Chapter 1: HELLO RIGARDEN

 

『Long ago, this world was sealed in darkness.』

The magically amplified voice resonates throughout the hall.

The auditorium is packed to capacity, with even the fourth-floor box seats filled. The voice reaches every corner of the vast space.

『We Lyzance faced extinction at the hands of the [Heavenly Invaders] who descended from the skies.』

The voice is grand and solemn.

Yet it also carries a mysterious quality, like a fairy whispering in your ear, creating an otherworldly cascade of sound.

I listened, frozen stiff with tension.

『And when the world stood on the brink of its end, five warriors rose under the great founder, the Witch Queen Mercedes—they became known as the [Magia Vander].』

However, the moment I hear the term “Magia Vander,” I snap to attention.

Almost simultaneously, I feel a hand squeeze mine tightly.

『Even now, they are revered as the five most powerful Mages, maintaining the Great Barrier in the sky and bringing peace to our world… Though that peace proved fleeting.』

Looking beside me, I see a girl standing there.

Her celestial-colored hair gleams like crystallized snow, matched by eyes of the same hue.

She wears the same uniform as me—a pristine new outfit with a purple gemstone loop tie and a black mantle.

This is the proof of our right to call ourselves “Mages” from today onward.

『Even now, beyond that false sky, the [Heavenly Invaders] have their sights set on our world.』

I find myself captivated by her noble profile as she gazes straight ahead.

I’d always thought she was a dazzling and cute girl from the very beginning.

But coming to this place, surrounded by so many others our age, I realized something anew.

Her features were astonishingly perfect, with a beauty that seemed to belong in a fairy tale.

『Therefore, it is our duty to maintain the Great Barrier that protects the magical world, and this magic academy bears the responsibility of nurturing future [Magia Vander].』

Those celestial eyes that had been facing forward slowly turn to look at me.

“It’ll be alright, Will.”

Her small, flower-petal lips curve upward as she—as Elfie—smiles.

“Let’s become Magia Vander together and go see the sunset!”

“—Yeah!”

Elfie’s smile had always been magic to me.

All that nervous tension from before vanishes, replaced by a warmth blooming in my chest.

I squeeze her hand back, my face breaking into a bright smile.

『May you one day become the cornerstone that supports the sky and repels evil. …Congratulations on your admission, new children of magic. Rigarden Magic Academy welcomes you all!』

The witch—Headmistress Caldron—spreads her arms wide as she delivers the ceremonial address from the stage.

What follows is thunderous applause that fills the auditorium.

The upperclassmen, Professors, and many other adults pack this day with boundless hope.

Standing in the middle of the line of new students, we bask in their blessings.

Magic Calendar Year 500.

The fifteenth day of the Radelmoon, Week Three of “The Day of Light.”

We, Will Serfort and Elfaria Serfort, had achieved admission into Rigarden Magic Academy.

Two months ago, the news arrived at the orphanage where Elfie and I lived together.

A letter of recommendation from “Rigarden Magic Academy.”

The academy’s name is known to every Lyzance who aspires to become a Mage.

Even the Elves and Dwarves surely know of it.

It’s the world’s premier magical education institution, nurturing countless aspiring Mages and producing hundreds of renowned High Mages who have left their mark on history.

Its history spans an incredible four hundred years!

It’s truly a prestigious institution.

I’d heard that normally only nobles could attend, with just a handful of commoners admitted…

When I learned I was chosen as one of those few commoners, I was so overjoyed I could leap into the sky.

After all, it was the fastest path to fulfilling my promise with Elfie!

To see the sunset, we needed to enter Rigarden Magic Academy!

The day the recommendation letter arrived, my foster brothers and sisters celebrated as if it were their own achievement.

Our foster father who raised us also smiled and congratulated us.

Elfie and I, now set to attend the academy together, were determined to fulfill our promise.

From then on, we were incredibly busy. Making various preparations, even having a modest celebration party.

