Chapter Three: The Witch’s True Love Potion

 

 

 

Chapter Three: The Witch’s True Love Potion

 

SUMMER, Yuuri’s least favorite season, had arrived once more. It was hot and the sun was so bright, she couldn’t bear to be outside. By the time she woke up, even the glare made her dizzy.

It would be another two months before summer reached its peak.

Living alone, Yuuri knew there was no way she could get by without leaving her home occasionally, even under the auspices of it being too hot. Meat and produce spoiled much faster in these conditions, so her trips to buy food became more frequent.

Yuuri struggled to balance her parasol and shopping basket as she made her way home from the morning bazaar. She was positive she hadn’t bought too much at the bazaar, but after walking for some time, she realized just how heavy her basket was. It was an understandable miscalculation in this weather.

The road to her house was narrow and thus draped in the shadows of other buildings. She stopped for a moment to wipe the sweat away and rally her energy before starting off again. Gradually, her ivy-covered shop came into view.

When she finally reached her destination, she noticed a certain tall young man standing there, his arms crossed. He waved to her.

“Good morning, Miss Misfortune Devouring Witch. I’ve come to call on you once again.”

Yuuri met Ernest’s perfect smile with a stony face.

If he’s going to show up, he could have at least offered to give me a ride home in his carriage, Yuuri sighed.

“Good morning, Count—oh, that’s right. You don’t like me calling you by your title.”

Ernest was an attendant to the royal family with the title of count. Yet he was kind, lacking the haughtiness and unapproachability that plagued the nobility. On the other hand, he came off as very frivolous and vexing for his age. And his shimmering gold locks and sapphire eyes stood in sharp contrast to Yuuri’s jet-black hair and eyes.

He seemed to glow in the sunlight, making the distance between him and Yuuri feel vaster than ever. She wondered whether he treated other girls the same way he treated her. Her social circle was so terribly small, she found it difficult to imagine their interactions. And what she did imagine proved too unpleasant, so she stopped.

“No, I don’t. You promised to start calling me Ernest, so why won’t you?” Ernest implored, playfully snatching away Yuuri’s basket.

Yuuri used her freed hand to pull the key from around her neck, the one Ernest had gotten her the other day, and unlock the door.

“This heat wave seems to have come out of nowhere. At least you’re dressed appropriately. You look nice today,” he remarked as she stepped inside.

Yuuri was wearing an airy dress and her hair was pulled back with a ribbon made from the same cloth as a Hinomoto kimono. She always wore the haori her brother sent her around the house, but in this weather the haori was unnecessary. The ribbon was the only thing she wore from Hinomoto, and naturally it was a gift from her brother.

She should have been genuinely pleased at the compliment, but she instead lowered her head to hide her reddening cheeks. “Lord Ernest, what have you come for today?”

The shelves lined with jars of mysterious roots, frogs preserved in alcohol, and scrolls written in foreign script all seemed befitting of a witch’s shop, but Ernest never came with the intent to buy such things.

“Shall we have some lemonade?” Ernest suggested, taking his usual seat on the couch after setting the shopping basket on the counter. He crossed his legs and made himself comfortable as if this were his home.

“This is a shop meant for paying customers, or have you forgotten?” Translation: this wasn’t a cafe. But despite Yuuri scowling at him, he was unflappable, returning her glare with a broad grin.

“Now, Miss Yuuri, should you really say something like that to me of all people?”

“What do you mean?”

Yuuri had a bad feeling about this. His tone, his mischievous smile. He was planning something.

“The other day, while you were sleeping, I’m pretty sure I heard—”

“I-I didn’t say anything! I don’t remember anything! Just hush and I’ll go get your lemonade!”

Yuuri had hoped he’d at least pretend to forget the words that had slipped from her when she was delirious with the fever. She grabbed her shopping basket and darted into the back. She stored the produce she had bought that morning in the pantry and set to work making lemonade. She already had some lemon syrup set aside, so she diluted it with water.

She had her own special lemonade recipe. After peeling the skin off the lemon, she sprinkled it with sugar and let it sit. Everyone had their own recipe, but Yuuri still worried that Ernest would mock her for having a childish palate. She gave it some thought, then added a mint leaf to the lemonade, hoping it would give the zesty drink a manly twist.

Yuuri set the lemonade glasses on a tray and ferried it out to Ernest. She had fled the room to avoid talking about what had happened, but Ernest seemed to have already forgotten about it as he casually accepted a glass. He really didn’t seem like he wanted to cause Yuuri pain. But his mischievous nature and tendency to tease her made him hard to read. She sat next to Ernest, telling herself it was really just because there was nowhere else to sit.

“Ahh, there’s nothing like lemonade on a hot day. This is delicious, Miss Yuuri.”

Yuuri wondered just how long he had been standing outside waiting for her, because he must have been parched, as he drained the lemonade in one gulp.

“I’ve a favor to ask you. I need your help… Specifically, I need your insight.”

“Again?”

“Yes, again. I’ve found myself embroiled in another cumbersome situation. Do you know why this keeps happening to me?” Ernest stared at her with a serious expression.

