Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

In the South First District in December, it was the height of summer.

Clad in a gorgeous twisted-pattern skirt, a blonde girl danced amidst a circle of spectators, her wide, snowy-white skirt hem adorned with orange-red roses that transitioned in color, resembling a blossoming flame.

The performance on stage gradually reached its climax, and as the lights converged, in this darkened world, that lone golden radiance spilled forth, and beneath it, the blonde girl finally stopped after successive spins and dances. She slowly lifted her skirt hem and then opened her pale gold eyes, a smile spreading across her face.

Thunderous applause erupted within the auditorium, followed by the gradual illumination of lights, returning brightness to the room once more.

This was Edith Academy, and tonight was the eve of the annual winter festival's evening party, with performances from every grade.

"As expected of Efnie, such an exquisite performance is truly astonishing."

A golden-haired man sat in a VIP viewing room, holding a wine glass in one hand while propping his head with the other, watching the girl on stage slowly step down. Several people were beside him, dressed in a manner that suggested they were senior students of Edith Academy, their collars and chests adorned with badges, signifying their membership in the student council.

"Who's going up next?"

The golden-maned man asked, and a senior student behind him, akin to a secretary or an assistant, responded, "Chairman Amors, next up is sophomore Quentin, who will conduct the symphony orchestra in playing the second movement of Symphony No. 4."

"Boring, the same old routine." The student council chairman slowly tilted his glass, pouring the remaining wine onto the carpet in front of him, watching as the red liquid seeped in.

Placing the glass back on the table at his side, he continued to recline in his throne-like chair, tilting his head in thought.

"She's not performing tonight, the new girl?"

"You mean?" A member cautiously inquired.

"Who else but the little cutie with the black hair and blue eyes."

"Miss Tilan has no plans to perform tonight," replied the attendant.

"Was she not invited, or is there another reason?"

"It's said that Miss Tilan declined, stating that her skills were not yet mature enough and it was unsuitable for her to take the stage so suddenly."

"It's hard to tell if she's being modest or really isn't ready," Amors remarked in a calm voice.

"I had thought she would cause a stir after coming to the school, but she quieted down so quickly, it's quite unexpected."

"The old timers all have high hopes for her, but they didn't say why exactly, probably some talent, given she has an impressive sister." Amors then recalled his own early days at the academy, when he was a freshman and had the fortune to watch the winter festival's grand competition.

The captivating and enchanting figure had commanded the attention of the entire audience, and naturally, he was no exception. However, since then, that legendary girl has vanished without a trace.

"Let's not talk about this. What about Valke, that lad has been causing me a lot of trouble lately."

"Recently, Valke's been staying in the practice room training, other than attending regular classes, he hasn't gone anywhere else."

"He seems to have calmed down a bit lately, huh." Amors shook his head with a chuckle as he picked up a freshly poured glass of wine held by his assistant, taking a small sip.

"Is the investigation result out yet?"

"Yes, the person Valke beseeched to cover for him that night is an old childhood friend and acquaintance, also a child with whom he grew up in the orphanage."

"Old ties, but such a comrade might just be his downfall." Amors shook his head.

"What did the teachers say?"

"A few days ago, Teacher Xi Ma spoke with Valke several times, indicating that Valke would no longer be in touch with that person."

"That's what they say, but how much sway does it actually hold? For Valke, losing the support of the academy would mean a less-than-easy future. Hopefully, he understands that."

"It's always troublesome with students of humble origins, even with talent and effort, there will be many to hold him back—either through ignorance and shortsightedness of parents or friends seeking benefits, or greedy women trying to climb up the social ladder." Amors's voice carried a hint of mockery, as if accustomed to such affairs.

While Amors conversed with those around him, a symphony performance was underway on the central stage of the auditorium. However, at Amors's indication, the room was silenced from the auditorium's noise, only the little figures on stage and the silent conduct of the music could be seen.

"Let's go, there's nothing worthwhile tonight. Tomorrow's the main event, and it's uncertain who will win this year's winter festival competition."

"This is my last year at Edith, I hope for a pleasant outcome." Having said this, he left the VIP room with the student council members in tow.

In the auditorium, Tilan sat with her classmates in the venue, enjoying the symphonic music being played, which, despite its grandeur, felt somewhat dry and unadventurous. It was, after all, a classic piece everyone knew well, lacking much novelty.

When the performance ended, applause once again filled the hall, though it was not as exuberant as before.

After concluding tonight's performances, Tilan and her classmates left the auditorium together, stepping into the cool night air, with Annelli following behind her.

As they reached the courtyard, the girl with black hair gradually slowed her pace, prompting Annelli to approach with a touch of curiosity.

"What's wrong, Tilan?"

"Just a little something." The girl suddenly had a strange sensation, as if a dormant corner had been abruptly poked open, releasing new and unfamiliar feelings.