For Alice Margot Royd, when she woke up from a nap, she decided to spend the whole day reading until she got bored.

But she also knows that the more she tries to achieve something, the more she will fail because of unexpected resistance. It's not commendable, but it's the theorem of the world.

Therefore, when there was a noise from the foyer that made her have to stop reading, Alice just closed her eyes helplessly, and immediately put down the book.

----- The "bang" sound of the knocker being slapped.

Someone's knocking on the door. There is no doubt about it.

Alice got up and walked towards the entrance.

But in the course of this short journey, she realized a strange problem.

There was a knock on the door...... Not in a hurry, just in the right rhythm, and it will not give the impression of being rude. It wasn't anything special, but it was extremely unusual to put Alice here.

Alice, who lives in the Forest of Magic and is also a witch, is rarely visited. Only the Lost Traveler and some girl who is a magician who comes here from time to time will come here. Needless to say, the forest at night is not a place where ordinary humans should stay, and considering that this life-threatening moment is certainly not calming the knock on the door.

As for the latter...... It's always a series of rapid beats, and it's just because of the girl's own personality, and although it can make people feel enthusiastic, it is very debatable in terms of politeness.

Therefore, it can be known that the person knocking on the door at this moment is neither the lost traveler nor the familiar girl...... So, who is it exactly?

With a little curiosity, Alice opened the door.

-- and then she sighed at her sluggishness.

It's snowing outside...... White crystals fell one after another. It seems that the illusion brought about by this pure color makes the world unsullied.

However, there is no way to deny the fact that it has become cold outside.

But now, the tall man standing in front of Alice was wearing only a very thin white coat as if he didn't feel the cold at all.

Of course, it looks very chic, but it would be too stupid to endure the cold in this way. But Alice knew that this man was not mortal, and this level of temperature probably didn't mean anything to him.

Eight Meanings Flying ...... Needless to say, he was certainly an acquaintance of Alice. Although not related by blood, Alice calls him "uncle".

Among the acquaintances the girl knew in Gensokyo, he was undoubtedly the one who knew the most etiquette.

「……」

Without speaking, Alice nodded wordlessly at him.

Even if you say it with a clear conscience, you can't talk about an enthusiastic reaction, but the man can't see the embarrassment at all, but greets the girl with a contemplative attitude.

"Hello, Alice."

It's not just a separation and it makes people feel contrived.、There is no dissatisfaction with the coldness of the previous girl.,The man's response can be described as wonderful.。

In fact, it is precisely because of his extraordinary ability to get along with people that he can maintain a relatively friendly relationship with Alice. But because of this, he has not been able to fully gain the trust of the girl.

Although logically speaking, at this moment the girl should return the gift. However, Alice cares more about another person than a man at this time.

Standing next to the man, her demeanor was very different from the usual blonde girl.

Marisa ...... Misty Rain Alice's neighbor, a trainee magician who also lives in the forest.

She was wearing a pure white cloak that did not match herself—it was supposed to be a flying shawl, but because of the difference in stature, it became something else on the girl's body.

It doesn't matter what you wear, though. What really kept Alice from looking away was Marisa's expression.

The pretty face that always showed a fearless smile was pursed out because of dissatisfaction at the moment, forming a girlish expression.

…… To be honest, Alice never expected Marisa to show such a look, and the fact that the girl, who had always been as free and easy as a boy, would also show such a girlish style really surprised the young witch.

「…… What's wrong with her?"

Shifting her gaze to the man's face, which was enough to dazzle the average girl, Alice asked.

"Well, I had a little bit of a fight with her on the way here, so this kid is a little angry now."

Fei Li sighed helplessly. That said, there was no heaviness in his tone. I'm afraid, as he said, it was just a pleasant quarrel.

"I see."

Concise answer. I can't even call it an impression, it's just a simple response.

But maybe even Alice herself didn't notice it, and there was a subtle anger in her voice.

There was only one person present who had the ability to spot such anomalies, but he had no intention of pointing it out. Instead, he smiled and let the matter go.

Since I haven't even found out about it, let's leave it at that.

And then the scene came to an impasse -- that was certainly not going to happen.

At least, as long as Feili is still there, it won't be allowed. Marisa herself is not the one who would let that happen.

"Although it's a bit rude to ask a visitor, me...... But aren't you going to invite us in? Alice."

It is indeed an elegant thing to enjoy the snow, but I think it is better to be fully prepared - he said this calmly.

No malice, no ridicule, should be categorized in fashionable quips.

Alice doesn't particularly like funny guys, but Fei Li can be an exception. Thanks to his refreshing attitude, even if she doesn't like it, Alice basically won't be disgusted, because at least the style is not low.

But this time, his words did serve a purpose other than joking.

"Ah...... Please come in."

If the two people who had a lot of karma with them stood outside in the snow and talked like this, even if they didn't care, Alice herself would not care.

At first glance it may seem cold, but Alice Margot Royd is a good person. Even this assertion is not a problem.

The girl closed her eyes and leaned sideways to give up her place in the doorway.

Then, after patting off the snowflakes that stuck to their bodies, the two walked into the bungalow.

Rather than saying that this is a bungalow, it is better to describe it as a small bungalow.

Of course, it can't be compared with the Red Devil Pavilion in terms of luxury and atmosphere, but it is not inferior in opulence and sophistication.

However, for one person, this Western-style building is too big. So much so that the carpeted corridors give the illusion of deep silence and ruins.

But an illusion is an illusion, and Marisa, who is already quite familiar here, doesn't take this illusion to heart at all.

After entering the mansion, Marisa's little atmosphere towards a certain man was immediately thrown out of the clouds.

On the way to the living room, she spoke.

"Alice, we're here to see you!"