Chapter 106: Emas part 4

Studying the art of witchcraft all on her own? That's insane, but what's even insane is

"Are you sure you can talk about it in the church? In front of a saintess of all people?" [Diana]

"Don't worry. True, the art of a witch tempers a soul, and throughout history, it's known for harm and evil deeds, but that's only on the unrightful hand. In the right hands, it's an indispensable tool. In other words, "God grant us knowledge; it's up to us to use it for good or bad." [Rumia]

I've heard from Master Merlin before that there comes a time when witchcraft is common, and how easy it is to learn. However, people often abuse it and commit terrible crimes, regardless of the consequences to others. "I will force my father to write a will exclusively for me. "I want this person to fall in love with me. "I want this person to kill another person I hate." She said that the Church had fought a war against these witches. In the end, Master Merlin herself intervened to put an end to this nonsense. I shudder at her creepy smile as she tells the story and all the puppets and marionettes she uses. She doesn't say it, but somehow my gut tells me that those witches met an unfortunate end at Master Merlin's hands.

"Such a magnificent barrier! The more I looked at it, the more I wanted to meet this amazing witch!" [Princess Siti]

"True. She is a great witch, but..." [Diana]

I stare into Fie's eyes, and indeed, Master Merlin is watching us right now through her clairvoyant spell. She probably noticed Princess Siti looking at my soul and wanted to see what happened, and since she didn't say anything, I guess it's up to me to decide.

"Why do you want to learn the art of witchcraft from Master Merlin?" [Diana]

"Master Merlin... She has the same name as the legendary witch Merlin! To answer your question, if I had to give a single reason, it would be to further develop this land" [Princess Siti].

"Hmm?" [Diana]

"You see, this land is the land that the Devil King once ruled. The story of the hero who defeated the Devil King is well known and has been passed down from generation to generation in this land. But what I admire about that story is neither the hero nor the other companion. What I admired id the witch who helped the hero of the past! I wanted to know how she used her art to make a hero who appeared out of nowhere famous for it strength. Their companion who, with the witch's help, becomes a pillar equal to the hero! I'm sure the legendary witch Merlin had awaken the hidden talent in them through her art, so if I can learn it, I'll be able to help this land more!" [Princess Siti]

Princess Siti is talking nonstop. She is really shooting off her mouth. If anything, she seems to enjoy talking about her plan after learning witchcraft from Master Merlin. How she wanted to develop a group of scientists to make a better mining tool for the miners. How she wanted to help the wizards of this land make a better spell in case of another invasion from the Empire. How wonderful it would be to make a strong and smart adventure like Miss Saga, Nar and Sas. Her eyes are full of hope and fun as she continues to explain to us all. There's not an ounce of evil intent. None. If anything, she is truly trustworthy.

I stare at Fie's eye again. Master Merlin is still there, watching us.

"So this is your master? Good evening Master Merlin, I'm Princess Siti Emas, an apprentice who studies the art of witchcraft by herself. I can tell you that your mana that protected the soul of the young lady Diana Vars is simply a work of art!" [Princess Siti]

"But Your Highness, this is a cat..."

"Oh, I'm not talking to that black cat. I'm talking to whoever is watching us through the eyes of this cat" [Princess Siti].

"You really are a genius worthy of recognition, unfortunately you must pass my test first" [Merlin].

"The cat talked?" [Siti]

"Anything to get your approval!" [Princess Siti]

That's really surprising. I'm sure Master Merlin will simply refuse the request, and here she is, giving Princess Siti a chance.

"Diana. Something's bothering you, isn't it? Help this student of mine, and if you do, I'll think about it" [Merlin].

"Help my friend who is studying under the same master! Sure!" [Princess Siti]

"Can you promise her that, dear witch?" [Rumia]

"I give you my word, goddess' favorite daughter" [Merlin].

Since Master Merlin herself promise Princess Siti, I'm sure it will be fine. If anything, I'm surprised Master Merlin noticed about my worries ever since my blessing keep telling me that there's something going on in this land.

I explained it to Princess Siti, Saintess Rumia, and the others. I didn't mention a word about the fairy blessing inside me, I just told them that I've had this bad feeling ever since I came to this country. Saintess Rumia looks as if she agrees with me.

"It is as you say. Even I have the same bad feeling. It's not that the citizens here are evil, no, far from it. They're like afflicted by something evil" [Rumia].

"Even you feel the same, dear Saintess!"

"Your word carries an enormous weight, dear Saintess Rumia. Maybe there's something going on and probably it's causing a problem inside the dungeon. I'll get permission for your two brothers to accompany you as well, so we can get to the bottom of this as soon as possible" [Princess Siti].

"Can't you just give us permission?" [Diana]

"It's not as simple as you think. Sure, they will let the two heroes of Amleth enter the dungeon by my order, but what about the feelings of other adventurers as well as our own knights? They will think that the royal family doesn't trust their own people enough to hire outside help " [Princess Siti].

"Such a complicated matter" [Diana].

"For better or worse, it is complicated. However, mark my word, I'll certainly let you and your two brothers in and investigate the dungeon" [Princess Siti]