Fricle's Story

Oh, good timing, Master. Follow me.

Stop asking questions and get down here.

Welcome, Lady Fricle!

Yes, yes. And the others?

Eek! Let go! Let go of me!

They're escaped convicts from Witch Kingdom. They need to be captured and extradited at some point. Fortunately, you've become a witness in case I need to do that later.

Are you stupid? Do you think if a diplomat brings in an armed force like this, Sprite Kingdom would just be like, "Oh, yes, welcome"?

It's been a few days since we arrived!

Sigh... So what? I came here to eliminate them in the first place. Gotta do what I gotta do.

That's for appearances. Where there is light, there are also shadows.

Doesn't it make sense to handle unsavory tasks all at once? Work should be done efficiently.

Lady Fricle. We searched her and it seems she is the last one. However...

The... I think you should take a look at the room over there for yourself.

N-No! Leave that room alon—Ow!

Hey! Don't you dare lay a hand on my collec—Ow! Why do you keep hitting me?!

Stay silent, criminal!

Wow... You were quite thorough with your plans... weren't you? What's this here... Failed attack on Belita...

Arrrrrgh! Ow! S-Stop hitting me! It's not a crime to make a move for the crown as a wit—Ow!

Why you little... stop yapping!

Lady Fricle, you can stop hitting her now. She has already blacked out.

Since she's blacked out, I will take her back to the kingdom.

Hmph. They all failed anyway.

Of course she's fine. I'm preventing all of these attacks.

What a vile snake. How dare she plan these...

Oh, don't put me in the same boat as that fool. I'm taking this because I need it.

There's a list of poisons that witch tried to feed Queen Belita. See?

That's right. To be ready for any future events, we've got to keep track of the list of poisons that had no effect and the list of poisons that remain untested.

That way, we can prevent any future attempts on Queen Belita's life, and prepare antidotes in advance for the untested poisons.

Well... who knows?

Anyway, this information can't be leaked to the other witches. This information should stay in my possession only.

What's so evil about that? Preparing for the future is something that should be commended.

There's also information on the traitors here. Hehehe... Good. I'd better eliminate all of them in one go when I return.

So? Why should I care about the opinions of idiots? How could those boneheads understand my great plan?

Should Queen Belita ever become unfit to lead the witches, then I must succeed her. Only I am worthy.

Of course... Queen Belita is still doing an impeccable job of leading us, so there is no need to get ahead of ourselves. But also, there's no harm in being prepared.

You gotta give me more. What exactly do you mean?

...? You really don't know?

Well, it's because Sprite Kingdom has the flimsiest security.

...Me? Joking? When have I ever...?

I don't joke around.

Yes. The security at the Order is rather weak as well.

Hehehe... How do you think?

...Why don't you compare it to the security of other kingdoms then?

Even with that Tig werebeast? You call that lax?

That leaves us with the phantoms and the elementals... But, I mean... They just look different.

Appearance is not an issue... Witches and sprites are basically the same at the core, so it's easy to disguise yourself as one another.

I mean... I get how you feel, Master, but you can't deny the cold, hard facts.

Of course, my job is easier because of this. I can focus my efforts on one place and end up arresting 90% of the convicts.

Tch, I thought that you wouldn't be able to catch on because you're an idiot.

Hmph. Since the cat's out of the bag anyway, wanna hear the truth?

To put an end to the pointless infighting and conflict, I started to closely monitor and control their actions. But they all fled the kingdom.

With one-on-one close surveillance. I recorded everything, from what they ate to when they went to the bathroom.

Feeble fools. How can they even think of targeting the throne with such weak determination?! No wonder they walk away with their tails between their legs!

Witches like Velvet, who are all brawn, need to be put in their place completely. Of course, the same goes for those who wickedly plot behind the scenes, too.

They'll only become more dangerous if left unchecked. I cannot let that pass.

Velvet is going about causing all sorts of trouble, and Posher is concocting and distributing her strange potions.

In fact, those potions are being smuggled into other kingdoms. The dignity of Witch Kingdom is at rock bottom!

On the surface, Witch Kingdom seems to be the most stable, but in reality, things are a disaster.

Talent. That's what we lack. A talented individual who can lead this kingdom to greatness with me.

Rumors say that there's this Sage of Perpetual Snow. Someone like her would be perfect... but it's not easy finding someone like that.

Perhaps she truly is a sage? Even I have been unsuccessful at finding even the smallest clue as to her whereabouts.

Tch.

