Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out?

—–

“Do you know yourself, Master Felicia? Do you truly recognize your flaws?”

“I… naturally! What is this? What are you trying to imply?”

“If you recognize your flaws and fears… then why not try to change, even just a little?”

“…?”

“I… I know it sounds rude, maybe awkward… I’m not good at this myself. But… please come eat dinner with us.”

“…”

Felicia glanced at her work, then at the floor, shifting her gaze between them and me for several long seconds.

She seemed at a loss for words.

“I’ve spent almost two years with you, Master… and I’ve grown to love and care for you deeply,” I said softly. “I know you more now than before. I know you bury yourself in work because it shields you from the real world…”

“…What?!” She sounded offended.

“And I know you’re a little sad because everyone else has someone… and you’re still alone,” I continued gently.

“Gah?!” Master Felicia gasped, mouth falling open. “Y-You’re my disciple! How dare you speak to your master like that!”

“I’m sorry…!” I apologized, rushing forward and hugging her tightly.

“W-What are you…?! Hugging me won’t change anything! You and Aquarina were very disrespectful! L-Let go…”

“No!”

“Ugh… Sylphy, do you think I’m a child? That a hug will somehow… help me?”

Yet despite her protests, I held on, resting my head on her shoulder and sharing my warmth.

I wanted her to feel loved.

How long had it been since someone truly hugged her?

Eventually, she fell silent… and slowly hugged me back.

“Sylphy… My problems are mine to handle… I don’t want you troubling yourself over them. As some would say, it’s not your business, apprentice.”

“But Master Felicia… I want you to join us for dinner… I cooked tonight with love and care. Don’t you want to taste what your apprentice made for you?”

Felicia raised an eyebrow and sighed, shaking her head.

“…Ugh, you’re really nasty, huh? Striking right at the heart.”

“Heheh. Mooch! I love you, Master!”

I kissed her cheek. She grew cranky again.

“Y-You! I’m not your mother, you know?! Why are you kissing me so casually?! I’m a granny—an old granny!”

“I know, but you’re like an aunt to me now… I just want you to feel loved by the family right in front of you.”

“F-Family?”

“Your friends! Like my dad, Uncle Shade, Aunt Nepheline… Aquarina, and your other apprentices! Celeste, Celica, and Ruby all care deeply for you too.”

“Hm…”

“Isn’t it better to spend time with us while we’re here?”

Master Felicia fell silent again, sighing deeply.

She met my eyes.

“Listen, Sylphy… I… might come across as eccentric. And I’m certainly not normal. My obsession with Alchemy stems from my upbringing. I always wanted to feel special to my parents. Perhaps what I craved most was the attention they never gave me.”

“Master…”

“At some point, Alchemy became my only way to prove I was worth something… My research turned into my purpose in life.”

“…”

“Do you understand why I’m obsessed now?”

“Yes… I do… but that doesn’t change anything. Come eat already!”

“Fine… fine… Young people these days, no respect for their elders!”

She walked crankily to the dining room and joined us for dinner.

She seemed embarrassed and flustered among so many people.

It was easy to tell that, despite her confident act, Master was quite shy.

She likely had some social anxiety too.

She could handle a few people, but with everyone gathered, she felt overwhelmed.

That was exactly why I needed to bring her here—to gently push her to interact.

She had to slowly overcome that fear.

No one here would judge her. Everyone cared for her deeply.

“I’m here…” she sighed. “Hm? Well, this is quite the feast you’ve prepared, my dear apprentice! Impressive!”

“Hey, look who finally left her cave!” Nepheline laughed. “Come on, Felicia. Eat with us like old times.”

“Yeah, what’s gotten into you?” Dad asked warmly. “Don’t be shy. We’ve always been friends, right?”

“Hm,” Shade nodded. “I’m glad to be here with you, Felicia… Reuniting with old friends is something I cherish deeply. The bonds we’ve built mean everything.”

“…Ah.” Felicia’s eyes widened slightly. “Hm… yeah… I suppose!”

She acted proud as always, smiling at them.

But deep down, I could see the colorful threads of her intent shift from darkness to vibrant hues, revealing how truly happy she felt.

In this moment, my master was joyful—and a little emotional—even if her usually expressionless face showed little.

Deep inside, she was beginning to realize something.

These were her beloved friends. Whatever insecurities or fears she harbored about herself or their opinions were baseless.

“Um, excuse me, Lady Felicia…” Aquarina murmured.

“…What?” Felicia narrowed her eyes, still not fully forgiving her.

“I… wanted to apologize for what I called you earlier,” Aquarina said, bowing her head sincerely. “I’m really, really sorry… I blurted it out stupidly. I’m working on that… but I didn’t truly mean it. Sylphy taught me you’re a wonderful person… I don’t expect forgiveness right away, but I regret it deeply.”

“…”

Felicia crossed her arms, tilting her head as she studied Aquarina.

Then she sighed and nodded.

“Haaaa… I’d look petty if I stayed angry at my friends’ daughter,” she said. “So I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it. Aquarina, you have potential. Don’t waste it.”

“Thank you…” Aquarina nodded gratefully. “I’ll take your words to heart and work hard to earn your respect!”

“Heh, this brat…” Master Felicia smirked, sipping her tea. “You’ve raised quite the rascal.”

“Haha, yeah, she makes us proud,” Shade said.

“She’s grown a lot these past two years,” Nepheline added.

Celeste and Celica stared at Aquarina, mouths agape.

“D-Did Aquarina just apologize… and really mean it?!” Celeste whispered.

“She actually regretted something and said sorry…!” Celica nodded in disbelief.

“You…! What’s so shocking about being sorry? Geez, don’t make a fuss!” Aquarina groaned, cheeks red.

I suppose my beloved Aquarina had truly grown.

She had changed in the most beautiful ways.

—–