As I spoke with Amel, a slight sense of dissonance began to prick at my mind. It took a moment to pin down exactly what it was, but as we continued talking, I eventually realized that her eyes were subtly mismatched.
Both were a deep shade of purple, yet a hint of gold seemed to bleed into the iris of her right eye. It wasn't quite a distinct case of heterochromia, but there was no mistaking the difference.
"Amel-san, your eyes... the colors are slightly different on each side, aren't they?"
"Hm?! Heh... so, you noticed? I suppose I should have expected as much from you. Yours are truly Eyes that See the Truth—an Insight that pierces the veil. Curiosity is, after all, the Key that Opens the Door Called the Unknown."
The moment the words left my mouth, her expression shifted. She looked... well, delighted. I got the distinct impression she had been waiting for me to notice the difference.
Even so—and I know I'm not one to talk—Amel was clearly the type whose feelings were written across her face. Even now, she likely intended to speak with an air of cool detachment, but she couldn't hide her beaming smile.
"In truth, a special magic tool is bound to this eye."
"A magic tool?"
"Indeed. For you, I shall unveil a fragment of my true power..."
She leaned into the performance, theatrically cupping her hand over her right eye as if she were dying to show it off. When she pulled it away, her iris was glowing with a faint, golden light.
"When the eyes that perceive change, the world they reflect is painted in new hues. These eyes gaze upon that which was once hidden from sight."
"......"
Wait, isn't that the joke item Alice made? I never expected to see that thing again, let alone here.
Had she actually put those on the market? It literally did nothing but glow when you waved your hand over it. Even with the enchantment to keep it from blinding the user, it was still a magic tool—it couldn't have been cheap. And yet, here was someone who actually bought it.
As I stood there somewhat dazed by an item I never expected to see here, Amel's bright expression turned into one of sudden vulnerability. She looked around restlessly, her gaze darting about.
"Does it... look... strange?"
"Oh, no, not at all! It looks cool. I was just so surprised that I blanked out for a second."
"I-I see. Hehe, that is good... Ahem! Well, I certainly understand feeling overwhelmed by such radiance. Perhaps I was too hasty in seeking your judgment. I shall accept your praise with grace."
Based on the feeling of our conversation so far, it seemed Amel really did consider me an "Understander," just as she’d said earlier.
I couldn't tell if she had somehow sensed my own past "illness," but regardless, whenever I looked troubled or hesitated to answer, she looked genuinely anxious—bordering on tears. Even though she was definitely older than me, she felt more like a younger sister.
"Actually, that magic tool was made by an acquaintance of mine. I was just shocked because I never expected to see it in a place like this."
"What?! You know the artisan who crafted this?! I actually received it from an acquaintance who happened to buy it at a stall during the Hero Festival. I quite like it, but I only have the one... Do you know where they are sold? Or if they come in other colors?"
"I'll check with them. If I recall, they came in a few different colors."
That gag gift hadn't been stocked in the general store since the festival, but since Amel's acquaintance had bought it at a stall, there was a good chance it was being sold elsewhere. Nia-san of the Ten Demons ran a massive merchant association, so it might be in her inventory. I'd have to ask Alice later.
Amel looked thrilled by my answer. After a moment, she wore a fearless smile once more and held a hand out toward me.
"A Magic Bird that Flies through the Void, or a Paper Ship that Travels the Great Ocean... Show me the Proof that Serves as a Guide Connecting You and Me."
"......"
Suddenly, she hit me with something incredibly cryptic. Let's see... a bird that flies through the void? That had to be a Hummingbird. If so, then a paper ship on a great ocean was... a letter?
Considering the flow of the conversation, she was likely asking for my contact information.
"Are you... asking to exchange contact info? Like, registering our magic power for Hummingbirds or trading addresses for letters?"
"Exactly! As expected of my Sworn Friend. It seems our hearts truly beat as one."
It seemed my guess was right. Amel nodded, her face lighting up with joy. She was also calling me her "Sworn Friend" quite naturally now.
I didn't remember ever taking an oath with her, but apparently, I was now officially a Sworn Friend. Her expression and emotions made it clear that this was a deeply significant title for her.
I really had to wonder why her affection had skyrocketed so much in such a short amount of time. It was a complete mystery.
Serious-senpai: "I get it, Kaito. I really do. But as someone who's watched over this story for years, let me just say one thing. You're wondering why her affection is maxed out after five minutes? Puh-lease... ISN'T THIS JUST BUSINESS AS USUALLLLLLL?!"