I'd borrowed a large number of books from the library and started reading them in the living room of the Laughing Cat House.
EST : Oh, Emma-Kun? You're still here.
EMMA : Oh, hello, Est-San.
EST : You're reading? Maybe you should take a break… You look to be having a hard time with it.
EMMA : Ha-ha-ha… Yeah it's been tough for me to wrap my head around it.
EST : --A book on the basic theories of witchcraft. You're studying this?
EMMA : Yes, I am. I wanted to learn a little more about magic and sorcery… I just thought…
EMMA : I thought it would help me better support everyone here…
EST : …A great ambition to be sure. So, that's why you're wrinkling your brow.
EMMA : Did I look that grim?
EST : Mmhm… I couldn't help but notice. It makes me happy to see everyone in my guild being so studious, however.
I sighed inwardly under the weight of the thick book in my hand, thinking of the faces of Kai and the others.
EMMA : (Oh, I know. I wonder if Est-San would be willing to give me some study tips?)
EMMA : What do you do when you're learning new things, Est-San?
EST : When I'm learning new things?
EMMA : Yes. Like, what do you do when you learn magic?
EST : Hmmm, I don't think I do anything in particular.
EST : If I had to say, I guess I read books and practiced. Sometimes I failed, and sometimes I almost died.
EMMA : You almost died? …What were you doing that was so dangerous!?
EST : Haha, I guess I scared you. My case was a bit unique.
EST : But if you learn the magic arts step by step like everyone else, they're not scary at all. So don't worry.
EST : Hm. Yes… I think the quickest way for you to learn is not to rush in the first place. Learn the basics and take it slow.
EST : On such a foundation, a big tree will surely grow!
EMMA : I see. The more you try to rush it, the harder it'll be.
EST : Yes. Work through it steadily, step by step. Of course, I'll help you, too.
EST : Hmmm… Also. I have something I use to reward the kids for their hard work.
Slowly, Est's face edged closer, and my heart began to race.
EST : Something sweet always helps stimulate the brain. Here, open your mouth.
As I opened my mouth, Est-San picked up a candy ball and his fingertips gently brushed my lips.
The sweet taste hit my tongue as soon as he pushed the candy in.
EST : Don't work too hard. If you collapse, I'll be sad, and so will my students.
EMMA : Y-Yeah… I'll be safe.
He patted my head as if to soothe me, before leaving me to my studies.
EMMA : (I haven't been praised like that since I was a kid…)
The sweetness of the candy ball yet lingered in my mouth, and I couldn't help but feel strangely… Ticklish…
