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“I had to adjust my plan. I’m leaving at noon.”

Merc, who had returned home, informed her parents, who were, to her surprise, both at home. She had already informed them of her plans, and after completing the Accolade, she had informed them that she would be leaving soon.

However, they had not anticipated it to be this soon. Her father, Oron, had a stern look on his face.

“Merc, think this through. You have a long life ahead of you. It won’t hurt to wait a few days longer. When you look back on your life, you’ll see that these few days were nothing more than a blip on the radar, passing by without a second’s thought.”

Oron, Merc’s father, had the appearance of a young man with an intelligent expression that was heightened by his glasses. He had a gentle attitude, owing to his occupation as a teacher, and Merc had never heard him yell.

Even now, Oron was speaking gently to Merc. Merc bent her head deeply in front of her father.

“That might be so. However, I may never have another opportunity to accompany the adventurers outside of the village like this. I beg you, Father. Please let me go.”

Oron was taken aback when he saw his daughter, who rarely bowed her head, begging him with it bowed.

He knew Merc was serious about this, and he also knew she was a stubborn person that would accomplish anything she set her mind to. Oron was well aware that if he did not approve of her, she would flee the house in the worst-case situation.

Which made making a decision even more difficult for him.

“Why not just let her go?”
“Teruse…”

Teruse, Merc’s mother, who had her daughter’s blond hair and jade-green eyes, said nonchalantly.

“She’s already been approved as an adult and she’s strong enough to protect herself. She won’t embarrass us no matter where she goes with the way she is.”
“That’s not the point. The reason I don’t want to let her go is because…”
“Because what? Because you’re worried for her? Do you intend to confine her to the house for the rest of her life?”
“That’s not…”
“Then when do you plan to let her go? She’s already an adult and she’s also stronger than you. Do you plan to let her go when you stop being worried? Will that day ever come I wonder?”

Teruse’s continual verbal attack left Oron speechless.

This always happens… I feel sorry for Father.

Merc couldn’t recall ever seeing her father defeat her mother, whether in terms of physical power or arguments.

“I’m also worried about her. It’s only natural that I’d be. I’m her parent as well, after all. However, I believe in her. I have high hopes for her, as well. I believe Merc will be able to persevere on the path she has chosen for herself.”
“Teruse…”
“Dear, I’m sure you’re aware that Merc has been diligently training each day. Miss Rosemary, who is notorious for refusing disciples, accepted her and Merc completed her training.”
“I’m aware.”
“Dear, what do you think we as parents can do to help our child who has been working hard to achieve her goal?”

Teruse sneaked in and gently inquired of Oron, who seemed like he had already lost. It was a prime example of the carrot and stick approach. Oron sighed reluctantly and spoke, knowing exactly what Teruse was after.

“I know, okay! I know… The only thing we can do is support her decision.”

After persuading her parents, Merc changed into more comfortable clothing and, as usual, wrapped her wooden stick around her waist.

She didn’t need to prepare for an adventure as she’d be entering human territory straight after exiting the forest that encircled the village. That’s why she didn’t bring any food or a change of clothes with her. She didn’t even have a bag with her.

She would undoubtedly require one in the future if she were to become an adventurer, but she could easily obtain one in human territory, where they were more commonplace than in the elf village. She could also purchase a sword if the necessity arose.

“Have a safe trip, Sis.”

Law, who had been silent throughout Merc’s persuasion of their parents, spoke to her as she was about to leave the house. Despite the fact that they had said farewell during the Accolade, Merc was delighted he had spoken to her one last time.

Law, like his sister, had a bright smile on his face, implying that he had moved on.

“Do you remember what I told you that night, Sis?”
“Of course. You are welcome to visit me at any time. I’ll also send letters from time to time.”
“Fufu. I’m not going to hold my breath for them. After all, Sis, it’s you we’re talking about.”

Merc gave her cheeky brother a little hit on the head and then turned grandiosely to brush off any lingering feelings she might have had.

“I’m going.”

And just like that, the young girl left the elf village.¹

1. Robinxen: Like me, you may be wondering “Is that it” and you’d be right to think that. Well this was just an epilogue chapter I suppose…