A full week had passed since Lizzy began working at the magic-item shop, and — much to her own surprise — she was doing far better than she ever expected. Bit by bit, she memorized every tool, potion, and odd magical device on the shelves, determined to promote them to customers just as gracefully as Morgana always did.
Difficult as it was, Lizzy was slowly, steadily adapting to her new life.
"Um, excuse me—do you have an Ars Arcadia Carryall here?" A teenage boy in a school uniform appeared at the door.
Lizzy blinked. His uniform was clearly different from Milliane's. So he's from another academy…
"The unlimited-storage bag that was just released by the Magic Tower, right?" Lizzy guessed, remembering how Morgana had ordered the newest stock only yesterday.
"That's right! They said it can hold anything—anything—and in infinite amounts. As a student who has to carry an unreasonable mountain of books every day, I… really, really need it. I heard your shop sells them."
Hearing his earnest plea, Lizzy immediately put on her brightest business smile.
"You've come to the perfect place. We just restocked them the moment the Magic Tower released the item. But since it's limited edition…" She leaned in slightly, voice soft, smile dazzling. "It's quite expensive."
The boy visibly paled. From his appearance, he didn't seem like someone from a wealthy family. He trembled at the word expensive. "H–How much is it…?"
Lizzy's smile grew even more radiant — almost blinding. "Thirty thousand Kyris."
The boy froze, clutching his chest as if struck by a heart attack. "THIRTY THOUSAND?!"
"Correct. And that already includes the promo price." Her gleaming smile somehow made it feel like she was devouring him whole.
His legs gave out. The poor boy collapsed to the floor, curling into a miserable ball.
"H–How am I supposed to get that much money…? Hiks…" Tears began streaming down his cheeks.
Lizzy watched him with pity — though now the other customers had begun to stare as well. "Um… S-sir, you can't sleep on the floor…" she tried to warn him, but her words had absolutely no effect. The boy remained limp and hopeless.
Confused, Lizzy thought long and hard before finally recalling one of Morgana's teachings.
"In that case… if you can't pay everything now, how about… paying in installments?"
The effect was instantaneous. The boy sprang up like lightning. "Y-You can do that?!"
Lizzy flinched at how close his face suddenly was — close enough for her to see every thick nose hair. She fought back a laugh with all her might. "Y-Yes… You can pay a down payment first, and then continue paying little by little each month."
"How much is the down payment? How long is the installment period? Is there interest? Tell me everything!" The questions came like rapid fire.
"The down payment is five thousand Kyris. Then you pay monthly for six months. Each month there is a two-hundred-Kyris interest fee. How does that sound?" Lizzy explained as gently as possible.
The boy fell deep into thought. After ten full minutes, he finally nodded. "…All right. I agree. I'll buy it."
Lizzy's professional smile returned. "In that case, you must sign a contract. It prevents late payments. Are you willing?" she asked, pulling out a large book.
"I don't mind. I really need that bag," the boy said firmly.
"Then please write your name here and press your thumb here." Lizzy pointed to a blank page while handing him the ink.
He understood immediately — writing his name, dipping his thumb into ink, then pressing it onto the page.
The moment his thumb touched the paper, the mark began to glow. Ink and fingerprint alike shimmered with faint magical light. When the glow faded, a tattoo-like mark wrapped around the boy's thumb.
"The contract is now formed. If you are late paying for more than three months, that mark will… slice your thumb off. So please make sure to pay on time," Lizzy said with a sweet yet menacing smile.
The boy gulped loudly and nodded frantically. Once he handed over the down payment, Lizzy processed his order at once. Business concluded — successfully.
From the corner, Morgana — who had been observing everything — let out a small, impressed grin. "You're amazing, Lizzy. Truly. Have you worked in sales before?" Morgana asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
Lizzy shook her head. "This is my first time. Maybe… it's because I was really active in school organizations before. I got used to talking to so many different kinds of people," she admitted honestly.
Back in her world, she had been the student council president — and the three-year consecutive champion of martial arts competitions. She had faced countless interviews, confrontations, and debates with rivals.
No wonder she adapted quickly here.
