Witch's Mischief

What carefree lives they have. Some of us are out here rolling in the dirt while they giggle over golden fields.

Why are you always so mean...?

Because thanks to me, you all get to enjoy peace without offering a single tribute.

Since you brought it up, don't you just lounge on my back all the time?

I'm sweating so much from carrying you around I'm getting rashes. Hurry up and restore that "great" Fairy Queen's power already.

Hmph.

Still, everyone seems in good spirits. Was this year's harvest really that plentiful?

I don't know for sure, but it's not just because of farming.

There are fewer monsters than before too... That must make people feel safer.

True. That could be it.

Then our hard fighting was worth it.

Exactly. If people are happy thanks to our efforts, then I'm relieved. Father must be... pleased too...

So in the end, it all comes back to me.

What I'm saying is, this is everyone's...

...Never mind. Forget it.

Ethan. Since the festival's in full swing, why don't we stay a bit longer?

Huh? You sure that's fine?

Yes. We've worked hard to get here. I think we deserve a well-earned break.

I agree with the princess!

Hm... If everyone's saying so...

Then it's decided. Now, let's eat!

...Guess I am hungry. Let's all get something good to eat together.

Meat! Meat!

Steak! Skewers! Bacon sandwiches! Whole roasted pig!!

Yeah, sure. Eat whatever you want.

H-Huh?! What's with you...? Did you fall and hit your head or something?

I never said I'd be the one paying.

Is it really okay to just leave her like that?

Of course. You've seen it enough by now. It's a daily routine.

Hehe... Finally, I can eat all the salad I want...!

See? Even Bedivere doesn't care anymore.

N-No, it's not that I don't care... But Morgana is strong, so...!

Yeah, yeah.

Huh...?

Why are all the chicken dishes unavailable?

That is strange. It's still early, so it can't be that the ingredients already ran out...

It is odd. I saw chickens wandering outside.

Maybe they're just too quick to catch?

No way. The chefs here are experts at catching chickens.

In farming families, even kids can catch them. There must be another reason.

No helping it. Let's ask the owner.

What? The chickens are attacking people?

That's right. They've gotten so violent we can't even catch them, let alone cook them.

That's bizarre. They're just chickens...

I feel like I've heard of something like this before...

Well, this is a world full of monsters. Even the tamest livestock can be transformed by some power.

Then we have no choice but to investigate.

Yeah. If I can't eat chicken... it won't feel like I ate at all...

Really? Rye bread and salad are still tasty...

Grass alone... can never satisfy me...!

Chicken is a blessing, not just for poor college students living alone, but for adventurers swinging heavy logs too!

W-Why do you suddenly look so scary, Ethan...?

Bedi. When someone's greatest craving is taken away, they lose their reason.

Ethan is currently...

I-I see... I didn't know you liked chicken this much.

Hah, hah, hah...! Now you finally understand how I feel.

M-Morgana?! When did you...

The Fairy Queen doesn't miss a feast. I resurrect again and again for the sake of eating.

Still, what a pathetic human. To risk your life over mere chicken... Cows and pigs taste just as goo...

Uwaaaah!!

Kyaaaah!!

Morgana, are you all right...?

W-What a terrible sound...

Hey... we'll hunt down every last chicken, so make sure to prepare a delicious feast.

O-Of course...!

Start boiling the water now. I'll be back before it cools.

Y-You stupid pig, Ethan! You poor excuse of a human, how dare you hit me?!

I don't have time to bicker with you. If you want to eat, then cooperate.

Grrr...!

And you two! What are you standing around for? Hurry up!

Honestly, you're so selfish. Always being mean to me, yet look at you now...

Sure, I've got my own greed. But if we don't stop this, the festival will be ruined too. I'm doing this for the people!

Ethan has a point.

We'll catch the chickens and investigate what's happening. If someone is behind this... we can't let it go.

Sigh... fine, I'll help.

Yes! A festival without chicken would feel empty!

