City of Witches Chapter 62

"Assistant, if you've gained new insight, there's something you should try."

Odil urged Siwoo, who was repeatedly staring blankly at his palm.

It seemed she wanted to see his new ability.

Truth be told, Siwoo also wanted to handle this shadow immediately.

If he integrated it with his existing Magic knowledge, he was confident he could wield Magic far more advanced than what the Homunculus had utilized earlier.

However.

"It's impossible."

Siwoo gave a bitter smile.

"The Circuits inside my body are in tatters, so I can't use it right now."

The external wounds were just twelve needle marks and a swollen ankle, but the inside was a different story.

The Magic Circuits that had heated up intensely still throbbed with intermittent pain.

"Oh, right. Then shall we return to the mansion first?"

"Yes! I'll ask Master for treatment. It'll heal much faster than leaving it alone!"

But would that be okay?

To heal Siwoo's body, the fact that Magic was used would inevitably come to light.

There were already three people who knew Siwoo could wield Magic, including the Sophia Twins, but still.

After a moment of contemplation, Siwoo expressed his refusal.

"It's fine."

While it was true he had saved the precious life of an Apprentice Witch, it was also true that, regardless of the circumstances, he had physically played around with that Apprentice Witch.

If the three kept their mouths shut, it might be fine, but he still felt unnecessarily guilty.

A Witch with over a century of experience might quickly sense something suspicious.

"Is it because you're afraid of being found out that you can use Magic?"

"That should be okay. We'll put in a good word for you. She might even give you an amazing gift!"

Perhaps they hadn't considered that particular circumstance, as the Twins seemed eager to introduce Siwoo to their Master.

After firmly declining, Siwoo began to sort out the situation.

Just thinking about how to smoothly cover up this incident already made his head spin.

Nearly half the trees in the Latifundium were broken, and traces of battle were evident—could this really be covered up as if nothing happened...

"Hmm... What should we do? We also want to align our stories as much as possible with what Assistant wants."

"But even if we say we caught the Homunculus, Master won't believe us. Besides, Siwoo-nim took Gnosis's Egg too."

"Isn't there any Magic that can restore things to their original state?"

"Impossible for a mess of this scale."

Truthfully, he hadn't asked with high expectations.

As they stepped out of the spirit mountain and discussed various options, the scale of the incident was simply too vast.

It was obvious that the Gemernai Family would take notice of Siwoo one way or another.

"...There's really no way out. I'll think about it a bit more."

The Twins had originally encouraged him, saying it wouldn't matter even if Master found out, but.

Why did he feel so uneasy?

However, Siwoo and the Twins' worries soon became meaningless.

Because the moment they stepped out of the spirit mountain, a figure appeared right before their eyes.

""Ah! Master!""

""You troublemakers!""

Two women who simultaneously strode over and gave Odil and Odette each a knuckle rap on the head.

Was there anything else to say?

The Master of the Apprentice Witches and the current Countess Gemernai.

Albireo Gemernai, the Master of Odil and Odette.

And Deneb Gemernai.

As the meeting was sudden, Siwoo could only observe the two Gemernai, Albireo and Deneb, after boarding the carriage.

To be more precise, he could observe them while the two Masters were sternly scolding the Twins.

"Master, it's not like that...!"

"Who told you to enter the spirit mountain without permission!"

"I've repeatedly warned you that the disturbance in magic power was detected and it was dangerous!"

"I... I'm sorry..."

First, what should he say?

It was quite unexpected.

Perhaps because he'd only been around the mischievous Twins, he had an image that the Countesses Gemernai would also be lively and energetic.

But seeing them in person, they gave the impression of dignified noblewomen.

"So, a Homunculus appeared!"

"While we distracted it, Assistant went boom! and defeated it with Magic."

"Look at these rascals? What did you do right to be so proud!"

"Oww...! It hurts... it hurts..."

Of course, while scolding the Twins now, they looked exactly like loving mothers.

"Go over there and stand with your hands up."

"Sniff."

"Yes..."

After about thirty minutes of explanations and scolding, the noisy carriage quieted down a bit as the Twins knelt side by side with their hands raised.

