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“This magic, as you can see, is an extremely dangerous alchemical art.”

“If mishandled, one might lose all their memories.”

“Even if they’re wizards obsessed with magic research, how could they create such a spell?”

“You’re saying they used this? That guy?”

The Master of the Golden Tower looked at me with a questioning expression.

“I’d say it’s almost certain, but there’s something I don’t quite understand.”

“This magic can’t be used by just anyone.”

“I’ve mastered colossal magic, so this level is nothing…”

“That’s not what I mean by being able to learn it. Memory Transformation Magic functions on a special principle.”

“They say that only those with a large volume of memories in their brains can use it.”

“It selects memories deemed unnecessary and converts them into magic power, so only elder mages can use it.”

“If one transforms memories beyond necessity, it could lead to a decrease in intelligence.”

“A decrease in intelligence means…”

“That it lowers one’s mental age.”

“I never thought her mental age was low, truly.”

“One more thing that confounds me is that this magic can’t be used for merely a day’s worth of memories.”

“No way!”

One of my questions had been answered. The reason she lost her memories each time she died and reincarnated.

‘She must have wiped all her memories right before dying.’

She probably erased several other memories as well. The human brain has limits when it comes to retaining thousands of years’ worth of memories. Thus, she converted the remaining memories into magic power.

In this way, she ended up with much more magic power than others.

No wonder her behavior seemed oddly juvenile for someone who had lived for thousands of years; if this hypothesis is correct, it explains why she kept losing her memories each time she reincarnated.

I don’t know why she wiped all her memories before reincarnating, but—

“Have you figured something out?”

Should I tell Master Ozwell Rockpelikan about this fact? When I retraced Stella’s past memories, he was her ally.

He was like a parent, having raised her as if she were his child.

“You don’t know much either… but can I ask you for one thing?”

He looked serious when he made his request. “That girl doesn’t listen to me—no, she listens well, but she’s a bit of a troublemaker.”

“I know what you’re trying to say.”

“She might listen to you, so please, make sure she never uses Memory Transformation Magic.”

*

“I wouldn’t say it if I weren’t going to do it.”

Who does she think she is, erasing memories at will? How could I open her heart?

Even if she tries to erase memories of me, I’ll make sure she remembers somehow.

I vow to find and catch her no matter where she runs away to.

That vow just came with an added condition; there’s been no change in what I have to do.

“First, I need to think of a countermeasure.”

As I gently brushed the hair off her forehead while she slept, I muttered softly.

“You’ll never escape; you are mine… forever.”

[Attention! We will arrive shortly at Adventurer’s Village Haren, Harem.]

“Stella, you should start waking up now.”

When I woke up to the voice, I realized I was lying straight in a chair.

Using the announcement as my alarm clock, I rubbed my eyes and got up to see—

Outside the window was a snow-covered landscape, like a white blanket enveloping the world, with the trees sparkling as if dressed in silver.

“Here… it’s been a while.”

My heart fluttered at the beautiful winter scenery, feeling as though I had stepped into a fairy tale.

Even in early June, snow was falling in this lively and peaceful village.

The train finally arrived at its destination and came to a halt, allowing the passengers to begin unloading their luggage.

The moment I stepped off with vigor, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me.

Walking on the snow, the scent of earth blooming reminded me of my childhood.

‘We used to play here together all the time…’

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? This place has developed a bit since the train came.”

“Really? But it’s only 2 PM; we arrived early?”

“Yeah, it worked out well. Want to look around for a bit?”

Row after row of small houses greeted me, the lively figures of village residents bustling about.

Various types of shops lined the streets, and among them stood a wizard’s shop and a weapon shop catering to barbarians.

“Nothing’s changed here… oh?”

That shaggy-bearded uncle… it’s Uncle Gallen!

In childhood, I used to gather wood in the forest with Nova and sell it to this uncle for pocket money. Our eyes met immediately.

“Oh? Hey, you…!”

I thought he approached me, recognizing me, but the one he spoke to was Nova.

“You’re Nova, right? How long has it been since you came back?”

“Long time no see, Uncle Gallen.”

“Whoa, kid! You seem to grow every time I see you!”

“I’m at the age where I’m growing. By the way, do you remember me, Uncle?”

