"Thank you for all your help, young miss! We, the people of this village, will never forget about all you did for us. Please let us know if there is anything we can help with. We will be sure to do it for you."

The mayor moved his over-sized body to thank Layla and her companions.

Most of the people in the village had chosen to work, and those who had not were about to take the opportunity to travel the world.

These people had never dared leave this village because of its curse.

A little more research on Mary's part (torture) revealed that it had all been due to Count Pablo and his scheming mind.

The Count wanted to have the mana mien for cheaper than the market price, so not only did he introduce those demonic beasts in that mine, but he also deployed a magician to put a barrier on top of the village that would resemble a curse.

It caused the villagers to suffer, and many died, but the Count did not care about it.

These villager's safety and the curse-breaking were the last thing on Layla's mind. She had not even considered it a likely option among the things she wanted to accomplish when she came here.

But now that this side-effect had happened, she would not complain about it. There was no reason for Layla not to take this credit, even if she had no intention of this outcome coming to fruition.

"Please, don't mind it. Our miss is still young, so she looks a little speechless after that happened. Don't take her silence as a rejection. We will surely visit you again."

Mary took charge, and her pleasant face and mild manners made her popular. The demoness also took full advantage of her popularity to gain these people's trust.

"Tsk, look at Mary. Anyone can tell that she is a demon based on her reaction. If only these people knew her real face…they wouldn't be so friendly with her."

Raziel shivered as he remembered the spartan teacher he was used to.

He had not been allowed even a day of rest during his training. Even now, Mary was counting down the days when she could resume Raziel's training. This made him feel scared of his master.

Layla only shook her head at her attendant, and her silence spoke volumes about what she thought about this situation.

"Alright, miss! It is time for us to head out. I am finished greeting the village."

Mary came back to the carriage with a happy smile on her face.

It disturbed Layla, and she chickened out of asking Mary what made her so happy. Raziel had the same thoughts, not knowing why his master was smiling like this.

But Mary did not let it get to her, and she breached the conversation topic next.

"Ah, that reminds me! Do you mind if we take a small detour from here, master? I promised you I would take you to get a weapon you can use to protect yourself, right? I've got word that the smit I sought will be in a nearby village."

Mary sounded excited, and her tone told Layla she wouldn't take a 'no' for an answer.

'Since she knows I won't say 'no,' why did Mary bother asking me about going anyway?'

Layla had this thought but did not express it. Instead, she verbally gave Mary the answer she wanted.

"Let's head to the village where you want to. I have a few days to spare before my new academy semester starts. But make sure we get back before the student exchange test. I want a fair shot of getting into the academy early."

That was one of Layla's life goals, and she was ready to do whatever it took to get to the academy.

It was the place where Layla needed to gain a foothold as fast as she could. She had no other choice but to take the initiative.

"Of course, miss! I also want you to get that early admission, but with your core in its condition, it will be better if we take caution with it. After all, we have no idea what test you must pass to get into the academy."

Mary smiled, but her smile was not as radiant as usual.

She was subdued, and Layla looked away.

Truthfully, Layla had a good idea of what kind of test she would be made to pass.

Reading the original novel had given Layla some idea about the academy's admission process. It had been unique for the main characters, but that was why the ordinary entrance exam method stuck to her mind so much (and that one fanfic she read about, she would rather die than admit about).

However, no matter what method Layla chose, she would still need power and influence to get into the academy at her current age.

"We have time to take a detour. Raziel, you can head back first if you want to-"

Layla offered, but Raziel quickly denied her with a brilliant but small smile.

"I am fine! I would like to accompany Young Miss to the end of her journey. I cannot leave her in her fragile state all alone."

"Ah, our young man has grown so much that he does not even consider his old teacher worthy of talking about. Ah, it breaks my heart."

Mary acted up, but it was all in good humor. Time passed as they quickly reached the destination Mary had wanted to take them.

It was the port town of New Osmos, one of the empire's five Grand Centers of Trade. It was considered one of the busiest and costliest towns in the empire.

Rumor had it that at least a simple lemon would be sold at X5 times the market price. And that would be the cheapest one you could find if you were lucky.

That infamous city in the original work, Layla was finally here and she seemed to be down on luck ever since the start.