Chapter 38
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Chapter 38: Meeting in the Abode
Fina had escaped from the Witch’s abode, and Alice naturally knew the route well. Though their one-on-one duel remained unresolved, the girls stopped guarding against each other once reaching an agreement, simply rushing forward at full speed.
Soon, the outline of the Witch’s abode emerged before them.
Alice had braced for the worst, believing the White Crow Array had been breached. Yet upon returning, the Mist Sorceress Alice discovered the magic array not only intact but functioning perfectly.
Midi hadn’t destroyed it—he’d simply found a way through.
*What’s that guy plotting?*
Alice frowned, but then the savory scent of beef and potatoes hit her.
The Mist Sorceress froze, her mind blanking momentarily.
She suddenly remembered—she hadn’t eaten since last night.
No midnight snack. No dessert. Not even water. She’d fought all night on an empty stomach, missing breakfast too!
Previously consumed by battle, the black-haired girl hadn’t noticed her hunger. Now, the aroma of food awakened her ravenous appetite.
Alice swallowed discreetly before darting into the abode and straight to the kitchen.
The black-haired boy stood by a simmering pot of beef stew, wearing an apron. Sigmund baked bread in the oven while Lilian peeled fruits. Steam clouded the kitchen warmly, while Lightsabers, hand cannons, and knuckle dusters lay discarded in a far hall corner.
It looked like an ordinary, tension-free day.
*How’d they bypass the White Crow Array?*
*How’d they find my hidden fruits and bread?*
*Where’d they get fresh beef? The Elves never provided any!*
*What’s this absurd charade? Does Midi think this’ll sway me?*
*Ridiculous!*
Countless theories spun through Alice’s mind in seconds, yet no answers came. She stood motionless, staring blankly.
Fina brushed past the frozen Alice, clapping her hands at the kitchen’s center. “Midi, let’s eat! I’m starving!”
“Almost ready,” Midi replied, smiling at Alice.
His demeanor mimicked a host welcoming guests to his own abode. Anger flared in Alice’s eyes—fueled by hunger and the maddening food scent—but before she could protest, her stomach growled loudly.
The sound echoed through the kitchen.
The black-haired girl’s jade-pale neck flushed crimson. The redness spread to her cheeks, ears, and forehead, turning her face into a rosy apple.
Sigmund and Lilian studied the floor.
Fina snorted laughter before pretending to gaze pensively at the wall.
Midi simply smiled wider, gesturing again to the chair.
“We hunted the bison. Your bread and fruits. We cooked. Your kitchen. Fair trade, yes?” He pulled out a seat, anticipating her refusal.
Alice’s stomach growled again.
Alice firmly sat down this time.
If she refused again, wouldn’t that make Mist Sorceress Alice appear so terrified of these intruders that she’d flee without even eating? The girl’s pride wouldn’t permit retreat, especially since every floorboard, window, and corner of this Witch’s abode obeyed her will.
A steaming pot of beef soup soon appeared alongside bread and side dishes. Tender beef simmered in thick broth, golden potatoes soaked in flavor, and ripe tomatoes teased appetites alongside crusty bread. This feast tempted even battle-hardened warriors who’d fought four hours without rest.
Without conversation, red-haired Fina attacked her meal first. Though maintaining noble manners, her eating speed resembled a storm devouring clouds.
Watching her rival, Alice learned two things: the food wasn’t poisoned, and it smelled delicious. Hunger improves any meal’s taste.
Abandoning pretense, Alice lifted her spoon. A small sip. Then another. And another…
The crispy bread proved excellent.
Melt-in-mouth beef? Essential.
Soon Alice mirrored Fina’s elegant ferocity. Midi silently watched the black-haired girl’s rapid bites, hoping his sincerity reached her through the meal.
The forest’s true master and four invaders now shared a table, wolfing down food without conflict. Soon only empty dishes and contented sighs remained.
"Let’s resume our unfinished business." Alice dabbed her lips, glancing at Fina – clearly meaning to continue their duel.
"Wait!" Midi intervened.
The black-haired girl tried to resist but slumped back, slowed by overeating. Her glare intensified despite her immobilized state.
"Can’t you hear me out?" Midi asked ruefully.
"First answer this." Alice’s cold smile sharpened. "You deliberately tipped us both off during the duel, didn’t you? Revealing my stamina limits and advising her?"
"Correct."
By exposing both girls’ weaknesses, Midi had forced cautious fighting that minimized harm. This simple tactic let him hunt and cook calmly, knowing neither would gravely injure the other.
"Clever act," Alice snorted. "Now explain breaking my White Crow Array."
"Robin showed me the lockpoint."
"That idiot crow doesn’t know real defenses!"
"His clue let me deduce the true mechanism."
"Too fast for deduction."
"Because of this." Midi rolled up his left sleeve.
Intricate magical patterns covered the demon hand now bared to Alice’s scrutiny. The seamless fusion of arcane design and flesh, pulsing with soul-bound power, stunned even her experienced eyes. This was new magic – perhaps unique in existence.
Alice’s fingers moved unbidden to touch the arm. Skin contact brought human warmth instead of expected darkness. She jerked back, hiding flustered eyes behind hair.
Midi missed her reaction but noted softened hostility. This practical alliance lacked true connection, making him sigh inwardly. Yet alternatives were scarce.
"My demon god differs from others. Studying it could advance magical knowledge," Midi offered. "In exchange, help defend my territory."
A transaction…?
Alice studied the boy. Why would this strategist – capable of swaying duels and cracking arrays – negotiate so bluntly? No bargaining, just vulnerable honesty.
"Deal."
Academic curiosity motivated her, but more persuasive were the savory soup and those unwavering sincere eyes.
