Chapter 6: At Spring’s Edge

It was the beginning of summer in Wokingham, and the yellow roses were in full bloom.

The royal capital had been particularly quiet this year, and this was the first ruckus that had stirred it in a long while. The Ingram Armed Revolutionary Army, in an act of rebellion against the Arklight Dynasty, had revived itself and hijacked a train, twenty-three soldiers had been killed by an unidentified wizard, and not only had Hugo Alpheus, the Wizard of Winter, summoned the winter in the middle of late spring but Hester Sol, the Constellation Witch, had blossomed a miracle…….

But the biggest point of interest was something else entirely. A young witch, who was also the secret daughter of the great witch Griselda Sol, had been taken as a hostage by the evil wizard but had stopped him in the end. And that young witch was none other than Diana Sol.

Yellow newspapers tried to dig into her identity to get a scoop on her. Griselda Sol, one of the greatest witches in the history of magic, had been incredibly eccentric. It had been due to her mother’s fame that Hester Sol had garnered so much attention to herself at such a young age, so it was only natural that Diana, Griselda Sol’s secret second daughter, had so many eyes on her now.

But it proved difficult to investigate a witch so young that she had only just graduated from being an apprentice. The journalists learned that Diana Sol had been taught by Barbara Jiles, the Witch of Dawn, but Barbara Jiles did not tend to stay in one place for long, so it was difficult to track her down and ask her about her disciple.

And so, the journalists had turned their attentions from Diana Sol’s mysterious background to her current whereabouts. Hester Sol lived in Wokingham, the capital, so it made sense to them that Diana Sol would probably live there with her.

The daily papers churned out one speculative article after another, and one newspaper had managed to snap a photograph of her. Diana’s features were blurry because it was a black and white picture that had been taken from afar, but, in any event, it was proof that the photographer knew where Diana was currently staying.

The reporters clung to the poor-quality photograph. They spent three days straight asking around Wokingham before they finally learned that Diana Sol was currently hospitalized, but strange rumors had begun spreading between the scattered newspaper agencies as well.

One agencies’ office building had collapsed, and the CEO of another agency had begged for his life —and the main character behind those rumors was none other than Hester Sol. The normally extremely composed Constellation Witch had apparently retaliated harshly against those who had committed the crime of taking her sister’s photograph without consent.

Ultimately, the reporters gave up on Diana Sol completely. It was unlike them, as reporters were known to stand up against any adversity, but even they valued their lives.

After all, there was one ironclad rule between all members of the press regardless of nationality.

 

Never provoke a witch.

 

They were wary of the witches’ powers, which could not be explained by the brilliant rationality of man.

 

* * *

 

“……This is supposed to be me?”

The Royal St. Agatha Hospital. Diana was occupying the largest and most extravagant room in the hospital as she frowned. She continued,

“How? It doesn’t look like me at all.”

“Well, it does look a bit like you, doesn’t it?”

Chesterty pointed to the girl in the picture’s hair with the hand she had been eating chocolate with. She continued,

“Like here. Her hair is such a mess.”

“M-my hair has never been that messy!”

Diana quipped back quickly as she vainly tidied her hair. Chesterty rested her chin in her hands as she laughed soundlessly.

“Mother’s only just managed to stop Cedric from coming here —he really wanted to come. It would’ve been a sight to behold if that child could see you right now.”

“……Cedric? Why would he come here?”

Diana immediately looked uncomfortable. Chesterty clicked her tongue and mumbled,

“Our poor, poor youngest. Whatever shall I do with him?”

“Poor? Are you pitying that little snake in front of me right now?”

“Gosh, my cute little Diana. Are you pouting because your big sister here isn’t taking your side even though you’re hurt?”

“W-what?”

Diana was taken aback as she avoided Chesterty’s touch. She continued,

“You know that’s not what I meant……. No, before that, why are you like this today? Did you take some weird drug before coming here or something?”

“Am I being weird?”

Chesterty tilted her head to the side. She was being coquettish, but it didn’t work on Diana.

