We start learning more about Qifrey’s past and how he became Beldaruit’s apprentice, as he was literally found by Beldaruit. We at least know why Qifrey is haunting the Brimmed Caps because they destroyed what life he used to have. Granted, it is difficult to know what his life was before all of that. As Beldaruit mentions, he can’t regain his memories without using forbidden arts. As was shown by Iguin with Euini.
We can tell in this volume Olruggio was Qifrey’s closest friend after becoming Beldaruit’s apprentice. But Olruggio still senses doubt in Qifrey’s intentions. After all, is Coco just being used by him to get back to the Brimmed Caps? It becomes clear in Qifrey’s actions that isn’t the case, and he has truly shown to be a great teacher for his students. Of course, the Brimmed Caps are after Coco, so that’s definitely a factor to consider, but it is clear it is things that happen. It would be easy for him to let go of his past and push to the future.
Coco’s decision to save Qifrey rather than immediately retreating to the Great Hall or moving forward to the Tower of Tomes. It is a very Coco thing to go for the 3rd path or the option that isn’t immediately thought of. It is at this point she wants Qifrey to be her master, and it is great that this decision showcases this. As it has been mentioned, each witch has the right to choose its master.
The chapter focusing on Olruggio was nice because it is a reminder that what humans think magic is is more like what we see in the majority of fantasy series. It is more about being efficient with the task and, at the same time, the desire to help the common people. Which is clearly something Olruggio takes great pride in.
Still in the conversation at the end of the volume, Olruggio asks Qifrey to let him help him. Qifrey losing his future makes sense because he is going after his students, but I feel that isn’t 100% the case. Still losing his eyesight would lose his ability to teach, and losing his sight probably is what scares him. Since he doesn’t have his right eye. The threat of the Brimmed Caps is real in what they are plotting. For Qifrey, he knows the Brimmed Caps need to be stopped. Getting his right eye back is the extra because he wants to still teach.
Sadly, he erases Olruggio’s memories of this information. No doubt that he is going down a dark path. It is clear that he cares for Coco and his apprentices, but he knows what he plans to do is not fitting with the witches. So curious how Qifrey proceeds from this point and if anyone can spot it since Olruggio lost this knowledge.
