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"Your country may believe it has the backing of the Three Archdukesâ Party, but that foundation is as fragile as a sandcastle. Is it truly wise to rely on such a thing? Itâs not too late to reconsider where you want to stand in this war."
Maxwell spoke smugly, adjusting the monocle that was his enchanted weapon.
"How coincidental, I had a similar thought," Inglis replied.
"Fufu⦠a wise one," Maxwell chuckled.
"Wait, Glis! I donât agree with that! Even if things are getting complicated at the top, using the flygears and flygear carriers to protect more people by forming the Order of Arcane Wardens is a good thing! I donât want to stop that!"
Rafinhaâs words were met with nods of agreement from Leone and Liselotte.
"Yes, donât worry. It was just a thought," Inglis reassured them.
It was only natural that Rafinha felt this way, and it was fine that Leone and Liselotte agreed with her.
"Hmm. What a pure heart you have," Maxwell remarked mockingly. "But you only see whatâs in front of you. You donât even try to see beyond that. âSimple-minded' would be the right word."
"Just a child. Narrow-mindedness is a sign of immaturity," Tiffany added with a smirk.
Charlotte remained silent, listening.
"Ughâ¦!" Rafinha, visibly upset, clenched her fists, but no words came. Inglis stepped forward, shielding her.
"But I believe itâs those who stubbornly hold onto their seemingly childish straightforwardness who end up changing the world."
In her past life, Inglis had been just like that. Blessed by the goddess Alistair, she had resolved to use that blessing not for herself but for the world and its people. She had pursued that goal single-mindedly, often too absorbed by the immediate crises to see the bigger picture. Only after recklessly charging forward did she pause and realize how much she had missed.
Rafinha, Leone, and Liselotte were still young, and it was natural for them to focus on the present, to have a narrower view. And that was perfectly fine. Inglis believed that this very straightforwardnessâthe very thing Maxwell and Tiffany mockedâwas what had the power to change the world if pursued with unwavering conviction.
The real challenge was not in growing up and losing that idealism, but in how much one could retain it despite the realities of adulthood.
"Heh⦠Are you saying sheâs one of those people?" Maxwell sneered.
"Who knows? Weâll see," Inglis replied.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Even Inglis couldnât be certain, but it didnât matter. She would stay by Rafinhaâs side, supporting her as she grew. That was enough for her.
"With very few exceptions, such naivety is crushed and forgotten," Tiffany remarked coldly.
"Indeed, thatâs usually the case. Which is quite convenient for me," Maxwell added.
If the world tried to crush such ideals, conflict would naturally arise. And that meant more opponents for Inglis to fight, which suited her perfectly. It would be beneficial for Rafinha as well, creating a win-win scenario.
"If you're so keen on changing the world, how about getting us a new Levitation Magic Formation while you're at it? That would have saved me a lot of trouble," Professor Vilkin chimed in, looking at Rafinha with a playful, pleading expression.
"Then you should have learned how to make Levitation Magic Formations yourself! Especially since youâre such a âgreat professor'!" Rafinha shot back.
"Haha, you're right. Iâm ashamed. Iâll continue my fun research under the Church Union and strive for that someday," Vilkin replied, scratching the back of his head with a broad smile.
"I wonât allow that! Father, you need to stay here and help with the restoration of Illuminas!" Vilma exclaimed.
"No, no~. Youâve got it wrong, Vilma~. If anything, youâre coming with me."
"What�"
"Why are you so surprised? Itâs only natural, isnât it? Weâre family, after all. I wouldnât abandon my daughter."
"W-what nonsenseâ¦! Whether itâs the Church Union or the Duke's Party, it doesnât matter! As the Knight Commander protecting Illuminas, I will do what I must!" Vilmaâs defiant words were met with a shake of the head from First Professor Vilkin. His usual lighthearted demeanor shifted, replaced by a calm seriousness.
"But what you must do isnât what you truly wanted, is it? You were born with a frail body and couldnât survive without a mechanical one. And those with such bodies are obligated to serve as knights⦠Youâve endured a lot of hardship, havenât you, Vilma?"
"F-Fatherâ¦"
"I wish I couldâve given you a High Manacoat, but the Duke wouldnât allow it. Maybe he couldnât make an exception just for my daughter. The Duke of Art is absolute in Illuminas. It's a bit satisfying, though, to see him fall without getting a new Levitation Magic Formation. So the research to create a new one didnât bear fruit. If Iâd tried harder, maybe things couldâve turned out differently. Ahahaha, but thatâs just me being bitter."
Gradually, First Professor Vilkin returned to his usual, smiling self.
"â¦I take back what I said. He might actually not be a good person, especially with that face," Rafinha murmured softly.
"Hehe, youâre really busy, Rani."
"I canât help it, I donât have any good memories associated with that face."
"I had a great time, though."
"Thatâs just because youâre you, Glis!"
As they bantered, First Professor Vilkin extended a hand to Vilma.
"So come with me, Vilma. Youâve done well so farâit mustâve been tough for someone as kind-hearted as you. Itâs okay now. If you come to the Church Union, you can have a High Manacoat."
"Miss Vilmaâ¦" Rafinha looked at Vilma with a complex, indescribable expression. Even if Vilma chose to go with her father, Rafinha wouldnât be able to stop her.
"Father! Iâm grateful for your concern⦠but even if it wasnât something I wanted at first, even if it was hard, sometimes you grow to take pride in it! I wonât give up being the Knight Commander of Illuminas!"
"I see⦠Youâve grown strong, Vilma." Hearing Vilmaâs words, First Professor Vilkin slumped his shoulders in mock disappointment. "Iâm happy to see my daughterâs growth, but itâs not as simple as just accepting it⦠Itâs clear what will happen if I leave her in a place like this."
He then turned his gaze to Tiffany and the others. "Excuse me, could you take her with you? I know itâs a hassle, but think of it as helping a poor father."
"â¦Very well," Charlotte nodded quietly.
"She might end up losing a limb or two in the process, but thatâs okay, right?" Tiffany added with a sinister smile.
"Well, sheâs mostly mechanical, so itâs fine. Thanks."
"Her mechanical dragons are helping with the cityâs rescue⦠It wouldnât be a bad idea to put a stop to that as well," Maxwell agreed without hesitation.
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