Now that you mention it, I'm starting to get hungry too... Please hurry!

That's the spirit. Let's go!

That should wrap things up for now.

Finally, we can eat.

Chickens can flap all they want, but in the end they're still chickens. I'll tear into one leg in each hand!

Hehe, let's head back to the restaurant.

Princess, please! Catch our chickens too!

Our chickens have escaped as well!

What the...

They're people from neighboring villages. Looks like this isn't happening only here.

Then we can't just return. Let's go, Ethan.

Uh... mm...

I mean, we still need to investigate the cause of all this, but shouldn't we eat first and check the chickens we already caught...?

Why don't we just finish them all off while we're at it? We'll have to do it eventually anyway.

....

What?

...Why are you only diligent at times like this?

Better than dragging it out until we're exhausted and then having to deal with it.

Come on, Ethan.

Wh-What the hell is that?!

Th-That's... a chicken... right...?

I mean, I guess technically... but can we even call that a chicken...?

It's ridiculously big...

A cockatrice...? How troublesome. For such a worthless beast to show up acting like the boss...

Maybe it needs another nerf before it learns its place.

Nerf? What's that?

Hey, stop spouting nonsense again. You don't even have debuff magic...

You don't get it! So many people are pissed at this stupid clucker! Running around like it's got bird flu, mrrph! Mmph!!

I don't know what you're babbling about, but calm down.

Well, she IS the Fairy Queen. Maybe she hears things we can't. That monster must've been tormenting people horribly.

Even so... it must have its reasons...

For chickens to end up like this... for a cockatrice to go berserk and cause people to suffer...

I don't believe it did all that just to be cruel...

Elizabeth. You don't have to play along with Morgana's delusions.

Sure, everything has its reasons. But our job is simple: defeat the monster, and save the people.

Y-Yeah! If we keep swinging our swords, someday we'll be rewarded!

...Right!

All right! Let's take down this arrogant chicken and get some food!

Yes!

That thing pecked like crazy.

At the end of the day, it's still just poultry. I burned off its feathers and made it ready for stew.

Strange... I swear someone was dangling from its beak, screaming just a moment ago...

Y-You must've imagined it! Definitely!

Ethan, the chickens are normal apart from those pumpkins on their heads.

Yeah, the strange aura's gone too. There was something ominous before, but now... nothing.

But how do we even haul this to the restaurant...?

We'll need a cart. I'll ask the townsfolk.

Oh! I'll take care of it, Princess.

Heh, heh, heh... Tonight we feast.

W-wait! You're seriously planning on eating this thing?

Huh? Well... it's technically just a big chicken...

Shouldn't we call in mages and have them examine it first? That was the plan, wasn't it?

This is a monster. If you eat something like this, you're guaranteed to regret it.

R-Right... you're right...

Sorry. I was just too hungry and wasn't thinking...

True. A bird this big couldn't possibly be normal. I also immediately thought about eating it without realizing...

They looked fine enough... but after rampaging so violently, it had to be one of two things.

Either they were warped by sorcery, curses, some magical force... or...

They could've been altered by drugs as well...

What do you think, Ethan?

I...

It's someone's doing. I don't know the method, but it was intentional.

I thought so too...

No normal chicken would rampage like that, or end up looking so grotesque.

And that pumpkin on its head... I doubt it just slipped on by accident.

C-Creepy... Who would do something like this in a season of harvest and prosperity...?

At the very least, not someone just hungry for more meat.

Hmmm...

What is it?

This pumpkin... I can sense a faint trace of mana.

What? You mean it was used as a magical tool?

Exactly.

If magic's involved, then their violent attacks make sense. But who would do this to chickens...?

It... it wouldn't be like how I was transformed, right?

Of course not. What you experienced isn't something just anyone could go through.

Really...?

Yes. Only someone with a pure, strong heart and the right qualities could. Someone like you, Bedi.

P-Princess... hwaaaah!

Bedi!!

