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In the makeshift workshop that my father had set up in the warehouse, I worked on planning the repair and modification of Arkecius. After visiting the hangar with my father and reevaluating the initial plan, I spent the past few weeks gathering the parts he graciously provided and additional components.

The most significant task in modifying Arkecius was the conversion to a fuel-carrying model. This essentially involved modifying Arkecius to run on liquid aether and installing an aether tank for it. Considering the location of the tank, balancing its capacity, and other aspects, it seemed like a considerable challenge even in the actual execution.

Separately, inspired by the impressive arrangement of the magical contraction muscles shown during the Karkinos inspection, I decided to incorporate a similar configuration into Arkecius’ legs. Considering my status as a child and the likely constraint of expedition locations being places reachable in a day, I aimed to enhance the range of movement within that constraint by improving the speed of the legs.

Additionally, I modified the specifications to include a drilling mechanism extending from the arms and added contraction functionality to the arms to reach higher places.

I planned to ensure airtightness in the cockpit for underwater mobility, and to install small vernier thrusters on the heels for propulsion in water.

While there might be some trial and error involved, it seemed wise to seek advice from adults given the childlike nature of the endeavor. Those mechanics also seem to inquire about my progress on various occasions.

“Well, it’s something like this.”

Taking a breather after outlining the entire plan, Alfe arrived at the warehouse.

“I came to see you and ‘Arkeshius.’”
“I haven’t done any repairs yet, Alfe.”

Alfe halted in front of me, smiling wryly, and looked up at Arkecius placed in the warehouse. Perhaps the unconscious tiptoeing was due to Arkecius’s massive size. Thinking about how I and Arkecius would look to others, it was quite enlightening.

“But, it’s become quite clean.”
“It would have been a pity if it stayed as it was.”

Cleaning and rust removal were completed the day after Arkecius was brought into the warehouse, and my mother has been helping to remove stubborn stains by concocting various reagents. Thanks to that, Arkecius has been transforming into a remarkably clean state, though it still hasn’t reached the level of an antique.

“So it’s your friend now, right, Leafa?”
“…You don’t mind, Alfe?”

While gazing at Arkecius, Alfe muttered unexpectedly, causing me to ask again.

“Why?”

Alfe blinked in confusion and turned to look at me.

“Well… didn’t we talk about that before?”

Oh no, now it seems like I’m being overly self-conscious.

“Ah, yeah. I don’t like human friends, but if it’s Arkeshius, I might become friends with it too.”
“…Ah, I see. Once I’m done with repairs and remodeling, I should make it so you can ride it too.”

Though she used ‘friend’ as a term, Alfe seemed to be perceiving Arkecius as an ‘object.’ If so, I could focus on repairing Arkecius without unnecessary worries. However, I wondered how Alfe felt about me spending less time with her…

“I want to help too!”
“You do?”

Whether she knew about my concerns or not, Alfe innocently offered her assistance.

“Yeah. I can use magic, and I want to be helpful to you, Leafa. I can’t?”

Certainly, with Alfe’s magic, both repairing and modifying would be much more convenient. It would be helpful not to need a new magical device.

“Actually, I welcome it, Alfe.”
“Yay!”
“With Alfe’s help, it’s like having the strength of a hundred people,” Father’s voice overlapped with Alfe’s joy. I didn’t notice when he came into the warehouse; his presence was completely unnoticed.

“Good morning, Father.”
“I’m impressed you’re up so early, Leafa. Well then, Daddy is off to work, but if you need anything, let me know. My colleagues seem to be looking forward to it as well.”

Although it’s appreciated, it seems like I’m attracting more attention than I thought.

“Yes, I’ll rely on you. Father.”

With a wry smile, I watched my father leave, and then my mother arrived.

“I’ll help too, Leafa. I can’t resist getting involved in something so fun.”
“Leafa’s mom!”

Alfe responded to her promptly, expressing joy in my place.

It’s surprising that not only Father but also Mother is showing considerable interest in Arkecius. I’m not sure if she already liked such things or if she wants to support me being proactive in something.

Afterward, with the help of my mother, Alfe, my father, and the military mechanics, the modifications and repairs of Arkecius progressed smoothly. I mainly assigned Alfe to welding and adjusting magical devices, and she proved to be more helpful than I had imagined.

◇◇◇

Over the course of about six months, I diligently continued the repairs and modifications on my Arkecius, and it was completed mostly according to the planned functions.

I initially wanted to modify the cockpit in the torso so that Alfe and I could both ride together, but due to Arkecius being a small subordinate unit and the constraints with the aether tank, it proved to be quite challenging. As a result, I adjusted the head to be flatter, allowing Alfe to sit on top.

Alfe suggested using levitation magic as a safety measure against falls, and I decided to incorporate that into the design.

For a test run, we moved with the newly completed Arkecius along the city walls to a high vantage point, where Alfe and I sat on the head, enjoying the sunset over the city.

“Feels nice with the wind rushing through, doesn’t it, Leafa?”
“Aren’t you scared, Alfe?”

Despite having levitation magic as a measure against falls, we were perched on top of a three-meter-tall unit with no safety rails. In response to my question, Alfe squinted her beautiful Pure Eye, nodded, and smiled.

“It’s really fun because I’m with you, Leafa.”

The sparkling eyes of Alfe conveyed a sense of sincerity, as if she only spoke the truth.

“And you, Leafa?”
“…I’m happy to have fixed Arkecius with your help, Alfe.”

Ah, perhaps this is what happiness feels like. I still don’t fully understand it, but being with a friend—spending time with Alfe—was something truly wonderful.