Chapter 14: CHAPTER 13. Investigation

Julius spent a week mapping the witch’s daily routine after he had swiftly dealt with the church’s commissions.

That way, it’d be easier to plan for her capture, and if he were lucky, he’d also be able to dig up some dirt about her.

However, he couldn’t say that his plan was proceeding smoothly.

During that one week, the witch’s daily routine followed the same pattern, which he suspected was an attempt to throw him off.

The witch would do some menial jobs along the way, do some groceries, then went home and did some cleaning. It was a normal life that anyone else would be familiar with.

After a week of investigation, Julius had narrowed the people the witch would often associate with to three.

***

The first would be the hunchbacked, easygoing, old lady named Diana Britton.

Every morning, without fail, the witch would visit the elder woman’s house.

Julius, who hid behind Diana’s house, right beside the window, could smell the aroma of pancake wafting from inside of the house. Along with it, was the scent of a freshly squeezed orange juice. He realized it was the same breakfast she had served him that morning.

Thanks to that, he could investigate without letting outside stimulations ruin his concentration.

“Thank you for always bringing me fruits, Ame. As always, the taste is topnotch!”

“You have Russel to thank for that. He knows what he is doing.”

“That guy who works in the orchard? Then, please tell him to keep it up. That way, more delicious fruits for us!”

Amidst the clanking sound of tableware, pleasantries could be heard. From the sizzling noise, Julius concluded that someone was cooking. He had used wind magic to deliver their conversation to his ears.

Then, the witch’s voice could be heard.

“How would you like your egg, Diana?”

“I’m tired of the usual sunny side up and omelet. That’s right, why don’t you perform your magic trick once again?!”

At the mention of ‘magic trick’, Julius stiffened.

Could it be... the woman named Diana knew all along?

That would make the granny, who was always up to date with the most recent neighborhood gossip, a witch’s follower.

“Alright!”

He could hear the sound of vegetables being chopped, then something being added to the frying pan. Afterwards, the mouth-watering smell of grilled garlic and some other herbs he couldn’t name, along with the biting smell of something spicy, burst out of the window. The smell was further amplified by the spell he had previously used.

“Your ‘tiger eggs’ are ready!”

As he went from crouching to kneeling on the ground, Julius groaned in frustration as his hand never left his nose. His stomach severely reminded him of the fact that he didn’t have any breakfast that morning.

***

From a peaceful, shabby, neighborhood, the scenery had changed into that of a luxurious mansion made with red and white bricks, and had tall, white, windows. All around that mansion, was a vast garden with pruned bushes and shrubs. The greenery covered half of the mansion, and was as high as the tall windows.

At a glance, it was obvious that the residence belonged to an aristocratic family.

Julius was worried of being intercepted by the guards at first, but said concern turned out to be unfounded.

For he wasn’t the only unwelcome guest.

The witch went to the back of the mansion, located a hole amidst the bushes which also served as a fence, and went in.

“...”

Forget digging some dirt up about the witch, he could probably arrest her for trespassing right then and there. Not to mention, she had repeatedly trespassed for three days straight, now.

In the end, just like the previous two days, Julius decided to observe from afar. Partly because he had to go through that hole, too. It could be said that they were committing joint crime.

Beyond the bushes, Julius observed the witch talking to a boy near the many arrays of apple trees. However, instead of the usual red apples, the fruits hanging from those trees were green.

The back of the mansion seemed to not only have a sizable orchard, but a pasture, as well. The pasture had a white fence around it. Some horses could be seen grazing inside.

“Ame, you’ve decided to pay me a visit today, too.”

A stable boy immediately came out from the small cottage near the orchard and greeted the witch. He wore a loose jumper, and a black cap. Red, wavy, bangs sprouted out of his hat.

“I came to fulfill our promise.” The witch said in a resolute tone.

“Well, yes, you should. After all, we’ve come hither and yon.” The boy answered in a similar manner.

“Is everything ready?”

“Yes, I have prepared the horses, and the signs. You seem giddy.”

The conversation sounded dubious, and was even more so, considering the witch was involved in it.

The boy was attempting to summon a demon in the backyard. He had to stop them at all cost—

—was what Julius concluded when he first heard of their conjecture.

However, what he learned from two days of investigating the witch and the stable boy was—

“I wouldn’t miss the apples from your orchard for the world!”

“Haha, well, aren’t you a peculiar one? The lord of this mansion imported these apples from another continent because they’re supposedly ‘unique’, planning to grow them as a hobby. However, the taste itself turns out to be not-so-sweet, so they ended up being sold again inside the country.”

