“I’m counting on you, Bella.”
Lilian handed the knight’s longsword to the head maid.
There had just been too many things going on recently—she hadn’t even had the time to return the sword to the knights’ order, so she could only ask the head maid to find someone to deliver it.
Bella took the longsword, instinctively twirling it in her hand. The blade sliced through the air with a whistling sound.
The heavy knight’s longsword felt as light as a feather in her hands.
Lilian couldn’t help but be filled with respect at the sight.
She couldn’t help but marvel—there truly were hidden dragons and crouching tigers around Eleanor.
Bella rarely showed any embarrassment, but now she looked a bit shy.
“Understood, Lilian. I’ll find someone to send it back.”
Lilian waved her hand, and Irene followed closely behind her as she walked towards the door.
It was already the next day. Yesterday, Eleanor had enjoyed a long, restful nap with her head on Lilian’s lap all morning.
There wasn’t enough time in the afternoon, so Eleanor had only been able to review the previous runes with Lilian, and didn’t teach her any new ones.
This left Lilian feeling a bit regretful.
Last night, Lilian had thought it over and decided to set aside the conclusion she’d reached after returning from Ophelia’s place.
When energy was lacking, Stimulant Potions were, of course, important—but Restorative Potions that helped with rest and mental recovery were just as vital.
According to Ophelia, most Stimulant Potions nowadays were just a way to overdraw oneself: the more you drank, the worse things got, and the worse things got, the more you needed to drink—leading easily to an Overdraft Cycle.
So Potions that helped with rest and rapid mental recovery became especially important.
One was overdrawing, the other was promoting recovery—the difference was obvious at a glance.
And according to Eleanor, when mages cast spells, aside from mana, mental power was also quite important.
Maybe there was a pretty wide market?
So Lilian planned to go out today and investigate the situation.
“Clip-clop—”
It sounded like Eleanor and the other maids were following behind.
It’s not even a long trip—why did so many people have to see her off every time?
Lilian was at a loss for words.
“Lilian.” It was Eleanor’s voice.
Lilian turned in response, seeing Eleanor standing with her hands behind her back, looking at her with a conflicted expression.
“What’s wrong, Mistress?” Lilian stepped forward, drawing closer to Eleanor, and asked patiently.
Eleanor felt her heart skip a beat.
She didn’t know what had happened, but ever since Lilian gave her a lap pillow yesterday, it felt like Lilian had changed somehow.
Eleanor couldn’t quite describe the change, but if she had to put it into words, it was as if Lilian was becoming more like her former self from her previous life.
“This is for you.”
Eleanor pulled something out from behind her back and handed it to Lilian.
It was a cloak.
Eleanor hadn’t wanted to take this thing out, but every time she thought of that purple-haired woman, she felt a surge of annoyance.
But this cloak really suited Lilian. Even though the imperial capital was quite safe, just in case, Eleanor decided to give her the cloak.
The world was vast, but nothing was more important than Lilian’s safety.
As soon as Lilian took it, she sensed that this was no ordinary cloak.
[Cloak of Dexterity]
[Rune: Enhancement, Wind]
[Equipment Effect: Increases the wearer’s dexterity and speed]
[Appraisal: Don’t even think about it—no bonus to critical rate]
It was actually an artifact!
Equipment with fixed runes like this was surely quite rare.
“Mistress, this is too valuable, I…” Lilian immediately wanted to refuse.
She already owed Eleanor so much.
If this went on, she’d never be able to repay her, not even if she offered herself, and besides, Eleanor had no interest in her body—what did she have to give?
“Hmph.” Eleanor forcibly stuffed the cloak into Lilian’s arms. “It’s compensation from the First Prince from the other day. I don’t like it. If you don’t want it, just throw it away.”
Eleanor deliberately put on a face of utter disdain toward the cloak.
With the cloak in one hand, Lilian stepped forward and hugged Eleanor tightly.
Her maid instincts didn’t tell her Eleanor wanted a hug.
But Lilian felt she should give one anyway.
“Thank you,” Lilian said.
“Ugh…” Eleanor’s face flushed bright red. She could see all the maids watching her and Lilian with rapt attention.
Irene looked like she was about to burst into tears.
This idiot Lilian—just what was she doing!
And what was there to thank her for…
“From now on, you’re not allowed to say thank you! That’s an order from your mistress, do you hear me!”
“…Okay”
If she couldn’t say thank you, then one hug didn’t feel like enough.
Thinking of Eleanor’s dependent expression when she slept on her lap yesterday…
Lilian knew what she needed to do.
“Mistress, tonight, may I give you a lap pillow in your bedroom?”
The moment Lilian spoke, the air at the door seemed to freeze. All the maids held their breath.
Irene even covered her mouth and let out a quiet, “Ohhh?”
Bella, standing to the side, could only hold her forehead helplessly, though the corners of her lips couldn’t help but curl up.
At night…
Lap pillow…
Pudding…
Soft and tender…
Boom—
Eleanor’s mind went completely blank.
“Wha—!”
A train whistle seemed to sound in the background.
“I-idiot! What are you talking about!” Eleanor suddenly pushed Lilian away and took a few steps back. “That kind of thing isn’t necessary!”
Her face was bright red, her ears looked like they’d bleed, and steam practically poured from the top of her head as she shouted resolutely at Lilian.
“O-okay…” Lilian hadn’t expected such a big reaction, so she just smiled and walked towards the door. “Then I’ll be going. See you tonight, Mistress~”
The stunned Irene snapped out of it and hurried after Lilian.
“Wait for me, Lilian!”
The two of them climbed into the carriage. The coachman flicked the reins, and the carriage rattled off toward Changguang Avenue.
Changguang Avenue, also known as June Avenue, was originally designated as the Academy District. As it developed, apart from students, most of the capital’s mages and scholars had gathered here.
When it came to people who used their brains and mental power the most, it was definitely this group.
As for the artisans on Second Avenue, the Officials of the capital, and the Clergy of the Church, they probably also had similar needs.
But Lilian wasn’t considering them for now.
Although these people had more purchasing power, there simply weren’t enough of them compared to the students above.
It was hard to generate any real profits on that scale.
And those who could attend school in the capital—apart from a few underprivileged students with scholarships—most came from well-off families.
They could certainly afford Potions that soothed the mind and increased efficiency.
By going there, she could also investigate students’ spending habits and set a price for her product.
If the market really was good, Lilian already knew how she’d promote her product.
Just like those fish oil capsules from her previous life.
Linking supposed health benefits to academic performance…
And selling anxiety to parents.
Stuff like “Your child will get ahead of others!” or “Win at the starting line…”
Lilian understood all too well.
After all, aside from NEETs, students’ money was the easiest to earn.
Lilian could practically see the shining gold coins waving at her…
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