It’s better to strike the iron out while it’s still hot that’s why I immediately informed Maria’s parents of my decision that evening.

As expected, the two of them looked surprised when their quiet and calm daughter suddenly said that she would go on a trip for no particular reason.

‘Is it impossible after all?’

But I’m not giving up just like that. I was thinking of leaving secretly and just leaving a letter behind, when I suddenly heard Uncle Jacqueline’s voice.

“Be back.”

“……..yes?”

My eyes widened as I looked at uncle. Aunt Mary seemed quite surprised as well.

“Are you serious, honey?”

I wanted to ask the same question as well, Auntie.

I didn’t have the slightest expectation that I would be given a permission. I thought they’ll say no, I even thought that I’ll get scolded. However, to my surprise, uncle gave me permission.

“Have you decided where to go?”

“Yes? Yes. I’m going somewhere close.”

Of course that’s a lie.

It takes about 15 days by sea to reach the capital, Hardel, and three to four days by horse.

Of course I didn’t know how to ride a horse. That’s why, the only route option left is the sea.

That meant that it would take about 15 days to get there.

In addition, if I calculated the time for the come back trip as well, which is another 15 days, I will have to spend at least a month on the road–no, I mean, the ship.

“Have you decided when to leave?”

“I’m planning to leave as soon as possible.”

Uncle turned his eyes on me. It may be because of my feelings, but I can see sadness in his eyes.

“I see, let’s talk again when that day comes.”

“Yes.”

Is it because of his expression? Somehow I felt strange.

Uncle Jacqueline helped me a lot. He always visited and talked to me in the evening during his leisure time, and he would even give me pocket money sometimes.

Of course, his kindness was meant for his daughter, who lost her memory, Maria.

Every time I recalled that fact, I felt a throbbing pain in my chest, but I couldn’t just say something like, ‘I’m not your daughter’ that easily.

Sometimes, I thought about it.

Am I really Maria Lewellin? Did the fall from a high place really made me like this? Do I really belong here?

But at the end, I always shook my head. I’m Maria Lewellin. That’s who I am now.

◆◇◆◇◆◇

My preparations for the trip went smoothly. I packed my things in my bag one by one, and I didn’t forget to bring my diary for writing and reading as well.

The day of my departure came quickly.

I have to leave early in the morning

The weather was amazing today. I arrived at the port and a row of sailing ships were waiting for passengers.

I turned around and saw Maria’s parents. They unexpectedly went to see me off to the harbor.

It was Aunt Mary who spoke to me first.

“Be careful on your way.”

“God’s blessing will always be with you.”

“Yes. I’ll be right back.”

After a brief farewell, I turned around and followed the people who went to the ship.

I left my luggage in my room and there was already a large crowd on the deck when I got back. Each of them was busy calling out someone’s name and saying goodbye.

*BUUUUUUU*

The ship’s horn sounded long, signaling it’s departure. Before long the ship began to move slowly.

The cheers of the people grew louder. The ship slowly turned to the right, the vast sea unfolded before me.

“Uwaaaa….!”

An exclamation came out of my mouth. The sunlight glistened like golden dust. It was such a wonderful sight.

Time passed and the people started to leave the deck one by but I stayed. The cool in the sea breeze felt good, and I had nothing to do even if I went down to my room now anyway.

The first time since I opened my eyes as Maria, I thought I was going to die of frustration.

There are no cars, no TV, no convenience store. When the sun goes down, you have no other choice but to cover yourself with a blanket and sleep.

But I it seems I was a much more adaptable person than I thought.

I quickly forgot the need for a car since I didn’t have to go far. Rather, I was glad that there are no car sounds or smoke, so I could enjoy the pleasant air more.

I also already got used to a life where I can’t see well-known actors or singers on TV more faster than I thought as well. When I came home from work at a restaurant, I spent a lot of time just holding my books, and it was already time to sleep after I eat or after I write on my diary.

But there’s one thing I really miss. I missed my cell phone so much. Especially when I can’t sleep well at night or when I have nothing to do like now.

_{(t/n: same gurl, u can take anything away from me but not my PHONE)}

“Uuhhh”

I leaned my arms against the railing, while I sigh over and over again. My boredom is slowly creeping on me already.

What am I supposed to do for the next 4 days?

“The weather is sooo nice.”

It was then. I turned my head and looked to the side at the sudden voice.

The first thing that caught my eye is the short blonde hair fluttering in the wind. A guy with relatively dark skin was looking at the sea.

He didn’t seem to be from this area at first glance. This is because Adella residents, regardless of age or sex, have fair skin.

Did he perhaps felt my gaze? My eyes suddenly met the stranger’s as he looked my way.

‘Heung, he’s pretty good looking?’

To be honest, he looks like a ruggedly handsome type.

He has a prominent blonde hair with blue eyes, distinct features.

On the other hand, he was dressed simply. It’s a common attire that you’ll see everywhere when you walk through the village. Somehow, it looks roughly unkempt.

