She Is Not a Witch

Loranhil descended from the sky, the night wind flowing past her ears, bringing a comfortable sensation of gentle air pressure. No matter how many times she experienced it, she never tired of this feeling of passing through the wind.

She landed softly on the balcony, her pure white dress billowing with the air currents before settling down. Her emerald eyes shimmered like jewels in the night, then gradually dimmed back to normal. She moved silently, easily avoiding the gaze of the guards in the courtyard with her keen perception.

Slipping quietly into her bedroom, the door still locked, her fingers traced through the air. A gentle breeze swept by, extinguishing the candle. She opened the window, letting the night wind swirl through the room, clearing the previously intoxicating air. Finally, she closed the curtains and lay down on the bed, falling into a peaceful sleep.

This night was particularly tranquil and sweet.

The next morning, when Loranhil emerged from her bedroom, the four maids outside the door greeted her as usual.

They first brought hot water for her to wash her face, then one of them helped the young lady style her hair, braiding two small strands near her ears. These braids were then crossed at the back of her head and tied with a light red ribbon that gave a girlish touch. Finally, the braids fell down her back, slightly higher than the rest of her waist-length hair.

Loranhil shook her head at the mirror, her golden hair brushing against her red dress before falling like silk.

“Pearl, you’ve done my hair so beautifully.”

“You flatter me, Young Miss. Your hair is already perfect; I only tidied it up a bit.”

“Hmm, but having it done is better than not, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.” The maid made a final adjustment to the hair near Loranhil’s ear before setting down the comb.

“How long has Pearl been with Carithes?” The young lady glanced at the mirror, then asked.

“About five years. Because my father used to travel north and south with Lord Angus, I was able to work smoothly at the headquarters.”

“Is the work as a maid tiring?”

“Not at all. The headquarters is well-staffed, not short-handed. We often have time to rest.”

“I see…”

Afterward, Loranhil entered the dining room, where Chelsea was already waiting.

“Good morning, Young Miss.”

“Good morning, Chelsea.”

Usually, the maids would leave temporarily, and during breakfast, Chelsea would report on various matters. But today, Loranhil asked Pearl to stay.

As Loranhil and Chelsea conversed, Pearl stood to the side, initially composed but growing increasingly uneasy. Her long legs, wrapped in white stockings, began to tremble slightly.

Loranhil continued asking Chelsea about the investigation of yesterday’s assassination attempt, then slowly discussed the motives behind the Helis family guard’s actions.

“Pearl, why do you think someone whose family all work for the association would betray us? Is the association not treating them well?”

“I… I don’t know…” Pearl’s body shook, her face pale, her voice trembling slightly.

“I see.”

Loranhil took a small sip of hot tea, slowly contemplating how to deal with this personal maid who had poisoned her dinner and room candle.

“There are some remote islands in the southern Strawberry Kingdom where the branch is always short-staffed. Would you be willing to work there for twenty years?”

“I’m willing, I’m willing.”

She knelt on the ground, trembling, her forehead touching the floor as she spoke chokingly.

“Very well. Pack your things today and say goodbye to your parents and family. Their lives will continue as usual, unaffected by you.”

“Thank you, Young Miss. I… I’m sorry.”

She knelt on the ground, her eyes red-rimmed, tears flowing uncontrollably, her forehead already covered in dust and bruises.

“Well then, that’s that.” Loranhil stood up and left the dining room as sobs began to echo.

Chelsea called in a few other maids from outside to accompany Pearl, then followed Loranhil out.

The two walked through the courtyard corridor, with the head maid still not asking any questions. This, in turn, made the young lady curious.

“Sister Chelsea, aren’t you curious about what just happened?”

“Why should Young Miss explain her actions to me?” Chelsea’s words were emotionless.

Not good, the head maid sister is actually angry, Loranhil thought as she turned to look at the bespectacled, efficiently dressed head maid.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why is Young Miss apologizing to me? You’re the master, after all.”

“I’m sorry~” Loranhil tried to charm her way out of it.

“Sigh… Young Miss, you’re always like this. It was the same on that rainy night. Can’t you take better care of yourself?”

“What if Pearl had a backup plan? What if there were other accomplices? If something happened to you, what would become of this large association?”

Chelsea expressed her worries and dissatisfaction.

But I know she has no backup plan, and there are no other accomplices among the maids, Loranhil thought, but she couldn’t explain how she knew this, so she just nodded in agreement.

The two continued talking as they made their way to the association’s study, where Loranhil usually worked.

After handling some affairs, Loranhil asked Chelsea to invite Ceres over. While waiting, she began to recall the old butler’s life story.

In his youth, he was a minor noble of Western Wind, later joining the military and becoming an officer in Western Wind’s great war against the barbarians. After the war, he worked as a mercenary for a while before meeting Angus. The two became close friends, and he assisted Angus in managing the association’s affairs. He was a core figure in Carithes, experienced in handling matters, meticulous in thought, rarely making mistakes, and gaining the approval of most people in the association.

“Young Miss, I’m here.” Ceres entered the room, interrupting Loranhil’s recollection.

“Ah, Uncle Ceres. Last time I troubled you to investigate Madam Mela’s past. Have you made any progress?”

“I’ve come to some conclusions. Madam Mela’s family were once nobles in Western Wind, with their fief in the Vegar region. However, by her father’s generation, they had already fallen from grace. In her childhood, her father ran a small business, not earning much money, so their life was quite poor.”

He paused briefly, then continued.

“Lord Angus met Madam Mela at a banquet. At that time, Lord Angus had just brought Carithes into Vegar’s core upper echelon and had also gained one of the 26 seats in the guild. He was in high spirits, often attending various banquets to integrate into this circle.”

“After one such banquet, he got very drunk and fell in the garden outside the banquet hall. Madam Mela happened to pass by and was about to help him up when the drunk Lord Angus clung to her. This led to a night of passion, unexpectedly resulting in Madam Mela’s pregnancy.”

“At first, Angus didn’t acknowledge this, thinking it was a plot by other associations. Later, as he gradually became familiar with Madam Mela’s character, he slowly accepted it. However, because of his deep love for his late wife, he never publicly acknowledged this relationship. He only sent people to take care of Madam Mela and helped her father complete a few profitable business deals.”

“What happened after that?”

“Later, after tasting success, Madam Mela’s father repeatedly asked Lord Angus for help. He then became addicted to gambling, demanding more and more. Finally, Lord Angus harshly taught him a lesson a few times, and he slowly settled down. Now he no longer does business but lives a comfortable life managing a few estates in the countryside.”

“So that’s how it is. Uncle Ceres, your investigation was very thorough.”

Loranhil stood up, slowly walking towards the window, then turned around.

“However, you haven’t told the whole truth.”

At this moment, six armed guards rushed into the study. With the sound of armor scraping, they surrounded the association’s old butler, swords at the ready. Two of them stood in front of Loranhil, preventing any sudden attacks.