Huh...?

That's...

I knew it!

Eh...?

Morgause...! Get over here!

Wh-What?!

Hyaaa!!

Catch her!

Huh? Who?

Morgause! I'm sure of it!

The Scarlet Witch is here?!

She is! Our eyes met, and she ran. No doubt she's connected to this oversized chicken too. I'm certain of it!

I-I'll go after her!

Don't rush in alone, Bedivere! If cornered, she'll definitely fight back with magic.

We should maintain formation while we chase.

Either way, we can't let her escape. Move!

Damn... We lost her.

Are you sure you did not mistake someone else?

I am certain. There is only one kid on this continent who waddles around in a foolish hat like that.

Why would Morgause...

Because she is the one pulling the strings. She got caught watching after starting all this, then bolted.

What do we do now? If Morgause chooses to hide, finding her will be difficult.

Tch... I could not even catch someone who is useless at anything physical.

Maybe she used magic?

If you saw that waddling run from behind, you would not say that.

It's because there are too many people.

Hmm... The crowd is heavy today.

Many came to see the chickens, but the town was already noisy with festival preparations.

...Ethan, over here. There are tracks...

Tracks?

What is this... a bead?

This is... candy.

Candy?

Yes. Children love it. I love it too, so I know it well. I buy them whenever I stop by the grocer.

That explains why our funds have felt strangely low... We have found another culprit.

T-That is...

Are you sure this candy is connected to Morgause?

I think so. I do not see any shop in this village that would sell sweets.

The first village we stayed in had only crops as well.

It is a mountain village. Sweet and tasty things are for cities.

Well, at this time of year... even if the village does not make them, they could have come in through the market.

At this time of year? Is there a custom of eating candy at harvest time?

That is not what I meant. I mean the day when humans throw food around for fun.

You mean Halloween.

Halloween?!

Why are you so surprised?

I am just amazed this world has Halloween too...

Halloween is one of the festivals for the gods and saints.

At least for this day, people share drink and food and even stop fighting. Even the Empire would not dare to blaspheme.

We hold it every year. Did you not know?

It just came back to me. I never really took part...

Hmph. Ethan is a pig who doesn't know how to enjoy life.

That is because of you...!

When you are scrambling to survive, running here and there with no end to the adventure, where is the time to enjoy a festival?

My isekai adventure is a mess... When I came to my senses, I was a machine that swings a sword...

And now I am fighting chickens on an empty stomach and chasing witches... Ngh...!

Please do not be too discouraged, Ethan.

Yes, Ethan. You can enjoy it with us this year.

Ahem...! If you all say so...

Can we track her with just these candies?

Well...

Princess, more candy here!

What...?

Over this way too... Ah! And here as well.

...What is this, Hansel and Gretel?

Heh. What a careless witch. Slurp...!

Since when! When did you start eating them on the sly?

Because candy is sweet and tasty.

Either way, let us go. We need to catch her before she gets too far.

Right!

I did not know the chickens would end up like that...

Hieek?! I mean... I didn't know the Swordbringer and his friends would show up so suddenly...

S-Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!

Haaa... Please spare me the harsh words...

She still looks miserable.

From the sound of it, the hat hit the mark. Very suspicious.

Um... Miss Morgause?

Eh...?

Eek! They caught up to me!

R-Run away? N-Now? I am out of breath... Hah?! I will go!

Wait! Morgause, where are you going? Explain what those chickens are.

I-I do not know anything!

Ah... She ran again.

Huff, huff... Why do you run so fast? Keeping up was exhausting.

That cursed hat...

Now it's personal. Elizabeth, Bedivere, we will catch that weirdo and interrogate her properly!

Um, Ethan? What are you saying... Don't tell me again...

Yes. I am starting to get angry too.

It is the witch who deceived the Princess and fled. We will catch her and hold her accountable.

Listen to me, please! If we are going to run again, then carry m...

Go!

Take me with you! Ethaaaan...!