Well, not that I really care if they cause problems in other kingdoms, but I'm capturing them before they cause problems anyway!

Then there isn't a problem, right? None of these other fools have even noticed that these witches are hiding among them anyway.

But I'm taking responsibility, am I not? So, what's the problem?

...Now, you figured it out?

I told you that during my previous raid, didn't I? That I came to sweep up these escapees?

.........

Hmm... Seems like the Yggdrasil Order is also a lost cause... Not that it's any of my concern, anyway.

.........

.........

What is it?! Why are you staring at me like that?!

How rude.

That's a compliment? Surely you jest, Master.

Oh? What's your impression of me, then?

Amelia? The elven mayor's secretary? Hmph.

So, you think I stan hard for my superior, pry into her private life, and collect merch related to her like some sort of creep?

Well, sorry to disappoint. I'm not at all like that.

Okay, I see what you think of me now.

.........

The Ner from Sprite Kingdom that I know is a glorified nanny who always chases after the queen and nags her.

So, you view me as some sort of nag? Unfortunately, I don't recall a single time when I have scolded Her Majesty.

...At the most, it's only been a squabble over snacks. I don't scold or rebuke Her Majesty to begin with.

Hmm. You know... Now I have a good idea of how you've been viewing me all along.

Has it not occurred to you, that the mere act of comparing me to them would be an insult to me—no, Her Majesty's standing?

So what if they're hard-working? It's the attitude that's important!

I'm sure they work hard. That's how they've become advisors! You can't become one by being derelict in your duties.

However, their greatest flaws are their attitudes!

They lack courtesy, respect, and manners towards the one they serve!

They're merely idiots who are good at their jobs.

Comparing me to them is too great an insult. Do you wish to visit the Weekend Farm, Master?

They're probably fulfilling their roles in their own ways... But you can by no means call that normal... Hmph. No wonder their kingdoms are like that.

Read the room, okay?

How dare you compare me to those dunces... Ugh, I'm getting angry just thinking about it again.

What?

Yeah? What about them?

...What?

You surprise me quite often with the way you think, Master. You're very... different.

.........

It seems the Order should soon start preparing to receive their next Master.

I mean, you thought that what I said was a compliment.

And logically, if my briars hurt, would I really wrap them around me?

Hmm. One more, I suppose.

I believe I said ONE more...

My briars are like an extension of my body. I can control them however I want, so no trimming needed.

Same with putting on clothes, okay?

You should think before you—sigh... never mind.

When I put clothes on, I can make them disappear.

Oh, I see you're not completely oblivious...

Oh, right. You're from Earth, aren't you?

No one wraps themselves in briars there?

Hmm. I see.

I wouldn't go around with them wrapped around me if it hurt.

I mean, forget about differences in common sense... Can't you tell just by looking?

Well, you're not that hopeless after all.

Is it? In our kingdom, not really...

Oh, now that you mention it, I did hear some grumbling when I visited Elf Kingdom.

But I didn't really pay it any heed. Honestly, I enjoyed it. Kept those idiots from getting too close to me.

Hm? No one's ever commented on my personality before. How refreshing.

...Potato chips? Hmm. Well, give 'em here then.

Is that so strange? A bit of caloric intake is useful for productivity. Since they're potato chips, I'll give them a try.

What?

Whatever.

Hey, Master. Put those documents in the blue folder.

I'll take those! They're highly classified documents regarding fugitives!

Haha, as Lady Fricle's loyal subordinate, I have to help with her move! Ah, but my presence here is a secret, of course!

Quiet. Stop yelling and either help organize, or go stand in a corner and stay out of the way.

I'll take that as a compliment. A good leader should have a touch of cool detachment.

Ah, that was great, Lady Fricle! I really admire you!

This way, she'll hurt me less...

Alright, I think we've organized everything regarding the fugitives. Take these back to my office.

Understood! Well then, Master, I'll see you next time!

Haha! Oh, you're quite the joker, aren't you?! Goodbye!

Peeking into someone else's notebook? How rude.

Oh? Then what's that notebook doing in your hand? It looks wide open!

What are you talking about? This is a Belita Observation Journal.

What? They're different. This is information I need to eventually follow in Belita's footsteps.

I am not a stan.

Master, look closely at the notebook, will you?

Every single detail in that notebook is about the Queen.

I'm collecting information about Belita the Queen, not just Belita the Witch.

I am the one who will one day succeed Belita as Queen.

For that to happen, I need to understand both the actions and attitude of a queen, as well as how to think like one.

That's why I have to learn everything there is to learn about Belita.

