Chapter 19

**Chapter Nineteen** of the fourth volume of the *Witch Hat Atelier* manga series.

## Summary

The chapter starts with a flashback of Richeh creating her Boulder Stretch Rope as her older brother Riliphin compliments her on it. Embarrassed, she crumples up the crystal ribbon and flings it across the cave. She feigns ignorance, but Riliphin just hugs her asking her to never change. Yet the dream turns sour as Riliphin leaves her behind. Richeh wakes up asking him to not leave her.

Waking up in a passage carriage she goes out to find Qifrey feeding the birds. He notices her and asks her to wake everyone else up.

The girls and Qifrey stand at the entrance to the Romonon Cave with Agott angrily declare how well she slept. She wanted to practice her magic up to the last minute, but Olruggio's Snugstones worked too well. Qifrey reassures her that she shouldn't worry and that it's better for her to still have things to work on when the time comes. He does this while breaking a loaf of bread for the girls to eat. He continues reassuring Agott and mentions how she could always try next time. She takes a bite of the loaf and confidently proclaims that she'll pass with one shot.

A voice comments on how energetic Agott is while belittling his own student. Kukrow makes an appearance along with his apprentice Euini. Kukrow continues belittling Euini mentioning how he failed his test two times. Kukrow wishes he could have Euini's hands traded in for Agott's. Qifrey angrily argues how apprentices aren't objects, with parts that can be traded. Kukrow adds how you can't send them in for repairs either. Qifrey tries to interject once more, but Euini assures him that it's ok. Euini agrees with Kukrow and places all blame on himself.

Another voice catches everyone's attention even brushbuddy's. The voice apologizes where Coco promptly turns around. She is then met with a giant talking brushbuddy. Qifrey notes how happy Coco is while showing her the truth. He tells her that it's actually a witch. Coco concerningly exclaims that transformations are forbidden. The illusion is broken by a pair of hands breaking through the cloak. It's revealed to be Alaira who tells Coco it's a Mirror Cloak of Borrowshade. She introduces herself as the proctor for the test. Qifrey shows his surprise while Alaira notes how he's brought all of his apprentices even the ones that won't be taking the test.

Alaira begins to explain the test, The Sincerity of the Shield, which requires the witch to serve as a guardian. They must protect their charge safely to the end of the cave. They can't lose sight of the charge and both must exit together. Also, all spells must be cast without discovery.

Agott expresses her concern if their charge sees them casting magic, but Alaira assures her that the main concern is if they find out they are human. As she says this she hands over Mirror Cloaks of Borrowshade for everyone. Then the girls lean over a small cliff where Coco excitedly asks if they're Gryphons. Alaira corrects her telling her they are called Myrphons. Alaira gives more detail about the cave, test, and how it all works. Coco sums up the test as "protecting the birds from the magic of the cave". Alaira grins in agreement and proceeds to leap down below to the Myrphons. As she does this she tells the girls why it is important that they do this. As witches, they have a responsibility to help the birds as they have changed their world. Alaira simultaneously turns into a Myrphon. She then goes on to tell them that the cloaks help them blend in with other Myrphons and if they change the spell on the cloaks it would reveal themselves as human. Agott thinks to herself that the test is about diverting attention, but notes how it's much tricker than she expected.

Alaira goes to give Richeh a Myrphon where she shows her surprise. Agott questions why she has one. Richeh promptly gives back the bird telling Alaria that it's a mistake. Alaira interjects that she's signed up for it and Qifrey confirms it. Richeh angrily accuses Qifrey that he lied to her. She goes on to say that Qifrey promised her that she could do what she wanted. Squeezing the Myrphon in her arms tighter she believes that Qifrey is just going to boss her around like other adults. Qifrey eases her worries by telling her that he acknowledges what she wants and by letting her take the test it will surely help her live the life she wants to live. So he asks Richeh to trust him just for the day.

Richeh stays in thought for a bit until she glances up at Coco. Afterward, she agrees but assures Qifrey that it'll be on her terms. If she doesn't like the test she won't be taking it again. Before running off she says that if it changes her any way she won't trust him anymore.

Kukrow comments on Richeh's behavior calling her a handful. He goes on to complain, but Qifrey quickly dismisses him. Kukrow becomes flustered and leaves towards the Great Hall. Baffled Alaira and Qifrey question why he won't be staying. Kukrow explains that he'll just be wasting his time.

As Alaira is in disbelief of Kukrow's actions Qifrey goes to Eunini to tell him that he has a choice of whom he wants to study under. Euini expresses self-doubt again saying that it wouldn't change anything for him. He believes that passing the test would change how Kukrow thinks of him. Going on a tangent Euini quickly perks up to say that he'll do his best. Qifrey expresses concern to Alaira mentioning that they should intervene. Alaira will make a report, but it's up to Euini whom he wants to study under.

Agott, Richeh, and Euini are at the entrance to the cave and ready themselves as Coco, Tetia and Qifrey stay behind. The Myrphons quickly leave and Alaria urges everyone to do the same. As the test takers enter, Agott pauses for a bit then continues on. With the test takers gone Qifrey asks the girls if they'd like breakfast as well as a history lesson. Qifrey adds that Coco must not know much about the magical ruins of the past. He says that places like the cave were made through forbidden magic and they are like scars.

In the cave, Agott is taken aback by the challenge ahead. The path ahead is twisted around the cave making it seem impossible.

## Characters by Appearance

* Richeh
* Riliphin *(Debut in a Flashback)*
* Qifrey
* Agott
* Euini *(Debut)*
* Kukrow *(Debut)*
* Coco
* Alaira