....

　As usual I was in the library working hard on my studies.

　Even though I have the academic ability to enter the school, I still lack knowledge. And my alchemy skills are also poor.

　That's all because I think that's based on my teacher, but I really want to get as close to him as possible.

　That's why I don't miss my daily studies.

　Even if he isn't there, I'll still spend my days the same as always.

''........hmm?''

　Suddenly, I turn around.

　Lately, I've been thinking about it, but I feel eyes on me.

　At first I thought it was just my imagination.

　But that gaze is definitely staring at me...I have the feeling that it's staring at me.

''Huh?　Alice?
Rita. Hi....

　Pecori bows his head.

　Rita Medis.

　She is Fee's cousin, who belongs to Elzemi.

　She has a very bright personality, and we've been good friends lately. It's a rare person I recognize as a friend, someone I should call a friend.

'What are you doing here?'
I'm learning. As usual.
'What!　You do it all the time!
Well, yeah.
'That's great!　I knew you were amazing, Alice!

　She said with a smile on her face.

　At first she spoke in a distant way because I was a princess, but when I asked her to be normal, Rita began to speak to me in this way, even if she was a princess, she didn't hesitate to talk to me.

　As for me, I'm more comfortable with being treated as a friend rather than being seen as a princess.

　Because of my origins, I don't feel uncomfortable about being seen in the same light.

　Other royalty people say that their duties as royalty are ~ or something like that, but that didn't matter.

''Well. I'd better go home now, but........
'Oh!　Okay, well can I join you?

　She was still smiling and smiling.

　Seeing her like that, it was impossible for me to refuse her unreservedly.

''Fine, though,''
Yay!

　Rita jumps up to me while saying that.

　Maybe this is what it means to be a friend in the true sense of the word.

　Thinking about this, I walk out of the academy with Rita.

''NeNe. What do you think about your teacher, Alice?
No matter how much I admire you.
Yeah. Is that really all you've got?

　Is this what is commonly called a love story?

　It seems that Rita could see through this.

　I'm going to reveal my feelings honestly.

I'm sure you're not the only one. I love you, but....
Oh. I knew it!　I was wondering if that was true........but I see. I like your sister Fee too, so it might be a bit complicated...

　Rita looks down at her face as she shudders.

　It seems that Rita knows that Fee is attracted to the teacher.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it's not a problem. But you can't fall in love with the teacher.
I'm fine!　I respect you, but I don't see you as a man.
Okay. Good for you.
Oh. I'll go this way then. Bye, Alice.
Yeah. Goodbye.

　With a big, energetic wave, Rita just runs off.

　In doing so, she turns around.

　After all, someone was watching me........that much was for sure.