Wendy opened her eyes, and a strange ceiling came into view. The wooden beams were covered with spider webs, the gray brick ceiling, and a circular chandelier that had never been lit. The scene blurred into focus, until every detail became clear.
It wasn't the cold rock ceiling or the cramped tent, she thought. Oh right—she'd been away from the Gongzhu Society for over half a month. Had her mentor guided the sisters to the Holy Mountain safely?
She drew a deep breath. Though not as crisp and cool as the cave air, the room's warm yet heavy atmosphere made her feel equally at ease. Her body was wrapped in a soft velvet silk quilt, with multiple layers of cotton blankets beneath, causing her to sink slightly when lying down. Even when fully stretched out, her toes remained hidden beneath the bedding.
The urge to stay in bed filled her with a tinge of guilt, yet she found a long-lost sense of peace in this place, despite having been here for only half a month.
In the castle, no matter how late it was, no one came to disturb her. Now, Wendy tilted her head to look out the window, where the grayish sky was even blinding. It must have been past the hour of the fox (10 o'clock). In the years of wandering, few nights had been truly peaceful. The slightest noise would wake her from sleep, and before dawn, she had to prepare the day's food. Every time she went out, she feared being discovered by the Church, and no one could guarantee she'd survive the next demon attack.
Even if she were hiding in the remote mountains, she should have long since thrown herself into the daily chores—helping dry food and herbs, blowing out her sisters' snow-drenched clothes, or clearing the campsite, and so on.
Wendy wasn't averse to these activities; seeing everyone's smiles brought her immense joy. Yet she found herself unable to resist this leisurely lifestyle, gradually becoming immersed in it.
No, she couldn't keep slacking off like this. She patted her cheek and mustered the strength to get out of bed. After all, back in the convent, the abbess had often warned that the lazy would never receive God's blessing.
Later, I'll head to the back garden to practice wind control and clear the snow. The thought of Your Royal Highness's whimsical demands always makes Wendy chuckle. His requests are always bizarre—like after watching a visual demonstration, he wanted to blow the wind ten paces above his head. Yet no Witch has ever extended their Magic Power that far. When told it was impossible, he didn't get angry but came up with a quirky idea: stand on a stool to create simultaneous strong winds from above and below. Wendy tried it and found it worked. The test results pleased Your Royal Highness immensely, who not only encouraged him to practice more but also asked if he had acrophobia.
As the Nightingale put it, Your Highness Roland Wimbledon is a man of enigmatic charm, yet he is also a Prince who cherishes the Witch deeply.
Wendy sighed softly at the thought.
The Prince who doesn't despise witches is real. You're mistaken, Mentor.
Wearing her new clothes, Wendy felt a slight tightness in her chest—something she was used to. Just as she was about to find a needle and thread to adjust the garment, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in." Nightingale pushed the door open. Wendy paused briefly before smiling, "Your Highness hasn't woken up yet? You actually have time to come to me." "What are you talking about? I don't have time to follow him around every day," Nightingale said, lifting the basket in her hand. "I've brought you breakfast." Normally, the maid would deliver breakfast to the room. Nightingale only came to chat with her after Your Royal Highness retired, and it was rare to see her otherwise. Wendy smiled to herself. She must have sneaked in to check on her after waking up and running over to deliver the food.
"Tell me, what's wrong?" She took the basket, picked out a cheese sandwich, and popped it into her mouth.
"Um..." Nightingale sat down by the bedside. "Nanava is about to experience... that day." Wendy remained silent. Though this was her first Magic Power backlash—less intense and prolonged than an adult day—she couldn't claim absolute safety. The younger the child, the less tolerant they were of pain. She placed the basket on the bedside table, walked to Nightingale, and patted her shoulder. "Didn't Your Highness say that daily Magic Power release could minimize the torment?" "But that's just speculation." "At least it sounds reasonable," Wendy reassured. "Didn't Anna go through this? Even during the most grueling adult days, she wasn't harmed. You saw it with your own eyes." She paused and asked, "What about Nanava?" "She's in the medical facility now," Nightingale said, her lips curling. "Her father, Baron Payne, bought a herd of hares from Orion and sent them there. They'll practice until tomorrow." "What a lucky father," Wendy sighed. "I've lost all memory of my childhood... It's strange—like a blank slate. No father, no mother. Ever since I knew anything, I've been in the monastery." "Looks like I'm luckier than you." "Well, quite lucky," Wendy leaned closer. "Are you nervous?" "..." Nightingale fell silent for a moment, then nodded softly.
Wendy knew exactly what the other party was anxious about. Today was not only a pivotal day for Nana Wa, but also a critical turning point for the Witch's fate. If Nana Wa could survive this backlash unscathed, it would mean the Witch could finally break free from the clutches of the Devil's henchmen, and Border Town would truly become the 'Holy Mountain' —a place where all Witches would one day gather, living ordinary lives without the need to wander or evade the Church's pursuit.
"Worrying won't help. Let's just take a day off and spend time with Nana Wa." "Take... off?" Nightingale stared at Wendy with wide eyes.
"Come on, who told you to bring this up so early? It's making me nervous too," Wendy shot back. "If you're not in the mood to practice, why don't you visit Nana Wa instead? Didn't the contract say this is called paid leave?"
After dinner, Nana Wa's room was packed with people—Anna, Lightning, Nightingale, Wendy, Tigu, and Roland. Seeing this, the little girl's face was full of confusion. "Uh... will I die?" "Of course not!" Everyone shook their heads in unison.
"It's just the first time, so the backlash won't be too strong," Wendy said, holding Nana Wa's right hand. "Focus your God energy—you can make it through." "If it hurts, pinch Dad's hand," Tigu said, shaking his daughter's left hand. "You've grown so strong at the medical facility. Dad is proud of you." The little girl nodded, her gaze sweeping past the crowd before finally meeting Anna's eyes.
Anna came forward and kissed her forehead. "You survived, didn't you?" "...Yeah."