Circe's Episode

Fishing in the forest after such a long time... this is nice...

I haven't had much time to relax lately. If life here could be like this, it'd be pretty great.

Hehe... found you...

...! Who's there?

Damn, is it an enemy? Show yourself!

Finally found you, Ethan.

Circe?

Why did you leave your forest and come all the way here? Is there something you need?

Of course.

Well, what is it...?

It's to fall into your arms, Ethan... Hehe!

What's with suddenly appearing and saying that... Ah! Fish! I got a bite!

Whoa!

Ethan, please take a look at my racing heart!

I don't care! I'm fishing, so don't interrupt me...

Ah! Wait! Don't come any closer! This is a crucial moment!

I'm having some much-needed relaxing time right now. I'm going to catch fish, so stay still.

If you wait over there, I'll finish this and play with you...

I can't do that, Ethan.

If you ignore the effort I took to find you all the way here... Ah! Don't tell me... are you playing the neglect game? Hehe!

I'm not! It just means I'm not interested! Honestly, I wish you'd disappear!

Ethan!

Ah!

Ah... the fish got away...

Hehe... I didn't expect to get completely soaked... Do you enjoy this kind of play?

Not at all! What's your agenda here? I was just having some peaceful time... You're ruining my rest!

What do you mean by agenda? I'm just a delicate woman who couldn't forget you and came to find you.

Everything about that is wrong.

You couldn't forget me? Since when were we that close... And delicate? The Abyss Witch, one of the 5 Great Witches?

That's not important. What matters is that my heart is racing so fiercely the moment we reunited...

Hehe... Ethan. If I don't dry off soon, I'll catch a cold. Please... would you use me?

Are you a towel or something?

Ugh... My blood pressure is rising...

My sweet, peaceful rest ended just like that.

Sigh...

That Circe... what on earth made her come here?

Well, it's because I'm head over heels for you, Ethan.

What?

Hehe, would you like me to scrub your back?

When did you come!

I'm a highly respected witch, you know. Don't underestimate me!

Don't waste the identity of such a powerful witch by sneaking into someone's bath!

Hmm... I don't mind being underrated by Ethan...

Stop talking nonsense and get out!

Huff! That dignified finger point... My heart... it feels like it might explode!

Aaaahh! At what point exactly did you fall for me? When we first met, it wasn't like there was some instant spark between us.

Did you really have to come here and be such a nuisance? What a weird one.

I'm being criticized... Sigh...

A pervert... A perverted witch has appeared...!

Oh my, a pervert? I'm just in love with you, Ethan.

Look where you are! I'm in a bath, and yet you came in.

But Ethan, you're standing there composed and unembarrassed... Ah... could it be that you want me to long for you while you're washing?

That can't be it. You'd probably like it more if I acted embarrassed, so I'm just thinking of you like a stone.

There's no reason for liking something.

If I had to explain, it's because of something that happened in the past. I'm sure you won't betray me.

Of course, I have no intention of needlessly betraying anyone and making more enemies.

Just as I thought! Ethan, you are the tree in my heart... truly a giant tree, comparable to the World Tree!

Wait, what... am I a plant now? Why should I be compared to a tree?

Because you are the World Tree, the center of my world.

No matter what you say, Ethan, this truth doesn't change. I've made up my mind about it.

...

Since you're so confident, it should be fine. Honestly, it's a bit annoying, but I can't reach my back well... Just don't do anything unnecessary.

Of course. One moment...

Mmm, hehehe...!

...Why are you suddenly trying to take your clothes off?

Because your back should be rubbed with my chest. I'll make you happy with my humble chest...

Leave.

Ugh! That dignified tone... As expected, Ethan. Truly the stern appearance of a Swordbringer.

My legs are shaking because of what you just said... Hehe... If this keeps up, I... I...!

Heehee...

Hah...

Hey, Circe.

Did you call me, Ethan? Hah... Hah... To be called by you... my heart is racing...

You... will do anything I say, right?

Of course. Though my body is lacking, I'll do whatever you want...

Well, that's nice, but first, I need to ask something.

What is it?

Actually, we're running low on the magical materials needed for equipment enhancement.