“You came to visit me out of nowhere, and you even brought a completely normal gift with you. It’s suspicious.”

“I’m pretty sure I’ve given you chocolates before.”

“Those were whiskey bonbons! Do you even know how embarrassed I was after eating them?”

Diana had gotten drunk two years ago after eating the chocolates that Chesterty had sent her as a gift. It was the first time she had ever gotten drunk, and she did not quite remember how she had acted, but she had guessed based on how bitter Cedric had looked as he avoided her the day after.

“Isn’t it fine as long as it tastes good?”

Chesterty shrugged lightly as she popped another chocolate in her mouth. Diana glared at her in dissatisfaction before she quickly pulled the chocolates closer to herself.

“Stop eating them. There won’t be any left for my sister.”

“What a good child you are.”

Chesterty pouted. But her mood only lasted for but a moment before she looked around the hospital room as though she found something strange. She continued,

“But where even is this special sister of yours? I haven’t seen her at all.”

“The police came and asked her to help with their investigation.”

“The police?”

Chesterty’s eyes sparkled. She was always thirsty for gossip, so nothing could intrigue her more than this. But Diana simple tied the ribbon back around the chocolate box in a neat bow as she calmly replied,

“They were investigating the so-called ‘Tragedy of Penzas’. They should just investigate the culprit —what are they getting innocent people involved for?”

In any event, it didn’t sit well with her. Diana discontentedly added,

“So anyway, why are you here? Get out if you’re only here to say weird stuff to me again.”

Diana stared at Chesterty warily. Chesterty twirled her hair around her finger as she vainly tried to avoid Diana’s gaze.

“What weird stuff? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m talking about your prophecies. You gave me some weird prophecy last time.”

“How was that weird? It came true, didn’t it?”

“Who cares if it came true or not?! Why are all of your prophecies always so ominous? Do you hate me or something?”

Chesterty shook her head at the distrust in Diana’s voice.

“Idiot. I wouldn’t have even tipped you off to begin with if I really hated you. Besides, use some common sense. It’s not that my prophecies but your future that’s ominous, no?”

“Hey!”

A pillow was promptly sent flying. Chesterty giggled as she used magic to throw it off track.

“I haven’t had any more prophetic dreams about you yet, for better or worse. So I decided to do a fortune telling about you instead, and…….”

“Stop —stop talking!”

Diana covered her ears as she freaked out. But it was too late, as Chesterty’s prophecy had already slipped into her ears.

“You’re about to have a very eventful year. You should start steeling yourself for it sooner rather than later.”

 

Evil wench. Stupid bitch. Diana heard someone knocking just as she was muttering practically every curse she knew under her breath. Diana rejoiced, assuming Hester had returned, and looked up.

“Yes? Please come in.”

But it was not Hester who opened the door and walked inside. Diana was dumbstruck as she looked to the door. A bouquet of at least fifty roses was barely fitting through the door.

“Miss?”

It was none other than Oliver who peered his head out from beside the bouquet. Diana, who had been staring at him blankly, promptly pointed at him and shouted,

“Oliver Fenley!”

“……”

“……Mr. Oliver Fenley.”

Diana grew embarrassed and looked away. Oliver paid her no mind as he placed the bouquet in her arms.

“The roses outside are already in full bloom. You haven’t been able to see them yet, right?”

“No. I haven’t.”

Diana relaxed her expression and buried her face into the roses. She had never liked flowers in particular, but she was touched to see them inside the hospital.

“How are you feeling? Are you doing better?”

“It still aches a bit, but it’s bearable.”

“They haven’t taken out your stitches yet?”

“I was told that I could get them taken out in two weeks, but who knows.”

Diana snuck a glance at the door before she leaned in toward Oliver’s face and whispered,

“Actually, I don’t trust the doctors here at all.”

“Why not?”

“They have really dark circles under their eyes, and they’re so skinny that they look like the patients instead, you know? I brushed against one of their noses by accident because it hurt while they were stitching up my wound, and then he got a nosebleed. Do you know how embarrassed I was?”

