Chapter 33

"Don't smile.

Gazing at Renetta's smiling face, which looked so happy and proud, Sophie bit her lip.

She wanted to see Renetta smile.

It wasn't a lie.

Sure, it's not as simple as just smiling, and it's not that a smile is the only thing that matters. Renetta is Renetta, a kind and gentle witch who loves magic, no matter what.

But, Sophie thought, she would look so cute if she smiled. Sophie would be so happy to see her smile. She would be so happy to see Renetta smiling next to Weiss. Sophie's feelings were genuine.

But now, seeing Renetta's radiant smile, Sophie's chest ached terribly. It was suffocating, and tears overflowed.

"Renetta...!"

In the cold, dark, and scary room, hugging a tattered book. In such a sad place, she didn't want Renetta to smile just because she was a princess.

Because, how could someone who lived for their country, who never hated or cursed anyone, and only thought about their own death, be a princess? How could someone who wished for others' happiness over their own be unworthy of being a princess?

What was terrifying was that Renetta didn't have any doubts about it.

She didn't think it was strange to call this place her room, or to only think about living and dying here.

Because she thought it was normal.

Because she was the witch who killed the country.

Because she was a princess.

Because it was her role.

"..."

It was just like Sophie.

Even if she was laughed at, not recognized, and had nothing, she never found it strange. She thought it was because she was worthless and that it was a mistake to desire what others had. Sophie had always thought this.

Was it because she was born that way?

That's true too. She only realized it was strange after she learned about the outside world. If you don't know what's normal, you can't recognize what's abnormal.

Then, why did she give up and accept it even after realizing it was strange?

Because it was useless to say anything? Because she had no reason to believe in herself?

No, Sophie squeezed Renetta's slender, pale fingers. It was true, but it wasn't. The root was different. The answer she had buried deep down was different.

Just because it was easier.

Because she was a different, worthless creature, and it was inevitable that she was different. She should naturally work much harder than others. She shouldn't think about being liked. She shouldn't want to be liked. She wasn't a creature capable of having likes and dislikes. She should understand that.

It was easier to keep telling herself that.

This was her role. Thinking that made her feel like she was allowed to live, like she could breathe. It made her not hate anyone.

So, Sophie shed a tear.

Livio must have felt this way.

The knight who always worried about Sophie and smiled kindly was trying to make her feel normal. It was because he didn't give up on the Sophie who had given up.

Sympathy?

Maybe, but those who say that should see his melting smile. Sophie wasn't so naive or sheltered that she could hear "He's just kind" after seeing such a smile. It was a violent kindness, a love that couldn't be called anything else.

Then, what about what Sophie felt for Renetta?

Ah, yes. What Sophie felt for Renetta was a shabby and ugly self-love, a tiny island far away from kindness, a place where no one would look, a place with no water or food, a place with no interest or richness.

But, she wanted to think it was a place where she could rest her wings.

"You are a princess who will continue to fight to protect this country, no matter what anyone says."

Maybe she was just telling herself that.

I was a princess who lived for the country, no matter what anyone said.

Ha, how shameful. Sophie had become so self-absorbed. It was a terrible feeling, but it was good. It was good because she could clearly tell Renetta that she was "wrong." She wouldn't say "It can't be helped" even if she died.

If she had to affirm herself to say that, she would say "I'm the best" a hundred times.

"Don't hold back. Stand tall, be confident, and say it. You are a princess of this country. So, you will abandon this country."

"Abandon?"

"Yes, what's wrong with running away when you're tired? You've worked hard."

"...worked, hard"

"You've worked so hard! All of you have worked so hard, more than enough. So, it's okay to run away, to rest, to give up on everything!"

Can you laugh? Who is saying what to whom?

You don't know anything about Renetta or the witches who died here. You're just crying and pretending to understand, you useless person.

But, Sophie could see the movements of Renetta's heart. She didn't want to say "I understand how you feel" irresponsibly, but she could see it.

