Exiled Alchemist’s Frontier Life: A Former Elite’s Fresh Start in the Backcountry After Failing Again - Chapter 3: Arrival
“『We will soon arrive in Liet. Passengers alighting, please prepare.』
As the announcement came through the speakers, I looked out the window to see the vast fields, forests, and ocean spread before me.
“It’s quite lush with nature.”
“Isn’t it nice? I quite enjoy this kind of scenery too.”
It reminded me of a colleague from my past who once expressed a longing for rural life. At the time, I had retorted that rural areas were merely places to be sent away to, with no positive image whatsoever.
Looking back, it was a dismissive comment, belittling those who longed for such places. It was an element of my personality that likely made me unpopular.
And now, the very person who had made such comments had been sent away.
“What is there to do in the countryside?”
“On the contrary, what is there to do in the city?”
Well, I guess?
“Honestly, it didn’t matter to me, since I had no hobbies or friends. It’s all the same.”
“Let’s make an effort from here on. First, we need to build good relationships with our colleagues.”
“I understand. It’s not just about the August issue, but the Adele situation as well.”
If Adele hadn’t come to see me off, I would have never realized it. I have no intention of attending any reunions, but it’s certain that a major gossip session would have taken place.
“Also, I think you should be a bit more relaxed, Zeke-Sama.”
“Relaxed in what way?”
“You are a serious person, but you tend to be a bit of a workaholic. It would be better if you valued your private life more. At this rate, you might not even get married and end up dying alone.”
Marriage, huh…
“I don’t need it. I have you.”
As long as I have you.
“Zeke-Sama… I’m happy, but please don’t say such sad things.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll take care of my private life. It’s not just about women. I’ll even make a magical tool to catch fish.”
That sounds like a good idea.
“Wow! That sounds wonderful!”
Helen-chan looked up at me with delight. How adorable she is. I remember hearing that having a cat would delay marriage, and it’s certainly true. I don’t need anyone but her.
As I petted Helen-chan, the airship began its descent and landed smoothly. Once it came to a complete stop, I stood up and disembarked. Walking along the gangway connected to the dock, I passed through the gate and entered the city.
“It’s more prosperous than I expected.”
I had heard it was a frontier town, so I was expecting something more rural, but it was quite lively. It doesn’t have the splendor of the capital, but it’s calm and not bad at all. The roads are well-paved with stone, and though the buildings are old, they resemble modern structures.
This world isn’t as advanced as contemporary Japan, but it’s quite modern with airships, trains, and telephones. However, all of these are powered by magic rather than science. In fact, alchemy has driven the development of these technologies.
“It’s not at all like a countryside.”
“Indeed. Now, I have to start over from this place. First and foremost, I must avoid being disliked by my colleagues.”
This is crucial.
“I think that’s a good plan.”
“I’m counting on you, Helen-chan.”
You’re my only support.
“Leave it to me.”
“Alright, let’s go greet them.”
I’m scheduled to start work tomorrow. Normally, I would just show up the next day, but having been reborn, I’ll make sure to greet them in advance. Well, it was Helen who insisted I do so…
“Where is the branch?”
“I know the address, but…”
Without a map, I’m not sure. There should be some kind of directory around here.
As I started walking, I noticed a woman standing at the edge of the street. Normally, I wouldn’t pay her any mind, but she was intently staring at me while comparing something on a piece of paper.
“Do you know her?”
Helen-chan seemed to notice and asked.
“Um… I don’t think I know her…”
Though, with the Adele-san situation, I might have forgotten.
I’ve never been to this town before, but students from the magic academy come from various towns, so it’s quite possible she’s a classmate.
I took a closer look at the woman. She had shoulder-length brown hair and wore a flower hairpin. She wasn’t very tall, about 155 cm, and had a slender, yet feminine figure. Her face had a kind and charming appearance.
“I don’t know her.”
Who is she? Perhaps a recruiter?
“Really? Zeke-Sama has a history, you know.”
I’m aware of that. But I genuinely don’t recognize her.
During the airship ride, I had reviewed the graduation roster from the magic academy and refreshed my memory. Adele-san wasn’t just a classmate; she was even in the same practice group. I had hurt her more than I was hurt.
“Um… for now, I’ll just ignore her.”
“Zeke-Sama…”
Hearing Helen’s pitiful tone, I wondered if I had made the wrong choice as the woman started approaching us. I decided I couldn’t ignore her and waited.
“Excuse me, are you Zekevald Alexander?”
She knows me?
“Who are you?”
“Zeke-Sama!? Did you hear what I said!?”
I hadn’t said it aloud…
“Sorry. Can we start over?”
“Eh? Oh, yes.”
The woman nodded and then, for some reason, stepped back a few meters before turning and walking towards us again.
“Um, are you Zekevald Alexander?”
…Huh? From the beginning?
“…Yes. I am Zekevald. Excuse me, but have we met somewhere?”
Helen, perched on my shoulder, nodded with satisfaction.
“No, I am Erica from the Liet branch of the Alchemist Association. I’ve come to welcome you.”
She was a colleague…
It was good I started over…
“Thank you. However, my start date is tomorrow.”
“I heard you are from the capital. You might not be familiar with this town, so I thought I’d show you around.”
Erika smiled. Then her face began to distort in a strange way.
“Whoa… Helen-chan, the view is warping.”
“Zeke-Sama!? Stay calm! Don’t get disoriented!”
Is this a difference in human nature…? I hadn’t even thought of such a thing…
“Uh, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps from the long journey?”
“N-no, it’s nothing. I’m sorry, but could you show me to the branch? I’d like to greet the branch chief.”
“Yes. This way.”
Erika-san smiled and nodded, leading us forward as we followed her.”