"By the way," Lizzy asked at last, curiosity tugging her thoughts, "does the Glorious Kingdom have schools other than the Magic Academy?"
She had always wondered. Many students came to the magic-item shop wearing different uniforms — surely they weren't all from the same place.
Morgana nodded. "You didn't know, Lizzy? There are four schools in this kingdom."
"Cedar Academy is for commoners—but ironically, most of the students there come from rich merchant families."
"Then there is Glorious Institute, where scholars and researchers gather. Their number is small, because the entrance test is nearly impossible to pass. Only geniuses can enter… and those who graduate usually stay in the institute for years, devoting themselves to research."
Morgana continued, her tone carrying a quiet reverence. "Next is the Kavaliro Camp Training of Glorious—a training ground for future knights. Anyone who wishes to become a Kavaliro must undergo harsh training there."
"And the last," she smiled softly, "and the most famous among all… the Glorious Magic Academy. Not only in this kingdom—students from other nations also come seeking magic and knowledge. Unfortunately, in recent years, nobles have begun restricting who may enter. The academy is slowly becoming controlled by them."
Lizzy exhaled slowly. So her guess had been right — Milliane only got in because they respected Morgana, one of the academy's legendary graduates.
A small, ordinary-looking child surrounded by noble youths… Lizzy could picture the discrimination Milliane must face.
Yet Milliane never once complained. She always smiled, always said she wanted to become a great sorcerer just like her mother.
"Do you want to attend school too, Lizzy?" Morgana asked gently. "You must have studied well in your previous world—you're such a bright girl."
Morgana had noticed Lizzy's expression dimming. She assumed Lizzy felt sad about not being able to attend school… when in truth, Lizzy was feeling sympathy for Milliane.
"Oh—right. I used to live with my brother. He's… well, kind of useless and always shuts himself in his room. But even so, he still sent me to a good school." Lizzy's voice softened with a bittersweet ache. Thinking of him always reopened old tenderness.
"You must feel lonely without him," Morgana murmured gently. "You can go to school again if you wish. But the only one I can register you in is Cedar Academy."
Her motherly warmth made Lizzy flustered. Morgana was too kind — it sometimes overwhelmed her.
"Uh?! N-No—no need! I'm happy working at the shop. I get experience… and I don't have to do homework," Lizzy insisted, shaking her head firmly. She truly couldn't accept anything more than this.
Morgana laughed quietly. "I see. But if you ever change your mind, just tell me. After all…" Her eyes softened with genuine affection. "You're already part of our family now."
It took everything in Lizzy not to tear up. "O-Okay… Thank you so much," she replied, voice trembling with gratitude.
⊱⋅ ────◇✦◇──── ⋅⊰
Later, Lizzy approached Morgana, who was helping a customer. "Madame Morgana, I'm going to pick up Milliane."
"Be careful on the road!" Morgana called, waving warmly.
Lizzy waved back and stepped outside. This time, she already remembered the road well — she wouldn't get lost like on her first day.
She even memorized the routes to several important places: the Gardisto Department, the temple, the plaza, the Memorial Tower, and the Gold Monument shaped like a mountain — which Lizzy thought looked suspiciously like a giant lump of dung. She also memorized every shop that sold good snacks.
All thanks to Milliane, who always dragged her around the city after school.
Despite all the stunning places in this city, Lizzy's favorite scenery remained Emeraldy Lake.
The large lake had captivated her the very first time she entered the city — She had fallen in love with it at first sight.
Especially at dusk, when the sinking sun dyed the sky red, its reflection on the lake turned the green water into a shimmering crimson-violet — Lizzy's favorite color.
Sometimes tiny sparks of light danced on the rippling surface, twinkling like stars whenever the wind stirred the water into waves.
Strolling leisurely, Lizzy gazed at the lake from the roadside, her heart loosening. She felt grateful that the Calyx family home was built on higher ground — from there, she could always see the breathtaking view of Emeraldy Lake from above.
The lake truly was breathtaking. The towering lighthouse at its center, the fishermen moving busily across the shimmering water — everything blended together into a living tapestry that made Emeraldy Lake even more beautiful.
"It's so beauti—"
SPLAT!
