Pushing aside the crowd and apologizing in a low voice, even then it was inevitable that the few people who were curious about themselves would be noticed. The magicians who were responsible for the "attendant" duty also paid attention, but fortunately, because it was a serious occasion, they were just staring.

Originally, it was absolutely forbidden to make such a swaggering behavior, but the appearance of that figure has made him make himself unconsciously make an out-of-the-ordinary act even if he deliberately maintains his "sanity". Because......

......

【Bang】

"Ah, I'm sorry. ”

Alice's quickened pace and gaze drifting somewhere caused Alice to accidentally bump directly into a guest, but before she could apologize, the polite little girl lowered her head first.

Toppers, dresses, and petite and thin bodies hidden under some goth outfits, the girl looks trembling and making the girl want Alice to rub her face in a sense.

Of course, this kind of thing can only be thought about, and it can be seen that she is now very afraid of the "boy" who bumped into her in front of her. At a serious and formal presentation, it is impossible for such a child to come alone with an invitation, maybe...... Whose daughter is it. It's troublesome for her parents to find out about the commotion, so it's better to leave quickly.

"Ah, I should apologize. ”

Alice said as she bent down and helped the girl pick up the iron box that had just been knocked to the ground. Unexpectedly a little heavy, the iron box is also engraved with a bunch of meaningless patterns, from the shape of the look, it is very similar to the tarot cards that girls of her age like to play. O stars, O fate, satisfy your fantasies with the divination of these meaningless things.

"Give. You dropped the box. ”

"Thanks. Thank you. ”

The girl who took the box apologized tremblingly. Although Alice felt a little hairy all over her body the moment she touched her hand, she still didn't care much about the rush to find "someone". After all, it's more important than a child who comes here just to play.

As for the fact that she has been staring at her back since she left, it should be ...... It's not a big deal. What needs to be found now is the familiar shadow that has just been felt. It was a little ridiculous, but all the senses told me that Irina seemed to be in this place where she couldn't have been. And when he was accompanied by Xi'er, the gaze also came from her.

Just, leaving aside why Irina is here, why did she disappear from my sight in a hurry when I noticed it and began to look for her?Was it because I was worried that my identity would be suspected, or did it imply that I continued to follow her?...... None of these behaviors can be done by a calm Irina, and now that the presentation has not yet begun, the contact and communication of Dafang will not arouse suspicion. And her current behavior like a thief will be "watched" by the magicians.

So, don't run. Even if you slip away, you have to catch up without hesitation this time, because you have escaped from the fairy tale until now. I want to ask you and Letty as many questions as mountains. First and foremost......

"Irina, what's wrong with you?"

After walking through the long hallway, enduring the cold again, and following the footsteps of Irina who was already sure to be Irina for a long time, Alice finally blocked Irina in a corner of the "castle" that no one would notice. There weren't any magicians patrolling, and there was no surveillance equipment to be found when I looked around, perhaps...... Is Irina intentional? This place is a great place to talk.

Feel the warmth of the reunion for a short time, and then tacitly exchange the important information that everyone has obtained "outside" in the past month, and discuss what to do in the future if you can. It should have been, but ......

"Irina, what's wrong with you?"

Clenched her fists, Alice repeated her doubts again, and the question was sharper than she had just brought on, as if she were not facing the same partner who had lived and helped each other before. The "strangeness" revealed by Irina, who turned around, made Alice swallow back her excitement, and even brought a hint of vigilance.

Yes, it's too strange. What the hell is wrong with this "Irina" in front of her! Those godless and empty eyes have long lost their former calmness and brilliance, just like a dog that has been chained for a long time, and even the most basic fighting spirit and wildness have gradually been smoothed out.

“......”

Don't you answer...... Whew, never answering unnecessary questions, this is still the same as before. Let me dispel the suspicion that she is a "replica". So......

"I ask you, where did Letty go?"

Alice took a few steps back, as if deliberately keeping her distance from a calm-looking Irina, but this obviously unnatural action made her no time to care, "You guys...... There's no reason to separate. ”

“......”

This time Irina finally moved, her barely bloodless lips moving, but finally she closed her eyes helplessly, and then made a voice so cold that it barely looked like a "creature", "Dead." ”

"What......"

Dead? What are you kidding. No, calm down, you have to be calm now, at least think about it from the beginning. Letty and Irina left together, and Irina, who had already approved of that stupid person, would not casually let Letty risk no matter what she thought, and ...... How could Irina, who is smarter than herself, be stupid enough to easily reveal her identity with Letty?

There must be something wrong, and it is worth pondering why Irina appeared in this place, obviously...... This is not a well-guarded "castle" that can sneak in on your own. Did you come in with someone in the open......? And who was able to gain Irina's trust in such a short period of time?

As for the emotionless saying that Letty's stupid person is lying on the street, how can you easily believe it!

"Irina, what the hell is wrong with you? Hey!"

I was about to step forward and pull at my friend's clothes that had become a little "strange", but Irina suddenly glared at her and her gaze made Alice retract her hand again.

Ah, it's been a long time, and I miss it very much. The last time I saw it was when Ms. Rosie brought Irina to her mansion for the first time. At that time, she was like a wolf who was taken to a strange environment, and did not hesitate to return a cold look when she stretched out her hand to show goodwill, which was a pair of eyes looking at strangers who met for the first time. It was exactly the same as what Irina had seen when she walked past her.

Whew, what is this...... Pretending not to know yourself, even for safety reasons, is it a little too much. And...... What exactly did she mean by "Letty is dead", although that idiot was really unpleasant, but he was also one of his friends. Even if it's Irina...... Nor can you casually misrepresent her situation.

So......

"Stop me. ”

In a hurry, Alice, who had come back to her senses, pressed Irina's shoulder again. What came back was a face that made Alice really feel "strange", and couldn't help but convince Alice of the fact that the "real" Irina didn't come here.

Unexpectedly, the "showdown" that was made on the first day of becoming a magician was actually started here. Unpleasant places, unpleasant times, inability to communicate calmly, ways to provoke anger...... I thought it could be a little more "fairytale", but I didn't expect it to be too much of reality. But......

Irina, even if it's just a "trainee", the "little rabbit" in your eyes has already passed that time when he could only mess around. Sister Luna's provocation, witch hunters' hunting, goose's training, and merfolk cooperation...... Don't think you're the only one working on it. Now, I'll let myself prove it to you.

"I don't think I'm dumb yet. ”

fearlessly met Irina's hostility, and soon Alice also discovered the lone wolf's long-lost "panic" under those vigilant eyes.

"You say Letty...... What's wrong!?" (To be continued.) )