Silent Witch
chapter-fc

──Wrapped in a soft blanket, Monica was dozing off and dreaming.

She was walking along a familiar mountain trail, crunching the ground under her feet. Eventually, the mountain hut she remembered from nearly a year ago came into view, mostly unchanged from her memory. The only difference was perhaps the lack of a clothesline.

"I'm back," she said as she opened the door. The wind blew through the room, stirring up fine dust that sparkled in the sunlight.

Looking around the interior, the stacks of scattered papers that had covered nearly a third of the space the last time she left were now significantly reduced. It seemed Lewis had instructed his subordinates to clean up a bit.

Monica dusted off a thin layer from a wooden chair and sat down. Nero, in his cat form, looked up at her as if to ask, "Aren't you going to clean?"

Monica gave an ambiguous response between "yes" and "no", feeling a bit dazed.

She had thought that when she could return to this mountain hut after completing her mission to guard the Second Prince, she would feel relieved.

But now that everything was over, the only thing in Monica's heart was a hollow emptiness.

This must be the feeling of loneliness. When was the last time she, who had been so terrified of people, felt such loneliness?

Monica slowly stood up, opened the window, and began cleaning.

Although it was tough to dust away a year's worth of accumulation, the reduced mountain of papers made the task more manageable. By sunset, she had swept away a decent amount of dust, though not enough to also wash the bedding.

"Tomorrow, I'll wash and dry the bedding," she thought. "Oh, that's right. I need to find a long stick to use as a clothesline rod. If I can't find one, I'll have to use my staff, but Lewis would scold me if he found out," While pondering this, Monica lay down on the bed.

The bed should have smelled of dust and mold… but instead, Monica's nose detected the scent of a soft, sun-warmed blanket. This discrepancy from her memory told her, "Ah, this is a dream…"

Ah, that's right. This is a dream…

It was after spending a night on that dusty, moldy bed that Monica had decided to leave the mountain hut the next morning.

And after nearly a year of preparations, she had visited Lana in Southern Doll and…

"Monica… no, Master, your friend has come to visit."

Someone's hand shook her shoulder.

The dream of the mountain hut faded, and Monica's consciousness drifted up like a fluffy cloud. As she snuggled into the soft blanket, she felt someone's breath on her ear.

"Would you like a wake-up kiss?"

Along with the soft whisper, she felt a tender touch on her cheek.

Ah, that's right. It's Nero waking me up. Nero… is not there!

"It's… not paw pad!?"

Monica shot up with a start and heard a chuckle right next to her. Turning, she saw Isaac cradling the black cat Nero and laughing merrily.

Monica asked nervously,

"Th-, That just now… wasn't a paw pad, was it?"

"What do you think?" Isaac teased in response.

Seeking help, Monica looked to Nero, but he merely swished his tail in an exasperated manner.

"Hey, Monica. You're letting your disciple walk all over you. Be a bit firmer with him."

"But even he calls himself a disciple…"

As Monica fidgeted with her bedhead, Isaac took two envelopes from his pocket and handed them to her.

"Letters arrived for you. The first is probably from Sir Ray Albright the Abyss Shaman, reporting that he's gotten engaged──I've heard rumors about that lately."

"Wha──Abyss Shaman is engaged? It's a happy occasion for him."

"And the other is likely an invitation to this year's chess tournament from Roberto Vinkel."

"Ugh, I just turned down the chess club advisor position too…"

Currently, Roberto is a third-year Senior Division student at Serendia Academy. As president of the chess club, he has been actively participating in tournaments.

Roberto frequently invites Monica to play chess, but it would be awkward for her to show up at Serendia Academy, where some students still recognize her face.

That said, Monica does enjoy playing chess with Roberto.

"Since he's inviting me so earnestly… I suppose a private game of chess would be okay…"

As Monica mumbled this, Isaac's hand briefly paused where it was fixing her bedhead.

"If you want to play chess, I can be your opponent," he said, his voice tinged with stubbornness.

Monica hummed vaguely in response, and Isaac, saying "All done," let go of her hair.

"Oh, by the way, Monica. Your friends are waiting downstairs. Miss Colette, Dudley, and the Maywoods too."

"Wh-, what, everyone? W-, well, I'll be right down…!"

Monica hastily stood up and rushed out of the room in a flurry.

＊ ＊ ＊

Five days ago, Isaac had come to visit Monica.

Having been granted the title of Duke Erin, he was supposed to be living a quiet life away from the capital. But he showed up at Monica's door in simple traveling clothes, grinning as he said,,

"I want you to take me on as your disciple."