And today, sent off by everyone, we finally passed through the gates of Rigarden Magic Academy.

 

“Everyone, silence!”

After the entrance ceremony, we moved from the auditorium to the academy’s main building.

The spacious classroom, which held about fifty of the new students, was filled with diverse classmates.

A girl with long, messy citrine-colored hair.

A boy fidgeting with his pale blue hair that resembled Elfie’s.

A female student with impeccable posture, wearing a ribbon headband in her blonde hair.

And many others.

Though they wore the same uniforms as us, here and there you could spot students with expensive jewelry and family crests.

During the ceremony, I hadn’t had the chance to really look around…

I guess most of them really are nobles?

Still not completely relaxed, I kept sneaking glances around when—

“…guuu…”

“Elfie?! Don’t fall asleep! The Professor’s about to speak?!”

“But we’ve been in that carriage since yesterday, and it’s been non-stop chaos since we got to the academy…”

Saying she’s sleepy, Elfie beside me starts swaying like a boat rocking on waves!

My childhood friend is being her usual self, for better or worse!

Despite desperately shaking her small shoulders, I can’t stop Elfie from drifting off to dreamland.

We’re getting all sorts of “what are they doing?” looks from the surrounding students!

While I’m panicking like a squirrel whose nest caught fire, the Professor finally takes his place at the podium.

“Now that we’ve safely concluded the entrance ceremony, let me first offer my congratulations. I am Workner Norgram. I primarily teach wind magic at this academy. Today, I’ll be handling your orientation.”

The classroom itself could best be described as amphitheater-shaped.

The desks were arranged in a semicircle, descending in tiers as they went forward.

At the very bottom, standing at the podium, was a man with tied-back silver-gray hair.

Younger than my foster father—maybe around twenty?

Professor Workner, as he’d introduced himself, positioned another Professor behind him and surveyed the classroom.

“First, let me tell you about the ‘Dungeon,’ which is intimately connected to this magic academy.”

Perhaps it was the room’s design.

Or maybe some special “magic” was at work.

Professor Workner’s voice carried well throughout the spacious classroom.

“A vast underground labyrinth exists beneath not just this academy, but the entire capital. It’s an indispensable training ground for us Mages, and also a realm where the ‘unknown’ still persists.”

Professor Workner, who like me wore glasses, had an intense look in his eyes.

Even the students who hadn’t stopped chattering at first fell silent, straightening their postures—his presence was that intimidating.

“As part of your classes, you too will delve into the Dungeon to test your magical abilities. You’ll face and battle terrifying monsters. And—in the worst case, you might lose your life.”

The now-silent classroom was broken only by a single gulp.

It was me, audibly swallowing.

“…However, I can assure you that as long as you follow your Professors’ instructions, nothing of the sort will happen. After all, every year we have about five students who break the rules and learn their lesson the hard way!”

And just like that, his tone shifted.

Professor Workner smiled, deliberately acting angry in an exaggerated way.

I could see the thoroughly intimidated students blinking repeatedly before breathing sighs of relief.

Of course, I was among them.

The tension dissipates as relieved boys and girls start chattering again.

—This Professor must be a kind person.

Sitting in the upper rows while trying to hide Elfie, I found myself thinking this without any real basis.

“Many of you here aspire to become [Magia Vander] and aim for that Tower you can see from here. We will support and help you toward that goal. Please don’t hesitate to rely on us.”

[Magia Vander] and the Tower.

At these words, many students turned their eyes from the podium to look sideways.

I follow their movement.

Elfie’s eyelids flutter open with a snap.

Through the window, we could see a massive white spire stretching toward the sky.

That’s what everyone calls “the Tower”—the [Mercedes Caulis].

Named after the greatest witch of all, this Tower is, without exaggeration, the tallest structure in this magical world.

It stands closest to the sky, and it’s also the goal that Elfie and I share.

