Chapter 87
Chapter 87
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: A New Alias
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Winter had arrived before I knew it.
Of course, since this was the south, the temperature didn't drop below freezing or anything like that... but it had definitely gotten colder.
And now, the academy entrance was just around the corner.
The entrance ceremony was in spring, so there were still a few months left... but it really wasn't far off.
"Hmm... maybe it's time to go take care of that."
[Information Guild Alias Registration Documents]
It had been longer than I expected since Alexandra told me to get it done.
She hadn't given me a deadline, though.
I figured it wouldn't be a problem.
I'd been busy with other things lately anyway.
"Ugh, what a hassle..."
Honestly, the trip to the Information Guild was a bit—no, a lot—out of the way.
It was tucked deep in our territory, near the Leonhardt Mansion.
"But... if I put it off much longer, she'll definitely get mad."
Alexandra's reactions were always kind of amusing, so I did consider just letting it slide.
Still, it was probably better to get it done now and send word.
I had a feeling that the next time we met—who knew when that would be—she'd be furious.
"...Hmm."
First things first, time to change clothes.
Normally I'd call Lize for help, but I planned to go alone today.
I figured I'd sneak out under the pretense of a casual stroll and come back quietly.
"This should do."
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, checking out the new outfit.
It was a dark, subdued style—darker than my usual look.
I hadn't realized how gloomy it was when I pulled it from the closet, but wearing it, it really gave off that vibe.
"Maybe this suits a trip to the Information Guild even better?"
It had a certain sophisticated edge to it.
Full-on black ensemble, perfectly matched, but without my usual bright, cute, pretty dresses, it amplified the effect.
Like the female boss of some mafia outfit?
"Hehe..."
I struck a few poses in front of the mirror by myself.
Trying to look cool.
Lize's picks—dresses and cardigans—never gave off this vibe.
"Hmm..."
This ought to be good enough.
I didn't know much about fashion, but it felt sufficient.
I opened the door and stepped out, only to run straight into Lize.
She must have been heading in to clean my room.
"Young Lady? Where are you off to?"
"Just a walk."
"I see...?"
"Yeah. What do you think of the outfit? Cute, right?"
I had no intention of telling her my real purpose.
Better to change the subject.
No need for anyone to know what I was doing or why.
It was better if they didn't—especially if it didn't reach Rozalin's ears.
"It suits you well... but it's quite different from what you usually wear."
"You think? I just picked something out on my own."
"...You normally go for cardigans or dresses, don't you?"
True enough.
It was a far cry from my everyday style.
Even I could see that.
"It's winter, after all. Seemed warmer than a dress or cardigan, so I gave it a try. Plus, it looks cooler this way, right?"
"Ah..."
For a second, Lize looked at me like I was some kid, but the reasoning made sense.
A girl who usually wore dresses suddenly in a coat—it probably looked like I was going through some middle-school phase.
"Anyway, I'm heading out. Be back soon?"
"Should I come with—"
"Nah. I just want to walk alone today. Once I'm at the academy, it'll be nothing but bumping into other students and people all the time. Figured I'd enjoy some peace and quiet."
"Ah, I understand. Have a safe trip, then."
"Yeah. Take care of the cleaning, Lize?"
"Yes."
Lize bowed politely, and I gave her a little wave as I set off again.
I'd originally planned to slip out fast and quiet.
But this wasn't bad either.
Seeing Lize in her cute maid outfit was always a treat.
"Heh..."
Truth be told, I was tempted to tease her a bit more, but duty called.
If I skipped this month too, Alexandra would blow up next time for sure.
*
I left the mansion and strolled through the streets.
The Information Guild was deep in the city, and taking a carriage would draw too much attention, so I walked alone in silence.
-Tap, tap...
I couldn't avoid attracting some glances even without one.
I might be young, but I was undeniably pretty.
Even I knew my looks turned heads.
"...Hmm."
People stared even on normal days, but today I was solo...
Usually, I had servants trailing me in expensive dresses, the picture of a young lady.
