The magical girls carry secrets within them.
Two hours after Jeanne and Thalagong examined Inie, the two were present at the tea party venue.
On this day, they had been summoned by Kaede, and before that, they had gone to check on Inie’s condition.
“The scheduled time has arrived, so I will confirm attendance.”
Compared to the last time, there were more attendees, but not everyone was present.
For this tea party, we have asked the overseas rankers to handle any issues that may arise.
Since all the topics are of high importance, we wanted to gather everyone.
However, ultimately, we couldn’t reach the 10th-ranked person, and the 6th and 3rd ranks are fully occupied dealing with high-priority monsters and magical girls.
That’s why they couldn’t come.
As for the 2nd rank, she is here but is asleep encased in a large block of ice.
Though in this state, she is still listening somewhat, but she cannot speak on her own.
She might as well be considered an object.
“Skipping the 2nd rank, moving on to the 4th rank, White Knight.”
Glint, dressed in a white pilot-like suit, nods.
“5th rank, Explodia.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Thalagong leans back in their chair and gives a casual response.
“7th rank, Sword King.”
“I’m awake this time.”
“That’s good.”
Last time, Blade was woken up with a golden basin, but this time, they’re already awake.
“8th rank, Mad Healer.”
“I think it would be better to change that nickname, so why hasn’t it changed?”
Due to the remnants of her rebellious youth, Jeanne is called by the nickname “Mad Healer.” Considering her age, she has repeatedly requested from Kaede and the Magic Bureau to give her a more proper title.
However, Kaede and the Magic Bureau have not accepted her request.
They believe it is better to leave it as it is for the sake of deterrence.
Additionally, without Jeanne’s knowledge, her requests have been rejected because her appearance seems suspicious.
“9th rank, Meteor.”
“Yes.”
After finishing the guidance of the rookie class recently, Arongante has hardly slept and has been busy with work. It’s clear that they are exhausted.
Perhaps if Thalagong could have helped, things might have been slightly easier, but since Thalagong returned just last night, Arongante had to handle everything alone.
Thanks to their efforts, the important individuals have been informed about the current situation, and there has been no confusion.
However, there has been a slight issue with the rookie magical girls, which Arongante is handling personally.
“With that, we begin today’s tea party with five people and the territory of the number one ranker.”
At Kaede’s command, the tea party begins.
“First, regarding the recent attack by those claiming to be doomsday advocates, Arongante, please proceed.”
“Yes. First of all…”
Arongante distributes detailed data about the attack and explains based on it.
The most crucial points are the purpose of the doomsday advocates, the reason they targeted Inie, and the fact that they used barriers and controlled monsters.
After explaining everything, Arongante looks at Jeanne, asking if she knew the truth about recovery magic.
“Jeanne.”
“Yeah, I knew. Also, I’ve discreetly confirmed with all the magical girls who can officially use recovery magic, so don’t worry.”
“―Why did you keep quiet?”
When questioned by Arongante, Jeanne replies that spreading such information recklessly could lead to criticism against recovery magic users.
Originally, Jeanne’s understanding of recovery magic was still at the hypothesis stage.
To investigate this, she had no choice but to ask around among magical girls who could use recovery magic.
Since the number of recovery magic users is small, they are valued wherever they go.
Thus, it took time to inquire individually.
Some dangerous individuals are under surveillance thanks to Jeanne’s discreet reports to Kaede.
In case of emergencies, Jeanne has been doing her job thoroughly.
“If this matter were spread carelessly, it could cause confusion. Besides, I’ve already reported the concerning magical girls.”
“…Yes. Indeed, I have received reports from Jeanne about several individuals who need attention.”
“What about you, Jeanne?”
Arongante bluntly asks Jeanne.
While working on tasks until today, Arongante judged that Jeanne was fine.
This judgment was based not only on the fact that Inie had been saved twice but also because it seemed likely that the doomsday advocates were targeting her.
Just in case, Arongante reviewed the footage of Jeanne being attacked and noticed the presence of a magical girl resembling Shengxi.
Still, Arongante wanted to hear it directly from Jeanne herself.
Everyone’s eyes turn to Jeanne, who smiles faintly before speaking.
“I am neither a doomsday advocate nor a spy. At least while Kaede is around, I’ll stay on this side due to a debt of gratitude.”
“You should straightforwardly admit your reformation.”
Jeanne jokingly excuses herself, but Thalagong interrupts.
Amused, Arongante chuckles lightly, says “understood,” and bows slightly.
“By the way, I heard from Inie earlier. She should be fine, but…she seems rather precarious.”
“What do you mean?”
Jeanne, whose face had turned serious, had been healing Inie’s arms and injuries and observing her condition, but Inie’s state was far from good.
During the M·D·W incident, Inie suffered severe burns all over her body and a hole in her abdomen; without Jeanne, she would have died.
This time, losing her left arm caused massive blood loss, and her internal organs were severely damaged.
Although not fatal, it was shocking for a young girl to survive such trauma.
Recovery magic isn’t omnipotent.
Minor scratches, fractures, or colds can be handled easily, but major injuries require corresponding sacrifices.
For healthy individuals, these sacrifices might only involve a slight drop in stamina or weight loss, but Jeanne judged that Inie had already reached her limit.
She was thinner than other girls her age and shorter too.
Most importantly, her heartbeat was clearly weakening.
Typically, those capable of using recovery magic have weaker offensive abilities.
Therefore, regardless of whatever darkness they may harbor deep inside, they don’t fight on the front lines.
There are exceptions, but in cases where they are bound by contracts, the Magic Bureau intervenes and assigns them to the rear.