More Cockatrice!

Their cries sound like someone wailing. Like the lament of workers locked in a windowless room...

Don't say awful things like that, Elizabeth. Anyway... four of those hulks together is overwhelming...

That much meat could feed a whole village.

Stop defaulting to eating. They are monsters. We don't know where they came from.

Also, I'm hungry. Please stop talking about food.

Um... If we fry them, it might work out somehow.

...!

Bedivere... you're actually quite brilliant?

Hehe. I was chosen as the Princess's guard, after all.

Ethan. If we don't finish fast, Morgause may get far away.

Right. I don't know the details, but...

Come at me, chickens. I will fry every last one of you.

For once we agree, Ethan.

I will beat, fry, and roast those detestable birds until my temper cools.

Behold magic infused with everyone's resentment.

The townsfolk did suffer, that is true.

Goooooock! Cluck cluck!!

Come here, bird brain. I will pluck every feather you have.

Haa... Looks like you don't have the strength to run anymore.

Eh...?! You followed me all the way...!

Miss Morgause, please explain what happened.

We skipped a meal to fight chickens without knowing why...

Why did you run? Was it because you really did this?

N-No, that is not it. I was given a mission to observe the chickens, but...

A mission?

Ah! F-Forget what you just heard... I mean... uh...

What? Burn the pigs black and silence them? Ah, um... that is a bit...

They will revive anyway with the World Tree's power? No, if they are completely burned to ash, that would be difficult, wouldn't it?

Enough babbling. I won't listen further.

That hat is trying to lead Morgause into mischief again.

Aagh! My head... My head hurts...!

It seems we have to fight.

I agree. She is in no state to reason with.

S-Sorry! I have no choice...!

I'll free you quickly.

I have been caught...

Good thing you didn't truly mean to fight. The whole forest nearly went up.

Morgana countered fire with fire...

I merely punished an enemy who attacked.

Anyway, are you alright now? It will be trouble if the hat acts up again.

I think I'm fine. My head is not ringing anymore.

Morgause. What exactly were you doing out here?

You mentioned a mission. What did you mean?

T-That is...

Actually... I heard one of the continent's most famous festivals, Halloween, was about to begin...

I'm not well informed, but... they said Halloween was traditionally a festival for witches too...

Circe suggested we give people a surprise. She said she had a very good plan...

Circe did?

I knew it. Morgause wouldn't do something this bizarre on her own.

Circe... What are you trying to pull...

B-Bizarre?

Uhh... Putting pumpkins on chicken heads? That's not normal.

Exactly. If it were me, I would have turned the chickens themselves into pumpkins. That fits Halloween better.

That's worse...

At least we found the mastermind quickly.

So Circe did that to the chickens just to scare people?

She does embarrassing things sometimes, but I didn't take her for someone who would torment living creatures.

Who knows. I still can't read her. But I do get the "mission" you were on. Those pumpkins on the chicken heads... that was you, right?

Yes... She gave me a bunch of cute pumpkin decorations...

She said if I put them on the chickens, people would be startled by the pumpkins...

Startled is one word for it. Very much so.

The prank went too far.

B-But...! I didn't know they would become so violent. Or grow bigger... I wasn't told any of that... so...

You panicked and ran.

Yes...

Hmph. No witch would make an ordinary chicken trinket. You were thoroughly tricked.

Then why take the job at all? You didn't even like leaving the forest before.

Because... she gave me lots of sweet candy I had never tasted in the woods...

Halloween does mean candy.

She said when people got scared and ran, I should hand candy to the children... and I could eat some too...

Ha! Fooled by food. I didn't know an ancient witch could be so light in the rear.

Am I hearing things... Did Morgana just say that line? Hm? Is that really happening?

Hehe. That shamelessness is part of Morgana's charm.

B-But... it was really delicious. Sweet, and the aroma was wonderful.

Say, Morgause. Where is that candy now?

Here...

A-All the candy is gone...! There was a lot... This is strange!

