"Elias, what is this? I found it in the litter bin next to your desk."
The mage turned to look towards the doorway, where Chise held up a gold-trimmed wooden frame. The glass on the front was polished and spotless, indicating that it was a recent addition to his (former) possessions.
"Oh, that's nothing important." He waved a hand dismissively and returned to his book.
" 'It is hereby certified that Elias Ainsworth has been awarded the honourary degree of Doctor of Magecraft'... The College gave you a doctorate?" She placed the framed certificate on the table before him, along with a beige folder that was found together with the certificate.
"As I said, it's not important-"
"It is! This means that the alchemists recognise your contributions to the magic community."
"I have no need for paper qualifications, nor do I care about what the humans think of me. Having this title doesn't change anything." He adjusted his posture in the armchair, twisting his torso to face slightly away from her in a childish gesture.
Undeterred, Chise took his book from his hands, placing a paper bookmark between the open pages before closing it and placing it on the coffee table. She positioned herself atop his lap, shifting closer to his torso so she could lean against him on her side. A hand snaked its way between his back and the armchair, while the other ran down the lapel of his mage's coat, straightening it and flattening it against his chest.
"It means a lot to me. When you first bought me, everyone called you a recluse, a hermit who dislikes humans. But now you're doing more and interacting with others. As your human teacher, I'm really happy to see this change in you."
Elias recalled the recent interactions he had with acquaintances. Simon, Angelica, even Renfred have all mentioned the fact that he had changed somehow, but they were vague in their explanations. Had he really changed this much in such a short span of time? All because of Chise? Her presence had brought so much to his life in a mere two years, an insignificant length of time compared to his seemingly endless lifespan.
"... I suppose I have." He sighed. Chise smiled at this, patting his chest lightly in approval.
"I've been hearing complaints from Alice of your behaviour towards some of the professors, though. We've been through this-"
"Oh, hush."
The next day, a framed certificate hung on the wall of Professor Ainsworth's personal quarters. It stood out in stark contrast to the largely unfurnished unit's plain white walls, but changes often come in steps.