The next day, Tesfia and Alice did not wake up until after noon. With the brilliant, dry autumnal sunlight shining through the window, it could be called a comfortable sleep.
　Their heads were still spinning slowly, as if all the hours of sleep they had accumulated over the past few days had come flooding in. My eyelids were heavy, and although I opened my eyes, I didn't feel like getting up right away.

　They moved their unpillowed heads and looked at each other as if it were a mutual agreement. They didn't even know which of them had been up first, but they remembered last night well.

　After taking out all the pent up resentment that had been building up. It was somewhat light and refreshing.

　At the opening, they both started laughing at the awfulness of each other's sleep. I guess that was the trigger. It wasn't that anything was funny.
　It was just that they couldn't help but laugh at the fact that the lump in their hearts had been resolved. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.

　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

I'm sure you haven't forgotten.
'Of course, so is Fia. She's even engaged.
I know. Besides, he doesn't seem to be in the mood for it, and I'm not in the mood for it either.
'Yeah, I'm not going to do anything about it now either, even if this feeling is true.
'What!　Alice is... well, you know, confessing or something...

　Blushing, Tesfia looked firmly into Alice's eyes.
　It would be easy to answer that. But as I told you last night, the two of them don't know anything about Ars.

'I wonder if they're thinking about it now. I'm sure Felli-senpai and Loki will probably beat me to it, but I don't think I'm even at the starting point. There's a lot more I need to know.
'Yeah. I still have to get stronger as a wizard, and being a housewife isn't my pattern, and he's the kind of guy who's out in the world all the time, too.
'Huh, but I don't want to be a liability. I have to be strong and hearty.
I knew Alice was strong.
It's Fear.

　Tesfia shook her head slowly in response.

''Nope. I'm still going to get stronger from now on. I think, now, that Loki has been watching Al for a long time. I think that's why he chose to cuddle with him so he wouldn't have to carry him on his back alone. It's scary just to remember it, but I think it's even harder for Al to have to do it.

　Spitting out somewhat embarrassed, Tesfia broke her face as best she could and told him. It was passive-aggressive, but it's the easiest word for me to understand right now.

　It seemed to be understandable to Alice somehow.

'Yes, I know. 'Yes, you must have had a painful heart. At the very least, the Al that we know suits the buddha face at the academy. I'm sure Loki-chan wouldn't be able to carry it alone.
'I don't blame him, he's so sensitive with that one. So wouldn't it make it easier for him if we could have just a little bit of it?
It was all for Al's enjoyment in the first place.

　Alice put up a wicked smile, as if she'd already gotten her words.

'I guess I understand some things now, don't I? I thought there was a lot of inertia at the time.'
That's just Fear.

　Tesfia turns away a puissant face.
　So, that's why--

'No loose ends until then.'

　With one goal in mind, Tesfia and Alice accepted that they were now powerless to deal with Ars's problems. They recognized what needed to be done and made a new start towards it.

　But.

'But I wonder what training will be like until Al comes back.

　Tesfia's question that came to mind unexpectedly was the most vital but Alice couldn't realize it until she was told.
　In order to get as close to Ars as possible, you have to become strong in body and mind as a mage, but there is no one in the party who can show you how to do that.
　Of course, it's impossible to reach this goal through lectures and practical skills at the academy.

　At that moment, as if by design, a regular knocking sound resounds in the room.

　The one who appeared with permission to enter the room was Selva and Minasha, who were smiling at the other side of the door with a smile that might make you wonder if they were trying to get the timing right.

　Minasha wiped her eyes with her finger tips with a thin layer of tears.

''Gusu, your daughter and Alice-sama are both getting stronger. You two are attractive enough ladies!　I'm sure this Minasha here can vouch for you, yeah, yeah--

　Selva nodded with an oomph and for some reason, Selva stepped in front of Minasha, who was about to start making a strong argument.

''Miss, Alice, both of you have been summoned by Frose-sama.

