Chapter 9

**Chapter Nine** of the second volume of the *Witch Hat Atelier* manga series.

## Summary

Olruggio, after learning Coco is connected to the Brimmed Cap Group, is planning on taking Coco to the Knights Moralis, but Qifrey protests, and casts a massive rainflinger spell as a threat to Olruggio. This surprises him, and he decides to hear Qifrey out.

The three of them walk in, where Tetia is drying Richeh's hair off, and walk to a room where no one can hear them. After explaining Coco's situation to Olruggio, Qifrey explains that Olruggio is a Watchful Eye, and tells her how it is the job of the watchful eyes to make sure issues aren't being covered up at ateliers that are secluded from society, Olruggio pointing out the irony of that statement.

Qifrey says that if he had erased Coco's memory, he would have lost his "clue" of her forbidden Magic Book. Orluggio argues that it isn't their job to investigate forbidden magic, saying that is precisely what the Knights Moralis are for. Seeing the look on Coco's face, Qifrey asks her if that face means she wants to know what the Knights Moralis are.

He states that they are "Witches who protect magic", in accordance to the laws set on the Day of the Pact, erasing the memories of anyone who comes into contact with forbidden magic. Qifrey says that where they to hand Coco in to them, they will erase her memories and adoration of magic.

He encourages Coco, saying that she doesn't need to be worried, commenting on her love of magic, calling her a hard worker. He says that it isn't her fault that she found out, and that if Coco's memories should be erased, his should as well.

Tetia and Richeh sneak in and secretly listen in on the conversation. Olruggio ultimately caves, but he says that the moment something happens, he *will* report Coco to the auditorium, as that is his duty as a watchful eye, then leaves. Qifrey tells Coco that Orluggio is often busy with his magic inventions, so he rarely comes from his Atelier across the bridge. He then encourages her, before telling her to go take a bath, as she is probably chilly.

Coco finds the brushbuddy and says that they should go take a bath, but the soaking wet brushbuddy runs away after being picked up, and runs into the room that Orluggio just exited into. She chases after it, and when she enters, Olruggio scolds her for coming in. He tosses her the brushbuddy, who is now completely dry. Olruggio uses drying magic in the form of link rings to dry Coco off, and then tells her not to touch anything. She immediately proceeds to touch a glowstone path, causing it to light up.

Coco excitedly states that the path is what made her first fall in love with magic as a little girl. He explains how the path works, and thanks him, calling him "Professor Olruggio." This freaks him out, and he ejects Coco from the room.

Later, Agott is up in her and Coco's room, practicing drawing a light beam spell with her eyes closed. During her practice, she hears a loud banging and runs downstairs, presumably to yell at the other disciples for being too loud, but when she comes downstairs, she sees an unknowing man (later revealed to be named Dagda) in the doorway, who had been banging on the door, pleading for help.

The other disciples explained that due to all the rain, the bridge collapsed, and a horse drawn carriage fell down into the river. The man begs the witches to help, as his son (who is later revealed to be named Custas) was in the carriage that fell. Qifrey wastes no time, immediately agreeing to assist him. Suddenly, Agott runs over, and Qifrey tells her to wait there, as it will be dangerous, but she refuses, asking Qifrey to take her with him and allow her to help.

## Characters by Appearance

* Olruggio
* Coco
* Qifrey
* Agott
* Dagda *(Debut)*
* Richeh
* Tetia

## Chapter Notes

* We learn of what the Knights Moralis are, and what their duty is in this chapter.
* Olruggio is revealed to be Qifrey's atelier's Watchful Eye.