Hestinia Wiswitch (2)
Even her light greeting carried an unmistakable air of elegance, one that seemed to stem from Hestinia's complete lack of concern despite the Demon Lord's earlier threats. If anything, she looked as though she might welcome an attack, radiating the kind of confidence that suggested nothing in the world could ever intimidate her. Those without fear moved through life with natural composure, and the grace she wore was simply the outward result of that inner pride.
“It seems everyone here is already acquainted, so my introduction is rather late. I should have greeted the charming orc lady properly from the start. My apologies.”
“Please, think nothing of it. If you have not met in a thousand years, then of course your reunion takes precedence. I am NellaNella, Captain of the Engineering Corps at Stony Fortress. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Hestinia.”
“Oh my, how delightfully sweet you are. Hehe, you may simply call me Hest if you like, Captain NellaNella.”
Hestinia cast another lingering glance at Nella, drawing her arms forward and crossing them so that her massive breasts were pressed together and gently swayed. The gesture was unmistakably deliberate, its sensuality so overt that it bordered on vulgar. Nella, who had been trying to respond with composure, felt her eyes waver violently under the weight of that gaze.
Though both women expressed interest in her, something fundamental separated Neromeltia from Hestinia. Nella had felt genuine warmth when Neromeltia’s arm encircled her waist, yet Hestinia’s advances only stirred discomfort and rejection.
Neromeltia stepped in front of Hestinia once more, her tone sharp. “Stop wasting time with pointless antics. We have much to discuss, so show us the way.”
Hestinia’s eyes widened with evident amusement at the Demon Lord’s forceful reaction, then curved into a thick, satisfied smile. Neromeltia’s hostility did not bother her in the slightest; if anything, the entire situation appeared to please her greatly.
“Very well. My humble abode is nearby. Allow me to guide you there so we may speak at our leisure.”
Hestinia’s residence stood only a short distance away. In a clearing within Taego Forest, a modest cabin rose amid scattered belongings. Though cluttered with odds and ends, not a speck of dust marred its surfaces, and a cozy warmth filled the space. Flasks of colorful reagents lined the table, but with a single flick of Hestinia’s finger a rift in space opened and swallowed them all.
A teapot was set atop the lamp once used for heating flasks, and several fruits were brought out from the kitchen.
“Waaah! These grapes are delicious!”
“Hehehe, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself, Secretary. High sugar content, a bright fragrance, and generous flesh and juice thanks to their size. I took some care to ensure the seeds would not develop, preserving the texture as well.”
“The fresh scent of fruit mingles beautifully with a honeyed sweetness. The flavor is remarkably refined, and though the sweetness is intense, the abundant juice leaves the mouth feeling refreshed rather than cloying.”
“My, Captain NellaNella, you are quite the connoisseur as well! How wonderful. I do so adore those with refined palates who can appreciate true beauty.”
A warm, cheerful atmosphere soon filled the cabin. Lusteria, who had hidden behind Neromeltia with visible wariness, and Nella, who had frozen under Hestinia’s overt advances, both found themselves smiling again. Once conversation began, Hestinia treated them with gentle warmth, and the two women who had once avoided her now chatted pleasantly, their earlier reservations forgotten.
Neromeltia, too, was pleased by their friendly harmony. She sipped her fragrant tea with a contented smile, letting their laughter wash over her like music.
“By the way, will Lady Beatrice not be joining us?”
A sudden silence fell over the room. Everyone present knew Beatrice’s condition to varying degrees, so Hestinia’s question hung unanswered in the air. After a brief pause, Hestinia smiled enigmatically and approached Beatrice, who sat on the cabin stairs with her head resting against the railing, groaning softly.
When Hestinia drew near with evident curiosity, Beatrice fixed her with a feral glare, the look of a wounded beast warning off an intruder. Even in her precarious state, her blue eyes flashed with lethal intent. The message was unmistakable: touch me and suffer the consequences.
Hestinia stopped just short of reaching her, maintaining a small distance while meeting her gaze. She touched her own lips, her expression openly intrigued and utterly unashamed. Then she knocked upon empty air.
With a sharp chime, space fractured where her knuckles struck, opening a dimensional rift. Hestinia reached inside. At the same moment Beatrice flinched violently, spun around, and drove her elbow backward with tremendous force.
Crack!!!
Thududududud…
Beatrice’s strike was so swift and powerful that it momentarily erased any memory of her weakened condition. The air itself split with a heavy roar as her elbow shattered the railing and wall she had been leaning against. Even though she struck only empty space, the attack’s destructive power was undeniable.
Hestinia examined her hand after withdrawing it from the rift, then regarded Beatrice with the mild exasperation of an adult scolding a child.
“Oh dear, you nearly lost your hand. That would have been such a waste.”
“…Do not… touch me……”
Beatrice’s violent reaction was explained by the rift that had opened behind her. Hestinia had reached through to caress the back of her neck. Nella, who had witnessed everything, could only marvel at both Beatrice’s combat prowess and Hestinia’s magical authority. Even Nella, widely regarded as the finest swordsman among the orcs, had been unable to follow Beatrice’s movement. Yet Hestinia had torn open dimensional space as casually as plucking fruit.
“By the way, Demon Lord, it seems you have been up to something rather interesting.”
“……”
“I see. With matters pushed this far, even that formidable killing machine cannot resist, can she?”
Hestinia nodded as she closed the rift. Neromeltia simply continued sipping her tea, pointedly ignoring the witch’s knowing tone. Hestinia tilted her head this way and that, lost in thought.
“…Um… Lady Hestinia…?”
“Yes! First, we should settle the matter between those two!”
Lusteria approached nervously, sensing danger in Hestinia’s prolonged silence, but the witch paid her no heed. With two light gestures she pointed at Neromeltia and Beatrice in turn.
Chime! Chime! Vwooooom!
Dimensional rifts opened beneath both women and swallowed them whole, like serpents devouring prey. The moment they vanished, the rifts disappeared as though they had never existed, leaving only three people inside the cabin.
An uneasy stillness pressed down upon the room. Even the dust motes dancing in the sunlight seemed frozen in place.
“Phew. Perfect.”
“W-what do you mean perfect?! You just swallowed Master and Lady Beatrice!”
“Oh……”
Hestinia turned back with a radiant, self-satisfied smile, brushing away nonexistent sweat. Lusteria, her reason returning after a moment of stunned paralysis, erupted in frantic protest. Nella could only manage a faint, awestruck murmur.
“Now then, ladies? Shall we continue enjoying our tea in peace? Ah, I truly am a genius.”
“Please do not smile so innocently as if you have solved something! Where did you send Master?!”
“Oh……”
Hestinia sipped her tea with the refined elegance of a noblewoman while Lusteria squawked beside her like an agitated chick. Nella remained speechless, emitting only the occasional soft exclamation. The situation had descended into complete chaos.