“I don’t. Nor am I certain that I can be of much help. But I can listen to what you have to say.”

“Thank you. Will the usual…reward suffice?”

Yuuri emitted a soft gulp, then nodded once. She hoped he wouldn’t be able to see her cheeks glowing scarlet in the dimly lit room.

“My good friend, a man by the name of Leonard who is a viscount’s son, recently broke up with his fiancée. To put it bluntly, I’d like you to mediate the dispute between them. Will you help us?”

“I doubt I would be of much help in such matters. Do you really think I’m the best person to mediate a lovers’ quarrel?” Matters of Eastern medicine and trade were the only two topics Yuuri was wholly confident within her scope of knowledge. She scarcely had a friend, let alone enough experience socially to mediate a dispute between lovers.

“You wouldn’t happen to have a love potion for sale, would you?”

“L-Love potion?!” Yuuri nearly spat out her lemonade.

She was genuinely shocked at how casually he suggested the idea. She never would have expected that nonsense out of Ernest, and honestly, the suggestion irritated her. She downed the rest of her lemonade, hoping it would calm her nerves, then set the empty glass on the table.

“Magic potions are expensive! And the effects aren’t permanent. I know of some that may alter a person’s state temporarily. But a love forged under false pretenses will only hurt both parties in the long run,” Yuuri said, angrily stating conventional wisdom despite her lack of social experience.

“All right. Then how about a potion to make someone speak their true feelings?”

“True feelings? There is such a thing as truth serum. Someone as involved with national security as yourself should know that much. But why would a little shop like mine carry something so potent?”

There was little difference in the fundamentals of Eastern and Hylantian medicine. If the medicine had a positive effect in one area, then there were bound to be side effects. And what was poisonous in one country was poisonous everywhere—the same applied to what was medicinal. Those principles were always the same.

The only major difference was what plants, animals, and minerals were available in each region.

“Well, that is quite the disappointing answer coming from a witch.”

“Just so you know, that’s not normally something a witch like myself would dabble in.”

Ernest looked disappointed. Yuuri felt equally so. Because if she couldn’t fulfill his request, she couldn’t reap the sweet reward.

“This should come as no surprise, but I am not like the witches portrayed in fairy tales. I can’t make miracles happen. I merely possess different medical and herbal knowledge from the people of your country.”

“Don’t say no so easily. At least meet with Leonard once—give him another woman’s opinion! Now, we’ve got to go get ready!” Ernest leapt off the couch and offered Yuuri his hand.

“Wait, you want me to go outside now…?”

The shut-in witch had to muster a great deal of courage whenever she left the house. Going out that morning had drained her of energy as it was, but the sun would only climb higher as the day went on.

“That’s why I tried to get here as early as I could. Don’t worry, my carriage is waiting.”

“P-Pardon?”

Ernest brought the empty glasses to the kitchen and grabbed Yuuri’s parasol. Ever since that time she was sick, he lost all hesitation over entering her living quarters.

He grabbed the petite witch’s hand and dragged her outside under the cover of her parasol.

❦❦❦

THIS was only the second time Yuuri had been to the count’s estate. The servants were kind and treated her with respect. Along with Ernest, they showed her into a parlor on the ground floor overlooking the stunning flower garden. It was a hot day with the intense sunlight tempered by fancy lace curtains that were occasionally swept about by the wind.

At twenty-seven, Ernest had attained the rank of count. Yuuri realized that was all she knew about him. Did nobility run in the family? Were his parents alive? Would she get to meet them? What did they think of the unmarried couple visiting each other’s homes at all times of the day? Her worries swelled to such great proportions that Yuuri could not keep them to herself.

“Lord Ernest, may I ask you something?”

“What would that be?”

“Well, uhm, are your parents…?” She couldn’t find the right word to finish her question. Dead? Alive? Around?

If Ernest had reached the rank of count, it was possible that they were dead, but Yuuri had no clue how to broach the topic.

“You never ask me personal questions.” Ernest’s eyes widened.

“I’m so sorry,” Yuuri said, instantly regretting her query. He knew a lot about her, but it was all things she wanted him to know. She wasn’t sure if it was really all right to ask him about his family.

“It’s all right. I’m glad you asked. My parents are well. They retired early and mainly spend their days lounging about. I have two older sisters, but both married into other noble families. Nothing special to hide, it’s just never come up in conversation.”

“So that’s all…” Yuuri breathed a sigh of relief. At least now she knew she hadn’t been rude by not greeting his family upon entering his home.

“My parents and sisters stop by occasionally. Next time they do, I’ll introduce you.”

She had no idea what she would say if she did meet them, so she could only nod and hope that it wouldn’t happen anytime soon.

“The summers are cool and the winters frigid back at our family estate; it would suit you perfectly. Next time I go home, I’ll take you along!” he exclaimed like it was a done deal.

“No, thank you! There’s no reason for me to go.”

