Edward Hestein, as a candidate for the next Magic Tower Master, had exceptional magical abilities from a young age.

At just twenty-four years old, he could already memorize three magic spells.

Considering that the current Magic Tower Master, who was over seventy, could memorize four magic spells, one could understand how brilliant a genius Edward was.

“I’m here too.”

Belatedly, Tervan announced his presence to Rachel.

“Oh, yes. You came?”

Rachel responded to Tervan’s greeting in a more subdued tone than when she had welcomed Edward.

Tervan’s slightly furrowed gaze turned toward Edward.

Rachel, not noticing this, looked at Viola.

“But what brings you here? Not just you and Tervan, but Edward too…”

As Rachel sat on the sofa, Viola sat beside her.

“What do you mean? We were so worried after you left early yesterday that we came to check on you. Actually, Tervan and I were going to come alone, but my brother heard about you and was very curious.”

Viola narrowed her eyes as she looked at Edward.

Edward smiled awkwardly and scratched his cheek.

“I wanted to confirm if the rumors were true. They say you can memorize three magic spells.”

Edward honestly revealed his reason for accompanying Viola.

“That’s right, three.”

Rachel readily confirmed this since it had already been revealed during yesterday’s banquet.

In reality, she could memorize five magic spells, but she didn’t want to disclose everything.

Above all, her magical abilities were the result of accumulated time through several regressions.

This meant that her abilities were impossible to attain at her age under normal circumstances.

Even Edward was called a genius, so if it became known that Rachel could memorize one more spell than the current Magic Tower Master, she would undoubtedly face troublesome situations.

She had already attracted attention with her suddenly improved magical abilities, but Rachel didn’t want to escalate matters further.

“Really? Then could you perhaps show us?”

Edward asked Rachel with shining eyes. He seemed eager to verify her abilities right away.

In Edward’s eyes, there was no trace of jealousy toward Rachel.

“It’s possible, but since it’s in an unstable state, it would be problematic to use it in the mansion. You know what happens if something goes wrong.”

When Rachel answered awkwardly, Viola glared at Edward. Edward noticed Viola’s look and smiled bitterly.

“I’d really like to see it when there’s an opportunity. Would you show me?”

“Yes. I’ll show you when the opportunity arises.”

Rachel nodded willingly.

“What? Then show me too at that time!”

Viola linked arms with Rachel and made her request.

Rachel nodded affirmatively to her as well.

Tervan was the only one maintaining silence in the reception room.

“By the way, Rachel, since when have you been able to memorize three magic spells?”

Viola asked Rachel while taking a bite of a madeleine that had been served.

At Viola’s question, both Tervan and Edward’s gazes converged on Rachel.

Everyone present was curious about how Rachel’s magical abilities could have improved so dramatically.

Rachel briefly surveyed the people, thinking that the inevitable question had finally come.

If she honestly told them what had happened to her, she wouldn’t need to lie to those around her, but Rachel couldn’t bring herself to tell the whole truth.

It was because of Viola.

If Viola learned that Rachel had contracted with the Time Demon Creon and experienced twenty-six regressions to save Tervan from death, Rachel knew that the tender-hearted Viola would suffer from guilt.

And in fact, during the repeated regressions, Rachel had once confessed the fact of her regression to Viola. At first, Viola didn’t believe Rachel’s words, but when she finally realized they were true, she was deeply distressed.

For Rachel, it was already a past event and didn’t evoke much emotion, but Viola grieved even that.

It was because she blamed herself not only for Tervan’s death but also for the terrible experiences Rachel had endured because of her.

Rachel’s perspective differed from Viola’s.

Through dozens of regressions, she had realized more painfully than anyone that she was responsible for the situation she faced.

Although she had accepted Viola’s suggestion, it was Tervan’s decision to join the Witch’s Forest subjugation team.

That’s why he wouldn’t listen no matter how much Rachel tried to dissuade him.

And it was Rachel’s choice to contract with the Time Demon and opt for regression.

