A few days after my healing stunt, I had finally managed to get a ride with the royal carriages. They were the best and fastest in the country and I had somehow managed to score a trip to the southeastern province of Aletia. It was almost two months on foot, and a full month with a normal carriage. The royal carriage could do it in a week, however. I don’t know how they manage it, but I’d find out soon enough. It wasn't easy, and I had almost spent my entire sack of money on bribes and contacts to get me this ride. But evidently money came easy for a healer, so I didn't worry too much. Though the previous session had most likely been an anomaly. I had also gotten a pair of really nice shoes. Once I changed up my appearance in the near future I’d need a whole new wardrobe, but I suspected my feet weren't going to change… much.

I’d been staying at a fairly fancy place while I went about my business, and during the night they had washed up my robe so it felt soft and fresh in the morning. I had more clothes in my bag, but it was stuff that belonged more in the fields than in a town. The streets were empty this early, I wasn't going to miss my one ticket out of here by being late. So maybe I had been out a bit too early, but I then had the time to grab a few things to eat and stuff a bit more food in my almost filled spatial bag. I had spent much of yesterday picking up quite an amount of alchemical ingredients.

Before leaving, I had promised to meet up with my parents. We didn't plan to go to a restaurant or anything, but I wanted to give them a proper farewell since I didn’t know when I’d be back.

Even though it was still before we had planned to meet, I could see them sitting on the bench near the big fountain that decorated the center of the large square. We met once or twice a month while I was at the academy. And I had sent a message to them to meet me here now that I had graduated. They couldn’t take breaks for multiple days in proximity to eachother, so we had decided to meet only today. Life of manual labor and all that.

I jogged over to them not wanting to wait any longer. The square was mostly empty at this early hour so they quickly noticed me.

“Alina!” My mom got up and wrapped me in a strong warm hug. Even though she was getting into her forties she was strong as an ox. I wasn’t nearly as strong, even though we had physical training at the academy. Everyone had to be able to participate in the defense of a city after all. Though it goes without saying that I had ensured both my parents would live long healthy lives. As much as preventative healthcare could anyway.

“Hi mom! Hi dad!”

Mom was a large woman. She was tall and muscular, and barely any fat. Just like me, she had long matte brown hair and violet eyes. Hence, our surname. She had a kind face, but I was fairly biased. Dad on the other hand was shorter, well short for a man. He was still a few inches taller than me. He had golden blonde hair and despite his friendly and bubbly personality had a sharp and handsome face. Unfortunately I didn't inherit mom’s height nor my fathers good looks. But I would deal with both those things not too far in the future.

Dad was the first to speak up. “Alina my little genius, We’re both so incredibly proud of you. You’re the first to graduate from a magic academy between both our extended families.”

Before I could speak up my mom joined in “Of course, we would be proud of you regardless. You’ve grown up to be a great woman.”

“Thank you, both” I felt my eyes get wet. They’d both been great parents. Something that couldn’t be taken for granted. “For taking care of me. For supporting me. And always being there when things got tough. I know it isn’t the most well-thought-out gift, but I wanted to leave this with you two.”

I handed my mom a small bag with almost all the remaining money I had left over. It wasn’t a huge amount, a few dozen gold coins. But for working-class people, it could be more spending money than they’d have in a whole year.

“Honey, you don’t have to–”

I interrupted her. “I know mom. I know. But I can afford it. And I will send money too, once I’m settled down in Aletia. Maybe one day it’ll allow you to come visit. I know you’ve been wanting to see the world. And if I can help that dream come true, it would make me very happy.”

After some back and forth, I managed to convince them to take money with a promise of them getting to buy me dinner when they eventually come to visit. We spent a good half an hour laughing, talking, and crying before I finally had to leave. I gave them both one last hug. I would see them again I’m sure.

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“Bye dad! Take care of mom okay? Bye mom! Take care of dad okay?” I waved as I slowly made my way towards the local keep. This town had no castle as the royal family lived in the capital of Aderna.

At the gates I got stopped by a pair of highly decorated guards, blocking the way forward with their halberds.

“Halt! State your business or return the way you came.” One of them said with an authoritative but not threatening tone.

“My name is Alina Violet, I’m here for the royal carriage. I’ve been requested in Aletia to provide healing services to the duke. Sir!” I answered rather stiffly.

