The Witch and Her Companion: I'm Just a Normal High School Student, but I Became the Familiar of the Highest-Ranked Witch. Also, It Seems I'm the Only Guy in the Witch Organization I Joined

Chapter 95: Eris and the Newcomer

[Rachel Poker]

After leaving Emilia’s place, I dragged my heavy, conflicted feelings all the way back here.

I pulled the spare key from my jacket pocket, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately slid it into the lock.

“—Welcome back, Sakurako. You’re later than I expected.”

As soon as I stepped into the entryway, I ran into Hikari. Fresh out of the bath, hair still damp, she emerged from the bathroom in her underwear.

“…I’m home. Sorry, I meant to text, but I lost track of time…”

“Nah, no need to apologize… So, what was Emilia’s big consultation about?”

I’d told Hikari I was leaving because “Emilia wanted to talk privately about something.” Of course she’d be curious, but what do I say? I can’t tell her the truth, and… ugh, my thoughts are a mess.

“Uh, sorry, but… it’s a secret between me and Emilia. Okay?”

“A secret, huh? That’s fine, then. It’s chilly out there, right? Bath’s still warm—go hop in.”

“Yeah, I will.”

There’s no way this Hikari could be involved in what’s happening to me. Or maybe… I just don’t want to believe she is.

Either way, I’m not going to figure anything out in this state. I’ll warm up in the bath and call it a night. Maybe I’ll see more memories in my dreams. There could be new clues… and Hikari? It’s probably just Emilia and me overthinking things.

***

“—Morning, Rachel. Sorry for calling you so early.”

“It’s fine. I’ve been up for a while. The only ones still sleeping at this hour are probably Vivian and Bubblegum.”

“Hehe, having such a dependable youngest sister puts me at ease.”

“It’s just that those two are lazy.”

In the throne room, Ibis was seated on her grandiose chair as usual, exuding her trademark calm. That chair looks like it’d give you shoulder cramps if you sat in it too long.

“I called you here today because Eris will soon be returning with some new family members, and I’d like you to handle their welcome.”

“Eris… you mean Eris Seedra? I’ve heard the rumors, but I’ve never met her.”

“Eris has been traveling the world gathering allies for the past few years. She’s been with us since the Black Alliance days, so she’s like your big sister.”

Eris Seedra—a witch renowned for her incredible skill. Rumor has it she single-handedly took down the infamous Thirteen Nights’ Circle witch organization in Spain.

“And I’m supposed to welcome the new sisters she’s bringing? Why me?”

“Because you’re the right fit. You know who’s left in the castle right now? Bumblebee, Joan, Garnet… and, well, Vivian and Bubblegum speak for themselves.”

Fair point. Among our colorful crew, those are some especially sharp personalities. I get it.

“…Wait, what about Judas?”

“Judas is on a job. Apparently, another witch from the Seven Sins Pleiades is causing trouble out west—this time, it’s the Witch of Sloth.”

“The Seven Sins Pleiades, huh? I’ve been hearing about them a lot lately. Couldn’t you, Ibis, just take them all out in one go?”

“If only it were that simple. Their group includes nobles and rogue witches, so we can’t act recklessly. Killing all seven would be easy, but the aftermath… Let’s trust Judas to handle it.”

Saying “kill them” so casually—her title as the strongest isn’t just for show. If a witch like Ibis were a supremacist, Europe—no, the world—would look very different.

“Got it. Let’s leave the messy stuff to Judas, and I’ll focus on welcoming our new sisters!”

It’s been five years since I joined the Ravens. Finally, the day has come to graduate from being the youngest sister—

***

Eris Seedra was the complete opposite of the image I’d built up in my head.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Rachel Poker. Thank you for your long service.”

Eris arrived with five witches in tow. Blonde hair, blue eyes, about my height, no countless scars on her face or body—she was just an ordinary-looking witch.

“…“

“Uh, can you hear me? Eris-san?”

“…“

Instead of replying, Eris gave a subtle, refined smile, her lips barely curling. Oh, great, she’s the silent type, too.