“Only top students can ascend the Tower from the academy. To become one of the mere five [Magia Vander], you must pass through an unimaginably narrow gate. If anyone here aims for the Tower’s summit, I’ll tell you now—ordinary effort won’t be nearly enough.”

“…!”

“Now then, let me explain about the academy rules and the Rigarden Dormitus—”

Elfie and I react simultaneously to the information dancing in our ears.

As Professor Workner continues speaking, we exchange glances.

“He said ‘summit,’ so to reach the top of the Tower…”

“Yeah. We have to become [Magia Vander]. Though it seems really difficult…”

Now fully awake, Elfie curves her lips into a smile.

“We can do it! As long as we’re together!”

Just as my usual self-doubt was creeping in, I felt like flowers were blooming in my chest.

And right as I was about to nod in agreement—that’s when it happened.

“Become [Magia Vander]? Commoners? Oh come on, give me a break!”

A sneering laugh rises from behind us.

“You are…”

Looking down at us from one row up is a boy.

His dress shirt with its turned-down collar is clearly of higher quality than mine—you can tell at a glance how expensive it is.

The clasp on his mantle gleams, probably pure gold.

As if to match his confident, assertive personality, his hair blazes as red as flames.

Undoubtedly a noble.

More than that, he must be from a distinguished family.

“I’m Sion ulster. A noble, as you can see, and the eldest son of the prestigious House Ulster.”

Being ignorant of high society, I had no idea which House Ulster he was talking about.

Though I felt bad about it, I could tell it must be an important family.

As I shrink under the pressure, the boy who introduced himself as Sion narrows his eyes like a cruel cat.

“Unlike commoners, we nobles study magic before even entering the academy. For commoners like you to talk about becoming [Magia Vander] before us—it’s an insult, don’t you think?”

“Th-that wasn’t my intention…”

“To begin with, Rigarden is an elite institution for chosen nobles. My father says it’s a mistake to even let commoners attend. How much dirty money did you pile up to get in here?”

He no longer tried to hide his contempt and mockery.

The feminine-faced student and the stocky boy sitting on either side of him wore the same expression.

They were laughing.

The other students eavesdropping around us were too.

All of them—both boys and girls—were nobles!

Just as I was being overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and anxiety,

“Are nobles really all that special?”

Elfie asked casually from beside me.

Sion raised one eyebrow, then curved his lips in a condescending smirk.

“Isn’t it obvious? Nobles are descendants of the [Magia Vander] and the legendary [Ten Sages]—we’re those with Noble Blood. My family has a distinguished bloodline connected to the great Fire Mage Burdelyon, rivaling even House Reinberg and the Owen Knights. Why, my father is a decorated member of the Flame March, awarded the Legion Honor—”

On and on he went, rattling off about how amazing nobles were.

While I was desperately trying to understand all the difficult terms,

“Hey, I don’t understand what you’re saying at all.”

Elfie cut him off bluntly.

I turned pale.

Sion froze in place.

“You’re supposed to be a smart noble, right? Then explain it so us dumb commoners can understand? You’re not very noble-like at all.”

With her usual beautiful face and characteristic directness, Elfie spoke her mind.

『A noble being lectured about noblesse oblige by a commoner.』

I had no idea just how humiliating that was.

But the reaction of the boy in front of us told me everything.

“H-How dare… a mere commoner!!”

Sion’s face turns bright red as he leaps to his feet.

His shout echoes through the classroom as he draws his [Wand] from his waist!

“I know something. Drawing your wand outside of class means challenging someone to a duel. Are you sure about this?”

“Shut up! I’ll teach you your place!”

While the boys on either side of him panic, he points the tip of his wand at Elfie!

I’m panicking too!

A duel between a noble mage and Elfie—this can’t be anything but dangerous!

“E-Elfie?!”

“Stay right there, Will.”

Ignoring my near-shriek, Elfie stands up and leaps onto the stairs beside the desks.

Sion does the same.

Wielding his magnificent wand adorned with a red magic gem, he looks down at Elfie from the upper steps.

