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The entrance ceremony began with a splendid speech by Alfe and ended without any issues.

“Hmm… I was nervous, and I ended up stumbling a bit…”

Alfe’s speech, representing the new students and also the first-ever special scholarship recipient from St. Salaius Elementary and Middle School, was poetic and brimming with emotions.

“It didn’t sound like you were nervous at all.”

Even with my imagination, it was surprising to see such a hopeful scene filled with dancing flowers.

“But there weren’t any people crying like when you spoke, Leafa…”
“Your speech was full of hope. While it might make your heart flutter, it wouldn’t necessarily make you cry remembering both joys and sorrows, right?”

However, Alfe didn’t seem entirely convinced. Maybe it was better to convey the word I had intended to keep silent here.

“Alfe, your speech as the representative was truly wonderful.”
“…Really? How much?”

Seeing Alfe’s eyes sparkling, it appeared that she wasn’t belittling herself but rather just wanted to be praised by me.

“Yeah. Your voice was so melodious, I was captivated. The image of the three hopeful years Alfe mentioned… It felt like it was appearing in my mind…”
“Leafa…”

Alfe let out a surprised voice.

“I might not have expressed it well, but I wonder if you get what I mean, Alfe?”

I couldn’t think of any poetic words like Alfe, so I just conveyed what I thought, but maybe it sounded too direct and forced…

“That’s not true. I’m really happy… Your aether is sparkling… It’s like you’re happy about it.”
“Is that so…”

It was unexpected to receive information about the state of my aether like this. Maybe it was related to emotions as well.

“I bet everyone felt the same way.”
“If that’s true, then I’m glad.”

As we continued toward the classroom, praising Alfe, a familiar voice called out to us.

“Hey! You two!”

Sensing a bothersome atmosphere, I glanced sideways without turning back. It seemed to be that Gutenberg boy. His entourage, which should have been numerous, was now reduced to just one person.

“Hey, wait up! Don’t ignore me!”
“Leafa…”

Though he might not have noticed my gaze, Gutenberg raised his voice. Alfe let out a frightened sound and clung to my arm.

Well, well, hasn’t he forgotten about being defeated in the Fairy Battle?

“…Oh, if it isn’t little Gutenberg. What do you want?”

Turning back slowly, I calmly addressed Gutenberg. As both Alfe and I turned, Gutenberg directed admiring eyes at us.

“Alfe, your, your speech earlier… It was amazing… Your—no, Leafa’s graduation speech was good too, but, how should I put it…”

But neither Alfe nor I were interested in his praise. Let’s just wrap this up and head to the classroom.

“Well, thank you.”
“Wait, I’m not done talking.”

As I tried to end the conversation and turn away, Gutenberg hastily called out.

“…Is there something else?”
“W-Well… uh. You see, my usual guys couldn’t get into the same class, so now I only have this follower, I mean, Jost. So, from now on, um…”

It seemed his other entourage couldn’t get into the same class due to academic reasons. But, interestingly, he could still get a follower to accompany him.

“Anyway, that’s the deal, so let’s get along. That’s what I came to say today.”
“Thanks for going out of your way. But, you were the one who decided to be hostile in the first place. I never cared.”
“…Me neither.”

I personally couldn’t care less, so I replied casually. Alfe also nodded in agreement, but judging from the tone of her voice, it seemed she had no intention of getting along.

“I-I see… Well, that’s good then…”

Muttering in an anticlimactic tone, Gutenberg, along with his servant whom he called Jost, walked away. The servant took a few steps before turning back, bowing deeply, then hurriedly followed Gutenberg.

“…He feels different now, doesn’t he?”
Alfe gazes at Gutenberg’s back with a vacant expression.

“Well, as long as they don’t bother us, I don’t care.”
“Yeah.”

Perhaps the wounds from being mocked for the Pure Eye in elementary school hadn’t fully healed, as Alfe’s face relaxes with relief. She then leaned in slightly and rested her cheek against mine.

“Just let me be like this for a little while longer, Leafa…”
Alfe’s voice trembled slightly.

“There’s no one left to do anything unpleasant to you, Alfe. So it’s okay…”
As I used to do, I stroked Alfe’s hair and traced the pointed ear beneath it with my fingertips.