Monica was so surprised, she nearly fell out of her chair. She shook her head vigorously.

"I-, I'm afraid can't. I'm not taking on any disciples, so… other than that… what about… your territory?"

"My work is all done, you know?"

"Bu-bu-bu-bu-but surely you can't… just leave your territory unattended… for long…"

"I have a capable spirit looking after things while I'm away."

It seemed the water spirit who had served him at Serendia Academy was now working hard for him in a different capacity.

Monica held her head, inwardly despairing.

On the surface, Isaac was Felix Ark Ridill, the Second Prince of the Ridill Kingdom, and Duke Erin.

A year ago, during that incident, he had renounced his claim to the throne and now lived quietly in a territory away from the capital. But he was still of noble birth.

It was unheard of for one of the Seven Sages to take on a royal disciple.

"My attribute differs from the real Prince Felix, so I can't study magic at an institution like Minerva… But if I learn as ‘Isaac' under you, who knows the circumstances, there's no problem, right?"

What Isaac said made sense, but Monica couldn't just accept it so readily.

As Monica fretted, Isaac took a thick sheaf of papers from his bag.

"I've prepared some reports for my enrollment as your disciple. Here are the ones you looked over and I revised before, as well as some new ones."

Putting aside the issue of him becoming her disciple, the mere mention of magic formulas immediately captured Monica's full attention.

She recalled telling him before revealing her true identity in Reinberg, "I'd like to see more of your reports…"

The revised reports he had shown her then were updated with the missing data and corrections for previous mistakes, additionally exploring new potential applications.

As for the new report, it contained Isaac's interpretations and proposed applications based on the advanced tracking spell Monica had recently published.

The academic consensus was that the spell's formulas were too complex for practical use except by those capable of chantless casting, like Monica herself.

However, Isaac had outlined methods to simplify the spell's use while maintaining its power and accuracy through his unique perspective.

If we approach it this way, the formula itself becomes longer, but it would indeed be easier to understand… Or rather, incorporating it from this angle might actually increase the tracking speed further? I should test it out in practice…

Before she knew it, Monica had become completely engrossed in the reports, losing track of time.

When she finally looked up after finishing, she was surprised to see that the previously cluttered room had been neatly tidied.

"…Huh? Eh?"

All the documents were sorted and stacked neatly by type. The books that had been left strewn about were back on the shelves.

As Monica looked around the room in bewilderment, she noticed Nero had climbed onto the table and was munching on some grilled meat. The herb-seasoned chicken appeared deliciously crispy with a nicely browned skin.

"What's this, it's tasty! Hey, Sparkles. I didn't know you could cook," Nero remarked.

"I'm good at replicating techniques I've seen before. How about having another?" Isaac replied. Without waiting for Nero's response, he added some more meat to his empty plate. His movements were those of someone well-practiced in service.

Seeing this scene, Monica could only gape in astonishment.

"Ah, you're done reading, Monica?" Isaac asked with a smile

"Y-, yes."

"I'd like to hear your thoughts, but first, why don't we have something to eat? There's herb-roasted chicken and soup. And for dessert, I made your favorite nutty cake."

Now that he mentioned it, Monica had only had some bread and cheese since morning. As if just realizing her hunger, her stomach let out an embarrassing growl.

Isaac let out a soft chuckle and said, "I'll bring it right out" before disappearing into the kitchen.

The juicy, fragrant meat, the velvety smooth soup, and the crispy nut-filled cake. Everything was far more delicious than what Monica could make herself.

To begin with, Monica rarely cooked elaborate meals. At most, she would slice some bread and cheese, giving it a light sear.

Having not enjoyed such a well-prepared meal in a long time, Monica and Isaac ended up discussing the reports deep into the night. Eventually, Monica dozed off slumped over the table.

When she awoke, she found herself in bed, with Isaac nonchalantly preparing breakfast as if it were the natural thing to do.

After hastily devouring that meal, they continued their discussion… Before long, Monica had completely forgotten to ask Isaac to leave.

This is what is known as an "uninvited disciple."

＊ ＊ ＊

When Monica went downstairs, Lana, Glenn, Neil, and Claudia were having tea around a table.

Upon seeing Monica, Lana looked up with a flustered expression.

"Monica! Hey, what's going on here? Why is that man being your disciple?"

"Well, there are, um, complex circumstances…"

To put it plainly, she had been lured in. There were no profound reasons.

