Chapter 96: Crying Sophia-chan

　The epidemic in the royal capital shows signs of ending.

　But, it seems that as people move around, the disease is spreading to the outskirts of the royal capital. Henry was the one who told me about this, when he dropped by my store last night on his way home from work.

　It seems that the Magic Department has decided to make potions locally depending to the situation. He said that eight people including kyrias-kun had left for the region. Kyrias-kun is in high demand at all kinds of locations.

“Most of the patients are cured with potions from the magic department, but those who are weak seem to become seriously ill. So, …… His Majesty said that if you would agree, Mai, he would be grateful if you could provide him with some potions.”

“I’d be happy to. I think I should be able to make about twenty more barrels of potions.”

“It would be much appreciated if you could provide that much. We don’t know what might happen, so we want to avoid the wizards using up all their magical power in making potions. I will speak to the Magic department about it. Is it okay if we just say you’re an acquaintance of His Majesty this time as well?”

“Yes, please do so. Um, will you be going to the provinces too, Henry?”

“No, I will not. There are excellent civil servants in the provinces too. Fufu.”

　I’m sure the reason he laughed at me at the end was because he could see that I thought (I’m going to feel lonely on this long business trip). It’s a bit frustrating.

“Yum!”

　This honest impression is from Sophia-chan. Sophia-chan is eating a sausage bun next to me. Mr. Henry came earlier than usual today to buy take-out lunch. He said he couldn’t go out to eat yet, so he changed his time with the other civil servants to his lunch break. And it was almost one o’clock.

“Isn’t it unusual for Sophia-chan to be here until this hour?”

“Yes. They usually come to pick her up before twelve o’clock. I hope something hasn’t happened to Karin-san. I’m sure Victor has the message magic pendant, so I’ll ask him just to be sure.”

“Message magic is really useful. If I could use it, I could work more efficiently.”

　Mr. Henry looks envious. Are you planning to work any harder than this?

　A woman came in with a pot to buy food to take home, and she had a boy about Sophia’s age with her. Probably a mother and son. Sophia, who had been munching on her sausage bun, stopped eating and followed the two of them with her eyes. The look of envy on Sophia’s face was clear, and it made my heart ache.

　Sophia probably has no memories of her mother, but she seems to be envious.

　

　When I saw my friends excitedly shouting, “Oh, it’s my Mom!” on open school day, I wondered if I had the same look on my face.

　Before I could speak through the magic in the pendant, I heard Victor’s voice giving me instructions.

“You are not allowed to pass through there. Please go around.”

“Victor, it’s Mai.”

“Oh, Miss Mai. I’m sorry, but the old sake brewery that was scheduled for demolition has collapsed. There are a lot of onlookers, so we’re stepping in to cover it. Is something the matter?”

“I’m sorry to bother you when you’re busy. Karin-san hasn’t come to pick Sofia up yet. I have no problem taking care of her, but I was worried something might have happened to her. Do you know if there is anything wrong?”

“No, I haven’t heard anything. I’m sorry, but it will be a while before I can come and pick Sophia up.”

“I understand. Please don’t worry about Sophia. I’ll look after her until Karin-san arrives, so please concentrate on your work.”

　As soon as the call ended, Henry asked worriedly, “What’s wrong?”

“The old brewery collapsed and it looks like it’s a disaster. But the market and the brewery are going in completely different directions, so it has nothing to do with Karin-san being late.”

“Grandma, Grandpa, Congratulations.” 

　Sophia blurted out.

“Henry, didn’t Karin-san go to buy something for Mr. Viktor?”

“Maybe she did. Sophia, can you tell me again?　Where did Grandma go?”

“Grandma, work.”

　Sophia looks confused. That’s not the right way to ask a three-year-old.

“Sophia, what did grandma say she was going to buy?”

“Grandpa, congratulations.”

　A gift? Even so, it seems unusual for Karin, who is a firm person, to be two hours late. Besides, even if she was buying a gift for Victor, would she leave Sophia-chan with someone else and go all the way there without saying anything?

“I’m going to go to Karin’s workplace to check on her. Henry, please go back to work. Sophia, wait here. I’m going to look for Grandma. Sandor, I’m going out for a bit, I need you to take care of the store.”

　As I stood up, removing my apron, Henry grabbed me by the arm.

“Calm down. It’s dangerous to go out in such a hurry.”

“But I’m worried. I want to check on her as soon as possible.”

　Then suddenly Sophia started to cry. Damn it. I was so upset that I made her feel uneasy.

“Where’s Grandma?　Grandma, I want to see you.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, don’t cry. Grandma has something to help me with. I’ll go and look for her, so please wait here.”

“Waaaah. I want to see grandma. Waaaah.”

　Sophia spilled so many tears that I was amazed that a human being could shed so many tears in an instant. She slid off the chair, cowered to the floor, and began to sob. No matter what I said to her, her crying got louder each time.

　I thought maybe letting her cry for a while would calm her down, but even after a short break she would start bawling again. I got scare she’d eventually draw some attention.

“I’ll go with you. If it’s Ms. Karin’s smell, Sophia knows best. Maybe she can trace her scent.”

“Eh?　No, we can’t go with her. If we take Sophia out with us, we might miss each other.”

　Henry was thinking deeply, his fingertips brushing his lips. His fingers stopped and he stood up.

“No, let’s take her with us. We won’t get crossed off. You can talk to Mr. Sandor and Mr. Albert through the ear cuffs, can’t you?　Sophia-chan even as a human, has a better sense of smell than us. By the way, can we count on those delivery guys?”

“We’re all on a tight delivery schedule. But, Mr.  Henry, what about your job?”

“It’s okay if I’m late. I’ll call you on the way.”　

“it’ll be fine even if I’m late. I’ll let them know on the way.”

　I left  the store in Albert’s hands and headed out. I wondered how he would ask someone to contact him, but then he went into a nearby clothing store and started negotiating with the owner. He handed him a note and some coins and he came out right away.

“They will trust you if you’re in a civil servant uniform. They come in handy in situations like this.”

　Sophia was still crying in Henry’s arms. I  can’t help but imagine the worst and can’t calm down. I brought my own potion just in case, but please don’t let me have to use it.

　We eventually arrived at Karin’s workplace. When I asked the shop staff about Karin, they were surprised and said, “She left at the usual time. Hasn’t she come to pick her up yet?” Sophia, who had finally stopped crying after hearing our conversation, started crying again, “Grandma, Grandma.”

　Mr. Henry moved to the alley and put Sophia down. He squatted down so that he and Sophia were on the same eye level, then spoke to her.

“Sophia, let’s look for your grandmother together. Let’s race to see who can find her first. Me?　Mai?　Or even maybe you?”

“It’s Fee-chan!”

“Okay, then let’s try to find grandma’s scent now.”

“Yeah!”

　Henry was surprisingly good with Sophia.

“Come on, Sophia, try to find your grandmother’s scent.”

“Okay!”

　Sophia-chan, red around the eyes, tightened her expression

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