c2 part2 (2/2)
“This life as a witch suits me.”
The next day, the incorrigibly persistent Orélie visited the cave again.
“I’ve brought you this kind of gift for today.”
When the witch opened up the bundle, what arose from there was a splendid, gleaming in all seven colors of the rainbow ―― robe.
“Hey, you! You’re telling me to wear this?!”
“Whenever the light hits its surface, the fabric sparkles and glitters. I thought the effect was very lovely, but…”
“I’ve never seen nor heard of a witch wearing this kind of a festive robe! If you’re going to bring this, then a flower bouquet is a hundred times better!”
“Well then, how about this present?”
With the faint tension thickening in the air, Orélie took out a tiny box. After slowly opening it with a delicate hand, inside that box held ――
An exquisitely-crafted engagement ring, the inset gem sparkling magnificently.
Again, the witch looked as if she were about to faint.
“Will you please accept this?”
“As if I could accept something like that!”
Mother of G.o.d, what is wrong with this man. Just how twisted and strange was his thought process? Seeing that obviously slumping figure, the witch wanted to scream. No matter how you look at it, I’m the one that wants to droop my shoulders!
Good grief. This man somehow manages to keep leaving her dumbfounded. Even the witch wanted to launch a counterattack every once in a while.
Master Belliamélie’s words suddenly flashed into mind.
―― You’re free to leave whenever you like.
“By the way, Orélie.”
“What is it?”
“That pretty-looking poster girl working at the flower shop. If it just so happens that she was actually a hundred-year-old witch disguised as a young woman, what would you do?”
“… um, nothing special, really. I’ve already decided to put my thoughts in order regarding everything about Maré.”
“Well then ――this old, cave-dwelling witch residing in the gloomy forest. If it just so happens that she was actually an eighteen-year-old girl transformed into an old woman, what would you do?”
Orélie stiffened.
“… eh? Is— is that… really?”
An entire minute had pa.s.sed. Orélie quietly asked this of the witch, unable to conceal his exuberant joy and delight. After seeing the condition he was in, the witch sat there thinking for, once again, a full minute. The wrinkles on her face then abruptly slackened as the corners of her mouth raised into a tiny grin.
“―― I was just kidding. It’s a lie.”
“No way! Argh, you’ve got to be kidding me! Was everything you’ve just said a huge lie?!”
“Yeah, isn’t that why I’m saying that I lied?”
“No, that’s not what I’m talking about!”
As Orélie fell into a panic, the witch merrily laughed alone.
Having heard the two people’s state of affairs from its perch, as if to express its displeasure with the witch, the crow let out a low caw.
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