“Are you sure you only brushed against him?”

“Look here, Mr. Fenley.”

The light in Diana’s eyes grew frigid. Oliver immediately rectified himself.

“Of course you only brushed against him. I believe you, so don’t brush against me.”

“Then should I brush you with magic instead?”

Oliver obediently shut his mouth. Diana continued,

“But why were you so late? And here I thought you’d be my first visitor.”

“Wait. I’m not?”

For some reason, that seemed to have soured Diana’s mood.

“Hey. Just what do you take me for?”

“But you don’t know anyone here in the capital, Miss.”

“T-there’s my sister!”

“Gosh. Hester’s obviously your caregiver.”

Diana pouted. She could not refute what Oliver had pointed out.

“Actually, Chesterty was here before you were. Oh, Chesterty is my teacher’s daughter.”

“Oh yeah? You two must be close.”

“Well, I guess so…….”

Diana was a little embarrassed. She could not exactly say that she and Chesterty were close, but she felt like she would lose to Oliver if she admitted that. She continued,

“So, what have you been up to? It’s been a while since the accident.”

It had already been three weeks since the train incident had come to a close. The calendar now stated that it was June, and summer was in full swing.

“I’ve been busy out of my mind.”

“What’s been making you so busy?”

It almost sounded like she was asking, what on earth could a playboy like you possibly be busy about? Oliver placed a hand over his cheek as if he was embarrassed.

“Miss. I’ve told you before, but I’m a busy person in general.”

“I don’t believe you at all. You never even told me a word about your job.”

“I run a textile factory, all things despite.”

“……A textile factory? Really?”

It was an honest job that didn’t suit the playboy at all. Diana’s eyes were filled with doubt. Oliver slyly avoided her gaze.

“But I do run a side business as a hobby too…….”

“You do know that you sounded really suspicious right now, right?”

Diana snapped back. Oliver chuckled and changed the topic.

“Anyway, I’m glad you look like you’re doing all right. And here I was worrying about what I would do if you looked like you were dying.”

“You’re leaving already?”

Diana sat up too as Oliver got up from his seat. Oliver gestured to her not to get up.

“I still have a lot of work I have to catch up on. I’ll come visit again.”

Then, he handed her his business card as he continued,

“Call me at this number here if you need me for anything. My secretary will answer the phone if I’m not there.”

“Wow, you even have a secretary?”

Oliver shook his head as if there was no helping it. Diana studied the business card before she suddenly said,

“By the way, I heard that you helped out my sister. Though, technically, I guess you were helping me.”

“……Did Hester say that?”

“Gosh, what’s with that? I know you two broke up, but did you think my sister doesn’t know how to be grateful?”

Diana looked sour as she waved her hand. She continued,

“In any case, thank you for helping me. I might have still been dying if it wasn’t for you. I’ll lend you my services for cheap at least once if you ever have any need for magic.”

“I guess you aren’t willing to help for free, huh?”

Oliver grinned as he shook her hand. He continued,

“I should thank you too. You made my trip less boring.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

Diana asked coyly. Oliver smiled affably as he raised his hands in surrender.

 

It was evening by the time Hester returned. A reddish glow had covered the sky, and Diana was watching the sunset when she joyfully welcomed Hester back.

“What made you so late, Sister?”

Hester looked a little pale as she laughed quietly. She was holding a basket that she hadn’t had with her when she had left.

“You said you wanted to eat grapes yesterday, right?”

Diana blinked blankly. To be sure, she had indeed said something like that in passing as she flipped through a magazine.

“Yeah. But what about it……?”

But grapes wouldn’t be out until at least August. It was only June now, the beginning of summer, so there were no grapes in Wokingham yet.

A terrible premonition crossed Diana’s mind.

“Did you go somewhere to get some, Sister?”

Diana asked questioningly. Hester answered by procuring some grapes from her basket.

“Oh my gosh…….”

