Chapter 340: Witch + Witch = Chaos
On a whim?!
I'd be a fool to believe you!
Nowadays, everyone knows that obtaining even one of the twelve vessels means securing an invitation to the Feast of the Blazing Light.
Whoever seizes the Fourth Primogenitor during the Feast gains the right to establish the Fourth Empire of the Night!
And now this man tells me he took the twelfth vessel on a whim?!
Only a ghost would believe that!
But at the moment, Natsuki Minamiya truly had no good way to deal with this man. Not only could her barrier prison not hold him, but even the Chains of Discipline were completely ineffective.
It felt just as powerless as when facing those three old monsters.
Could such a being really be just a human?
Natsuki Minamiya fell into deep doubt.
Whether to uncover his secrets or to maintain the world's peace, she had no choice but to agree to his demands.
However, she had her own conditions in return.
"I can agree, but you must promise me a few things—
First, you and Natsuki must remain within my surveillance range. Therefore, you must stay in the Demon District of Demon Sanctuary Island and are not allowed to leave the island without permission. Moreover, the little girl in your arms should be of school age, right? Demon Sanctuary Island has an academy with elementary, middle, and high school divisions. I don't think you have any reason to refuse.
Second, please put this on."
A bracelet?
Indeed, a bracelet identical to the one on Natsuki's wrist appeared in Natsuki Minamiya's hand.
Clearly, this thing was designed to teleport people back to the barrier prison.
This gothic lolita seemed a bit devious.
"Not exactly. This bracelet isn't connected to the barrier prison," Natsuki Minamiya suddenly explained, as if she had already seen through his thoughts.
To be honest, her actions now felt a bit like giving up and letting things take their course.
But there was no other way. She truly had no means to deal with the man before her. It would be easier if he harbored ill intent, but the trouble was that he seemed to have none at all. If she were to dismantle the barrier prison and awaken her true body from its slumber, the criminals inside would also be released, which would undoubtedly pose a great danger to the world.
Moreover, she knew all too well that Natsuki was restless.
Rather than stuffing her back into the prison for supervision, keeping her close by for proper surveillance felt more reassuring.
Natsuki was just too stubborn. She hoped she could change her.
"So, what does this bracelet do?" Mahiro picked up the edge of the bracelet and asked with interest.
"Why not try it yourself?"
A flicker of cunning and amusement flashed in Natsuki Minamiya's eyes.
As for how to try it...
Before he could even ask, Natsuki Minamiya had already released the Chains of Discipline binding Tokoyogi Aya.
"Natsuki, you're free. Leave."
Tokoyogi Aya coughed up a mouthful of blood. She raised her head in disarray to look at her former close friend, but in those resentful eyes, there was now a hint of confusion.
Not only her, but even Mahiro was full of questions, completely unaware of what this gothic lolita was scheming.
However, this confusion was quickly suppressed by Natsuki.
Compared to the bewilderment in her heart, she yearned more for freedom.
Once free, there would be many things she could do. She even secretly vowed in her heart that sooner or later, she would reclaim the Book of the Dark Oath that rightfully belonged to her from Natsuki Minamiya's memories!
And so, Tokoyogi Aya rose from the ground and fled.
Ten meters, twenty meters, thirty meters...
For some reason, the farther the distance grew, the brighter the smile on Natsuki Minamiya's lips became, tinged with a faint sense of anticipation.
At five hundred meters, a sudden rustling sound!
The bracelets on Tokoyogi Aya's wrist and Yotsuba Mahiro's wrist simultaneously glowed.
His bracelet activated a spatial control spell, while Aya's bracelet unleashed a torrent of chains that bound her and dragged her into the void that had opened behind her.
Already severely injured and with her magical power depleted, Aya was powerless to resist. Even at her peak, without summoning her guardian knight, she would have been unable to withstand the Chains of Discipline.
In the blink of an eye, she was dragged back to her original spot and forcibly pulled into a warm embrace.
Mahiro: ?
Tokoyogi Aya: ?
Bound together, the two stared at each other, their proximity so close they could clearly feel each other's breath and heartbeat. Through the thick layers of clothing, Mahiro could distinctly sense every soft and voluptuous curve of Tokoyogi Aya's delicate and graceful body.
However, neither of them could comprehend what had just happened.
If they had to grasp anything, it was that the bracelet Natsuki Minamiya had given him seemed to be some kind of receiver, while Aya's bracelet was a subordinate unit.
Once a certain distance was exceeded, the bracelet on Aya's wrist would activate, forcibly dragging her back.
After this was done, the two bracelets, which had been resonating with each other, simultaneously dimmed.
"Natsuki Minamiya, you deceived me!"
Even the dullest person could understand what had happened, let alone a Witch as clever as Tokoyomi Aya. Her originally pale, bloodless face flushed crimson in an instant.
Though partly due to the intense masculine scent she had never encountered before, most of it stemmed from rage!
She struggled frantically.
But the chains binding her only tightened the more she struggled. The Witch felt as if her body was about to merge into one with the man before her.
"Hehe, the handcuffs work quite well, don't they? Because they're not meant to restrain you, but her.
