episode_0043

The day of reckoning finally arrived after two days of anticipation and anxiety during the preparation period.

Confirming that the appointed time was almost up by looking at the clock tower outside the window, I stood in front of the full-length mirror and began my final check.

“Phew.”

I take a deep breath while looking at the beautiful witch reflected in the mirror.

Reaffirming my resolve once again, I steel my heart.

…I will absolutely not fall for that smooth talker’s charm.

I might play along to some extent, but I will never truly enjoy it.

Not a “heroine,” just an ordinary “companion 1” position.

Just like in the original novel, that position suits me perfectly.

“Get yourself together, I’m… not some damsel in distress!”

Boosting my courage, I stepped out of the room and headed straight to our meeting place.

Was Alain a bit overdressed?

Many adventurers threw glances my way as I made my way to the inn’s entrance, but as soon as I released some magic, they all panicked and fled.

And so, amidst the peaceful atmosphere, I was able to reach the meeting place.

“He’s not here yet?”

Although I couldn’t spot the smooth talker anywhere, I wandered around anxiously. His silhouette, presumed to be him, was nowhere to be found.

Oh, this won’t do.

I arrived later than him, so I should have been the first to react.

How hard did I struggle through these two days?

For an ordinary being, enduring two days might be nothing extraordinary, but I was a “witch.”

A being whose patience wanes infinitely when curiosity strikes, needing to satisfy that itch immediately. Waiting for two days was torture for me, but I managed, comforting myself with thoughts like, “The smooth talker’s reaction will be quite delightful.”

If he arrives late, checks me out first, and doesn’t show a splendid reaction, wouldn’t these two days of patience be in vain?

One cannot bear to see the rewards of their efforts turn to dust.

Hastily seeking a hiding spot, I fumbled around… and of course, that damn smooth talker appeared just as I found a perfect hiding place.

“Been waiting long?”

A casual voice came from behind.

I quickly covered my face with the large witch hat I had brought, thinking, ‘Let’s see how this plays out,’ and when he questioned me with a puzzled tone about something on my hat, I replied, “Uh, yeah! A carriage passed by earlier, and dust got inside the hat, so I was just trying to shake it off…”

Intentionally rustling the hat loudly, I slowly turned around, thinking that since he came from behind, he hadn’t seen my face yet.

Of course, there was still the possibility that the smooth talker had arrived first and was hiding somewhere, but that didn’t matter.

If he doesn’t show a delightful reaction, it could ruin our entire date today due to disappointment!

Fully turning around, I closed my eyes and asked the smooth talker a question.

It was somewhat amusing even to myself that I closed my eyes to confirm his reaction.

But there was no helping it.

At some point, the feeling of ’embarrassment’ that had been creeping up suddenly surged uncontrollably.

“S-So, how is it? Does it look okay?”

“…”

Summoning my courage to ask, he remained silent.

Why isn’t he saying anything? Shouldn’t he say something at least?

I put up with embarrassment and tried so hard to dress up nicely… How can he not say a single word?

Growing irritated, I opened my eyes, but despite my complaints, I found myself unable to say anything either.

His reaction was clearly delightful.

Fixated on my face, blushing.

The scene before my eyes seemed like a dream, with a foolish expression clearly displaying it.

Even saliva unknowingly dripped from the mouth.

The response was so satisfying, fulfilling more than expected, almost perfect, making it impossible not to express satisfaction. However…

Separate from that, my mind went blank due to the clean appearance of the guy in front of me.

This guy is incredibly good-looking.

Surely, when we first met at Dae Soolim, he had an appearance that could be described as ‘handsome’ if spoken kindly or ‘muscle freak’ if spoken poorly.

After tidying up his scruffy beard and bandit-like hair, he somehow transformed into a nobleman straight out of a romance fantasy novel, as if by magic.

…Does this make any sense?

Is it possible that this perverted old man is the same person as this nobleman?

I barely held onto my increasingly blank mind and asked the nobleman in front of me,

“Honestly, tell me. Did you use polymorph magic?”

“Did it seem that way? Hmm… My impression does seem to have changed.”

As he stroked his chin, the guy who had been nodding his head slowly approached me, perhaps some mischievous idea crossing his mind.

Feeling uneasy for some reason, I tried to create distance between us… but unfortunately, all that was behind me was the inn’s wall.