I wasn't good with being formal, and usually just ignored formalities if the situation allowed it. This wasn't one of the times I’d fuck around and find out though. I held out my graduation diploma. Most if not all non-royalty used their diplomas as identification. Luckily it didn't have any painting of me engraved.

“Yes, Miss Violet, you’re expected. Please follow Hans to my right and he will lead you to the stables.”

The other soldier snapped to attention at the mention of his name and he turned around and started marching. “With me!”.

I was led into the main courtyard, it was a beautiful place with rows of flowers trailing the path leading to a crossroad with a large fountain with a naked marble woman in the middle; spraying water in beautiful arcs from the palm of her hands. The rich and the nobility truly lived in a separate world from us common folk. Though I’d join them soon enough if I had my way.

The sun had finally risen far enough to clear away the morning dew. The green fields were filling up with soldiers coming back from their morning training. I kept following Hans and was quickly led to a separate area where I could smell a faint stench of manure. In the middle of this smaller courtyard stood a large decorated carriage. No horses had been tied to its front yet, but I was early after all.

“Please enter the carriage and don't leave unless instructed to. The rear room has been assigned to you. You are forbidden from entering the front room unless the owner specifically requests you to. You will be joined by the hero Lyudmilla in a short while, you are to not disrespect them!” The soldier declared out loud, even sounding a bit threatening at the last part.

I followed his order, wondering how the carriage would fit multiple rooms, but I’m sure I’d see as soon as I got inside.

I climbed up the side and opened the door. What greeted me inside was not what I expected. Inside was a room, far bigger on the inside than the outside. The edges of the room were covered in a large rectangular couch, reaching around the entire room except where the four doors were. Yes, four. One on each long side to get in and out. And one in the front and one in the back, leading to rooms that could not possibly fit in the carriage without even more application of spatial magic. I could see why the kingdom had so few of these, they must be stupidly expensive to make.

A hero huh, they had both a great and terrible reputation. The church summoned them fairly frequently. Apparently they were brought to this world when they died in their original world and the journey usually grants them some stupidly overpowered ability. No I wasn't a hero, I was just really lucky in my misfortune. From the name Lyudmilla I assumed it was a woman, but you never knew with the heroes. I hoped it was a woman, as the male heroes were extra infamous. The church treated them like demigods and let them do whatever the fuck they wanted. And a lot of the time, fuck they did.

I took a seat in one of the luxurious chairs and awaited the so-called hero. I had never met one even though they summon one almost every year. About half an hour later, the door opened and a young woman in a maid dress entered the carriage. Behind the maid followed a fairly good-looking woman wearing an incredibly luxurious dress and sparkling hair. She was definitely not bad looking, but what really stood out was her pale skin and titanium blonde hair. It was as if someone had removed every imperfection, leaving a smooth glossy skin behind. And her hair was straight, shiny, and completely flawless. Her hair looked like it was on fire in the morning sun, and I swore I could hear angels whispering that it was because she was worth it.

I stood up from my seat and greeted the woman I assumed was the hero with a light curtsy. “Greetings my lady, It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alina Violet, a newly graduated student of the healing arts.”

I reached out my hand towards her. She grabbed my hand and gave a quick introduction. “Lyudmilla, As long as you don't get in my way, I'm sure our trip together will be acceptable”.

Ouch, another annoying one, all full of herself. While we shook hands I sent in some probes of mana into her and checked her body. Ewww! She had not been taking care of herself. I’d be surprised if she lived past thirty with all those issues cropping up. Though considering she’s a hero, she’ll probably try to save a cartwheel from the ground and get run over. I gave her surviving the week of travel a generous fifty-fifty chance.

“I’ll be sure to be quiet and keep to myself, don't worry miss Lyudmilla” I gave her a practiced fake smile.

Not long after her arrival the carriage started rolling. I only noticed because the scenery outside changed, if I didn't see that I could be convinced the cart was at a standstill. When the maid started brewing tea for only the hero, I decided to check out the room I’d been given. I opened the door and looked in. I could describe the room with a single word. Bed. That’s it. There was a short gap between the wall and the bed, on the entrance side only. I could fit a small bag and some shoes at most. That side also had a few hooks to hang any clothes, but that was it. Clearly the room was intended for sleep only, and well. It was still morning. I closed the door and went back to my place on the couch near the rear right window.