City of Witches Chapter 304

A considerable amount of time had passed since Amelia had rested at the workshop, thanks to Clara's kindness.

Contrary to first impressions, Clara was an incredibly delicate and meticulous Witch.

Without prying with questions or probing for detailed circumstances, she still paid close attention to Amelia's every move.

Not in a way that felt burdensome.

Or made one feel overly scrutinized.

She always maintained an appropriate distance, silently keeping watch by her side.

Each time Amelia noticed these small considerations, she could gradually forget her pain, utterly exhausted and worn out as she was.

Ridiculously, just having someone there, just the tangible feeling of being cared for by that person, cleared the suffocating blockage in her throat.

"Good morning, Amelia."

Clara was busily making something in the kitchen.

Actually, calling this place in the workshop a 'kitchen' was a bit ambiguous.

It wasn't properly separated from the living space, nor was it kept particularly cleaner.

It was just a space with what looked like a hearth-like hole and a stove-like pit brought inside.

However, whether she had tidied up while Amelia was briefly washing herself, the fine, sand-like substance was now completely gone.

"Can you wait a bit? I'm making a meal. It's been a while, so I'm not sure how it'll turn out..."

It seemed she was preparing a meal for Amelia, just as it appeared.

Truthfully, Amelia didn't feel like eating anything, and cooking was even less appealing.

But being in a position to receive unconditional kindness, she wasn't so shameless as to grumble about every little thing.

"...I'll help too."

"No, no! No need for that. Sit over there and wait quietly. It'll be done soon."

"Still."

"It's fine! I said it's okay."

Unable to resist the repeated dissuasion, Amelia sat at the table.

Clara breathed fire from her own mouth, personally lighting the stove and hearth.

Then, with practiced skill, she heated oil in a wok and plopped various things into it.

The sight of a Witch called the Dragon Witch, spewing flames that could melt even steel, cooking was quite comical.

But that couldn't bring a smile to Amelia's face.

Separate from feeling gratitude for Clara's kindness, she couldn't understand at all why Clara was being so good to her.

From the rumors she'd heard, Clara was a Witch kind to all, but having that kindness directed at her felt strange and awkward.

These hands must already be stained with blood.

They are only painted with unforgivable sins and irreversible regrets.

"Here, done!"

Negative emotions inherently gnaw at oneself like poison.

Just as Amelia was about to be consumed by the gloom that had billowed up like dark clouds, three splendid dishes were placed before her.

Clara explained each dish as if a chef were introducing their own work.

The food she had personally prepared for Amelia was traditional cuisine from this region.

First, a food with a visual similar to something like fried patties.

"This is Falafel! It's ground chickpeas and various other beans, then fried. Dip it in the tomato sauce next to it."

Next, a bird dish, hollowed out, stuffed with rice, and roasted in the hearth.

"This is Hamam! It's an edible pigeon stuffed with rice and roasted until golden brown. Similarly, dip it in the tomato sauce!"

Something resembling a hamburger steak.

"This is Kofta! Think of it as a hamburger made with minced lamb and plenty of spices. This one too, dip it in the tomato sauce!"

After introducing them, she didn't even sit down but stood with her arms crossed, looking at Amelia with sparkling eyes.

Her nose, held high as if expecting lavish praise, was noticeable.

"Thank you."

"Say something other than that."

"...Impressive."

At Amelia's praise, Clara, looking smug, raised the corners of her mouth and finally sat down, handing Amelia a plate, fork, and knife.

Then, she personally served food onto Amelia's plate.

"I made a lot, so eat without hesitation. Tell me if it's not enough."

The first lovingly prepared meals she had seen in days.

Amelia stared blankly at the plates filled with that affectionate warmth.

"Why..."

"Hmm?"

"Why are you going this far for me?"

She had wanted this warmth.

But she hadn't wanted it.

She was afraid the resolve she had built would weaken and break.

She was afraid of failing to complete the execution of the Death Ledger and bringing about the worst outcome.

"I plan to leave tomorrow."

Therefore, Amelia decided to become alone again.

As she had done until now, she resolved to carry on, not relying on anyone else's warmth, standing alone, and spoke in a cold, detached tone.

It was a clear expression of rejection, considering how much help she had received so far.

Clara's eyes widened as if surprised.

Amelia thought she would at least be displeased.

But Clara's reaction wasn't included in any of the scenarios Amelia had anticipated.

Clara spoke with a bright smile.

It was a straightforward smile, showing no calculation, discomfort, or awkwardness.

"Well, that works out perfectly then. Eating a hearty meal before a trip lifts the spirits."

"......"

Amelia silently picked up the knife.

The crispy-skinned, tender pigeon meat was sliced without a sound.

As instructed, she dipped it in the tomato sauce and brought it to her mouth.

"How is it? The best, right?"

"...It's delicious."

"Eat more, eat more."

The first meal she had eaten since leaving Gehenna was incredibly warm and affectionate.