The other students lean forward from their desks, no one trying to stop this, all eagerly waiting to watch!

Th-this is bad, Elfie!

“What are you two doing?!”

Naturally, Workner notices the disturbance.

A male and female student face off on the stairs.

It’s a common sight at magic academies with new students.

A proud noble and a commoner who can no longer tolerate being looked down upon, engaging in something resembling a duel.

This case would be no exception. And no amount of lecturing would help in situations like this.

As in previous years, Workner raises his trusted wand, ready to forcefully put an end to both parties.

“One moment, Professor Workner.”

“Professor Evan? Why are you stopping me?!”

But the man who had been lurking like a shadow behind him pushes Workner’s wand down.

He was a tall, gaunt man who seemed hypersensitive to everything around him.

Though wearing a Professor’s uniform, there was something eerie about him—he looked nothing like what you’d expect of an educator in these halls of learning.

His narrow, slanted eyes behind a monocle are now fixed solely on a certain girl.

In response to Workner’s protest, the man called Evan answers only by twisting his lips into a smile.

“I’m the one who brought her to this academy. …Watch closely, you can see her ‘extraordinary power.'”

The match was over in an “instant.”

Before I could even jump out to protect Elfie, the outcome was decided.

“Flames, obey me!”

A powerful Spell Word.

It’s both preparation and signal to activate “magic” in this world.

A crimson magic circle unfolds like the mouth of a cannon.

Magical power surges up from Sion, and an arrow of fire launches from his readied wand—.

Just before that.

 

“[Freeze Grace.]”

 

Silent casting.

Skipping what should have been necessary steps, her “magic” activates at incredible speed.

Reversing the order with the flames that should have been released first, a blue light flashes.

Sion’s eyes widen, and in the next moment… he’s “frozen solid.”

“Ugh—UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH?!”

Sion’s shout echoes through the classroom once again. This time transformed into a scream.

Everything except his left side and above his neck.

His lower body and his right arm that held the wand—all of Sion’s form was swallowed by a mass of ice.

I held my breath at the sight. The other students also showed their utter astonishment.

I’d always known Elfie’s magic was amazing.

She was the best even at the orphanage. But to overwhelm a noble like this!

Elfie, who hadn’t even held a wand, lowers her extended left hand.

Instead, she lightly waves her right index finger, and with a crisp clink—

The ice that had been restraining Sion shatters and scatters with a refreshing sound.

“I win. Okay?”

“Uh… ah…?!”

“I’m fine with it, but don’t make fun of Will anymore, okay?”

As ice fragments dance like snow, Elfie strides boldly toward Sion, who has fallen on his backside.

The noble boy, having her finger pointed at him, nods awkwardly, clearly terrified to his core.

Students and Professors alike are at a loss for words, and the classroom falls into silence.

Drawing everyone’s attention, Elfie slowly turns around and flashes everyone a delicate smile.

Just when it seemed she was done—she suddenly jumps.

“?!”

While everyone stares in shock, she lands (so unladylike!) on top of a nearby desk!

“I’m Elfaria Serfort! But call me Elfie! And this boy with me is my childhood friend, my destined partner who’s sworn his future with me—Will! We’re both commoners!”

I feel like she just said something incredible, but that’s not what I should be worried about right now!

Before I can rush over in panic, Elfie makes her declaration while looking down at everyone.

Standing proudly with her arms crossed on top of the desk!

“If you bully me or Will, I’ll pay you back double! Looking forward to getting along with everyone!”

With a bright, beaming smile, she announces something so outrageous.

That’s… the “Little Boss Technique” she used at the orphanage!

She’s a natural-born leader who knows the fastest way to gain recognition is to demonstrate your strength!

My face contorts horribly at my childhood friend, who’s managing to include a “warning” with her self-introduction.

『Will… I asked you to keep Elfie from going overboard… I really did…』

Our foster father had said that with such a tired face, and yet…!

