Jack of All Trades, Party of None

◇　◇　◇

Several days had passed since we arrived at the Principality of Hitia.

Now, while completing some procedures to enroll in the academy, I was learning the basics of magical tools at the Downing Trading Company.

Every day was a continuous discovery of new things, and I sincerely felt that coming here was the right choice.

The reason I came here was to become stronger and to create my own personalized magical tools.

Before coming, my goal was vague, but now, I feel like the shape of a new combat style that combines my supernatural ability, telekinesis, with magical tools is gradually becoming clear, even if only faintly.

Step by step, I believe I am definitely moving forward.

"Hehehe~♪"

As I was thinking this, Carole, walking beside me, was humming a tune with such a light step it looked like she might skip at any moment.

"Carole, you look happy."

"Eh~? Do I really?"

Carole always wore a smile and seemed cheerful, but since coming here, she appeared even happier.

Well, that was only natural. After all, her big sister and big brother were here.

"Yeah. You seem happy being with your sister and brother."

"Hehe~. I’m having so much fun talking with both of them! Oh, and guess what! Actually, Mr. Shion made profiles not only for us but also for Sister Ruera and Brother Fred, so now we’re officially recognized as siblings in this country~♪"

"Is that so! That’s great!"

"Yeah!"

Since I had been with Carole all this time, I knew about the struggles she had faced.

Seeing such a happy smile on her face made me really glad.

But still...

"...Hey, Carole. Are you planning to stay here in the Principality of Hitia?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask?"

"Just a feeling... Seeing you now, that’s what it seems like..."

"Hmm, yeah. I guess I don’t mind becoming a citizen of Hitia as I am."

"I see. So that’s it."

Hearing Carole’s answer made my heart sink. I understood that being here made her happy.

But still, I felt lonely.

Is it narrow-minded of me that I can’t wholeheartedly celebrate my best friend’s happiness...?

"—But, I’m Caroline Inglott of the silver rabbit of the night sky!"

"...Huh?"

"Even if I become a citizen of the Principality of Hitia, that won’t change!"

Carole said with a carefree expression.

"It’s not like you have to be a citizen of the Nohitant Kingdom to be part of the silver rabbits of the night sky, right? Even Big Sister Rain is a citizen of Hitia, so it’s the same for me! —Ah, did you think I was going to quit the silver rabbits of the night sky, Sophie?"

"Yeah, actually..."

"Of course not! I’m happy that the Principality of Hitia recognizes us as siblings, but even without that, we’re still siblings!"

"I-I see... I’m glad..."

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Knowing Carole had no intention of quitting the silver rabbits of the night sky cleared the fog inside my heart.

"Sophie, you’re really such a worrywart."

Carole giggled as she lightly tapped my shoulder.

"But you looked so happy... Considering everything that’s happened, I thought maybe it’d be better that way..."

"I get it. But you know, being able to stay with the friends you love is also incredibly happy!"

Seeing Carole’s beaming smile, I let out a gentle breath.

After all, Carole is Carole.

And being with her is something that makes me happy as well.

"Well then, let’s keep going from now on, Carole."

"Yeah! Let’s do our best, Sophie! —By the way, it’s physical exams next, huh? Come to think of it, this might be my first time taking a physical exam!"

Just as I felt relieved, Carole cheerfully changed the subject.

That’s right.

We were on our way to take the physical exams.

"If you’re part of the silver rabbits of the night sky, you don’t have to worry about physical exams."

The uniforms we usually wore, as well as other clothing, were basically made by the silver rabbits of the night sky.

The silver rabbits of the night sky had several secret techniques, one of which allowed clothes to automatically adjust to the wearer’s size.

So, why take a physical exam now?