Walking home, Alice wore a look of pure contentment.
Although Eina had been honest about her limited knowledge of Divine Script, Alice was only just beginning her studies anyway. The most important thing was that Eina had lent her several books on the subject.
In all of Orario, it was said that very few Familias actually had books about Divine Script. After all, Sacred Text wasn't particularly useful for the average adventurer. Some mages studied it to enhance their magic, but those who could actually make progress that way were as rare as phoenix feathers.
For most mages, studying their own magic was far more practical than delving into Divine Script.
Asfi claimed that her magical items were developed using Divine Script, but that kind of thing was top secret. Even Alice only half-believed it—well, sixty percent, maybe.
Half of that belief came from her own memories: the two gods of the Moriya Shrine once said that words carry power. Not just the kind of power that inspires people, but real, tangible power—the power of kotodama. And if those words came from a god, that power would be even stronger.
That's why Alice wanted to learn Divine Script. Even if it turned out to be useless in the end, gaining a new skill was never a bad thing.
--+--
The day was growing late.
Orario's evenings came early. Though it was only around five in the afternoon, the sun had already begun to set.
After buying ingredients at the market, Alice walked home with her small bag over her shoulder, nose buried in a book.
Inside the bag were borrowed books on combat knowledge; in her hands was [Detailed Guide to Divine Script]. She'd learned some basics from Eina and had already started self-studying. Though Hestia could teach her more back home, learning quickly would only benefit her.
As for the groceries, she'd already sent them back to her room through a gap. Since she was just wandering around Orario, she hadn't brought her entire house along with her.
She still wore her cloak, hiding her features. A cloaked figure walking down the street with a book might have drawn a few odd looks, but it wasn't especially attention-grabbing. As long as Alice didn't reveal her face, she wouldn't cause a commotion.
Because of that, a certain petite girl she'd met once before didn't realize that the person she was about to rob was someone she'd already seen.
Alice's bag was handmade. Though her main craft was doll-making, her sewing skills were exquisite. If she sold it to a goddess who appreciated beautiful things, she could definitely make a good profit.
And it was that very bag Lili had her eyes on. She didn't care what books were inside.
So, cloaked just like Alice, Lili ambled casually toward her, a flash of silver glinting at her fingertips.
Just as she drew near, Lili's eyes lit up. She deliberately bumped into a man next to Alice.
Thump.
"Hey! You little brat! Watch where you're going!" shouted the adventurer she'd bumped into. He looked Eastern, with a katana at his waist.
Lili immediately bowed in apology. "Sorry! So sorry, Sir Adventurer! I'm in a bit of a hurry—my apologies!"
"Tch. Watch it next time," grumbled the man, brushing off his clothes before walking away with a scowl.
Alice noticed the commotion and took a couple steps to the side, carefully avoiding the two.
Once Alice was out of sight, Lili glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, she slipped into a nearby alley.
Looking down at the exquisite bag in her hands and the books inside, a smug smile spread across her face.
'Just as I thought. That girl's definitely some noble's daughter—she didn't notice a thing.'
'This bag might not be magical, but it'll be a hit with high-class women. No trouble selling this at all.'
'As for these books… Is that clueless young lady thinking of becoming an adventurer? If so, I hope what happened today makes her think twice.'
'Why would a noble girl want to be an adventurer anyway? She didn't even notice her stuff getting stolen—she wouldn't last a day in the Dungeon.'
Lili hefted the bag, pulled out the books, and tossed them onto the lid of a nearby garbage bin.
'Pity about the strap, though. My sewing isn't good enough to fix this properly.'
"Would you like me to give you that strap? Consider it tuition for making me lose out twice. You can have the bag, too."
Alice's voice suddenly rang out behind her.
Lili jolted in surprise. Without looking back, she hurled the bag toward the alley entrance and broke into a sprint.
Alice reached out and caught her bag. Looking at the cleanly cut strap, she shook her head helplessly.
'Honestly… The bag isn't important, but those books are. And she just tossed them aside. Are all the thieves in Orario this skilled? I didn't even feel it happen.'
Alice had to admit—she hadn't realized her bag was gone the moment it was stolen. It wasn't until she'd walked another ten meters, too absorbed in her book, that she noticed the weight was gone from her shoulder. Her bag—and the books inside—had been stolen.
Just then, she sensed a familiar magical signature—one she'd recorded back in the Dungeon labyrinth. It led her straight to Lili, who'd stolen her bag and books.
The moment Lili saw her, she ran without hesitation.
After gathering her books, Alice casually opened a gap and placed them inside.
"I don't usually mind this kind of thing, but since we've met like this, I'm not letting you get away. Naughty children need to be taught a lesson."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
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