[b]The Beginning After The End - Episode 9[/b]

Arthur accompanies the Helsteas and his family on an outing to Xyrus City. During the visit to the auction house, Arthur discovers beast cores – magical objects that can amplify mana. Lilia shows strong interest in them, hoping to awaken her own magical potential, but is disappointed by her mother Tabitha, who rejects this as a pointless quick fix.

In a weapon shop, Lilia's frustration escalates: she secretly buys a cheap beast core and is then harassed by academy students who mock her for her lack of magical talent. Arthur intervenes, but Tabitha ends the conflict by asserting her influence as a daughter of the Helsteas. At home, Lilia confronts her father Vincent with her feelings of inadequacy, as she perceives his enthusiasm for Arthur's magical abilities as a devaluation of herself.

Arthur realizes that Lilia's pressure stems from internal fears – not parental coercion. He seeks her out and shares a personal experience: using fireflower pots (symbols of hope in dark times), he illustrates that her worth exists independently of magic. Lilia confesses her envy of Arthur's talents, prompting him to execute a drastic plan: he stages Lilia's "escape" to reveal Vincent's true feelings. Vincent breaks down and insists that he loves Lilia even without magic.

This revelation leads to reconciliation: Lilia voluntarily chooses the magical path, while Arthur offers to teach her and his sister Eleanor basic mana-breathing techniques. In a touching scene, Lilia succeeds in perceiving mana for the first time – a bright light in her inner darkness. The episode ends with a family celebration among the relieved Helsteas and the serving of duck, while a court mage at the auction house hints at an interest in Arthur's abilities.