A tomato, as large as a clenched fist, smashed squarely into Lizzy's face.
In an instant, the sweetness on her lips twisted into a monstrous smile. With a huff of pure irritation, Lizzy wiped the dripping tomato off her cheek, inhaled sharply, and prepared herself to unleash her fury upon whoever dared to throw it.
"You filthy pervert! Get over here!"
Lizzy froze in panic when a large, muscular man suddenly sprinted toward her with alarming speed. Her mind flashed back to that night — the night she had become a fugitive.
"I—I'm not a man! Even if I look a little boyish, I'm a real girl!" she stuttered desperately.
But the huge man ignored her explanation and marched straight toward her with burning determination.
"I wasn't talking to you, Miss," he growled before shoving Lizzy aside with surprising force, nearly knocking her off balance. "I was speaking to the pervert hiding behind you."
He glared sharply at a crouching man behind Lizzy — the very spot she had been standing moments ago.
Lizzy's soul nearly left her body.
A pervert… behind her? While she was wearing a calf-length dress?! Had that creep… seen something he shouldn't have?!
Her brain screeched to a halt. Heat flushed through her veins, and rationality flew out the window.
Fueled by indignation and humiliation, Lizzy rolled her shoulders, loosening her muscles. She stepped forward, approaching the orange-haired man who was now cowering pathetically behind the big man's legs.
She focused all her strength into her right fist, channeling every ounce of fury into one decisive blow—
Wham! Syung… Thud!
With a single punch, the orange-haired man was sent flying — soaring through the air like a kicked sack of grain—
—and landed headfirst into a wagon full of cow fodder.
Everyone nearby froze, eyes widening in shock. Even the large man stared in awe, stunned that Lizzy had reacted faster — and hit harder — than he had expected.
"You're incredibly strong, Miss," he murmured, almost reverently.
Only then did reality slam into Lizzy.
People were staring. A crowd had formed.
All eyes were on her.
A tidal wave of fear crashed through her chest. Cold sweat pooled down her back.
The memory of that terrifying night surged up, tightening her throat.
No… no, not again…
And then—
Clap, clap, clap…
"She knocked the pervert out! Did you see that?!"
"Amazing! Absolutely amazing, Miss!"
Huh? Lizzy blinked.
Instead of condemning her, the people were… impressed? Admiring her? Her punch was being praised as an act of justice — a heroic takedown of a criminal.
The large man exhaled heavily, then bowed his head.
"Thank you for avenging us. That pervert had been sneaking into my daughter's shop for days—watching her in secret. As a father, I couldn't forgive him."
Lizzy stiffened. So that tomato was—
"A token of gratitude," he continued earnestly. "Allow me to treat you to your favorite snack shop."
Just as Lizzy and the large man began walking away—
A shrill scream shattered the air.
"Y-YOUR HIGHNESS! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!"
An elderly man in luxurious robes rushed to the unconscious orange-haired man crumpled on the wagon. "Who dared commit such a vile act against Your Highness?!" he shouted again.
A child pointed innocently. "The red-haired miss over th—"
His mother quickly covered his mouth, but the old man had already drawn a knife in warning, forcing her still.
The old man adjusted his glasses, scrutinizing Lizzy from head to toe. "Guards! Arrest the red-haired girl immediately!"
In the blink of an eye, golden-armored soldiers flooded the area, forming a perfect circle around her.
"Surrender now," one of them commanded coldly, blade aimed straight at Lizzy's throat. "Resist, and you will lose your head before nightfall."
Eh?! What is happening?! Why did this escalate so suddenly?! Lizzy screamed internally.
Who even IS that orange-haired creep to be called 'Your Highness?!
"This is not her fault!" the large man protested loudly as he was pinned down and restrained. "She was only helping me!"
"You will be held as a witness," one guard cut him off, binding his wrists. Then they grabbed Lizzy as well. "We're taking you both to the Gardisto Department for investigation. You may explain yourselves there."
W-wait! This is really, really bad! Lizzy's mind spiraled into chaos. Milliane… forgive your useless sister…!
And with that final thought of despair, she surrendered to her fate — dragged away toward the Gardisto Department.