CHAPTER 8
Silver hair
Long ears
Bluish purple eyes.
A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch A Witch
A WITCH
….
It had been a pretty long day.
The night was dark and filled with tension as Subaru and the half-elf walked through the dimly lit streets of the capital. Subaru couldn't shake off the adrenaline coursing through his veins after the encounter with the assassin, and Tella-tan seemed unusually quiet, lost in her thoughts.
The half-elf already informed the mansion that she would be bringing a guest and requested to be picked up.
For now, she would simply enjoy her alone time with her beloved Subaru as they currently wait near the Capital. She would talk to Puck later or try to at least.
"Are you sure it's alright for me to come with you? I mean I'm grateful… very grateful for the opportunity Tella-tan." Subaru said.
The half-elf held his hand as if to assure him she was only craving his touch.
"Of course Subaru, I can't simply leave the person who helped me be left all alone to suffer knowing he's completely broke and clueless about this world." The half-elf said with a smile recalling his earlier introduction.
"Well, I guess you have a point in there, Tella-tan (*_*-)." Subaru replies remembering his situation.
"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you beloved. " The half-elf said out loud.
" I mean… I I'm sorry.. It was simply a slip of the tongue."
…
(*-*)
"Subaru?" The half-elf asked worried.
"What's that Tella-tan? I think I didn't hear you quite clearly there hehehe. Can you please repeat that?" Subaru requested just wanting to make sure but inside he can only be happier.
"I love you." The half-elf said in a low but audible voice looking down as she can't make herself look at him.
"I'm glad. I can finally die in peace." Subaru said jokingly."
"No!"
"Never joke about your life like that!"
"Subaru, you dunderhead!"
"I'm joking, I'm joking, also… who even says dunderhead anymore in this day and age?"
"But seriously, I appreciate it but isn't this a little too fast? Imagine what Puck would do to me if he found out."
Love
" I- i-
Nothing else matters Nothing else matters Nothing else matters Nothing else mattersNothing else matters Nothing else mattersNothing else matters Nothing else mattersNothing else matters Nothing else mattersNothing else matters Nothing else mattersNothing else matters Nothing else matters
The chants kept repeating.
The half-elf couldn't take it anymore, falling to her knees and holding her head. She just wanted it to stop STOP STOP.
"Woah there, are you alright? don't tell me Puck might actually kill me for this!?" Subaru asked actually now worried.
Kill Subaru?
She mentally asked, having composed herself she looked Subaru in the eye.
"What Puck thinks doesn't matter," the half-elf assured.
Subaru, although wanting to ask why, felt like that wasn't really his position to do so.
He just arrived in this world. Just a second ago he thought he was dead and now here he is already having a cute heroine confess to him. This must be heaven.
"Seems our service has finally arrived." The half-elf stated as she gladly pulled Subaru's hand.
"Let's go Subaru."
…..,...
They were greeted by the sight of Ram, the pink-haired Oni, waiting for them. Ram's stern expression softened slightly as she saw the half-elf.
"Good evening Miss Emilia and guest, Ram heard of the news and is glad to see you in good health, " The Oni said.
"Good evening to you too, Ram." The half-elf replied to which the Pink-haired Oni only nodded. But the mention of the name she no longer understands pains her with frustration.
"Ram has prepared your transportation back home. Lord Roswall wishes to inform you that he will be waiting at the Mansion for your safe return. Miss Emilia and guest may now enter the carriage." Ram said holding the door towards the vehicle and inviting the two.
"Thank you, Ram," The half-elf said, gracefully stepping into the carriage.
"Come Subaruu." The half-elf invited.
Subaru followed suit, feeling a bit awkward in the luxurious setting. He took a seat next to the half-elf, and Ram took the reins, guiding the horses forward. Subaru looked pretty surprised.
"Subaru, is there something wrong?" The half-elf called with a hint of concern.
Looking around Subaru blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected Ram to be their chauffeur, but he wasn't about to turn down a comfortable ride, also Maid uniform is a thing in this world too!? He always imagined maids as the living embodiment of elegance, Such a fantasy world to live in. The half-elf, on the other hand, felt concerned for whatever reason.
"It's nothing Tella-tan, it's just my first time riding this type of ride. Back home it's rare to see carriages let alone ride one. We only get to see them in some parts of the country."
The nickname didn't escape the Oni's ears but chose to remain silent.
"Is that so? What is your usual way of transportation then?" The half-elf asked curiously.
"Well, we have this thing called cars and trains. Our world lacks magic so instead they are powered by electricity and engines and stuff." Subaru explained.
"That sounds marvelous." The impressed Half-elf said.
The carriage rolled through the capital, and the atmosphere inside was filled with a mix of anticipation and awkwardness. Subaru fidgeted with his hands, trying to find something to say to break the silence. Although his mind can't help but wonder if this is some kind of dream. Did he actually really die and he's now on some kind of heaven?
In response, Subaru tried to pinch himself.
Pinch
"Oww,"
"Nope, definitely not a dream.
The half-elf couldn't help but steal glances at Subaru sitting beside her. The adrenaline from their recent encounter was still coursing through her veins, making her heart race with both excitement and nervousness.
Subaru noticed the half-elf's glances and couldn't resist teasing her a little. "Is there something on my face, Tella-tan?" he asked with a playful grin.
