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On this day, the cold spring wind made the red petals of the Dragon Trees dance and flutter.

Wrapped in freshly donned clothes tailored for this occasion, Alfe and I entered St. Salaius Private Elementary School on the east side of the familiar kindergarten building.

“You’ve grown a lot compared to two years ago, Leafa,” Mother spoke.
“The hat you gave her fits perfectly now. Comparing her to the kindergarten days, it’s nostalgic to feel how quickly she’s grown,” Father added.
“It’s because she took good care of it. Thank you, Leafa.”

Comparing the photo from the kindergarten entrance ceremony, my parents, who constantly praised my good sense of possession, seemed unaware that I secretly borrowed my mother’s alchemical tools to apply waterproofing and prevent deterioration.

“It’s my first treasure, so of course.”
“Right, Mom is really happy.”
“It’s Leafa’s trademark, after all.”

Alfe joined our conversation with a smile. She had gathered part of her light purple hair above her ears, showing extra care in her appearance today.

“Alfe, that hairstyle suits you.”
“Thank you, Leafa. If you like it, maybe I should stick with this every day from now on.”

Alfe, with narrowed eyes and a blissful smile, took my hand and intertwined her fingers with mine. Her hand, gripping mine tightly, felt a bit cool, likely due to the spring breeze.

“Hehe, your hand is warm.”

Whispering in a sweet voice, Alfe gently leans her cheek against my arm.

Having just accomplished the significant task of delivering a speech on stage as the representative of the new students, I could sense that Alfe was a bit nervous in this new environment. Knowing she had done well in my place, allowing me to avoid that role, I didn’t mind indulging her like this. If this was the extent of it, being affectionate and clingy, it was a small price to pay.

“Alfe, you did great, working hard.”
“Yeah, thanks to you.”

Not forgetting to offer words of encouragement, I felt Alfe leaning against me with a happy nod.

“I haven’t done anything, though?”
“We made a promise.”

Ah, that promise of ‘listening to anything you say.’

“Yeah, I remember it well.”

I made it clear that I intended to keep our promise. Alfe smiled, showing complete trust that I wouldn’t break it.

But still.

St. Salaius Private Elementary School had undergone significant infrastructure improvements compared to two years ago. Due to the clock tower being in the way, I hadn’t grasped it well during kindergarten, but now I could see that new school buildings were under construction. Various working subordinate units, including those equipped with shovel arms for construction work that had once flattened my hat, were working hard.

“…Is that…”

Among them, what caught my eye was a squat robot with a cylindrical body and limbs.

Orum¹? So they’re still using it in this era…

The machine, about three meters tall, slightly shorter than the second floor of the school building, was an Orum subordinate unit that had been used back when I was Glass. In this era, it seemed to serve as a civilian work machine, skillfully stacking bricks in its tasks.

Unlike the Orum I knew, it moved smoothly, likely due to the rollers attached to its legs playing a more significant role. Its ability to move steadily even in rough construction sites was truly intriguing.

Progress was made in steam-powered vehicle development between my death as Glass and reincarnation, and it seemed like that technology was now being applied here.

“Leafa? Do you like that subordinate unit?”

Alfe noticed my focus on the Orum and leaned in, peering at it.

“Not so much liking it, just thinking it’s an old model from a long time ago.”

While the initial prototypes were crafted using alchemy, things might be different now. The smooth movements of the Orum hinted at technological advancements, making it quite interesting.

“The new school building sounds exciting, Leafa. I heard they have alchemy facilities too.”
“Huh?”

Alfe’s innocent remark sent a chill down my spine. I hadn’t told anyone, including Alfe, that I was an alchemist.

“It’s alchemy, Leafa. Isn’t your mom an alchemist too?”

…Ah, I see. She was talking about my mother.

Realizing my mistake, I sighed with relief. While I understood that this institution focused on magic education, it seemed they planned to offer a broad spectrum of education, including alchemy. It was fitting for a school bearing the name of historical sages.

The significant investment in facilities, looking toward the future, indicated that perhaps only those with high expectations for the future were gathered at this elementary school. I needed to strive to meet those expectations and repay my parents in kind.

At the same time, I had to try to blend in as much as possible, to be ‘normal.’

However, considering that Alfe, who had been my role model, was already far from normal, the road ahead seemed daunting.

1. This is sort of a pun/alternative spelling of Aurum. According to the author’s shared universe wiki page of all his novels, this mini automaton (wiki link) is based on a giant elemental unit Democron Aurum Magnus (wiki link). The name only differs by one long vowel so I chose to go with ‘Orum’ instead, just in case the other unit shows up in the future and I have to rack my brains on how to differentiate them.