Because Renetta's heart, which often said "I'm not good enough," made Sophie angry. She wanted Renetta to understand that Renetta was a wonderful girl.

"...Sophie, you're amazing."

Renetta exhaled softly.

Did she smile? Sophie couldn't tell, but the tense atmosphere seemed to ease, and Sophie smiled.

"I'm honored."

"...It's a lie. Sophie is cuter."

"Really?"

Who is cuter! Sophie wiped her tears and released Renetta's hand, which she had been holding. Renetta's slender, beautiful fingers gently hugged the book, which was worn and torn at the edges.

Each book on the wall, lined up densely, must have been Renetta's teachers. Sophie imagined Renetta sitting at a small desk.

High above the desk, there was a square hole, a place that was impossible to reach.

Light and wind from the iron-barred window must have reached Renetta, and she must have spent time with these books and many witches.

"...Sophie"

"Yes."

Renetta, who opened her eyes, looked up at Sophie with her clear, black eyes.

"Right now, the thoughts of the witches are swirling here because I broke the barrier and escaped. People without resistance can't endure it, so if you call it a curse, it's a curse."

I see. The reason the mage who was descending the stairs with them collapsed and the reason Renetta was brought here must be because of this.

"So, we have to let everyone out."

"Yes. Let's all go out."

"Go out?"

"Go out."

Let's go out, Renetta turned around. She looked at the books lined up on the wall and gently stroked the spines.

"...Sophie, can you help me?"

"Me?"

When Sophie reached out her hand again, Renetta nodded and took it. "Please cast a recovery spell on the books," Renetta said when Sophie tilted her head.

"Huh?"

"I want you to cast a recovery spell on the books. There are many witches' thoughts swirling here, so please share your warm magic."

"Uh, okay..."

Sophie's recovery spell, that's it. That's it. It's the embodiment of spring, dancing in love.

"...Is it okay...?"

"? Yes. Is it not okay...?"

"Not okay?!"

It's not okay. It's not at all okay. It's not okay, but! Sophie hadn't reconciled with her recovery spell yet. She hesitated to use it, but could anyone refuse here? If they could, they wouldn't be human. So, forget about embarrassment.

"I'll do my best!"

"Yes, please."

When Sophie nodded, Renetta also nodded.

Then, lowering her eyes, Renetta's black hair and eyes began to glow red. Sophie exhaled and closed her eyes.

While being aware of the flow of Renetta's magic, she observed the magical power of the bookshelf in front of her.

The heavy atmosphere was surprisingly calm.

Rather, the magical power seemed to be watching, trembling with unease. It was like it was lost.

Ah, that's right. They wanted to go outside. They had always wanted to go outside. Of course, they had. They had only been held back by their sense of responsibility and resolve. But, it's okay.

"...It's okay. I'll become the last witch."

See? Renetta is the best witch.

"Let's go."

As if in response to Renetta's voice, the ground shook with a thud.

A loud noise, a shock, and an explosive magical power.

The wind howled, but the wind that ruffled her hair and caressed her cheeks was very soft and warm.

A gentle, mysterious atmosphere ruffled Sophie's hair.

Sophie opened her eyes gently and widened them in surprise.

What a change. The air is so fresh now. It's nice. The view is so clear!

The oppressive walls, furniture, and bookshelves were gone.

The sky stretched endlessly, making her chest feel light.

Many papers fluttered in the air like confetti!

"Beautiful, Renetta."

"...Yes."

"Yes," Renetta held up the remaining book in her hand.

Then, a light blue light enveloped the book. The pages fell off and danced in the air.

Where are they going?

I hope they can go anywhere, anywhere.

Sophie watched the pages, filled with many words, fade away as if they were transparent.

When she realized it, Sophie and Renetta were standing in a strangely shaped hole, as if a part of the ground had caved in.

It was a staircase leading underground, but the ceiling was high.

Was there no room above? Sophie looked up. Wow, the sky is beautiful. The weather is nice. It's warm. Well, it's fine. Is it fine? It's fine.

