◇ ◇ ◇
Several days had passed since we arrived in the Hitia Duchy.
While navigating the enrollment paperwork for the Academy, we were also studying the fundamentals of magic tools at the Downing Trading Company. Every day brought a continuous stream of new discoveries, and I already felt, from the bottom of my heart, that I was glad I had come here.
My reason for coming was to forge a magic tool of my own and grow even stronger. Before arriving, my goals had been vague, but now I felt the shape of a new combat style—one that combined my Psychokinesis with magic tools—gradually coming into focus, however faintly. Slowly but surely, I was making progress.
"Hm-hmm-hmm~♪"
Carol, walking beside me, hummed a tune with a step so light she looked ready to break into a skip at any moment.
"You seem like you're having fun, Carol."
"Eh? Do I really look like that?"
Carol always had a smile on her face, but since our arrival, she had looked more blissful than ever. Well, that was only natural; her older sister and brother were here.
"Yes. You look so happy to be with your sister and brother."
"Ehehe. Being able to talk about so many things with them is wonderful! Oh, and get this! Lady Shion apparently created profiles for Big Sis Luella and Big Brother Fred to match ours. Now we're officially recognized as siblings in this country, in name and in fact!♪"
"Is that so? I’m so happy for you!"
"Yeah!"
Having been with Carol all this time, I knew how much she had suffered. Seeing that radiant, happy smile on her face made me truly glad.
However...
"Say, Carol... are you going to stay in the Hitia Duchy for good?"
"Hm? Why ask that all of a sudden?"
"No real reason... I just got that impression watching you lately."
"Hmm, well. I have been thinking it might be nice to become a Hitia Duchy Citizen permanently."
"I see. I thought so."
My heart sank at her answer. I knew that being here brought Carol happiness, but the thought still made me feel lonely. Am I being narrow-minded because I can't wholeheartedly celebrate my best friend's happiness...?
"—But I'm still Caroline Inglot of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky!"
"…Eh?"
"Even if I become a Hitia Duchy Citizen, that won't change!" Carol declared with a perfectly nonchalant expression. "It's not like you have to be a Nohitant Kingdom Citizen to stay in the clan, right? Big Sis Rain is a Hitia Duchy Citizen too, so it’ll be just like that! Oh, wait—did you think I was going to leave the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky, Sophie?"
"Well, yes... actually..."
"No way! I'm thrilled the Hitia Duchy recognizes us as siblings, but we’re siblings even without that!"
"I-I see... What a relief."
I let out a long breath. Now that I knew Carol had no intention of quitting the clan, the fog in my heart cleared instantly.
"Honestly, Sophie, you're such a worrywart~." Carol giggled, lightly patting my shoulder.
"But you looked so happy, Carol... Considering everything that’s happened, I thought maybe staying here would be for the best."
"I see. But you know, being with my dear friends is also a very happy thing for me!"
Seeing Carol’s beaming smile, I let out a soft sigh of my own. Carol was Carol, after all. And I realized once again that being with her was a source of happiness for me, too.
"Then I’ll be in your care from now on, too, Carol."
"Yep! I’m in your care, Sophie! Anyway, a physical examination, huh? Thinking back, this might be the first time I’ve ever had one!"
My relief was short-lived as Carol excitedly changed the subject. That was right—we were currently on our way to get measured.
"We never really had a reason for physicals while living at the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky headquarters."
The clan uniforms we usually wore, along with our other clothing, were generally produced by the clan itself. The Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky possessed several secret technologies that they guarded closely; one of them allowed fabric to automatically adjust to the wearer's size.
The reason we needed a physical examination now was to order our school uniforms. At the Academy, wearing the uniform was mandatory. Since these garments wouldn't use the clan's special technology, they couldn't be ordered without precise measurements.
◇
While Carol and I chatted, we arrived at the tailor shop responsible for the Academy uniforms.
"Alright, let's start with you. Spread your arms, please."
The tailor skillfully applied the measuring tape. Shoulder width, arm length, waist, and hips—size after size was measured and recorded.
"Hmm, I see. Next."
"Ready!"
When it was Carol’s turn, I watched from the side. Every time the tape went around Carol’s body and the tailor’s voice took on a slightly impressed tone, a murky feeling began to sprout in my chest.
"Heh, for someone in their growth period, this is quite..." the tailor muttered.
Carol laughed proudly. "Ehehe."
Watching her from the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the notes with the measurement results. My eyes widened.
"Wait... is it really that different...?"
Comparing my own numbers to Carol’s, I couldn't hide my shock.
"S-Sophie?" Carol peered into my face, looking panicked.
"I knew it, but seeing it quantified like this..." My shoulders slumped.
Numbers are so cruel...
Seeing my reaction, Carol scrambled to find something to say. "A-Ah, but look! You’re lighter, which makes it easier to move, Sophie! Being an explorer isn't about having a bigger size; that’s not always a good thing!"
"But you can move more nimbly than me anyway, Carol..."
"Ah, u-um... besides! You’re cute, Sophie, and that’s what matters! Numbers don’t mean a thing!"
Carol was trying her hardest to encourage me, but the more flustered she became, the more she seemed to be spinning her wheels.
"Carol... you don't have to force yourself to make me feel better."
"That’s not true!" Carol gripped my hands, her expression dead serious. "You’re wonderful exactly as you are, Sophie!"
I almost burst out laughing at her sheer desperation, but instead, I felt my cheeks flush as I gave her a small smile.
"...Thank you, Carol. I think I was letting it get to me a bit too much."
"Yeah, yeah! You don't have to worry about stuff like that!"
As Carol beamed at me, the gloom in my heart lifted slightly. Well, lamenting over it wasn't going to change anything, anyway.
Once the measurements were finished, we were allowed to try on the uniforms. The Stroemeria Magic Academy uniforms had a clean, refined design. The white blazer had a sleek silhouette with subtle decorations on the cuffs and collar, giving it an elegant feel. The skirt and vest were a bright blue, creating a refreshing, light atmosphere. A dark blue ribbon tied at the neck added a final touch of cleanliness and just the right amount of cuteness.
"Sophie, that uniform looks great on you!"
"...Thank you. But I still think you look more glamorous, Carol."
"I told you, that’s not true! You look so cute!"
A bit embarrassed by her praise, I looked at myself in the mirror. I had been so fixated on the difference in our numbers, but looking at my reflection, I could see that I had grown since the last time I’d checked.
I’d gotten a little taller, too. Maybe I’d become a bit more of an adult?