Under Arnold’s escort, Caro arrived safely in Dermal City.

Just as she’d heard, the city’s pride was the Ancient Spirit Tree—a legendary tree said to have stood for two thousand years.

Dermal City radiated grandeur.

Unlike humble towns like Carwen Town or Maelzu Town, this was a true city, vast and imposing. Caro’s heart fluttered the moment she saw the towering walls, over ten meters high. It felt like touching the soul of this world’s civilization.

If she had to describe it? A tourist haven. The week-long journey from Maelzu Town left even Caro utterly drained.

Counting her coins, she realized bankruptcy might be near—survival was fine, but rent…

Not important right now.

“Caro, this is where we part ways~” Arnold waved goodbye at the gate. Caro had briefly considered following him, but his path wasn’t safe. Besides, this was his closure—a matter of personal resolve. She wouldn’t intrude.

After asking two passersby, she found the Ancient Spirit Tree’s location and gathered a hint of its lore.

A tree of “wisdom.”

Legend said after two millennia, it gained consciousness—those with a destined connection could receive its guidance.

*Yes! This is it!* Mystical life, poetic mystery, epic weight…

Excitement washed away her fatigue.

Soon, she reached the site.

Crowded, yet serene. Past the buildings, the Ancient Spirit Tree stood revealed.

Not towering, but massively thick. Still, it rose ten meters—level with the city walls.

And its leaves were golden!

Not autumn’s faded gold, but radiant, shimmering gold—dazzling. Caro froze, utterly captivated.

How to describe it? What stories lived within its bark?

*Another world… perfect.*

Caro felt lucky. Her past life held no suffering; this world had been hard early on (orphanage life wasn’t easy), but for moments like this? Worth it.

All of it.

She stepped closer.

Whispers said the tree heard inner thoughts. Share your doubt, and if it chose to help, a leaf would fall—carrying its voice, its counsel.

What to ask?

Nothing.

Its mere presence whispered the world’s beauty. Standing here brought quiet joy. No wonder some prayed while others simply gazed, peaceful.

This was a sacred relic—worthy of “World Heritage” status in any game.

Caro felt deeply satisfied.

She sketched hastily on paper, but the drawing was clumsy. She sighed. *If only I knew magic…*

Could a song summon its phantom? But what story defined it?

—No. Unnecessary.

How many hopes, dreams, and silent wishes had this tree held for two thousand years? Far beyond her telling.

And summoning it would steal its magic. It belonged *here*. It would stand for another millennium—longer.

Lost in thought, a whisper pulled her attention.

A golden-haired girl, even shorter than Caro. Her gown: lavish gold with delicate tassels, pearl-white ornaments, beige heeled shoes over white stockings. Noble-born, clearly.

Caro’s eyes widened. *This… is an isekai bishoujo.*

Princess-like. Doll-perfect. Pure elegance. A lovely encounter—

She instinctively stepped forward.

“Um… you’re staring. Is something wrong?” The voice was crisp, not the soft coo Caro expected. *Not the clingy type, huh?*

“Ah! No,” Caro corrected quickly, then smiled warmly. “I was just… captivated by someone so beautiful.”

The girl froze. A faint blush dusted her cheeks.

“Y-you’re beautiful too.”

*Right. I’m a bishoujo too…*

“Haha~ Thank you~” Caro extended a hand, grinning. “Caro! A bard, traveling the world!”

The girl’s eyes lit up. She took Caro’s hand gently. “Mistie Fanlin. Pleasure to meet you.”

*Fanlin?* Caro stiffened. *Hua Fanlin—the Golden Lily Knights’ captain?*

“Um… Miss Mistie, are you related to Hua Fanlin?”

“Huh? You know my older sister?”

*So Dermal City is the Fanlin stronghold.* This delicate girl likely hadn’t awakened a class yet. Younger than Caro.

*Would Arnold be arrested here? Though Hua couldn’t beat him…*

Warn him? No—he’d know. (That Arnold might’ve come *for* Hua never crossed her mind.)

“The Golden Lily Knights’ captain? Famous even among bards~” Caro kept it light.

Mistie smiled gracefully. “Hua is my prideful older sister!”

*Adorable.*

But best not to linger.

“I just arrived and need lodging. Glad to meet you, Miss Mistie! Hope our paths cross again~” Caro waved and left.

*What a small world.*

Meeting the knight captain’s sister was unexpected. Hua had been kind (she’d even fixed Caro’s harp), but… allegiances mattered.

Especially for a bard. A hero to humans might be a butcher to demons. One misstep, and trouble followed.

Since she and Arnold were brothers-in-arms—and given Hua’s relentless pursuit—keeping distance was wise. Respect the brother’s heart!

Still… magnificent scenery, a lovely encounter. Dermal City already felt worthwhile. Even without a story to sing, her heart was full. *Wonderful!*

Yet reality remained. Learning from Maelzu Town, she sought work first.

Jobs were easier here.

Especially with purpose.

“…Lasi’s Cake Shop. Hmm—” She entered, stated her intent.

“Can you bake? I’m busy. No time to train a novice.”

Caro demonstrated confidently—and was hired.

For the skilled, Dermal City welcomed. Owner Lasi provided meals and leftover bread. Even if none remained, she’d set aside one or two loaves—but only bread. Cakes were luxury items, made to order. No tasting.

Pay: five silver coins weekly. Roughly seventy coins a day—not bad at all.

“—One silver coin per day?” Every inn quoted the same. *Tourist city, huh?*

…Sleep in the park, then.

Caro made her choice.