　As Selva folded her waist reverently, Tesfia and Alice looked at each other's full body and gave a blank smile, "Haha".



　About an hour later, the two of them visited Froese's office to change into the clothes that had been prepared for them.
　In addition, it would be better not to dare to pursue the fact that Alice's clothing was perfect from measurements to everything else. Only the butler knows whether the all-rounded butler could possibly have made them on the spot or whether they had been prepared in advance.


　Alice saw her best friend growing up in a different atmosphere than before.
　In the past, she was hesitant to even knock on this door and asked if she could take over for her. That was a long time ago.
　But now he was turning the knob with a resolute gait.

　Immediately after--.

'Knock!

　At the back of the room, the office desk facing the balcony, the back of the chair with its back resting against the back of the chair, the appearance of a straight spine and even good posture was evident. Froese crossed her legs and screamed in scolding at her daughter for violating the least amount of manners.

　Tesfia, who raised her shoulders with a bikin, as if stumbling in front of her, instantly lowered her head, "I'm sorry, too! And apologize loudly.

　Froese, who is more disgusted than grumpy to look at, paused to press a finger to her forehead to complain of a headache.

'Huh, well, okay. Come on in. And thank you, Alice, for that.
No, no!

　Alice waves her hands in front of her chest, saying that she is ruined.
　Tesfia, who looked at her sideways, wondered if it was sarcasm or to relieve the tension, "Well, I'm grateful for that too. But it was a hell of an ambush, though," she said happily for some reason.

　Naturally, Alice was able to express her feelings because she was her best friend, Tesfia. She couldn't hide her dismay at being forced to divulge that to others.

　Immediately, she looked at Tesfia's face and puffed out her cheeks.
　An outrageous face that said that he was a pathfinder because he was known, and he was a pathfinder. Only the corner of one side of his mouth lifts up in a grin as if it were ripped open.

'Fear!　Wah-wah-wah I........well........!

　As she tried to spin a desperate excuse, Alice's mouth was fixed open in a dumbfounded manner.
　Froese, with a smile still taut, and Selva standing there, rejoicing in it as if it were her own business.

　It must have been the first time I'd heard of them, I'm sure they hadn't spoken to anyone other than Tesfia, but they had a somewhat perceptive look on their faces.
　And with a sense of discomfort left behind, Froese opens his mouth.

''Yes, Fia has also made a proper statement.
'What ... mother?　I didn't think yesterday....
You know.

　Tesfia's suspicions turned to Selva as she followed Flosse's gaze, which was lustrous even with her flowing eyes.

'Your wife is not a good person, either. 'Don't worry, miss,' she said. It's just that the door just happened to be open.'
"--!　White, what a goof....
'For the first time in a long time, my tear glands collapsed, and that was...'

　The pure white handkerchief is deliberately applied to the eyes, but it does not wipe out the acting look. However, it was clear that the handkerchief was damp.

　As is to be expected, Alice, as expected, missed the opportunity to be indulged in a small play and tsk tsk. There was some shame, but she might not be reluctant to cry herself to sleep if it was Tesfia's family.
　The question is whether Froese should be thinking of Ars to Tesfia, or whether he would overlook the things that Alice would snatch up about it.

　However, perhaps catching Alice's expression of such urgency, Froese again answered plainly, as if he could see through it.

''Alice-chan, I'm fine. I'm sure it won't be something you're worried about, because when it comes to singles, polygamy is something that is military-approved. Of course I have to woo him. Strange how the pecking order is so important. If it's up to you guys........

　She covered her mouth with her hand and didn't hide the edges of her mouth as if to say, I'm having an unwanted intuition. Alice couldn't say anything to the picturesque figure, but Tesfia saw the fondness in her mother's expression.

　Froese's admonishing tone had shelved the situation Ars was in now. She couldn't tell the two of them how badly Ars was in the situation, as she was aware of the military's movements.
　So this was just a gesture to cheer the girls up.

