episode_0084

“Sorry, could I hear that thing you just said one more time?”

Ignoring the fact that I dropped the cookie on the floor, I sternly asked the woman in front of me the question.

A being who is neither a witch nor not a witch.

Since possessing the body of the witch Beatrice, the unfamiliar term was enough to confuse me.

…No, maybe it’s not about seeing through the essence of existence but simply speculation.

Since the possession, there hasn’t been a single action typical of a witch, right?

If it’s the Pasible family known as the Empire’s power, they would have already gathered rough information about me.

So, I couldn’t exclude the possibility that she said those words based on mere speculation.

There’s also a possibility she meant it as a particularly exceptional being among witches.

Honestly, it’s unbelievable that a non-saint witch, not even a saint, has defeated all the disasters lurking on the continent.

Witches are so individualistic. They are crazy people who would continue their magical research even if the world were to end in a minute.

Anyway, while considering the possibility of that statement, the mother of the sword, who was sharpening her blade, completely dismissed the possibility.

“You mentioned being a being neither a witch nor not a witch. Is there a problem? I said that your soul does not mature as much as your body, which is why I said that.”

“…Ah.”

“If I may elaborate a bit more, it feels like forcibly attaching a soul that doesn’t fit the body using an unknown force. Judging from the remnants of power… could it be sanctity?”

“You’ve seen it correctly.”

Although the words were grandiose, in the end, I understood the concept of ‘possession’ and nodded with a bitter smile.

“I’ve told that sword guy many times, so there’s nothing to hide. Yes, I’m actually not a witch.”

“Surprisingly admitting it so easily. But why did it happen like that? Did you perhaps incur the wrath of the gods?”

“Well, I’m not sure about that.”

I don’t think I received any hatred from the author.

At most, they just wrote a few lines of feedback.

It’s not like they prepared a long prophecy spanning 7,800 characters or sent a 5,700-character note.

I just expressed a slight regret that it would have been more fun if they had made the shoddy witch, Beatrice, look more evil.

Or rather, can’t I express some regret? Moreover, how many readers usually express their regrets, why pick on me alone and hate me?

I think that’s a bit presumptuous.

“I can’t understand the intention. It doesn’t seem like they wanted anything specific. There’s nothing I miss by not being there, so why did they force me into this body?”

“…I think I roughly know who put you in that body. No, I’m certain. There is only one being who would do such a thing without any reason.”

Huluruk –

Thud.

Putting down the empty teacup, the mother of the sword frowned and glanced towards the direction of the shrine.

“If you get the chance, go to Kyoguk once. You might find the answers you seek there.”

“…If I go to Kyoguk with this body, I’ll probably be found as a handful of ashes the next day.”

“Didn’t I say if the opportunity arises, go there? The Baroness doesn’t want the child who will become her daughter-in-law to turn into ashes.”

Nodding involuntarily at the gentle voice, I suddenly blanked out.

Daughter-in-law? Could it be that this person, like Drake, has marked me as his future daughter-in-law?

I tried to open my mouth to correct the misunderstanding, but whether she read my expression or not, the mother of the sword chuckled and spoke first.

“Hoho, looking at your face, it seems ‘not yet.’ Our Carcian should try a little harder, shouldn’t he?”

“I may put in the effort, but the results will likely be the same. I have no intention of loving that guy.”

“The main character has had thoughts like that before. Ah… I’m already looking forward to it. I wonder how this arrogant child will change.”

“Hmph, just wait and see. I’ll completely shatter those expectations.”

It hadn’t even been four long months, so would one month make a big difference?

Despite thinking that nothing significant would happen, I confidently stated, but Mother rose from her seat with a meaningful smile.

“Objectively speaking, it seems to be a matter of time… Well, if you say so, then it must be. The main character should leave now; as the host, there are many things to do.”

“Please check on it.”

After bowing slightly and looking back up, Mother was nowhere to be seen, and I found myself lost in thought, recalling her words.

If I go to the Imperial Capital, I might find the answer… After a sigh and waking up, I should first go see Alain.

Since Alain was once a candidate for Saintess, she might know how to secretly infiltrate the Imperial Capital.

“Sigh…”

The fatigue I had forgotten about began to overwhelm me.

I must be tired from pushing myself too hard for a few days. I’ll have to think about the rest of the tasks when I wake up.