“Y-Yes! I understand!”

“A-Amazing…! What’s the deal with her?!”

“Is she really a commoner?!”

While my face cycles through shades of blue and purple, the classroom erupts in unprecedented excitement.

Some students nod repeatedly at Elfie, others stand up in excitement, and some have their eyes gleaming with interest.

Both boys and girls gaze at her with looks of amazement and respect.

In an instant, the classroom becomes energetically focused on Elfie.

This is… the magical world.

A magic supremacy where neither commoner nor noble status matters—only magical talent earns everyone’s praise!

“Elfie, get down from the desk quickly! It’s bad manners and… and your p-panties are showing!”

“It’s fine! I made an ice drawers with magic! Look!”

“Don’t lift your skirt?!”

“Don’t worry! I won’t show my real panties to anyone but Will!”

“Don’t show them to me either?!”

I can’t help but let out pathetic cries at Elfie’s confident yet completely misguided behavior.

After flashing her skirt at me, she quickly puts it back down and descends!

Unable to catch her body as she jumps down from the desk and tackles me, I fall over with a “gueh?!”

In the corner of my vision, I see Sion making an incredibly pained expression, but I’m probably making a similar face!

The magic academy classroom is still in an uproar.

All I can do is apologize over and over to our foster father in my heart.

“…Unbelievable.”

The words slip from Workner’s lips as he watches the whole scene unfold.

While he stands there dumbfounded, covering his mouth with his right hand, Evan beside him narrows his eyes in fascination.

“Truly magnificent…”

After the orientation somehow—though not exactly smoothly—came to an end.

We new students were led to the academy’s great dining hall, where a splendid welcome party was held.

The tables were lined with an array of delicious-looking dishes.

Roasted Big Chicken, meat pies stuffed to bursting, surprisingly large omelet pasta, Light Salmon carpaccio sprinkled with grated cheese, piping hot Delicious Bull stew, and what they call a type of Meeluts (meat fruit)—Grape Mill galantine (which I tried for the first time and absolutely loved). There was even Morry salad, which I hate, but I forced myself to eat it knowing it would help me become a proper mage. As for Elfie, she seemed completely absorbed in a “House of Sweets”—made of chocolate, biscuits, marshmallows, and wild berry sauce—that covered half her table.

Our eyes sparkled as we enjoyed the feast until our bellies nearly burst.

Though we did feel a bit guilty, and secretly apologized to everyone back at the orphanage.

After the headmistress’s closing words, the welcome party ended, and all students moved to the Rigarden Dormitus.

Rigarden Magic Academy has mandatory dormitory residence.

Even students with homes in Urbus Rigarden, the Magic Capital, must live in the dorms.

Needless to say, this applies to those like Elfie and me who come from other regions.

Before I could even be surprised by the mansion-like boys’ dormitory, an upperclassman dorm leader guides me to my room.

It’s a corner room on the third floor, and surprisingly, I’m its only resident.

For better or worse, it seems there was an odd number of new students.

Setting down my meager luggage on the dimly lit room’s floor and removing my mantle, I take out my… wand.

A gift from our foster father, prepared for Elfie and me despite our tight circumstances.

After staring intently at its modest construction, I wave it toward the installed lamp.

“…Hah.”

As expected, no light appears.

Every building uses magic for lighting.

And I’ve never successfully used magic before.

So Will Serfort, without a roommate, can’t even turn on the lights.

Holding back another sigh threatening to escape, I approach the window where dim light filters in.

Opening it, I find the academy grounds sunken in twilight.

Magical streetlamps dot the landscape like jewels.

I think I glimpse flickering candlelight—perhaps Professors making their rounds through the academy.

The air has grown slightly chilly as the time shifts from “Day” to “Night.”

As I gaze absently at the scenery outside, I slowly look up toward the sky.

“The ‘Light’ hasn’t waned yet this season…”

Beyond the darkness, a large “Light” shines bright blue.

