Despite calling this a farewell party, since they knew that they would
be reunited in the spring after the trip and that this kind of study
abroad sessions weren't usually approved, rather than being lonely, it
would be more appropriate to say that there were more expectations in
the air.
"Hey, where are you going for your study abroad program?"
"Berkeley."
At Erika's question, Shizuku only replied back with a single word.
This was not because Shizuku was in a dark mood, but because that's
how her personality was.
"So it's not Boston."
Among Japanese Magicians, the belief that the center of America's
modern magic research facilities was Boston ran deep. Miyuki's
comment came from this particular background.
"That's because the East Coast isn't very stable right now."
"Ah, the "Human Ideologists" are rampaging over there. We see them
on the news quite often these days."
Mikihiko agreed wholeheartedly with Shizuku's reply.
"So the witch hunts have now turned into "Magician hunts". Even if
you say history repeats itself, this is simply ridiculous."
Leo coldly retorted.
"It's not a perfect replication of history. Although we have no idea of
the background of the 17th century's witch hunts, the recent "Magician
hunts" and new white supremacist movement are fundamentally two
different things."
Tatsuya chimed in with a more conciliatory tone.
"Still, it may be best to avoid the East Coast."
Not that Tatsuya's words were meant to defend the "Magician hunts"
in any way