“Really?” Did she imagine the hint of disappointment in his voice? “…Ah yes, we have some time before we meet Leonard. What should we do? The library and rose garden are about the only parts of this estate that are noteworthy.”

“Rose garden?” The rose garden at his estate was so renowned that even Yuuri had heard of it. Ernest told her it was the perfect time of year to see the large-blossom roses in bloom.

“You can see it from here in the parlor.”

He glanced over at the large windows. Yuuri approached and gently parted the lace curtains. It was just after noon and the sun’s light was intense, blurring her vision.

The sight of the rose garden, a sea of large red, gold, and white roses in full bloom, would have been breathtaking for just about anyone. And Yuuri loved flowers. But it was so bright out, her eyes couldn’t truly take it in.

“What do you think?”

“It is a lovely garden.” Yuuri’s words were wholly out of politeness.

Times like this made her painfully aware of how much she and Ernest could never share. They wouldn’t be able to look at the flowers Ernest held so dear together. And the things she found beautiful were so dark, he wouldn’t be able to see.

She forced a smile and he grabbed her cheeks, stretching them out to agitate her.

“Sorry, but I can see right through your lies,” Ernest said, even though all Yuuri wanted was for him to smile and let it go. He could be so cruel. But she could see the concern in his eyes.

“I’m n-not…” she stammered.

His fingers should have still been pinching and pulling at Yuuri’s cheeks. But instead, they were sliding down the contours of her face, lifting her chin so she had no choice but to look Ernest right in the eye.

Yuuri felt a strange sensation, one she had never experienced before with either alcohol or blood.

“Shall we visit the library?” he asked, releasing her face and grabbing her hand instead.

The library held ten times the amount of shelves Yuuri’s shop did and was a tremendous sight. She was so taken with it, she stayed there voraciously reading the rare tomes until early evening.

❦❦❦

YUURI had completely forgotten the real reason for her visit by the time Ernest led her into another room. The shadows cast by nearby buildings and trees had grown long during her visit to the library.

“Could you wait here for a moment?”

It was one of the manor’s guest rooms. Ernest escorted her into the room, but he lingered in the hallway.

“Why?”

“Well, I didn’t think you’d want a man in here with you while you were getting dressed,” Ernest explained with a wink.

“Excuse me…?”

Yuuri couldn’t figure out just what she would be getting dressed up for. But judging from his playful attitude, this certainly didn’t bode well for her.

“We’re to meet Leonard at a dinner party this evening. And the timing couldn’t be better, since you’re already with me. But you’ll need a dress for the occasion, so go ahead and change in here! Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Ernest said so quickly, Yuuri couldn’t get a word in edgewise, and closed the door behind himself before shuffling away.

Yuuri stood there dumbfounded, only fully understanding what he said once his footsteps had receded down the hall. “W-Wait…!” Pulling herself together, she rushed toward the door and yanked it open. But where Ernest had stood before was now a plump, elderly woman.

“Is something the matter? I have been sent to attend to your preparations for the dinner party, m’lady. My name is Tarrah. We have drawn a hot bath for you, so follow me, if you please.”

Tarrah was surrounded by four women all wearing the same standard maid uniform for Ernest’s manor. Despite her confusion, Yuuri was led to the bathroom, stripped, and bathed. The scent of roses filled the bath, but in her anxious state, she couldn’t manage to enjoy it.

“Ah, wait a second, please! I want to speak with Lord Ernest—”

“Please do not fret. You will have all the time in the world to speak with him after you have changed. You two must be very close, teehee.”

“No, we’re not!”

This woman made it sound as if Yuuri were so in love with Ernest that she couldn’t bear to be apart for even a second. The unthinkable insinuation had Yuuri shaking her head furiously, her cheeks bright red.

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Now, please hurry.”

The four maids blotted off excess moisture and rubbed cream in its place. Their hands were so deft that Yuuri couldn’t even remember how to refuse. After her torso was dry, they wrapped it tight in a corset.

“Lady Yuuri, you’re so slender, we really needn’t pull the corset too tight. The bigger issue will certainly be…” Tarrah’s eyes drifted straight to Yuuri’s breasts.

“Let’s try to pad those out just a bit, shall we? Just the slightest bit. Don’t fret, my dear, every young lady does it for occasions such as this,” Tarrah said, stuffing something into Yuuri’s corset as she stressed the “every young lady” part in hopes of not hurting Yuuri’s feelings. “Now then, let’s pull it all together.”

Yuuri’s eyes seized upon a shiny blue dress one of the maids was carrying. It wasn’t overly ornate or gaudy, merely draped in a second layer of lacy fabric of the same shade of blue. It was a lovely dress, accented with a flower motif.

“Will this do, m’lady?”

She nodded silently. Whether it was suitable or not was irrelevant; Yuuri could tell that she wouldn’t be able to leave this room if it wasn’t in that dress.

Compared to a normal Hylantian woman, Yuuri was petite with smaller feet. And yet the dress and matching shoes fit her perfectly.

“Our Master truly is a man of taste! He knew your size and what would look most stunning on you.”

