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I obtained the ostensible reason that it was for Alfe, but in reality, it was the first time in this life that I was openly using alchemy. The waterproof and anti-degradation agents I used for my trademark hat were quite simple, so that’s fine. However, making the contact lens I was aiming for this time was something I couldn’t hide.

Materials were obtainable with the cooperation of the teacher, but tools were out of reach for a child. I feared that if I made it at school, Mrs. Clifford might have something to say about it… So, combined with a consultation about that, I decided to ask my mother, who was an alchemist, for the entire set of tools. If I were to bring it up, it would be appropriate to do so after the housework settled down, perhaps after dinner. I repeatedly practiced in my mind how to ask while having dinner, and when the timing was right after finishing the meal, I put it into practice.

“Thank you for the meal, Mother.”

While cleaning up after dinner as usual, I called out to my mother standing in the kitchen.

“Thanks. Leave it by the sink for me.”

My mother smiled at me while preparing ingredients for future meals.

“No. I used it, so I’ll wash it,” I declared, moved the step stool, and began washing the dishes. My mother considerately activated the kitchen’s showerhead device for me.

“It’s commendable that you can help.”
“It’s only natural, Mother. After all, you always take care of preparing meals and things around me. Thank you so much.”

While lathering detergent in the comfortably adjusted warm water, I washed the used dishes. As I expressed gratitude to my mother while washing, she surprisingly raised her voice.

“Leafa…”
“Did I say something strange, Mother?”

Supporting the dishes with a firm grip to avoid dropping them, I looked at my mother. She rubbed her eyes and gave a wry smile, shaking her head.

“No, Leafa, you’re truly filial.”

There was an onion on the cutting board. I remember it stings the eyes when you cut it. Maybe that’s why.

“I hope I can repay even a little of the kindness I receive from you and Father…”
“You don’t need to think about such things. You should freely do what you like to do. That’s our happiness, Leafa.”

I had vaguely sensed my mother’s thoughts, but hearing them expressed again surprised me. Even if that were true, then why did they go through all the trouble to bring me into the world and raise me? Even if I were in such a situation, it would be something I could never do, given how frightening it seemed.

“…Is that so?”

Finding it difficult to react in a childlike manner, that was the best response I could manage. My mother nodded with a smile and continued to look into my eyes.

“Yes, it is. But even if I say you’re free, it might be difficult if I don’t show you more options.”

I wasn’t saying this because they were my parents, but they truly have no desires. Even if this was what the goddess called ‘normal,’ I shouldn’t take it for granted. Being born into the Rudra and Natal couple’s family was undoubtedly a stroke of good luck.

“…Freely…”

However, at the moment, I didn’t have any specific goals or dreams. If I interpreted “freedom” as trying to do something of my own accord, this would be an opportunity to make a request. With this in mind, I finished washing the dishes and turned to face my mother formally.

“…Mother, I have something serious to consult about.”
“What is it, Leafa?”

Whether she anticipated my request or was already prepared to respond, my mother’s smile seemed somewhat delighted.

“I would like to use the alchemy cauldron. As long as you don’t need it for work this weekend… that is.”
“If a small spare one is acceptable, it’s fine. Is it for school homework?”

Asked this, I hesitated. Would it be more convenient if she thought that way? Or should I honestly tell her that it’s about making a contact lens for Alfe?

If I were in the position of a parent, letting my child put something they made into their eyes would be scary. Explaining this to Mrs. Clifford was also a concern. While I was confident in its safety, I was still a child, and it would be more reassuring to have the approval of an adult.

Having reached that conclusion, I decided to be honest with my mother and seek her opinion.

“…In truth, I want to make a contact lens for Alfe.”
“…Is it because Alfe asked you to?”
“No. I proposed it myself.”

It’s better if Mrs. Clifford, Alfe’s birth parent, doesn’t know about Alfe’s serious concerns. It would surely make her sad. So, I insisted that it was purely my decision.

“Alfe seems to be troubled by the Pure Eye, and I want to do something about—”
“There’s someone who acted too ill-natured, right?”

Before I could finish, my mother spoke a word that touched on the core.

“…Why do you know about that?”
“Teacher Anais mentioned it, a bit.”

I was surprised. I didn’t expect teacher Anais’ name to come up here.

Actually, on the way back to the classroom after the duel, the teacher stopped me in the courtyard.

I thought I might be reproached for summoning the Black Dragon God or perhaps for using fire magic, but that wasn’t the case. It’s fortunate that she didn’t inquire further, despite probably sensing something considering the absence of us and the followers of Gutenberg-boy.

She had told me to let her know if I was troubled by anything, so I tried my luck and promptly requested blue magic stone powder resembling the color of Alfe’s eye, alchemical water as a catalyst for magical liquidation, and a paste of transparent Glaorite, a type of alchemical substance.

Teacher Anais managed to arrange the consultation with teacher Lionel on the spot and delivered the items to us while we were doing our daily studies in the old library.

In other words, integrating this with my mother’s story, teacher Anais had a complete understanding of everything yet chose not to pursue the matter with us children.

“…I see, I understand.”

Whether it was a judgment that intricate matters should be discussed by adults or a commitment to observe from the position of a guardian, her decision was not wrong. It was an interesting change for me to trust people other than my parents and Alfe, but teacher Anais’ actions were just that reasonable.

“I also heard that you always protect her. Thank you, Leafa.”
“I haven’t done anything significant. Alfe is my friend, so it’s only natural.”
“It’s impressive, Leafa. Not everyone can do that.”

Is it really? If my mother or father were in my position, I believed they would do the same without hesitation.

“…So, what did Alfe say?”
“…Alfe doesn’t want to show the Pure Eye to anyone other than close friends and family.”

To be precise, she had said she only wanted to show it to me, but I softened that detail.

“So, it came down to a contact lens, huh? I assume it’s to cover the iris’ color, but it’s also necessary to make the pupil part transparent.”
“I have considered that. Applying the formula of shape optimization should eliminate the foreign body sensation during wearing as well. Additionally, with an automatic cleaning formula, tears and air would be able to pass through and…”

Seeing that my mother understood my point, I proceeded to confirm if there were any issues with the specifications I was considering. As I started explaining, I noticed a subtle change in my mother’s expression. Considering she was a modern alchemist, perhaps the way I presented my current knowledge was a bit too much.

“…And that is my approach. Would it be possible?”

In an attempt to salvage the situation, I forced a question. My mother, with a serious expression, nodded and made gestures as if she were writing something with her fingers.

“Y-Yes… Theoretically, it should be possible. I haven’t personally made one yet, but if you’ve researched and thought about it this much, it’s worth a try.”

Her position in education didn’t seem so different from teacher Anais. Perhaps even this matter had been subtly conveyed to her by the teacher.

“However, make three of the same items before giving it to Alfe. One for you to test, one for me to test.”

I see. The opinion of my mother, an active alchemist, was spot on. I could tell she was trying to teach me that the success of transmutation and its practicality were separate matters.

“The last one is for Alfe, right? Understood.”
“Is there anything else you need?”
“Just the tools are enough. I consulted with my teachers, and the materials are ready.”

With this arrangement, I could borrow my mother’s atelier on weekends, and I began working on the alchemical synthesis of a contact lens for Alfe.