"Hmm, hmm, hmmm..."

Sharon entered the classroom humming a cheerful tune.

The passionate afternoon she spent with Siwoo last night was truly blissful.

To the extent that she no longer needed to worry about how to approach Siwoo in the future, or even the worry, 'What if Siwoo chooses someone other than me?' was cleanly swept away.

Sharon, clad in the armor of rising confidence, was strong.

The lecture hours, which had at some point reminded her of a rough war, were no longer frightening at all.

"Let's see~"

However, the Twins' means of restraint were still effective.

If the Twins were to scurry over to Countess Albireo and announce, 'Master! Master! Sharon unni broke her promise and had sex with the assistant!' it was unclear what situation would unfold.

In other words, a certain degree of caution was still necessary.

Was she grinning too much?Sharon checked her reflection in the window to see if her happiness was showing.

Her mouth was practically reaching her ears, so she managed her expression and straightened her prim Witch attire once more.

Alright, just like usual, just like usual.

Not too excited, facing the Twins with composure.

Since they pulled a dirty trick first, I'll play dirty too!

With this resolve, Sharon opened the classroom door and entered.

-Swing!

"Did everyone do their homework well?"

"……."

"……."

A chilly silence flowed through the normally cozy classroom.

It was no joke—the temperature seemed to drop by about 5 degrees the moment she crossed the threshold.

It was clearly an abnormal phenomenon.

From the Twins' perspective of all events:

They had gone to meet Siwoo before Sharon and had even shamelessly kissed him right in front of her.

In other words, they had successfully launched a powerful preemptive attack.

So, it wouldn't have been strange at all if they were grinning smugly.

At that moment, one thought crossed Sharon's mind:

Shouldn't she have put on a slightly angrier expression then?

She should have pulled down the corners of her mouth, which were rising so carelessly.

-Gulp

Sharon swallowed.

"Hello, Sharon unnie."

"Hello."

"Uh, yeah, hi…"

But contrary to Sharon's worries, the Twins greeted her politely.

And they did so with faint smiles.

Fortunately, they didn't seem to have noticed anything strange.

"Submit your assignments. This one might take a while to grade, so let's proceed with the lesson first."

"Yes, Sharon unnie."

"Yes, Sharon unnie."

"Huh?"

Did she hear something wrong just now?

The way they addressed her felt somewhat different from usual.

Sharon thought nothing of it, accepted the Twins' assignments, and continued the class.

And thus, today's endless lecture hell unfolded once again.

Once seated, it was extreme torture where you couldn't let go of your pen even once for five hours.

While Sharon filled and erased the blackboard with notes repeatedly, the Twins, pushed to the brink of collapse, were finally liberated as dusk approached.

-Tap tap

As Sharon organized the teaching materials, Odil and Odette slumped down.

"Phew…"

"Haaah…"

"Alright, that's it for today. Since tomorrow is a holiday, I can give you a generous assignment, right?"

"Wait! Sharon unnie!"

Before the merciless lecture was followed by Sharon's merciless assignment announcement,

Odil hastily cut in.

"What is it?"

"We, we were planning to go to the beach for an overnight trip with our assistant during the holiday…"

"Sharon unnie, come with us too!"

"The beach?"

Sharon looked at the Twins with a suspicious gaze.

Naturally, she thought they would take Siwoo and leave without saying a word to her, so suddenly proposing a joint trip was unexpected.

If the Twins hadn't proposed it, Sharon, who was at least outwardly adhering to the Contract, would have had no pretext to follow Siwoo.

It was like sending salt to the enemy.

"Yes! We have a villa near the Blue Fjord!"

"Wouldn't it be fun to go play together? So, could you please not give us an assignment just this once?"

"We'll review thoroughly!"

If Sharon insisted on homework, the Twins would have to hold back tears and struggle with assignments even while on vacation.

However, in that case, Sharon wouldn't be able to go to the beach with Siwoo.

Conversely, if Sharon passed on the assignment, the Twins could have an enjoyable time.

And Sharon could also accept the Twins' invitation and go play with them.

Choosing the former meant everyone would have to bear a loss, while choosing the latter would create some competition but be mutually beneficial.

Since it wasn't a plan made without any calculation, it actually seemed credible.

"Is that so?"

"Please! It's our first time going to the beach with our assistant!"

"I beg you too!"

The Blue Fjord is a not-so-wide sea between the edge of Border Town and Tarot Town.

But it boasts an unpolluted sandy beach and emerald-blue waters.

It was one of the top resorts where you could enjoy swimming all year round.

Playing in the water with Siwoo there.

And at Gemernai's villa, which even high-end resort facilities couldn't compare to?

Just imagining it already made her feel good.

In front of the Twins, who wore nervous expressions, Sharon readily nodded.

"Alright! Let's do that!"

"Yay!"

The Twins jumped around as if about to do a somersault in mid-air.

And so, the cohabitation with the enemy for symbiosis was established.