Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Witch of Fate’s Great Call - Chapter 47
Catherine had seen enough of how her sister was treated in this country, and she felt reassured. This wasn’t just a temporary act to deceive her eyes—they genuinely respected and loved the Queen.
The only lingering concern was Vylon, who left her feeling somewhat uneasy, but even that didn’t seem to be a real issue.
“W-Wait! Don’t just kiss me like that out here in the open!”
As they strolled around the castle, Vylon suddenly kissed Kalynia, causing her to gasp in surprise.
Even though she’d openly mentioned stealing the mirror and running away right in front of him, it seemed his affection for her was unwavering. Ignoring her protests, he held her hands, tilting his head playfully.
“No one’s watching, can’t I?”
“There… there could be someone watching.”
Kalynia, her face bright red, glanced around.
Fool. She thought “open” meant only to either side, not considering that it included above. Catherine smirked internally at her sister’s obliviousness.
“Is it okay to kiss you now?”
“……”
“Please, Kalynia?”
Vylon took her face in his hands and planted a string of kisses.
Did she really not mind as long as no one was around? This time, Kalynia didn’t stop him. As the playful kisses deepened, she even wrapped her arms around him.
Watching from above in her crow form, Catherine decided she’d seen enough. Their affection was too sickening, making her feel a bit nauseous.
Kalynia and Vylon already looked as close as a married couple who’d been together for years. No, they seemed as happy as parents with seven children.
“I’ve seen enough to know you’re doing well, so I’ll be heading back.”
One day, Catherine made this announcement, having seen enough to feel assured. Kalynia couldn’t hide her disappointment.
“Was something bothering you? Can’t you stay a bit longer?”
“If I don’t return, our sisters are probably waiting anxiously for news of you—and me.”
“Oh…”
Kalynia’s face fell, clearly missing her sisters too. Catherine chuckled.
“You’re so downcast. If you’re going to be this sad, just come with me.”
Kalynia looked like she was seriously considering it, her lips parting slightly. A few more words might be enough to convince her to nod and agree to leave with her.
“I’m a little sad to be parting this way.”
Before Catherine could press further, Vylon stepped in, placing his hands on Kalynia’s shoulders.
“I thought we’d grown quite close.”
Such empty words.
Catherine nearly snorted. If it had been the lively maid by her side, maybe she could believe it. But she’d barely spoken with him, so it was a stretch to say they’d grown close.
Every time she spoke with Kalynia, he was always one step back, watching them with a faintly jealous look.
Even now, he was blatantly on guard, worried Catherine might persuade Kalynia to leave with her.
How ridiculous. Don’t worry—I’m not taking her away.
Catherine shook her head and tapped Kalynia’s arm.
“I’ll tell them how well you’ve been carrying on here, so don’t worry.”
Kalynia, who’d been biting her lip, immediately threw her arms around her. Even though it wasn’t a final farewell, she seemed truly saddened.
“You have to come see me again, okay?”
Even Catherine, who hadn’t been particularly sad about leaving, felt a little choked up. She held back her tears firmly. Crying in front of her sister would be a blow to her pride; she would never let that happen.
She didn’t mind Kalynia being known as the “Good Witch” in this country, but she had no desire to be treated as such herself.
“Oh, the shoes. I need to take the shoes you stole back with me.”
Just as she was about to leave to avoid tearing up, Catherine suddenly remembered the shoes.
“Oh, the shoes. Right, the shoes…”
Kalynia hesitated, glancing at Vylon nervously.
You’re kidding.
Catherine narrowed her eyes at Kalynia, silently telling her not to mess around. The more she glared, the more Kalynia couldn’t manage a proper response. Finally, it was Vylon who answered in her place.
“The magical shoes are with me.”
“And why are they with you…? Kalynia! Did you let a human take Mother’s heirloom?”
“Eek!”
At Catherine’s outburst, Kalynia shrank back, hiding behind Vylon.
“Don’t be too harsh on my wife. I’ll return the shoes, so please calm down.”
Vylon intervened, trying to calm Catherine, who was practically seething.
Catherine, who regained her composure at the mention of the shoes being returned, took a deep breath. The way he held his trembling wife with a satisfied expression only irritated her more.
“But I have one condition for returning them.”
“A condition? You think you have the right to set terms for returning my mother’s heirloom?”
“Yes.”
Vylon responded confidently, smiling with a hint of hidden intent as Catherine ground her teeth in frustration.
