Tomorrow we're going to go on a rescue mission to save Lucy. Regardless of whether Filia can use Lucy's grimoire or not.

''I'll have to do my best too.

　Letitia didn't seem particularly concerned about Filia's failure to use the grimoire.
　Then, she walked away.
　They were going to rethink tomorrow's plan.

　The participants in the operation were Leticia and the rest of the Free Alliance, me, Sophia, Lucille, and Filia.
　Saint Sophia, as well as Lucille, a student of the magic school, seemed to count as useful in the war effort.

　Filia has an important role to play in using her position as an imperial princess in order to enter the church.
　Besides, even if Lucy's grimoire couldn't be used, me and Filia are connected to the magic circuit, so having Filia around will enhance my magic power.

　Even so, Filia was depressed because she couldn't use her vital grimoire well.

''Why can't it work...?''

'I'm sorry. I guess I'm not good enough as a teacher.

No. I think it's my fault. I wish I could use this magic to help everyone.

　I thought about comforting Filia, but I told her that I was sure she would be able to use the grimoire myself.
　I can't find the words to put to it.

　I'm sure Filia does not lack in reading grimoires, basic skills, or the amount of magic she possesses.
　So why can't it work?

　I grabbed Lucille and asked her if she had any ideas.
　Lucille is Lucy's niece, and she's also the girl who gave us this grimoire.

　In the corridor of the Free Alliance's lair, Lucille and I faced each other.
　The petite Lucille looked up at me with her inorganic red eyes.

''I don't know why Your Highness can't use the grimoire,''

　Easily, Lucille said.
　'I feel like I've run out of last resort.

'I should have asked Dr. Lucy when I met her in the jail.

　However, we needed to prioritize our escape, so we didn't have time at that time. We were also planning to be able to rescue Lucy as it was, so we had no choice.

''Maybe there are still secrets in this grimoire.

　Lucille muses.
　The grimoire is written in ancient script, but I'm sure I've deciphered it at least once.
　However, is there still a possibility that there is something more hidden in it?

　I'll have to think about it.

"This is what Lucy made for you and Your Highness. I'm sure it will be useful to both of you.

'Yes. But what's the use of it if you can't use it?

　I said casually, but Lucille stared at me sharply in response to my words.

'Even if you couldn't use it, I still envy you.

Why?

''........Lucy-sensei wouldn't prepare such an amazing grimoire for me. You are the only disciple that matters to Lucy Sensei. He doesn't care about me.

I don't think so.

'A professor at a magic school has to take apprentices on a regular basis, and since I'm a relative, I just had no choice. Even if I worked hard and got top honors in my wizarding school exams, and even if I helped the Free Alliance for my teacher, they didn't look out for me.

　I was silent.
　Indeed, when I went to the Ministry of War and Navy to rescue her, Lucy had not spoken a word about Lucille.
　Lucille is Lucy's niece and apprentice, as well as a collaborator of the Free Alliance.
　So it's not surprising that she's in danger of losing herself.
　It's normal for Lucy to be worried about Lucille's safety.
　But there was no such word from Lucy at all.

''Why is it that an ordinary person like you can fill Dr. Lucy's heart, but not me?

'Lucille is...'

'I've had a crush on Miss Lucy for a long time, and I've always liked her.

　When Lucille was seven years old, she met the nineteen-year-old Lucy, who had just become a professor.
　Perhaps to the young Lucille's eyes, the genius Lucy must have looked dazzling and brilliant.
　Lucille was an introvert, and even at a young age, she stood out from her surroundings. That's why she seemed to project herself onto the girl professor, who was once lonely as well.

'My dream was to enter a magic school and become Lucy-sensei's apprentice. I thought that if I became an excellent apprentice, Lucy-sensei would need me. But.....

　So the reality was different.
　For me, Lucy was a great mentor. But maybe she wasn't a good mentor for Lucille.

　I bent down and made eye contact with Lucille.

''I don't know what's going on inside Lucy-sensei. But the Lucille I see now looks a lot like the Lucie teacher I first met.

What do you mean?

It means you could be just like Dr. Lucy.

I don't need that kind of comfort.

'It's not a comforting thought. Lucille could be more than just Dr. Lucy. If Lucy wasn't the ideal person, then Lucille could be her own ideal and someone else would need her.

Do you think I could be that?

I can't say for sure, but I think it's possible. Unlike the average me, Lucille has a great talent.

　Lucille's crimson eyes were shaking.
　For the first time, I think I saw Lucille's emotions move in a big way.

　Eventually, Lucille didn't say a word, turned around and ran out of my sight, and was gone from my presence.