One's Eden: Hanayuki Travel

Chapter 5: Until the mage girl and I met again

I wonder how long has it been since I left the Country of Magicians.

Should be about six months.

After I met her, and after she returned the medal, half-year has passed already it seems the thing called time flow is a very fast thing.

I already drifted so far that I'd say "Country of Mages? Where's that?"

What reminded me of that person I met in that country, was her name that I saw when I casually entered a bookstore.

(List of people who recently passed the Apprentice Witch exam.)

It was the bundle of cheap-looking papers that was a monthly newspaper of the mysterious organization called the Holy order, which held the ceremonies of Apprentice Witch promotion exams worldwide. Its cover was decorated with the results of the promotional examination results, and with the comments of the successful participants.

And her name was also there.

"Hey! Look at you standing and browsing it."

The newspaper was confiscated by the shopkeeper that came out from the store.

"...”

I wanted to keep reading it.

"If you want to read it, then buy it."

"How much is it?"

"One copper coin."

I paid.

Then.

Taking the newspaper in hand, I came back to the inn while humming, then took the chair near the window and continued reading.

Written there was her everyday troubles and her aspiration towards the future.

About her coming to the Country of Mages few years ago along with her sister. About her sister easily passing the Apprentice Witch exam and returning home. About the meeting with a certain traveler, receiving a beautiful hat and the courage to fight alone from her. About attempting the test several times after meeting that traveler but ending up failing. Yet, continuing with great effort without giving up, and finally becoming an Apprentice Witch. About planning to return to my hometown from now on, and starting training in order to become a Witch.

I unintentionally loosened my face.

Her drawn-out story came to a finish with these few words.

"When I return to the hometown and become an adult, I will go to meet that traveler I love so much."

Dropping the newspaper on the desk, I looked up at the sky. Thoroughly clear light blue sky that kept continuing far across the distance without end.

I wonder if she's there, on the opposite side.

"I'll wait patiently as I continue my journey… Noire.