After roughly a year of serving as a tutor, Adriana Barbora Tsetse set out on her journey once again.
Because her diary lacked any detailed records of that year, the specifics of her time there remain a mystery. Since her only note on the subject was that she "had managed to secure sufficient funds for travel," one can only speculate that those days were likely unremarkable, neither particularly good nor bad.
She continued her journey toward the west.
At that time, the region currently known as the Klein Kingdom was nothing more than a provincial territory with scattered towns.
"According to what Father told me, there should be a larger country further west called the Garandia Kingdom."
In terms of modern-day Ars, this area corresponded to the Kingdom of Franz.
＊ ＊ ＊
"So this is Lacapoe, the capital of the Garandia Kingdom."
Accompanied by her four golems, Adriana was quite the conspicuous sight.
"Now then, what should I do next?"
She still had plenty of travel money, but she lacked a clear plan. As she stood there, someone called out to her.
"Young lady, are you in some kind of trouble?"
"Ah, yes."
Looking toward the voice, she saw a man who looked like an elderly gentleman. His clothing appeared quite expensive.
"My name is Sane, and I serve the royal family. I see you are traveling with four golems. Might you be a magi craftsman from somewhere?"
"I am Adriana Barbora Tsetse. I am a Magi Craft Meister. I'm just traveling through."
"A 'Magi Craft Meister'? That is a title I'm not familiar with... However, did you say you are traveling? That is quite fortunate. Would you care to come with me? The royal family is currently looking for talented magi craftsmen."
Adriana paused to consider the offer. Seeing her hesitation, Sane spoke with a warm smile.
"I understand it may be difficult to trust a stranger so suddenly. If you feel inclined, please come to the Royal Palace. If you show this to the guards at the gate, they will grant you entry."
Sane held out a handkerchief embroidered with a crest.
"Thank you very much..."
Adriana thanked him and accepted the token.
"If you are looking for a place to stay, I recommend the Waterbird's Wing Inn just ahead. It is a bit pricey, but quite comfortable."
"Thank you again for all your help."
Adriana bowed and set off. The four golems followed her in silence. Sane watched her go, a small smile playing on his lips.
The Waterbird's Wing Inn was indeed a high-class establishment, and for Adriana, who had been on a long journey, it proved to be a sanctuary of healing.
The reason was simple: it had a bath.
"Uwaa... bliss..."
During her days as a tutor, her craving for a proper soak had been so intense that she had actually built a bath herself. The bath here was somewhat small, but it was still large enough for several people. She was perfectly satisfied, stretching out her limbs to her heart's content in the tub.
(What should I do...?)
It wouldn't be hard to find out if the royal family was truly recruiting magi craftsmen. If it were true, the real question was whether or not she should accept.
"If I can find out why they're recruiting, it would help me make a decision..."
Her funds were not infinite. Adriana decided that she would head into town the next day to gather more information.
The food at the inn suited her palate perfectly.
"It's been so long since I've had such a delicious meal..."
The bed in her room didn't use straw; instead, it featured a futon padded with animal fleece. She was able to sleep soundly without her body aching, waking up fully refreshed.
The next day, Adriana set out to explore the town and gather information. She took only F-002 along as her companion. Her reasoning was that bringing all four golems at once would make her stand out far too much.
"So there are things that look like golems here too..."
However, she didn't see any sophisticated models. Most were rudimentary Stone Golems.
(Ah, no wonder I attracted so much attention...)
Even a single precise golem like F-002 was eye-catching. Adriana reflected on just how much she must have stood out the previous day when she was accompanied by all four of them.
She browsed the food stalls and looked through the various tool shops.
(As I thought, there are almost no magic tools here...)
On that point, Adriana felt that the Leonard Kingdom was likely the most advanced.
(If I could use my power to help these countries improve...)
She believed that doing so would be a way to honor the will of her father, the magus Shuuki Tsetse, while simultaneously surpassing his legacy.
After a day of walking through the town and gathering information, Adriana confirmed that Sane had told her the truth. The King of this country was actively seeking talented individuals to improve the lives of his people.
Adriana felt that her golem technology—no, her magi-craft—could certainly contribute to that goal.
The following morning, Adriana headed for the Royal Palace with all four of her golems. When she showed the guards the handkerchief with the crest, she was granted entry immediately, just as Sane had promised.
She and her golems were shown into a reception room. After waiting for about twenty minutes while drinking some fragrant tea, Sane entered.
"Miss Adriana, I'm glad you came."
Adriana stood up and bowed.
"Yes. After thinking it over, I decided to accept the invitation."
"I welcome you."
First, Sane assigned a suite to Adriana. It consisted of a bedroom and a living room... and he even provided a workshop located a short distance away.
"I-Is this all right? I haven't done anything yet."
But Sane simply laughed.
"One look at those golems you've brought along makes your skill undeniable. I shall show you around the castle later today. Tomorrow, you will have an audience with His Majesty."
"I-I see."
Back when she was with her father, Shuuki, she had many opportunities to meet with powerful figures, so she wasn't particularly intimidated. She mostly just thought it was a bit of a hassle.
After unpacking her things, Adriana went out into the city once more to buy what she was missing and settled into her new space. Since bedding and furniture were provided, her purchases were mainly clothing.
"I don't have any formal wear, but... it should be fine."
She stationed the golems in the workshop and decided that they would take turns daily, with one acting as her personal attendant and another watching her room.
What she would create in the workshop was a matter for later.
"I'm so glad there's a bath..."
The castle had large public baths separated by gender, allowing her to soak comfortably. That alone made Adriana feel that coming here was the right choice. The futons were even higher quality than the ones at the inn she had stayed at the night before, making the environment so comfortable that she felt she could settle down for quite a while.
(But the final decision will wait until tomorrow...)
Tensing herself, Adriana reminded herself that everything depended on how the audience with the King went.
The next day arrived. Adriana was in the King's office for an audience—or more accurately, an interview.
"I am the King of the Garandia Kingdom, Harodolf Silage Garandia. Welcome, Magi Craft Meister Adriana Barbora Tsetse."
"It is an honor to meet you."
"His Majesty wishes to improve the lives of his people. Toward that end, he has decided to seek out talent from far and wide."
Sane stood beside the King and provided the explanation. His position seemed to be that of a secretary, or more plainly, the King's right-hand man.
"Adriana, we look forward to working with you."
"Um, what exactly is my role to be?"
"Please do whatever you believe will benefit this country and its people. As for the procedure, if you provide me with an outline of your idea, I will make a general assessment. If I deem it good, I will grant permission. A budget will then be allocated, and you may execute your plan within those means."
It was a remarkably loose arrangement, but Adriana felt a surge of motivation. With that much freedom, she felt she could accomplish a great many things.