In the end, I had to face him at a distance where I could feel his breath.

…What is he planning to do?

Looking at his mischievous expression, it didn’t seem like anything too sinister…

But still, one never knows.

As I bit my lip and looked up with a defiant gaze, the sharp guy soon opened his mouth.

“I asked you earlier how you found my appearance, didn’t I?”

“…Yes.”

“You’re really beautiful. If you agree, I’d take you to the wedding hall right away.”

“I’m not happy at all! What nonsense, marriage!”

“I mean it figuratively. Just consider that as my answer.”

The smiling guy suddenly sharpened his eyes and smirked at me.

Then, with a bright smile, he posed a difficult question.

“Now it’s my turn, right? How do I look? Am I okay?”

His question left me confused, but luckily, this time the witch’s mind provided the optimal response.

“You look fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but that’s all.”

Though I answered nonchalantly, cold sweat ran down my back.

My heart started beating faster for some unknown reason.

Probably due to nervousness.

…Worries piled up.

To think I would spend a day with someone almost like my archenemy with this shabby body.

Can I endure this day well?

—–

I prepared a lot for two days.

Thinking that the date I obtained with a wish ticket was my last chance, I put my all into preparations. On the day of the date, I woke up early, checked and rechecked everything I had prepared.

Even with all that, I was still anxious.

Is it okay to prepare so modestly?

If what I thought was wrong, what should I do?

Lost in worry, the promised time drew near.

After taking a long breath, I gathered my resolve.

Yes, I did my best.

What good would worrying do now?

If the date doesn’t end well, I’ll somehow create another opportunity and focus on the ‘possibility.’ If it ends well, then it’s a good thing.

“Let’s go and see how things turn out.”

I cast aside my worries and began to walk slowly towards the meeting place.

At the same time, I cautiously imagined Beatrice’s appearance.

“…How will Beatrice appear today?”

I wasn’t particularly hopeful.

Having spent nearly a month with Beatrice, I knew she didn’t care about others’ opinions.

Since this date was unwanted, would she even bother to change her appearance?

“No way.”

I’ll show you my usual, straightforward self.

Well, it doesn’t really matter.

Because I love everything about Beatrice.

…But it would be nice if she came out a bit more dressed up.

Did she leave the inn with regret?

I could spot one cute witch twirling her foot outside the inn.

However… Beatrice looked completely different from what I had imagined.

“…?”

Even though I could only see her back, the moment I saw her flowing hair, I realized.

Ah, our witch has dressed up beautifully.

I thought she hated it so much that she would come out looking the same as usual, but she’s still showing a pretty appearance.

Yet, a question arose.

Why?

Wasn’t Beatrice supposed to dislike me?

Why did she come out for a date looking so beautiful?

From mischief to worry, all sorts of thoughts crossed my mind, but I shook my head and brushed off distractions.

…Since the appointment time is up, let’s not be late; being late deducts points.

Approaching Beatrice, I gently tapped her shoulder and cautiously called her.

“Beatrice?”

In response, she slowly turned around and smiled at me.

“Oh, how do I look? Do I look okay?”

“…”

I was speechless.

If a goddess of beauty were to descend to earth, this is exactly how it would feel.

Looking at a witch with tremendous destructive power made me feel mischievous.

As I pondered how many children we might have and what names we would give them, the witch threw another question at me.

“Honestly, tell me. Did you use Polyjuice Potion?”

“Does it seem like it? Well… my impression does seem to have changed.”

I was surprised too.

Just by cutting hair and removing a beard, transformation was possible.

But you know what?

If it’s Polyjuice Potion, wouldn’t it be you, Beatrice, who used it?

Not that I need to inspect closely, but you’ve become so stunning even from afar, right?

No wonder there were many rumors about Beatrice as we headed to the inn entrance.

…There must have been reasons for all that; it’s strange that no bad words come out when she looks this beautiful.

Suppressing the urge to gossip, I made a decision.

I will definitely leave ‘possibility’ open on this date.

And then, I will marry the witch in front of me and embrace a truly happy life.

There is nothing as blissful as marrying someone you love and living happily ever after.

“Should we go eat first?”

With a warm smile, I guided Beatrice to the restaurant I had in mind.

And thus, the unforgettable first date of my life began.