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That afternoon, after classes ended, Alfe told me she wanted to talk — just the two of us.

She said it wouldn’t take long, so we arranged to be on trash duty after cleaning the classroom, giving us a chance to slip away together.

Hom stayed behind, caught up by Vannabelle, who had more questions. They were likely strategizing for when we’d face the student council in Zersteller. I was a little surprised that Hom agreed so readily, saying she wouldn’t mind if yesterday’s battle could be of use.

“…Is it still too difficult for you to join Zersteller?”

If Alfe wanted to talk alone, I figured this was probably the reason. I tried to frame the question gently, anticipating the difficulty she might have bringing it up. Alfe gave me a troubled look.

“It’s not that… but maybe it is. If I stay the way I am now, I’ll just hold you and Hom back.”

Her concerns were understandable. There was a 19-point gap in aptitude scores between her and Hom, and she didn’t exactly have much combat experience.

“I respect your feelings, Alfe. I don’t want to force you to fight.”

Honestly, I’d been incredibly happy when she agreed to team up with Hom and I. Knowing she genuinely wanted to help us back then — that alone meant more than enough.

“…I want to get stronger. I don’t want to stay like this.”

Alfe stopped walking, turning to face me with a serious gaze. The slight tremble in her hand as she held the trash bin made her nervousness all the more clear.

“There’s one thing I can do to help you participate in the Zersteller. I want to customize your Mecha Soldier so you can use magic with it.”
“Leafa!”

Alfe’s eyes welled up with tears, and she set the trash bin down before throwing herself into my arms.

“Leafa, Leafa… I knew it. You’re always like this…”
“Of course. I always want to be there for you, Alfe.”

I carefully wrapped my arms around her, making sure not to put too much pressure on her, and returned the embrace. If this could even slightly convey how much I cared for her, then that was enough.

“In that case, I want to become better at magic. I want to use spells that can rival… no, surpass Estea’s magic sword.”
“That’s a great idea.”

I was grateful that Alfe had shifted her thinking toward honing her strengths. The problem was figuring out how to enhance her magic abilities in such a short time.

It wasn’t possible for me to recreate Ars Magna just for Alfe, and I couldn’t teach her magic myself.

For Alfe to truly improve, she’d need someone more skilled and powerful than her — someone who could guide her to unlock her potential. Our classmates, Lili-Lulu, might have been an option, considering her ties to the Elf Alliance, but they didn’t exactly strike me as teacher material.

“Do you have a plan in mind?”
“I was thinking of asking Ms. Matilda for a special lesson.”

That made the most sense. Ms. Matilda, the Witch of the Everdark Forest, was the most powerful magic user in the school. But her training methods were notoriously harsh — even if Alfe could convince her to give extra lessons, I couldn’t help but worry about her.

“Are you sure you’ll be—”

Okay with that? I wanted to ask, but before I could, Alfe placed her hands on my shoulders and locked eyes with me.

“I’ve made up my mind. If I want to protect you, Leafa, I can’t let something like a tough lesson from Ms. Matilda stop me.”

Alfe really was incredible. The unwavering determination in her gaze silenced any doubt I had, and I nodded quietly.

Ms. Matilda’s lessons would be grueling, but undeniably effective. If Alfe could endure them —and even push through a special lesson— she’d undoubtedly gain the strength she was seeking.

“I’m sorry, but I’m far too busy for that right now.”

Despite steeling herself and formally requesting a special lesson, Alfe was swiftly turned down by Ms. Matilda, who cited her overwhelming workload.

“…Hmm, but introducing magic-capable Mecha Soldiers for Zersteller is a wonderful idea. I’d love to see that myself, so I’ll introduce you to a suitable student instead!”

Before we even had a chance to feel disheartened, Ms. Matilda cheerfully proposed an alternative, somehow already aware of our situation.

“A student?”
“Yes, a magic studies major. She’s so talented she barely needs to attend classes anymore. Do you know Melua Garnel, the second-year student?”
“Melua!?”

Of course, we knew her. Just yesterday, after Hom lost to Estea, Melua had helped tend to her injuries. And even without that, Melua was unforgettable— she was Estea’s roommate, a senior student with Pure Eyes.

“Hehe. If you’re already acquainted, that makes things quicker. It’s wonderful when students can inspire each other to grow. Off you go, then. Right, Mr. Tanutanu?”

Ms. Matilda suddenly turned around, glancing toward the staff room door, where Mr. Tanutanu stood, silently observing us.

“Ah, yes. If you’re competing in Zersteller, you should give it your all and aim for victory. That’s the spirit.”

It seemed Mr. Tanutanu had been listening in for a while, and he nodded in agreement, his usual warm smile on his face.

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