"I’m sure she’s over the moon. Even if she practically had to goad him into it, a girl’s always happy when the guy she likes asks her out."
"Is that how it works? I don't really understand that sort of thing..."
"It can't be helped. You're still just a kid, Fee."
In the policy room of the Industrial Department workshop, Anhel sipped from a coffee mug while chatting with Fee.
She gave the boy a wry smile, then continued.
"Are you lonely now that your big brother’s gone and left you behind?"
"No. I know that clinging to him twenty-four-seven would just be a nuisance. Besides, he deserves to have a private life. Melt-san was the first person to become friends with him after he lost his memory, and she’s supported him ever since... I want to cheer them on."
"How sweet. You really are a good little brother. Still—pfft! To think he was stiff as a board when he finally asked her out... Yugo can be pretty hilarious when he wants to be."
Anhel had heard the details of the proposal from both Fee and Melt. Just imagining the usually composed Yugo acting so nervous while taking such a bold step made her burst into a fit of giggles.
When she had met Isaac a few days ago, he’d described Yugo as a piece of scum who cycled through women like clothes. Yet, in the face of Melt’s uncharacteristic moodiness, Yugo had responded with nothing but sincerity.
Seeing is believing, she thought. She nodded to herself, reminded once again that rumors were rarely worth the breath spent on them. However, a different question soon crossed her mind, causing her to tilt her head in thought.
(Yugo's supposed to have amnesia, but how much did he actually forget? And how much has come back to him by now?)
She had heard his memory loss was the result of a duel, but he possessed a wealth of knowledge she had never encountered before.
He would frequently quote the words of "great people" from long ago. Judging by that, it didn't seem like he had lost his memory entirely. He’d also mastered the manipulation of magic power almost instantly.
What felt unnatural was the way his common sense seemed to have vanished completely. It was as if his mind were a leaf riddled with holes by insects—certain fragments were missing, while a vast amount of seemingly useless trivia remained perfectly intact.
"...Well, whatever. I’m sure it’ll all come back to him eventually."
She wasn't a doctor or a brain researcher, and she didn't have much to offer in the way of a medical opinion.
Time would likely solve the issue. Deciding that her true responsibility lay in the maintenance and enhancement of his magic items, Anhel pushed the thought aside. She let out a long yawn and a stretch, prompting Fee to speak up.
"Do you have plans for today, An-san? Any work on Blaster?"
"Nope. Yugo took Blaster with him, so I'm totally free. After that business with Skull, he decided it’s better to keep it on him at all times."
"I see... Well, it’s not like they’ll run into trouble every day, but I suppose it’s better to be safe than sorry."
Fee had wondered if bringing such a clunky magic item on a long-awaited date was the best idea, but Melt would be wearing her Sword Ring anyway, so perhaps it didn't matter.
Given how dangerous things had been lately, having Blaster nearby was probably the right call. As Fee reached this conclusion, Anhel spoke again.
"I’ve finished the modification plan using the Flame Attribute Magic Crystal, and I’ve been turning down other jobs, so I’ve got nothing left to do. I think I’ll take it easy today. A lot of the guys in the Industrial Department are hitting their breaking point; people are falling ill left and right. I’ve got to rest while I can so I don't join them."
"Is that so? I guess everyone is pushing themselves too hard to fix the academy."
"That’s part of it, but like Hex said, the General Department students are flooding us with requests to enhance or build magic items without a moment's pause. We could have ten times the staff and still not keep up."
Fee’s expression darkened as he recalled Hex’s stories. The General Department students were desperately trying to strengthen themselves, hoping to be recruited by those seen as Hero Candidates.
Neither Fee nor his brother had any interest in such power struggles, but he knew many others were currently obsessed with upgrading their equipment. He looked down, silently praying that his brother wouldn't get dragged into those tedious conflicts.
"I gave Yugo a communication magic item just in case, but I doubt he'll need it. I think I’ll try to get a little nap in."
"That sounds like a good idea. I think I'll head back to my room and rest too..."
"Heh... Why not nap with me? You’re just about the right size for a body pillow, Fee. Not interested in a little nap-time with your big sister?"
"I-I'm really not! Stop teasing me!"
The familiar rasp of a zipper sounded as she began to loosen her coveralls, and Fee’s face turned bright red as he shouted his protest.
Anhel laughed heartily, clearly delighted by his earnest reaction.
The weekend sun shone down on Luminous Academy.
For now, a very peaceful, gentle time drifted slowly by.