She Is Not a Witch

Three days ago, Red Shell Bay, Southern Islands.

Although autumn had arrived on the continent, the southern islands remained warm. On the white sandy beach, clear light blue water allowed one to see the shells beneath even in the afternoon sun.

The shells were white inside, while their exterior displayed a rose-like light red color. The undulating outer shell had varying shades, appearing quite beautiful.

In earlier years, this island was named for its abundance of these light red shells. Later, it became an important transit point in the western part of the Southern Islands due to its favorable location.

The island not only had numerous ports with high foot traffic, but also rows of white houses on the quieter northern hillside. These low houses were built along the mountainside, behind the mountain to avoid direct strong sea winds. Many coconut trees were planted around the houses, a common local economic crop.

In a larger house, Mrs. Balya sat at a table teaching a child. She held a storybook with beautiful color illustrations, while beside her sat Ig, the little boy once entrusted by Angus.

He looked at the colorful illustrations with wide eyes as his mother read:

“Then the girl in the black dress lit the candle in her hand.”

“She asked the boy, ‘Even so, do you still want to revive your parents?'”

“‘Yes, it’s all my fault. I was too willful that day and never got to say a proper goodbye. I want to see them one last time.'”

“So the candle in the girl’s hand began to burn, and two figures appeared before the boy. They smiled, welcoming their child’s return.”

“And so, the boy hugged his parents and fell into an eternal sleep in their arms, never to wake again.”

“Alright, that’s the end of the story. Ig, what lesson did you learn from this story?”

Mrs. Balya smiled as she stroked the child’s head. She seemed like a completely different person compared to before, with a serene expression and eyes full of love. Even her chestnut hair had become lustrous.

“Um… I don’t really understand, but the ending doesn’t seem good.”

“That’s right. This story teaches us to cherish the people and things we have now, and not regret only after we’ve lost them.”

“Often, those closest to us are the easiest to forget.”

“I see, Mom,” Ig nodded.

“Good, Ig. Actually, this story also implies something else. It’s that parents will eventually grow old and leave their children, and you must learn to face everything. Remember, don’t be like the boy in the book, indulging in the illusions of the past.”

“Will Mom grow old too?”

“Yes, that’s why Ig needs to grow up quickly.”

“I will.”

Just then, the door opened. The bright afternoon sunlight shone in, and a tall figure appeared in the doorway. He entered and spoke:

“Excuse me, Mrs. Balya, and Ig.”

“Ah, it’s Uncle Ceres. You’re here.”

The little boy ran over. Ceres often brought things for the mother and son, living not far from here.

“Mr. Ceres?”

Mrs. Balya stood up and greeted him. She was very grateful to this comrade of her husband, who had recently helped her a lot—finding a house, arranging furniture, hiring teachers—all handled by this former butler.

“Yes, it’s me.” Ceres crouched down to hug Ig, then returned Mrs. Balya’s greeting.

“I came today to say that I’ll be leaving Red Shell Bay for a while. When I’m not here, if Mrs. Balya or little Ig have any difficulties, you can contact the grocery store across the street directly.”

“The store manager and employees are all from our Carithes Merchant Association. I’ve already spoken to them in advance. If you need anything, they will certainly help you.”

“Very well, thank you, and thank Miss Lacey of Carithes.”

Mrs. Balya bowed slightly in gratitude.

“Where are you going? Will it be dangerous?”

“Just to other islands in the Southern Islands. As for danger, I should be fine. I’m more worried about the young lady’s side.”

Ceres sighed before saying goodbye and leaving.

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The next day, Blue Carved Island.

The tides continuously washed against the shore, beating against the blue reefs on the coast. The reefs had many holes, moistened by seawater. Occasionally, seabirds stood on the delicate rocks, some with small fish in their beaks.

The island was covered in lush forests, with towers peeking out from among the verdant canopies, overlooking the entire island.

Ceres sat outside an understated yet luxurious redwood door, waiting patiently.

An apprentice mage opened the door. He wore a light blue mage robe with a blue gradient feather headdress.

“Master Geodo has agreed to see you. Please follow me, and remember not to cry out or touch anything you see along the way.”

“I understand,” Ceres stood up and followed, entering through the door.

Sunlight shone through thick glass into the room filled with stacks of books, copper cages, and experimental equipment. The room was very quiet.

“Fool, Vincent, fool, Vincent.” A strange voice suddenly sounded from above.

