Chapter 33
The Great Witch carried an overwhelming presence—like an ancient tree that had lived for ages, or perhaps a towering being that had existed since the very beginning of the world.
She was the spiritual pillar of the witches.
And a hero who had led them during the Crepartna War 40 years ago.
“If not for her, many people would have died. The witches’ medicine and healing techniques are that extraordinary.”
“Muniel and I also received great help.”
Muniel and Ardores spoke of the debt they owed the Great Witch from the war.
Everyone looked at her with reverence.
Except Nivellia.
“Hello!”
She greeted her energetically, just as she had learned in kindergarten.
The Great Witch smiled warmly and slowly rummaged through the pouch at her waist.
When she pulled her hand out again, she held a handful of sawdust.
“Come to think of it, I didn’t even offer seats to such honored guests. Old age makes one slow to notice these things.”
She scattered the sawdust onto the ground.
As soon as it touched the earth, roots tangled together, gathering and shaping themselves—
until they formed a large table and chairs.
“Wow!”
Soles let out a clear, amazed exclamation.
Kaleo couldn’t close his mouth, and Selethina even covered hers with both hands.
“Uh? Areph, are you okay?”
“……”
“Areph? Areeeph!”
And Areph fainted briefly while standing.
Only after Nivellia waved her hand in front of his face several times did he come back to his senses.
“Isn’t that a bit much for a first impression?”
Muniel said with a sly smile.
The Great Witch laughed heartily and rose with Azel’s support.
“One should not be careless in treating guests.”
Though her eyes curved kindly, her golden gaze shone sharply.
“Our witches are finally getting a chance to stand in the sunlight again.”
“You should’ve taken the chance I gave you 40 years ago.”
“I wasn’t the Great Witch back then. That old hag is probably still cursing you in hell even now.”
“I should go watch when I die someday.”
Muniel replied casually, as if looking forward to it.
* * *
Before beginning the business discussions in earnest—
“I’m too old now to focus on such complicated matters for long. So this child will act on behalf of me and the witches.”
The Great Witch introduced her representative.
It was a witch who held a lawyer’s license.
Though she wore a dark cloak symbolic of witches, underneath she had on a formal suit commonly worn by lawyers.
“…Huh?”
The secretary’s eyes widened in shock upon seeing her.
The lawyer-witch smiled and greeted him.
“Hello, Secretary Viseretos. We’ve met before regarding work, haven’t we?”
Startled, the secretary pointed at her, forgetting his manners.
“Y-you were a witch?”
Then he quickly lowered his hand, realizing his rudeness.
“But… if you’re a witch, why are you a lawyer…?”
“Not all witches live in forests gathering herbs. Some of us, like me, hide our identity and live among society.”
In fact, her own parents still didn’t know she was a witch.
“Witches are no different from mages. It’s not about bloodlines, but whether one’s talent manifests. But once you realize your identity, you also realize you can never go back.”
That was why she became a lawyer.
So that if the day ever came when she could help hidden witches, she would have the qualifications to step forward.
And now, that day had finally arrived.
The lawyer-witch smiled at Nivellia and the children.
“My name is Radia. It’s an honor to meet you, and thank you for giving us such a great opportunity.”
“Mm!”
Nivellia nodded as if it were only natural.
* * *
While the adults engaged in serious discussions, the children stepped outside the tent and wandered around the forest.
As Deter put Nivellia’s hat back on, she said:
“This place is like the Magic Tower… but different.”
“How is it different?”
“There are lots of trees at the Magic Tower too, but there are more here. And it’s cleaner. The ground feels strong.”
Soles and Areph agreed.
“I think the air here is clearer too.”
“The grass and trees look healthier.”
“It’s different from when we came before, right?”
“Yes.”
Is it?
Listening quietly to the children, Deter looked around the forest again.
‘Maybe it’s just because I heard that…’
The fresh air, the moist soil, the tall trees reaching into the sky—
Together, they formed a forest that quietly exuded overwhelming presence.
“It’s because many witches are gathered here.”
A witch who had approached them explained.
“Land where witches reside becomes noticeably healthier. Since many witches are gathered here, the forest will grow even healthier.”
“That’s fascinating. And a little frightening.”
“You mean you’re afraid we might curse you?”
“No. I’m afraid of the fact that we didn’t understand such great power before.”
Deter finally understood why people had feared and persecuted witches.
How could ordinary people comprehend their power?
