Witch – Chapter 39- The Two Witches (19)

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It was when Josie, exhausted from dealing with the Death Worms, was being carried back to Venetia in Leo’s arms.

Screeech!!!

A roar unlike any other Death Worm echoed as Estelle stood alone, blocking a massive Death Worm that made even the city walls seem small.

“Will Mom be okay?”

Given Estelle’s track record, it was hard to imagine her losing, but Josie couldn’t help but worry.

“It’s Lady Estelle. There’s no need to worry.”

There’s no one in this world who could defeat Mom.

Leo reassured Josie with a gentle smile, and she felt a bit relieved, but then she became aware of her current situation.

Exhausted from overusing magic, she was being carried princess-style in Leo’s arms.

“We’ll arrive soon, so please bear with it a little longer.”

As she struggled to break free, Leo held her tighter, making it impossible to resist.

She could have said she could walk on her own… but for some reason, she didn’t want to.

Leo’s body was firm, unlike hers or Estelle’s, and with each step, she could feel his body against hers, making it hard to think straight.

I hope I don’t smell like sweat…

It was her first time using magic on such a large scale, and she was drenched in sweat.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Ah, y-yes….”

Reluctantly, she quickly slipped out of Leo’s arms.

“See? There was no need to worry.”

Leo looked back and spoke.

The giant Death Worm, split in two by the power of Estelle’s broom, met a pitiful end.

A stream of black light passed through, and the Death Worm’s blood seeped into the ground.

As Josie stared in awe at Estelle,

Marquis Eric appeared with Emily.

“As expected of Lady Estelle. It’s an honor to witness the legendary feats I’ve only heard about from my father. Just think of the sacrifices it would have taken to defeat that Death Worm… Without you, Venetia would have faced a crisis. Thank you.”

“You both have worked hard.”

Emily, who Josie expected to immediately cling to Leo, instead politely greeted them, making Josie feel awkward.

Emily wasn’t a foolish girl who couldn’t separate personal matters from duty, so she knew to express gratitude first to those who had helped Venetia.

But Emily’s professionalism only went so far. She soon blushed and approached Leo with shining eyes.

“It was an honor to witness your bravery from afar. You must be tired, so why not rest at the estate?”

Leo stood close to Josie.

“Thank you, but I am Josie’s escort knight.”

For a moment, Emily and Josie’s eyes met.

Emily’s gaze was like a predator’s, silently demanding that Josie hand over Leo.

Normally, Josie would have avoided eye contact, but this time, she didn’t want to lose.

“Lady Josie, wouldn’t it be better for you to rest at the estate as well?”

As Emily suggested, Josie and Leo were indeed exhausted.

But Josie could see the trap hidden within the kindness.

“Leo and I plan to explore the city. Thank you for your concern, but we’ll return to the estate after our tour.”

It was a subtle warning that she wouldn’t let Emily have her way with Leo.

From Leo’s life to every part of him, he belonged to Josie.

“You’ve only just recovered, so as Emily said, it would be best to prioritize rest….”

Marquis Eric tried to support Emily, but he quickly backed down after seeing Josie’s glare. It was even scarier than the look his daughter gave when she was angry.

“Leo, what about you? Wouldn’t it be better to rest at the estate? Even an escort knight needs rest.”

“Leo? You’re coming with me, right?”

“I…”

Even during his time as a prince, Leo had never been in such a situation.

He swallowed hard under the intense gazes of the two girls.

While he agreed with Emily that Josie looked exhausted and should rest, an alarm bell was ringing loudly in his heart.

Josie, growing impatient, took matters into her own hands.

‘Waiting is the elegance of a lady.’

Then wait forever.

“Josie?”

Leo struggled to process the sudden turn of events.

Josie had grabbed his hand and refused to let go.

Three seconds felt both incredibly short and unbearably long. He tried to pull away, but the trembling in Josie’s hand told him how much courage this took.

In truth, Josie was mustering even more courage than Leo realized.

Her breath was short, and her face felt like it was about to explode from heat.

“Josie, if you don’t let go now…”

“…….”

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds….

Once three seconds passed, Josie felt like she had crossed an irreversible river. Her heart sank, but she couldn’t give up.

What should I tell Mom?

She said she’d understand… Mom would definitely support me.

