City of Witches Chapter 291

Countess Lucy Yesod is among the wealthiest in Gehenna, second to none.

In the somewhat monotonous and entertainment-scarce Gehenna, she operates a luxurious bathhouse—a complex of various entertainment, convenience, and accommodation facilities—catering to affluent Witches and making a fortune from them.

And that’s not all.

Leveraging the immense wealth she has accumulated, she has expanded her business ventures into the Mortal Realm, globally promoting the planning and construction of various theme parks.

Thus, it was no surprise that she often met with Count Gemernai, who also held a keen interest in Mortal Realm ventures.

“This seems like a reasonable compromise.”

“It’s easier to communicate between fellow Witches, isn’t it? Those Mortal Realm businessmen are so suspicious for no reason.”

“Of course. Even if our paths differ, aren’t we pursuing the same goals? We Witches.”

Albireo neatly gathered the copy of the contract lying on the desk and slipped it into an envelope.

It was a document detailing the collaboration agreement between the two Counts’ families regarding the large-scale theme park to be newly built in Hong Kong by the end of next year.

Of course, the two Witches did not negotiate the detailed aspects of the business themselves.

Once they conveyed the business guidelines, their respective companies would coordinate and proceed appropriately within the bounds of the agreement.

So, strictly speaking, what the two Witches discussed was not about the Mortal Realm but matters related to Gehenna.

There had been rumors circulating for some time.

Unverified information that Duke Keter was no longer involving himself or acting in Mortal Realm affairs.

In truth, such whispers surfaced periodically, about once every fifty years, whenever his activity waned.

Each time, Keter silenced the gossip by punishing any Witch who attempted to verify the rumors.

But recent events were different.

Despite the Cowardly Witch causing a disturbance, the Duke did not move.

It was already too late to idly overlook the situation, as several public enemies had begun indiscriminately expanding their operations, and Exiles had been detected causing unrest.

In response, they sought to advance previously postponed ventures to stabilize the chaotic witch society.

Namely, establishing a Witch Point disguised as a theme park on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, where the Chinese Communist Party’s intervention was relatively less, to avoid the Party’s opposition to the establishment of Witch Points.

That was the responsibility befitting those who bore the honor of being “nobles.”

History had proven that when chaos arose in the Mortal Realm, that turmoil would soon affect Gehenna as well.

“For the prosperity and glory of Gemernai.”

“For the transcendence and sublimation of Yesod.”

Having shown respect for each other’s families and surnames, the two Counts concluded their discussion, raised their glasses, and lightly toasted.

Perhaps because each had satisfactorily secured what they wanted, smiles lingered at the corners of both Counts’ mouths.

With the business talk finished, Albireo gazed intently at the terrace below and remarked.

“By the way, she’s still the same. Miss Diana.”

“You can see for yourself.”

The meeting took place in a private villa at the Levana Grand Bathhouse.

Specifically, on a terrace overlooking the expansive outdoor bath.

Looking down, one could see an Apprentice Witch floating leisurely in a large crescent-shaped pool.

Like her Master, Countess Yesod, she had her ash-gray hair tied up and wore a bikini.

She had placed a sunbed with an attached tube on the water, holding a book in one hand and a bottle of alcohol beside her, thoroughly enjoying her refined leisure.

“Sigh…”

Wrinkles formed on Countess Yesod’s forehead, which had been smooth.

A beautiful appearance, the high title of Countess.

A 22nd hierarchy Countess with research achievements recognized even by academic societies.

Countess ‘Lucy Yesod,’ who had achieved all the glory attainable as a Witch and was on the verge of succession, had one greatest worry…

None other than her Apprentice Witch, ‘Diana Yesod.’

“Sometimes, I envy you to death.”

Countess Yesod sighed without restraint, expressing her honest feelings.

“I hear the Twins listen to their Master very well… Why does Diana give me such a headache….”

“If you spent just one day on a picnic with the Twins, you’d understand they have their own challenges. I often wish Odil and Odette were as well-behaved as Miss Diana.”

Albireo responded to the complaint with a bitter smile.

Even after over ten years together, being with the Twins still felt draining…

Could the dignified Countess Yesod really handle them?

“I’d rather have them noisy and mischievous. At least they’d drop dead if their Master said so. Who on earth does that girl take after…”

Diana was an outstanding talent even among Apprentice Witches.

Born with witch’s blood and exceptionally quick-witted, she stood out prominently even among gifted Apprentice Witches.

It was no exaggeration to say she had completed all preparations three years ahead of the originally scheduled succession timeline.

“What are the Twins doing now?”

“Around this time, they’re probably attending Witch Evergreen’s special lecture on elements.”

“See? They still do what they’re told. Look at that girl over there? She’s been like that since this morning. And it’s not just a day or two. Don’t you think I’m about to explode? I am.”

However, the brilliant, clever, and even beautiful Diana had one major flaw.

She was an unparalleled lazybones, leaving even Countess Yesod throwing up her hands in defeat.

“At least when I’m around, she pretends to work if I nag her, but what would happen if I weren’t here…”

Lucy gnawed on her thumbnail.

“This won’t do. I need to give her a proper scolding today. Would you come with me?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Since my words have no effect, could you lend a hand from the side?”

“If it’s to that extent…”

Lucy stood up abruptly and headed down to the pool, bringing along Albireo, who wore an awkward expression.