If Aya strays more than a hundred meters away, the handcuffs will forcibly pull her back to this man's side.
This way, there's no need to force Aya back into prison.
Whether the world is filthy or cursed!
Aya, from now on, will you accompany me in witnessing the world's development?"
Natsuki Minamiya smiled faintly, utterly unfazed by the curses of her former close friend.
After all, this wasn't the first time. In the first few months after being imprisoned, Aya had cursed her day and night—she was already accustomed to it.
Moreover, she was confident. Since this man had chosen for Aya to become a good mother, she would guide Aya to witness the beauty of this world. Surely, she could move Aya's heart!
"Wishful thinking! Natsuki Minamiya, you deceived me like this... This time, no matter what you say, I will not abandon my dream!"
Tokoyogi Aya clamored, her scarlet pupils seeming to blaze with flames.
It was just too noisy, causing Mahiro to free one hand from the chains and casually pick at his ear.
"Calm down, calm down. Confucius said: Since we're here, we should settle in. Anyway, stop struggling; it's pointless. Besides, isn't it better to have the freedom to breathe fresh air?"
"Shut up! How could I possibly submit!"
Tokoyogi Aya snapped coldly, like a mad dog biting anyone in sight.
Yet, when she met the other's calm, unruffled gaze, she averted her eyes as if feeling guilty.
All of this was seen by Natsuki Minamiya, and a faint smile instantly curled at the corner of her lips.
"How long will this state last?"
Mahiro suddenly asked.
Although being close to a beautiful Witch was nice and comfortable, being bound with chains like this was indeed not too pleasant.
"It'll probably untie in about half an hour; consider it a form of punishment."
Natsuki Minamiya said very naturally, but this made Mahiro uneasy.
"Wha-what?! Are you kidding? Do you know how uncomfortable these damn chains feel tied around the body? Don't make me tear all these chains apart, Natsuki-chan! Untie them now!"
Mahiro shifted slightly, causing the chains to rattle and clatter.
But he didn't dare move too forcefully; each movement made Aya's face pale a bit more, and her brows furrowed in pain.
"What did you just call me?!"
Natsuki Minamiya raised an eyebrow, and a vein throbbed at her temple.
Despite being a powerful Attack Mage known as the "Witch of the Void," with an appearance as delicate and cute as a Western doll and a fondness for wearing Gothic dresses adorned with lace, looking utterly adorable, she actually hated childlike nicknames the most.
Especially "Natsuki-chan"!
"Do‧not‧call‧me‧Natsuki‧chan!"
Natsuki-chan's right hand suddenly held a fan, and she jumped up angrily, tapping Mahiro's head with it.
Hmm, not too painful—seemed like she didn't use much force, more like a massage.
After this tap, although Natsuki Minamiya clicked her tongue in annoyance, she seemed to be in a much better mood.
She even released the restraints of the Chains of Discipline.
"Forget it, this was just a test anyway; no need to take it so seriously."
Saying this, she looked into the distance.
"Alright, I'll take you to the Demon District of Itogami Island."
The Witch of the Void, Natsuki Minamiya, used spatial control magic to bring Mahiro and the others to a large house in a high-end residential area. The interior was spacious and luxuriously decorated!
Tokoyogi Aya, who had originally been held in Mahiro's arms, had somehow already slipped out of his embrace and even straightened her clothes, as if nothing had happened.
Except for her resentful gaze, which remained fixed on Natsuki Minamiya.
But Natsuki Minamiya paid no mind, walking forward on her own, picking up the teapot from the coffee table, pouring herself a cup of black tea, and proudly introducing her luxurious home.
"This house is my residence in the Demon Sanctuary District. There are plenty of empty rooms, so you can stay here from now on."
Her tone was lighthearted, yet left no room for refusal—domineering through and through.
"Hmph, how pitiful. Are you going to remain lost in dreams, refusing to awaken?" Natsuki sneered mockingly.
"Indeed, you can think of me as an unreal projection. Natsuki, you can sleep in the same bed with him just like you did in the Barrier Prison, as if you were a married couple."
Nayue-chan straightened her posture and said something that could easily be misunderstood.
Natsuki's expression darkened slightly as she replied in a low voice, "Don't talk nonsense. When have I ever slept with him? If anything, it's you—pretending to be asleep just so he could kiss you, wasn't it?"
"Natsuki, are you looking for a fight?!"
Natsuki Minamiya placed her hands on her hips, glaring fiercely at Natsuki.
"Who's afraid of you? One day, I will reclaim the Dark Oath from your memories. Did you really think I would reconcile with you?!"
Natsuki's beautiful ruby-like eyes met Nayue's with unyielding intensity, filling the air with palpable tension.
Their gazes seemed capable of sparking flames.
Seeing this, Mahiro simply sighed softly and chose not to intervene. Instead, he turned and found an empty room, placing the still-sleeping Yuuma on the bed and tucking her in.
Honestly, this girl really could sleep—like she was dead to the world. Even after such a major incident, she remained completely oblivious.
