Chapter 4.1 - .

Chapter 4
I Am Not a Runaway Girl

Both men wore the same look.
Open suspicion.

“That’s strange,” the vice captain said. “Why would they add a note like this to a response meant for another country? If they were searching for a runaway girl, they could have submitted an official request and resolved it quickly.”

Angelina understood at once. That note was insurance. A safeguard, in case she fell into the hands of the one party Centrea feared most.

So they noticed faster than she expected.

Still, she remained calm. She had a plan.

“Oh, this hair and eye color?” she said lightly. “That’s because of this!”

She pulled a small vial from her pocket. The label read Color-Changing Magic Potion, along with cheerful slogans about meeting a new you and random colors for hair and eyes.

The same bottle she had shown at the border.

The captain and vice captain both leaned in.
Their eyes widened.

“So this color is from a potion?”

“Yes. It was expensive, but the seller said it would give me a rare color. I didn’t expect anything this extreme. And there’s another problem.”

“What problem?”

“This type doesn’t wear off over time. It needs a remover. I only found that out after using it.”

She explained smoothly.
‘’There are two types of color-changing potions. One is the type that naturally fades after a certain amount of time. This is the mainstream type, and the effect wears off over time, causing the color to return to normal. The other type requires a remover. This is for people who are serious about changing their color, and since it acts directly on the body, it will not return to its original color even if the hair is cut or grown out. In other words, it dyes the hair a semi-permanent color. For example, it is often used by people who have turned gray and want to dye their hair back to its original color,
This one was the second kind.’’
"It was fine for a while, but the color didn't go back at all over time. That's when I finally realized that maybe this was the type that needed a remover."

"Oh my goodness, what store and merchant did you buy it from?" "The merchant was gone. I asked people around me and they said they hadn't seen him for a long time." She looked helpless. “Sounds like a scammer,” the captain muttered. “An experienced one,” the vice captain agreed. They both looked at her with pity. I’m Sorry. It’s all a lie. “I went to several shops with the bottle,” she continued, “but no one recognized the label. Then someone said they’d seen a similar merchant heading toward the border.” She leaned forward, voice earnest. “So I packed quickly and chased after him. I swear, I’m not a runaway girl.” She emphasized that part. The vice captain hesitated. “ You seem… inexperienced and anxious.’’ “But that was too bold,” the captain added. “Yet somehow still easy to scam.” Angelina laughed it off. “Well, that clears up the misunderstanding. I’ll be on my way.” “Where are you going?” “It’s already late, so I was thinking of camping out for the night.” “In this forest?” “…Is that not allowed?” It was too late. And camping near the road felt more dangerous.
She was confident this was safer.

The captain let out a deep sigh. “You have no sense of danger.” “Huh?” “This forest is full of magical beasts. Leaving a defenseless woman alone in a place where anyone could show up while she sleeps isn’t acceptable.” Anyone could show up… She suddenly realized something. Everyone here was male. Angelina went pale. “Don’t misunderstand,” the captain said quickly. “My men would never do such a thing. But we still need to be cautious.” Be cautious how. Silence them forever. “P-please, spare my life!” “Why does your imagination always go in that direction? I mean you should stay here tonight.” “…Here?” Angelina blinked. The vice-captain clapped his hands. “That makes sense. The captain’s tent is the safest place. No idiot would dare attack that one.” “B-but allowing someone like me to use such a comfortable place—” “There’s a special barrier on that tent. We even use it as a civilian shelter during emergencies. It’s fine.” “But still—” “Consider it a reward for the information you gave us.” With that, the captain quickly packed his things. Then he lightly tapped the vice-captain’s shoulder and pulled back the tent flap. “I’m borrowing half of your tent.” “It’ll be cramped, but it can’t be helped.” So that meant, I got the bed and everything else. “No, no, that’s too much! I only need a small corner. I can sleep on the floor or the ground just fine!” “Don’t push yourself with such a thin body.” “I’m not pushing myself. I really can sleep anywhere. I can fall asleep quickly, anytime.” “I can’t tell whether you’re tough or delicate.” It was probably a habit. Or the result of being overworked at the temple. In the end, she lost the argument. She borrowed the edge of the tent and the bedding. With a bed this nice, I’ll fall asleep in three seconds.
Maybe less. Good night— Morning came early. Angelina woke before sunrise, but everyone else was already up.
The captain was issuing orders. They were preparing to move out. ‘’I overslept.’’ When she hurried to greet them, they said it was fine. The decision had been sudden. Apparently, they had received orders from the capital during the night. “Considering what happened two years ago, they decided to reassess the Saintess of Warding and withdraw the request.” Just as the Central Kingdom had planned. She thought she was prepared.
Still, it hurt. It felt like she had been discarded. “So what will you do now, Miss Angelina?” “I’m heading to the Kingdom of Rizzoldo-Lobardia.” “Our country?” “Yes. First there. Then I plan to go to the Caesaria Empire.” She answered while carrying her luggage and helping clean up. Officially, she was chasing the fraudulent merchant.
But now that she was free, she wanted to see the world. “But it isn’t exactly safe right now. Are you sure?” He looked concerned. He remembered the discussion about the mass migration of magical beasts. If there were signs, it would happen. Scale didn’t matter.