The “Light” is circular—in books Elfie and I read as children, it might have been called a “full moon.”

But everyone in this world knows that isn’t truly the “moon.”

It’s the “Great Barrier,” woven from countless magic circles.

It’s the grand magic created by the five strongest Mages, the Magia Vander, who reside at the top of the Tower.

We don’t know what the real “sky” looks like.

The “sun,” the “moon,” not even the “stars.”

They say these things only exist in books—no one has ever seen them.

All we can see is this “false sky” created by the Great Barrier.

—Long ago, the world was sealed in darkness.

—We were threatened by the “Heavenly Invaders” who came from above.

It’s a fairy tale read to every child.

But simultaneously, it’s also a passage from actual “historical records.”

They say the “Heavenly Invaders” appeared suddenly in an unimaginably distant past.

And they drove this magical world to the brink of destruction.

No one knows their true nature. But the invaders were overwhelmingly powerful and ruthless.

Many were killed, and the land was left in ruins.

『Let darkness be banished. Let there be light—』

But with those words, the great Witch Queen pushed back the invaders.

Along with the five Mages who followed her—the Magia Vander.

They spread the Great Barrier across the sky, sealing off any path the invaders might use to return.

And thus, our current magical world came to be.

The Great Barrier floating in the center of the world neither moves, nor vanishes, nor sets.

The varying brightness of its magic circles creates our “Morning,” “Day,” and “Night.”

That’s why we have neither “sun” nor “moon,” not even a “sunset.”

Everything is part of a world shaped five hundred years ago—.

“I can’t even imagine it…”

They say that when this massive Barrier we’re looking at now disappears, calamity will revisit our world.

That the Heavenly Invaders will surge forth and throw everything into chaos.

I’d like to laugh it off as mere superstition, but the adults take it very seriously.

After all, Rigarden Magic Academy itself was built to combat the Heavenly Invaders.

As the headmistress said at the entrance ceremony, they’re trying to nurture excellent Mages.

That’s why many students who enter the academy apparently dream of becoming Magia Vander.

It’s a crucial role supporting the sky, the most prestigious title in the world, wrapped in radiant glory.

Elfie and I are also aiming for this pinnacle of the magical world that everyone admires at least once.

However… protecting the world isn’t our noble reason.

Just a childhood promise to see the “sunset” that lies beyond that barrier.

If people found out we’re aiming to become Magia Vander for such a reason, would Sion mock us again?

Or would we be scolded?

But it’s a precious promise to us, and that’s why we left that warm orphanage behind…

“…A single room feels so luxurious.”

Perhaps because I was thinking about the orphanage while gazing at the pale night sky.

With my hand still resting on the windowsill, I turn to look behind me.

The assigned dorm room is spacious. So empty it feels a bit chilly.

The orphanage was always noisy, lively, cramped, and packed tight.

Even when sleeping, we’d huddle together, close enough to feel my foster brothers’ and sisters’ body warmth right next to me.

Such quiet moments are completely new to me.

From now on, Elfie will be living in the girls’ dorm too, so I’ll be alone starting today.

“…Am I feeling lonely?”

Have I already become homesick?

If so, then Will Serfort really is just a coward, a spineless wimp.

After closing my lips once, I shake my head vigorously and turn back to close the window—

“—Will!”

“Uwaaah?!”

That’s when it happened.

A girl’s face suddenly appears from below the open window!

“E…Elfie?! Why are you here?!”

“I snuck out of the girls’ dorm! I wanted to see you!”

“Eeeeeeh…?! H-How did you…!”

“Never mind that, Will, let me in quickly? Someone might see me!”

Elfie grins down at me as I fall backward.

Snapping out of my pathetic yelp, I quickly stand up and offer my hand.

She happily takes it and slips inside like a cat.

“If anyone finds out a girl snuck into the boys’ dorm, we’ll be in huge trouble?!”