Diana accepted the grapes in the heat of the moment and dropped her jaw. It was only then that Hester awkwardly said,

“It wasn’t anything too drastic, so don’t feel bad about it.”

“Where did you even go? There’s no way you’d find grapes anywhere in Wokingham at this time of year……. You didn’t go all the way to Bennevis, did you?”

She was astonished when she took a peek at the label on the basket. She continued,

“Bennevis is so far away!”

“I teleported. It wasn’t that hard.”

“What do you mean it wasn’t that hard? —you went all the way to Bennevis! No wonder you were so late.”

Bennevis was a religious city located at the southern border that was established by St. Mateo five hundred years ago, and it took at least four days straight to get from Wokingham to Bennevis by train. Hester was an outstanding witch, but it was still difficult to believe that she had used teleportation magic just to buy a few grapes.

“Don’t do that ever again, okay, Sister?”

Diana pleaded. She continued,

“The hospital fees must have been expensive already, and I don’t want to put you through any more trouble. It makes me uncomfortable.”

“I did this because I wanted to, Diana. You don’t need to feel bad about it,”

Hester said calmly as she stroked Diana’s, who had already grown gloomy, hair. She continued,

“I’ve always dreamed of this day. I’ll help you when you’re in trouble, and I’ll give you anything you want. We’re finally together now, so let me have this little bit of happiness.”

“But…….”

Diana lowered her head listlessly. Her sister was always struggling with debt. Hester alone had struggled out in the world while dreaming only of the day they would finally be reunited while Diana had been safe under her teacher’s care. Hester had been paying off their mother’s debts all alone, and she had even been the youngest witch in Ingram’s history to write her name in the White Hall.

This way why Diana did not want to add to her sister’s debts. She wanted to walk together with her sister now, hand in hand. She no longer wished to hide behind her sister’s back.

“Don’t worry about the money. Just focus on getting better.”

Hester smiled quietly. Diana’s sister was just as benevolent and strong as ever. And Diana was still just a young child in her eyes. But Diana could not fault her for that. It hadn’t even been a month since Diana had graduated from being an apprentice, and she would have died a pitiful death in the train if Hester hadn’t been there. She would never be Hester’s equal as a witch —she didn’t even dare hope to be Hester’s equal as a witch.

Diana awkwardly curled her lips into a smile. Her current task was to prove herself to her sister. If she worked extremely hard, just as she had while studying under her teacher, then surely she would at least stop being the younger sister that only brought Hester trouble like she was now.

Just then, Hester took off her coat and offhandedly asked,

“I heard that you had guests. Did someone come to visit you?”

“Chesterty was here for a bit.”

Hester looked surprised.

“Chesterty? Chesterty Jiles?”

“Yeah. My teacher’s daughter.”

“I never knew that you two were so close since you hardly wrote about her.”

Well, that’s because we aren’t that close. Diana smiled awkwardly as she looked away.

“Oh, and Mr. Fenley visited too.”

“……Oliver Fenley?”

Hester’s hands stopped moving for a moment as she hooked her coat on the wall. Diana didn’t notice, and she nodded as she swallowed a grape.

“Mr. Fenley gave me these flowers. He didn’t stay for long because he was busy, but I’m sure I’ll see him again someday.”

Hester was quiet. It was only then that Diana recalled the uneasy relationship between Hester and Oliver and quickly added,

“Oh, n-not that I’m planning to see him again or anything.”

The mood in the room only grew chillier. Diana quietly studied Hester’s face as she gingerly said,

“……Do you want a grape, Sister?”

 

* * *

 

Two days later.

Hester left the hospital early in the morning. Diana, who held going to bed late and waking up early to be a virtue, was living a very lazy life. Hester was comfortable about leaving the hospital because she was sure that Diana wouldn’t wake up until at least ten in the morning.