Moreover, most magical girls, dazzled by money, continue their activities normally as magical girls.
Thus, healing themselves while fighting is something most wouldn’t do.
It’s safer to heal in a safe place under safe conditions.
That’s the norm.
Fighting while healing is too risky.
Repeated healing and combat have significantly weakened Inie’s internal organs, leading Jeanne to conclude that further reckless battles would be dangerous.
Jeanne distributes Inie’s medical records and compares her stats to those of an average 11-year-old girl to everyone present.
“As you can see, all her values are below average, especially her hematopoietic function, which is entering dangerous territory. If she continues engaging in battles where she risks losing limbs, there’s even a possibility she could die.”
Jeanne concludes her report, stating that this is all she has to say.
While Inie does possess the power to fight, Jeanne feels it would be a waste of her recovery magic talent.
Jeanne hopes that Inie will stop fighting and become her assistant, which would be greatly appreciated.
Of course, she doesn’t intend to force anything, but she wanted to lay the groundwork during this meeting.
Upon hearing this report, Arongante clenched their lips tightly, feeling their own inadequacy.
During the attack, Inie had taken on all the responsibilities that Arongante should have fulfilled.
Despite having less combat experience compared to other rankers, Arongante is still a ranker.
In times of crisis, they are expected to perform accordingly.
But this time, Inie had done everything.
Furthermore, Arongante had been saved by Inie themselves.
Given the nature of Dopple characteristics, it wasn’t entirely avoidable, but as a ranker, and more importantly, as a person, Arongante felt powerless and inadequate.
“…So, by the way, is there any prospect of her condition improving?”
Kaede asks Jeanne, who pauses briefly before responding.
“If she withdraws from battle for about half a year to a year, there’s a possibility of recovery, but it ultimately depends on her. Ideally, she should be kept away from combat.”
Magical girls operate on personal responsibility.
That’s the general stance.
However, there’s a reason why this shouldn’t happen this time.
―Yes, it’s Thalagong.
Thalagong had quietly listened to the reports from Arongante and Jeanne.
As if they were a volcano ready to erupt…
Formally speaking, Haruna, known as Inie, is recognized as Thalagong’s younger sister.
Thus, Thalagong technically has the right to intervene in Inie’s affairs.
“…Inie will undoubtedly choose to fight.”
As Kaede and Jeanne discuss Inie, Thalagong mutters this with certainty.
“If that’s the case, then you understand that there’s a possibility Inie might die?”
“Even so, the choice belongs to Inie. And that child will definitely choose to fight.”
If asked why Thalagong thinks this, their answer would simply be, “Intuition.”
After demons, Thalagong has the longest relationship with Inie.
Moreover, Thalagong has fought alongside Inie and witnessed simulations of Inie battling monsters.
Though usually quiet and expressionless, often hooded, Inie comes alive uniquely when fighting—this is what Thalagong senses.
As a sister, Thalagong wishes Inie would rest.
Yet, there’s a part of Thalagong that doesn’t want to disregard Inie’s feelings.
Therefore, Thalagong proposes a solution.
“Let’s assign Inie a partner. If there’s someone to shield her, she won’t have to fight recklessly, right? Of course, if Inie agrees to step back, this proposal becomes null and void.”
It’s risky for Inie to be alone, so assigning a supporting magical girl would help.
That’s Thalagong’s suggestion.
“True, it could work, but there’s also the issue of the doomsday advocates…”
“Even I, who am actually being targeted, must say this: any half-hearted magical girl will die.”
An inexperienced magical girl could hinder and even obstruct Inie.
On the other hand, assigning a ranker merely as support for Inie would be impractical.
Thalagong understands this well and does not suggest supporting Inie themselves.
“Let’s confirm Inie’s intentions first regarding this matter. Next, let’s discuss the designated extermination targets known as the doomsday advocates.”
Unusually, the tea party proceeds seriously.
Regarding Inie’s future activities, it will depend on her decision.
However, Jeanne reminds Thalagong to take care of her health.
Furthermore, it was decided that upon encountering the doomsday advocates, information would be shared immediately, and they would be swiftly eliminated.
And ultimately, Arongante did not mention the matter of the black-clad magical girl.
Part of it was out of respect for Inie, but fear played a role as well.
Arongante still feels the residual magic from that time lingering in their body.
That entity was not on the side of justice.
Yet, they are currently on our side.
Above all, Thalagong and Jeanne consider Inie a full member of their group.
There’s no need to disrupt the harmony by saying unnecessary things.
Arongante decided to observe quietly for now.
Additionally, Arongante had one task to entrust to Inie.
“Then, with that, I shall conclude this tea party. Regarding Inie, either Jeanne or Thalagong will report later.”
After discussing all the agenda items, the tea party concludes.
At this point, neither Jeanne nor Thalagong mentioned that Inie was an artificial magical girl.
The content was too inhumane, and it was also to protect Inie.
If word got out that Inie’s special magic was artificially bestowed, it could lead to new victims.
Considering the doomsday advocates, this information would only be passed to Kaede through Jeanne later.
“Excuse me, Thalagong, may I have a moment?”
“What’s up?”
As Thalagong was about to leave, Arongante approached them.
“Could you please let me know when Inie wakes up?”
“It’s fine, but what’s up?”
“There’s something I’d like to ask her…”
It was a task Arongante had been entrusted with by their older sister.
Arongante’s sister works at the North Kanto Branch of the Magic Bureau, and they encountered a bit of trouble, so they sought Arongante’s assistance.
One of the magical girls affiliated with the North Kanto Branch,
Marin, had become a recluse.