“I get why some people would prefer sweeter apples. But this type of apple has its own advantages, too!”

“I will take your word for it. Just remember to give me my portion.”

—it was all a sham.

As Julius sat while leaning on the wall of another cottage nearby, he started re-examining all his decisions which lead up to that moment.

Perhaps ‘apple’ is a secret code...

...As Julius’ head throbbed, trying to solve the meaning behind the puzzle, the witch and the stable boy duo went on their merry way—apple-picking, which was followed with some horse-riding afterwards.

About two hours later, the witch took her leave. Realizing her destination, Julius quickly departed.

***

“Good afternoon, Julius!”

“Good afternoon, Ms. Witch.”

Julius greeted the figure that was running towards him while carrying a basket.

“Did you just return from a commission???”

The moment the witch arrived before him, who made it seem as if he had just exited the church, she asked that.

“Indeed.”

“Perfect timing! I’m sure your stomach is already rumbling!”

“Then, the usual place?”’

For a week now, the witch never failed to deliver both lunch and dinner to him. She seemed keen upon fulfilling her promise from before.

Because the training field would be used during the day, they’d usually have lunch at a small cemetery behind the church. The area was dilapidated, and was more of a forest than a graveyard. Some of the gravestones were even missing. Supposedly, it already existed from before the church came to be known as the Church of Magnolia. Even the sisters and the priests of the church seldom visited the place because of how eerie it was. There was even a rumor that the ground was haunted.

All those creepy rumors be damned, the only thing Julius cared about was how secluded the place was. That way, no one would ever see him eating together with a witch.

The witch also didn’t seem to have any objections. In fact, she seemed happy.

“Because there are a lot of trees, this spot is hidden from the sunlight. Not to mention, it’s quite breezy, too! Julius, could this be considered our secret place?”

Even though the witch had just said something goofy, who knew what she was actually thinking.

After all, there was no way a girl—and especially someone like the witch, who lived in grandeur—would take kindly to eating in a cemetery.

“...If Ms. Witch prefers to think that way. Also, if you like the place so much, from now on, why don’t you just wait for me here?”

The first day the witch tried to have lunch together with him, she almost gave him a fright by suddenly appearing before the church, right when he was speaking to some colleagues. The witch appeared to be repentant about it, and opted to just notify him of her presence from behind the bushes.

The witch couldn’t take a no, as always. Even towards an abject refusal, she’d just find a way to worm her way in.

Without much thought, the witch gleefully answered. “Alright, that’s a deal!”

You said it yourself.

The image of the witch cursing at him amongst the many gravestones for turning her words against her, made him smile inwardly.

While taking out the food, the witch murmured. “Although, why is it that you’re always gone before we could have breakfast?”

To which Julius politely replied. “Ms. Witch could always wake up a little early next time.”

“A ‘little’ early—!? I swear, you’re already out of the house when it’s 04.30 A.M—! Even if you’re a templar, that’s—”

“What?”

“N-nothing.” The witch, who had promised to not obstruct his line of work, responded meekly.

To be fair, it wasn’t like he was purposefully trying to avoid eating together with the witch. As unpleasant as having to see a witch the first thing in the morning sounded, he had obligations to uphold. Regardless, after his morning routines had concluded, he didn’t try to show up at the dining table, either.

“Today’s lunch is based around eggs, too, because Diana—”

“—!”

The words ‘egg’ and ‘Diana’ immediately made him recall the delicious scene he had smelled that morning. Even the witch was shocked by his reaction.

“Whoa, Julius, you look really eager, there! As I thought, it’s bad to go on a quest with an empty stomach! Hence why, you should stay for breakfast next time!”

“No, I’m just surprised that we’re having egg dish for three days in a row.” Julius said, while averting his eyes. Inwardly, he felt remorseful for complaining about food—but, it was a food made by the witch, so whatever.

“Hold your horses, for you will be surprised!” The witch uncovered a square bowl covered with napkins, revealing the inside, which seemed to be a bed of omelet.

Upon closer inspection, the fluffy, yellow, omelet had assortments of mushrooms and vegetables in it. The sharp scent of both garlic and pepper provoked his appetite. Try as he might, he couldn’t take his eyes off the dish.

“It’s a veggie frittata! Have you ever heard of it before?”

“...No.”

Although the witch said the dish was based around eggs, he was familiar with none of the dishes he had in those three days. During the first day, the witch made an egg pancake filled with crisp vegetables and chopped meat. During the second day, it was egg spaghetti with spinach.