She left West Tether, where the Royal St. Agatha Hospital was located, and made her way to the old section of the city where she had used to live. It was a forty-minute walk, but Hester purposefully did not call a carriage. She was still in the habit of being frugal. Hester was not hesitant about spending money on Diana, but she still only spent a very little on herself even though she made good money now.

She subconsciously turned into a familiar street. The flower shop that sold fresh seasonal flowers, a Messina cuisine restaurant run by a young couple, a secondhand bookstore filled with all sorts of rare books, a hardware shop that was only visited by flies all year long because the ferocious dog chased all the customers away……. Hester continued walking as she glanced at all the shops preparing to open around her. Finally, she arrived at a quiet café in the corner of the street.

The doorbell chimed and the storeowner welcomed her inside as she opened the door. Hester stood by the door for a moment as she surveyed the café’s interior. It hadn’t changed much, and the mood inside was still tranquil. There were only about three or four customers present at most, perhaps because it was still early in the morning.

Hester made her way over to a seat by the window. There was already someone sitting there, but she sat down opposite of him without his permission and promptly called over a waiter.

“One coffee please. No sugar.”

The waiter suddenly began studying Hester’s face.

“Excuse me……. You used to come here pretty often, right?”

Hester nodded back but didn’t reply. The waiter beamed and said,

“I was wondering if something happened because you stopped coming so suddenly. Please do keep coming back.”

The waiter greeted her courteously before leaving. Oliver, who was staring at Hester from across the table, belatedly said,

“You never drink coffee without sugar.”

“……You really do remember.”

Hester snuck a glance at Oliver. Silence continued between them for a while before she suddenly said,

“I heard you visited the hospital.”

“Did the little miss tell you?”

“……It looked like Diana took quite a liking to you. She isn’t the type of child who opens her heart to others easily,”

Hester lowered her grey eyes as she quipped back quietly. Oliver smiled bitterly because she looked so lonely to him for some reason.

“I won’t see her again if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“I don’t plan on making you do that.”

Hester frowned gently. The waiter returned with Hester’s coffee just as Oliver looked away in embarrassment. It smelled bitter because it had no sugar in it.

Hester stared down at her steaming cup of coffee before she slowly said,

“I haven’t been able to forgive you yet.”

“……I know.”

Oliver smiled sorrowfully.

“But I believe you had a reason for doing what you did. You aren’t the kind of person who would do that no reason.”

“It’s not a reason that’s worth your time to figure out. And even if it was, it still doesn’t excuse what I did.”

“I know.”

The tower of trust that had knocked down the wall of her heart, once as solid as an iceberg, had crumbled down in but an instant. All Hester was left with now was the traces of the ruined tower. The tower, which had once been so tall it might have touched the sky, had disappeared without a trace.

Hester gazed out at the sunny street outside as she thought about her past.

The days when she had struggled against her solitude after her beloved mother had passed away. The letters that she exchanged periodically with Diana had been her only joy in life, and her lessening debt the only thing that made life worthwhile.

Hester had been slowly petrifying like a fossil. Smiles, tears, joy, sorrow —she had been slowly forgetting all of that, but Oliver’s suddenly appearance had dragged her back out into the sunlight. She had been presented with a fragment of that ordinary life that everyone else enjoyed. Hester had been happy when she was with him. She could not deny this.

“I wonder from time to time. Should I have asked you why back then?”

She had been happy, but perhaps the betrayal had shaken her all the more because she had been so happy. Today was no different from any other day, but Hester had finally found the composure to turn back around to face her lover, whom she had turned her back on after he had betrayed her. She continued,

“I am not ready to forgive you yet.”

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Slowly, Hester looked Oliver in the eyes. He hadn’t changed at all from those days, and he filled her vision for the first time in a truly long while.

“……So, will you please wait just a little while longer?”

Oliver’s lips trembled wordlessly as the light in his eyes shook. Ultimately, he did not say a word. He always looked like a composed adult, but he looked like a blushing boy right now. Hester laughed a little as he failed to hide the expression showing on his face.

Her clear laughter resounded inside the café as the warm summer sun shone brightly down upon them.