Nothing strange about it. We found you by following the candies you dropped.

You must have spilled them all. There were quite a few on the ground.

Whaaat?!

B-But we did pick them up! We followed the trail while picking them up!

T-Thank goodness... haa...

You said you picked them up, not that you still have them. Right, Bedivere?

Y-Yes... But at least they were put to meaningful use instead of going to waste...

What do you mean? I don't understand at all...

They are all inside this one's stomach.

...?!

She ate them with incredible speed.

Of course. You all ran off without any concern for my well being.

If I had not refueled with sugar, I couldn't have kept up.

M-My... candy... It is... uuu...!

Morgause collapsed!

Unfortunate... The shock must be severe.

Wait! Get up, Morgause. You cannot pass out yet.

Where is Circe? What did she use to make those pumpkins so the chickens went berserk like that? I need answers!

Do you think... Morgause will be alright?

She'll be fine. A witch that famous across the continent isn't going down over something like this.

W-We did at least lay her down somewhere sunny...

That... sounds a bit ominous. Let's just say we made sure she could rest in peace.

That doesn't sound much better, Ethan.

But are we sure Circe is really in this direction?

Judging by Morgause's reaction, she was definitely nearby. The mana traces lead straight this way, there's no mistake.

No matter how I think about it, this whole thing makes no sense.

Pumpkin hats? I don't know what that sneaky witch is planning, but this just seems... too wholesome for her.

Wholesome?! Turning perfectly good food loose by having them walking around on their own is shameless enough!

I meant compared to her usual tendencies.

True... her plans have always been... easy to read, if a bit embarrassing.

She's the witch obsessed with mating rituals, right...?

Exactly my point.

She's been wandering around looking suspicious, but she wasn't as aggressive as before, nor was she writhing around in heat.

So what on earth is she plotting...?

Looks like this Halloween's going to be a disaster...

Hmm...

A witch's intentions are obvious. She probably wanted all those plump chickens for herself, to boil and eat!

...Normally I'd ignore that, but could you try coming up with a theory that sounds less you? You're supposed to be a fairy queen, remember?

Witches don't act with purpose, that's how religion works.

So you're saying she did all this because she was bored?

That foolish witch said it herself, she wanted to give everyone a surprise. If that's her purpose, I suppose it counts.

Hmm...

What a dreadful Halloween... What was she planning to do with those chickens, anyway?

It's supposed to be a warm, cheerful holiday...

She's a famous witch, maybe she was trying to create some vicious beast?

Circe doesn't usually harm others on purpose. Morgana's theory sounds more plausible, surprisingly.

Now that you mention it... handing out candy could mean she really just wanted to enjoy the festival.

Still, that can't be all. We'll know once we catch her and make her talk.

Or maybe... she's preparing some bizarre ritual. Something that'll shock everyone.

Then... could those chickens with pumpkin heads be part of that ritual?

They say Halloween is a witch's festival.

And most rituals require living sacrifices, so... Ethan's guess might be right...!

Hmm...

But continuing the pursuit might be difficult now.

It's getting dark, the tracks are fading... and we already caught all the chickens. How about we rest and resume tomorrow?

I agree with Bedi. Lady Morgause might have woken up by now, we should count on her instead.

Guess we don't have a choice.

Finally decided to face reality, huh? Not that we could go further anyway, there's a cliff up ahead.

Huh...? There's no cliff in this forest.

Huh? Then what's that big rock over there?

A rock...?

Wait! Something's off...!

It's a golem?!

Golems are magical constructs. If Circe's nearby, that confirms it!

Guess it's trying to block us because we came to get her... looks like retreat isn't an option.

Then we'll have to fight.

Ugh! This is all because you dragged us deep into the forest, Ethan!

Complain later. Deal with that thing first.

I agree. If we leave the golem be, travelers might get hurt.

We'll smash them all, then find Circe and get our answers. Everyone, hang in there!

