I had planned to recommend the specialized brushes to Amel-san, just as I’d considered doing when I visited Flare-san’s place. After all, Kong-san and Gluttony-san had already shown interest.
Suggesting it to Amel-san was actually quite simple—she dropped by to visit so often that we simply had plenty of opportunities to talk.
"Whoaaa, is this the latest coffee-brewing magic tool?! How wonderful... maybe I should purchase one as well... wait! Ahem! As expected of my Sworn Friend. To immediately grasp this newly born light within your palms... I can truly feel the sheer breadth of your vision."
"I actually bought it by chance. I saw the one at your house, Amel-san, and realized I wanted one for myself..."
"Sworn Friend!"
Amel-san had been staring at the latest coffee maker with sparkling eyes, but upon hearing my words, her face lit up with a visibly delighted expression.
I suppose she was happy that her own coffee maker had been the catalyst for me buying a similar magic tool. It was that specific kind of joy you felt when you shared a common interest with a friend. Truly, whenever I was with Amel-san, I often felt as though I could see the illusion of a Pomeranian jumping for joy right behind her.
"Speaking of which, Amel-san... this is unrelated to the coffee maker, but do you remember how I mentioned ordering some specialized brushes a while back?"
"Ah, the brushes for tamed monsters? While I do not command any beasts myself, I am aware of your dedication to the craft. Was the item possessed of a luster sufficient to meet my Sworn Friend's discerning eye?"
"Yes, they felt great to use... but more than that, I have some information regarding those brushes that might be beneficial for the Winged Race. To be more specific..."
For the time being, I explained what I had heard from Flare-san. I didn't know for certain if mana penetration rates affected the wings of her people, but I presented it with the idea that if it did, the brushes might be excellent for them as well.
"...I see. Mana penetration is indeed vital. We of the Winged Race harbor powerful magic power within our wings, but alas, they are not all equally wreathed in brilliance. It is a grueling task to guide magic through every individual feather. Furthermore, those capable of using magic are limited."
"Ah, right. I tend to forget, but for the Human Race, magic is more of a specialized technical skill."
"While the situation is gradually improving—particularly with the recent advancements in magic instruction for the Human Race—the light of dawn does not easily reach the Winged Race in our secluded lands. It weighs heavily upon me that my people turn their backs on those walking in the light of innovation, content to merely enjoy their tranquility..."
There weren't many people capable of using magic, and it seemed the isolationist nature of her race was hindering the improvements in magic instruction that Kuro and the others had been promoting lately. For Amel-san, who believed the Winged Race should interact more with the outside world, this was clearly a painful subject.
"That's where this brush comes in. Even if you can't use magic, as long as you can pour magic power into it, you can use the tool. It's a much lower hurdle than actually learning magic. You mentioned before that wings are a point of pride for your people, right? If it’s for the sake of making them more beautiful, they might feel like reaching out to the world. Since these are specialized brushes, the user has to provide their own data or make specific requests to get them made..."
"...?! Th-That’s it!! You’re absolutely right! If it’s a brush for wings, there are bound to be many who would want one even if it meant dealing with the outside! The reason doesn't matter. What's important is taking that first step to interact with others by choice. If we can achieve that... You’re amazing, Sworn Friend! This might be the key to bring reform to the closed-off Winged Race!!"
It seemed Amel-san felt my proposal was a winner. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke to me with intense energy. The fact that she had completely dropped her dramatic persona and reverted to her natural tone told me exactly how excited she was.
"Besides, the fact that my Sworn Friend uses it is a massive selling point! If it’s a brush favored by the one who received the blessing of the Creator God-sama, everyone will surely want one! I really hope this helps everyone soften their attitudes toward other races... Thank you, Sworn Friend! I can see a newly born light!!"
"I'm glad you're happy with the idea. I'm fairly sure it'll be fine, but we should probably double-check if they can actually produce a brush for the Winged Race. Cornelia-san from the Sharon Count House is a friend of mine, so it might be best to consult her first. If you're nervous, I can come along to help with the talk..."
"If she is a friend of my Sworn Friend, I have no doubts! Cornelia-san might become the bridge between the Winged Race and other races!! Hehe, I can’t wait~"
"...By the way, Amel-san."
"Yes?"
"Your tone..."
"Ah... Wh-Wawawa! Ahem! I am ever-impressed by the vastness of my Sworn Friend's perspective. On behalf of my race, I thank you for showing us an existence that can serve as a new light and a bridge for the Winged Race. The light of dawn is visible. The time for reform draws near; using this masterpiece that grants brilliance to our wings as a key, the closed door shall surely be cast open."
I personally thought her natural tone was fine, but perhaps she was just embarrassed. After returning to her usual chuunibyou phrasing, Amel-san clenched her fist with newfound resolve.
Still, I imagined Cornelia-san would have a rough time if she suddenly found herself designated as the bridge between the Winged Race and the rest of the world. I’d have to make sure to step in and help.
Especially since I had my doubts about whether Amel-san could actually communicate her intentions properly while speaking like that...
Serious-senpai: "...I knew it."
???: "To be made the bridge and the key to bring reform to the closed-off Winged Race... Cornelia-san's future is certainly bright, isn't it?"
Serious-senpai: "It’s so bright that she’s literally being incinerated by the light, though..."