Around the same time, on the top floor of the Royal Capital Magic Academy, in the principal's office.

With her long silver hair swaying, Luna was gazing at the sea of light stretching out beyond the window. She reread the letter in her hand and then, with a soft smile, her lips curved slightly.

"...The rumors about Darius-san are spreading steadily!?"

When Luna learned again in a letter about Aria's cooperation with Baldus, she smiled.

Luna was satisfied with the situation where, just as they had planned, the greatness of their foster parents was being recognized.

However, as her expression reached a certain line in the letter, it suddenly froze, cracking like ice.

"The other day, I went to see sensei with Baldus, and sensei was just the same as always, looking really energetic! She even stroked my head for the first time in a while!"

―He petted her!

In her mind, Aria's carefree voice is replaying.

Just like a voice echoing in a cave, over and over again.

The next moment, Luna was trembling, clutching the letter in her hand.

"Wh-what? You said he was petting her?! Ugh, I'm jealous... No, I'm not jealous! Not at all! Ah, Aria... Why are you always so good at being openly affectionate...? Don't you feel any embarrassment? ...And Darius, you too! We're not children anymore... That's right, you shouldn't just pet her so easily..."

Thud! Luna instinctively slammed her small fist on the director's desk, where usually only spellbooks and research materials were kept.

"...Logically speaking, I, who had a consultation about magical tools, should have met Darius-san first and had the right to be patted on the head first... That should be the most rational and productive. But that girl... that's unfair! That is unequal! Not logical! It's cheating!"

She ruffled her silver hair and paced around the small director's office like a beast.

Suddenly, her reflection appeared in the polished window glass, her hair disheveled and her face contorted in a demonic expression.

"Hah...! Oh dear, I shouldn't have...! I seem to have... lost my composure just a little bit..."

Luna quickly fixed her hair, took a deep breath, and then exhaled.

"Oh, I'm calming down... Hmph, inhale... exhale... Yes, deep breaths... Hmph, hmph, hmph... I'm calm, I am. Always the intelligent and cool head of the Magic Academy. Yes, that's right, Luna!?"

She muttered as if talking to herself, forcing a smile.

And then, spreading the letter again, she said in a quiet but incomparably colder and lower voice than before.

"...Next, it's my turn. I won't let Aria be the only one to get a good reaction. Yes, even logically, it makes sense that I should be the one to help Darius next. I will make a perfect plan and naturally get Darius to stroke my head...!"

In the quiet director's office, Luna was alone as her fighting spirit burned brightly.

A few days later, the door to the headmaster's office at the Magic Academy was gently knocked.

When Luna granted permission for entry, the person who appeared was none other than Aldo Vincent himself.

Since she had heard about his visitor beforehand, she wasn't surprised that Aldo had come.

Aldo bowed politely to Luna and then opened his mouth.

"Director Luna... It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it's been a while, Aldo-san."

Luna stopped writing and looked up, responding quietly.

Aldo slowly and thoughtfully exhaled.

"Yes, the 'Lunarius' incident the other day was truly magnificent. It's a historic feat that will remain in this country's magical history. As a fellow mage, I am proud to see such a young genius as yourself."

"Thank you. You came today because you had something to discuss, didn't you?"

Having heard everyone who visited here praise it repeatedly, Luna was already quite tired of hearing it.

She didn't mind, but more than that, she wanted to know quickly the effect of the seeds she had sown.

At Luna's words, Aldo swallowed audibly.

And then, as if he had made up his mind, he opens his mouth.

"...Actually, it's about none other than Darius-dono. I have a favor for the director."

(...Just as planned.)

Luna, though inwardly giving a small fist pump, tilted her head while maintaining a perfect poker face.

"A favor? It depends on what it is. Why do you need to see Darius-san? Could you tell me the reason?"

A seeker like Aldo couldn't possibly be uninterested in Darius's unconventional technology. His arrival here was already anticipated long ago.

However, she wanted to hear the reason clearly from the person himself.

That was something even Luna hadn't anticipated.

She knew Aldo wasn't a bad person.

However, what is the purpose of seeking Darius's armor?

She wanted to understand that.

In response to Luna's question, Aldo uncharacteristically stammered and averted his gaze as he said, "Th-that's..."

Luna was slightly wary.

She's worried that Aldo might be plotting something bad.

"Is it something difficult to say? You're not planning world domination, are you?"

"Not at all..."

Aldo shook his head frantically and then opened his mouth as if resigned.

"...Please listen without laughing."

"...What is it?"

"I... want to create 'fireworks' with magic."

As he spoke, his eyes, forgetting his age, shone like those of a pure young boy chasing only one dream.

Looking at his expression, Luna sensed something similar to Darius and immediately understood that he wasn't thinking anything bad.

(These eyes...)

Luna was startled.

His eyes were identical to Darius's when he talked about blacksmithing with such joy in front of the iron he loved so much.

Chapter 22