"Talking about your brother is enough, isn't it? Can we start talking about my problem here?" Petronella urged.
Alicia carefully laid a letter on the table, its edges slightly crumpled from repeated handling. "I've taken the time to thoroughly read the letter you sent," she began. "I more or less understand your situation."
The atmosphere suddenly became a little more serious.
"At the academy, you are currently researching the use of mana without relying on the spirit," Alicia began, her tone measured. "You once mentioned to me that this development could take up to 100 years. I'm curious: how far has it progressed?"