Diana, oblivious to whether her Master had arrived or not, continued floating leisurely on the water, immersed in her book.

Lucy took a deep breath and shouted in a stern, dignified voice.

“Daughter!”

“…!”

Startled by the sudden roar, Diana dropped her book into the pool with a plop.

Looking to the side, she saw her Master and Count Gemernai wearing terrifying expressions.

Diana scrambled to her feet and hastily bowed to Albireo.

“Hello, I’m sorry. I was so absorbed in reading that I didn’t notice your arrival.”

“Not at all. Please, be at ease.”

She appeared a year or two older than the Twins.

Her ash-gray hair tied up to avoid getting wet.

Unlike her dark hair color, her topaz-like shining crimson eyes were indeed beautiful, befitting the dignity of a Witch.Diana, who exquisitely blended the diametrically opposed impressions of decadence and purity, possessed a languid voice that contrasted sharply with her thorny aura.

“Why the sudden visit?”

“I was planning to watch you laze around all day, but I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I came!”

“But I already finished my studies for today?”

Despite Lucy’s prickly reproach, Diana remained utterly unperturbed.

“Who’s talking about studies? Mother told you to go out and make some friends after studying! Go for a walk! She said so, didn’t she?”

“Friends are bothersome…”

“Do you know who is here with us?”

“Of course, Countess Albireo Gemernai.”

“Exactly! The Countess’s daughters ride horses! Learn instruments! Go hunting! Join book clubs! And study diligently! Why are you like this, really…!”

Sensing this was not a situation to be resolved with mere words, Diana subtly rose to her feet.

Naturally releasing her magic power, she pattered across the water’s surface and stood upright.

“Don’t worry. I can take care of myself now. Would you like to see what I studied today?”

“…Let me see it!”

Diana rummaged in her bag near the pool and pulled out a workbook.

Lucy flipped through the fluttering pages, checking the contents.

Diana stole a glance and added an explanation.

Though called an explanation, it was closer to her always-effective trump card.

“Today, I analyzed a thesis Mother wrote in the past in my own way. Of course, I didn’t understand all of it, but it was truly a beautiful law.”

“…….”

“The exquisite balance of the barrier fields interwoven like arabesques, the combination of profound principles—I felt not only magical utility but also outstanding aesthetic value.”

“…….”

“After reading such a high-level text, I simply couldn’t focus on the rest of my studies. So I floated on the water all day, lost in thought.”

“…….”

Flutter flutter

Lucy finished checking Diana’s thesis analysis to the end.

Diana stretched out her arms and subtly embraced her, like a chick burrowing into its mother bird’s bosom.

“I truly admire you, Mother. I want to become a splendid Witch just like you.”

“…….”

Even to Albireo watching from behind, it was transparently obvious flattery.

Instead, her face was burning hot.

Diana whispered like a little devil into Lucy’s still-stiffened ear.

“I’ll go for a walk after dinner today. For over 30 minutes. I promise.”

Crumple!

Lucy’s hand, holding the paper Diana submitted, tightened with force.

She’s really angry now.

Albireo surmised.

If the Twins caused trouble and tried to gloss things over like that, Albireo would gladly have them write ten reflection essays.

“…My daughter…!”

“Huh?”

However, the situation unfolded in the opposite direction.

“I don’t know who you take after to be this clever! Though, that thesis I presented back then did cause a sensation at the Truth and Enlightenment Academic Conference! How was this part? The influence and control of barrier fields distorting the concept of reality! This part!”

“Ah… I didn’t quite understand that part, but I’ll definitely take another look tomorrow.”

“Yes, yes, do that. My goodness! Such a pretty nose, pretty eyes, and lips so, so cute like this! Mother is so proud of our Diana!”

“Yes, I’m also proudest of Mother in the whole world.”

Lucy spread her arms wide and hugged Diana tightly.

Albireo watched the passionate reunion of the mother and daughter, who looked more like sisters, with her mouth half agape.

She knew it was undignified, but she was simply dumbfounded.

“There, come here. Sorry for scolding you for no reason…. Mother must have been too impatient.”

“It’s alright, Mother. You did it all because you love me.”

“Mother loves our daughter the most in the whole world…”

“I love you too, Mother.”

Albireo saw the corner of Diana’s mouth, still tightly embraced in Lucy’s arms, curl up in a sly smirk.

Though Diana, noticing the gaze, quickly erased it.

Let’s pretend I didn’t see it.

That’s right.

The reason Lucy Yesod couldn’t fix Diana’s bad habits at all.

She was a second-to-none powerhouse in Gehenna and simultaneously an enormous fool for her daughter.

“My precious, clever daughter. Is there anything you want to eat today? Mother will buy it for you.”

“I want to eat the snacks you bought from Border Town before.”

“Doritos?”

“Yes, those.”

“If our daughter wants it, Mother must go get it. I’ll be back from Border Town in no time! Rest well!”

“Yes, the nacho cheese flavor.”

“Alright! Got it!”

Diana, calmly specifying the flavor, and Lucy, cheerfully turning into light footsteps heading towards the portal.

Watching her retreating back, forgetting even a proper farewell.

At that level, ‘daughter-idiot’ seems a more fitting expression than ‘daughter-fool’…

…was what Albireo secretly thought.

Author’s Note (Afterword)

Thank you for reading today as well~

Just two days after starting serialization, more people are visiting than just before the hiatus.

I’ll strive not to disappoint!