The design aside, how was it that Ernest knew her exact height and hip circumference? The more she thought about it, the worse her ruminations became, and she realized that was one rabbit hole she was better off not tumbling down.

❦❦❦

THE dull crescent moon slipped into the sun’s place in the sky.

The myriad of lights at the viscount’s manor kept Ernest and Yuuri from enjoying the stars. Other finely dressed couples were descending from their gilded carriages, greeting one another as they funneled into the mansion.

“Are you still cross? You must learn when to let things go.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”

“If I had told you, you would have run away!”

Why did a bachelor like Ernest have a dress and necklace on hand? A dress and necklace that fit Yuuri like a glove. And why did he bring her to a fancy dinner party when she wasn’t even his partner? Yuuri had all these questions and more for Ernest, but she kept them to herself. She wanted nothing more than to go back to being witch and client.

Looking dapper in a black suit, with his hair impeccably styled, Ernest reached out for Yuuri’s hand, his mood sunnier than ever before.

“You really do look lovely this evening. So lovely, I would rather none of these other men have a look at you, but I suppose we’ve no choice there.”

“Thank…you for the dress…” Yuuri said, her head down and her voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re welcome. Now, aren’t you going to tell me how dashing I look?”

“I could never say something so ridiculous!” she fumed.

Ernest’s appearance and manners were sufficiently refined and he knew it. His confidence bordering on arrogance annoyed Yuuri.

“Haha, you’re turning red!”

“I’m only doing this for the job! Don’t push your luck!” Yuuri’s dress concealed her foot as she used it to stomp on Ernest’s toe.

“Well, Count Selden, I had heard that you might be bringing a maiden from a distant land to join us this evening,” interrupted an older nobleman.

“Haha, it seems her reputation proceeds her. Please allow me to introduce you. This is Yuuri, the daughter of the president of Watoh Company. Miss Yuuri, this is Viscount Luniar.”

Luniar was Leonard’s family name. This man was likely his father.

“Oh, the daughter of the Watoh Company president? That’s the company that trades primarily in Eastern goods, yes?”

“Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Yuuri dropped into a formal curtsy.

“Where might we find Leonard?” Ernest asked.

“Oh, he was on his way up to the balcony with Lady Riche. I tell you, those two are always going at it. He’s the one who suggested breaking off the engagement, even after I told him an engagement that’s been in place for so long can’t be easily broken. And the worst part is, I know they haven’t fallen out of love!” the older man exclaimed.

“I-I see. Those two are rather eas—”

“Indeed!” he spoke right over Ernest. “That’s the biggest problem. It’s as plain as day to everyone but them! If they truly were a bad match, I would not be so insistent! I cannot allow them to be driven apart. And the wedding date is already set! It’s easy for anyone to become tired in such a long-lasting relationship, but they’ve taken it too far. And honestly, those two—”

“Pardon me, Viscount, but I’m going to go check up on them,” Ernest said, cutting into what would surely be another long-winded tirade. Yuuri’s eyes had begun to glaze over, but she was grateful at least to get more information on Leonard and his fiancée.

Leonard and Riche stood alone on the sprawling balcony. Well, not quite alone. There had been others on the balcony who had fled at some point to escape their arguing.

Just as they were about to step onto the balcony, Ernest pulled Yuuri behind a pillar. He stood behind her, his arm around her waist to prevent her from running. Yuuri squirmed, trying to break free.

“Hold still,” Ernest whispered into Yuuri’s ear. Her heart thundered at the feeling of his breath upon her ear.

“Lord Ernest, you truly are horrible,” Yuuri snapped, angered over being pulled into eavesdropping on a lover’s quarrel that had nothing to do with her, angered by his wicked, mischievous grin. And yet, she did just as he asked.

Though having him close behind her made it difficult to concentrate, Yuuri strained to listen in on the pair.

“You did it last time too!”

“Last time? What did I do last time?”

It appeared that Riche was angry with Leonard. And from the looks of it, Leonard had brought his furious fiancée outside to calm her down.

“Did you forget all about how you flirted with your colleague’s little sister?!”

“He asked me to dance with her and I obliged! I’m a nobleman—you can’t expect me not to dance with anyone! You must learn to loosen up, my dear!”

From what Ernest had said, tonight was supposed to be about getting Leonard and Riche to reconcile. But that didn’t seem likely to Yuuri.

“And another thing! I heard what you said to her! ‘That looks stunning on you, Miss. Why it’s the same shade as your sparkling sapphire eyes!’”

“I was being polite, Riche, as anyone would! …Please, calm down!” Leonard’s voice was growing louder, as if to keep pace with Riche’s.

“Polite? Calm down? Leonard, when have you ever complimented me like that?!”

“What do you mean?! I’ll compliment you right here, right now! Your dress is…ah…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Riche’s palm landed hard against his cheek. Being complimented just because she asked for it was the last thing she wanted.

“You’re the worst! I’m leaving!”

Riche fled the balcony with tears in her eyes. Leonard stood there, frozen, making no attempt to pursue her.

The balcony was steeped in silence.

