I stared blankly at Miss Vanessa over the unexpected statement.
…Is this what they call an unexpected windfall?
I think something that comes free carries a hidden meaning—that there's an expensive additional cost in return.
Suppressing my unease, I asked hesitantly, "Why are you so kind to me? Isn't this our first time meeting?"
As if not understanding what I was talking about, Miss Vanessa tilted her head.
"So what?"
I blinked in surprise, stammering,
"So what you say, you knew I was also a Witch, right?"
"Oh, that~ I know what you mean."
"So you understand…"
I muttered unconsciously before blankly staring at the blonde-haired Witch.
The Visionary Witch and noblewoman took a drag from her cigar, grinning playfully at me as if hearing a funny joke.
That grin annoyed me a little.
"Pretty Miss, it seems you've misunderstood something or failed to read the situation. You're not the only one working at Bar Airlangga—of course, you're not the only unusual one, but several others are also in the same category as you, just as unusual."
Licking her lips, Miss Vanessa continued,
"As you heard earlier, I'm a noble. With my status above commoners, my wealth, and my connections with people or subordinates, it's impossible I wouldn't consider my own safety, especially since I'm also the most influential figure among nobles."
I rearranged my thoughts and paraphrased what Miss Vanessa had shared.
It seems after leaving here, I'll need to investigate who the Amory Noble Family is… I fell into a brief dilemma. She said she's acknowledged as the most influential figure in the Sonia Empire—maybe this is my starting point to build connections in this foreign world.
For some reason, I suddenly felt embarrassed after asking such a pointless question to this noblewoman.
But that shame lasted only a moment before Miss Vanessa's voice interrupted my train of thought,
"Yes, that's how Witches think—they must focus and stay alert to the key points of survival. A Witch would be considered a failure if they swallowed information from strangers whole, especially if that stranger is another Witch."
A suspicious grin appeared on Miss Vanessa's lips. I stayed silent for a moment before adding with a more intense tone and stronger body language.
"What do you mean? Don't tell me…"
Suddenly, a chilling aura and my intuition screamed danger, signaling me to get away immediately.
With my 'Miracle Survivor' ability, I reflexively stepped back, distancing myself from the blonde Witch while preparing to use 'Pyromancy.'
But—
Slowly, I realized Miss Vanessa's figure was gradually fading.
She disappeared…!
For a moment, my heart tightened as I wrestled with confusion due to my lack of knowledge about Visionary abilities. My gaze darted left and right, matching the pounding of my heart.
It forced me to activate 'Pyromancy.' Hot flames erupted from my hands, spreading slowly to form a wall of fire shielding me from all sides. Yet, after several wasted minutes, there was no reaction from the opponent.
Damn it, if this continues, my spiritual energy will be drained… Wait, am I being too paranoid? A rational thought surfaced as I exhaled, clearing my weak mind.
Just then, I sensed a bad omen. I couldn't pinpoint its exact nature, but I was certain fighting like this was the wrong move.
Hufft, calm down, Evan. You need to think logically about this situation…
Slowly, I closed my eyes and sank into my subconscious, analyzing the opponent and structuring the battlefield's rhythm through my memory of the earlier conversation with Miss Vanessa.
After a few seconds of thought, my assumption reached a conclusion.
This is an illusion!
No doubt about it!
I recalled a radical method to break free from illusions back when I was still on Earth and still a man.
One way—without outside help—was to inflict pain on myself.
Steeling my resolve, I tried biting my lip until it bled, but a pale hand appeared from behind, covering my mouth as if trying to stop me.
"Fufufu, good effort. Honestly, I'm surprised by your method to escape an illusion. But you took too long—if I were someone else, things would've ended differently, Darling."
As time passed, the voice grew clearer alongside the figure it belonged to.
Miss Vanessa's voice sounded so close, as if whispering directly into my ear. My body stiffened instantly, feeling her warm breath on the back of my neck.
I tried to suppress my racing heartbeat, forcing myself to stay calm even as my instincts screamed to fight back.
Is this still an illusion? Or… is she really here?
"Darling, I'll tell you a little about myself through actions…"
The soft hand covering my mouth slowly lowered, gently gripping my chin before something warm and soft touched my lips.
"!!!"
My eyes widened in shock at Miss Vanessa's absurd action.
Damn it…! She kissed me!! Disgust and horror flooded my mind. As a man, I might've enjoyed this situation.
Who wouldn't be happy being suddenly kissed by a blonde radiating MILF energy?
No one!
But not in my current situation—possessing a woman's body turned this into a same-gender kiss.
As an upright Earthling who doesn't support deviations from societal norms like same-gender attraction, such actions warrant legal consequences. Of course, that doesn't mean I'd end up dating a man just because I'm possessing a woman's body.
"Fufufu~ My hobby is loving beautiful things like you, Darling," Miss Vanessa whispered, her breath still warm on my ear. Then, unexpectedly, her long tongue licked my cheek.
I felt a strong urge to push her away, but my body felt locked—whether from shock or her power's influence.
"You—you're crazy?!" I shouted, my voice trembling between anger and discomfort.
But Miss Vanessa only laughed, her voice like a tinkling bell. Her purple eyes sparkled with amusement completely out of place in this situation. It was as if she was revealing madness and obsession.
"Crazy? Oh, Darling, I'm just honest. And you know, I always get what I want."
Her hand, which had been holding my chin, slid to my shoulder, fingers pressing gently yet meaningfully. I could feel strange energy flowing from her touch—like static electricity raising my hairs.
I tried gathering strength to break free, but suddenly—
BANG—!
The sound of a door slamming stopped everything.
"Hey bitch, what are you doing to a guest this early?"
The voice was deep, authoritative, and utterly cold and cruel.
Miss Vanessa froze, then slowly turned toward the source. I also looked—and there stood a tall man in a black coat with a chilling gaze.
His face was sharp, his obsidian-black eyes piercing, and the aura he emitted made the air feel heavier, combined with his brown hair slicked back like an alpha male from a movie.
The most striking things about him were his gold-rimmed glasses and the badge pinned to his coat—a shield engraved with three stars.