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“Welcome back, Leafa. You were quite late today.”

After finishing the pre-study for tomorrow’s magical engineering with Alfe, I somehow managed to return before nightfall. However, it seemed I had caused unnecessary worry to my mother.

I couldn’t blame her, as we left the school so late even the senior students were already starting to head home. Despite being engrossed in our studies, our behavior wasn’t typical for new students.

“I apologize, Mother. I lost track of time while preparing for tomorrow’s class—”
“Was Alfe with you?”

In response to my sincere apology, Mother asked with a smile. While it was a smile, I wondered if she might be angry about involving Alfe and making our return home late. Although I had never been scolded before, I should be prepared for such times.

“Yes. Should I also apologize to Mrs. Clifford?”
“Apologize?”

Surprised by my hesitant words, Mother blinked her eyes and then burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, there’s no need to apologize for anything. But if I made you think that way, I’m sorry. You don’t have to worry about such things, Leafa.”

Speaking with a cheerful smile, Mother made an effort to reassure me. The sincerity in her words was something I had somehow learned from my life experiences as Leafa.

Perhaps I had to start fixing my habit as Glass which made me think others could change at any moment…

After all, such thinking was not something a ‘normal’ child should have, at least not in this town as far as I knew.

“…Remember this, Leafa. One important thing.”

Whether she took my sudden apology seriously or not, Mother stopped preparing dinner, and approached me.

“We, your moms, are very happy that you two get along so well.”

Though she maintained a smiling face, as she bent down to my eye level and spoke earnestly, the eyes of my mother were undeniably serious.

“…I’m also very happy being close to Alfe. Thank you so much for introducing us, Mother.”

So I expressed the maximum goodwill I had towards Alfe. It seemed to satisfy Mother, as she returned a deep nod in response.

“It’s Judy and I who should say that. But, Leafa, aside from that, it would be nice if you could make many other friends too.”

Reading between the lines, her words hinted that Alfe might not be the only friend for me. Observing my classmates, I vaguely understood that having many friends was considered desirable by the majority.

But what about Alfe?

The moment I thought about it, the image of Alfe’s smiling face, when she expressed her ‘love’ for me, flashed through my mind. Surely, for Alfe, I might be the only friend she needed, and she might only want me.

So, not because of that specific reason, but I decided to align myself with Alfe.

“I don’t feel the need. I have Alfe. More importantly, Mother—”
“What is it, Leafa?”

Interrupting my words, I gauged Mother’s reaction. She seemed to sense that there was a ‘request’ from me in this approach, and she leaned in with interest, attentive to what I had to say.

“Well… If it’s okay, could you let me help you?”

As I spoke, I directed my gaze towards the kitchen. It was right in the middle of preparing dinner, with the pot on the aether stove and the water-heating pot working heavily.

“Huh, aren’t you always helping me? What’s gotten into you, asking so formally?”
“I want to familiarize myself with the magical devices we use at home, in preparation for tomorrow’s magical engineering class.”

Entering elementary school had given me the motivation to delve into the advancements in magical devices of this era. I couldn’t miss this opportunity. Until now, I had been careful about the questions I asked at home, not wanting to arouse suspicion from my parents. However, if I framed it as learning about magical devices, it seemed like I could ask any question I wanted.

“So that’s how it is. In that case, it’s a good opportunity to teach you various things. However, many things in the kitchen involve heat sources. Be extremely careful about burns.”
“I am aware of the risks. I will be cautious, but please point out anything I might miss, Mother.”

With permission to handle the magical devices in the kitchen, I received explanations and guidance from Mother on how to use modern magical devices while busy preparing dinner.

Until now, I had refrained from entering the kitchen casually due to handling fire and hot water. However, it turned out to be a treasure trove of modern magical devices beyond my imagination.

For instance, in the case of the pot (water-heating magical device), there was a simple ‘boil’ formula on it. By pressing a button, it activated, boiling water. Additionally, there was another button labeled ‘Retain,’ which maintained the temperature of the water for a certain period.

In my knowledge and theory as Glass, combining water and heating through a simple formula without relying on flames to extract only the energy of heat was exceedingly difficult. However, in the modern era, simplified formulas optimized for water heating made it possible.

So this is the world 300 years into the future…

In addition, for the vacuum cleaner, there was a function to adjust suction power by combining a simple ‘suction’ formula with buttons for ‘strong’ and ‘weak.’ Cleaning magical devices used to only have the ability to suck up dirt, but these days, there were apparently even disc-shaped magical devices equipped with small automatic cleaning functions.

Originally, during the era when I lived as Glass, magical devices were mainly used as components for magical furnaces and control circuits of the mecha soldiers. However, in the current era, they have been simplified to the level of being widespread in ordinary households, and it’s surprising how they have been industrialized and made accessible.

“…I’m glad you finally seem interested. If it’s about alchemy, Mom can tell you more.”

While cleaning up after dinner, Mother spoke to me with a smile. I appreciated her kindness, but even if I were to ask for more details, choosing questions might prove to be a challenge…