Then, with a loud sigh, Leonard slammed his fist down on the handrail.

“Dammit! Why couldn’t I just tell her she looked beautiful? I…I… Damn!”

After punching the guardrail several times and yelling increasingly more embarrassing epithets, Leonard ran off.

The reconciliation Ernest had hoped for fizzled into the night.

❦❦❦

THE balcony had fallen completely silent after Riche and Leonard left. Unable to stand the silence for long, Yuuri felt she had to say something.

“…Uhm, don’t you think we should just let them go ahead and break up?” Yuuri meant it. Between listening to Ernest and the viscount, Leonard meant well. But she failed to see his appeal.

“I don’t exactly disagree. I mean, I have no trouble telling a beautiful woman she’s beautiful, but he can’t seem to manage it for the woman he loves most. It’s embarrassing to watch.”

They might have been friends, but Ernest and Leonard were polar opposites. Yuuri suspected their differences were what made them so close. Though being friends with someone so incapable of being genuine likely led to plenty of arguments.

“If they went their separate ways, I bet Lady Riche could find someone much better.”

“Miss Yuuri, do I detect a hint of bitterness? Ah, well, he always seemed more in love with her than she with him. …Maybe that’s why she always gets annoyed?”

If Riche, who was a noble on the same level as Leonard, wanted out of the marriage, she could easily break things off. But if she didn’t love him, she wouldn’t have cared so much that Leonard didn’t compliment her.

For his part, the reason Leonard could compliment other girls and not the woman he loved was likely because he cared too much. He loved her so much, it was beyond what he could express in words. Though his failure ended in hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

It still didn’t seem right, but at least now, Yuuri could see their problem.

“…So, can you finally give me some room to breathe?”

Realizing he was still holding onto her, Yuuri yanked herself free.

“Sorry about that. So, do you have any suggestions on how we might help Leonard and Riche out?”

“Not at all. I already tried to tell you I’m not well-versed in human relationships.”

“Yes, but I thought you might have some insight into how Leonard was feeling, considering how similar you are.”

Leonard loved Riche. And he had no trouble shouting it to the winds, as long as he was alone. He was indeed like Yuuri, who could never seem to tell Ernest how she truly felt.

Her defenses only ever seemed to drop when she was drunk on his blood.

“What about alcohol…?”

“No, that wouldn’t work. He’s uncannily hard to get drunk. And who wants to hear romantic overtures from a drunk man anyway?”

Yuuri had hoped giving him alcohol would do the trick, but things were never that simple. She was racking her brain for ideas when she noticed someone walk out onto the balcony from the shadows. It was a middle-aged gentleman with olive-brown hair. He had a woman with him, likely his wife, with flaxen hair and blue-grey eyes.

Any normal person wouldn’t have been able to make out those details in the dark, but as a vampire, Yuuri could.

Why did they have to be here of all places…?!

They were two people Yuuri knew very well. They were, after all, her parents.

Her mother only acted unhinged when Yuuri was around. Beyond that, she was perfect at playing the part of the merchant’s dutiful wife. So it was only natural that she would be in attendance at a party thrown by one of her husband’s business associates. As long as her daughter wasn’t around, she was the perfect wife and mother.

Yuuri began to sweat and clung to Ernest.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, only worrying Yuuri more that her mother would hear them. What if her mother heard him say her rare Hinomotoese name? She was so afraid, she couldn’t speak.

“…Is that them?” Ernest’s grip on Yuuri tightened and he pushed her against the wall, completely blocking her view of the couple.

“I’m sorry. I should have checked to make sure they wouldn’t be in attendance,” he said in a whisper so quiet only she could hear. He could see the fear in her eyes.

He had never met Yuuri’s mother, but he was well-acquainted with her father.

Ernest was tall enough to keep Yuuri and her distinctive black hair hidden from view. To anyone else, they would merely appear to be a girl in a blue dress and a young man with blond hair whispering sweet nothings to one another.

Yuuri threw her arms around Ernest, trying desperately to calm down. What must he think of her, only opening up to him at times like this?

“My, how enviable it is to be young!” the woman remarked, her voice growing further away by the second.

The woman left without disturbing the young couple. Whatever she might think of such behavior, she was certainly more tolerant than if she had known it was Yuuri that Ernest was looming over. It was the first time Yuuri had ever heard her mother speak with such restraint.

Yuuri’s parents swept into the hallway, leaving the pair in that position for several moments.

“Miss Yuuri, I’m sorry.”

“As am I. I shouldn’t have gotten so upset. I’m not a child.”

The pair pulled apart enough that they could see each other’s faces, but Ernest’s usual confidence was gone. Yuuri didn’t like the look that had seized his face.

“Please smile, Lord Ernest. I don’t like to see you like that.”

He forced a grin for her benefit.

“Shall we be going?”

“Yes.”

As long as she was with Ernest, Yuuri could muster up the courage to manage an awkward smile. The thought warmed her heart.

❦❦❦

IT was at Ernest’s insistence that she spent the night at his manor, as it was far too late for her to go home alone and he would not take no for an answer.

