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"I already explained earlier," says Alice. "Puppetry magic involves infusing a doll with one's own power and will. It is a less known, but elegant branch of magical study that requires much from its practicioners. Few have the ability and patience to master it. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"I still don't understand," Grimnír says. "If that type of magic is your specialty, why didn't you start our lessons with puppetry? You are an expert on it, after all."

Alice sighs heavily. She frowns at him before she speaks.

"You aren't ready for it," she says. "In fact, you are nowhere near ready. You still have to master the basics of magical theory. It took me years of study to even begin moving dolls with magic alone, and even longer to investigate the subtleties of force channeling, energy projection, and materials sorcery."

"I see," replies Grimnír.

"I'll admit you have potential," says Alice. "But these things take time, even for one with unusual talent and skill. If you forcibly attempt such complex spells, you'll either faint from exhaustion or get seriously injured from spell backfires."

He smiles as Alice continues on about the topic. Seems like he had the right idea when he started talking about doll magic. While she was reluctant at first, she couldn't resist describing everything in detail. Somehow, he can sense Alice's mood improve as they continue talking. This topic is something familiar and pleasant to the magician. It's the perfect thing to help her calm down and perhaps feel better about herself a little.

"So, what about Shanghai?" says Grimnír. "You mentioned that she was different from the others."

Upon hearing her name, the doll perks up and turns toward him. Shanghai quickly flies beside him and tugs at his sleeve. As he turns to face her, she gives him a little curtsey before returning to Alice's side.

"Like I said before," says Alice. "Shanghai isn't completely independent. Her every movement and action is tied to my own state of mind. I used something special with her and Hourai to allow them some limited self-awareness."

"I see," says Grimnír. "So, in a sense, they have a little of yourself in them?"

Alice almost drops her fork when he says that. She quickly recovers, however, and looks up at him seriously. Only after a long moment of silence does she carefully reply.

"T-That is... a possibility," she says without looking him in the eye. "But I'd rather not discuss it. A magician has the right to her secrets."