Witch – Chapter 55- The Two Witches (35)

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“So… you failed to find out?”

“If you give me one more chance, I can do it.”

Asking for just one more chance.

Leo sounded like a villainous subordinate who had failed a mission and was begging the boss for another opportunity.

But in the end, he still failed, didn’t he?

It was admirable that he challenged Nicks to an unwinnable match, but without results, it was meaningless…

From the start, the focus was on Beryl, so Nicks’ preferences weren’t that big of a deal. Still, it was disappointing to have to take the long way around when the shortcut was right there.

“It’s fine. If you failed, there’s nothing we can do. Don’t worry about it.”

“Then, about those points you mentioned…”

“I’ll give you plus fifty thousand points.”

Even though he failed, I added some extra points because he tried his best to fulfill my request.

Some daughters are too busy refusing their mothers’ requests, but this servant of mine at least made an effort.

Thinking about how Josie had bluntly refused my request last night made me uncomfortable.

Is she upset with me or something?

It’s true that I’ve been preoccupied with Beryl lately and haven’t paid much attention to Josie.

But no matter what, I can’t help but worry about my only daughter.

“How’s Josie?”

“What do you mean…?”

“Is she doing well? Is she eating properly? Is she suddenly getting irritated or angry over small things?”

I didn’t mean to let Josie follow Leo around.

If she had stayed by my side, she wouldn’t have refused my request, and I wouldn’t have to worry about trivial things.

Is she eating well…? Is she walking so much that she’s getting blisters on her feet…? Is she using magic in crowded places and drawing suspicion…? Things like that.

If the old me saw this, she’d probably laugh at me for worrying about such things.

“Josie is the same as usual.”

“That’s good to hear. If anything happens to Josie, you have to tell me right away, okay? Josie is younger and more fragile than she looks.”

Ever since I brought Josie from the ruins, she’s been living a sheltered life. Unlike a normal 15-year-old girl, she has less experience and is more closed off. Maybe… she’s not much different from when she was seven.

The reason I decided on this trip to Venetia was also to give Josie more experience. As a mother, I hope she’ll meet various people, have conversations, and make friends.

Wouldn’t it be better for her to spend time with Nicks and Leo rather than following me around…?

Since I’m also a mother for the first time, I’m torn between wanting to keep her close and wanting to let her experience the world freely. I’m not sure how to balance these conflicting feelings.

“Wouldn’t it be better to talk to Josie directly instead of asking me? Josie trusts you, Lady Estelle.”

“I know that, okay? Mind your own business.”

Of course, I’d rather have a warm, cozy conversation with Josie than talk to this gloomy servant, Leo.

But… the cold look in her eyes and the blunt tone she used to refuse my request keep replaying in my mind, making me hesitant to approach her.

“Anyway! What I just told you about Josie is a secret. Got it?”

“I’ll take it to the grave.”

Good. If you spill it, I’ll make sure you don’t just go to the grave—you’ll suffer the sensation of rotting alive for eternity.

“How’s the training going? Does it feel different from when I trained you?”

“I’m learning a lot, not just about swordsmanship but also how to use my body effectively.”

“Make sure to learn well. You don’t get many chances to be taught by a Stella-ranked adventurer.”

The stronger Leo becomes, the safer Josie will be.

In the Aria Chronicle, whether you’re a main character or a side character, one wrong move can lead to death.

There’s no harm in becoming stronger.

“By the way, Lady Estelle, have you found your friend? When will you have her take a look at my Holy Eye…?”

Ah, right.

I was so absorbed in Beryl’s love life that I completely forgot about checking Leo’s Holy Eye.

“O-of course, I found my friend! The owner of the shop Nicks frequents is my friend. She’s too busy right now to help, so I’m assisting her.”

“No wonder… I was wondering why you’ve been so busy lately.”

“Y-yeah! I’m a pretty amazing witch, after all.”

I let out a sigh of relief seeing how easily Leo bought it.

It was getting dark, but it was time for Nicks to come looking for Beryl, so I had to get going.

“Anyway, I have to go now. Take good care of Josie. If you hurt her or make her cry, I won’t let it slide. If you so much as lay a finger on her… you know what’ll happen, right?”

“I’ll protect Josie.”

Should I believe that?

Still, seeing how Leo has matured a bit compared to the fool he was when we first met, I felt a little reassured.

 

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The alley was dark as night fell.

I stopped Beryl as she was about to head home.

I barely managed to get her out, so I couldn’t let her go back now.

“E-Estelle…! Can’t we just meet at home? Outside is a bit…”

“No.”

I firmly refused Beryl’s request.

You failed to get him to call you by your name this morning, and now you’re trying to run away again?

I was worried if she’d even be able to get Nicks to ask her to dance at the festival.

