All kinds of things happened throughout the following three years. It kinda sounds like a memorial poem thats recited during graduation, but really, its been all kinds of things.

I guess the worst was that man almost finding out about various things. Unrelated to what could have been exposed in specific, everything would have been bad, but the alcoholic drinks, seasonings, and sweet food would have been a disaster. I somehow managed to avoid it by taking various defensive measures while conspiring with the booze- and sweets-loving servants and maids.

All of it was the fault of that dumb Sword. Hes got my gratitude for teaching me many new things, but he likewise caused me a lot of trouble.

Its soon bout time for the wine to be ready, right?

Given that he recently started to repeatedly pester me about this, I decided to open up one barrel, although I wanted to let it rest for a bit longer. After a freeze disinfection treatment, I filtered the wine and bottled it up. As for the bottles, I ordered Sword to buy them since he kept meddling, poking his nose into the brewing matter in a fervent desire to take part in it.

Liquor and distilled liquor. Latter might be impossible to make without me being around. If you tried to make it without magic, itd require quite extensive facilities. Former is possible if you dont mind failures. All you have to do is to crush and mix the ingredients, and leave them alone after bottling it all up. Making sure that saprophytes dont breed is a major pain, though.

I strictly ordered the cook and servants to store the bottles in a cold place, threatening them that it might turn into poison or rot if left out in a warm place, or explode in the worst case.

The next day after I handed Sword the wine.

Time for me to head out soon. He suddenly informed me.

Is it correct to assume that you mean leaving this area?

Yep.

I see.

Now that he mentions it, this guy was an adventurer, wasnt he? Then again Ive never seen him do any adventuring. Most recently hes become more of a liquor warden.

Wanna come with me? He asked, once again all of a sudden.

It caused me to blink my eyes.

You been plannin to leave that mansion anyway, no? Or did you have a change of mind?

If not, how bout coming with me. I may look like this, but Im a fairly decent adventurer, so Ill teach you the ropes while stayin with you, if you become an adventurer.

I had planned to leave the mansion in around two years.

For women, puberty kicks in once they hit an age of 12. That still doesnt mean that Id be an adult, but my body would have stopped growing to a certain extent, and itd also clear up the changes in my physical condition after having entered this body. So Id planned to act depending on that knowledge, but

Its just that itd be two years earlier than planned.

Plans goin amiss is an essential part of life, right? So, you comin with me?

Hes got a point. Also, its safer to go with a guide rather than traveling alone. I think the guide part overpowers the difference of two years.

Okay, Ill go with you.

When I agreed while looking straight into his eyes, Sword laughed out loud, As usual, you got no femininity, whatsoever, totally actin like a guy. Anyway, lets go then.

He held out his hand, but I slapped it away.

Hey!

You think I could go with you on a becks call!? Even if I mightve been a freeloader, Ive still got to settle quite a few things!

This guy has kept me company for three years, but hes as selfish and whimsical as on the first day! How often does he think has that this character of his has given me trouble!?!

The time for preparation is too little on all accounts, but I must get at least some things ready.

Then again, most thingswere not really all that important. I borrowed some clothes and tossed them into the wonderful magic item called magic bag I had received from Sword.

Afterwards I visited the kitchen. Spotting me, the cook stopped what she was doing, seemingly having perceived that something unusual was going on, and came up to me.

Im sorry. The liquor brewing is over. Ive decided to leave this mansion together with Sword.

Is that so? Then allow me to deeply thank you for having graced us with imparting your magnificent wisdom upon us until now, Lady Indra. What shall we do about the remaining liquor?

Do as you see fit. Im not going to stop you from brewing or anything. I think its going to become fairly difficult without magic, but if you simply let it ripe after crushing the ingredients and allowing them to ferment, if you sterilize the storage containers with hot water, and if you dont mind a change in taste, I think it should be possible for you to still brew. You people are rather interested in drinking it right away than allowing its taste to mature by storing it away.

