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After turning three, our range of activities expanded beyond the daycare center.

A daycare staff member pushed a large baby carriage with Alfe and me aboard, explaining the buildings in the town. We usually circled around the vicinity of the Dragon Temple, the cathedral of the Black Dragon Religion near the daycare center. However, today’s journey seemed to take us a bit further. Judging by the sun as a guide, we were heading southeast. As the baby carriage rocked gently, Alfe and I surrendered ourselves to the motion, and the enormous outer wall surrounding Torch Town came into view.

In front of the usually distant outer wall, several newly built brick buildings were lined up. They all seemed to be designed by the same architect, and glancing over, it appeared to be an educational institution with about four buildings.

“That sparkling building is the St. Salaius Private Elementary School.”

The daycare staff noticed my gaze and provided an explanation.

The name Salaius suggested a connection to the historical sage Salai. Naming an educational institution after a sage indicated that quite advanced education was taking place there.

“What’s there?”

Alfe pointed towards a slightly smaller building, situated past the Clock Tower.

“That building is the St. Salacious Elementary School Kindergarten. It’s where kids your age or older study.”
“Study…”

Whether she understood the meaning of the conversation or not, Alfe confidently repeated, “Study” in response.

Having an attached kindergarten suggested a focus on early education. If I were to enter that elementary school, perhaps I could somehow repay my parents.

“Tomorrow, they will come to us for an inspection. Could you greet them?”
“Okaay.”

Alfe answered, and I nodded. Going out of their way to show us St. Salaius Elementary School seemed to indicate some special purpose for tomorrow’s inspection.

“Alfe, do it?”

In front of the staff, I tried speaking in broken sentences to Alfe. She blinked her eyes and smiled warmly.

“Leafa too.”
“…Yeah.”

I wanted to tell her that we were the ones inspected, not the other way around. However, engaging in a complicated conversation wouldn’t be understood by Alfe, and I didn’t want to risk being suspected by the staff if I spoke fluently.

However, Alfe might get scared when unfamiliar people come.

If that happens, she tends to stick close to me and becomes reluctant to move freely, so it will be quite a challenge if I want her to move around more independently. Nevertheless, the news of an inspection piqued my interest.

I wondered what the purpose of coming all the way to the daycare center for an inspection could be. A school of that scale might have scholarship programs or other opportunities. Searching for potential candidates… that would be nice.

◇◇◇

The next day.

“No! Then No!”

As expected, Alfe activated her shyness mode when the inspection team from St. Salaius Elementary School arrived at the daycare center.

“…Oh dear, Alfe. It’s okay. How about a hug?”
“Noo! I want Leafa!”

While saying so, Alfe hugged me tightly. To calm her down a bit, I decided to return the tight hug, wrapping my arms around her back.

“Leafa, I love you.”

After we embraced for a moment, Alfe murmured softly. However, her eyes were wide open, staring at the inspection team with a frightened look.

“Um, excuse me—”

The inspection team noticed Alfe’s gaze, and their eyes were fixed on her.

“This child has a Pure Eye—”
“Yes, that’s right. But she’s a very delicate child…”

Trying not to upset Alfe’s mood, the daycare staff spoke in a lowered tone. Alfe and I could hear their conversation even though they were speaking softly.

“My eye…?”

As evidence, Alfe anxiously asked me.

“It’s beautiful, Alfe.”

To reassure her, I made eye contact and spoke in a calm voice. Alfe awkwardly smiled at my words and tightened her grip around my arms.

It seemed that the inspection team had come to see Alfe’s ability. Since Alfe was the only one in the daycare center with a Pure Eye, it was evident that they would remain in this class without any worries.

“Alfe, I’d like to ask you for a simple test—”
“Nooo!”

Despite the inspector’s gentle voice, Alfe didn’t listen and hid behind me. She then pulled me, creating distance between her and the inspector. Clearly showing her wariness, both the inspector and the daycare staff smiled awkwardly at the situation.

“I’m sorry. She’s not used to men other than family…”
“…No, it’s quite common. Let’s wait until she calms down.”

While listening to their conversation, I also paid attention to Alfe’s changes.

“…Alfe.”
“Leafaa…”

Alfe called my name in a timid manner, trembling as if she were scared. Avoiding attention due to her Pure Eye had been a characteristic since she came to this daycare center.

I do think that her eyes are beautiful.

Moreover, with her high abilities and the expectation of a successful future as a magician, there would likely be a focus on early education.

I wonder if I can take the test too?

I don’t know what kind of test it is, but if I could have my abilities measured in the process, there’s a high chance that I could also receive attention alongside Alfe. If I encourage Alfe to take the test, it might lead to an opportunity for me as well.