Of course, one major factor was that Isaac did possess the qualities of a magician.

He had ample mana and a keen understanding of magic formulas. More importantly, he was an enthusiastic learner.

Having studied magic independently until now, Isaac lacked people to discuss and consult with on the subject. But by finding Monica as a conversation partner, he was like a fish who had found water, brimming with vitality.

How could Monica bring herself to simply turn him away? Especially when his cooking was so delicious.

Monica took a seat at the table, just as Isaac came down the stairs. After quickly scanning the table to check the tea levels, he smiled at Monica.

"You prefer coffee in the morning, right? Give me a moment and I'll brew some fresh. Esteemed guests, please feel free to have some as well. I've acquired some excellent beans recently."

"U-, um, Ike, I can do it, myself, so…"

"It's fine, you can relax and chat with your friends."

As Monica started to rise, Isaac gently pushed her back into her seat before swiftly clearing away the empty dishes and retreating to the kitchen. His flowing movements were those of an experienced butler.

Claudia murmured as she sipped her tea, "…If the people of this country knew their Second Prince had become an uninvited disciple to a witch, acting as a servant no less… I wonder how many would faint on the spot?"

"Ugh…"

"…He was always said to be perfect at anything back in his student days, but seeing his perfection extend from tea brewing and serving to dish arrangement and even cake flavor… It's almost laughable."

Monica could only respond with an "Aughh…" She couldn't very well add that his cleaning skills were also impeccable.

Glenn swallowed a mouthful of cake and washed it down with tea before letting out a satisfied "Puahh!"

"President's amazing! I've never made tea for Master's guests before!"

"Ugh… Sorry for being such an inadequate master…"

"Eh!? No, I didn't mean to blame you, Monica!"

As Glenn flustered with his excuse, there was a knock at the door accompanied by a cool, crisp breeze flowing in through a nearby window. A wind infused with mana, different from a summer breeze.

Sensing this, Monica rose and hurried to the entrance.

After briefly adjusting her bangs and taking a deep breath, she opened the door.

"W-Welcome, Lord Cyril."

As expected, it was Cyril Ashley standing there.

Cyril's blue eyes blinked slightly as he looked at Monica. "You could tell it was me?"

"Well, I heard you were going to visit soon, so…"

Monica made sure to keep the windows near the entrance open only when she expected Cyril's arrival. That way, she would immediately know when the cool crisp air signaled his presence.

After guiding Cyril inside, he widened his eyes at the lively gathering of guests.

"So Claudia and the others are here too."

"…We're on our honeymoon and stopped by for a visit. But you, dear older brother…"

Leaving a deliberate pause, Claudia gave a beautiful smile before uttering a single remark,

"…must be quite idle these days."

A vein throbbed at Cyril's temple as he pulled a stack of documents from his bag and placed them on the table.

"I'm here on business, as you're well aware. The House of Highon is currently engaged in a joint research project with Thorn Witch and Silent Witch on plant enhancements. I've come today to get her input on the fertilizer formulations."

"Ah, yes, I have the materials ready."

The necessary documents had been organized with tabs by Isaac for easy reference. Monica checked the contents before handing them to Cyril.

"Here are the calculated fertilizer blend compositions and samples. I've provided the same to Thorn Witch as well. And, um…"

"…? What is it?"

Monica chose her words carefully so as not to provoke Cyril.

"…Lord Thorn Witch has apparently taken an interest in the Imperial Magic Technology University…"

"Ah, the Empire is more advanced than our kingdom when it comes to supplementary magic research."

"So, he said…

‘I'm gonna go undercover as a student there for a bit!'"

Cyril's eyes widened in shock and he fell silent.

No matter how diplomatically Monica phrased it, the reality didn't change.

When she had previously mentioned to Raul Roseburg, the Thorn Witch, about how she had infiltrated Serendia Academy in disguise, he had exclaimed with sparkling eyes,

‘Living undercover as a student? That sounds fun! I want to try being a student too!'

At the time, Monica had thought he was joking. But just a few weeks later, Raul had completed all the paperwork for his enrollment.

When he proudly declared at the Seven Sages Council meeting, "I'll be a student next year too!", Louis Miller, who was frantically searching for a new Sage candidate, nearly assaulted him (thankfully, Bradford restrained the rampaging Louis with a full nelson).

No matter how delicately Monica worded it, Cyril could only gape speechlessly.

Hurriedly, Monica tried to reassure him,

"B-But he said he'll continue the joint research from his study location and provide regular updates!"

