The Witch's Hut (2)
Despite the various incidents that had occurred, the subsequent conversation with Hestinia proved highly fruitful. First, she knew the exact whereabouts of the dwarves. Though the location appeared nearby on the map, it was still some distance away when traveling. Neromeltia had already considered it the most likely site for the dwarves' settlement, and Hestinia's confirmation solidified her prediction. The mine, long regarded as the largest on the continent of Astaris for over a thousand years, lay hidden within the vast upper reaches of the Decastras Mountain Range—a massive, secret underground world. The dwarves' city, the Mackenzie Mine, sprawled across the immense range like a nation unto itself. Because the mine was their most precious treasure and the very foundation of their lives, the dwarves guarded its location fiercely, concealing its entrances with deep-rooted secrecy. Even among their greatest mines, the Mackenzie Mine stood supreme; without dwarven guidance, not even allied races could find its entrance. No amount of Humian magical technology or draconic power could locate the site they had hidden with every ounce of their craft.
Neromeltia's prediction, built on this reasoning, was confirmed by Hestinia, who had personally surveyed the area. Second, they discussed effective methods for removing the pollution rampant across Terraris. The approaches Hestinia proposed held great promise if their efficacy could be proven, and when combined with Neromeltia's purification plans, they could accelerate progress significantly. Her deep expertise in biology, environmental science, chemistry, and magical engineering expanded their options and advanced the planning considerably. She concluded that creating chimeras to aid in decontamination would be ideal, and Neromeltia instructed her to prioritize that project above all others.
Third, they addressed stable protection for the soon-to-be-rebuilt Demon Lord Castle and its surrounding settlements. By establishing barriers through Hestinia's specialty—dimensional manipulation—they could deceive invaders and avoid battle altogether if an attack occurred. Neromeltia possessed some ability to handle dimensional forces, but she could not manipulate them with Hestinia's freedom. While Neromeltia could overpower Hestinia with raw strength, if Hestinia chose to hide beyond dimensions, even Neromeltia would struggle to find her. The ability to traverse dimensions so freely was beyond even the Twelve Gods; it was an absolute authority in its own right. Neromeltia had only been able to drag Hestinia back from beyond the hut because the witch had fled mere moments earlier. With such mastery over dimensions, Hestinia's mere presence would greatly enhance the safety of Hemonigent's territory.
They also discussed various other plans, including potion production, magical technical support, and the training of researchers across multiple fields—all of which could proceed without additional personnel. Neromeltia expressed deep gratitude to Hestinia for her assistance in so many areas, but Hestinia waved it off, insisting she was only doing what she wanted.
“Still, gratitude is gratitude. Thank you for helping me, both then and now.”
“It really is nothing. Hohoho. If you insist on thanking me… how about a passionate night with the Demon Lord as my reward?”
“Request denied.”
“Eeeeh! You do it with everyone else, but you're so stingy with me!”
Neromeltia could not shake the thought that Hestinia would be perfect if only she watched her words. The witch always said one thing too many, spoke when silence would suffice, and hovered right on the edge of lines that should never be crossed. Startled by her remark, Neromeltia glanced around and felt immense relief that Nella had gone to the kitchen with Beatrice to prepare dinner. Lusteria and Beatrice, already deeply involved with her, would not mind such talk, but she had no desire to expose Nella to it.
“I want one too! It's unfair!”
“Q-Quiet! Someone will hear you!”
“Let them hear if they want! Ah!! I want to bury my face in the Demon Lord's chest too…!!”
Seeing Neromeltia's flustered reaction, Hestinia grew bolder, raising her voice even higher despite the Demon Lord's attempts to stop her. The clever witch had instantly identified Neromeltia's weakness and begun something halfway between teasing and blackmail. What her sharp mind overlooked, however, was that the Demon Lord acted faster than she spoke.
“Hgyaaaaaaaah!!!!!”
“Hm? What was that sound?”
At the strange scream from the living room, Nella, who had been tasting the stew, turned toward the doorway with a puzzled look. Beatrice, still slicing carrots, gently placed a hand on Nella's shoulder to stop her and shook her head, signaling that there was no need to concern herself. Though Nella remained curious about the bizarre noise, she decided to ignore it—after all, if Beatrice said it was fine, it must be. Outside the hut, Lusteria, busy smoking rabbit over a campfire, merely chuckled to herself.
