Chapter 15

“Hmm? What?” “Why did you want those three to get along so badly?” she asked, looking sincerely mystified. “I mean, I wanted to help Sifla, too, but you seemed oddly determined.” “I was curious about that myself. You may be an impulsive pushover, Akko, but you put a little too much effort into that.” Was that supposed to be a compliment, Sucy? Calling her on it would’ve made the conversation drag on longer, so I let it slide. But, hmm. What should I do? I was a little embarrassed to talk about this. They were both looking straight at me, though, and I couldn’t fight it anymore. I scratched at my cheek awkwardly. “Well, um, I’d always dreamed of going to Luna Nova, and I was looking forward to it, but I was also really lonely when I came all the way from Japan by myself. I was nervous, too.” “You’re kidding. You did everything your way right from the start, Akko.” “Yeah, and you were shockingly pushy to boot.” “I was! …But the thing is—I managed to get by without being all alone because you two were there. So yeah.” I couldn’t bear to look them in their eyes, so I glanced away. “How should I put this? It feels like if the three of us are together, we can do anything. Even the stuff I can’t do on my own. I think that’s really incredible.” “…Yeah.” Lotte nodded, visibly bashful. “I mean, sure, you’re a too-serious Goody Two-shoes, Lotte, and Sucy’s constantly doing bizarro experiments, and sometimes I do wonder what’s wrong with you people, but…” “You’re the last person I want to hear that from, Akko,” Sucy sullenly retorted, but her ears had gone unusually red. “So I thought it would be good if Sifla and the other two could be like that, too! The end!” Lotte and Sucy glanced at each other and smiled. “Akko. The stars are pretty, aren’t they?” “…Yeah.” “I suppose I’ll do you a favor and count my sacred-tree potion as one of my experiments. But brace yourself for the last one.” “Really?! You’re telling me this now?!” “Yeah. I mean, this whole adventure has me feeling generous, so I’ve reduced it to one more time for you.” “What’s with you, Sucy?! Unbelievable!” “Th-there, there. Sucy’s just hiding her embarrassment. Right? Aren’t you?” “That’s a lie! She’s absolutely just having fun with this!!” “Hey, Akko, pipe down, wouldja? Shut up for a little. We can’t hear the song.” “Honestly. You really don’t know how to relax.” “Why do people always talk to me like that—?!” It wasn’t fair at all! I exploded in anger, but everyone just shrugged it off, as if this sort of thing happened all the time. Just you wait. I was absolutely going to become a fantastic witch like Chariot—as soon as possible! As I declared my intent at the top of my lungs, a host of falling stars raced across the sky over my head.