"As is ever the case."

She's quiet for a long moment.

Then: "If your plan works... I might not have to fight them."

"Possibly."

"...Flower's rooted in me, but - anchored in them. I have to kill them to get rid of it."

"Whereas if you had a way to attack the parasite directly instead... I see."

"Might still complicate removing it entirely, though."

"I think you will lose your magic, if you do."

"It's not my fucking magic. I don't need something else's power." She actually sounds like she means it, unlike with her declarations that she doesn't care if she outlives the parasite.

"As you say. I wouldn't want it to be an unexpected surprise, in the event."

Small huff. "Thanks."

"But I've been expecting to die without it for years. Anything else is a pleasant surprise."

"Fair enough."

"And even people without stupid parasitic evil flowers growing in them can learn to use magic, and even if most of them are trash - I won't be."

"I see."

Another huff.

"I'm getting tired of talking about this."

"A change of subject, then. I believe it might be your turn to ask a question."

Hum. "You worked at some kind of school, right?"

"Indeed. The Imperial Charter, it is called. The finest center of magical education in the entire Domain." Her lips quirk. "Of course, it is also the only such institution..."

"Got better when they recruited you?"

"If you will not think I flatter myself overmuch by saying so."

"Not if it's true."

"Then yes, I do believe I made a positive impact in the overall quality of education given there."

"Good for them."

"And for me as well, it must said. It was... a welcome change from the front lines."

"You were a soldier?"

"'Warrior' would be a more accurate word. Not much good at orders or teamwork, you see. No magical girl really is, at the end of the day."