“…So, the five behind you are the new members, right?”

The five witches standing quietly behind the taciturn Eris watched our exchange in silence. They weren’t just reserved—their gazes felt like they were sizing me up.

“Indeed, we’ll be under your care starting today. Pleased to meet you.”

One of the five, a red-haired witch, stepped forward and bowed. She seemed… oddly unapproachable.

“Alright, let’s start with names. You first.”

I pointed at the prickly redhead.

“Taurus Bermu.”

She said her name and nothing else. Fine, I guess, but… kinda anticlimactic. Not that I care!

“I’m, like, Lukrab Moritz, yo! Hop♪”

“…Huh?”

A total nutcase popped up out of nowhere, and I nearly activated Kurobane on reflex. Close call, close call.

“‘Huh?’ What’s that? You gettin’ grumpy, Rachel-senpai? Well, here’s to gettin’ along! Hop♪”

The brown-haired witch said this while wiggling around. Ugh, yeah… definitely not someone I’ll vibe with.

“Lukrab, was it? Nice to meet you, but say ‘hop’ one more time, and I’m decking you.”

“O-Okay, got it, hop… I mean, myon!”

What the heck is myon?

“Enough already. I’m Ria Sangria. I agreed to join the Ravens, but I’ve got no intention of following a witch weaker than me. So, deal with it.”

A witch with intricately braided black hair shot me a provocative glare. Our eyes locked for a few seconds, the air crackling with tension. The other witches, except Eris, took a step back from me and Ria.

“Cool, nice to meet you. Next.”

But when I brushed it off, the tense, dangerous vibe vanished instantly. If I got worked up over every little challenge like this, I wouldn’t last in the Raven Flock.

“…Tch, boring.”

Ria turned away, clearly dissatisfied.

“I’m Elju Verano. Nice to meet you, Rachel.”

Unlike Ria, Elju, also black-haired, had a completely opposite demeanor, offering a friendly handshake.

“Yeah, nice to meet you too, Elju.”

As I shook her hand, another hand extended from the side.

“I’m Ribira Oruho. It’s an honor to join the illustrious Ravens. I look forward to working with you.”

“Wow, so formal! You don’t have to be that polite, though. Ria’s maybe a bit too casual, mind you.”

I shook hands with Ribira, who had light green hair. Ria huffed nearby, looking annoyed, but she’ll come around… or Wistaria’ll put her in her place. With chains.

“—Mmfaa! What’s this, what’s this?! A morning crowd—what’s goin’ on?! …Wait, ERIS?!”

“Ugh, here comes the loud one.”

Just as the five finished introducing themselves and I was about to start the castle tour, Bubblegum showed up. And probably fresh out of bed. It’s noon, you idiot.

“Muhaha! Long time no see, Eris! You better remember your ol’ pal!”

“…“

Even when Bubblegum tackle-hugged her with hyper energy, Eris just stayed silent, offering only a faint smile. How did this woman manage to wrangle five witches like this?

“Bubblegum, I’m dealing with the newbies right now, so don’t mess things up, okay?”

“Mmph! Rachel, I keep tellin’ ya, I’m the senior here! Show some respect and grovel a bit!”

“No way. Besides, I’m older than you, so maybe you should fix your attitude, youngest.”

I patted Bubblegum’s head as she puffed up with anger. She’s only fourteen, but man, she’s way too short. In a word: tiny.

“Mmf! Stop pattin’ my head! You’ll stunt my growth!”

Bubblegum swatted my hand away with gusto.

“I’m casting a no-growth spell on you.”

“Mmfaa?! Waaah, Eris!! This mean lady’s bullying me! Gimme a piggyback!”

“…“

Eris quietly crouched, inviting Bubblegum onto her back. Silent, but a good person, huh?

“Perfect timing. Take Eris to Ibis while you’re at it. I’ll show everyone else around the castle.”

“Mmph! Don’t order me around, dummy! Let’s go, Eris—I’m tellin’ Ibis all about Rachel’s cruelty!”