Does the Assassin Girl Dream of the Mana Doll?

As they finished their preparations, they returned to Old Bob’s shop. Rita also came back.

“They’re actually going to hire me as a maid for the duke… What did you do, old man?” she asked, looking as if she’d been tricked by a fox.

The old man grinned. “I just asked an old friend for a little favor.”

Both Rita and Egret knew well of the old man’s extensive network as an information broker. Or at least, they thought they did….

They stared at him in disbelief, and even Ellie joined them.

“What are you all staring at? Tomorrow is Egret and Ellie’s departure day, and soon, Rita too will start her new job. Let’s have a grand time tonight!”

He seemed genuinely happy, like a grandfather sending off his grandchildren. With a smile, he picked up a bottle of sake.

And so, they spent the night being dragged around by the cheerful Rita, Ellie clinging to Letty, the old man teasing them both. As Letty got used to that atmosphere, she felt a strange sense of peace…

And so the next morning eventually arrived with the day of their departure finally upon them.

“Are you two ready?” the old man asked, checking their luggage.

Both Egret, who was used to travelling for work, and Ellie, who had been on many military campaigns, seemed to be well-prepared. In fact, their preparations were almost too perfect, making their new backpacks look out of place.

“Of course! I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long! I, the humble Ellie, will faithfully serve as Miss Letty’s travelling companion!”

“…I think you’re a little too excited.”

Ellie was overflowing with energy, while Letty seemed a bit overwhelmed. Despite their contrasting moods, the two oddly fit well together. That thought alone gave Letty some reassurance…

“Ellie, if you keep this up, you’ll be out of breath before we even get started.”

“Don’t worry, I could walk a hundred kilometers a day!”

“…I think I’d be out of breath before you….”

“I think you’d be dead.” Rita laughed teasingly.

Rita responded with a remark, but she couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that Egret was taking Ellie with her. She was never meant to be stuck in a place like this. She also thought Ellie would be better suited to a brighter place.

Hopefully she wasn’t wrong.

“Well then… let’s go.”

“Yes, I’ll miss you, but… Thank you, Bob, and thank you, Rita! I’m sure we’ll see each other again!”

Ellie bowed deeply, and both of them smiled at her.

“We’re the one who should be thanking you. Ellie, Egret, thank you. Be careful, okay?”

So much had happened in just a few days. That it felt strange. They had always helped each other, but it felt really different now.

Letty had thought long and hard, but she couldn’t find the right words to say to them. ‘Ah, how can I express this feeling’ Letty thought.

And so she managed to force the words out.

“…Thank you. I’m glad I have you two…”

… Ah, that’s it. Gratitude, regret, determination—they could all be expressed in that single phrase…

“Well then, we’re off…”

She looked into their eyes and said.

Waving goodbye, she walked out of city. She turned around once more and waved at them. Then, nodding to Ellie, she walked straight down the western road.

“They’re gone…”

“They’re really gone…”

They watched until the two figures disappeared from sight.

“I didn’t expect to feel so uneasy about sending her off. This is different from her usual travels.”

“I know what you mean. Egret was always so efficient. But that was when she had a clear target.”

“That’s true… but for now, she does have a clear goal.”

They were going west to see what Ellie wanted. Only Erget knew what that was. At least, the two left behind didn’t know about it.

“I hope she finds what she’s looking for.”

“I think she will. Egret’s changing.”

Of course, he knew that. But he hoped that the change would be for the better. He prayed that his old man’s worries were unfounded.

They continued to watch the road where the two had left.

After walking for a while, Ellie suddenly turned around. Erget stopped as well.

“…Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing important…”

She looked back towards Wols.

“Even though we haven’t been here for long, I feel a bit nostalgic. I’ve never felt this way before.”

She smiled, but it was a strange, puzzled smile.

“Yeah, me too… I’ve been to Wols many times, but…”

She felt a bit reluctant to leave.

A gentle breeze blew, carrying the warmth of early summer.

It brought her back to reality.

“…Let’s go. We’ll see them again… they’re strong.”

“Yes, they will be just fine.”

Letty smiled. It was a strange thing to say after such a short time, but she didn’t mind. She was a bit dazzled by how quickly she had grown so attached to Ellie.

And so, they continued walking. Their destination was the western border town of Azal. What awaited them beyond that, they didn’t know…

**Next: Similar yet Different**