"I'm starting to worry about the future of this country…"

Cyril's mutter left Monica stammering, "Aughh…"

After all, one of the Seven Sages' seats was already vacant. And now, another Sage was going on an undercover study abroad.

‘Maybe we should just rename ourselves the Five Sages while we're at it? We could dispense with the Thorn Witch's seat entirely,'

Louis had cheerfully suggested, though his eyes were not smiling. It was possible that within a few years, the Seven Sages really would be reduced in number.

While Cyril looked dejected, he knew it was pointless to blame Monica. He let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking.

"For now, I should hear the full story directly from Sir Thorn Witch as well… And this is a separate matter, but…"

He trailed off, glancing briefly toward the kitchen.

"He is here, isn't he?"

"Yes…"

Monica nodded with a wry smile at Cyril's serious query.

Claudia, Glenn, Lana, and Neil watched the exchange in silence. Claudia was expressionless, Glenn looking confused, and Lana and Neil swallowing nervously.

Eventually, Isaac emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray with a coffee cup.

Upon seeing Cyril, Isaac tilted his head demurely.

"Oh, did you want another cup as well?"

"Why are you here?"

Isaac answered Cyril's low, grating tone with a smile.

"Well, I'm Silent Witch's disciple. It's only natural for me to attend to my master's guests, isn't it?"

Cyril responded with a solemn expression.

"…Before coming here, I visited Duke Erin's estate and your contracted spirit pleaded for my assistance."

"Ah, Willdean does tend to worry too much… It's not that unusual for a noble to live at their city residence while leaving their rural estate unattended, is it?"

Isaac did have a point. There were indeed nobles who preferred living in the capital and rarely returned to their rural domains. But at the very least, this place was not the capital, and what Isaac was doing amounted to being an uninvited disciple.

"I was surprised to hear you had moved in with Monica when I thought you were in the capital. Southern Doll may have good transportation links, but…"

At Cyril's words, a slight twitch tugged at the corner of Isaac's mouth.

"Now hold on a moment. Since when did you start calling Monica by just her name?"

"…? Given her awkwardness with formal titles like ‘Madam Everett', I considered how she would prefer to be addressed as a former Serendia student and determined she wished to go by her given name."

"…Is that so?"

Was it just Monica's imagination, or did a chill seem to emanate from Isaac now, rather than the usually frosty Cyril?

Sir Cyril seems troubled, so as his master, I should firmly scold Isaac…

Furrowing her brow in an attempt at a stern expression, Monica tugged at Isaac's coat hem.

"Ike, you see…"

"What is it? My master looks adorable no matter what face she makes. Just like a little squirrel."

So much for trying to be a stern mentor. He had compared her to a cute animal instead.

A bit deflated but still determined, Monica persisted.

"You really should… focus on your work, okay? Mmph!"

Monica had tried her utmost to look intimidating, but Isaac only studied her intently.

Why was he staring at her so fixedly? Did she have errant bedhead hair? Monica fidgeted, patting her own head self-consciously.

Finally, Isaac gave her a warm smile.

"Don't worry, all my work is taken care of."

As if on cue, Cyril smoothly pulled out a thick stack of documents from his bag, nearly three times as thick as the materials Monica had provided earlier.

"These are additional assignments. Furthermore, Prince Albert will soon be going on a hunting excursion with a neighboring dignitary, and Diplomat Bridget Graham has requested your attendance as well."

"…Doesn't everyone have rather high expectations of an exiled former Second Prince living in seclusion?"

"It is precisely because you are so trusted, Your Highness. By myself as well, of course."

Isaac sighed and rubbed his forehead at Cyril's earnest demeanor.

"You still insist on calling me ‘Your Highness' even though you know my true identity… You never change, do you?"

"Regardless of your circumstances, the fact remains that you are someone I deeply respect."

Cyril puffed out his chest with pride.

Meanwhile, Claudia, sipping her tea silently at the table, did not change her expression at all as her azure eyes moved between the two men.

Isaac tried to deflect Cyril's serious manner, and the ever-earnest Cyril refused to be dissuaded. And caught in the middle was the hapless Monica, buffeted by her disciple.

Monica revered Cyril. Cyril revered Isaac. And Isaac revered Monica… It was a veritable triangle of reverence.

"…A novel love triangle, indeed," Claudia murmured.

Lana whispered back as she drank her tea, "Hey, is this supposed to be… a confrontation?"

