After seeing off Shade and Luvia, Iluna and Emilia went to the study to verify every detail concerning the Misfortune Order and the four relics that had appeared around Emilia in succession.
Iluna had originally been somewhat displeased by Emilia's appearance, but as the two gradually became acquainted, those minor feelings completely vanished. Between their conversation and note-taking, Emilia generously praised Iluna's talent:
"I've heard of many, many impressive senior students at the Academy, but none of them can compare to you."
Iluna smiled modestly. She had heard similar words many times, but she had never been proud because of them. In her eyes, Shade was the true genius, while she had only come this far with Shade and Luvia's help.
The Elf Girl seemed to possess a unique affinity that allowed Iluna to quickly become friends with her. While discussing the final battle last night, Iluna caught a detail Emilia mentioned in passing—
"...That black staff should be a very powerful relic too, right? Oh, Iluna, in the summer since I left Saint Byron's, I've personally encountered more relics above Keeper of Secrets Level than I had seen in the previous fifty-odd years combined. That staff must be remarkable. I learned at school that staff-type relics are even rarer than cold-weapon relics, but... for some reason, seeing that staff made me feel very sad."
She pursed her lips as she recalled last night's events, uncertain whether that had been an effect Friendly Neighbor had on her. After all, she had truly been dizzy and muddled at the time. Naturally, none of this would go into the investigation report. Iluna was surprised for a moment, then suddenly seemed to have an inspiration:
"Is that staff something dead?"
"Sorry, what?"
Emilia's beautiful, innocent eyes looked at her. Iluna, burdened with thoughts,