The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

My daughter is quite happy that she can bring her friends over to play. After all, having more good friends is always better than having more mortal enemies, right?

However, as a mother, she felt it was necessary to inquire about the identity of the visitor.

Through Sera's few words, Mrs. Irisviel realized that this little girl, whom her daughter had brought into the house, seemed to have a very interesting past.

"Pfft! What did she say during her self-introduction?"

"Um... I don't really want to believe it, but Miss Miyu never lies. So surprisingly... Miss's friend seems to be a very interesting person."

"Mmm, I think so too. Ugh... I feel so uncomfortable being all wet. I'm going to take a shower and change my clothes. Sera~ Remember to call me when dinner is ready."

"Okay, ma'am."

As Sera bowed respectfully in farewell, Irisviel stretched and slowly took a languid step toward the bathroom.

She felt that since the little girl was already at her home, she would have to give her permission to leave later, since she had already been caught in the law.

So, during the dinner party that follows, wouldn't it be a piece of cake to find out her background?

Irisviel was full of confidence and completely put the matter out of her mind. In her opinion, Kiana was no threat at all and there was nothing to worry about.

And that is indeed the case.

As the door slowly closed, Ilya released Kiana's hand and then went to sit down on the pink bed.

"Hmm..." She picked up a cushion and asked Kiana, who was standing quietly in front of her, in a low voice, "What should I do next?"

"Hmm? What should we do? Are you undecided?"

"Oh dear, it seems so."

Ilya and Kiana were in the middle of their conversation when a very frivolous voice came from a nearby backpack.

A short while later, the cute little backpack overturned, and a pink magic wand flew out.

She is the ruby...

Ilya suddenly acquires a treasure, a strange magical weapon that she uses to express her disgust for older girls like Rin.

"After being estranged from Miyu, Ilya-chan is so heartbroken that she might burst into tears at any moment. Poor thing, so pitiful!"

"ruby!"

Ruby was only halfway through her impromptu speech when Ilya smacked her with a pillow and sent her flying.

"Oh dear, sorry, sorry, I got a little carried away, hahaha!"

“…Ugh, that’s enough, that’s enough,” Ilya said, genuinely annoyed by Ruby’s self-talk. “Why am I collecting class cards with this messy staff? What am I even doing this for… Kiana, what… do you think of me?”

Hearing this complaint, Kiana had pretty much guessed what was going on.

The main reason Ilya dragged him home for a detailed talk was because...

She wanted to quit.

After all, the magical girls on TV are cute and charming, and they fight alongside their companions to defeat evil, so there's absolutely no danger to their lives.

The magical girl's real-life experience is full of hardships and confusion. Even when working together with her companions, there is always the possibility of accidental injury. The most chilling thing is... what if she dies in the Mirror World.

So wouldn't that also happen in the real world...?

However, although Kiana guessed this, she didn't say it out loud, but simply stated her opinion:

"Huh? What do you mean, how do I look at you? I think you're very pretty, is that okay?"

"Huh? Looks good... Hehe, no, not at all. Actually, you look good too~"

Being praised out of the blue, Ilya rarely showed a smile. She put down the cushion with a smile, and then patted her fair knees that were slightly pink.

These actions puzzled Kiana.

"Huh?"

She tilted her head, not understanding what Ilya meant.

After seeing that the little girl ignored her, Ilya pouted as if in a huff, then patted her knees and beckoned with her hand at the end.

It seems like they want me to go over there?

Kiana approached her with some skepticism, only to be grabbed and pulled into a hug as soon as she got close.

"Hehe, Kiana-chan is actually quite cute, isn't she? Sniff...it smells so good, as sweet as candy..."

"Ugh...don't touch my neck, it's so itchy."

"Oh! Sorry, I got a little carried away because you seemed a bit reserved."

"It's okay, but Ilya... could you please let me go?"

Kiana, sitting on Ilya's lap, shifted her body but couldn't escape her embrace.

She... probably used herself as a body pillow...

“Ilya...don’t we still have important things to discuss?”

Kiana, feeling somewhat uncomfortable being grabbed, slowly offered a reminder, but Illya showed no intention of obediently complying, instead simply lowering her head gently.

She buried her face in her snow-white hair, the ends of which were tinged with a hint of red.

"Hmm? Isn't this good? Wow... I wanted to try it when I first transferred here, and it's really comfortable, just like a doll!"