Gyaaaah!!

Oh my, Ethan. We meet again...

Did you miss me that much? Showing up at this hour... I'm flattered.

We did come looking for you, but not in that way, so cut it out.

R-Right...! You blocked our path with golems and now you act shameless on top of it?

Huff... huff...

Thanks to Circe, Morgana is broken... She has not even had a proper meal today.

That's just because she has terrible stamina...

Anyway, you are coming with us. We already heard plenty from Morgause, so denying it will not help.

Hmm? I had no intention of lying anyway.

If Ethan wants, I can lay my whole heart, and body, bare for you... heehee.

N-No thanks...

What exactly did you do?!

Even if you like pranks, this went too far. Chickens are precious resources for the townspeople.

The problems of humans aren't my concern.

I avoid pointless killing, but there are few animals more suitable for experiments than chickens.

See? She's not the kind of witch who values life.

That's awful...

There's no point in talking anymore. I'll defeat you here and make you talk through force!

Sigh... how tiresome.

I agree it's tiresome... but... I'm also a little angry.

I couldn't eat my daily dose of meat and all this trouble, it's all your fault! I won't forgive you!

Seems everyone's in agreement. Guess I've got no choice but to fight too. Why don't you just surrender?

I can't do that. Beating my golems wasn't the end, you know?

Figures...

Ethan... your sword... I want to feel it all over my body. Let's see if you're worthy to dominate me... fufu... fufufu...

Deeper... push it deeper... ngh...!

This sensation... more... give me more... aaah!

Alright, everyone! Take down this perverted witch!

Hnng!

Stop moaning like that and falling over! You can still fight!

As expected of you, Ethan. You're stronger than I imagined.

Fine. I'll accept any torture you desire. If you want... imprisonment... restraints...

Hey! Enough! Just answer me! Why did you do that to the chickens?!

To surprise people for Halloween, of course.

Using chickens?!

Everyone sure was surprised... chickens wearing pumpkins and walking through town...

That can't be all. What's the real reason?

As sharp as ever, Ethan...!

I was preparing a ritual. When the moon shines upon the pumpkin-headed chickens, the spell would activate.

And what happens when it activates?

I'm not exactly sure.

What?! How can you not know when you're the one doing it?!

You misunderstand. I only crafted the pumpkin hats with my potion and handed out candy.

What...?!

Kya! M-My eyes!

Ugh...!

Guh... what's happening...?

It's me, Ethan.

Dian...?!

I'm the one who planned this with Circe and Morgause. And I'm the only one who knows what the spell does.

So stop bullying Circe.

Dian... what were you thinking?!

It's Halloween, isn't it? In this bleak world, I wanted to create something truly memorable. A powerful event, using the strength of witches.

When the chickens gather, their pumpkin hats ignite in flame.

Living jack-o'-lanterns... that's way too cruel!

Hm? But everyone eats chickens anyway.

That's still awful, Dian! Chickens may be food, but you can't just kill them like that!

And the townspeople who lost them were harmed too!

Bedi's right! Halloween isn't just a witches' festival, it's for everyone! I can't accept this!

Hmph... What humans feel has nothing to do with me.

I only wanted to make a Halloween worth remembering.

Circe agreed to test the pumpkin hats made from her own potion.

That's right. I thought it was a pretty fresh idea.

In what world?!

Well... if it worked, I could put a pumpkin on Ethan's head and control him as I pleased... or maybe the other way around... mm...

You really know how to say terrifying things with a straight face...

What about Morgause? Why was she involved?

I gave her candy, and she followed. She didn't want to come out at first, so I had to coax her a bit.

...

Yaaawn. Are you all done blabbering?

The Fairy Queen... Morgana.

I heard your petty little plan loud and clear. Now it's time you pay for making me suffer.

I won't go down that easily. Not even to you.

Circe, we should withdraw for now. Let's finish this in town.

Okay...

See you next time, Ethan!

Think you can get away?!