“It’s fine if we don’t get caught! I’m even using Hide magic right now, see?”

“That’s not the point… Won’t they notice right away that you’re missing from the girls’ dorm…?”

I hastily close the window and curtains, then slump down weakly.

I can’t even comment on how she appeared at a third-floor window.

After all, she’s been using magic to break into high places since our orphanage days.

“That’s fine too. I have ‘another me’ there.”

“Ah, could it be… Ars Weiss? You used ‘Clone Magic’?”

“Bingo!”

Elfie, who’s incredibly skilled at magic, can use her special “Clone Magic.”

She left her clone in the girls’ dorm while the real Elfie came here!

“B-But will it be okay? You stood out so much in class, and at the dorm too…”

“Well, the noble girls invited me for tea, but… teehee, if I just laugh like ‘ohohoho,’ it’ll work out somehow!”

“It won’t work out at all?!”

Even though we can’t let anyone find out about Elfie’s trick, I end up shouting.

As I panic and fluster, Elfie bursts into peals of laughter.

“It’s fine! Because—”

 

“Lady Elfaria! Where did you learn that silent casting?! It was amazing!”

“—Teehee.”

“Oh, um, would you please become my friend?!”

“Hey, no fair getting ahead of us! Lady Elfaria, would you care to try this expensive tea?”

“—Ohohoho”.

“My, what an elegant smile you’ve had this whole time!”

“A commoner, yet so noble! No, she’s like a saint! Lady Elfaria, you’re wonderful!!”

 

“That’s what’s happening right now!”

…No way.

Hearing about the girls’ dorm situation from Elfie, who shares vision with her “clone,” I make an incredibly strange face.

Do nobles really overlook anything if someone has enough magical talent…?

As I finally show my exhausted face, Elfie waves her index finger.

With just that gesture, the room’s light that I couldn’t manage to turn on illuminates.

“…What are you doing?”

“I’m checking if any other girls tried to make a move on Will while I was gone!”

“There weren’t any… besides, this is the boys’ dorm…”

My childhood friend scurries around me, sniffing like a puppy.

In complete contrast to my mounting exhaustion, Elfie looks thoroughly pleased with herself.

“Hey Will, have you taken a bath yet? If not, let’s take one together!”

“N-No way! This isn’t our orphanage anymore! Besides, didn’t you promise Dad we’d stop bathing together once we entered the academy?”

“Chii~”

I scold Elfie with a red face as she grabs both my hands, looking ready to tackle me.

For the first time, her constant smile turns into a pout.

But her mood quickly rebounds, and she starts exploring the room with me.

“It’s bigger than our room back home!”

“But the bath is smaller, right?”

“Look, there are magical items left by the previous resident!”

And so on, checking the layout and searching through the cabinets. I’m completely swept up in Elfie’s pace.

But before I know it, all that loneliness has been blown away somewhere.

I find myself smiling naturally, having completely forgotten about sending Elfie back.

After that, we take turns in the bath.

After making me take my bath first, Elfie quickly sheds her pajamas and finishes her turn in a flash.

She gets hot easily and doesn’t particularly like long baths.

But she loves having me dry her hair, and even begs for me to brush it.

Though I say no with my words, I end up spoiling her anyway.

It makes me happy that she’s so attached to me.

Being relied on fills me with pride.

But more than that, we’re family.

Even without blood ties, we’re precious family to each other.

In front of the mirror, I brush her long, beautiful celestial-colored hair repeatedly with an ice comb she created with magic.

In the reflection, Elfie narrows her eyes like a cat, looking completely content.

I’m smiling too.

“Will, let’s sleep together? That should be fine, right?”

It’s not fine at all… but in the end, I get pushed around.

Elfie turns off the lamp, darkening the room. We both squeeze into the single bed.

As Elfie eagerly crawls in, I lie down on my side facing her, flustered.

“Don’t you remember when we were little? When Claire and the others weren’t around, we used to sleep like this, just the two of us?”