To get the materials, we'll need to conquer a dungeon far to the south of Mercia, but we can't move right now because of our separate duties.

I'm sure you can handle it, Circe?

A dungeon that far away? On my own?

Hmm... Maybe it's too much... I was thinking I might take you on a special date if you complete the mission...

I'll do it! I can do it! No, please, make me do it!

Alright. Go, Circe!

Yes, Ethan!

That fool. When you come back, I won't be here.

It's not an easy dungeon, but... Circe will have no problem. Unlike someone who faints every time their magical power runs out.

I need to leave here quickly...

...?

Hah... Hah... E-Ethan... I'm back...!

Huh? Circe? But you just left. Where have you been?

The dungeon you mentioned. This should be enough materials, right?

You really have the enhancement materials? You actually went there? That far? And you conquered there?

Yes. I handled it in no time to meet your expectations.

How... how did you...

First, I used teleportation magic to get there instantly.

Then, with my love for you, I lifted the entire dungeon and turned it into a forest.

...Now that I think about it, why are all five of the witches completely insane?

Hurry... let's go on our date!

I can't help it. A promise is a promise. Don't complain if it's boring. I'm no good at dates.

Complain? That's impossible. I'm just happy that I get to go on a date with you.

Okay...

Thinking that you will soon be mine... I'm so happy...!

I'm not feeling too well right now... Let's do it later. Is that alright?

Hmm... I thought this time, I could finally have you...

...It was just a date. How did you end up thinking you could possess me?

That's a secret. Hehe...!

It's bothering me...

What's going on? I was making gloves for you.

Circe. Enough. I know you're serious, but I'm not in the right mood. If this keeps up, it'll interfere with my mission.

Hmm... Does that mean you too can't return my feelings?

"You too"? Was there someone else?

... King Uther.

King Uther?

What happened? Can you tell me?

I... met King Uther a long time ago.

In his youth, he was a wonderful person. For someone like me, who was always secluded in the forest, he was a very refreshing change.

I quickly fell for him. He didn't dislike me either.

He even promised me a future, and I was so happy that I gave him a great deal of power. Back then, I was truly happy.

Oh... you and King Uther had such a past...

But you didn't end up together, huh?

No, we didn't.

He was a kind person, but he started looking at other women after leaving me behind, unable to adapt to city life.

Igraine, was it...

...I was so angry that I cursed them with infertility and returned to the forest. After that, I swore I would never leave the forest again.

Couldn't there have been some reason behind King Uther's actions?

I don't know. But... I couldn't forgive them. So, I shut myself away in the forest.

That determination was broken because of Tiamat Church's actions...

But why do you trust and like me? If what you're saying is true, shouldn't you hate humans?

I do hate them. I hate them, but...

If I ever fall for someone, I've decided to give him everything I have.

Even though I was furious at King Uther's betrayal, I thought maybe it was because I wasn't enough, that's why he turned to another woman.

And now I've become that person... Hah, this is complicated.

Hehe, you don't need to worry. I'll take care of everything myself.

...Circe.

Being lovers is best when both hearts connect with each other. Doing it this way only causes pain for the other person.

Do you dislike me?

I don't dislike you. But I don't like you enough to respond to the way you treat me.

Right now, it's too one-sided.

...

We haven't had many chances to understand each other's feelings. If possible, I'd like to take some time to get to know each other...

I... was being selfish, wasn't I...

Trust me and go back to the forest. When I feel more comfortable with you, I'll come find you. Just give me some time...

I understand it's uncomfortable. But how am I supposed to trust you? I... I get anxious when I don't have someone I like...

You... you could have your own reasons...!

I received a revelation and became the Swordbringer. Would I disregard the promise I made with a witch?

If I did that, I might not be able to return to my original world.

Even if I can't come to you for some reason, I'll make sure my message reaches you.

We're comrades. I would never betray a comrade.

Honestly, it's a bit of a hassle right now... but it's not because I dislike you. When I have some time to spare, I might come to see you again.

So trust me.

...I get it. If you're saying so... I guess there's no choice...

Then, at least for tonight, I want to stay by your side. Is that okay...?

Yeah... let's have a drink.

Heh... you really are a good person... I'm definitely going to claim you tonight...!

...!?