“Hestinia's going to have a hole in her head today. Hehe.”
Nella and Beatrice soon emerged from the kitchen carrying the completed dinner: a stew fragrant with fresh vegetables, warm and savory bread, and sausages glistening with juice. Right on cue, Lusteria entered with the smoked rabbit, its aroma of firewood whetting the appetite. All the ingredients had come from Hestinia's own stores, and the table reflected the meticulous tastes of someone who lived alone yet took meals seriously.
As the delicious dishes were arranged on the living room table, Nella noticed Hestinia's bright red, swollen forehead and immediately understood the source of the earlier scream. Clearly, Hestinia had once again made some cheeky remark and provoked the Demon Lord. Her guess was exactly right.
“Ung? What's wrong?”
“Ah, no. You just looked like you were in pain… I was wondering if you were all right……”
“Aha! How kind of the wonderful Nella! Aung, maybe Hestinia would feel better if Nella blew on it for her?”
“Ugh…!!”
Having worried needlessly and invited Hestinia's overwhelming advances, Nella's discomfort was plain. Instinctively sensing she had made a grave mistake with this unpredictable, explosive witch, she shuddered and took a step back. Hestinia, amused by Nella's innocent reaction, smiled—only to hastily correct her expression as the Demon Lord's killing intent brushed her skin. Instantly transforming into the image of a refined noblewoman, Hestinia lightly touched her forehead.
“Healing. See? Simple, isn't it? I was moved by your noble compassion for others. However, as you can see, this is a trivial matter, so please pay it no mind.”
Hestinia's sudden shift from one extreme to the other left Nella, unaccustomed to such behavior, at a loss. Once again reminded of the witch's unfathomable personality, Nella felt a twinge of worry about the days ahead in her company.
Contrary to Nella's concerns, dinner proceeded peacefully. Though Hestinia repeatedly sucked on a sausage and pulled it in and out of her mouth while murmuring, “Haah, it's so hot,” a single quiet glare from Neromeltia resolved the matter. After the meal, they enjoyed light conversation over wine, and the warm atmosphere lasted well into the night.
Lusteria, who had endlessly praised the sausages, soon grew drowsy from fullness and retired early to the bedroom on the second floor. Nella, insisting that maintaining a proper sleep schedule was essential for physical training, accompanied her. Supporting the sleepy, swaying Lusteria, Nella helped her upstairs. With such a kind and considerate companion, there seemed little reason to worry about Lusteria.
In the living room, the fireplace cast a gentle glow. Neromeltia and Hestinia continued their conversation, sometimes harmonious, sometimes bickering. Beatrice watched them in silence. She knew exactly what Nella had sensed. Hestinia was a woman who trusted no one and kept her true thoughts hidden. Yet she could be kind, cheerful, or even clumsy at times—and Beatrice understood that all of it was merely an act. She considered the witch deeply sinister and calculating. Even so, Hestinia showed genuine trust and affection toward Neromeltia alone. It was a curious thing. Beatrice had lived a long life, all of it at Neromeltia's side, and she knew the truth. Hestinia and Neromeltia had been together long before Beatrice was even created. In every moment Beatrice had witnessed, Hestinia had always held sincere affection for Neromeltia. That this cold-blooded woman could harbor genuine love for only her master was something Beatrice could never fully comprehend.
At the same time, she felt a surge of admiration for her own master, who could draw affection even from such a person. More importantly, Hestinia had shown Beatrice kindness. She could have ignored Beatrice's suffering entirely and avoided the Demon Lord's wrath and the ensuing trouble. Yet she had chosen to help, creating a private space where Beatrice and her master could be alone. Though the method had been somewhat forceful and abrupt, it had allowed Beatrice to share her true feelings and receive a precious blessing. Whatever her reasons, Beatrice was certain there had been no malice in the act. She resolved to observe Hestinia more closely from now on.
“And then the boar started bringing apples every single day. Hohohoho!”
“Hestinia.”
Beatrice's sudden interruption drew both women's attention. Hestinia turned toward her with a bright, uncharacteristically innocent smile. In her usual dry tone, Beatrice spoke a single short phrase.
“Thank you.”
It was only a brief expression of gratitude, yet everyone present understood its meaning. Hestinia answered with that rare, genuine smile. On Beatrice's expressionless doll-like face, a faint, almost imperceptible smile seemed to bloom.