She couldn’t get the dress off by herself, so once again, she was surrounded by maids. With the restrictive dress gone and the jewelry and makeup cleared away, Yuuri felt lighter. At the same time, a wave of exhaustion swept over her.

“Are you ready to retire for the evening?”

Yuuri shook her head at Tarrah’s question. They had left in the middle of the party, so it still was not her usual bedtime. And yet, so much had happened, leaving her exhausted.

“May I go to the library?” She was sure if she could borrow some books and read them snuggled up in bed, she might be able to drift off to sleep. As much as she hated her vampiric characteristics, she did relish the ability to read with only the tiniest amount of light.

“Of course. We will set your nightclothes next to your bed, then.”

Back in the sundress she had arrived in that afternoon, Yuuri made her way to the library.

According to Tarrah, her room was on the second floor, while the library was on the first. There was just enough light in the library to find a book, not that she needed the light.

Yuuri preferred escapist fiction over practical books for her nighttime reading. After grabbing several books, she made her way back toward the guest room.

She caught a glimpse of the outside between the velvet curtains. The estate’s garden proved especially alluring beneath the stars.

“The rose garden… I should be able to enjoy it now.”

Yuuri set the books down for a moment and hung up the lantern she carried. She then made her way outside from the library.

With her vision, she would have no problem walking around outside in the dark. Unlike most humans, she had nothing to fear.

“It’s lovely…”

Between the starry sky and the glowing roses with blooms bigger than her hand, the whole scene felt like a dream to Yuuri. The white roses, which stood out from all the rest, seemed especially beautiful. It made her long to have someone to share the scenery with. Someone like Ernest.

But with her grandmother gone, Yuuri knew no one could truly see the scenery the way she did. Even though Ernest knew what she was and loved her anyway, he could never see the world the way she saw it. Even if they sat side by side, they’d be seeing two different sights.

Any normal human would find it difficult to walk in such little light. They wouldn’t be grinning like a fool the way Yuuri was.

“Miss Yuuri!”

“Lord Ernest! What’s the matter?”

Ernest was rushing toward her from the manor. He actually seemed angry for once.

“Don’t ‘what’s the matter’ me! Why are you wandering the grounds this late at night without a jacket?! I was looking for you so I could bid you goodnight.”

The temperature had dropped significantly since the afternoon and the breeze was gentle. That was why Yuuri was in better spirits than usual. But, concerned as ever about the Eastern witch, Ernest draped his jacket over her shoulders.

“It was just around your manor’s grounds.” Yuuri’s face turned red, soaking up the warmth of the jacket Ernest had been wearing until only a moment ago.

“You can’t be so reckless! What were you thinking?”

“I was just enjoying your garden. It’s so pretty. I’m being sincere this time… It really is lovely.”

Yuuri seemed completely different from that afternoon, as if she truly did love the flowers. Ernest glanced around a bit before lifting his gaze to the sky.

“The stars are lovely tonight.”

“They are. And you, Lord Ernest…are so kind.”

Just as she suspected, he could see little in the lantern light. But he was trying to show her that, even if their worlds weren’t the same, there were still things they could share.

He took a seat next to her. For a while, they stared up at the sky in silence.

“Even if there were no stars, if you were the only one who could enjoy this scenery, I would still be happy just to know you were enjoying yourself.” Ernest pulled Yuuri closer.

“…You would?” Yuuri wasn’t sure if he was being smug or planning something more perverse, so she took his words with a grain of salt.

“I’m trying to make you understand that you don’t have to temper your shine for me.”

“But…”

Yuuri’s heart thundered in her chest. She wanted to believe him.

“Don’t hold back your love of the flowers or stars. I love you just as you are. The Yuuri who can see the true beauty of the night.”

His face was so close, it took up her entire field of view. How could she enjoy looking at those things now?

Maybe it was easy for Ernest, who didn’t seem too concerned about what others thought of him. But it was impossible for Yuuri to live as open and free as he did.

“I’m sorry, I can’t…”

“Why not? Do as you like. That’s what I’m doing…”

Yuuri nervously placed her hand on his chest. She did like Ernest. And if she could, she wanted to be with him for as long as possible.

And yet, Ernest cared so greatly for her that it scared her. She feared that if she truly internalized all the things he said, she would lose herself somewhere along the way.

Yuuri went to stand up, to put distance between her and Ernest. His hand loosened its grip.

He wouldn’t force her. But the look in his eyes made it clear that he was disappointed. In the end, she felt like the one in the wrong. But why? He was the one trying to do something lascivious. So why was she saddled with such intense feelings of guilt? Whether she accepted or refused him, there was no doubt that he had stirred up intense feelings within her heart.

“Lord Ernest, thank you for today. For being here with me. It makes me so happy. So…” She wanted to show him, even just a bit of who she was, without being drunk on his blood. She leaned close to him, her lips inches from his cheek. “Good night.”

She told herself over and over that a kiss on the cheek was just a normal nighttime greeting and flashed him a shy smile.

