Risha Linfold is a brilliant young girl from a family of four noble families. She has been a master of magic since she was a child, and she has been a top student at her school of magic.

　It is not only because of his talent, but also because he has worked hard to live up to his family's name. His sincere attitude and soft-spoken personality have earned him the favor of his teachers and classmates, making him a true honor student.

　It's a bit of a bummer that he's a bit of a vagabond, isn't it?

　The night of the last day of the long summer vacation. Risha, who had finished her preparations for the next day's institute, received a call from Seth. It's unusual to receive a call from her brother, who has been busy lately, and she wondered what the hell he was up to--

Mr. Wraith, is it?
Yeah. I'll probably start working at the Academy tomorrow. I'm sorry, but if you need help with anything, I need you to help me.

　Caring for Lace, who will be working at the academy tomorrow, Seth asked his sister to do something for him. There is a sense of insurance for Wraith, who doesn't know what she will do, but as a friend I want to help her as much as I can.

''But if you have that much alchemy ability, is there any need for me to help you...?''
'Of course I'm not worried about anything in regards to alchemy. ...I just have a feeling that Wraith is going to be in a lot of trouble in other areas.
Huh....

　Leisha, who had only met Wraith once, couldn't sympathize with her brother's melancholy, and she returned a distracted voice.

'Well, if it's just to help, I'll be fine.
Thank you. That's very helpful.

　It's a request from my brother, of all people.
　Besides, Risha was also interested in the substandard alchemy that she heard about from her brother. There is no reason to refuse.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.　Just because you're busy doesn't mean you won't have the strength to eat!　Also, it's important to get a good night's sleep. It's good to work hard, but your brother should take care of himself a little more.
I'll be careful...

　Leesha held up her index finger and swooped down at once. Seth moved his head cocooned and moved his head vertically while being amused. He knew that if he made a strange counterargument here, he would be stared at with a pressured stare that he didn't have to say anything.

　Risha smiled at Seth's reaction, as if to say 'good'.

''Totally.......you're sure you're okay?''
'Yeah, I don't have a problem with my health. I didn't expect my sister to give me that kind of attention at my age.

　Of course I'm happy to be concerned, but as Seth, it's also a somewhat embarrassing exchange.
　As someone who aspires to be a dignified head of the family, it is preferable for him to react in a rather adoring manner.

　This is the reaction of a mother who worries about her son who is trying too hard.

'He didn't seem to have time for his sister.

　Leesha gives him a sideways glance and says so sarcastically.

　However, Seth doesn't seem to be offended by those words and blinks his eyes in wonder.

　This is because Risha, who usually treats her brother Seth with respect, rarely says sarcasm.

''........sulking?''

　He says the words that came to mind in a flash.
　Leesha looks at Seth as if surprised for a moment, and then goes to a miffed expression.

''I'm not sulking!''

　If you stubbornly deny the words, you're affirming them to the contrary.
　Seth gave a rare nasty smile and reached for his sister's head.

'If you were lonely, you should have said so.

　Seth put his hand on Leesha's head and stroked her like a goody-goody child.

　That action with some compassion mixed in with mischief.

　Leesha shakes her shoulders with a shake and glares at her brother with tears in her eyes. Whether from shame or anger, her cheeks were slightly flushed.

　But what is certain is that I have stepped on a land mine.

　Seth visibly reveals his agitation, wondering where the meanness from earlier had gone.

　It's rare for Leesha to be sarcastic, but it's also rare for Seth to be mean.
　It's not something he's used to doing, and now regret hits Seth's chest.

''No, um, I didn't mean to...''

　Words that aren't even an excuse are unconsciously leaking out of her mouth. He tries to get his sister back in a good mood, but he can't think of a good way to do it.

　As a result, Seth continues to be exposed in a dejected and pathetic manner.

　Leesha looked at her brother and sighed deeply.
　Then she turns away and mutters to herself.

''........I'll forgive you if you take me out for some delicious snacks next time.
I promise.

　She replied at high speed without interrupting her thoughts.
　Perhaps this put her in a better mood, but Leesha gave a cloudless smile, as if the tears that had been floating around were a lie.

''Well then, good night, brother. Promise, please don't forget your promise.''

　Leesha left that and left the room quickly.

''........You're not lying, right?''

　I'm not sure if those tears were an act or not.

　But even so, if it didn't spoil my sister's mood, I'm sure that's fine with me.

　With this, it would have to be said that the path to becoming a dignified head of the family is still a long way to go. Seth was inwardly relieved that he hadn't spoiled his sister's mood.

　After all, his sister's unsuitability for him was unlikely to change anytime soon.