　Even Froese can't do much, but when the two of them barged in, it only added to the anxiety factor. Of course, there's nothing better for Tesfia and Alice, who is like a daughter, than to be tied to the person she wants.
　In a sense, this was a choice that had to be made. If you want to pull out, it's now or never. She breaks off the engagement and contacts her potential son-in-law.

　If this engagement spreads and Ars is caught as a criminal without being cleared of any suspicion, the damage the Favell family will bear is immeasurable. This was a case that he had been struggling with until now.
　He says he won't be bothered, but things have already become too big.

''Mother, may I have your engagement letter?''
I don't mind.

　In a sudden offer, Froese pulls the engagement letter, which she had been having trouble disposing of, out of a locked drawer.
　The question was whether it was right to destroy this prematurely. Even though it was a verbal agreement, it had to be discarded immediately after the nobleman's adjudication (tenblum) was usually completed, but this had its uses.

　Even though it wasn't a formal engagement when he sealed it, Froese felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.

　The parchment is thick. A symbol of the weight of a marriage.
　As soon as Tesfia received the paper with each other's signatures, she vigorously tore it from the middle.

''--!

　Froese swallows the words as the cut reaches the middle. And the engagement letter, which has been neatly transformed into a half, loses its effectiveness as well.

　Inwardly, I'm too shallow and my head hurts, despite my daughter. But maybe this is not a matter for Froese to complain about.
　With this engagement letter, the Favell family can intervene in Ars's problems for legitimate reasons, but it's also a gamble. He is a son-in-law too good to let go, but at the same time, the chip is a home. How many generations can you bet the House of Fevers that it has been in existence for generations?
　He could even be punished as an accomplice in the worst case scenario.

　That's why it's too late for him to handle it if this happens. No, perhaps he had given it to Tesfia even though he had such a premonition.
　Therefore, I won't interfere, and I won't scold you for being shallow about it.
　Just--.

　''It's okay?'' The only thing I had to make sure of was that. Eventually, she would stand on the back of the Fèvel family. Her decision will make the future of the Fèvel family.
　If you have no regrets about that decision, there was nothing more to say.

''Yes, I don't want to just drag Al down with these things. I'll be the kind of woman that Al will offer me without this stuff. I'll show him that I can turn him around. So I know it's frivolous, but I don't want to just make a promise.

　His dignified appearance showed another growth as a nobleman.
　While I'm happy for my child's growth, I also feel lonely. I was reminded that a child grows up in a place where its parents cannot see it - they can't light up the invisible gloom forever.
　The hand that had overtaken the parent and pulled him or her away is now overtaken, and the child is pulling himself or herself away.

　Then there was no stopping the progress, and as a parent, it was the wrong thing to do, Froese decided to let go of the hand she had held. But there will still be times when he will still be lost, and even then, he can put his hand on her shoulder to show her.
　If you stop walking, you can give them a gentle push. That's all there is to it.
　I felt a little ashamed of myself for realizing it now.

''Alice-chan, too?''
'I'm the same as Fia. It's not something that's going to happen anytime soon, but if I can help Al in any way, if I can make him want to stay, I'm okay with that. I like it, but right now I just want to find a place for Al to stay, and if not, I want to make it. So ... and ... so ... that's where I want to be.

　Alice, flushed to the point that even the steam rises, finishes with a supportive but supportive look.
　She too shows signs of rapid growth as a woman.

　Is there anything they can do to help such two people? Froese muttered "No" in her chest. What can be done is only if the girls really ask for it.

　So much for sentimentality. You're not going to be able to get away with this, but you'll be able to get to the point with your cheeks twitching as Selva smears her handkerchief with tears like sheds behind them.
　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on the same thing.

'So, I know your mother is busy, but could you please put some training on us?
'We've been having Al look after us for so long that we don't know what to do...'

　The daughter, who was somewhat apologetic, quickly extended her hand.
　I thought it was too soon, no matter how much I thought it was too soon, but only this time I can't accept her hand.

