Chapter 168 - Lets Go Back Home (1/2)

[Music Recommendation: ”Dreamy Shards” by Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Cross OST)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

[Please note: We're still in Hora's POV - after she's done talking to the mysterious woman, aka the Secret Witch, who's now her master in magic]

After a few minutes of hugging each other, Verrill and I went back to Aunt Vora's house. On my way, I suddenly remembered that I hadn't contacted Sena and Crystal so I decided to shoot them a quick text message to let them know we're fine and that we'll discuss things later with Auntie in the afternoon—somehow, I didn't want to explain anything about my previous talk with Aunt Vora, plus my meeting with Master. I couldn't possibly tell Sena about that. I should think of an alibi when I get back.

When I took my phone in my side pocket, it was filled with mom's message saying she's coming over. Haaahh… she was probably jealous that I'm visiting Aunt Vora before she did. If I didn't know, she probably visited her a hundred times while I was away in another country. Anyway, I should send that message to Sena and Crystal.

Moments later, we arrived back at Aunt Vora's residence. Verrill and I headed towards the guest room instead of meeting with Auntie again. Maybe I'd just meet her again when mom comes in. There's two things I needed to do—first, think of an alibi for Silky's situation; second, not raise any suspicion with Auntie. She's fixed into that solution of hers she was thinking, probably for the greater good of many, but I didn't care about the others.

'So… I will just make her think that I'm going along with her plan. I can come up with lots of excuses later. The only problem would be Silky. Auntie will most likely tell her everything and she will definitely carry them out. So I need to stop her, too. I wonder if there's any mind altering magic? Like changing how she remembers things? That way, I'll make her believe that protecting Sena is the best way instead of keeping her from her happiness. Hmm… I should ask Master later. I should have gotten her phone number. But then again, she wouldn't give the pocket watch if it's safe to use the phone.'

Ugh… so many things to think about.

”Verrill,” I called him when we're finally seated on the couch inside the guest room. ”I don't want Sena and Crystal, or anyone at all, to find out the whole truth—about that conversation we had earlier with Aunt Vora.”

”I agree. It's not something anyone can know. They might believe you if you tell them but… it's not safe.”

”Yes, that's right. But I can't think of any alibi. What should we tell them once we come back?”

”Hmm…” Verrill pondered for a moment. ”We can tell them that… Silky really had a twin and that she wanted to pursue her dreams but her mother was against it. Aunt Vora didn't want to bother you so she didn't tell you. And now, the other Silky—her twin, is with her, living a normal life. Nothing too serious so we ended up just having a great time visiting your aunt, and meeting your mother who's arriving later.”

”I see. Yes, that could work,” I agreed. ”If they ask more questions, I can just say that the others are private matters or something along those lines.”

Verrill nodded. ”We could go with that.”

”Verrill… I'm really sorry about all this. Making you lie to others—I'm really, really sorry.”

Verrill patted my head and smiled at me.

”There's no need to be sorry. This is not something you can just say to anyone so it's fine. Besides, I lie all the time when I prank someone. This is basically the same.”

”But we're not pranking anyone,” I replied in a chuckle.