Chapter 7

We traveled for a week in a rickety cart to reach the border lord's territory.

My younger brother Kail is seven years old. His aptitude is the same as Father's, the fire attribute.

Surprisingly, he had the same skill as the village chief's son, a swordsman.

When he was little, Kail was as cute as a doll, but now he has grown into a boy and sometimes practices swordsmanship.

He says he wants to hunt like Father when he grows up.

Kail, who was put on the cart without much explanation, is happy, not really understanding the difference between moving and traveling.

He didn't have any friends his age in the village, so he probably doesn't have any lingering attachments.

I don't have any lingering attachments to the village either.

It was a village where people threw stones at Father. I'm glad we left.

As long as I'm with my family, I can live anywhere.

Fortunately, our family managed to save a decent amount during the war.

Since such an opportunity doesn't come often, Father and Mother seem to have decided to enjoy the family trip.

Every time we passed through another territory, we bought rare foods and went sightseeing.

Eating out at the inn's dining room was a first for Kail, and he was overjoyed.

Thinking about it, moving might have been better than living in that remote village all our lives.

I started to feel that way.

It was a fun journey.

◇

The Caius border lord's territory.

It's a vast land at the westernmost part of the country, with a good climate.

There are four seasons, and various crops are grown there.

What surprised me when we arrived at the border lord's territory was how much more vibrant and urban it was than I had imagined.

It could easily be mistaken for the capital.

There are many shops, women wearing fashionable dresses, and a lot of delicious food for sale.

It feels like we've come on a sightseeing trip.

Oh, that's a term from my previous life.

The border lord's territory had lost many of its people due to the war, so they were recruiting people to work in agriculture, and Father knew about this information.

Because of our experience growing cotton and medicinal herbs, we were able to register as residents immediately.

The fact that we have two earth mages was also a significant point in our favor.

Even though we are uneducated farmers, our aptitudes turned out to be useful in unexpected ways.

The house and farmland we were given are technically on loan from the border lord, and we have to pay taxes.

The taxes are much higher than when we lived in the village.

Farming with just three people has its limits.

We don't know anyone in this new land, so hiring help is difficult.

After finishing the unpacking and having a family meeting, I decided to share my resolve.

"I've decided to stop hiding my abilities here."

"What? Why?"

Mother immediately opposed it.

But I thought hiding my abilities had its limits.

In a border lord's territory with a large army, there will always be a demand for medicinal herbs.

It's better to show our true capabilities from the start.

If we can create a medicinal herb garden that no one can match and receive preferential treatment, no one will complain.

I suggested that growing medicinal herbs would be better than cotton, which has a low price per unit of land.

And another resolution.

I won't hide my storage skill.

I'll use it in business.

Even if it leads to a military conscription request during the next war, I won't be fighting on the front lines.

In this world, there are healers who sometimes go to the front lines, but that's different.

The storage skill is only for logistics and rear support.

"Why would you think about joining the military? Be honest with me."

"Well... I don't really understand the complicated stuff, but if the storage skill is discovered and the country issues an order, we won't be able to refuse, right? But if we're employed by the border lord's territory, we can stay here. Being taken to the capital by the country would be worse because we can't farm there and our family would be separated."

"I see, you've thought that far."

Father, unlike Mother, didn't immediately oppose the idea. He crossed his arms and thought about it.

For our family to live in the border lord's territory, exporting medicinal herbs is essential.

With Mother and me using earth magic, we can produce a large amount of high-quality medicinal herbs.

Moreover, without needing a cart, Father and I can handle the transportation.

I know it's difficult to hide such abilities, especially in a place that isn't a small village. It's better to assume it will be discovered eventually.

"Alright, I understand. However, Alice, you must go to school. How about studying medicinal herbs there? The border lord's territory has a school similar to the capital's, and both nobles and commoners attend. With your magic power and skills, you should be able to enroll."

"Really?"

"When you were judged for your aptitude, didn't the priest recommend the capital's school? People with high magic power are favored. If you've decided not to hide, it might be good to show your full capabilities and get the border lord's protection."

"I'm against Alice leaving home. It's too dangerous. What if a strange noble takes an interest in her?"

"We are commoners. If that happens, we can just move somewhere else. Isn't that right?"

Father smiled at me with a carefree grin.

"That's right! Father, Mother! My storage has enough crops to feed our family for years! We can survive even if we hide in the mountains."

"That's true... We should save more in case we need to move again. With Alice around, we can do that."

"That's a good idea. We can travel the world with our family and not have to carry any luggage."

As a result of the family meeting, I decided to take the entrance exam for the border lord's school when I turn twelve.

Father arranged for a private tutor so I wouldn't be underestimated as a commoner.

I was told to study hard for two years and ensure I get good grades to enter the school.

I think going to a place with nobles won't be easy.

I studied hard.

I was a high school student in my previous life, so I'm good at exam preparation.

I wanted to go to a national university. My grades were that good.

I aim to enter the magic department, not the general or commercial departments.

There, I will use magic extensively and aim to have the highest magic power in the world!