As Nova pointed at me, Uncle squinted his eyes while looking at me.

Suddenly, he exclaimed as if realizing something.

“Hmm? I’ve seen that face before… ah! You’re that girl from way back when.”

The one who used to live with Nova in their childhood.

“Ahaha… hello?”

“I was worried when suddenly you disappeared after that! But you’ve come back looking this pretty… are you attending the Academy too?”

“Yes, I met Nova at the Academy.”

Uncle looked back and forth between Nova and me, then laughed heartily.

“Of course… you ran away, only for Nova to chase you to the Academy and end up bringing you back, right?”

“What are you saying?”

“It’s not wrong, is it?”

Who, in their right mind, would enroll in the Academy just because of a childhood friend?

Sometimes that fellow’s obsession can be terrifying. My level of attachment isn’t even comparable.

Right then, Uncle leaned in close and whispered something I couldn’t ignore.

“Be careful… that guy is famous among the adventurers around here.”

“For what?”

“As a killer of female adventurers.”

“…Huh?”

“Hold on, Uncle? What are you talking about?”

“Why wouldn’t it be true? So many girls wanted to form a party with you. He’s quite a famous veteran around here.”

“That’s not what it sounds like… yikes!”

“Hmm~~~ ah, I see… so Nova was quite popular…”

So there were a bunch of less-than-desirable girls who were even worse than bugs.

Nova is mine… he must only look at me… must only love me…

“Who are those adventurers?”

“Wait, stop! Uncle, we’ll talk later!”

Nova pulled me away quickly while hugging me from behind.

*

“Who was that?”

“…”

“Who was it, I said?”

At my question, Nova earnestly insisted.

“I told you, it’s really nothing. Nothing happened.”

“Then~ I trust Nova? I mean, I don’t think you’d do that.”

“Right…?”

“If you really fell for someone, I’d have to beat them up!”

“…”

“Why are you silent? Did something really happen…?”

“NO! Absolutely not.”

“Should I believe you?”

Once I received a solid assurance, my heart finally started to calm down.

Still, I should check at the Adventurer’s Guild later.

Who dared to overreach their bounds and covet someone else’s?!

“Now, what are you planning to do? Head straight home?”

“With this much time, I want to stop by somewhere first. Let’s buy some gifts at the store.”

Buying gifts? I wondered if he was picking something for his parents, but the items he chose were toys like toy swords or dolls that kids love.

With both hands filled with toys, he stepped out of the store, leaving me unable to hide my bewilderment.

His next destination was a fruit shop. What on earth?

“There’s an orphanage nearby, let’s stop by for a bit. There’s also a graveyard nearby, so let’s go together since it’s on the way.”

Nova walked while gazing at the sky with a mixture of anger and sadness.

I quietly continued to listen to Nova’s story.

“The orphanage was established after you were kidnapped by Akandis. Primarily, it was a place for children who were victims of human trafficking or slavery.”

“Really? Why are you looking after those orphans?”

“I don’t want other innocent kids to suffer like you did.”

“…”

“I just happen to be responsible for it… is this apple fresher?”

As Nova awkwardly picked up an apple, comparing it, I noticed his piercing gaze scrutinizing it.

It wasn’t the Insight Eye that should be used in such a case; this was my cue to step in as I had lived alone and could instantly discern discount products and which vegetables were fresh.

Even if I’m not great at cooking, I can check the freshness of fruits at a single glance!

“Step aside! Leave it to me!”

“Huh?”

I shoved him aside, scanned the apples, and tossed in the fresh ones into the cart with a swift motion.

My movements resembled those of an intricate robot.

“Stella, you know, the way you do things is like a seasoned housewife doing groceries?”

“Pfft! What’s that… it’s rude!”

I just developed household skills because I’ve been living alone.

Despite being tens of thousands of years old, I’m still just 17!

“If only I could cook that well…”

Now that would really be a shame, you bad guy.

After selecting the fruits and finishing the payment, Nova spoke up.

“Indeed, it feels nice to be back together. Coming here was the right choice, huh?”

“Yes! I really like it!”

It was just a simple outing to check out the town and shop, but it was an everyday happiness I hadn’t felt in a long time.

 

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