For Josie, the idea of being pregnant was more terrifying than mysterious.

But if it’s Leo’s child… maybe.

“W-we should go now!”

Josie pulled Leo’s hand and practically fled the scene.

She was sweating more than when she had faced the Death Worms.

Her heart was pounding, and her breathing wouldn’t calm down.

“Haa… haa…”

Only after running for a while did she manage to steady her ragged breath.

They had run blindly and ended up in an unfamiliar place, but Josie didn’t notice.

“Josie, is it… okay if I hold your hand?”

Leo didn’t believe that holding hands could lead to pregnancy, but Josie firmly believed it.

It was a matter of resolve.

What holding hands meant to Josie.

It was something secret, something she couldn’t share with anyone.

Their joined hands were drenched in sweat.

It was impossible to tell whose sweat it was.

“I-I’ll let go now.”

They had held hands for over a minute, so she had to let go.

Otherwise, how many children would grow inside her…!

Remembering the pregnant adults from her childhood village, she quickly pulled her hand away.

“There’s something I need to tell you. That day…”

“No. It’s okay. You don’t have to say it. I don’t mind anymore.”

Josie could guess what Leo was about to say, but she didn’t want to hear it now.

Instead, she wanted to hear something else.

She brushed her hair behind her ear, emphasizing her left eye.

“So… how is it? Does it suit me?”

Her sparkling eyes, the blue and pink butterfly hairpin adorning her hair…

Leo felt as if he had been struck by a wave of emotion as he looked at Josie, who was shyly waiting for his answer.

She was his sanctuary, the one he wanted to protect with his life.

A deep desire welled up from within him.

“It looks… very good on you.”

“I’m glad.”

The happiness Leo wanted to protect was right there.

The happiest smile Josie had ever worn graced her lips.

“I’m sorry for grabbing your hand like that… I’ll take responsibility and raise the child.”

Josie lovingly rubbed her lower abdomen.

Should I tell her the truth?

Josie’s child…

Leo didn’t dislike the idea, but…

There was no way she could get pregnant just by holding hands.

Unless she was cursed by a witch.

But there was no way her mother would curse her own daughter like that.

“Josie, actually… you can’t get pregnant just by holding hands.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t mean to burden you. Of course, it would be nice if you loved the child…”

No matter what Leo said, Josie’s mind was already filled with visions of a future with their child.

Above all, she firmly believed her mother wouldn’t lie to her.

‘What should we name them?’

The thought of naming twenty children made her dizzy, but it also made her happy.

Until she learned the truth…

 

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“Understand? This is how babies are really made.”

“…….”

Josie was speechless after hearing the truth from her mother.

That day, Josie’s world crumbled.

She had come to her mother for advice on what to do next, only to learn that holding hands doesn’t lead to pregnancy.

Men and women have to… do that…!?!!?

Just imagining being intimate with Leo made her feel embarrassed and ashamed.

What had she been doing all this time…?

She couldn’t bear to look Leo in the face.

Josie’s face was so red it looked like it might explode.

The butterfly clinging to her body fluttered its wings to cool her down, but it was like fanning a fire—steam seemed to pour out of her head.

“Did you lie to me?”

“I didn’t mean to lie…!!! I just wanted you to hold hands with someone you really like!”

It sounded like a lousy excuse, but should she forgive her mother for telling the truth now…?

Josie barely managed to compose herself, exhaling the heat building inside her.

She was the one who wanted to cry, but for some reason, her mother was the one with teary eyes, begging for forgiveness.

The calm, composed mother she knew was nowhere to be seen.

Thinking about it, her mother only lost her composure when it came to Josie.

Wanting to understand even a little of the love her mother had given her like a true daughter, Josie didn’t want to fight or sulk.

On the other hand, the thought of being able to hold Leo’s hand freely made her heart flutter.

“I’ll forgive you if you answer my question.”

“Really? What is it? Just ask!”

She wanted to lighten the mood.

She hadn’t thought about what to ask, but she quickly racked her brain.

The sex education her mother had just explained?

She thought it was impossible to explain it so vividly without firsthand experience.

It might be good to hear advice from someone with experience, just in case she ever needed to make a baby for real.

“Mom, have you… ever made a baby?”

“I-I’m still a virgin…”

Her mother’s face turned redder than ever before.