“Did you cast some sort of spell to free your true self or something?”

“A spell?”

He was implying that Yuuri had to use magic to be honest with him.

“Yeah. That or you drank some potion to reveal your true colors. Ah well, I suppose I should say my goodnights as well.”

Some sort of potion? Suddenly, Yuuri had a brilliant idea and slipped out of Ernest’s grasp before he could return her greeting.

“Never mind that! I think I’ve got an idea about that couple—”

“We can worry about them tomorrow…”

“It can’t wait! It looks like my witch powers will be of use after all! Yes, I think a potion to unleash someone’s true feelings like you said is just the thing we need!”

Yuuri set Ernest to work arranging another meeting with Leonard and Riche.

❦❦❦

ACCORDING to Ernest, both sets of parents were willing to play along to get the warring couple back together. Their original plan had fallen through though.

Ernest gave Leonard a special “True Love Potion” which he said was a specialty of Yuuri’s. He was supposed to use the potion at the next dinner party. Ernest was frighteningly convincing, it seemed.

Ernest invited the couple to a dinner party and it was the day after that an angry Leonard paid a visit to Yuuri’s shop. Ernest walked in behind him. Naturally he was wearing a mischievous smile, a stark contrast to Leonard’s scowl. But for once, Yuuri was the meddlesome count’s willing accomplice.

“Are you the witch? That potion you gave me didn’t work! Instead of being able to say how I really felt, I just ended up hurting her again!” Leonard bellowed, not even introducing himself.

“But the potion is working. After all, you just shared your true feelings with me.” Yuuri declared with a surprising amount of confidence.

Though Leonard was essentially a stranger, Yuuri had a role to play.

“Beguiling witch! I don’t care what I tell you! I love Riche! I’ve always thought she was beautiful from the bottom of my heart! I want to tell her! But when her beauty is before me, it’s like a curse steals the words from my lips!”

These words, the ones Yuuri and Ernest wanted to get Leonard to say, were likely the same ones he wanted to say to Riche. Ernest broke in to bring Leonard down from his impassioned speech.

“…There you have it, Lady Riche. These are Leonard’s real feelings. The witch’s potion is as potent as ever, even if it took a while to kick in.” Ernest called in to the back room of the shop.

The door opened ever so slightly. Yuuri opened it the rest of the way, revealing Riche standing there.

“…Wh-What is Riche doing here…?”

“I asked her to come,” Yuuri said, having invited Riche in anticipation of Leonard’s tirade.

The “True Love Potion” Yuuri had given Leonard was really just sugary syrup. Drinking it might warm the body, but it wouldn’t really cause someone to reveal their true feelings.

In other words, it was a placebo.

Yuuri had two hypotheses: one, that he would drink it and, believing it was real, divulge his true feelings; in other words, the placebo effect. This was the outcome Yuuri hoped for.

The other possibility was that things would go as they were now, so either way, it was all going according to Yuuri’s plan.

Ernest was also in on the whole thing, so he broke into a wide grin.

“Leonard…you really are something else.” Riche stood in front of him smiling, her eyes blurring with tears.

“No, wait, I…”

Even though she now knew how he felt, he still couldn’t say it. Leonard’s affliction was indeed serious and it would take time to cure him, perhaps a lifetime even.

“It’s all right. It’s not as if I didn’t know how you felt. It’s just that I lacked confidence, and not being able to hear it from you made me uneasy.”

“Riche.”

“Listen. I love you, all right? And I suppose if you were the sort of man who could unironically whisper sweet nothings into my ear, you wouldn’t be the man I fell in love with. And yet, isn’t all this strange?”

The one person he couldn’t express his love to was the one he loved most. But he finally let Riche know just how special she was to him. And with that, her anxieties were gone.

The case of the fumbling lovers came to a close for now.

Still blushing, Leonard turned to Yuuri.

“By the way, how much for the potion? I owe you, for that and for shouting at you earlier.”

“Uhm…you’ve probably already figured this out, but that’s just a standard vitamin tonic, so it’s only five copper coins.”

That was the same as a cup of tea at most ritzy teahouses.

“No. It was a witch’s brew, and so I insist on paying the market price for that.”

“In that case, for reward, I…”

The one who arranged this farce was that meddlesome count. So she didn’t need Leonard to pay. Just as she was about to explain, Ernest waved her off.

“Leonard, consider it an early wedding present from me. After all, I’m the one who asked for her help, so I should be the one to pay.”

The couple seemed insistent on doing something, but Ernest chased them off. He sure was an oddball, somehow anxious to offer up his “reward” to Yuuri.

❦❦❦

THE “Shop Closed” sign still stood by the door. The Witch of the East’s Apothecary had been closed temporarily. And even though it was midday, the curtains all around the shop had been pulled shut. Even if they wanted to, no outsider could see inside.

“All right, my little witch, time for your reward.”

“Lord Ernest, wasn’t I just playing the part of the witch in your little farce? If so, I don’t need compensation for that.”

