Hans’s unexpected proposal made my eyes gleam with interest.

I hadn’t expected to hear those words from him of all people—giving Ruine back his magic.

After all, it was Hans who took that magic.
He had stolen it from Ruine, who had been blinded by his own talent. And in the original story, it wasn’t until Hans was on his deathbed that he finally returned it.

—"It was all my fault, wasn’t it? My jealousy… my descent into dark magic."
—"Hans…!!"
—"Killing our master… I’m sorry."
—"..."
—"This is my gift to you."

For him to suggest returning it now, less than a year later?

I let out an awkward chuckle and shrugged.

"Hans, the ‘magic’ you’re referring to is the Fire Rune you took from Ruine, correct?"
"Yes, that’s right."
"You do realize that the Fire Rune is a Unique Magic that drastically enhances the effectiveness of flame spells?"
"Of course. Better than anyone."
"I figured as much."
"..."
"And yet… you’re saying you want to return it to him?"