Chirem Act 6-7.2
Act 6-7: The Witches Who Rule Over the Elements
TL : Cnine
ED/PF :
R1[1-3], R2[4-5], R3[6-8]
Part 4
「Being close enough to argue… that’s the kind of bond it is. I don’t have anyone like that… Kanaloa-chan… you know what I mean, don’t you…?」
「…What a pain. I don’t need friends anyway…」
Faced with Liliana’s utterly lifeless eyes, the girl beside her turned away awkwardly.
Clad in a deep blue dress that traced her figure and a cloak over her upper body, she floated gently as if defying gravity. Her hair shimmered like stars, lending her a delicate, ethereal beauty.
She was the Selene of 《Water》. 『Miracle of the Sea and Stars』―― Kanaloa Astrea.。
Kanaloa stepped into the heart of the group, looking around curiously, and spoke to Sera, who was close by.
「So… Uhm, where is that guy…?」
「That guy?」
「S-So… He must be here, right? One of you— The man with no magical power, lecherous, careless around girls, and seemingly unreliable. But I can’t seem to find him…」
「... Are you referring to Rakuichi-san?」
「Ah, yes, that one. Not that I care about his name though, just to let you know. But while I’m at it… I might as well at least say hello to him…」
「If you're looking for Rakuichi-san, he isn’t here you know?」
「Hah?」
Kanaloa, fiddling with her distinctive hair and speaking with a faint blush, came to an abrupt stop when Sera spoke.
Sera, quietly irritated by her harsh words about Rakuichi, felt a small measure of relief at her stunned expression and continued in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.
「He isn’t invited to this gathering. This time, the attendees from our party are just us and…」
「Oh, I see.」
However, Kanaloa, completely ignoring Sera’s explanation to the end, turned around quickly and walked off briskly.
「Oh… I thought we’d finally get to meet again. Seems like I was the only one looking forward to it—how foolish of me… Ichi, you idiot. If I’d known it would turn out like this, I might as well have stayed home… Ah, well…」
She left behind murmured complaints, just audible to Sera and the others, and walked straight to the group at the Southern Command Base.
Judia, who had been watching the scene intently, turned back to Arcana and asked once Kanaloa’s figure had vanished into the crowd.
「So the boy isn't with you today?」
「Well, yes. But come to think of it, you’re missing members too. Aura, who governs the 《Wind》, and… What happen to that Princess of 《Light》?」
「Those two stayed behind to keep watch. We can’t very well leave the 『Strega Coven』 completely deserted. And besides, bringing them along would only have been a nuisance, right? They’d surely have started making a fuss about betrothals and moving house.」
「Nyahaha. Clarice is absolutely intent on making him her husband. She even tried to follow the delegation right up to the end, but Aura stood firm and refused to allow it.」
「I’ll never permit someone with weak magic to be taken as a groom!’ She really did fly into a rage. Still, as magical power is in part inherited from the parents, Aura’s argument that he’s unsuitable as the groom of the future leader of the 『Strega Coven』 is not without reason.」
「I think it would be fine… Even if the children born had no gift for magic, as long as there’s love, that would be enough… Though I’ve never loved, nor been loved myself… ufufufu…」
「Honestly, I couldn’t care less whom she fancies or marries — I just want her to hurry up, come of age, and succeed me. I’ve done more than my share of service for the kingdom. Let me retire already and enjoy a quiet life in my reverse harem inner palace. I’ve stacks of research and fieldwork waiting for me.」
Judia let the words slip out with a sigh, and Arcana gave a mocking snort of laughter.
「“That’s what you claim, but in truth you only want to indulge in a depraved life with the men you’ve hoarded there, don’t you? Hiding behind "Research" and "Fieldwork" as a pretext for seclusion— How disgraceful.」
「Shut it. Being with younger men brings back the feelings of my youth, and it’s the best way to blow off steam when research gets stuck. You’re the one still pretending to be some pure maiden — hurry up and get on with it. Want me to help? You’ve griped often enough that you can’t make that sort of relationship work, haven’t you? I’ll teach that boy the delights of a woman’s body. Then maybe he’ll even manage to get excited over your flat as board-like figure… Though it’s just as likely he won’t be satisfied with anything less than me.」
「“Enough nonsense. If you’ve such an excess of desire, then go to the shabby pleasure quarters instead of the inner palace. I daresay there’d be plenty willing to pay for that loose body of yours.」
「Whose body are you calling loose, exactly? I’ll have you know I take good care of myself. And don’t talk as if I’m some kind of tramp. I only let men I actually like touch me — It’s not like any man will do—」
「None of that matters. Whatever you do, don’t pull him into it. Try to touch him and I’ll make sure you’re dead.」
「Hah, fascinating. I’m suddenly raring to go. I think I’ll be bringing back a very fine souvenir.」
Judia flashed a defiant smile, and at that, Arcana’s lips twisted into a sneer, and once again, the air grew thick with a dangerous, blade-sharp tension.
「Oi, you lot, how long are you going to leave me standing here while you keep chattering on?」
At that moment, a male voice rang out among the crowd. Rather, there was but a single man here.