After Ansu fell into a deep sleep, Celia channeled her magic to silently close the heavy stone door.
Only after ensuring that no one would disturb Ansu's rest did she let out a satisfied sigh of relief.
The surroundings were silent, save for the soft, bright glow emitted by the magic crystal lamps along the path.
Celia had indeed put a lot of thought into this ancient mine hidden deep within the mountains, considering that she and Ansu would be using it as a long-term residence.
On both sides of the main mine's wide passage, numerous neat spaces had been excavated by magic puppets working day and night to serve as storage and living quarters.
Furthermore, every space here was equipped with magic circles to regulate the temperature, ensuring the air remained dry and pleasant.
Combined with the bright magical illumination, it was almost impossible to tell that this was a deep cavern inside a mountain.
At this moment, in a slightly simple room that was clearly a temporary arrangement.
Freya sat alone on the edge of the bed, her head tilted back slightly as she stared blankly at the magic crystal lamp above her.
"Master Ansu... hasn't he woken up yet?"
For the past three days, she had been virtually isolated here.
No one spoke to her, and she had not once left this room, like a shadow forgotten in a corner.
Most of the time, she simply stayed quiet like this, silently praying for the unconscious Ansu over and over again...
Today, her prayers finally seemed to be answered.
A clear set of footsteps approached from a distance and stopped outside her door.
"Freya."
The stone door slowly opened, and Celia's expressionless face appeared in her sight.
"Ansu is awake."
"Really? That's wonderful!" Freya's eyes instantly lit up as she stood up in a hurry. "Which room is he in? I'll go see him right now!"
Just as Freya tried to leave the room, Celia blocked her path.
A hint of confusion welled up in Freya's pale gold eyes.
"Ansu needs quiet rest right now; do not disturb him." Celia crossed her arms and looked her up and down. "Freya, I heard your cooking is quite good?"
Freya nodded blankly. "It's... decent, I suppose..."
"Good then." Celia stepped aside, leaving Freya with a view of her back.
"I'll take you to the kitchen. Ansu hasn't eaten in days and needs nourishment. You go and cook for him." She paused, then added, "Um... if you're missing any ingredients, tell me. I'll take care of it."
"Oh..." Freya finally understood what was happening. She timidly followed behind Celia, maintaining a respectful distance.
"But..."
She suddenly blinked in confusion. "Miss Celia, don't you know how to cook?"
Freya had heard from Ansu that before Celia was taken in by the cult leader, she had been wandering and living alone... such a person should have strong self-care skills, right?
Besides, given the Ash Witch's possessiveness toward Master Ansu, shouldn't she want to cook for him personally to show off her domestic skills?
Celia, leading the way, gave a dismissive "Tch!"
"Do you think a mere matter like cooking could stump me?"
There were few things in this world that could defeat her, and cooking was so simple that if she took the time to study it carefully, it would surely be no exception.
The last time she made a midnight snack for Ansu, she remembered him liking it quite a bit.
She just didn't know why... he clearly looked like he enjoyed it, yet he never let her cook again. Perhaps Ansu was just afraid she would tire herself out?
"My time is precious. I still need to concoct potions for Ansu to help his recovery." Celia said indifferently, "Small tasks like cooking are left to you."
Freya watched Celia's back, her heart growing even more suspicious, but she eventually nodded.
"Um... okay."
After arriving at the kitchen, Freya silently walked to the food storage area and began searching carefully.
Thanks to Celia's previous hoarding, the supplies were quite complete.
After searching for a while, Freya virtuously began preparing the ingredients and starting the fire.
Throughout the process, Celia leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, silently watching her every move.
Only when the aroma began to waft from the pot and Freya was quietly tending to the stove did she speak up abruptly.
"It just so happens that back in Maplewood Town, I wanted to have a private talk with you. Now is the perfect time."
Freya had actually been waiting for these words as well, so she gently looked up, her pale gold eyes watching her calmly.
"Freya, do you like Ansu?"
Celia narrowed her eyes, asking coldly.
Freya hadn't expected her to be so direct. Her expression froze for a moment as she quickly thought things through.
"I..."
She had promised Master Ansu not to offend the Ash Witch, because Master Ansu said neither of them could withstand the witch's jealousy and wrath...
"Actually, it's like this, I..." Freya weighed her words and looked up again. "My feelings for Master Ansu are only...!"
"Fine, I get it." The corners of Celia's mouth curled up into a knowing, cold sneer.
Freya blinked. The other woman's interruption was unexpected, leaving her unsure of how to respond for a moment.
"I'm giving you only two choices now." Celia's tone grew increasingly chilling. "Either you actively stay away from Ansu starting now and never see him again unless absolutely necessary."
Freya's heart sank, and her fingertips unconsciously gripped her skirt.
"Or..." Celia looked Freya up and down, her gaze as indifferent as if she were evaluating experimental material.
"I'll give you a hand. I will use Soul Dominion to help you actively erase all memories related to Ansu."
"Freya, you will forget his voice, forget his face, and forget every flutter of the heart or affection caused by him. From then on... to you, he will be nothing more than an insignificant stranger."
"No!!" Freya suddenly stood up, screaming at her like she was losing her mind. "By what right? By what right do you take away my most precious memories! I would rather die than let you do that!"
To her, Master Ansu was like the only ray of sunlight in the darkness.
He was not only her destined Chosen One but also the person who guided her through her confusion and brought color and meaning to her life.
Her dull and boring existence had only sprouted extra emotions because of his appearance...
If it weren't for Master Ansu...
She wouldn't even know how to live or how to face this hypocritical and cruel world.
Even if she couldn't be with Master Ansu, these memories of being with him were the most precious things in her life!
If the witch was going to erase even those, what meaning would her life have left?
"Oh?" Celia's lips curled up slightly as she continued with a half-smile, "So you choose the first option?"
"Very well. I'll give you time. You can stay here for a few days until Ansu recovers."
She watched the trembling, furious Freya, the smile on her lips growing more cruel.
"I can even allow you to say a final goodbye to him. Of course, you cannot reveal what we've discussed to Ansu. Well? Am I not quite generous and merciful?"
Freya clenched her fists tightly, her body shaking with agitation.
"I..."
"I choose neither!"
Rate on N.U.