Feeling my eyelids becoming unbearably heavy, before losing consciousness, I threw myself towards the soft bed.

—–

Knock, knock.

What woke me from falling into a stupor was the faint sound of knocking.

“Witch? It’s time for your meal. If you’re tired, you can sleep more…”

“Ugh… No, I should eat.”

Skipping breakfast and lunch, was that why? Already starting to wake up due to hunger pangs, I forced my groggy mind awake.

…I must have fallen asleep really quickly because the bed was so comfortable. I shouldn’t worry about not being able to sleep well for a while.

“Ugh.”

Stretching and getting up, it was already dusk outside.

I only splashed my face lightly like a cat, then opened the door to get dinner from the maid.

However, what awaited me at the door wasn’t the maid.

“Why are you here?”

“Why am I here? To bring you your meal.”

It was the smirking guy with a cheeky smile.

Did he come to have a meal together?

But there was only one tray.

As I tilted my head while taking the plate, he asked if it was okay for him to come in while I ate.

“It’s just mealtime… But what do you want to talk about?”

“Various things? Since I got permission, can I come in?”

He cautiously entered and sat down at the table.

After leisurely looking around my room, he let out a disappointed laugh.

“How come your room is better than mine? Our father seems to have made up his mind properly this time.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing. So, do you like the room? I heard they put some effort into it.”

“I’m satisfied. Honestly, I feel like I could live here forever.”

It wasn’t an empty statement.

Since possessing the witch, among all the resting places I’ve experienced, this place was overwhelmingly comfortable.

The bed was soft, everything I needed was brought to me, and if I were to exaggerate a bit, for someone like me who didn’t like going out, it could be considered a paradise.

…Except for the burdensome look in the guy’s eyes right in front of me.

Hmm.

Without much thought, I replied as I ate, and the guy jokingly said in a teasing voice.

“Is that so? Then we should spend a harmonious hundred years together here. How about that? Doesn’t that sound good?”

“That doesn’t sound great. Um, did you ask for time to talk about that?”

“No, I was just joking to lighten the awkward atmosphere. I felt like things were getting awkward as we talked.”

Phew.

Letting out a long sigh, Kal soon began to talk about the main topic.

“Anyway, it’s nothing much, but because of the upcoming Gwangryong extermination mission, we have to enter the palace together.”

“But why?”

“It might sound a bit surprising, but could you pretend to be my lover when we enter the palace? I’ll compensate you generously.”

“Huh…?”

Suddenly being asked to act as lovers, what kind of nonsense is that out of the blue?

It’s not just a little surprising; it’s very shocking, this crazy guy.

No, cutting straight to the point and asking me to play the role of a lover, how should I even react to that?

Feeling incredulous even upon reconsideration, I gulped down the water in my cup and demanded an explanation from him.

“Explanation.”

“…The Pashible family, unlike other noble families, doesn’t engage in strategic marriages. They all pursue love marriages.”

“So?”

“If you don’t have a lover, you’ll get entangled in troublesome matters from the moment you enter the palace. It’s been like that for a while; everyone is too overtly seductive.”

As if recalling unpleasant memories, he shook his head slightly.

“If you pretend to be my lover, you can avoid those troublesome matters. It won’t be that bad for you either; those cunning people will bother you too.”

“Uh…”

It wasn’t entirely wrong.

Becoming close with this eccentric individual was terribly difficult, but once you did, having a witch as a presence made you feel infinitely secure.

Whether through the flower boy tactic or gift bombardment, they would definitely find ways to bother me.

If I followed Kal’s suggestion and pretended to be his lover, most of those bothersome things would likely disappear.

Reducing the hassle and receiving ample rewards was certainly an appealing proposition.

‘Why do I feel so reluctant?’

Due to the deep-seated unease and reluctance welling up inside, I couldn’t easily accept his proposal.

It wouldn’t be particularly difficult to do. I just had to pretend to be a lover.

But still…

“It feels like something might happen.”

“What might happen?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. So, what reward will you offer if I agree?”

“Hmm.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, he smiled slyly and extended a finger.

“Material things are unnecessary since you’ll receive plenty from the Northern Grand Duke anyway. How about a wish token?”

“Not a bad offer.”

Being able to make a wish to a strategic weapon of a whole country after pretending to be lovers for a day…

I nodded satisfactorily, smiling.