Chapter 47
Even after that, Alnazir still wanted to share a bed with Fay. Naturally, Fay objected.
“I’m human—I can’t sleep in a bathtub!”
She held up her fingers, now shriveled from soaking all night, as proof. Alnazir blinked a few times, unable to see what the problem was with a few wrinkles on her hands.
“A-and being in hot water all night made me dizzy the entire next day!”
When sympathy failed, Fay changed tactics. But that, too, didn’t seem like a serious issue to him.
“Then I’ll cool the water.”
He preferred it hot, but if Fay complained that much, he could compromise a little.
“I seem to be growing more generous by the day.”
Alnazir felt rather proud of himself. But Fay still shook her head.
“If it’s cold, I’ll get hypothermia.”
“Fay, this won’t do, that won’t do. What exactly do you want from me?”
“I’m saying I can’t sleep in water at any temperature!”
“Why not?”
“Because I wasn’t born a creature that lives in water!”
She refused firmly, saying she would never sleep in the bathtub again.
Having even his compromise rejected, a deep crease formed between Alnazir’s brows. The way she spoke made it sound as if his kindness were something dreadful, and that irritated him.
She had no idea how rare and special that kindness was. Fine, he’d never be generous to this foolish witch again.
Sulking, Alnazir let go of her arm and waved his hands dismissively. Seizing the moment, Fay darted out of the bathroom.
That, in turn, only twisted his mood further. The very witch he’d forgiven for the first time in his life, because she’d been so endearing. now seemed infuriatingly annoying. Without realizing it, he made the bathwater bubble and boil.
Unaware of his mood, Fay slept soundly.
“Ah, I slept so well.”
The next morning, she stretched by the open window, breathing in the fresh air, color returning to her face.
She looked nothing like Alnazir, who’d spent the night scowling and now stood stiff, his brow still furrowed. As he glared at the back of her head, Fay suddenly turned around.
“I’m going to the castle.”
Thinking she’d noticed his stare, he watched her. But no, she simply asked him to watch the house again.
“Why?”
He asked curtly. He had no desire to indulge the witch anymore.
“You don’t just get a bathtub that big for free.”
She explained she had to help the carpenter who made it.
It was technically for his sake, so he couldn’t complain. But he didn’t like the idea of being left alone again, wandering the house with no one to talk to.
As Fay opened the door with her broom in hand, he stepped up behind her and slammed it shut.
“I’m coming too.”
“…Where?”
Fay asked, tense.
“To that castle you’re heading to.”
“F-for what?”
“I want to see for myself how many witches there really are.”
“And after you check… what are you planning to do?”
Fay turned to him with a serious expression. Anyone could tell she didn’t want him coming along.
“Why are you so interested in witches?”
“I’m just curious whether they’re really everywhere like you say. Other than you, I’m not particularly interested.”
“…Still…”
“Fay, is there any reason I shouldn’t go?”
His expression suggested that answering yes would be dangerous.
Fay’s eyes darted back and forth. She was afraid he might attack the witches. But she was too scared to say that aloud. Instead, she tightly grabbed his hand.
“I don’t mind you coming, but you can’t suddenly disappear. You have to stay where I can see you. Promise?”
“You want me glued to your side?”
Fay silently closed her eyes and nodded. If he stayed with her, maybe she could prevent the worst if something went wrong.
It wouldn’t be easy, but she had to try. As his witch, she bore responsibility for her invoked.
“If you’re that determined, fine. I’ll stay with you.”
Alnazir misunderstood Fay’s resolve just a little.
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