The Witch's Opportunity
The fact that desire knows no bounds was already a well-known truth, and among all races, it was especially well-established that the desires of humans were stronger than those of any other species in existence. This powerful human ambition became the driving force that allowed them to keep pace with—and even surpass—other races, despite lacking the superior magic and longevity of elves or the physical strength and superior physiques of beastkin. As a result, the organizations founded by humans grew into the most powerful forces on the continent, giving rise to the two great powers currently counted among the continent's strongest nations: the Falcon Empire and the Angrimer Magic Kingdom.
However, the same human desire that had helped forge these mighty nations was now acting as an obstacle to harmony between the two powers. The Falcon Empire prioritized the development of martial arts and technology, while the Angrimer Magic Kingdom emphasized the study of magic and magical theory. Though they shared a sense of kinship as fellow human nations, they also harbored innate differences that bred discomfort and a spirit of rivalry. Consequently, despite being of the same race, the two countries had never merged into a single force and instead maintained their own spheres of influence. At its root, this phenomenon stemmed from the overwhelming strength of human desire.
From the Falcon Empire's perspective, with its relatively vast territory and population, it seemed only natural that the Magic Kingdom should bow its head and submit. Conversely, the Magic Kingdom, despite the difference in scale, took pride in the formidable power of magic and believed it was in no way inferior to the Empire. For this reason, the Empire and the Magic Kingdom—neighbors and fellow humans—had always maintained an awkward relationship throughout history. While their shared kinship had so far prevented outright war, it was clear that relations between the two nations were far from amicable.
Against this backdrop, the fierce war between the Falcon Empire and the Elf Theocracy was being viewed by the Magic Kingdom as a highly favorable development. From their standpoint, their rival was creating enemies on its own and gradually eroding its national strength without the Magic Kingdom having to lift a finger. Of course, if the war ended swiftly, the Empire's power would only grow stronger. Yet the Magic Kingdom already knew one crucial fact: despite its early momentum, the Elf Theocracy was not a nation the Falcon Empire could easily devour. With its terrain of forests, trees, mountains, and rocks that overwhelmingly favored the defender, the Empire's reckless invasion was bound to exact a painful price.
Even so, the Magic Kingdom had no intention of simply sitting back and watching. Though each side had its strengths and weaknesses, the Empire's overall might was formidable enough that it would likely seize the advantage in the end. For the Magic Kingdom, which hoped to prolong the war and weaken the Empire, there was ample room for timely intervention.
*
“Are you saying… we should disguise ourselves as demons and launch a surprise attack on the Empire?”
“That is correct, Shude. It is both the will of His Majesty the Magic King and the will of the Magic Kingdom.”
“Hmm…”
The superior totem relayed the monarch's command, yet even as he spoke, a deep shadow of concern clouded his face.
“To be honest, I would have preferred to assign someone else to this mission rather than you. After all, the Falcon Empire is the homeland of your former comrades. But His Majesty believes this is the only way for you to atone for the failure of the Hero Party.”
Shude had maintained close ties with those from the Falcon Empire who had once been part of the Hero Party. The superior believed that ordering her to secretly strike the Empire would place a considerable burden on her, even if it was framed as an opportunity to redeem her past failure.
Yet…
“How fortunate. I never imagined His Majesty would grant me the chance to wash away my disgrace so quickly.”
“What?”
In the next moment, a radiant smile of genuine joy spread across Shude's face. It was no forced or feigned expression, but one that came from the depths of her heart. The superior's face filled with bewilderment.
“A-Are you truly all right with this? This is essentially an order to attack your former comrades.”
“Yes, and that is precisely why I am so delighted. I believe this may finally give me the chance to seize what I have always desired.”
“What you… desired?”
The superior could not comprehend Shude's words. Nevertheless, he felt a measure of relief knowing that she was genuinely willing to carry out the Magic King's irrefutable command.
‘Well… as long as she is content, then all is well.’
With that thought, the superior's mind eased slightly. Meanwhile, Shude began to feel genuine, overwhelming joy at this unexpected opportunity that had come her way.
‘This is perfect… I had no excuse to visit the Falcon Empire until now. Who would have thought an opportunity like this would present itself!’
After the incident involving Elan had concluded, Shude had been forced to return to the Magic Kingdom to handle the aftermath. Contrary to her plan to finish her duties quickly and return to the man she loved, Torare, the subsequent war between the Demon Kingdom and the Elf Theocracy had kept her rooted in the Magic Kingdom. As one of the Magic Kingdom's high-ranking witches, visiting a nation at war was no simple matter. For the past several months, she had been unable to see Torare's face at all, and the mounting frustration and longing had become nearly unbearable.
‘It has already been four months since I last saw Lord Torare… I was reaching my limit anyway. This is truly fortuitous.’
Though she had tried to satisfy her burning desires by meeting various men under the pretext of replenishing her magic, none had been able to satisfy her. Due to the Magic Kingdom's cultural aversion to casual relations, there were those skilled in such matters, yet none could match Torare's extraordinary technique. As Shude's longing for Torare grew with each passing day, the opportunity she had been waiting for finally arrived.
‘Aileen… I cannot let that whore continue to monopolize Lord Torare. This is perfect. I will make that woman taste defeat and claim Lord Torare for myself…’
She was the type of woman who always obtained what she wanted. Now, at last, the thought that she could finally sweep away all the other nuisances and become the sole true owner of that man filled her with profound joy. As she envisioned the blissful future ahead, a smile brimming with desire formed on Shude's lips.
‘Just wait a little longer, Lord Torare. I will make you mine and mine alone!’
*
High Priestess Aileen was spending her days in utter contentment. The failure of the Hero Party had diminished her standing compared to before, and she had ultimately failed to obtain the immense wealth and glory she had longed for since leaving her homeland. Even so, Aileen felt deeply satisfied with her current life. The porter Torare, with whom she had been involved since the days of the Hero Party, was now hers alone. This fact brought her both joy and a profound sense of superiority.
‘In the end, I am the final victor. Not that filthy beast Terra, nor that Amelda whose whereabouts are unknown, nor Shude who was forcibly sent back to the Magic Kingdom. It is I, Aileen, who stands victorious!’
Compared to the Hero, who possessed great power and had clearly harbored affection for her, Torare's social standing was far inferior. Nevertheless, she had chosen Torare—the handsome, considerate man with unparalleled technique—over the Hero, and she felt not a shred of regret.
‘Living with Lord Torare is a thousand times better than being with an unappealing man like the Hero. Especially now that all the other nuisances have been swept away.’
Once again affirming that she had made the right choice, Aileen headed to the temple for work, seeing Torare off as usual. Shortly after she left the house, Torare confirmed her departure and slowly opened the back door. There, he saw a woman waiting. Though dressed plainly, her face was quite beautiful. Torare greeted her with a deep smile.
“You came? Come on in. Our saintess has gone to work. Let's have some fun today as well.”