“Say, Mattheus... what is magic?” time seems to freeze when those heavy words leave Est’s innocent lips.

There is only childlike wonder in the little girl’s gaze. But the older fairy shivers at the sudden situation.

Mattheus almost avoids the question, changing the topic carefully...

However, when he notices that Est fidgets nervously, he can't refuse her. It seems to be something important to the girl.

“Magic is... something special... the few that can use it are capable of doing and creating unimaginable things,” Mattheus explains slowly while his eyes turn towards the cup of hot tea in his hands.

His mind is somewhere else at the moment. That's why the fairy flinches when Est suddenly jumps up and exclaims.

“You mean like this...?”

Out of nowhere, the little girl throws her bunny doll on the table, and it starts moving and dancing.

“If it’s this kind of thing, then magic is cute!”

Est’s cheerful behavior evokes mixed feelings in her companion... especially when her happy mood fades.

“It’s not a bad thing... right?” she suddenly adds in a small voice, her smile almost gone.

“.....” and Mattheus can’t help but stay silent for a while.

He needs a few seconds to gather the courage and ask the next question.

“Did something happen, Est?”

“.....” the small girl doesn’t answer excitedly or nervously this time.

Instead, it feels like all of her energy is suddenly gone.

“................”

“I heard some things from outside... I think there were people there... and they were talking about strange things.”

“I-I don’t really get it... but I think it’s because of me..."

“..........”

“I must be strange or something...”

“............. Est...” the older fairy doesn’t know how to react.

He knew that the little girl must have sensed some of the things that happened around her... even if she couldn’t understand.

And he is surprised that it only came up now. Est has been strangely calm and cheerful since he started looking after her.

But he is even more surprised that she opened up... or maybe broke down... in this way now.

Mattheus is still unable to understand how the little girl thinks...

However, after a few seconds, the words come to his mind without effort. It’s as if he knows the answer that Est is searching for...

Maybe it's because his own mind has been bothered by the same questions and feelings for a while now.

“Magic is a bit strange. I agree that it can be cute... or amazing... but it also has a scary and dangerous side.”

“But I don’t think it’s bad... nor are you, Est.”

“I’m sure you can learn to control it and grow up to be a wonderful witch. And you will defy everyone’s expectations.”

Though the little girl doesn’t fully understand everything Mattheus says, especially his last sentences, she can feel the warmth and love in his words and the gentle pat on her head.

And her cheerful smile returns as the fairy ruffles her hair fondly.

“I can feel that there is light in you as well. It's not only darkness.”

“I will protect you. And I will help you learn about magic and the world.”

“We will find the balance that has been missing, I promise.”

“Let’s give it our all, Est.” Mattheus finishes while leaning forward and hugging Est close.

Meanwhile, the little girl scoops up her doll and pats Mattheus’s face with its paws, leaning her head on his arm at the same time.

“Yeah! I also promise that we will find happiness together!”