushions are expected to be finished in about a month, but since Alec’s are meant for guests, I have a feeling more orders might come in from beyond just my circle.

I hope the business thrives.

◇

Now that things have settled down in the territory and my immediate business in the territorial city is done, I’ll soon be heading out.

My destination is the neighboring Mercenal territory to the south.

Last summer, they sent me a large amount of grape juice as a gift.

It was incredibly refreshing — delicious on its own or frozen into a sorbet — and I enjoyed it quite a bit, so I’m going to visit and express my gratitude.

Originally, I had planned to go in the spring, but since their social circles are likely broader — possibly even wider than ours — visiting their estate for several days during the busy spring season might be a bit burdensome.

So, I decided to visit during this time instead.

Now that I can simply wrap myself in 【Wind’s Cloak】 and fly over, the season doesn’t matter much to me.

The Mercenal territory was one we passed through briefly by ship when we traveled to the Royal Capital for Seriana’s wedding, but this will be my first time actually staying there.

In terms of rank alone, our ducal family stands higher, but their importance to the kingdom — with their armed fleet and long-standing traditions — might surpass ours.

To ensure I don’t offend anyone, Teresa will accompany me, but I’ll also do what I can myself…!

And with that, it’s gacha time.

Why? Well… I’m not entirely sure myself, but it’s a good excuse to roll the gacha.

I’ve done it countless times by now, and I’ve gotten used to it… but I still need some kind of trigger.

Last time, I did the gacha in the reception room on the second floor, but this time we’re gathering in the lounge on the first floor.

Naturally, the guys are joining in too.

I’ve got three rolls ready, so something decent should show up… probably!

“Thanks for waiting!”

I carried the holy statue from Seriana’s room and greeted everyone in the lounge.

Tea and sweets were already set… perfect viewing conditions.

After a brief greeting, I placed the holy statue in front of Seriana and pulled out the Holy Coins from my pouch.

I stacked ten coins into three separate piles.

That marked my preparation complete.

“Alright, here I go!”

“Oh? That’s pretty quick,”

“Well, yeah!”

Zighart teased me, but there’s no point in stalling at this stage.

Might as well get it done fast.

I’ll be rolling three times.

Considering the odds, at least one pull should give me a blessing or a useful item… hopefully.

Ideally, I’m hoping for something that can assist me during my upcoming trip… but who knows if such a thing even exists.

I’ll just roll without overthinking it.

“Alright, first roll!”

I grabbed one bundle and offered it to the holy statue.

As the sound of a drumroll echoed in my head… Stop!

The words that appeared were 【Magic Thread】.

Hmm… well, okay, okay…

It’s only the first roll.

A bundle of thread that wasn’t particularly shiny appeared before me.

I grabbed it and placed it on the table.

“…Magic Thread, huh.”

I’ve pulled this one several times before, so even Seriana seemed unfazed.

“Yeah. I’ll give it to you, Seria.”

With Fiora and Teresa around, they might find some use for it, but I’ll leave the decision to Seriana.

“Oh my, thank you,”

She murmured thoughtfully about what she could use it for.

Alright… enough with the thread.

Two rolls to go.

Two out of three… I’m feeling good.

Something useful will show up for sure!

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera – 【Hideout】 +1 【Prayer】 【Mira’s Blessing】 【Wind’s Cloak】 ・ 【Floating Orb】 +1 【Shadow Sword】 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 【Fairy’s Eye】 【Dragon’s Lung】 【Amber Sword】 【Danrem’s Thread】 【Serpent’s Tail】 【Ankle Bracelet】 【Amber Shield】 【Purple Wings】 【Red Sword】 ・ 24 cards

Seriana – 【Area Identification】 ・ 【】 ・ 39 cards

Elena – 【】 ・ 【Green Fang】 【Amber Sword】 ・ 4 cards

Alec – 【Power Strike】 ・ 【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】 ・ 9 cards