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“Your country may believe it has the backing of the Three Archdukes’ Party, but that foundation is as fragile as a sandcastle. Is it truly wise to rely on such a thing? It’s not too late to reconsider where you want to stand in this war.”

Maxwell spoke smugly, adjusting the monocle that was his enchanted weapon.

“How coincidental, I had a similar thought,” Inglis replied.
“Fufu… a wise one,” Maxwell chuckled.
“Wait, Glis! I don’t agree with that! Even if things are getting complicated at the top, using the flygears and flygear carriers to protect more people by forming the Order of Arcane Wardens is a good thing! I don’t want to stop that!”

Rafinha’s words were met with nods of agreement from Leone and Liselotte.

“Yes, don’t worry. It was just a thought,” Inglis reassured them.

It was only natural that Rafinha felt this way, and it was fine that Leone and Liselotte agreed with her.

“Hmm. What a pure heart you have,” Maxwell remarked mockingly. “But you only see what’s in front of you. You don’t even try to see beyond that. ‘Simple-minded’ would be the right word.”

“Just a child. Narrow-mindedness is a sign of immaturity,” Tiffany added with a smirk.

Charlotte remained silent, listening.

“Ugh…!” Rafinha, visibly upset, clenched her fists, but no words came. Inglis stepped forward, shielding her.

“But I believe it’s those who stubbornly hold onto their seemingly childish straightforwardness who end up changing the world.”

In her past life, Inglis had been just like that. Blessed by the goddess Alistair, she had resolved to use that blessing not for herself but for the world and its people. She had pursued that goal single-mindedly, often too absorbed by the immediate crises to see the bigger picture. Only after recklessly charging forward did she pause and realize how much she had missed.

Rafinha, Leone, and Liselotte were still young, and it was natural for them to focus on the present, to have a narrower view. And that was perfectly fine. Inglis believed that this very straightforwardness—the very thing Maxwell and Tiffany mocked—was what had the power to change the world if pursued with unwavering conviction.

The real challenge was not in growing up and losing that idealism, but in how much one could retain it despite the realities of adulthood.

“Heh… Are you saying she’s one of those people?” Maxwell sneered.
“Who knows? We’ll see,” Inglis replied.

Even Inglis couldn’t be certain, but it didn’t matter. She would stay by Rafinha’s side, supporting her as she grew. That was enough for her.

“With very few exceptions, such naivety is crushed and forgotten,” Tiffany remarked coldly.
“Indeed, that’s usually the case. Which is quite convenient for me,” Maxwell added.

If the world tried to crush such ideals, conflict would naturally arise. And that meant more opponents for Inglis to fight, which suited her perfectly. It would be beneficial for Rafinha as well, creating a win-win scenario.

“If you’re so keen on changing the world, how about getting us a new Levitation Magic Formation while you’re at it? That would have saved me a lot of trouble,” Professor Vilkin chimed in, looking at Rafinha with a playful, pleading expression.

“Then you should have learned how to make Levitation Magic Formations yourself! Especially since you’re such a ‘great professor’!” Rafinha shot back.

“Haha, you’re right. I’m ashamed. I’ll continue my fun research under the Church Union and strive for that someday,” Vilkin replied, scratching the back of his head with a broad smile.

“I won’t allow that! Father, you need to stay here and help with the restoration of Illuminas!” Vilma exclaimed.

“No, no~. You’ve got it wrong, Vilma~. If anything, you’re coming with me.”
“What…?”
“Why are you so surprised? It’s only natural, isn’t it? We’re family, after all. I wouldn’t abandon my daughter.”

“W-what nonsense…! Whether it’s the Church Union or the Duke’s Party, it doesn’t matter! As the Knight Commander protecting Illuminas, I will do what I must!” Vilma’s defiant words were met with a shake of the head from First Professor Vilkin. His usual lighthearted demeanor shifted, replaced by a calm seriousness.

“But what you must do isn’t what you truly wanted, is it? You were born with a frail body and couldn’t survive without a mechanical one. And those with such bodies are obligated to serve as knights… You’ve endured a lot of hardship, haven’t you, Vilma?”

“F-Father…”

“I wish I could’ve given you a High Manacoat, but the Duke wouldn’t allow it. Maybe he couldn’t make an exception just for my daughter. The Duke of Art is absolute in Illuminas. It’s a bit satisfying, though, to see him fall without getting a new Levitation Magic Formation. So the research to create a new one didn’t bear fruit. If I’d tried harder, maybe things could’ve turned out differently. Ahahaha, but that’s just me being bitter.”

Gradually, First Professor Vilkin returned to his usual, smiling self.

“…I take back what I said. He might actually not be a good person, especially with that face,” Rafinha murmured softly.

“Hehe, you’re really busy, Rani.”
“I can’t help it, I don’t have any good memories associated with that face.”
“I had a great time, though.”
“That’s just because you’re you, Glis!”

As they bantered, First Professor Vilkin extended a hand to Vilma.

“So come with me, Vilma. You’ve done well so far—it must’ve been tough for someone as kind-hearted as you. It’s okay now. If you come to the Church Union, you can have a High Manacoat.”

“Miss Vilma…” Rafinha looked at Vilma with a complex, indescribable expression. Even if Vilma chose to go with her father, Rafinha wouldn’t be able to stop her.

“Father! I’m grateful for your concern… but even if it wasn’t something I wanted at first, even if it was hard, sometimes you grow to take pride in it! I won’t give up being the Knight Commander of Illuminas!”

“I see… You’ve grown strong, Vilma.” Hearing Vilma’s words, First Professor Vilkin slumped his shoulders in mock disappointment. “I’m happy to see my daughter’s growth, but it’s not as simple as just accepting it… It’s clear what will happen if I leave her in a place like this.”

He then turned his gaze to Tiffany and the others. “Excuse me, could you take her with you? I know it’s a hassle, but think of it as helping a poor father.”

“…Very well,” Charlotte nodded quietly.

“She might end up losing a limb or two in the process, but that’s okay, right?” Tiffany added with a sinister smile.

“Well, she’s mostly mechanical, so it’s fine. Thanks.”

“Her mechanical dragons are helping with the city’s rescue… It wouldn’t be a bad idea to put a stop to that as well,” Maxwell agreed without hesitation.