The half-elf's cheeks flushed slightly, and she averted her gaze, trying to hide her embarrassment. "N-no, there's nothing. I was just...admiring the view," she stammered.
Subaru chuckled softly, enjoying the effect he had on the usually composed half-elf. "Oh, the view outside? It is quite beautiful," he said, glancing out the window before turning his attention back to Emilia. "But I think the view inside this carriage is even more captivating."
The half-elf's eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat at Subaru's flirtatious remark. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to betray her feelings. "S-Subaru, you nincompoop! she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Maybe a little," Subaru admitted, leaning closer to the half-elf. "But I can't help it when you're so adorable."
The half-elf's face blushed even deeper, her heart fluttering at Subaru's words. She glanced at him, feeling her emotions getting the best of her. "You're...really something, Subaru," she whispered, her voice soft.
…..
….
…
As the carriage arrived at Roswaal's magnificent mansion, The half-elf, and Subaru stepped out, feeling a mix of excitement. The vast estate seemed even grander than Subaru had imagined, with its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.
"You live here!? I mean wow. This place is huge." Subaru brimming with excitement with the half-elf continuing to enjoy her beloved's view.
His happiness makes her happy too.
But their joy was short-lived as their focus was soon drawn to the sounds of steps of the figure approaching them. Ram already went inside to inform the Lord of their arrival.
Rem, the blue-haired Oni maid who looks very identical to the earlier pink-haired maid who originally came to meet the half-elf and the said guest.
There are two of them!? Subaru mentally thoughts.
"Welcome back lady Em-" Her normally calm but warm and welcoming demeanor was replaced with suspicion, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the newcomers. approaching with a cautious expression, her keen senses detecting the lingering miasma of the Witch of Envy around the half-elf and Subaru although she has yet to realize that the half-elf possesses it as well, her focus solely directed at Subaru.
"Who are you, and what is your business here?" Rem asked, her voice tinged with a hint of venom summoning her weapon.
The half-elf should have expected something like this to happen. Just as she was finally beginning to enj-
No!
She needs to take care of this. She doesn't know why Rem is suddenly suspicious but she does know that Rem may be seeing something they don't but before she could do something Subaru already made a move.
Subaru stepped forward, trying to ease the tension. "I'm Natsuki Subaru, Not only am I broke beyond compare I'm also completely clueless. So rest assured that I'm not really of any threat" he said too proudly while gesturing towards the sky in his iconic Subaru pose.
"I will not be fooled, you witch cultist! You reek of the Witch's Miasma that alone is enough proof of your ill intentions." The maid stated as she prepares to strike.
"Please stay away from that man Lady Emilia he is dangerous."
"Rem, Stand down." The half-elf commanded with a hint of warning feeling the shadowy hands already creeping behind her ready to stroke any moment.
"Witch cultist? I absolutely have no idea what that is I promise you, we have nothing to do with them, I'm here because Satella invited me, Subaru said earnestly.
"Satella? The name simply proved her accusation right using it as a reason to go ahead to attack the man."
The half-elf moved ahead to defend her beloved with hands of shadows once again appeared and covered Subaru.
"I will not repeat myself Rem stand down."
Rem finally turns her attention towards the half-elf.
"You." The maid spoke. She let her guard down
With the realization the Miasma coming off from the half-elf is the thickest Rem ever experienced. Not even the cult that attack them was this thick. This could only mean one thing.
The witch, the witch is here! How come? Lady Emilia never used to have the witch's miasma despite her uncanny resemblance to the witch. Was she pretending all this time? Was she hiding it from them to wait for the right moment?
Before Rem could respond further, another voice chimed in from behind. "Rem, my dear, what's all this commotion?"
Roswaal's tuneful voice filled the air, and he approached with a graceful stride. His eccentric appearance, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and flamboyant attire, contrasted sharply with Rem's serious demeanor.
Rem turned towards Roswaal, but her expression remained serious. "Lord Roswaal, They bear the witch's miasma."
Roswaal chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah, the witch's miasma, you say? Well, isn't that interesting?" He turned his attention to the half-elf and Subaru, his gaze assessing and enigmatic. "It's not every day we encounter someone touched by the Witch of Envy's presence."
"Although aren't you being rude to our dear guest, Rem? That isn't the way to show our hospitality isn't that right Miss Emilia?
The half-elf felt a bit uncomfortable under Roswaal's scrutinizing gaze but maintained her composure ensuring Subaru's safety is her priority.
"Satella,"
" Call me Satella, Just Satella."
The half-elf announced. The Oni's eyes sharpened with hatred with that statement gripping her weapon in anger. Subaru only stared in confusion.
"What the flip just happened?" Subaru asked.
Roswaal's smile widened, and he gestured toward the mansion's entrance. "Very well then, Satella. And dear guest. You may enter the mansion. I welcome you as our guests."
As they stepped inside, Rem's eyes continued to follow them, still cautious and calculating for any event that may transpire. Roswaal, ever the enigmatic host, guided them inside while thinking of many running thought inside his head.
This wasn't written in the gospel. How troublesome the events turned out to be. The lord of the mansion mentally thoughts.
The half-elf now Satella wasn't sure about introducing herself this way but she has a strong feeling if she doesn't, the witch would make her suffer for it.
Now she's a half-elf named Satella.
Just Satella.
CHAPTER END