I and the Witch of Time Who Seeks the Past

Chapter 1 — Return to the Past (5)

She was in such pain.

Just that glimpse of her was enough to bury me in cold.

The longer I looked, the more I felt that something lay beneath that bone-deep sorrow.

She was yearning for something — and the person she saw in my eyes did not seem to be me.

"Lijedahl, the person you're seeing isn't me.”

The sentence rose in my mind, and I spoke it without hesitation.

"Ah..."

At last, the abyss released me, and I could finally breathe.

A moment ago, I'd felt as if even my breath had been choked off.

Lijedahl turned away; I saw her hands trembling uncontrollably.

"I’m sorry..."

She dropped those words and immediately fled from my side, running toward the steps before the manor's main door.

All of this... happened inexplicably.

"Mr. Will, are you alright?"

Anna and the others had gotten out of the car and saw the look of panic on my face.

"Ah, nothing. I just nearly slipped earlier."

"Oh..."

She glanced puzzled toward the steps. Mr. William also looked at me but said nothing; he helped Jona from the car and closed the door.

I acted as if nothing had happened.

But...

...what was that?

Those eyes filled me with dread. They... they felt like a threat to me.

It must have been Lijedahl's sorrow manifesting. She had said her eye color changes were connected to her magic; perhaps she'd unintentionally triggered some spell.

All of this, however, was only conjecture. And who was the person she said I resembled? Who could cause her such anguish?

I had no way to understand. I didn't dare approach her again.

She... truly — I understood nothing about her.

She is a complete mystery to me.

It would be best to wait a while before asking her about it.

Opening the doors, I was greeted by the classic grandeur of a European-style mansion: a sweeping staircase draped in a red carpet, flanked by ornate railings, linking the upper and lower floors.

Although I'd often seen such sights in films, standing before it in reality was truly overwhelming.

The first floor was vast — I couldn't take it all in at once. To the left seemed to be the main hall, while the right looked like a reception room.

Above, at the center of the staircase landing, hung a painting. The figure in the portrait matched my impression of a mage: tall, with a pointed hat and a flowing cloak. He faced the sky, as if commanding it. Clouds swirled chaotically overhead, and the rain was rendered with such precision that each droplet seemed alive. What was most remarkable, though, was that the raindrops pointed skyward—a wondrous image of reversed rainfall.

Unfortunately, I had little time to admire it further before a young voice behind me broke the silence.

"Whew! Finally home!"

It was Jona. Her tone was lively and full of energy.

"Jona... sigh."

Anna looked at her and sighed softly.

"Hahaha, Miss Anna, don't mind her. That's just how the young lady is."

"Sigh... I know, Uncle William, but when will she ever—ah, forget it."

"Hahaha, she will, Miss Anna, she will."

Mr. William remained as gentle as ever. At least to me, his warmth toward the two girls seemed genuine.

From my initial judgment, as long as I posed no threat to the young ladies, there would be no conflict between Mr. William and me. And why would I want conflict? Who would wish harm upon children who had nothing to do with one's own interests?

With that thought, I removed my hat and followed behind them.

Lijedahl walked at the front, silent, her back to us.

"Hey... Anna?"

Jona whispered to Anna.

"I see it too. What's wrong with Miss Lijedahl?"

Their hushed exchange made it clear that even they found her behavior unusual.

It was best not to let them worry too much.

"Shh, Miss Lijedahl is probably deep in thought about some magical problem. She's often like this."

I spun a quick, clever lie, and they seemed to believe it.

"Oh... that explains it!"

Jona muttered.

I noticed Lijedahl's head turn slightly to the left before returning forward.

... So she heard me.

"Ahem. Miss Lijedahl, allow me to guide you. Salia, take the ladies and the gentleman to the lounge!"

William instructed.

"Yes, Mr. William," replied a maid, emerging from a side door on the first floor. She was ready to lead us away.

But just as I was about to follow, a voice cut through the air.

"No. Will has to come with me to see their teacher."

It was Lijedahl.

"Ah... but he doesn't use magic!"

William said, a little uncertain.

"He's my assistant. It's his duty to accompany me."

Her tone was unusually firm, insisting that I go with her.

"Very well..."

Mr. William turned to me.

"Mr. Will, will you go?"

"I'll follow her lead."

"Alright. I'll make the arrangements. For now, please rest a while in the reception room."

Mr. William led us up to the second floor. He guided us into the reception room, where we settled onto the sofas to await word about this "teacher."

He left, closing the door softly behind him.

After that, silence.

... Lijedahl stood by the window, gazing outside. I couldn't find the words to speak.

The atmosphere was heavy, subdued.

"... Sorry."

Her voice was quiet, but I could feel what she was trying to hide — emotions masked by the softness of her tone.

"Ah... no need. I don't blame you."

I thought to myself that I bore her no resentment for her earlier loss of control.

"... Thank you. I... sometimes I can't control these feelings. I'm so... sorry. I nearly hurt you."

"It's fine. Everyone has moments when emotions get the better of them. You don't need to apologize — I understand."

"... You're really kind."

"It's nothing."

After that, we said no more. She kept her gaze fixed on the window, while I readied myself inwardly to face this mysterious "teacher."