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[X] Go to Alice's house to borrow books.

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"Sorry, but Alice just offered to lend me some magic books," Anon says.

"Eh? But I saw him first! That's no fair ~ze," Marisa says, pouting.

"It's alright, isn't it? After you finish at Kourindou, you can come to my place for dinner," Alice says.

Marisa immediately starts smiling again and nods. She waves as she leaves with her broom and sack.

"We should get going as well," Alice says as she stands up.

Anon spies Marisa flying off as they leave the cottage.

"Take my hand. You can't fly yet, can you?" Alice asks.

Anon just nods and grasps her hand. It feels soft and delicate. His daydreams are immediately interrupted, however.

The next moment, he finds that he is high above the air. They are now both flying at a comfortable pace above the forest. Anon turns his head to peer at Alice. She is smiling again.

"I didn't expect you to synchronize with me so easily. I'm hardly using any extra magic to maintain your flight. You must have quite a bit of natural talent."

Anon nods, then looks forward. This type of flying is far more pleasant that Marisa's rocket-like pace. He takes his time to enjoy the feeling of the wind on his face. He observes the forest, seeing another side of its beauty. "It would be great to do this on my own," he says to himself.

Before he realizes it, they arrive at Alice's house. Alice invites Anon to take a seat while she gets the books. He takes a moment to look around.

In stark contrast to Marisa's cottage, this place was pristine. Not a speck of dust can be seen. Each piece of furniture is meticulously positioned. Books are carefully stacked and organized on shelves. Several dolls can be seen inside glass display cases. The house is well-organized and pleasing to the eye.

"Here, you should start with these," Alice says as she returns with some books. "I'll get back to a project I need to finish. If you need anything, I'll be inside that room," she says, pointing to a door across the hall. She leaves with Shanghai following behind her. Perhaps she wants to get some work done.

Taking a seat near the window, Anon decides to start reading. "Magic won't teach itself, after all," he mutters.

He starts with the book, "Basic Magical Theory and Simple Applications".