Chapter 24: The Witch and the Kingdom

“Of course, I will explain the circumstances. Let’s begin with what I was doing while Onee-san was preparing the spell to ‘transform the concept of witches.'”

Responding to my question, Hecate nodded calmly and began to speak.

Good grief, how had things reached the point where the Fourth Prince, disguised as a guard, was now in our home discussing matters with us?

“In order to carry out my plan to resolve witch discrimination, it was absolutely necessary to make a deal with someone in power. So, I secretly sent fairies into the royal castle to identify a suitable figure to negotiate with. That’s how I found Efnor-san. I was surprised to see a familiar face—truly unexpected.”

“Wait a moment. How did you find Efnor simply by sending fairies inside?”

“Ah, I realize I haven’t mentioned it yet. I’ve gained the ability to share vision with the magical creatures I control.”

Hearing Hecate say that so casually made me feel astonished.

Before she was struck down by that thrown stone, I had thought of her as a quiet, reserved child. But that was a grave misunderstanding, as I now knew all too well.

Where had she concealed such sharp claws—sharp enough to craft and execute such a meticulous plan on her own?

…Or perhaps she had honed those claws in this short time.

To bear the burden alongside me.

“Let’s get back to the story. After identifying Efnor-san, I used the fairies to exchange letters with him, thus briefly sharing our intentions and the terms of the proposed deal. Now, we’ve gathered here to fine-tune the details. Regarding the content of the deal—”

“I’ll explain that part.”

Interrupting Hecate, Efnor spoke up.

Though posing as a guard, his voice carried the dignified air befitting a prince.

Even as the Fourth Prince, he demonstrated that royal blood is not just for show.

“The terms Hecate-sama proposed are quite straightforward. In exchange for helping suppress the rebellion led by the Witch of Thunder, Bronte, we will assist in the creation of a nation exclusively for witches.

Shamefully, despite witches being the most powerful force in the Royal Knights, the kingdom neglected the issue of witch discrimination. As a result, all the witches in the Royal Knights have defected to Bronte’s rebel faction. If the rebellion breaks out under these circumstances, the kingdom will suffer devastating losses.”

“Excluding witches from political participation while exploiting them only halfway… It’s no wonder it led to the worst possible outcome.”

“Exactly. Even so, the nobles in the royal assembly refuse to engage in any dialogue with witches. As someone who has witnessed witches’ power firsthand while serving as a guard, I understand the folly of making them enemies. That’s why, even at personal risk, I’ve come here on my own initiative to negotiate.”

I understood Efnor’s position and the overall content of the deal, but there was still one major concern.

“Even if I understand your stance, how can we be sure the kingdom will honor an agreement made with you, the Fourth Prince, especially when you’re acting independently?”

“I understand your concern. However, this is not something I can resolve alone. While the worsening situation has led some to support my progressive ideals, most nobles are still staunch supporters of my conservative father and the First Prince.

Moreover, I am a defeated member of the royal family, having withdrawn from the succession struggle to serve as a guard. Officially, my duty is to convey the people’s voices to the royal family and nobility, but it’s essentially a minor post.”

“Do you have any plan?”

“Yes. Fortunately, my father, the current king, is a reasonable man who understands my perspective. However, at the same time, he questions your capabilities.

In other words, if you prove your abilities, the current king will lend you his support.”

“That’s what it comes down to? The king can act freely even without the assembly’s approval?”

“Precisely.”

In response to Hecate’s question, Efnor nodded and took out a piece of paper from inside his coat.

Drawn on it was a remarkably detailed portrait of a bearded man with sharply defined features.

“To prove your abilities, my father has issued a specific request: the assassination of the man depicted here.

This nobleman is suspected of overseeing narcotics production within his territory. We have concluded he is guilty, but he is cunning and highly cautious, preventing us from obtaining solid evidence.

If you can circumvent his security and carry out the assassination without implicating any human hand in the deed, my father will acknowledge your capabilities.”

“…Demanding the assassination of a noble as a prerequisite for negotiation seems excessive.”

“If I may say, your demands are also quite significant. Assisting in the creation of a witch-only nation means ceding part of our territory and guaranteeing the legitimacy of that newly founded country. Given this emergency situation, we are already making exceptional concessions.”

While Efnor and I glared at each other, Hecate stepped in between us.

“Onee-san, there’s no need to push the negotiation further. Assassinating a mere noble is an easy feat for me. If this secures the deal, it’s a small price to pay.”

“But… I can’t bear to have you resort to killing.”

Realistically, Hecate was the most suitable for the task.

By having a fairy infiltrate the noble’s residence and slip poison into his meal, everything could be settled discreetly.

Yet Hecate, unlike me or Istos, had never been involved in violence. And yet—

“My dear Onee-san, won’t you trust this beloved younger sister of yours? You don’t have to shoulder everything anymore.”

“…Alright. But if anything happens, please consult me immediately.”

“I understand. Unlike you, I know how to report, communicate, and consult properly.”

At her response, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

She seemed far more composed than I had expected.

After that exchange, I was certain:

Hecate had grown stronger in every way for my sake alone.

While I felt unworthy of her devotion, I couldn’t deny how precious it was to me. And this time, I felt ready to accept it.

“May I assume you’ve agreed to our proposal?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“In that case, let’s finalize the conditions. It’s in both our interests, and I must present these terms to the royal assembly.”

With that, our discussion with Efnor entered its final stage. After about three hours of deliberation, the terms of the deal were successfully settled.

Hecate had largely accomplished her goal for the day.

The battle to secure a peaceful life with my sisters was about to begin anew.