"Phew... Deneb, prepare some tea."

Albireo, perhaps feeling a headache, tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and approached Siwoo, who had been sitting like a stone.

"I heard you saved our troublemakers?"

Albireo spoke first.

Her purple eyes and black hair were exactly like Odil's, but everything else was completely different.

Her hair was neatly tied up in a bun, and her mermaid dress perfectly accentuated the curves of her body, making her look incredibly mature.

Perhaps it was also because of her chest, which was as ample as Sophia's.

At first, she had scrutinized Siwoo with a suspicious gaze, but by the time the Twins' explanations and justifications ended, her eyes had changed.

Thanks to what was almost a passionate defense bordering on praise, her eyes were now filled with nothing but warm goodwill.

"I just did what needed to be done."

"My, how modest."

The one pouring tea into Siwoo's cup as he bowed his head in response was Deneb.

She seemed to be the younger sister.

When Siwoo first saw the two Countesses Gemernai, what surprised him most was Deneb's appearance.

Though they were clearly twins like Odil and Odette, resembling each other from appearance to physique, there was one striking difference.

Namely, Deneb possessed snow-white hair, like snow, which distinguished her from Albireo.

With eyebrows and eyelashes all pure white, her appearance exuded a sense of both mystery and Divinity.

So this is why they're called the Black and White Twin Birds.

Siwoo nodded inwardly.

"You're a slave from the Mortal Realm, I hear?"

"To wield Magic of this level without a Brand. Impressive, isn't it?"

Thus began a natural teatime.

He couldn't help but feel tense.

Because two pairs of eyes, identical in everything but hair color, were fixed intently on him.

"Yes, thank you for your kind words..."

"Wait, before that."

Two hands simultaneously reached toward Siwoo's cheeks.As soon as fingertips that smelled pleasant gently brushed Siwoo's cheek, he felt the lingering soreness throughout his body that had remained faintly until now completely disappear.

"Your body was in such a mess that I treated it."

"Are you alright?"

"Th-thank you. I feel much better now."

It was astonishing.

In less than a second, all the pain vanished in an instant.

The magic circuits that could be described as tattered and the swollen ankle were both healed in a flash.

Truly worthy of the title of Count, the Gemernai.

Though their family is famous for magical tools, their level of Magic is also profound.

"Thank you for bravely saving our troublemakers, but it would be best not to use such reckless Magic in the future."

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."

"Still, it's impressive that you used your wits to defeat the Homunculus. I was amazed."

"I don't deserve such praise."

Siwoo bowed his head deeply again.

For the same reason as before, Siwoo felt very uncomfortable in this situation.

Of course, they would treat him as a benefactor now.

After all, he was no different from a hero who saved their cherished daughters.

But would this same hospitality continue if they learned what Siwoo had done to Odil and Odette's... rear ends?

"If one receives a favor, it's only proper to repay it."

"Would you like to tell us if there's anything you want?"

Occasionally, the peculiar way of speaking the Twins employed unfolded before his eyes without the slightest discrepancy.

It was as if they were sharing each other's thoughts.

Regardless of their manner of speaking, Siwoo had already decided on his answer for when Count Gemernai asked what he wanted.

"By any chance, could you let me leave Gehenna?"

He couldn't take back the words he had already spoken, but he still felt somewhat intimidated.

Because the two people who heard his request were staring intently at Siwoo.

"........"

"........"

Even though it wasn't such a difficult request, the Count's silence was prolonged.

Feeling unnecessarily anxious, Siwoo cautiously asked again.

"Is it a difficult request?"

"No, it's a very simple request. But it's a bit unexpected."

Unexpected?

He's tired of being a slave here—what's so unexpected about that?

As Siwoo tilted his head in confusion, Deneb continued the explanation.

"Since you achieved the feat of defeating a Homunculus under such adverse conditions, I thought you would have a bit more attachment and enthusiasm for Magic."

"Since there's no place better than Gehenna to learn Magic, I naturally assumed you would stay here."

That's true.

When Siwoo first began his Magic Research, his sole thought was desperately wanting to leave Gehenna.