Ceres looked up to see a blue bird perched in a cage, speaking.

“Don’t mind him, he only says that sentence,” the apprentice in front explained.

“Fool, Vincent, they’re just treating you like a dog, and you’re wagging your tail behind them every day.”

Ceres looked at the bird again. Is this a magical beast? It’s so intelligent, even using metaphors.

“Shut up!”

The apprentice ahead couldn’t hold back anymore and directly cast a silence barrier, preventing the bird from making a sound.

But this bird was truly intelligent. It jumped around, flapping its wings to break the barrier, and soon made sounds again.

“Useless, Vincent, can’t even kill a chicken, useless Vincent.”

The apprentice’s eyebrow twitched as he quickened his pace, no longer speaking.

Ceres didn’t dare speak casually, fearing he might offend the apprentice. Although apprentice mages weren’t very powerful, it would be all too easy for him to cause trouble.

“We’re here.” The apprentice ahead stopped and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” a robust voice came from behind the door.

Ceres entered to see a mage sitting behind a desk. Sunlight shone down from a high window behind him, making it difficult to see his face clearly at first.

“You must be Ceres, the representative from Carithes.”

“Yes, that’s me. I’m here on behalf of Miss Lacey, the heir to the Carithes Merchant Association.”

“I see. Please, have a seat.”

This Mage Geodo spoke.

“I’ve seen the letter you sent and the application to the council. I discussed this matter with my colleagues yesterday.”

“Although most of the descriptions in the letter are true and match the intelligence we have…”

“There are still some crucial points that need verification, because once we take action, it will inevitably touch upon the interests of the Snow Flower Alliance.”

“This will undoubtedly break many things, such as our previous consistent stance and the future situation.”

“I understand everything you’ve said. I’ve prepared for this in advance.”

Ceres took out a document folder from under his arm. It contained not only the formal agreement documents from Carithes, but also a letter of introduction from Mr. Jelinc of the Agdelin family, and Angus’s will.

After presenting these to the mage opposite, he began to examine and verify them one by one, checking things like the flower patterns on the contract paper, supernatural marks, and the content of the agreements.

After a long while, he looked up. This physically robust mage pushed up his glasses and said:

“You’ve prepared very thoroughly. Although the benefits to us in the agreement aren’t numerous, they are above our acceptable bottom line.”

“I must say, Angus indeed found a good heir.”

“Thank you for your praise.”

“It’s nothing.”

“I will present these materials and proposals at the meeting. After discussion among the committee members, they will decide whether to implement it.”

“How long will that take?” Ceres asked anxiously, as the situation was already very tense.

“Don’t worry, there’s a meeting this afternoon. After the decision, it will be implemented tomorrow.”

“Can it be done tonight?” Ceres asked again.

The old mage tapped the table, then replied:

“You seem to be in a hurry.”

“Alright, I’ll urge the relevant personnel.”

“Thank you very much, Master Geodo. The Carithes Merchant Association and I will remember your kindness,” Ceres finally breathed a sigh of relief and expressed his gratitude loudly.

“No need for that. It’s also a way to repay Mr. Angus. The data and ancient instruments he provided us years ago changed a lot and greatly benefited the entire country. The compensation we gave him before was too little, so consider this making amends.”

That afternoon, Ceres paced in front of a tall building.

As dusk approached, the massive doors at the base of the nearly hundred-meter-high stone pillars opened, wide enough for twenty people to walk abreast. Mages wearing various distinctive attire filed out, their decorations tending towards natural styles such as feathers, branches and leaves, shells, fresh flowers, animal skins, and wood carvings.

At this time, Ceres finally saw Mage Geodo, walking at the back with short black hair, calm and composed.

Seeing Ceres, he wasn’t surprised but said:

“Give my regards to Carithes’ new leader, Miss Lacey. The first phase of aid from the New Moon Council and the Cranberry Kingdom will be launched tonight.”

Ceres expressed his gratitude with some excitement. That evening, he was taken to another island by several mages.

This island seemed somewhat primitive, a volcanic island with black smoke rising from its center, filled with scorching heat.

“Are you going to Hopland with us?” a mage asked.

“Yes, it’ll be easier to communicate some things that way.”

“Very well, then please hold on tight now.”

As the mage’s words fell, a huge shadow slowly descended, flapping its wings, and stopped in front of them. Then, the sound of more wings flapping came from the sky above.