But today, no feminine frills...
"...Tch."
Being born pretty came with drawbacks.
Best I could do was ignore it and keep walking quietly.
.......
Come to think of it, I really was on the short side.
"...Jeez."
Most folks around me towered over me, plain as day.
I'd grown a little since before... but still short.
When would the growth spurt hit? At this rate, I'd be below average even as an adult.
...
At least my proportions were good relative to my height, and with my stunning looks, I didn't seem as childish as my size suggested. Small mercies.
Lost in thoughts of my height, I walked on... and before long, I was nearing my destination.
Unlike the bustling streets earlier, this one was eerily quiet and deserted.
The few people about were alone, heads down, shuffling along.
"...Every time."
This place never felt familiar, no matter how often I came.
What had I been thinking, wandering here when I was even younger?
I was twelve now, but back then... how had I even made it?
"...I was such an idiot."
Even with the Information Guild's security, this street felt downright unsafe.
I hadn't brought many servants even then... what was I thinking?
Definitely not a place for an eight-year-old.
And I could barely use magic back then.
"Total moron."
I let out a hollow chuckle as I arrived at the Information Guild.
Or rather, its entrance.
I slipped into what looked like an abandoned building and quietly climbed the creaky stairs to the second floor.
-Creak...
The whole place sounded like it might collapse any second.
I knew they maintained it well enough, though, so no worries.
Up on the second floor, I walked the hall slowly until I stopped before a statue.
A raven, though bigger than your average bird.
-Squeeze...
I pressed down lightly on its head.
-Rumble...
The hallway wall slid open slowly.
Always so grandiose.
If only the entrance building didn't look so rundown, it'd be even cooler.
-Clack.
-Clack...
Another set of stairs appeared beyond the opened wall.
I descended them steadily.
Behind me, the wall sealed shut with another rumble.
"I've business with the raven."
I muttered the passphrase at the bottom.
Or not quite to myself—someone was listening.
-Creak...
One of the closed doors swung open.
So tedious... but the secrecy was part of the appeal.
That's what gave the Information Guild its credibility.
I stepped through the open door.
Another corridor.
I walked it, reached a new door, and knocked seven times.
It flew open.
"What a pain..."
Every single time.
"Oh my, long time no see?"
Inside the room stood a woman shrouded head to toe in a coat and veil, face fully obscured.
Someone I'd seen often since I was little.
Didn't know much about her, but familiar all the same.
"Here for info today? Lately, nothing but imperial stuff, and zilch otherwise."
"Not here for information this time."
"Oh?"
She covered her mouth in mock surprise.
Her lips were hidden by the veil anyway, and gloved hands showed nothing.
All theater from someone who thrived on theatrics.
"I want to register a new alias with the Information Guild. Something just for guild use, not Camellia Leonhardt."
"Oh my..."
This surprise might even be genuine.
She was the one I always met here from the guild.
Practically my personal handler at this point.
"Hmm... Funds?"
"We can settle from my vault."
"Okay~"
She scribbled something on the papers on the table.
I sat opposite, pulling out the documents I'd brought.
My basic info, contract terms—standard stuff for a new guild alias.
"You came prepared."
"Not a fan of dragging out visits here."
"I enjoy playing with you~"
"You're older—'you' feels off."
"Eek."
She slipped a hand under her veil, pretending to wipe tears.
So dramatic, and not even sad.
"So. What's the alias? Not Camellia, obviously."
"Hmm... good question."
She switched to a serious tone.
A nickname, huh.
Still no solid ideas.
I'd mulled it over on the way back from Rose Territory, but nothing set.
Every time I brainstormed, Alexandra's alias cracked me up.
Canary and...
"Pfft..."
"What's so funny, dear?"
"Nothing. Nickname... right..."
Thinking of Alexandra's guild name right then wasn't so weird.
She was why I was here, after all.
"Rose and Lion... how about that?"
I said it with a smile.
I'd toyed with Canary and Lion too, but it sounded too predatory.
This one just popped into my head.