What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the word “witch”?

    Darkness? Malevolence? Or perhaps cruelty?

    While each person may have a different answer, it is hard to escape the negative connotations associated with it.

    Even the dictionary defines it as ‘a woman who practices magic and brings misfortune or harm to people,’ how much different can the answers really be?

    Yes, witches are the ‘villains.’

    They bring trials to the protagonist in the story, eagerly waiting for the opportunity to deal with him or her.

    A wicked being who stops at nothing to achieve their set goals, resorting to any means necessary, even if they are despicable.

    Under the tiresome cliché of tit for tat, they ultimately pay the price, providing satisfaction to people in the end of the story, a pitiful expendable.

    Witches, typically, were such beings.

    And I truly liked those wicked witches.

    Even if failure came their way, they did not care and walked their path resolutely, which I found admirable.

    Though they used despicable methods, their struggle to achieve their goals was beautiful.

    Lastly, the scenes where they expressed regret for not achieving their goals at the end were poignant yet magnificent.

    That’s why I liked witches.

    Things I couldn’t do due to fear and lack of confidence, they could do so effortlessly.

    Even though it was all fiction, watching their stories made me forget reality and feel exhilaration and comfort.

    Therefore, when it came to novels and comics featuring witches, I devoured them eagerly like a hungry raccoon.

    To chase that momentary sense of liberation.

    To momentarily forget the uncomfortably unmatched reality.

    Thus, I became a raccoon that would eat anything related to witches, but there was one type of witch story that I simply couldn’t stomach.

    It was when the witch in the story had a personality too similar to mine; in those cases, I usually couldn’t last more than a few chapters before dropping out.

    Yes, just like now.

    “It was really fun.”

    I’m not saying this lightly; it was genuinely enjoyable.

    Even though it wasn’t a witch story, from the prologue, I debated whether to call it a masterpiece or not.

    A world with high comedic elements, unique characters distinct from the typical stories I had seen before.

    Moreover, as soon as the author hinted at the appearance of a ‘witch,’ I eagerly anticipated it every day.

    How would this author portray the witch?

    A lascivious succubus-like witch?

    Or perhaps a straightforward villain following the cliché?

    Or maybe exuding a dangerous atmosphere like a mad scientist?

    It didn’t matter which.

    As long as it wasn’t too similar to my real self, as long as it wasn’t just a timid, cowardly character, it was genuinely fine.

    However, life doesn’t usually go as planned.

    “Why does she have to be a timid loser among all those personalities… If only it wasn’t that, I would have devoured it multiple times until the end…”

    The author made the witch too similar to my personality, and so, feeling like I was looking into a mirror with each witch-related chapter, I had no choice but to declare my departure.

    “I’ve enjoyed it so far, author! Keep up the good work!”

    A departure declaration delivered as politely as possible.

    But as I tried to post all the comments and press the [Post Comment] button, a sudden question arose in my mind.

    Why did she have to be an awkward loser witch?

    With the ability to make her uniquely charming and interesting, why choose such a personality?

    Consumed by curiosity that had completely taken over my mind, I erased everything I had written and began typing again to ask the author a question.

    [Why did you set the witch as an awkward loser? Do you have a special reason for it?]

    The author, known for not responding to comments, but started replying after receiving donations, so I decided to donate.

    Soon, I was able to receive answers to my questions from the author.

    [“Why did you set her as a loser? Hmm… Honestly, there have been too many evil and scary witches so far, haven’t there?”]

    [And as I wrote, I realized that there wasn’t a character with a lame concept. So I thought, oh, it should be a witch in this role.]

    [I actually enjoyed writing it, and the readers’ reactions were all positive.]

    [I personally thought ‘Witch Beatrice’ was a well-made character, but is there anything you don’t like about her?]

    …Something I don’t like?

    Of course, there is.

    Because of the character ‘Witch Beatrice’ created by the author, I couldn’t even look at the author’s novel.

    “Sigh.”

    After exhaling deeply, I pondered while looking at the reply from the author.

    Does that mean if I express dissatisfaction, they will listen?

    It has been over 20 episodes since Beatrice appeared in the novel.

    From the beginning, she made it clear that she was a ‘loser,’ and through one episode, she firmly impressed her charm on the readers.

    A character that has already gained a solid fan base.

    Is the author suggesting that I can change such an attractive character with just one comment I write?

    Desire bubbled up.

    If only I could change my personality similar to hers, wouldn’t I be able to continue enjoying this interesting novel?

    However, I soon shook my head to dispel the vile desire.

    But still, it’s not right.

    As much as I dislike witches being losers, I can’t stoop to such actions, no matter how regrettable.

    Concealing my disappointment, I slowly began to write a comment.

    “You’ve expressed the personality aspect very realistically, so I have no complaints. However, adding these aspects as charming points might make it more interesting.”

    “Seemingly dreadful on the outside, but a clueless loser witch once you get to know her.”

    “Since you’re going for uniqueness, how about adding a touch of misunderstanding?”

    Even though I knew I would quit anyway, I wrote what I thought would be really fun in a comment.

    To my surprise, the author suddenly exclaimed in agreement with my opinion.

    “Oh! That looks really good, doesn’t it?”

    “Should I just rewrite everything from the beginning like this?”

    …What nonsense is this now?

    Before I could even write a comment saying ‘Yes?’, the author’s replies started pouring in.

    “A great suggestion I hadn’t thought of, thank you so much, dear reader.”

    “I had fun writing it, but I actually felt a little disappointed with Beatrice.”

    “Now that it’s turned out like this, would you, the reader who suggested first, help me?”

    A proposal that seemed ominous somewhere.

    Faced with mounting anxiety, I hurriedly tried to write ‘No’ in a comment, but the overwhelming fatigue made me close my eyes first.

    When I opened my eyes again, I had become ‘Witch Beatrice.’

    …Damn.

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