"But I'm not a doll..."

However, such heartwarming moments always seem to pass by too quickly.

Before the two lovely girls could have a more in-depth interaction...

Ruby, who had been knocked unconscious by the pillow, suddenly woke up.

"Hey! You two! Your flirting is too much! I want to get close to pretty girls too!"

The shameless staff, having said this, immediately put it into practice.

However, she had only pounced on Kiana for a short while when she was stopped in mid-air by Illya's very dissatisfied glare.

"Well... never mind, sometimes just quietly appreciating something is a kind of enjoyment too."

After finding a way to save face for herself, Ruby flew to the desk next to her, flipping through the untouched homework on the desk, and casually asked Ilya:

"How are you? Have you recovered enough, Ilya? It seems like we only need one more card to complete the collection. It looks like we don't have much time left to spend together..."

"The card..." Upon hearing Ruby mention the card, Illya couldn't help but hug Kiana tightly. "Ruby, if I back out, will you hate me?"

Sentimental Magical Girls (Fairy Tale): Chapter 20 I Respect Your Choice

"Hate you? How annoying, Illya-chan. Saying things like that is hurtful, don't say such hurtful things~"

Ruby couldn't possibly be completely unaware of Ilya's confusion, but she didn't reveal her true thoughts, only teasing Ilya with a playful tone.

Hopefully, this little owner can give up this unrealistic idea and continue to happily collect cards with his friends.

However...

"Ugh, Ruby is so annoying, it's no use talking to you. Humph!"

"Eh!!!" Ruby froze on the spot.

It lowered its head in disappointment and huddled in a corner, circling around by itself.

Like an abandoned kitten, it looks rather pitiful.

Seeing this, Kiana blinked, then turned without turning around and asked Illya, who was holding her in her arms:

"Ilya...do you mean you want to give up?"

"Oh no! I just... I feel like this isn't the life I want. Living in constant fear, worrying about hurting my comrades... I'm so worried..."

Ilya was already tired of the task of collecting cards. She was just an ordinary elementary school girl, and the reason she embarked on the path of searching for cards was only because Rin forced her to agree.

I thought that becoming a magical girl, though shameful, should at least be something that brings joy and happiness.

Unfortunately, after the last incident, Ilya gradually developed the idea of ​​retiring. If continuing to drift along with the tide would lead to tragedy, it would be better for her to withdraw gracefully...

Kiana was well aware of Illya's little scheme.

It's understandable that she would make such a choice since she hasn't yet awakened her memories; after all, no one would willingly die for something that has nothing to do with them.

After all, for her, this wasn't a goal she absolutely had to strive for.

If even the starting point isn't firm enough, how can you talk about making efforts that go through fire and water?

Thinking of this, Kiana sighed and comforted me instead, "If you feel really bad, then just give up, Illya."

"Huh? Do you support my choice?"

"Support... I wouldn't call it support; I'm just respecting your choice."

"Waaaaah! Kiana... thank you!"

Unexpectedly, her retreat did not cause dissatisfaction among others, but instead gained their understanding. Ilya instantly felt grateful that she had such a close friend.

She couldn't help but turn Kiana around, then reached out and hugged the white-haired little girl tightly, burying her head deeply in the girl's heart to express her love and tenderness.

However, the slight resistance coming from her face surprised her slightly.

"What's wrong, Ilya?"

"Uh...why?"

Ilya touched her cheek where it had been touched, and in disbelief, she reached out and gently rubbed it. After Kiana let out a soft gasp, Ilya covered her mouth in surprise.

Why do you seem like...?

"Um, what's wrong?" Kiana clutched her chest, asking abruptly.

"No, no...it's nothing, I'm just a little sad. Hmm...I feel like I've been hit hard. Kiana, if you grow up in the future...you'll definitely be a very beautiful and charming woman."

"Huh? You don't really need to praise me like that. Actually, Ilya, you..."

The two girls, clinging to each other, chatted and laughed about the future. The cheerful atmosphere was filled with the sound of oranges wafting in the air. And just as they were getting to know each other more deeply...

Downstairs, two uninvited guests knocked on the door of the small house.

"What brings you two here?"

Sera, who was in charge of opening the door, stared at Rin and Luvia, her beautiful eyes filled with vigilance and doubt.