The cook burst out into laughter, and then bowed her head once more.

? What? Youre letting me go so easily? I had clearly expected you to hold me back from leaving.

The cook smiled wryly, We have been informed about this matter in advance by Sir Sword. He told us that he would take you with him, and that we should take your future course in life into account.

Huh? He did that? Unexpectedly he wasnt someone following sudden impulses?

I see. If he has told you about it in advance, he must have given it some thought, I guess.

Keep the recipe hidden. However, youre free to do whatever you want with it and its results. Thats all youll hear from me.

Milady, please make sure to lead a healthy and happy life for many years to come.

I shrugged my shoulders, I dont know about the part with the many years to come. This world is anything but kind.

While the cook had become speechless, I loosely waved a hand at her.

As far as Sword laying the groundwork for me was concerned, it saved me a lot of trouble as I didnt have to call together each and every single servant since he likely informed the rest of the staff, too. The last one remaining was the last boss Earl Springcoat, the master of the house.

His daughter always pounced on me whenever she found me even when I tried to steer clear of her, but her father stayed away from me for most of the time.

Oh, I found a butler!

What about Earl Springcoat?

He is currently in his office.

Then Ill go to bid my farewell to him.

The butlers eyes widened, and then he bowed deeply at me.

If I leave without extorting at least a small sum of money in celebration of my departure, I wont be able to get my revenge for my mother, right?

For the sake of your mother, you say?

As a means to extort some money from him, yep.

When I answered with a laugh, the butler revealed an awfully cramped and forced smile. After leading me up to the offices door, the butler knocked and informed that man about the reason for my visit.

Lady Indra has said that she would like to bid her farewell.

What?

I stepped into the room, facing him, who had turned around with a puzzled expression, with a scornful laugh.

Good day, Earl Springcoat. It is my great pleasure to still see you in fine health despite your senility. I, Indra, have decided to officially take my leave from this mansion on this occasion. As such I am calling upon you to receive but a small amount of a congratulatory gift for my departure.

That man stared at me in a daze.

Who are you?

Wow, it looks like his senility has become so bad that he doesnt even know who I am, huh?

It appears that your dementia has progressed quite a bit since our last meeting. I have introduced myself just moments ago, but allow me to remind you, my name is Indra.

You!!! What have you done with your hair!?

Why is he bringing up my hair now of all times?

I have been using this haircut for the last three years. I asked your daughter to cut them for me.

Primrose did this!? As if shed do something like that!!

Why are you deciding things to be as they suit you? Even an old, demential man like you should know that you cannot change the truth of it being sunny outside just by insisting that its raining.

He started to audibly grind his teeth.

Im not here to talk about something as unimportant as your daughter having cut my hair because you wouldnt give me money to get it cut by a barber. Cough up the jewelry of the dead woman and the allowance you didnt pay me so far. Ive been telling you that Im leaving this place, so get going and hand over the cash with a little extra on top. Thatll be the end of our relationship. Youre happy that you can cut your ties with me, right? So, pay up.

Me saying so caused him to become dumbfounded.

Y-Y-YouY-You werea man?

What are you babbling about, you demential geezer? Let me tell you once more, I breathed in deeply, and clearly stated, HAND OVER THE CASH You heard me now?

As if having come to his senses all of a sudden, he started to shout at me, Theres no way Id do that, is there!? In the first place, you say youre leaving this place? Its impossible for you to make a living after leaving this house, isnt it?

He probably thought that lame ending would impress me or something.

Thats none of your concern.

I forbid it!

Its not your choice to make.

What was that!?

Im very clear on who gave birth to me. But, you said it yourself in the past, didnt you? You might have forgotten because of your dementia, but my brain cells are still young and working, so I remember how you told me, You dont know whether Im your father, do you?. Why would I, the daughter of a woman who used to be the daughter of a Ducal House, need permission from you, an earl who denies being related to me?

You

He was furiously gritting his teeth, seething with anger.

