Chapter 35: 35 Witch’s Provocation Circe’s arrival brought an awkward silence among the three. Diana, who had been entranced by Karl’s ear-touching, snapped back to reality. "Huh? Looks fun, doesn’t it." Circe strode toward them. Then, as if she disapproved of the situation, she pulled Karl toward her. "What are you doing?" "Oh, I was learning archery from Diana." "Massaging her shoulders?" "Well, since I’m learning for free, I should at least repay her this much." Karl shrugged lightly. Logically, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not unusual to give a massage after a workout. If you want to nitpick, Diana is 200 years older than Karl. Plus, she’s teaching him for free, so she’s in a position of authority. But Circe didn’t like that either. "How dare you make someone else’s husband do this. Are you out of your mind?" "What, what’s that? It’s not like I did anything wrong." Maybe because she felt a bit guilty? Diana’s retort lacked her usual arrogance. "I allowed you to teach him archery. But this kind of labor is a different matter. Especially with my husband." Circe glared coldly at Diana. Her gaze was so fierce it seemed like it could shoot flames. "...Don’t be too harsh, Circe. I offered to do it." Karl stepped in to defend Diana. That action irritated Circe even more. "...You are the husband of the great witch Circe. Doing servant-like tasks for others tarnishes my honor." Circe’s strong reaction was backed by that reasoning. But Karl was skilled at navigating such situations. "So, Circe, do you want me to be an ungrateful person?" "...Huh?" "Diana is teaching me archery, an elf specialty, for no reward. I think ignoring her kindness is wrong." "N-no, that’s not what I meant..." "And if she’s teaching me, she’s my mentor. If my mentor is in pain, isn’t it wrong to ignore that just because of my status?" Circe’s mouth shut tight. Not only did he appeal to her soft conscience, but he cleverly emphasized moral duty over personal desires. If Circe were a bit more selfish, she might have argued back. But she was a witch who rarely disliked anyone. "I-I..." Above all, Circe already had deep affection and subtle submission toward Karl. He had subtly conditioned her that way. Even if she thought of a retort, her first worry was whether Karl would dislike her. "...I know Circe’s just worried about me." At that point, Karl gave her an out. With a gentle voice, looking only at his loving wife. "But please don’t treat me too specially. I need to learn to stand on my own." "Mmm, you’re right. I guess I acted too emotionally. I’m sorry." Before she knew it, Circe was the one apologizing. Even though it was Karl who was flirting with another woman. "Ahem! Well, yeah! Karl’s my temporary disciple. This much is fine, right?" Diana, who had been watching cautiously, chimed in. Unlike her loving husband, her brazen attitude grated on Circe’s nerves. "...Shameless bitch." "What did you say!" Circe muttered under her breath, but it wasn’t quiet enough to escape an elf’s ears. Ignoring Diana’s indignation, Circe licked her lips in irritation. ’...I really don’t like this.’ Karl is undoubtedly her husband. Even if it’s for training, being so close to this elf. Especially with a man and woman touching like that. ’...And what’s with that slutty outfit?’ Circe glared at Diana’s clothes with disapproval. An outfit that revealed her midriff, sides, and entire figure. To Circe, it looked like nothing but an attempt to seduce a man. In fact, Diana did have that intention to some extent. ’This elf is getting in the way of our relationship...’ Considering Karl’s position, it was hard to say more. But backing off like this felt frustrating. So, Circe’s actions were somewhat impulsive. "Karl." "Yes?" "I’ll be going, so let’s say goodbye. Like. We. Always. Do." "Mmph?!" Acting like it was no big deal, Circe wrapped her arms around Karl’s neck and kissed his lips. "Chup... slurp..." Karl was momentarily startled by the action. But he quickly caught on, embracing her and responding. "Mmm, mmph... chup, haa..." A sticky kiss, sucking each other’s lips and entwining tongues. To show off, Circe was more assertive than usual. "Uh, huh?" Diana blinked, watching the scene. She never imagined the dull great witch would kiss so passionately in front of her. "Hng... ha, feels good... haa! More...♥" As if provoked by Diana’s earlier actions, Circe pressed her body closer. Embracing Karl tightly, she kissed her beloved husband. While savoring her husband with a blissful expression. Glance. She subtly looked at Diana. Her eyes clearly held a woman’s competitiveness and superiority. ’That... that bitch...?’ It wasn’t the look of someone addressing a guest. It was closer to one directed at a rival. Her actual feelings probably weren’t far off. ’Hah. Unbelievable.’ So, Circe was deliberately kissing to show off. Showing that she and Karl could kiss in front of others and it was fine because they’re married. Even if that’s acceptable for a couple, doing it so blatantly at this moment. The intention was so transparent that it made Diana’s blood boil even more. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺 Especially since she could only watch such overt provocation. ’...This is making me want him even more.’ As is well-known, elves are a race that wants to act out when provoked. *** The great witch Circe’s aide. At the same time, Karl’s dedicated maid, Medea. She had spent a long time with Circe. Since Circe took her in from birth, their bond was like usual mother and daughter. They treated each other as such. Though their roles as great witch and aide required formality, their feelings were no different from any mother and daughter. So, Medea could easily read Circe’s mood. ’She’s in a bad mood today.’ She’d been noticeably down since morning. Medea hoped it would improve by lunch, but it only got worse, to the point of biting her nails. ’...What happened this morning?’ Circe, kind and friendly to everyone, rarely showed her emotions like this. Cheering up the great witch was part of an aide’s job. Medea cautiously spoke to Circe. "Great Witch, is something bothering you?" "Huh? Oh, no. Bother me? Why would I be bothered by anything?" She hadn’t even mentioned what was bothering her, yet this response. It’s definitely serious. ’...I’ve never seen Circe like this.’ It’s probably because of that perverted man. Since meeting him, Circe has changed a bit. Medea personally saw the change positively. But it’s troublesome if it keeps interfering during the busy elf arrow matter. "Is it because of Karl, that man?" "H-huh! No! It’s not like that!" A strong denial is a strong affirmation, isn’t it? Circe’s flustered expression was painfully obvious. "If you need my help, please tell me anytime. I’ve observed that man closely too." "Oh, mmm..." Perhaps realizing something from Medea’s words, Circe hesitated before asking cautiously. "Um, Medea." "Yes." "This is about a friend of mine, not me." ...Did she really think that excuse would work? Medea, ever the professional maid, decided to let it slide. "This friend wants her husband to only look at her. Of course, she’s already loved enough for what he’s done." "...I see." "So, what do men usually like women to do for them?" "You’re talking about Karl Mars, right?" "Eek!" Circe’s face turned red as she nodded. "Y-yeah. That’s right. Thinking of my husband makes my heart race..." Her expression was like a girl newly in love. Any ordinary man would swear eternity just for that face. Circe was utterly lovable right now. And that meant her feelings for Karl were deep. ’...She’s really hung up on that man.’ In contrast, Medea’s mind and heart were cold. To her, he was a disgusting, trashy pervert. It’s almost miraculous how he comes up with such perverse ideas. But she acknowledged he was competent in his own way. At least as a husband, he was doing his role well. Circe now genuinely loved him. And their sex life... was more than active. ’Ways to please that man.’ It didn’t seem too difficult. "That man likes naughty things." "Pfft! W-well... that’s true, but." Even Circe couldn’t deny it. "And his tastes are very perverse. He enjoys women serving him." "...Karl does have a bit of a naughty side." Is that really just a "naughty" side? For kind Circe to describe her husband like that. Medea hadn’t seen their sex life firsthand, but Circe must have gone through a lot. ’Tch.’ Clicking her tongue lightly, Medea continued. "He’s particularly interested in women’s outfits, like cosplay." "Cosplay... you mean like Halloween costumes?" "Yes, something like that." Witches, being women, enjoyed dressing up. They were quite interested in various fashions. Some of the more sensual outfits came from the human world. To witches, who were all women, it was just another form of fashion. "How about trying a sexy outfit for a fresh experience? That man’s simple, so he’ll love it." "F-fresh experience, huh. I see." Circe blushed slightly and nodded. She seemed to have an idea in mind. ’...Is this really a good idea?’ Medea thought to herself but was confident. If the beautiful and lovable Circe wore a ’special’ outfit, that man would surely pounce like a dog in heat.