Sophie couldn't help but laugh, and her chest felt like it was burning.

"!"

'Master, they're coming.'

"Huh?"

Before she could ask what, a large, white magic circle appeared, and a thunderous sound echoed.

A crackling, bluish-white light, this was lightning.

If it hit, it would surely be fatal.

"Ha,"

Her heart was pounding. When she exhaled, Renetta said, "Thank you."

"It's Azwel's defensive spell. I was saved because it merged with you to make it invisible."

"Ah, I see..."

Sophie, a beginner in magic, couldn't grasp the situation at all. She didn't understand what was happening, but a reliable witch and a god explained the situation.

'The barrier that remained in the room, though small, was blown away, and they are furious.'

The king, with his golden hair flowing in the wind, was indeed looking at them with a terrifying face.

The magic that burned her skin made Sophie's legs tremble.

"...Your Majesty, what is going on?"

Sophie squeezed out the words.

The king growled, "That's my line," and glared at Sophie. A small bolt of lightning crackled.

"Do you understand what it means for this place to disappear! Are you trying to kill the country again, you witches?!"

Witches? Wow. Sophie was also called a witch. What is the definition of a witch? What is the difference between a witch and a mage? The way he said it, the mages in this country must look down on "witches."

Well, whatever, Sophie smiled and put strength into her trembling legs.

"The country won't die. Renetta will become a witch who saves the country."

"...Sophie..."

The king's eyes widened, then he frowned and smiled, raising the corners of his mouth.

It was a laugh that deeply mocked people. It seemed to look down on everyone in sight.

"Save? What? Impossible! How many kings, mages, and witches have been killed by the witches' curse! They must not be let go. Do you have no sense of being a royal? If you act on your own, the country will die! You are to live and die here for the country!!"

Sophie could feel Renetta's body stiffen through their connected hands.

They had bound the princesses with black hair and eyes for generations. They had made a single girl, a single girl, into a villain.

"Renetta!"

Sophie's hand, trembling with anger, separated from Renetta's.

As if held by an invisible hand, Renetta's body was lifted.

"Ha, ha,"

Renetta's fingers, struggling painfully, scratched at something invisible. As expected of Renetta's father, he could use magic without incantation. What a bastard.

"Azwel!"

"It's useless. I noticed you were keeping something just now. Don't think you can play tricks in front of me."

Ha, his smiling face was more ridiculous. A ridiculous fair. Everyone, this is the most ridiculous man in the world. The Best Ridiculous Baron. Oh, he's the king. The Best Ridiculous King. Everyone, pay attention. After hanging his blood-related daughter, he can still laugh. Is this a king? It's completely unacceptable.

She was so frustrated that she couldn't even cry.

"Azwel"

'...It's no good. A barrier has been placed to prevent me from leaving your body. To create a barrier like my protective spell is audacious...!'

What was frustrating was that she couldn't help Renetta, who was suffering.

Recovery spells and defensive spells. What could Sophie, who could only do those, do? She didn't understand what Azwel was saying, and she didn't know what to do. What should she do?

"Let Renetta go!"

'Master!'

It was a foolish, stupid, and reckless plan. She knew it. She knew it, but Sophie couldn't help running. She thought she was being foolish, but she tried to jump at the king, and her body froze.

"Ha, you're all useless trash."

Her feet floated in the air. She didn't have the luxury to think about heights. Sophie's body was lifted as if being wrung out. It was painful and suffocating, and she couldn't do anything. It was frustrating. It was frustrating. It was frustrating.

It was frustrating.

She had told the witches it was okay, but Sophie didn't really know the world yet. She had just been taught about delicious things, fun things, frustrating things, and things she loved. She was a girl who couldn't do anything.

"...That's right."

Yes, that's right.

She had been taught everything. She wasn't alone. It was okay to want and to say it.

Sophie had been taught that.

And she knew how to use her voice. She had trained for years. This was her important weapon. After all, this was the beginning of everything. Take a breath! Come on! Shout! Come on!

"Help, Livio!"