But as time passed, thoughts can change.

Magic, which was merely a means to his original goal, gave Siwoo a new sense of accomplishment and curiosity.

Most importantly, the appearance of the Ain he saw today still remained as a huge shock, making his heart race.

"Yes, I want to go back to my hometown."

But still.

Still, I want to go home.

I miss everything—cola, chicken, pizza, the noisy sound of cars, the cityscape filled with smog, even adult videos watched in full HD.

"Is that really all you want?"

"You've received the favor of the prestigious Zemnarai family, after all? We could give you a Citizen Card and hire you as an assistant to help with Magic Research."

It seems Gemernai finds Siwoo's humble wish puzzling.

But soon, their interest waned.

For Siwoo, escaping Gehenna is the wish of a lifetime, and this table is the negotiation table to obtain that freedom.

But for Gemernai, it's merely a small request from a single slave wanting to return to the modern world.

A simple demand that carries no burden to grant.

"We'll start the procedures right away."

"Which affiliation are you under? If it's the Academy, it would be the city hall, right?"

"Ah..."

At that moment, something he had overlooked came to mind.

"Well... actually, I am Lady Amelia's personal slave. Could this be a problem?"

"Personal slave?"

Although they quickly composed themselves, likely for the sake of dignity, Siwoo didn't miss the momentary flash of perplexity that crossed the Twins' expressions.

This feels ominous.

"Hmm..."

"What should we do about this..."

A light sigh.

Siwoo's ominous feeling soon became reality.

"In Gehenna, a personal slave means private property. If you were simply under the city hall's affiliation, we could just pay your price and be done with it, but in this case, we'll need Baron Marigold's permission."

"Don't worry too much. If we offer sufficient compensation, she likely won't insist on keeping you."

If I had known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have become Amelia's personal slave even if it meant being scolded.

As Siwoo's expression darkened, thinking, 'I shouldn't have taken that coin back then!', Albireo spoke up.

"Don't worry too much."

"We'll prepare a price she'll find sufficiently convincing and make the offer."

"Thank you."

Is that it?

The Witches sipped their tea and said nothing more.

"Um, then about when will I be able to leave?"

"There are official duties for the Count Family, and we also need materials to negotiate with the Baron..."

"Roughly about a week, perhaps?"

Just that?

I've waited for five years.

A week's time is nothing.

Feeling dazed at having obtained a freedom coupon, Siwoo hid his desire to do a somersault right there.

Was the Magic Research of the past three years all for nothing?

Without that Magic Research, I wouldn't have gotten this special favor.

"Thank you!"

"It's nothing much."

"It's only right that we do this."

It's not certain how Amelia will react, but surely nothing will go wrong, right?

After all, the House of Gemernai is famously wealthy.

If it's the price they've prepared to repay a favor, it should be sufficient wealth to satisfy even Amelia.

"Then we'll go check on the state of the spiritual mountain first. You troublemakers~"

"Yes!"

"Yes! Master!"

Odil and Odette, who had been raising their hands in the corner, rushed to the table as soon as the words were spoken.

"Did you properly express your gratitude?"

"Of course!"

"Regardless of status, if you receive a favor, you need to show appropriate respect.

That doesn't just include material things; you also need the sincerity of bowing your head in greeting."

Albireo and Deneb took the lead and bowed their heads to Siwoo.

"We owe you a debt that's hard to repay."

"Once again, thank you."

"P-please raise your heads. This is too much."

Siwoo was startled.

No matter that he saved the Twins, Siwoo is merely a slave and Gemernai is a Count.

One of only seven Counts in this world.

"Showing proper respect to a benefactor is also a virtue that must be upheld as nobility.""May your path be filled with the blessings of mana."

Gemernai kissed Siwoo's hands one after another, leaving him flustered, then gave the Twins a push from behind.

"Assistant, thank you so much for saving us!"

The Twins bowed deeply at the waist, hiding bashful smiles as they expressed their gratitude.

Author's Note (Afterword)

I completely agree with the sentiment of "월어어어어어어얼화아아아아수우우우우우모오오오오옥금음퇼"