It had been two days since I told Tulpe I would be leaving the city.
Today, I was departing Edelweiss—my home.
The last time I had left this city, I was still known as Iris. I had even managed to reunite with old acquaintances from back then in my form as an Alraune. Since they didn't know my true identity, I simply greeted them with a "Nice to meet you," but that was enough. Knowing everyone in my hometown was still healthy and thriving made my heart feel light.
A lot had happened, but I was truly glad I came to Edelweiss.
I also said my goodbyes to the Village Chief’s son, who had looked after me back at the village. He thanked me over and over for saving him when the Urn Golem went on its rampage. He was incredibly enthusiastic, declaring he was going to make "Alraune Bread" at his bakery soon. I wasn't sure if the day would ever come when I’d see it, but I found myself looking forward to seeing what kind of bread it turned out to be.
My preparations for the route from Edelweiss to the Royal Capital were complete. Tulpe had shared everything she knew about the journey, so we shouldn't have any trouble. Still, one concern remained.
There was much that piqued my interest regarding the Alraune Faith reportedly sweeping the Royal Capital—a religion worshipping the Goddess of Beauty and Regeneration Alraune. However, there was no point in dwelling on it here. I decided I would deal with that headache once we actually arrived.
In addition to my farewells, the logistics for the trip were settled. The people from the Pilz Trading Company provided us with water and food. In fact, they gave us twice the amount I had originally requested.
"Alraune-san, you saved our lives. Please consider this a token of our gratitude," the Trading Company President had said, refusing to accept a single coin.
It was true that I had saved the members of the Pilz Trading Company, but I felt that business and gratitude should be kept separate. Still, it would have been rude to decline their kindness, so I accepted the supplies with a bow. I funneled the money we saved directly into the city’s reconstruction fund. Parts of the city were still in ruins due to the Urn Golem’s attack, and I wanted to be of some use to my hometown. To that end, I donated a considerable sum.
And now, we stood in the garden of the Duke's Mansion, loading the supplies from the Pilz Trading Company into a wagon. The servants had come to see us off and were helping with the heavy lifting, so quite a crowd had gathered.
As I watched the activity from beside the Wood Horse Golem, our new companion, Kusukusu the Sphinx, approached me with sparkling eyes.
"Hey, hey, Alraune-chan, this is a Golem, right?"
"That’s right."
"Amazing... Not only is it built like a tank, but it has an incredibly powerful force hidden inside! I’ve never seen such an irregular Golem before!"
"Is that so?"
"My family has been a lineage of Golem Users for generations, but even the greatest Golem in my clan doesn't even come close to this Wood Horse Golem!"
As she spoke, Kusukusu began rubbing her cheek against the Wood Horse Golem’s leg. It seemed she had taken quite a liking to it.
This Wood Horse Golem had originally been a mountain-sized giant. For some reason, the Prime Minister of the Demon King's Army—the Ice Dragon—had possessed it, but it was originally an ancient Golem said to have been created by the Goddess herself. That likely explained why it was so superior to the Golems of Kusukusu’s clan. I wondered how she would react if I told her that. Maybe I’d tell her later.
By the way, this Golem used to be a Frost Golem that manipulated ice, but when I seized ownership of it, it transformed into a wooden Wood Golem. After I changed its form into that of a horse, the Wood Horse Golem was born.
"Moreover, a wooden Golem is so rare! Are you the one controlling it, Alraune-chan?"
"Well, I suppose so."
I could control it manually, but now it mostly moved on its own. Because of that, it felt more like a cute pet than a tool.
"To think Alraune-chan was a Golem User too... and a higher-level Golem User than me at that..."
"Your face is pale. Are you okay?"
"I’m fine... I’ve just lost a bit of confidence... What even is my identity now...?"
Kusukusu buried her face against the Wood Horse Golem’s flank. I wasn't exactly a Golem User by trade, so I hoped she wouldn't feel too discouraged.
After comforting Kusukusu, I shifted my gaze to the covered wagon. My younger sister figure, the Amazoness Treant, was diligently loading the last of the luggage. Kiri the fairy seemed to be barking orders at her.