　* * * *



　There are three sections in the Academy of Magic: Elementary, Middle and High School. It is not easy to advance to the next level of school in an escalator system, but the examinations are as strict as the entrance examinations. This is necessary to maintain the quality of mages, and that is why many of the students of the magic academy are excellent.

　Many excellent students gather at the magic academy. Naturally, the ability required of the teachers is also appropriate.

　I'm not going to be able to get any more information on this, but I'm going to be able to tell you what to do.

...where is it?

　I was lost.
　Perfectly lost.

　It was only an hour ago that I ran out of the workshop to start working hard today. The sense of fulfillment that had filled my chest had long since vanished, and now only a sense of hopelessness and impatience was growing at an accelerated rate.

　How could this have happened? I should have discarded the optimistic thought that I'd been there once, so I wouldn't be lost. However, there is no way to rewind time, even if you try to warn yourself of the past.

　As time passed, the number of students increased here and there, and there were also figures seen whispering to each other when they saw a wraith who was clearly not dressed as a student.

　However, there was no doubt that it was the high school that Wraith was in charge of, judging by the students' tall attire. There doesn't seem to be only the worst possibility that the school building itself is the wrong one.

　If this happens, I want to ask for directions, but the quality of the gaze is the same as that directed at a suspicious person. I'm not sure what they would do to me if I approached them easily. I'm afraid my heart is going to break.

　With an impatient heart, I check the time.

　It's already five minutes before the time specified by Helgar. I wanted to get there at least enough time before, but it would be tough to even make it on time anymore.

　Being late from the first day is quite a laughing matter.

　Wraith stands there with tears in the corners of his eyes and a masterful expression on his face and cheeks. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. I can't help but cast a glance at it.

　It looks a lot like him, I thought.

　Is this the second time I've seen him? That gray hair, which grew to about the waist, bore a striking resemblance to the friend I usually see on a regular basis, and that's why it caught my eye. Unlike the frail-looking Seth, the girl seemed to be full of confidence.

　The gray-haired girl seemed to be busy responding to the words of the students surrounding her. Although the school building was still deserted, only her surroundings were quite busy. You can tell just by looking at her from the side that she is popular.

　It's a big difference from Wraith, who didn't have any friends before coming to the royal capital. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　But then it occurred to him.

　Maybe that girl, Seth's sister, would know her. I've only met her once in person. On top of that, it wasn't a decent first impression, but that's why it's highly likely that she's still in my memory.

　I'm sure the girl's name was--.

Risha....

　When she muttered the name she dug up from her memory, the crowded space became silent as if it were a lie. The gazes of the students who had been surrounding Risha turned to Wraith at once.

　The emotions in their gazes vary, but there seems to be no doubt that the only question is "who is this guy". This is the first time he's met face to face with the students, so it's no wonder they think he's a scandalous man.

　Exposed to the pressure of their gazes, Wraith naturally took a step backwards with one foot in a cold sweat. He had often attracted attention since he came to King's Landing, but this was the first time he had been looked at so closely and silently.

　He wanted to go home and stay in the workshop already, a rare Lurimes-like thought.

　Leesha noticed the change in her surroundings and turned her gaze towards Wraith. Then her eyes widened in surprise. Then she glanced at the surroundings and hesitated, and then she made a bitter expression for a while, as if she was hesitating.

　Then, as if he had made up his mind, he stepped quickly towards Wraith.

''Please follow me.''
Yeah.

　Before Lace can stop her, Leisha takes his hand and pulls him along. A painfully sceptical stare pierces from behind her, but she doesn't seem to care.

　After walking for a while, and moving away from the group of students ahead to some extent, Leesha lets go of his hand.

''Yes, and...''

　How should I word it? Leesha sighs as she looks at the troubled Wraith and sighs.

''Why are you in this place?''
No, I'm going to work here today in case you're wondering...
I know that because my brother told me about it.
Oh, yes.

　Said in a strong tone of voice, Wraith naturally nodded his head. Normally, they are in the position of teacher and student in a bent way, but no one would believe that after seeing this scene.

''If it's the current time, though, I'm sure you have other things to do.
'No, that's what led me astray...'
..........

　When Lace said apologetically and respectfully, Leesha stood there in dismay. Even though it was the second time she was coming, it was a vast school building, so perhaps it couldn't be helped.

　Still, it would be a complete mistake for Lace to not understand the structure of the building where he worked.

　Feeling like she understood the meaning of her brother asking her to help Wraith, Leesha sighed heavily once more.

'It can't be helped. I'll show you around, so please come along.''
Oh, you're sure?　It sounds like you were with a friend or something, but...
'I'll explain it to my friend later. Besides, can you go by yourself?

　Wraith looked away awkwardly at the question and finally bowed his head lightly.

''... please.''
Yes, as you requested.