Chapter 38

**Chapter Thirty-Eight** of the seventh volume of the *Witch Hat Atelier* manga series.

## Summary

The chapter starts off where the previous chapter ended, Coco hesitating to choose between going back to the Great Hall or continuing her way to the Tower of Tomes.

Qifrey jumps into the water to temporarily distract The Guardian of the Tower of Tomes. Eventually he floats back up using his Sylph Shoes. When he comes back up to the surface, he gets swept up by Coco. Qifrey asks why she helped him, Coco explains to him that there would be no way to reach the Tower of Tomes the was she is now and that leaving her professor and returning to the Great Hall alone is something she could never do. Qifrey says that he understands and that they'll go back together.

Qifrey yells out to Olruggio stating that he's counting on him to use his magic. Olruggio seems hesitant at first, saying that it's too dangerous but eventually does it. He throws a small ball with a glyph drawn onto it into the lake. It causes hot water to shoot out of the lake and burn the Guardian of the Tower of Tomes, giving Coco and Qifrey a chance to escape. All 3 of them make it to the Gate out of breath. Olruggio scolds both of them for being reckless while drying them up with his Link Rings.

Qifrey thanks Coco for choosing to save him and Coco replies that she was relieved that Qifrey came for her and apologizes for her behavior.

Beldaruit enters the room and Coco starts to talk about his offer. Beldaruit interrupts her and says there is no need and knows what her answer is. She's the one that decides who she wants to learn from. Qifrey starts to scold Beldaruit about telling Coco so much and that this was all his fault to begin with, but Beldaruit tries to brush this off.

Olruggio approaches Coco and again asks her if this is for sure what she wants. She thinks to herself that if Qifrey had told her that there was no way to turn her mom back to the way she was, that she would've had to join the Brimmed Cap Group to reach her goal. She keeps this thought to herself and just answers yes and that she's glad that her professor is Qifrey.

Olruggio walks back over to Qifrey and says that they have a lot to talk about. Qifrey agrees but says that he's keen on returning home.

The chapter cuts to Beldaruit standing in Argentgard. Riliphin joins Beldaruit's side and informs him that Qifrey has already returned to his atelier. Riliphin points out that Beldaruit isn't in his smoke form which is unusual for him and tells him that he shouldn't strain himself. Beldaruit tells him that he feels well and went to meet a former pupil, saying that he should've come too to see his younger sister, Richeh.

Riliphin is against the idea saying that he's a pathetic older brother that didn't help Richeh when she needed it and that he couldn't bear to face her. Beldaruit reassures him by saying that he doesn't find him weak or lacking in courage.

Beldaruit tells Riliphin that it's said that a Silverwood Tree only plants it's roots in a place that calms the soul. Riliphin points out that it chooses where it lives just like a human would. Beldaruit thinks about Qifrey calling his atelier his home and hopes that he doesn't destroy the place he worked so hard to build.

Tetia, Agott, Richeh and Coco and return to the atelier but Coco notices that Qifrey isn't with them. Agott tells Coco that Qifrey was going to check on the garden.

The chapter cuts to Qifrey and Olruggio sitting on a cliff, Qifrey saying they should pick up where they left off.

## Characters by Appearance

* Coco
* Qifrey
* Olruggio
* Beldaruit
* Riliphin
* Tetia
* Agott
* Richeh