Just as I was wondering where the Little Witch was, my body was suddenly lifted. Someone had picked up the flowerpot I was in. I looked back and saw a woman with orange hair.
"Tulpe?"
"Iri... No, I came to see Alraune-chan and the others off. So you really are leaving today."
"...Yeah."
Reuniting with my sister, Tulpe, had been the greatest reward of coming to Edelweiss. I felt our bond as sisters had deepened even more than when I was Iris. That was exactly why a strong desire to stay in the city lingered in my heart.
"I’ll be lonely. If you’d like, you can stay in Edelweiss longer, you know? The Ducal House would welcome you all like family!"
"I’m happy you feel that way, but... I really have to go."
"I see... I suppose you're right. I understand."
Tulpe and I locked eyes. There were so many things I truly wanted to say, but I couldn't utter them here. In this city, Tulpe was the only one who knew that I, the Alraune, was actually Iris. I couldn't speak frankly with her while others were watching.
"...Hey, Tulpe."
"Yes, what is it?"
When we had our private tea party, I had started calling her "Big Sister Tulpe." However, suddenly changing how I addressed her in public felt awkward and embarrassing. I had deliberately called her "Tulpe" just now, but I regretted it immediately. As an Alraune, there might never be another chance for me to openly call Tulpe "Big Sister" again.
—Big Sister Tulpe.
That was how I wanted to call out to her. I wanted to cling to her, acting like the spoiled younger sister I used to be. But I couldn't do those things anymore. Perhaps such an opportunity would never come again. The thought was so painful that my heart began to waver.
"Alraune-chan... you know you can stay here if you want, right?"
"...Did it show on my face?"
"It did. Strangely enough, I can understand everything about you."
—Because I’m your big sister, Tulpe’s mouth moved to say silently.
Of course, she didn't say it aloud. Having to interact like this while hiding the fact that we were sisters was more frustrating than I ever could have imagined. I wanted to stay in Edelweiss for just one more day. I wanted to be with my family in my hometown. I didn't want to be separated, even for a little while.
"Actually, maybe the departure should be tomorr—"
"Alraune-sama! Everything’s ready!"
I heard Kiri the fairy calling out. The loading was finished, and Kiri was beckoning to me. The wagon was ready to depart, and the Treant was already sitting on the coachman's seat.
"Alraune. Let's go."
The Little Witch, who had been away for a moment, had returned. She came jogging over and spread her arms toward Tulpe.
"I will carry Alraune."
"I suppose you should... Rufe-san, please take good care of Alraune-chan."
My flowerpot was passed from Tulpe to the Little Witch. Tulpe’s gaze as she watched me with lingering affection pierced my chest.
"J-Just a little more..."
"We're going, Alraune."
The Little Witch carried me toward the wagon. I wanted to talk with Tulpe just a little longer, but I couldn't. We were departing this city now.
Once the Little Witch and I boarded the covered wagon, the Wood Horse Golem began to move. The wheels rattled against the cobblestones as we traveled through the grounds of the Duke's Mansion. Cradled in the Little Witch’s arms, I watched my childhood home grow smaller in the distance.
Then, a woman came running after us. It was Tulpe. Even though she was wearing a long skirt that made it difficult to run, she didn't seem to care as she waved her hand frantically. The wagon was faster, however, and the distance between us rapidly grew.
Seeing Tulpe’s figure shrinking in the distance, I couldn't hold back anymore. I raised a vine and waved.
"Tulpe!"
"Don't push yourself too hard, and stay out of danger! I’ll send you letters, so make sure you write back! Take care of yourself and stay healthy!"
Tulpe shouted back as she slowly came to a halt. Then, she cried out one last time:
"Safe travels—!"
After that, her mouth continued to move, shouting something else. Though her voice didn't reach me, I knew exactly what she said. My sister had wanted to call me "Iris-chan."
But her feelings reached me all the same.
So, I responded in kind while waving my vine with all my might.
"I’m going now!"
—Big Sister Tulpe.