“Well, then, dig in! What are you waiting for?”

The witch gave him a portion, along with a spoon and a knife.

The witch’s attitude was that of someone who was confident of her cooking. As such, when he brought the dish into his mouth, the deliciousness no longer came off as surprising.

The egg is fluffy, while the vegetables are in perfect harmony with each other, there’s also a hint of vinegar, as well...

He also could deny it no longer—the dish had brought peace into his heart.

The witch’s incessant questions brought him back to reality. “How does it taste? How does it taste?”

“...It tastes as well as you might expect.”

“...You’re being roundabout again.”

However, directly admitting that to a witch was something he could never forgive himself for doing.

After Julius had finished his meal, he immediately stood up. “I have to go, now.”

Without as much as a sorry or a thank you, Julius was ready to leave. He always concluded their lunch that way.

After all, there was no longer any need to treat the witch like an equal.

If she had any resentment towards his attitude, she didn’t let it show. Usually, her responses were nonchalant, such as, “Eh? So soon? Sure.” Or, “Okay, did something come up?”—

—and he did. He had to give a detailed report to Rachel.

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However, that day—

“—Wait!!!”

The witch stopped him.

Julius inadvertently stopped walking because the witch had raised her voice. He turned around a little, and gave her an acknowledging look.

The witch pulled something out of her basket. Inside the folded, checkered, napkin, were three round-shaped desserts.

“Hand-sized apple pies!” The witch presented them with a smile. “They came out nicely, so please try them!”

“...”

Julius stared at the pies without saying anything.

The way they were baked until they turned gold. How crispy their crusts looked like. The desserts definitely looked appetizing.

However, when it came to pie, all the memories he associated with it was how sweet it was.

It wasn’t the first time for him to receive that kind of gift from a female associate. Oftentimes, the flavor would be sweet—much too sweet. There was even one which filling was steeped in honey.

...Even though I had specifically stated I disliked anything that is too sweet.

It just proved how the witch didn’t give a damn from the start.

Nevertheless, despite his frustration, Julius silently accepted the pie. He could smell the aroma of cinnamon and butter.

Without further ado, he brought it to his mouth.

Immediately, sweetness overload—wasn’t what his taste bud experienced.

Instead, it was the tartness of a sour, green, apple with traces of sweetness. Unlike the previous pies he had tasted, the apple’s form remained intact. As such, it felt like chewing an apple, rather than the gooey version of it. There was also a spicy kick to it.

In short, the pie was perfect.

Before he realized it, he had already devoured the entire dessert.

Julius glanced at the witch, who also tried a bite. The moment she chewed on the pie, she immediately grimaced, and stopped eating entirely. It seemed that the pie, which was a bit on the bitter side, wasn’t to her liking.

...Then, for whom?

While still apparently trying to clear her mouth of the bitter and sour taste, the witch asked him. “H, how is it? I tried to reduce the sweetness as much as I can, and bring out the tartness of the apple.”

Despite the inner turmoil she might be experiencing, the witch tried her best to show him a full smile.

In all actuality, the answer to that question—he knew it already.

He didn’t just accept the dessert out of habit, nor because of how appetizing it appeared.

He knew full well where the witch went, and what she did for the next couple of hours after leaving that grand mansion.

It was something she had continuously done during the past few days—which was practice baking.

He knew full well how, during the first and the second day, the witch baked many varieties of apples, then taste-tested them to the point her tongue was burnt.

He knew full well how the oven in her dwelling had a bit of an issue, and that it would always heave a lot of smoke to her face, causing it to be covered by soot.

He knew full well that despite all of that, she’d still don her best outfit, maintain her best smile, and went to his place—

—and that it was all for his sake.

Basically, he was just being polite.

“It’s good.”

He didn’t do it for her sake, or anything.

Immediately, a giant smile bloomed on the witch’s face. “I’m so glad to hear that—! It’s just, the moment I received that apple from Russel, and tasted how unsweet it is, I immediately thought of you—! It turns out that my hunch is perfect—!”

Having sorted that out, a question still remained.

While averting his gaze, Julius asked. “...Why?”

“Hmm?”

“Why are you doing so much for me?”

What do you gain from this?

Was the witch trying to get him to loosen his tongue?

But, Klavier would surely be able to provide her with all the information she wanted.

Or was it his favor that she wanted?

Regardless of which, being indebted to the witch was very disconcerting for him.

It was unclear whether or not the witch had caught a hint of his displeasure.

“I did it for myself.”

