“I understand that Ivy is no ordinary turtle… but…”

Although she seemed to still misunderstand my situation, Rey appeared to recognize Ivy’s exceptional strength.

“Mii! Mii mii!”

…Uh, what does that even mean?
It’s a bit abstract, so I don’t quite get it…

“Bruno, what is Ivy saying?”

Faced with Rey’s serious expression, I repeated Ivy’s words exactly as she’d said them.

“Um… Ivy says that, at this rate, you’ll never become what you truly want to be.”

“What!?”

Rey’s expression turned fierce, almost like a glare.

It seemed Ivy’s words, which I couldn’t fully grasp, had struck a deep chord with her.

“So Ivy can see through everything, can she…”

“Mii!”

“I can do anything!” Ivy declared with confidence.

Now that I think about it, she’s hardly ever been unable to do something. She’s my pride and joy, after all.

Rey folded her arms, letting out a contemplative hum as she wore a troubled expression.

Time passed.
Sanshita, the griffon, yawned widely, seemingly bored, when Rey finally stood up.

She walked toward Ivy, who had shrunk to a size just large enough for me to barely ride on her back.

Rey stopped in front of Ivy, then gracefully knelt.

“I have several mentors who have guided me. They took care to nurture me, even though I wasn’t particularly gifted. I have a mission to fulfill, a goal I must achieve. For that purpose, I’m prepared to risk my life and give it my all.”

She lowered her head, bending one knee in a pose that looked incredibly dignified, like a knight presenting their sword to their sovereign.

“Ivy… No, Lady Ivy. I humbly ask that you teach me your strength. Please, I beg of you.”

“Mii!”

Ivy, slightly smaller in size, raised her right forelimb.

Rey gently placed her hand on top of it.

At that moment, it was clear that Rey understood Ivy perfectly.

And just like that, while I was still flustered and caught off guard, the situation escalated rapidly—Rey officially became Ivy’s apprentice.

It all happened so fast it felt like a dream.

For now, it was agreed that Rey would stay with us for a while.

I’m looking forward to having you around, Rey.
Things might be a little… unusual here, but I promise you won’t be bored!