_{(t/n: that’s what I do when I’m bored too, hunting for attractive people and appraising their beauty in my head lols)}

I suddenly saw his mouth stretch up in a smile. Why does he look more handsome when he smile?

But my admiration didn’t last long. He suddenly strode toward me. I was shocked at the moment but I didn’t avoided him.

Then he stopped in front of me.

“Hello?”

He greeted me nicely with a smile. I hesitated for a moment but I greeted him back.

“Hi.”

Then he smiled even more brightly, showing his neat teeth. If this were the modern times, I’m sure he’ll already be casted as a model for some brand of toothpaste or something.

“Did you ride with your parents?”

“Yeah.”

I rode it alone but I just said yes.

I learned many things as I prepared to leave for Hardel. Even though men and women are generally equal in Larson Empire, it’s still dangerous for a woman to travel alone so there was nothing wrong with being careful.

“Where are you going?”

“Hardel.”

“Are you going on a trip?”

“Yes.”

I answered half-heartedly and turned my gaze back to the sea.

‘…….I feel a little sick.’

I rubbed my lower abdomen with my right hand. I didn’t notice until a moment ago. Now I see that the waves are moving with quite a rhythm.

If you knew this would happen, I could’ve go to Grandfather Conrad’s before I left.

He’s an old man who always had a smiling face and a pipe cigarette in his mouth. He also wears a monocle.

Grandfather Conrad, who lives next to my house, sold various herbs and medicines in his small shop. He also sell self-made medicines that looks suspicious but is actually very effective.

‘Grandfather probably has some medicine that’s good for seasickness.’

As my regret continued to eat me inside, I heard a voice beside me once again.

“What’s your name?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“So I’ll know what I could call you.”

He replied with a smile and I was speechless. I was too wary that I ended up asking a stupid question.

“Ma-…. “

I was about to answer but I shut my mouth again. It’s not that much of a big deal if I told him my name, but it’s still better to be more careful.

‘What should I say then?’

I tried to came up with something but I can’t think of anything.

The faces of the people I know naturally came to my mind. I hesitated for a moment, but I proceeded to say that name in the end.

“It’s Rose.”

“That’s a pretty name.”

Fortunately, it seems that he didn’t doubt it.

“I’m Gerard, how old are you?”

“……”

“Did you get in from the port of Adella?”

“……”

“Do you live near it?”

His question poured out like a rapid fire. I turned my head and saw his face, still smiling.

“What are you so curious about?”

“It’s a man’s instinct to want to get close to a beauty.”

_{(t/n: this guy is smooth, but I’m glad that Maria is not stupid)}

Then he smiled, his eyes crinkling. I stared at him for a moment but my sickness distracted me. I frowned as I tapped my chest repeatedly. I should’ve eaten just a little breakfast.

The blonde guy asked me worriedly as I regretted my past actions.

“What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“…..I don’t feel good.”

“Is it because the ship is shaking?”

“Probably.”

I thought of going back to my room and lying on my bed but I soon shook my head with that idea.

I’ll just feel more stuffy inside an enclosed space without a window.

“Can you take medicine?”

“I have taken one before.”

“Is that so? Wait a minute.”

He soon turned back and walked away quickly. Meanwhile, I continued to breath heavily. I focused on repeatedly exhaling and tapping my stuffy chest.

“Try taking this.”

I’m not sure how many minutes had passed already but when I looked beside me because of the sudden voice, Gerard was already back there.

He was reaching out with something on his palm. He was holding a familiar round dirt-colored tablet.

_{(t/n: it actually says, poop-like but it doesn’t sound right to me lols)}

“What is this? “

“It’s a medicine that works well when you feel nauseous.”

It’s what I expected. But I couldn’t just take things from a stranger. I barely know him.

“…..isn’t this a little strange?”

I know that he’s probably doing this out of good-will, but I couldn’t help it.

I was all by my self in the middle of this vast sea. If he pushes me into the sea right now, no one will be able to find me.

*hyeuk*

I think I was startled so I rushed to hold onto the railing.

Gerrard opened his mouth in embarrassment as I continued to look at him suspiciously. But soon, he bursts into laughter.

“You really act different from how you look.”

I think so too. As I have repeatedly said, Maria is a really pretty and fair young lady who gives off a graceful aura.

I’m not feeling well right now, so I’m sure I look pale but I’m still standing up like roster ready for a cockfight, so I can’t be beaten easily.

“Then will you believe me if I eat it first?”

“…..alright.”

I answered after hesitating. To be honest, it might be best not to answer, but my sickness is getting worse and worse so it’s not like I have much choice.

◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈

I really like Maria! She’s so realistic and relatable lols. I always wonder how this isekai-ed protagonists not miss their cellphones or any technology at all.

And this guy! This guy is suspecious. I don’t think he’s the ML because of his blonde hair and personality but he’s handsome. Is he the 2nd ml? Hmmm….