However, the witch’s previous reaction after she had tasted the pie said otherwise.

She went on, and as she did so, her onyx eyes bored into his.

The blackness of her pupil reflected both the fresh greeneries, and the cheerful radiance of the sun shining through the gap between the leaves.

“What do I gain from this? Well, to put it simply—you.” She showed him a sheepish grin.

“!”

Perhaps due to the sunlight, Julius suddenly couldn't meet her gaze.

The witch wasn't even trying to be subtle with her flirtatious remarks anymore...

“I get someone to eat lunch and dinner with me, and that alone is enough.”

"—still!"

'Still'?

What did he mean by that?

Julius was bewildered by his own words.

Was a few homemade dishes and desserts all it took?

—Albeit, certainly, there were far more despicable means to gain his approval rather than merely cooking for him.

Was he that easily won over?

...No.

It was probably because he was formerly a captain. When he saw someone doing their best, he felt obliged to respond to them, and that was it.

That was right. It was because she prepared the dish solely for himself. He was merely appreciating her honest work.

Having said that;

“I, I need to go, now.” His urge to leave that place only heightened. Julius immediately stood up, tidied his uniform, and turned his heels.

“S, sure... good luck.” The witch’s confused voice could be heard from behind.

He stopped walking, and turned to her a little.

“Thank you for the meals.”

The witch widened her eyes. Then, her bright smile returned.

“No problem! Thank you for the feedback about the pie! Now, I wonder how Klavier would react upon tasting it!”

“...”

Which brought him to the third person the witch most frequently associated with.

[]

A woman with a long, black, ponytail, clad in white attire exited the tall, reddish, building with feather light steps. A few young men wearing formal attire followed from behind.

“““Thank you for your patronage!!!”””

The girl, the witch, turned around towards them.

“Next time, I will be thorough with you guys. See you!”

After the crowds of men had returned back inside, the witch broke in laughter.

“Ahahaha! Klavier’s reaction is absolutely priceless!”

She looked truly happy. It was unclear whether it was because her followers liked the dessert she made, or because she had spent more than an hour in the town’s most reputable hotel, ‘The Regulus Inn.’ Which was not only famous for its topnotch service, but also for its host club.

Every day, without fail, the witch would visit that hotel and spend about an hour or so.

In that hotel, information would travel faster than in a grand ball. As such, Julius opted to just wait outside, inside the café across the bustling street.

However, it was apparent the reason why the witch visited the hotel that day was to meet Klavier. To give him a taste of her newly-developed dessert.

The witch’s innocent, hearty, smile flashed in his mind.

“I’m so glad to hear that—! It’s just, the moment I received that apple from Russel, and tasted the medium sweetness, I immediately thought of you—! It turns out that my hunch is perfect—!”

Well, so much for that, apparently.

It seemed that he had fallen hook, line, and sinker to the witch’s words.

No wonder she could spout flirtatious remarks to his face as easily as drinking water. After all, the promiscuous witch would associate with a lot of men on a daily basis.

Julius’ bitter expression was reflected on the murky surface of the black coffee he had just ordered.

Afterwards, the witch could be seen heading home.

...Well, to the church, it is.

***

“Today, the witch’s activities are as such; caring for an elderly during the morning, apple-picking right after, then visiting the host club.”

Upon hearing his report, Rachel, who sat on her office desk, tilted her head slightly.

“Apple-picking? When is winter one step away?”

“The orchard belongs to none other than Count of Vera. The family has been known for producing exotic, out-of-season, fruits.”

“Ahh, Count Vera, no wonder then. Do you think the witch is in preparation for something?”

“Most likely. On a glance, her daily routines seem mundane. However, I think we should focus on the people she has been trying to get closer to. Diana Britton is quite revered in the neighborhood. No rumor or gossips go without passing by her ears. There’s no longer any need to say anything about Klavier Bouchard. Lastly, there’s that stable boy... he surely has his own reasons, but I believe that boy is the sole heir to the count family. His carmine hair and sea blue eyes are dead giveaways.”

Rachel’s lips curved in appreciation. “Such an interesting assortment of casts... the Count of Vera would often host a ball, didn’t he? With this, the witch has everything covered—be it the information from the business network, social circle, and even the town!”

The witch had spread her web towards the entire town of Freyja. Just thinking of the many possible outcomes sent shivers down his spine.

Whatever her plan was, he needed to put an end to it, asap.

“Indeed. In fact, a ball would be hosted tomorrow night. I’d absolutely find a way to participate and inform the count.”

 

 

 

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