“Did we? I remember sleeping with Dad, but…”

“When I wet the bed, you covered for me, remember? And, and…”

Instead of going straight to sleep, Elfie starts reminiscing about the past with enthusiasm.

When we’re alone, for some reason, she often talks about old memories.

Though they’re mostly stories I barely remember, her eyes are always so direct and serious when she tells them.

And because she seems somehow lonely when she tells them, I keep nodding and meeting her gaze.

Her eyes are round, with long eyelashes.

Blue and beautiful, truly like jewels.

We’re so close that if either of us moves slightly, our foreheads would touch.

I can feel her breath right next to me. Her warmth too.

Her cool toes playfully poke at my feet with little taps.

I poke back in response. Her slender ankles launch a counter-attack.

We giggle together, and before we know it, our feet are intertwined.

“…So our academy life has begun.”

I murmur softly as blue-white light filters through a gap in the curtains.

“Yeah.”

“To see the ‘sunset,’ we’ll really have to defeat the ‘Heavenly Invaders,’ won’t we?”

“I think so. That’s why the Magia Vander at the top of the Tower are amazing, and only the strongest can become one…”

“Right… We’ll have to work hard from now on…”

“You can do it, Will. You’re such a hard worker… even more amazing than me.”

“That’s not true at all. Elfie, you’re way more amazing…”

She must have sensed where my feelings were heading.

Elfie rustles the sheets, closing the gap between us.

“I can’t use magic at all. I can’t even light up this room by myself… Today, I couldn’t even protect you.”

This self who can’t even brighten a room.

This self who could only watch Elfie’s duel with Sion.

I end up spilling out these feelings of inferiority I’ve been carrying all along.

Will Serfort cannot use magic. At least, not until now.

During our time at the orphanage, I’ve always admired Elfie’s brilliant magic.

I practiced countless times, tried everything I could, yet nothing ever came of it.

That’s why I’m hoping something will change now that I’ve come to the magic academy.

At the same time, I fear having the mark of “incompetence” proven true.

Not being able to fulfill our promise together… that’s what scares me most of all.

Elfie quietly gazed at me as I kept my eyes downcast.

Then.

She stretched out her arms and embraced my head.

“!”

“It’s alright, Will. You’ll be alright.”

My eyes widen as she gently holds my face against her chest.

Like a mother whose face and voice I’ve never known, Elfie strokes my hair.

As the heartbeat in her chest grows calmer, she releases me.

Just as she sits up, she takes something from her pocket.

“Elfie… what’s that?”

“I made it secretly before coming to the academy… for you.”

As I sit up too, Elfie holds out the “Blue Radiance” in both hands.

It was a necklace with a blue stone.

The same color as Elfie’s eyes, its small size makes it look like a teardrop jewel.

“Its name is the ‘Blue Teardrop Pendant.'”

“Blue Teardrop…?”

“Yes. It will cry in place of crybaby Will, and give you strength.”

Elfie places the Blue Teardrop Pendant in my hands as I fail to hide my surprise.

She wraps both her hands around mine, closes her eyes, and whispers like a prayer.

“May your academy life be blessed with good fortune.”

I thought I saw blue light seeping through the gaps between our clasped, overlapping fingers.

Elfie slowly releases her hands.

Opening my fingers, I gaze at the pendant in my palm before gently placing it around my neck.

The small stone sways and sparkles against my chest.

I felt warmth and courage ignite in that precious place within me.

Looking up, I open my mouth to speak to her beautiful form bathed in the blue-white night light.

“Thank you… Elfie.”

I conveyed my heartfelt gratitude.

Hoping these feelings would reach her even a little, I let my eyes reflect only her.

The most precious girl in my world bloomed into a smile, as if embraced by happiness itself.

“I’ll do my best. So we can see the ‘sunset’ together.”

“—Yeah!”

Sitting with our knees relaxed on the bed, we smiled at each other, just like when we made that “promise” so long ago.