The days went on as usual.

　Then I heard a rumor from Saria.

'What?　Is that true?
No, it's just a rumor. It's just a rumor. It's a hot topic of conversation among the maids.
No, no. That's not going to happen.

　The story was that there were people who were trying to stage a coup in this kingdom.

　Although the kingdom has shed blood several times in the past over royal rights, there have been no major wars in the past few hundred years.

　The status of the royal family is also unshakable, and it can be said that this kingdom, which is world-famous for its alchemy, has entered a period of complete stability.

　This kind of gossip is a common occurrence.

　As expected, this is the first time I've heard of this kingdom being turned upside down, but I kick that story to the curb.

''I've heard the stories from the maids too, and I said it's impossible. Some of them seem to enjoy the rumor.
'Well I like the rumors. Especially women.
'That's true. There are numerous stories among the maids about who's dating who, and so on. This one is probably just that much of a rumor anyway.
Yeah.

　Now I'm coming home from school and having tea and sweets.

　I loved this time more than anything else. Today I only had classes in the morning and nothing in the afternoon.

　I could have gone home after studying at the academy, but today I was just coming back like this because I really wanted to drink the tea that Saria was brewing.

'Alice-sama. How do you like the academy?

　He asks, and I answer my feelings honestly.

'Well it's fun. I still miss my teacher.''
They're coming home soon, I hear.
Really?

　Leaning forward.

　Just hearing that story made me feel like my heart was dancing.

'Yes. As I recall, the Witchcraft Society received such information.
'I see... finally coming home...'

　It's not that long a period of time.

　But for me, not seeing the teacher for weeks is the equivalent of not seeing him for a year.

　Finally. Finally, the teacher is coming back.

　What will I talk about when he comes back?

　I let such a thought run through my brain.

"Hmm........
You have a big grin on your face.
'No!　Because the teacher is coming back!

　Saria points out to me, but I can't help but grin.

　So I stand up and start spinning around on the spot.

'Alice-sama. I thought it was a bit trivial.
Dah-rah!　That's what I can do without dancing!
Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but...
You know!　Aww. I can't wait to meet the doctor....

　I look forward to it.

　But I hadn't yet noticed at this time the anomaly that was surely imminent.