But it was fine. Angelina nodded without hesitation. “I want to see the breathtaking scenery. The rugged mountains and the clear blue sky.” Her eyes sparkled. Her grandmother had told her about it. A place worth protecting. From now on, she would choose what she wanted to protect.. “So you’re willing to come all that way to our country?” “Yes. I’ve studied it in books. Its history and culture are fascinating.” The captain smiled gently. Anyone would be happy to hear their country praised. That warm gaze reminded her of her grandmother. “Do you have a family? Did they oppose your journey?” “I don’t. After my grandmother, who raised me, passed away, I’ve been alone.” “…I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry.” “It’s okay. I’m used to it.” This much didn’t hurt anymore. She smiled lightly. “I no longer have a place to return to in the Central Kingdom. So I really am not a runaway girl.” The warmth was gone. So there was nothing tying her there. Let the Saintess be useless. Let her be the villain.
She would build her own place elsewhere. A warm hand gently patted her head.
It belonged to the captain, who looked slightly troubled. “…I can’t take my eyes off you.” “Huh?” “Never mind. If you’re going to our country, come with us.” “Th-that—” “Protecting travelers is part of the job. Do you mind?” Don’t make that sad face.

Guilt filled her chest. “…Please take care of me.” He relaxed. A faint smile curved his lips. “By the way, may I keep that potion bottle for a while?” “Of course. What will you do with it?” “I’ll ask around. And once we return, I’ll check with the appropriate department.” He really is kind. So I’ll distance myself slowly.
Carefully. Without hurting him. The vice-captain ran over. “Captain. Everyone is ready.” “Then let’s go.” The captain picked up his pack and extended his hand to Angelina.
An escort.
He looked experienced. “Miss Angelina too?” “Her destination is Rizzoldo-Lobardia.” “Oh, sightseeing? That’s rare right now. But welcome.” The soldiers relaxed. Don’t worry. I’ll protect the country from magical beasts. As long as I’m here, they won’t trample it. My power isn’t just warding. There’s a reason my grandmother taught me magic theory and rituals. Warding is limited. That’s why it’s versatile. “Shall we go, Miss Angelina?” “My name is a bit long. Please call me Angu. I’m not really an ‘ojō-sama,’ so just the name is fine.” “Angu?” “Yes. Only my grandmother used it.” Angu.
It was my secret name. “Angu… that’s cute. Then call me Gilbert.” “Captain Gilbert.” “Call me Feres as well.” “Vice-Captain Feres. Nice to meet you.” But that secret was over.From now on, she wanted many people to call her name. Angelina
now Angu
smiled. The two men froze for a moment. Her black hair swayed softly.
Her amethyst eyes shimmered. “That’s dangerous in many ways,” Feres muttered. “Don’t touch her,” the captain said calmly.

“Captain, you too.” Let’s go. Full of energy, into the land of magical beasts. Unaware of the intense gazes around her,
Angu headed toward the Kingdom of Rizzoldo-Lobardia.