Published: January 24, 2026
Time flies, and it’s already been a month since the twilight moonbow (we) enrolled at Stromeria Magic Academy.
At first, everything was so overwhelming that I struggled to keep up, but now, I think I’ve finally gotten used to academy life.
I’ve gradually been able to organize the lecture content, and I understand magic’s mechanisms much better than before.
When today’s lectures were all over and I was tidying up my desk,
“Ughhh~~~…”
I heard a strange groan from the next desk.
Looking over, I saw Carole slumped over her desk, glaring intensely at something.
“Carole?”
I called out, but she didn’t respond.
Following her gaze, I saw Log surrounded by a group of female students.
The girls were all bombarding him with questions, but it definitely looked less like they were studying and more like they were just using it as an excuse to talk to him.
Still, Log showed no displeasure and answered calmly in a composed voice.
He used to be a bit arrogant about his talent.
But after last year’s guided exploration, he changed a lot.
He became more honest and approachable, and now even the senior explorers of the silver rabbits of the night sky treat him affectionately.
Since he’s usually surrounded by older people when he’s not with us, I hadn’t noticed, but seeing him among peers his own age, he does seem more mature.
…That said, it’s rare to see Carole, who’s usually cheerful and smiling, show such obvious annoyance.
Well, anyone would feel jealous seeing someone they care about happily getting along with others.
I’ve felt a similar ache watching Mr. Orun and Big Sister talking so happily together.
So, I understand how she feels.
“…If you’re bothered, why don’t you join them, Carole?”
I suggested lightly. Carole shuddered slightly, then stood up with a bright red face.
“N-no, it’s fine! More importantly, let’s just ignore them and go!”
She said that while pulling my hand firmly.
I hurriedly gathered my things and stood up, and Carole quickly left the lecture room.
—She probably doesn’t realize it herself.
But watching her walk away, the answer seemed clearer than she thought.
◇
After leaving the academy, Carole and I came to a room in the Downing Trading Company building in the city.
Inside were Carole’s older sister and brother—Ruella (Sister Ruera) and Mr. Frederick (Fred).
Originally, the two had been cult members forced to work under the cult’s executive “The Doctor.”
But following “The Doctor’s” death and reconciliation with Carole, they left the cult and now serve as part of the Amuntzarse’s active unit, making this city their base.
Ruella looked up from her chair, smiling as she noticed the door opening.
“Welcome back, both of you.”
“Thanks~!”
Carole replied while energetically hugging Ruella.
Ruella’s eyes widened a bit in surprise, but soon softened into an affectionate expression as she gently stroked Carole’s head.
Watching that scene, I couldn’t help but smile.
(This kind of thing really feels like family.)
After Carole pulled away, Ruella’s expression turned serious.
“Carole, Sophie, — the operation date has been set for five days from now.”
“Ah! Finally!”
Carole leaned forward eagerly.
I nodded but felt a restless flutter in my chest.
I had heard the outline before, but an official decision made it feel much heavier.
“I’ll explain again.”
Ruella said, placing a document on the table.
“One of the human experimentation facilities managed by the cyclamen cult. There’s still a possibility survivors remain there. So, Amuntzarse’s active unit will infiltrate that facility five days from now to rescue the children who were used as test subjects.”
When Ruella finished, Mr. Fred spoke up.
“I wouldn’t recommend tagging along too much—especially you, Sophie.”
“…Why?”
“I don’t know what past Sophie has, and I know you shouldn’t rank misfortune, but—do you really have the ‘resolve’?”
Fred’s tone was serious, not his usual laid-back way.
“There’s a dark side to this world. A side you don’t know about.”