Witches from Afar Hail the Calione Don
"Witches from a distant land, who flew in on broomsticks, greet the master of the Calione family who rules the underworld!"
The witches, who had soared in from the rising red moon on their broomsticks, landed gracefully before us and bowed politely, doffing their tall conical hats.
"You always have it rough."
Father responded to their greeting as if it were routine, tipping his own bowler hat with a slight nod.
The witches giggled delightedly at the sight.
"As expected of the head of the Calione family—always such a gentleman!"
"If only others were even a fraction like the Don!"
"Ah~ What a shame. After escorting the Calione gentlemen, we'll just face scorn and discrimination from the rest."
"Dirty whores who sold their bodies and souls to the devil!"
"But we're fine with that! It's the truth, after all? Kakakakaka—"
It was like watching a musical. Their theatrical gestures and movements were captivating enough on their own.
After all, the witches of CS were renowned for their stunning beauty.
"My god. There's one more person than on the invitation list?!"
"What's going on here? Don Calione. And Sir Parnello."
"Oh? You're right! There's an extra one!"
The witches began swarming around me with exaggerated flair.
"Who might this handsome gentleman be?"
"Hmm... Just looking at his features, he resembles Don Calione so much. Could he be Calione Junior?"
"Calione Junior! What an honor to meet you! Nice to meet you, Calione Junior!"
"Ever thought about taking a witch as a servant? For you, I could offer my soul right after the devil!"
As they pressed closer, giggling wildly, Father approached and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I vouch for my son, Eugene Han Calione. Any responsibility that arises, I'll take it on. That should suffice as explanation to the others, no?"
At Father's intervention, the witches floated back like balloons caught in the wind, nodding eagerly.
"Of course! Who else's guarantee?"
"If Don Calione says so, even the others will accept it!"
"Who would dare oppose if you say it's fine?"
Watching them settle with just Father's word reaffirmed the power of the Calione name.
Even in the game, these were top-tier crazy NPCs—utterly unreasonable and the last ones you'd want to deal with. And here Father convinced them effortlessly.
Back when I was a magical girl with them, they were friendly enough but always pulling pranks at every opportunity...
The problem was, their "pranks" were anything but normal. Like suddenly siccing a familiar on you to bite your head, or strong-arming you with some demonic "entropy" gadget.
Seeing those scoundrels like this? Thrilling.
This world really was one where power, authority, and connections let you do anything.
"Alright, gentlemen! Gather round!"
"The witches' festival is about to begin!"
"Please come inside and anticipate the celebration ahead!"
"Sisters! Everyone, gather! Let's show the gentlemen our dance!"
The witches formed a large circle around Father, Parnello, and me, joining hands and spinning around us.
"Have a pleasant time!"
"Don't forget us!"
"We'll spread the word that the young master Calione is a total hunk!"
"If he's hot, he's oppa!"
I caught a grating remark in the middle, but... objecting here would derail things weirdly. With Father and Parnello staying silent, me snapping alone would just be pathetic.
The witches' whirl accelerated, multicolored mana draping around us like a thin rainbow veil until it enveloped our bodies completely.
This was the intercontinental warp I'd only seen in the game.
As the mana from the witches formed a dome, blotting out all sight—
────Pang!
A crushing gravity pressed down from above, twisting my guts.
"Ngh!"
Clenching my fists and gritting my teeth to endure, I felt a massive hand on my shoulder.
"Keep your back and head straight as a board. Easier to weather that way."
Even as speaking was a struggle for me, Father casually offered advice like it was nothing.
I was used to teleport backlash, yet reeling like this—what the hell, how was he shrugging off this force?
But I couldn't show weakness in front of them both. Vomiting on the dance floor upon arrival? Unthinkable.
Straightening my back, legs, and neck, I stared ahead. The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth, but I ignored it.
A man dies before his pride crumbles.
Then—
Ziiiiing────
The deafening noise faded, the light dimming.
Parnello's voice came through.
"Arrival soon."
Yeah. Entry at last.
To the gathering of the underworld's top figures worldwide.
Kwaaaang────!
With an explosive roar, the light vanished. The Calione garden around us was gone, replaced by towering trees, manicured lawns, and dazzling lights.
"Welcome to Denhag, Don Calione, Sir Parnello. And... the young gentleman there must be Calione Junior."
An elderly man with a monocle bowed courteously in greeting.
He glanced over us and spoke.
"The others await. Allow me to guide you."
We followed as he turned.
The scenery was fantastical—like a European city park, but with magical lights filling the extinguished lamps. Flickering like will-o'-the-wisps or sky lanterns.
A true otherworldly sight.
Looking closely, each light bore inscription runes—space-isolating spells, no doubt. Engraving them all? Security on another level, cost aside.
"Boss Forest of Denhag. European woods do have a different charm from Korea's."
Parnello nodded, scanning around after instantly grasping our location.
Boss Forest? Different meaning, sure, but why name a forest "Boss"? Fits Calione, though.
"We're here."
Father noted the brightly lit area ahead.
Ornate lights and decorations screamed "banquet hall." Bustling servants, tables laden with cuisine.
"A real party."
The scene matched my game memories perfectly, stirring something deep—nostalgia? Joy? No, fulfillment, achievement, overwhelming elation.
Kyarrur──── Kyarrur──── ──♬ ───♪
Fairies glowed over garden tables, an orchestra played upbeat tunes on stage, witches zipped overhead on brooms maintaining lights and barriers. In the venue, eccentrics and sharply dressed figures mingled.
This was Walpurgis Night.
"Enjoy yourselves."
Our guide bowed at the entrance and vanished into the woods.
A barrier?》
Peering inside before full entry: folks devouring food, chatting.
"Looks like we're the last."
A fair crowd already. Knowing Walpurgis Night's exclusivity, but Parnello replied matter-of-factly.
"The Don waiting for others? Absurd."
"...True enough."
We weren't the waiting type.
"Let's go."
Following Father and Parnello into the venue, the lively chatter hushed.
Not surprise or caution—just courtesy.
"Don Calione."
"Don Calione."
"Don Calione."
"Don Calione."
They doffed hats to their chests, bowing slightly as we passed.
Father met each gaze briefly, striding on impassively.
His destination wasn't far: a raised seat, a man rising slowly to descend and bow.
"Don Calione."
"Dr. Faust."
I swallowed hard as he clasped Father's offered hand.
This man led Walpurgis Night—the only one to best a devil, Europe's supreme intellect.
────Dr. Faust.
Finishing the handshake, Faust glanced back with jade eyes at me.
"I recall sending invitations to Don Calione and Sir Parnello... but the young man behind? No memory of inviting him. Might I ask who he is?"
His gaze pierced like a blade. I wanted to dodge, but knew to stand firm—flashing a relaxed smile instead.
The question was to Father, after all.
"My son."
"Oh."
"Any issue?"
He waved it off with a smile, as if absurd.
"Of course not. Calione Junior, the crown prince himself. I'm grateful he graces us."
Clack-clack-clack-clack—
Passing Father casually, he offered his hand with a smile.
"Faust. Dr. Faust. I've heard much of the Calione crown prince."
To proffer a handshake first, before this crowd? Respect for Father—and Calione.
I returned a bright smile, as always.
"Eugene Han Calione. I've heard plenty about you too, Dr. Faust."
"Ho? Stories about me?"
His face lit up, surprised.
"Might I hear what?"
"Sure, if you're okay with it."
Dr. Faust.
"You've joined hands with the Villain Union."
Time to start with a killer hello?》