The Returnee Wants Peace

A leather-bound notebook with no title written on it.

At first glance, it looked ordinary, but in fact, this was an item imbued with Froy’s ability.

With the function of exchanging each other’s writings in real-time, the power of the ability overlaid like delicate fibers on each sheet of paper was at an amazing level.

‘He said he was inspired to create this after seeing me handle abilities…’

I’m not sure exactly which point inspired him.

By the way, what should I call this? Pen pal? Handwritten chat?

-Rosha. If I don’t get a reply within 30 minutes, I’m coming to find you.

Just then, elegant and long handwriting appeared in the notebook as if by magic. It was Froy’s handwriting.

Rosha hurriedly took out a small pen and replied.

-Don’t worry, nothing’s wrong. I’m currently traveling by carriage.

-You respond quickly when I say I’ll come find you.

“…”

As she paused, not knowing how to reply, writing immediately appeared below.

-It’s a joke.

-…(° ^ °)

Perhaps because they had grown closer while being together.

She hadn’t noticed before, but he had a subtly mischievous side. If he were next to her, she would have glared at him, but now she could only regret not being able to do so.

Rosha moved her pen diligently.

-How’s the situation in the capital?

Except for Nardil, who was driving the horse next to the carriage, most of the people she was associated with were in the capital.

This was because suspicious movements in the Imperial Palace had been detected while public attention was focused on the conquest party.

So Froy was secretly investigating it in cooperation with Cedric.

-There are no significant findings yet, but you should focus on the immediate trial without worrying about this side. We agreed that you would handle the trial, and I would take care of the capital side, didn’t we?

-But you said you had a lot to tell me. (ㅡ3ㅡ)

-It’s not the story you’re expecting. It’s news like whether you heard about the restriction from Lady Marian, or how Cassis Aper, shocked, demolished part of a building. By the way, what are those pictures you’ve been drawing?

-They’re expressions of my feelings. But did you say he demolished a building? _?!

-Yes. He destroyed part of the separate building where the prince was staying. Fortunately, your eldest brother handled it well. He commands quite capable people.

People?

Suddenly, Cedric’s ‘shadows’ came to mind.

Though she didn’t know much, she knew that term referred to the subordinates Cedric commanded.

‘I don’t know when he created such a thing… but it seems even the old butler knows about their existence.’

Rosha’s thoughts stopped as she saw Froy’s handwriting appearing slowly.

-How are you doing? I know you said you were confident about this trial, but if it gets difficult, call me anytime.

It was written in a casual tone as if it were nothing. However, the strokes that curved more than usual betrayed deep concern.

To say this now, the reason her companions, including Froy, didn’t participate in the conquest party was because Rosha said there was no need for them to come.

Because she was confident enough on her own.

-Yes. I told you not to worry.

Trials have compatibility too. Although it might be hard mode, she was certain this trial was the optimal match for her.

Moreover…

‘This is a trial I’ve experienced before.’

The point when Rosha fell into the previous world was in the middle of the fifth trial in full swing.

However, back then, she had no abilities and could only run away desperately, so it was from the sixth trial that she properly participated in the conquest.

In other words, unlike everything up to now where she only heard about the content indirectly, this time it was a trial she had experienced firsthand.

Whish-

Just then, a white, delicate flower petal flew by in a curve.

An element completely out of place for the season.

As she slightly opened the window, a warm breeze was blowing through the forest where the snow had already melted.

Being halfway up the northern mountain range, the snow should have increased rather than melted. Yet here, as if spring had come, green grass was growing on the exposed soil.

-Froy, just a moment. Let’s continue talking later.

-Why? Did something happen?

Unfortunately, there was no time to explain in writing. She thought she caught a glimpse of the expression ‘ㅇㅅㅇ?’ that didn’t match his handwriting, but Rosha soon closed the notebook.

For good reason.

Just then, a field full of blooming flowers appeared before her eyes.

Warning! The sixth trial is approaching this area.

Along with a brief blue window.

* * *

Froy stared blankly at the notebook. He was disappointed that the conversation had been cut off.

He even drew expressions like her to elicit a response from Rosha, but there was no reply from her after that.

‘I should believe nothing’s wrong…’

He could travel to her anytime using the notebook Rosha had as a medium.

However, the reason he didn’t was not only because he trusted her abilities but also because he had things to look into in the capital.

“Dig a bit more to the side, not there.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

In a deserted alley on the outskirts of the capital.

Froy, leaning against a wall, watched Cedric Aper’s subordinates digging the ground.

Like their master who was in the Empire’s Secret Intelligence Service, his ‘shadows’ weren’t great fighters but seemed to blend into their surroundings like air.

Cooperation with Cedric Aper was better than expected.

‘Of course, it’s partly because my perception of him has improved thanks to Rosha.’

Froy’s thoughts returned to Rosha again.

He still couldn’t clearly explain his feelings for her.

There was still much to uncover, like the unknown memories.

However, he enjoyed being with her.

As a result, he was gradually coming to like her family, the people around her, and even this world he stood on.

He was concerned about whether he was becoming too soft and forgetting his purpose, but this current feeling wasn’t bad. Rather, he welcomed it.

‘…Maybe it’s okay to keep staying together like this.’

Thanks to Rosha, he looked forward to the days ahead. It was something he couldn’t have imagined before.

Just then.

“Oh, I think I’ve found something.”

One of Cedric’s subordinates spoke up while digging. Indeed, something shiny like a crystal covered in dirt was caught on the tip of the shovel.

It was a magic stone.

Not just one, but an enormous amount of magic stones were buried in this ground.

“Young master… This amount is enough to destroy part of the capital.”

“I didn’t expect so many magic stones to be buried here, when this isn’t even a particularly important area…”

“No wonder. I thought the movement of goods in the Imperial Palace was suspicious.”

Cedric furrowed his brow and stroked his chin, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Froy focused on the cloth buried with the magic stones. After shaking it off thoroughly, he saw that the surface of the cloth was densely written with magic formulas.

‘Hmm… I don’t know how long they’ve been preparing this, but at least I think I know which direction to go now.’

Because Rosha was an outstanding magician, he had learned a lot over her shoulder.

After confirming the direction the magic formulas were heading, he turned his head and said:

“Let’s go. It seems there are more places like this.”

If possible, I’d like to resolve this matter before Rosha returns…

He had a feeling things wouldn’t be resolved so easily.

* * *

Warning! The sixth trial is approaching this area.

Time remaining until the sixth trial: 2 days 20 hours. Prepare for the trial!

Rosha dismissed the blue window and looked around.

It was a beautiful field with colorful flowers in full bloom. Despite it being winter, a warm breeze was constantly blowing here.

“There’s plenty of time, but… we should be careful.”

Koko muttered, looking at the conquest party unpacking on one side of the field.

The reason for his words was simple.

Once you’ve cleared enough trials, you realize that what you need to be careful of is not the trial, but people.

‘…I hope it won’t be like that this time.’

Rosha’s gaze, which had been scanning the mercenaries with worried eyes, soon turned to Sir Nox.

As it happened, he was approaching her.

With an oddly awkward gait.

‘Why is he like that?’