“If I had been a bit more foolish, I might have feared and persecuted you as well.”
“If I could grant blessings like a saint, I would have already given you fifty blessings.”
The witch laughed brightly, though she sounded a bit regretful.
“The Great Witch is calling for the children.”
When they returned from the forest, the children held bright red berries in their hands.
“They’re the same color as Areph’s eyes! Pretty, right?”
Nivellia generously offered one to the Great Witch.
Her smiling lips were especially red.
The Great Witch rolled the berry in her rough, wrinkled hand like a bead.
“This berry will upset your stomach if you eat it as it is.”
“….”
Nivellia’s eyes wavered in panic.
The Great Witch laughed heartily and held out a small basket.
Inside were round, brownish candies.
“Candy!”
“We call these ‘honey lumps.’ We pour boiled wild honey over the berries. That way, they won’t upset your stomach.”
She handed one to each of the children. Deter and Azel also received one.
Nivellia rolled the candy around in her mouth enthusiastically, her cheeks puffing out here and there.
Watching her fondly, the Great Witch beckoned her closer.
After swallowing the sweet honey, Nivellia obediently stepped closer.
The Great Witch whispered:
“Nini.”
“Mm.”
“It’s good to see you again.”
In response, Nivellia gently rested her head against the Great Witch’s arm.
“Gleba.”
She called the Great Witch’s name in her soft, childlike voice.
At that moment—
every tree and plant in the land stirred on their own.
The earth acknowledged Nivellia’s existence.
Nivellia grinned.
“Nini likes Gleba!”
“This Gleba likes our little cat very much too.”
“Hehe!”
* * *
“It may not compare to the Great Witch’s honey lumps, but try this as well. It’s very good for your health.”
The witches gave gifts to Nivellia, Areph, and Soles.
They were tokens of gratitude—for saving Azel, and for giving them a chance to return to the world.
Most of the gifts were medicinal herbs, potted plants, and handmade snacks.
Though they looked simple, they were all carefully cultivated and crafted by the witches.
Their effectiveness far surpassed the expensive medicines sold in the market.
‘Even roughly calculating their value…’
Deter felt his heart drop.
‘…Our young lady and young masters have done something truly incredible.’
This wasn’t just about the herbal market.
It would impact medicine, agriculture, and many other fields.
“Nini likes chocolate cookies. Next time, make chocolate cookies!”
Completely unaware, Nivellia casually stated her preferences and even placed an order for the next gift.
The witches laughed warmly at the boldness of the four-year-old—though none promised cookies.
“Children.”
At that moment, Selethina came out of the large tent.
“Come inside.”
“Are you done working?”
Nivellia asked, rubbing her face against Selethina’s hand.
“Nini is starting to get bored.”
“Earning money is usually boring.”
Inside, the adults looked pale and exhausted.
Kaleo, the secretary, and even Radia the lawyer-witch were among them.
Nivellia stared at Kaleo’s drained face.
“Dad looks ugly now…”
“I’m not ugly…”
Kaleo weakly protested.
“Hmph, Dad’s going to get divorced now. Because you’re ugly.”
“Our daughter, where did you learn that?”
“From the witches earlier.”
“….”
Regaining his composure, Kaleo explained the key decisions that had just been made.
“Construction will begin tomorrow. And the pharmaceutical company will open by winter at the latest.”
“That fast?”
Soles asked.
“You’re building large facilities, including a research center. Can that really be done in just a few months—”
Tap, tap.
The Great Witch tapped the table.
Her wrinkled lips twitched.
“Ah…”
Soles blushed.
‘The witches are helping with construction too.’
Even if they weren’t like the Great Witch, who could grow furniture from sawdust, witches who controlled the earth could build structures quickly.
“You are perceptive and cautious.”
The Great Witch praised Soles.
“Being fast isn’t always good. Big matters like this should be handled slowly and carefully. You understand that well.”
Nivellia nodded proudly.
“My brother is smart!”
“Soles hyung studies hard all the time, and he always explains things I don’t know.”
Areph eagerly added his praise.
“I-it’s not that much…”
Embarrassed, Soles tried to downplay it.
But under the table, his legs wagged like a puppy’s tail.
The adults continued explaining various matters—
construction schedules, the witches’ arrangements,
profit distribution, distribution methods, business goals and future plans,
employee hiring and welfare…
“……”
Nivellia listened with a serious expression.
‘What are they talking about? I want cookies.’
