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After-school study time in the old library had received approval from both Mrs. Judy and my mother, officially recognized as a daily routine.

Even though it had been less than a week since enrollment, it seemed that the story of Alfe and me had already spread among the staff. Particularly, the librarian who first guided me took it upon herself to stay in the old library after school and assist us, even though I hadn’t requested it.

“…I’m sorry for causing you trouble and inconvenience.”
“It’s a waste to let such a collection of books sleep. I’m delighted about it.”

Despite the inconvenience caused by my reassignment, the librarian showed no sign of displeasure. On the contrary, she welcomed us with a smile.

“Leafa and Alfe, don’t worry about the adults and learn greedily. I look forward to your growth.”

St. Salaius Private Elementary School consistently prioritized students’ autonomy. The environment was more than adequately arranged to allow students access to what they wanted to learn and explore.

The new building known as the Alchemy building, which is under construction, seemed to be nearing completion. Notices conveying the intended use of various spaces in the building were prominently displayed throughout the school building, leaving a lasting impression.

Having access to school facilities if I ever wanted to create something intricate in the future would be quite significant.

Nevertheless, as the librarian woman mentioned, very few students seemed to read the books in this old library. Perhaps it was not only because of their age but also because the books here were challenging, even for elementary school students, to supplement their knowledge.

After my death as Glass, three hundred years have likely seen the establishment of educational methods, emphasizing not only the development of successors but also early education. There might be books documenting this evolution.

It might be interesting to unravel the history of this school. There seemed to be a path, like Teacher Lionel, to remain at the school as a researcher.

The after-school hours spent engrossed in a book of interest while pondering these thoughts, without worrying about the surroundings, were precious. Despite Alfe being beside me, I’ve been accustomed to being together since infancy, so it didn’t bother me at all. Alfe didn’t interfere, and our time together was surprisingly comfortable.

Having finished reading several books, I glanced at Alfe, who was in the process of rewriting the formula board I had given her. She had borrowed magical ink and was meticulously writing with the same fountain pen used in class.

Fixing a simplified formula written by someone else would be quite challenging…

“Alfe, do you want some help?”
“I’ll do it myself.”

Although I offered, Alfe declined. It was usually a moment where she would smile and nod, but there were rare occasions.

Perhaps the time when she relied solely on me has already passed.

Thinking that, an indescribable emotion stirred in my heart. What was this fragile feeling, akin to the cold wind, which felt different from emptiness…?

Confused by my own emotional turmoil, I unintentionally averted my gaze from Alfe.

I feel lonely? Me?

Me, who preferred to spend my entire life as Glass mostly alone, avoiding connections with anyone?

No, no, why would I feel that way? Just because Alfe made a “request,” it doesn’t mean that a child’s promise would remain valid forever. I should know that better than anyone. Besides, shouldn’t I be relieved that I have fewer things to deal with?

As I reassured myself, I decided it would be better to focus on something else and reflected on today’s magical engineering class. I began jotting down the fairies my classmates had created, trying to grasp the childish tendencies as far as I could remember.

Most of them were based on animals or plants that we commonly see, with boys creating sturdy and strong creatures, while girls tended to craft small animals or cute doll-like figures. No one else created something like Alfe’s combination of flowers and fairies. Of course, there were none that matched the unrealistically small cat I created, with eyes of different colors.

Feeling reassured as I looked at Alfe, I realized that I might’ve been elevated to an incredible level, so it might be a good idea to casually create a slime fairy in future classes.

While thinking about this, I started jotting down the simplified formula for a slime in my notebook. Semi-solid, liquid… what other characteristics would give it a childlike and playful feel? It wouldn’t hurt to find somewhat whimsical characters from the list of newtypes.

“…It’s done!”

Beside me, Alfe exclaimed happily as I worked on the simplified formula for the slime.

“Hey, watch this.”

Alfe, meeting my gaze, smiled and touched her fingertip to the formula board.

“My servant. Come into existence. Create Fairy.”

As Alfe chanted, the white cat I had created appeared. I was astonished… she had really rewritten that formula board.

“Hehe. I fixed the kitty properly.”

She seemed to have added a behavioral pattern as well, as the cat came over to me.

“Amazing, Alfe. But if you could do all this, it would have been faster to create it from scratch…”
“Nope.”

Alfe negated my words with a smile and showed the spell foundation in front of her face.

“It’s a collaboration between you and me!”
“A collaboration?”
“Something we made together.”

I understood the meaning, but I didn’t quite get why she wanted to do it. Still, even if I didn’t fully understand, it must have meant something to Alfe.

“I see. Good job, Alfe.”

While not actually touching it, I moved my hand as if stroking the white cat, trying to show empathy. Alfe’s expression immediately shifted into a beaming smile.

“Yeah! I love you Leafa!”

Alfe, the crybaby, would tear up whether she was happy or sad. Right now, the tears in Alfe’s eyes were from happiness. She must have been genuinely happy to have patiently repaired and successfully fixed it.

“It’s because of your own hard work, Alfe.”

Acknowledging Alfe’s effort, she softly laughed, shook her head, and said, “It’s thanks to you. I was really happy that you created it while thinking of me.”
“I see…”

Maybe it was the infectious nature of Alfe’s smile, but my cheeks relaxed too. I seemed to be genuinely happy about this. For some reason, I suddenly felt that way.

Imagining and sharing someone else’s emotions felt strangely unfamiliar to me.