''But first, you two shouldn't neglect your schoolwork. All that training will get you there. I'm sure Ars-san wasn't just looking for simple magical powers either, right?
'It's momo-momo!

　The daughter who was behaving suspiciously was still uneasy. As expected, you have to trust that she doesn't think it's okay to miss the academy in a hurry.

You are sure?　You'll only disappoint him if you end up in the end, so don't get it wrong.......Selva.......Selbac!
Huh?

　Sipping his nose, the old butler held two parcels from the vase stand at the end of his office desk.
　Both of them are quite thick, and both of them nodded their heads in agreement.

　I took them without having any idea what the hell they were.

''As for your training, I don't know what to do.
Yeah?
Wait, look inside.

　With a disheartened look on her face, Tesfia carefully unwrapped the wrapping.
　And glancing at it from inside, Tesfia reflexively rejected it.

''Geez!
Oh my...

　This is a manual that says you can see things through.
　It was as thick as some history book, or maybe even a catalogue.
　When I flipped through it, I found that the contents of Alice's training were clearly stated in detail - with poorly written illustrations. Of course, Tesfia also had a different one with different contents.

　And although Tesfia was also looking inside with a difficult face at first, her expression gradually became full of motivation.
　This was a manual prepared by Ars for the two of them, and the content of the later training was written down in advance, just in case. I should call it a menu list, although it was thicker than even a textbook in there.

　Starting from the table of contents and ending at over 300 pages.

　And it was clear to whom it was intended. Even Alice and Tesfia's habits were described in the contents, which could be said to be for personal use only.

　When Tesfia saw it, she instantly skipped the pages with a frown on her face.
　Perhaps the sharp mouth was because she felt like he knew everything about her, even though she didn't know anything about Ars.

'Do you understand, Ars, maybe he assumed that to some extent. Magic is a daily thing, you know.

　Once closed, the two men took Flosse's advice, which was released directly in front of them, to heart.
　Their nodded faces were full of enthusiasm to accomplish the task.

　Tangentially, Froese added that it was.

'Come to think of it, do the two of you know about Budna's workshop?

　Froze regrouped his legs, a little surprised that the two of them knew the name that had been called off.
　It was Froese in the military, how could she not know Budna, who had been entrusted with the sole responsibility of manufacturing AWRs since that time. She just didn't like Budna, who was too craftsmanlike and stubborn.

　It's not a bad thing that the military itself could not afford it, to put it bluntly.

　Of course, her skills were first-rate. Even if she doesn't approve, she is a master craftsman who is said to be unknown among AWR's technical craftsmen.
　It's not a bad idea to have a good time.

"I do have an acquaintance, though.
You're that grandpa.

　Contrary to the awkward replies, is Alice much friendlier?
　Thinking about this, Froze recalls what Loki told her during the nobleman's ruling (temblum).

'I've been entrusted with a message from Ars-san. He told me to ask Fia once to visit Budna's workshop. I wasn't given any details either. I did give him one.
'Yes. But what is it?
You'll find out when you get there, won't you?

　It was common for both Tesfia and Alice to have no idea what to expect. Snorting, Tesfia thinks. If there is, is it a deposit?
　Maybe it means to keep it until Ars comes back.

'Nominated by Fia, huh~'

　Alice muttered with a disappointed look on her face, but Tesfia didn't even listen as she continued to think about it, even though she had no idea what it was at all.

　It would be exactly perfect in terms of keeping something in custody. All of Ars's laboratories have already been seized, so it's a shed shell.
　It was thought that they had taken refuge in Budna's workshop to avoid the seizure.

At any rate, we won't know for sure until we get there.
'Yes! You could have told me up front what it was anyway.

　It's because they can't do that, but there is no one to interfere. If this is an ordinary magician or AWR craftsman, there is no need to worry about it, but if a genius who is second to master Budna called Ars, there is no limit to the expectations that can be circulated if this is said by a genius who is second to master Budna.