You not being my father is convenient for me. However, you have embezzled and stolen the jewelry and money you should have handed over to me after my mother of ducal origin died, havent you? Give it back, all of it.

The man was lost for words, standing stock still, apparently frozen on the spot.

At that moment, the butler, who had gone off somewhere without me noticing, returned and bowed.

Over here you have the allowance and inheritance that is rightfully yours, as well as Her Ladyships jewelry, Lady Indra.

That man and I simultaneously stared at the butler.

Hannibal!!

Master, the butler stared at that man with an unusually blood-curdling look, unable to endure your and Her Ladyships treatment, Lady Indra collapsed after her body and mind broke down, and yet she miraculously came back to life. And then she turned her back on you, Master, and decided to leave this house, even if it meant discarding her nobility. She has put that decision into practice as of today. The only thing you can do is to kindly send her off. I believe you should also be able to understand as much.

The man trembled in furious anger, but then he suddenly grabbed one of the bags the butler had brought with him, and flung it on the floor.

There you go! Pick it up! Like the beggar you are! Hurry it up and get out of my eyes!

He made a huge racket as he ranted, so I kicked up the bag, making it smash against his jaw, just to fly right into my hands. Just as planned. Good job, me.

The man groaned while holding his jaw.

How about you drop everything on the floor? Ill kick up all of it so that it lands in my hands, of course after hitting you. I told him coldly, but probably because the pain was too much for him to bear, he didnt reply, nor did he carry out my suggestion.

Since it couldnt be helped, I took the rest directly from the butler.

Milady, ifyou wish to liquidate Her Ladyships jewelry, would it be alright for you to do it right now and here?

Mmh? Sure.

Very well, then please take this in exchange.

Oof, heavy.

It would cause some trouble if the jewelry of a lady, who used to be the wife of an earl and the daughter of a ducal house, was to circulate in the city

That seems to be the issue here. Personally Im fine with it as long as its money. Or to be more precise, Im fine as long as its enough money to allow me to lead a normal life.

Just when I had put the money into my magic back and started to walk off, Elder Sister! Is it really true that youre going to leave!?

Primrose aka birdbrain burst into the room.

Yes, it is. Make sure to do your best at learning noble etiquette. Goodbye.

No way! Dont go!

Dream on. I dont wanna stay in this mansion a second longer!

Im here, am I not!? And yet you still want to leave!?

If you tell me that you and that man get lost after making me the head of the family, I can put some consideration into staying, I suppose.

In response, Primrose started to tremble, and screamed, Elder Sister, I totally cant stand you!

Pfft, I laughed through my nose, then Ill pay you back by coming clean. I never liked you, and it doesnt look like this is going to ever change. So were equal on this!

Everyone in the room froze when I made that declaration.

Elder Sister, you dummy!!! Primrose yelled while shaking furiously, and then dashed out of the room.

Now then, time to go, huh? All nuisances are gone, so Im going to get out of here quickly.

Once I arrived at the usual spot, he was already waiting for me.

Surprisingly early, arent you?

No, thats what I should tell you, right? I couldnt tell how much time and effort itd take to extract the money, but it went unexpectedly smoothly.

On the way here I ran into the small accident of getting caught by the head maid. Somehow I got a farewell gift from her. She said that it was from her, the butler, and the other servants. Change of clothes and money.

As she explained it with, It is our thanks for the delicious cooking, liquor, and sweets, I accepted it without reservation.

I think its easy to make starch syrup, so please keep the sweets coming without paying any heed to the liquor team.

Okay, lets go then? Dont slap me this time, gotcha?

He held out his hand once again. Accepting my fate, I reluctantly grasped it.

Its true that Im a child, butI think it wouldnt be all that wrong to describe me as a lady at the age of ten, dont you think? So why would we need to hold hands?

A child shouldnt act like a grown up, so give it a rest, will you? It doesnt fit your character, you know?

What kind of character does he believe me to be?

When I directed a glare at him, he laughed and stroked my hair.