Yuuri was angry. If the whole point was to get Leonard to where he could say his honest feelings, wouldn’t the witch be unnecessary?

The cast really only ever needed to be Leonard, Riche, and maybe the meddlesome count, but that was all.

And staging a play without the cast knowing they were playing a part was sheer deceit. Yuuri’s pride in herself as a witch had been deeply wounded. She was, in some ways, the one who had hatched the plan to give Leonard the placebo, but that wasn’t completely the case. Ernest had likely come to Yuuri expecting her to do exactly as she had and in fact gave her several hints to push her in the right direction. That was what irritated her most.

“I may not have needed your skills as a witch, but I did take up your time, and for that I must pay you. Take all you want, if it means you’ll forgive me,” Ernest said, making himself comfortable on the only couch in the room. He wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her to him. She gave no sign of resistance.

“Then please unbutton your collar.”

“You go ahead. Or can a vampire not manage to undo buttons?”

He really was a cruel man.

Yuuri lifted his tie and swiftly undid it. She then attempted to unbutton his blouse but found it was much harder trying to undo someone else’s buttons than it was her own.

“C’mon, you can do it! Or do you not want my blood?”

She ignored his provocations and, after a great deal of struggle, finally undid the four top buttons. She opened his collar, exposing his neck.

It was much larger than a woman’s. His neck and built chest were bare. When she lifted her eyes, she realized Ernest was smiling down on her.

“…You’re not afraid?”

Yuuri was afraid. Afraid that someday, Ernest would hate her for all of this.

“Go on. This is your reward, so drink up, my sweet little vampire.”

“…All right. Thank you.”

As the descendent of a vampire who had intermarried with humans, Yuuri was different from pureblood vampires. Yuuri’s ancestors had much sharper fangs, where hers were merely considered sharp teeth by human standards. They weren’t that sharp, but they could still draw blood. Ernest was a proud nobleman, but he still felt pain.

Thus, Yuuri couldn’t really understand how he could accept this with a smile on his face, and the fact that she couldn’t understand made it all the more terrifying.

And yet, she so desperately wanted the reward he was offering that, even as it made her hate herself, she couldn’t stop.

Her half-parted lips hovered at the nape of his neck for a moment, hesitating before finally biting down. Ernest’s body stiffened in response. Surely he was in pain. But the scent of her reward was already clouding her senses, leaving her powerless to fight against it.

It was like biting into fruit. She maneuvered her tongue to keep any blood from dribbling away.

The taste of his blood on her tongue was sweeter than any fruit she’d ever bitten into. That taste was finer than the finest tea and to Yuuri, was better than any food or drink money could buy.

His breathing became ragged. Her breath was hot against his skin, her tongue lashing against the mark her fangs made. She was embarrassed, wondering what he must have thought of her. The spell that his blood had over her suddenly lifted and she looked up at him.

“You don’t want to waste it, do you? Go ahead and keep going until it stops bleeding.” Ernest’s large hand began to caress Yuuri’s head. Slowly, he guided her face back to where it had been before.

If he said it was all right, then it must be. Yuuri reassured herself and tried to let it go so she could enjoy her reward.

So they sat like that, with him pulling her into his lap and her wrapping her arms around him. His hand hadn’t stopped caressing her head and so she assumed it was all right.

When the flow of blood finally did stop, Yuuri buried her face in Ernest’s rumpled shirt. The euphoria she felt couldn’t be explained away as simply feeling full or satisfied. All she wanted was to bask in that feeling just a little longer.

“Are you so full, you’re tired?”

“…”

If she told him no, she’d have to pull away. She wanted to stay like this. So she pretended to be sleeping.

“I see. Are you really going to be all right not drinking blood for another two months? Maybe you should find someone else?”

She didn’t need anyone else’s blood. She doubted she could even stomach anyone else’s. Why would he say such a thing? In another two months, he might forget about her. And she doubted she had the courage to ask him for blood without a job well done to justify it.

Yuuri was terrified.

“That’s not for you to trouble yourself with. I’ll worry about it.”

I can’t wait two months. I don’t want anyone’s blood but yours. Words that felt so unlike her were racing through her mind. Maybe she was suffering from the same curse as that man who couldn’t be honest.

“You’re a terrible witch. Maybe I should request a real truth serum. If you make it for me, I’ll give you a reward. How about it?”

“No.”

“You’re turning me down because you know who I want to have drink it, don’t you? You must know I just want you to be open and honest with me, right, my little Misfortune Devouring Witch?”

Misfortune Devouring Witch. That’s what they called her grandmother. The original meaning was “let her eat your misfortunes, so only good fortune will remain”, but the reason the name had been given was lost to time, leaving only the name itself. That’s why she hated that name. She should hate that name. But Ernest had used it properly.

“If you keep eating all the misfortune in this town, I’m going to run out of cases for you to solve. So I need to find a way to get you to reveal your true colors before then…”

 

And so, within a month, he was back with a new task for her. He was, after all, an oddball count who sought all the world’s troubles and strife and brought them right to her door, just so he could pay her reward.