The newly appeared passage on the Serpent's Shedding did not involve any private matters, so after obtaining Emilia's consent, Shade read it aloud to the witches and Miss Larson as well. Emilia had her own unique interpretation of it:
"Miss Reinhart just said that resolving more Infinite Snakes could increase the importance of one's role. If one became the protagonist, one would become a true Fate Chosen One. But I cannot become the Chosen One this time, so increasing the importance of my role will ultimately only earn me a Gift of Fate."
She was actually quite satisfied with that outcome:
"In fact, I already feel that I have received a Gift of Fate. Although I won't be able to replicate the spellcasting I performed beyond my limits just now for a short period of time, I truly feel that my understanding and precise control of time have improved tremendously all at once."
Emilia's pointed ears twitched almost imperceptibly. She was very satisfied with this kind of night. She had been able to leave the Academy, experience an utterly wonderful adventure, and even improve her strength. She felt that she truly was a lucky little elf.
"There were three holders of the Serpent's Shedding present at the time. Why was Emilia the only one who received such help from Destiny?"
Miss Larson asked softly again, and Shade did have a guess:
"Perhaps it has something to do with each person's luck, role, and strength, but I can't say for certain. Or perhaps Emilia simply appeared in the right place at exactly the right time."
"Then is the Chosen One Ritual the 'play' that Miss and Mr. Watson discussed? Could it be a contest to see who can eliminate the Infinite Snake?"
Miss Larson asked again, but Shade denied it:
"Impossible.