"…Two of the three are oblivious. With one self-aware party, the situation is quite precarious…"

Of course, the byplay between the two was lost on the flustered Monica, who focused only on convincing Isaac.

"Ike, troubling Sir Cyril and Willdean is unacceptable!"

"So my master won't take my side?"

"Work is important, you know!"

"Alright, I'll return to the estate once a month then. Is that acceptable?"

"Good!"

Monica heaved a relieved sigh, unaware that she had just provided Isaac justification to keep imposing himself as her disciple outside of those monthly visits to his estate.

As she sank back into her chair, the exasperated Lana gave Monica a wry look.

"You've got your hands full too, Monica."

"Do… I?"

It was true that recently, Monica's life had been a constant stream of unfamiliar situations.

Looking back, her whirlwind began when she left the mountain hut to undertake the mission of guarding the Second Prince.

In the past, the timid Monica had lived in fear of others' gaze, keeping her head down and mouth shut as she devoted herself solely to numbers and formulas, believing that was all her life would ever amount to, with no other prospects to hope for.

So even after making dear friends by infiltrating Serendia Academy, she had intended to quietly disappear once those memories were made.

Back then… I really thought I could give it all up.

But the current Monica found herself unable to relinquish everything.

There were things she didn't want to let go of. People she wanted to stay connected to.

Monica gave a small, rueful smile at how greedy she had become compared to her former self.

"It may be difficult, but… I'm glad I left that mountain hut."

Initially, she had been practically dragged out by Louis.

But after it was all over, Monica had made the choice herself to venture out again from the hut.

"I'm happy… now to have people to share coffee with."

"So basically, Monica likes coffee, huh!" Glenn cheerfully remarked.

As Lana shook her head in exasperation, Monica smiled warmly.

"Yes… having coffee together with everyone… is delicious."

"I get that feeling! Eating meat with everyone is the best too! Next time, I'll bring some tasty meat so we can have a meat party!"

Neil grinned at Glenn's suggestion. "Sounds great!"

"Please allow us to join as well. Is that right, Claudia?"

"A harbor town, yet focused on meat rather than fish…"

"We can just grill both meat and fish, no problem!"

As Glenn energetically proposed the idea, Isaac smiled as he sipped his coffee.

"Sounds good. I'll have to show off my skills then."

With Isaac's deftness, he could surely prepare delicious meat or fish dishes.

However, his comment drew a sharp look from Cyril.

"Wait, you don't mean… to suggest His Highness… will be… cooking?"

Cyril's fork clattered as he stiffened, prompting Claudia to smirk devilishly as she gestured to the plate before him with a slender finger.

"…The plum cake you just ate was also made by… him."

Instantly, Cyril shot up from his chair, his eyes burning intensely as he glared at Monica.

"Monica Everett! Surely you don't mean to say you've been treating His Highness like a servant by having him…"

"N-No, it's a misunderstanding…! Well, he does help with cleaning too, so not a misunderstanding…"

"He even has cleaning duties!?"

Cyril's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. Ah, that familiar irate expression!

As Monica quivered anxiously, Isaac calmly interjected.

"As Monica's disciple, it's only natural that I handle her personal affairs."

"Personal affairs as well!?"

"I'm quite deft at styling her hair. Not as skilled as Lady Colette."

At Isaac's remark, Lana gave Monica a deadpan stare.

"Monica, I have to question that from a female perspective."

"Waaahh, I'm so sorry! I normally do it myself, but I was so absorbed in my research recently…!"

＊ ＊ ＊

Oh, Oh, it's quite lively today.

Nero, who had been secretly observing the scene from the top of the stairs, gave a lazy swish of his tail.

That said, a meat party doesn't sound too bad. I better make sure to get my fair share of meat too.

With that thought, Nero scampered up the stairs and into the open study. Intending to pass the time with some reading until the guests departed, he pulled Dustin Gunther's latest novel, which recently arrived from overseas, off the bookshelf.

As Nero flipped open the cover with his front paw in content, a message card fluttered out.

──Devoted to the Quiet Witch.

Nero narrowed his golden eyes and let out a cackling laugh.

"It's far from a word ‘quite' if we're talking about her current life."

On that tranquil summer afternoon in the harbor town, the lively chatter from downstairs accompanied Nero as he lazily turned the pages.

Hey everyone, thanks so much for reading Silent Witch to the end. It took 3 years to complete. Thanks to your support, I can keep my motivation up. I decide to take a rest for a while before taking on another project. Perhaps several days until I found another interesting novel. I hope we can meet again in another project.

Thank you!!