Quick! After them!

Hnng...

Nngh...

You wicked witches...! Looks like you can't move anymore.

Ugh... We lost. Ethan's attacks were overwhelming... he didn't hold back at all...

My body's still tingling... it aches all over... I can't stand it...!

If you do something wrong, you face punishment. Maybe next time you'll think twice before tormenting people.

Aah... We only wanted to enjoy Halloween... ngh...!

Haaah... Ethan's blows... they left me a complete mess...!

We were so pathetically defeated... there's no point in resisting anymore.

Go on, do as you wish... haah...

In the end, we'll probably have our clothes torn apart and pumpkins shoved over our heads while we get spanked!

Naughty witches like us deserve to be punished... harshly trained and corrected! Aaah!

Haa... haa...

T-The chickens are pecking at me...! I'm being punished... for being such a bad witch...!

Agh...! Ethan... make me sticky and sweet... like candy...

S-Stop saying such shameless things...!

Ugh... how indecent... haah...

...

Take it easy, both of you. I'm blushing from just looking at you...!

Y-Yeah... this is really awkward...

Maybe Halloween used to be a witches' festival, but now it's a time to comfort people weary from war.

So, you're saying... we were wrong...

A festival that doesn't make everyone happy isn't worth having.

If you really want to enjoy it, how about handing out those candies instead?

Candy? You mean these ones I made?

...! That's actually a good idea.

I agree! Circe's candy are amazing after all!

Hmm... but plain candy is boring.

What if I made candy that makes people fall in love? Or turns children into candy instead?

They're already ready to go, actually. And if you eat this one, you'll feel an instant urge to...

Stop right there! You're trying to cause another problem!

Morgause sided with you because of candy, didn't she? And Morgana enjoyed it too.

That should be enough to earn people's goodwill. If you don't cooperate, you'll be spending Halloween in a cell.

Huh?! W-What a terrifying threat...

I'll admit, Circe's candy is special. It was so sweet...

The more I ate, the better I felt... I even started wanting to see you, Ethan... and now I'm all warm inside.

When you eat Circe's candy, you feel really good, Ethan. You should try one.

Dian's complimenting her candy, too. The kids will love it for sure.

If it's that delicious, then give me some too! The ones I stole from Morgause weren't nearly enough!

How are you still grumpy after eating so many...?

Hm? If you took Morgause's, those were just ordinary candies. That's probably why.

Pathetic, piggy witches! Hand over your candy to me, now!

Come on, give me the whole basket!

Keep this up and your teeth wont last long.

Is it my fault that I'm always hungry? You don't feed me properly!

Since when did I become your personal chef...?

Hehe... I wouldn't mind if Ethan fed me too... mmm...

Um... everyone, maybe we should stop fighting and head back? The town's probably still preparing for the Halloween festival at the plaza!

She's right, Ethan. We found the real culprits, solved the case... now it's time to enjoy the festival!

If we're late, all the food will get cold!

Good idea. I bet the chickens we returned have already been cooked up nicely. After all that fighting, I'm starving.

Ah... that reminds me...

What about Morgause? She's still not moving at all.

Morgause is...

Candy... please, give me candy.. ugh...

No candy for losers? N-No... I'm sorry... I was wrong... sniff...!

Judging by the silence from the hat, she's fine. Let's leave her.

Um... Ethan...?

Yeah?

Would you... help me hand out candy?

If we really did enjoy Halloween the wrong way, I'd like to experience the real thing, beside you.

It'd be nice... to spend it with you.

Hmm...

I guess we could.

I-I'll help too! You say... "Trick or treat," right?

That's what the kids who want candy are supposed to say, Bedi.

Right. It's a large festival... and I can't just leave a couple of clueless witches wandering around.

This time, I'll show you what a real Halloween celebration is like. Come on, Dian, Circe.

Okay, I'd love that!

I was waiting for you to say that, Ethan... hehe.

Tonight... is going to be a very hot night.