Edwina knew Alice was talking nonsense. Her expression, movements, and demeanor all made that clear.
But she was exceptionally serious:
"However, some people are rather special. They receive admission notices from magic schools at eleven, while others become magical girls at twelve...
"If neither happens, then after turning eighteen, they can only attend Cassell Academy or Miskatonic University according to their different talents..." Note 1
Meeting Alice's earnest gaze, Edwina deeply regretted asking that question—she had no choice but to start considering which of Alice's words were true and which were false.
She decided to talk to Alice about something else first:
"Alice, if you find staying aboard the Golden Dream boring, you may leave at any time—understood?"
Alice's movements paused slightly. After hesitating, she asked, "Did Gehrman ask you to tell me that?"
"Yes." Edwina nodded frankly. "He said he never meant to restrict your freedom. If you truly dislike it, you can leave."
Alice knew what Klein meant—the matter of the St. Folsen had only just happened, and Klein was afraid of a second St. Folsen appearing.
Actually, even if the same thing happened, the Golden Dream would not become another St. Folsen. There were not so many ordinary people aboard as tourists...
As soon as that thought arose, Alice suppressed it. She understood that she absolutely could not say something like that aloud, because humans did not like her making such comparisons—at least, Klein did not.
Still, Alice had to say something for herself. "Even if I do nothing, the sea isn't always calm..."
Her voice gradually faded until it disappeared. She Suddenly Realized that she seemed completely incapable of keeping such secrets hidden.
Ah, this.
Alice silently lowered her head and swiftly ended the topic. "I understand."
After receiving her answer, Edwina let her leave without