But then, his thoughts turned to the Twelfth Vessel stored in the ring.
"It's about time to wake her up too."
He muttered to himself as he left the room, only to find the two in the living room had already stopped arguing. They were now sitting quietly on the sofa, arms crossed.
However, the oppressive atmosphere and lingering tension made it clear that their war was far from over.
Not that it mattered.
"Nayue-chan, can I ask you for a favor?"
"What is it?"
Perhaps still caught up in her anger with her dear friend, she didn't even notice his form of address.
"Nothing too special. Could you help arrange for Yuuma to transfer to a nearby school?"
"I can, but if you're going to live in Itogami City, you'll need to go through the necessary procedures. I'll take care of it for you tomorrow."
Nayue muttered, her eyes inadvertently glancing at Mahiro.
She couldn't quite figure out what this man was thinking—sending Natsuki's daughter to school?
Could it really be as simple as just wanting to raise a daughter?
Before she could ponder further, Natsuki spoke up:
"Hmph, unnecessary. Why would my daughter need the burdensome teachings of a school?"
"Oh, really? I suppose so. After all, Natsuki, you only see that child as your puppet. If I'm not mistaken, you're hoping that one day, she'll break the Barrier Prison and rescue you, aren't you?"
Natsuki Minamiya's gaze seemed to see through everything, her tone brimming with confidence:
"Let me tell you, that's impossible. Even if you gave her a hundred years, she still wouldn't be able to do it!"
No, she actually could—and it wouldn't take a hundred years. In just five more years, it would be possible, with the help of a certain unlucky Progenitor.
Mahiro silently retorted in his mind, thinking of the future Fourth Primogenitor, Akatsuki Kojou.
But now, Akatsuki Kojou probably can't become the Fourth Primogenitor anymore, right?
It's hard to say. After all, the Feast of the Blazing Glory hasn't officially begun yet, and the outcome is still unknown.
However, even as he pondered these thoughts, Natsuki Minamiya's incessant chatter showed no signs of stopping.
"Aya, you must be feeling terrible right now, aren't you? You've finally broken free from the prison's restraints, but the puppet you carefully nurtured for your own plans has become useless, and now she's been adopted by another man as his daughter... Hehe, a puppet with its strings cut—Aya, you can no longer control her, can you?"
Nayue took a light sip of her black tea and let out a slightly slurred but exceptionally cheerful laugh.
Aya's delicate face flushed with anger as she glared coldly and fiercely at Natsuki Minamiya.
She wanted to retort, but she couldn't find any words or convincing arguments.
Because Natsuki Minamiya was right—Yuuma had now completely slipped from her control. Even if she wanted to manipulate her, the man named Mahiro wouldn't let her have her way.
"By the way, what grade is that child in now?"
Natsuki Minamiya suddenly shifted the topic to him, and Mahiro shrugged.
"Little Yuuma is probably around ten years old now, but she's very smart. She's already mastered all the elementary school textbooks and could easily handle middle school."
On this matter, Mahiro had the most authority to speak.
Because Yuuma's academic studies were entirely under his guidance, and her intelligence was astonishing. Her learning ability at her age was no less than that of Lelouch, whom he remembered as having the highest IQ.
"Is that so? In that case, let her come to Saikai Academy for middle school. I happen to be a teacher there," Nayue said with a light laugh.
This was the conclusion she reached after a moment of contemplation.
However, Mahiro's gaze kept sweeping over Natsuki Minamiya's figure, revealing a hint of peculiarity.
Although he had long known that Natsuki Minamiya worked as a teacher in addition to being an Attack Mage, witnessing her petite, almost loli-like stature and hearing her refer to herself as a teacher felt incredibly strange.
Hmm, on the level of Tsukuyomi Komoe.
"Hmph, so you've become a school teacher, watching over the growth of new students!" Aya said coldly.
"Yes, what's wrong with that?"
Natsuki Minamiya replied without a care, her gaze drifting to the world outside the window as if lost in thought.
After a moment of silence, she suddenly set down her teacup and stood up.
"It's getting late. Let's end things here for today. You can decide the rooms among yourselves, but Aya, you'll share a room with him. Rest well."
With that, she headed straight for the main bedroom at the front.
After Natsuki Minamiya left, Tokoyogi Aya merely cast a cold glance at him without saying much, though her retreating figure seemed somewhat flustered and unwilling.
She chose the innermost guest room, completely ignoring whether Mahiro followed or not, and slammed the door shut with a loud clang.
He didn't mind either, simply opening the door and walking in.
"Get out! This is my room!"
"But you heard it too—Nayue-chan said we should share a room."
"That's not my concern... What are you doing?! Don't come any closer, ugh..."
No one knew what had happened in the guest bedroom, but in reality, Mahiro had simply tied up the defiant Witch and tossed her onto the bed before lying down on the other side himself.
The sound of commotion from inside the room broke the silence of the living room.
In the empty living room, Natsuki Minamiya's figure reappeared. Standing in the hallway, she gazed at the door and murmured with a hint of emotion:
"Natsuki, don't blame me."
"If only everything could stay like this forever…"