After all, she is a truly exceptional Queen...!

Good choice. While you're at it, I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention the existence of this notebook at all.

If you tell the other witches about it...

Nope. It's just that I'm the only one fit to be Queen. Why would I share valuable information with anyone else?

Here I am, working tirelessly for the world, for Yggdrasil, yet the so-called leader of the Yggdrasil Order doesn't even understand my noble cause... tsk.

Ha! What nonsense. The world is in a precarious state right now, and the only one who can truly protect it is Belita. But... not even Belita can protect it forever.

Unfortunately, the only one who can continue her work is me. So, of course, I'm working tirelessly. It's to benefit the world.

That's what Yggdrasil needs. It's what this world needs. I won't shy away from doing whatever's necessary.

Correct, Master.

I am simply one of Yggdrasil's pawns. Everything I do is for Yggdrasil. I will protect this world.

That is both my destiny and my fate.

In the end, yes.

Hm. I was just thinking how you may not be so useless as a chess piece yourself.

Sigh... Nothing beats being back in Witch Kingdom.

Everything in Sprite Kingdom reeks of sweetness. You haven't noticed, Master?

Hmph. You can't seriously call something "food" when it's just sugar. The food here in Witch Kingdom, however, is quite wonderful. You should try some while you're here. It's been a while for you, hasn't it?

I need to go to the palace and report to the Queen right away.

Well, follow along if you must—Ugh.

Well, if it isn't the Thorn Witch!

Hmm, I hadn't seen you around the Kingdom lately, so I thought maybe the Queen had finally kicked you out...

Sorry to disappoint. I was only away on some official business.

Hmph. I don't have time to waste on something so insignificant. Let's go, Master.

What? Insignificant?!

Hah! Naturally, the Queen's oh-so-glorious right-hand witch wouldn't even think of apologizing to someone as insignificant as me, would she?

Oh, so now you're using the Master to pick on poor, innocent me? Making me the bad witch here, eh?

Oooh, I suppose being the Queen's right-hand witch, gives you that right or something, huh?

You'd better stop it now, Velvet. There's a limit to how much I'll put up with.

Oh, my, my, my! I'm SOOOO absolutely sorry! Have I offended the Queen's right-hand witch?

But wait, isn't the Queen left-handed? Or maybe she can use both hands? What's the right hand even good for then? Bahaha!

This, I can't ignore. Did you just insult both me and the Queen?

Oh dear me! The all-powerful Thorn Witch is after me! Whatever shall a sweet, innocent girl like me do?

Ha! It's clear you're just looking for a fight.

Uh-huh, uh-huh... sure, sure...

And that's why you'll never be Queen, you fool. You can't even choose your battles wisely...

What? What did you just say?!

Heh. So your hearing does work, after all.

Shut up! All you ever do is scheme from behind the scenes, too afraid to actually do anything!

I act on things right away. While you're busy plotting, I'll be the one to take the throne! Don't come whining to me then!

...What did you just say?!

Whaaat? Why me? If me telling the truth was such a bad thing, then fine... I'm sorry.

You foolish, brawn-for-brains witch.

So caught up in all her scheming that she can't even get off her lazy bum to actually do any—Oomph!

Heh... I-Is this all you've got? See? Didn't I say you're nothing but schemes and no action?

Oh suuuuure, let's just see how long you can keep me tied up, Miss Desk-Warming Schemer?

Heehee. I'll bet you can't even keep me here for an hour. And this doesn't even hurt!

Hah! Fine! Let's take this all the way, then!

Heh... heh. Feeling tired yet...? Ouch!

Hah... don't be... ridiculous... I should be asking... you that.

As... if...! Hehe... I'm Velvet. This is nothing for me... Ow!

Fine... let's see how much longer... you can hold out...

Heh... I... huff... can keep... this up... Heh... let's see how much... longer you can... keep me like this...

Hnnnngh... Say... that I... will be... the Witch Queen... now! Cough...

Wheeze... ridic...ulous...

Fried carrots! Get your fried carrots here! Hungry? Enjoy the showdown while munching on some delicious fried carrots!

Coming right up!

Hnnnngh... Gasp... Just... give... up...

You... Hngh... you give... huff... up...

Huff... ridic... gasp... I... unlike you... gasp... can... handle... this...

Huff... huff... give up... Say that... I... Witch Queen...

You...? Witch... Queen...? The... Witch Queen... will be... me... Hngh.

Heh... cough... I... won... I'm the Witch... Queen... cough.