After repeatedly failing several times, she had sometimes resented Tervan for not changing his mind and Viola for suggesting he join the subjugation.

While experiencing what seemed like endless regressions, she sometimes fell into despair, wondering if she could ever save Tervan or if it was all in vain.

But each time, it was Rachel herself who chose to go back. She hadn’t been forced, nor was it her duty, so she couldn’t blame anyone.

“Actually, I could memorize two spells before. They were imperfect, so I couldn’t tell people around me.”

“So you’ve recently become able to memorize three, then?”

Viola asked with a broad smile, seemingly pleased with her friend’s growth.

Rachel smiled and nodded.

“You’re really amazing, Rachel! You’re my role model. I always knew you were hardworking, but I had no idea you were working so diligently without us knowing.”

Viola spoke with an impressed expression. Rachel was grateful to Viola for believing her words without questioning.

Edward and Tervan seemed unable to easily believe Rachel’s words, but they didn’t appear inclined to probe further if Rachel didn’t want to reveal more.

“And there’s something else I’ve been wondering about—have you been angry about something lately?”

“Angry about something?”

Viola wore a determined expression.

“Yes. I was wondering if Tervan or I did something wrong. If so, I want to apologize and fix it.”

Rachel looked back and forth between Viola and Tervan.

Not just Viola, but Tervan too seemed to be waiting for Rachel’s next words.

Rachel smiled awkwardly.

“No. There’s nothing like that.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Really.”

Although Rachel affirmed again, this time Viola didn’t seem to believe her.

“…If we ever do something that upsets you, please tell us anytime.”

However, instead of questioning Rachel further, Viola made a suggestion. She thought Rachel might have reasons for not speaking up.

Rachel nodded at Viola.

“Yes. I’ll do that.”

“Promise!”

“Alright, I promise.”

Only after hearing Rachel’s confirmation did Viola exhale deeply, clearly relieved.

“Actually, I was really worried because your demeanor changed so drastically after returning from the Witch’s Forest.”

“I just… saw many things there that I hadn’t experienced before, so I was troubled.”

“I see.”

Viola murmured softly, appearing to understand Rachel’s words. Then she carefully raised her hand and patted Rachel’s shoulder.

“If you ever have any difficulties, just tell us, Rachel. We’re friends, right?”

Viola looked up at Rachel with concerned eyes. Looking into those rabbit-like eyes, Rachel felt her hardened heart soften a little.

“I definitely will.”

“Then can I ask one more thing I’m curious about?”

“Sure. When have I ever stopped you from asking?”

When Rachel spoke with a playful tone, Viola smiled broadly.

“You danced with His Highness the Crown Prince at the banquet.”

Rachel belatedly recalled Crown Prince Ryan. Originally, he was the sunny male protagonist who rescued Viola from grief and despair. According to the original story, he should have been at the opposite end from Rachel.

Yet he had asked Rachel to dance.

Rachel didn’t think the Crown Prince had developed feelings for her.

Ryan’s interest in Rachel had only begun after the subjugation of the Witch’s Forest.

It was obvious that the reason Ryan approached her was because of her magical abilities.

As a result, Duke Bermund and Ryan felt exactly the same to Rachel.

“What was His Highness like? He’s famous for being handsome and kind-hearted.”

Viola’s face was full of expectation.

Rachel recalled the general assessment of the Crown Prince.

“Just as they say. Handsome and kind.”

“…That’s it?”

“What else do you need?”

When Rachel asked in confusion, Viola pouted.

“You have no idea how well you and His Highness matched while dancing.”

After finishing her words, Viola narrowed her eyes and glared at Tervan.

“Unlike someone else.”

Rachel’s gaze also followed Viola’s toward Tervan. Her eyes met with Tervan’s, who had been watching Rachel all along.

“So it was just ordinary with His Highness the Crown Prince?”

When Rachel nodded, Viola let out a small groan.

“Is that what you’re saying?”

Rachel smiled faintly at Viola, who seemed to have some scheme in mind.