If you want to move beyond the shopkeeper-customer relationship, meeting outside is the most effective way.

A change in location often plays a big role in changing the dynamics of a relationship.

“Beryl, today’s homework has two parts. First, get Nicks to call you by your name. Second, hold his hand. Can you do that?”

“H-h-hold hands!?”

Why are you so shocked about holding hands?

You’ve tried to do more with me before.

“The important thing is the atmosphere. You can’t just grab his hand out of nowhere. Got it?”

“Like… what kind of example?”

I needed experience to give her an example, but nothing came to mind.

In the Aria Chronicle, hand-holding usually happens after a battle or in a dangerous situation. I couldn’t think of a good example for a situation like this.

Think, Estelle!

“Like carefully holding hands while watching a shooting star? Or… when your hands touch while reaching for popcorn during a movie…? You know, romantic stuff like that.”

“What’s a movie?”

“……”

I’m screwed.

Digging through my memories, I ended up bringing up things from my past life.

“Anyway, when you feel like ‘now’s the time,’ trust that feeling. It’ll guide you.”

“I don’t really get it, but… okay. I’ll try!”

Thankfully, she didn’t ask more about movies.

I patted Beryl on the head as she tried to listen to her heart, placing her hands on her chest.

“I’ll be watching. It’s just a simple walk, so don’t be too nervous.”

“Okay…! Estelle, thank you for helping me!”

Thank me? I should be thanking you.

Even though I told her not to be nervous, Beryl was clearly anxious. I used an invisibility spell to hide myself.

Nicks would be here soon.

Beryl only started walking slowly down the alley after sensing Nicks’ approach with her heightened awareness, taking a deep breath.

“Shopkeeper, I’m here. You’re outside today. Are you going for a walk?”

“Y-yeah… I can’t stay cooped up at home all the time.”

“Can I join you?”

“S-sure… you can come along.”

It’s nice to see Beryl taking the lead, but Nicks being so considerate added its own charm.

The reversal of the older-younger dynamic… This is the best.

As the two started their night walk under the stars, I went off to handle my own business.

Even though the Laplace family is keeping the city safe, there were still obstacles that could disrupt their walk in the unseen corners.

Like adventurers hiding in the shadows, extorting money,

or drunkards wandering the streets, picking unnecessary fights.

It’s unlikely anyone would pick a fight with Nicks, a Stella-ranked adventurer, but I couldn’t risk their conversation being interrupted.

While keeping an eye out, I also made sure to check on Beryl from time to time.

Because of their different strides, Beryl kept getting ahead, but when the distance grew, she slowed down.

Nicks also adjusted his pace to match Beryl’s.

Before I knew it, they were walking side by side at a steady pace, looking like a couple.

“Nicks, why is your name Nicks?”

“I don’t think my name has any specific meaning. Pretty lame isn’t it?”

“No, it’s a cool name.”

“Then, what about you…? Oh, never mind.”

‘She’s never told me her name before.’

Seeing Nicks quickly retract his question about the meaning of her name, it seemed true.

Now would be the perfect time to naturally tell him.

Beryl seemed to hesitate, knowing this.

“Beryl…”

“Yes?”

“My name. It’s Beryl. I don’t remember it well, but my mother said my eyes resembled the gemstone beryl, so she named me Beryl. From now on, call me Beryl.”

“Then… can we consider ourselves close now?”

“……”

What are you hesitating for, Beryl!

Just say yes!

Show the power of an older woman to this innocent younger man… Well, not exactly, but show him your strength!

“…Yeah.”

Though she spoke shyly and softly, Beryl’s hand slowly… but surely reached for Nicks’ hand.

Nicks didn’t seem to mind, as he didn’t pull away.

Their faces were hidden in the dark, but they must have been blushing.

Even from my perspective, my face felt hot, so I can only imagine how they felt.

“Thank you for telling me your name. I was worried I’d never get to hear it. It’s the first time in eight years.”

“I just needed time to prepare…”

“I see… Thank you once again for finally telling me.”

How does he say such sweet things…?

Adventurers are known for their rough tongues, but Nicks’ words pierced the older woman’s heart.

Just as the mood was heating up, Beryl suddenly stopped in her tracks.

“What’s wrong?”

“You… haven’t called me by my name yet.”

She was pouting because Nicks hadn’t called her by her name.

Right. What’s the point of telling him if he doesn’t use it?

Good job, Beryl!

“Beryl… calling you that feels a bit… how about… Beryl-noona¹?”

What the—? He added “noona” to it?

He countered her jab with a straight punch.

I could only pray Beryl’s rationality didn’t snap.

One thing was clear: Nicks also had feelings for Beryl.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to tease an older woman like that…

It was a terrifying talent, too natural to be called innocent.