Chapter 114

Ex Strongest Swordsman Longs For Magic In Different World Chapter 114

Well, anyhow, there was nothing wrong. The Witch was an enemy to the world, and Felicia was said to be a Witch. So, what was the matter with that?

It was as Soma said earlier to Felicia. Soma didn’t care about it… No, that’s not accurate. Rather, that was something desirable.

That was because he thought that he wanted to see a Witch soon. He was considering to meet one honestly.

The reason was the Curse magic used by the Witch. It was a kind of magic, but it seemed different from other magic.

As the pure white hair suggested, Witches had no talent. It wasn’t similar to Soma whose skills couldn’t be seen. Basically, they had no skill that they could truly learn. However, they only had one divine protection for the eternity.

That was also mentioned by Hildegard, so there was no mistake that was the truth. Which was why Soma wanted to meet Witches.

They could use magic without having skills. If that was the case, could Soma use magic as well? To put it simply, that was the whole story.

Actually, there were a lot of things to worry about, and to be exact, he was also thinking about it before he recognize the appearance of Felicia. However, the moment he saw that pure white hair, and the moment he confirmed that she was a Witch, everything else was blown away to this dimension.

Even if the Witch gave her name, he didn’t know where he was. He thought up to the point where he was no longer exist too. That was coincidentally said by the person before him.

Was there a possibility that he wouldn’t take this chance? No matter what else happened, it would be impossible.

Anyhow, that was why…

“Hmmm… I thought that there are many things in the surrounding area, but surprisingly, it isn’t so.” (Soma)

“After all, this is a forest. It is obvious that most of them are gathering places, and… in the first place, what I know is only a part of those places. I don’t really know well about the places where the barrier doesn’t cover.” (Felicia)

“Even though this is the Witch Forest, is it?” (Soma)

“The reason why this is called the Witch Forest is simply because this is the forest where the Witches live. We virtually are not related to the forest itself. Of course, I am not the Lord of the forest. Well, it is true that there were people who used to be the Lords. However, it isn’t only me. In fact, it is not unusual for the monsters here to  kill me easily.” (Felicia)

“In short, this is arranged by someone? Well, if you say it that way, I guess that is the truth.” (Soma)

While having such a conversation, the two of them stopped. Thick vegetation had disappeared from the surroundings for quite some time, and there was a vacant space as if the vegetation was mown.

What was before them was a house. It was mainly made of wood, or rather logs. Thus, it could be called a log house.

This was Felicia’s house. It was a place where Soma, who had been found in this forest, carried and taken care of for a week.

“I’m home.” (Felicia)

“Hmm, welcome back.” (Soma)

“…That is certainly right thing to say until now, but isn’t strange to say it when you are coming back together with me?” (Felicia)

“Well, wouldn’t it be sad if there is no reply?” (Soma)

“No, not really. …It has been like that all this while.” (Felicia)

“Even if that is the case, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t lonely. Well, in that case, I don’t mind it. Since I don’t mind about it, just accept it, alright.” (Soma)

“What’s with that? Goodness, since you have come, the pace here has changed. It can’t be helped.” (Felicia)

“Even if you say that, you are the one who picked me up. The responsibility should be taken by yourself. Anyhow, I’m back.” (Soma)

“That is quite a selfish expression, but… I’m pretty sure the side who got picked up should take the responsibility. Th-that is… uhm. *Cough* W-welcome back.” (Felicia)

Soma already heard that Felicia was the only person who lived in this forest. Furthermore, it seemed to be that way for several decades. Perhaps, this was her first time to say ‘I’m back’. Soma’s mouth was a bit loosened by the words that came out awkwardly.

“N-now, let’s make a meal. It’s already noon.” (Felicia)

“…Indeed.” (Soma)

It was an outright topic diversion, but since there was no need to make fun of her, he followed along with a smile on the face. When he slowly followed Felicia, who went inside quickly, the interior of the log house came into the view.

As a matter of course, it was also made of wood. There were wooden tables and chairs. The house was properly furnished. It couldn’t be helped with the forest in the surroundings… or rather, people wouldn’t think that there was such a house in this forest.

“Hmmm…” (Soma)

However, he heard not in detailed that Felicia didn’t build this house. There was a witch of each generation such as predecessors, but the house was gradually improved and expanded.

That was because the Witches didn’t seem to be blood related. If pure white haired children were born, they would be called Witches. It was also said that if the hair became pure white, they became Witches, but the details were generally unknown. At the very least, it was supposed to be unknown.

Well, it was obvious at that time when it was said that pure white haired people couldn’t exist. Hence, if such children were born…

“Soma-san, sorry to keep you waiting… Soma-san?” (Felicia)

“Hmm, it’s nothing.” (Soma)

Soma threw away what he had in mind, and then, he sat on a chair. It wasn’t something to think while having a meal. Anyhow, it was something unpleasant to think about it.

More importantly, when he looked at the dishes brought by Felicia… dishes…?

“Hmmm…” (Soma)

“Wh-what is it? It looks like you want to say something, but… do you have any complaints?” (Felicia)

“No, I’m not really complaining, but…” (Soma)

He wasn’t complaining but… the thing in front of him wasn’t dishes.

This didn’t mean that he was ridiculing Felicia’s cooking skill. Without making fun of her, it was the truth, literally.

That was put before them. It was commonly referred to as fruit platter.

“I have it properly cut, so there is no problem… right?” (Felicia)

Somehow, her words didn’t contain confidence. It might because she used to bring out the whole fruit. When he thought from that time, he thought that she was studying and developing her cooking skill, but…

“…This isn’t a proper diet for sick person.” (Soma)

“Yes? What are you saying?” (Felicia)

“Hmm, no. I have something I would like to hear about… Could it be that you don’t eat meats or vegetables on a regular basis?” (Soma)

Soma was asking this because during the week when he was taken care of, he was served with this even though there were differences whether it came as a whole, or it was cut. Although he wasn’t sick, there was no difference in being lying down on the bed, but he thought that it was something for sick people, but this situation seemed to be different.

And that was obvious.

“That’s right… I didn’t even receive it from the beginning.” (Felicia)

The word ‘receive’ carried its own original meaning. According to what he heard, Felicia seemed to receive food supplies once a month. It was from those who were outside this space of the forest.

Those words sound normal, but it didn’t seem to be that way for Soma.

“From the beginning?” (Soma)

“No, I used to receive in the beginning, but I ate it since I felt guilty if I threw it away. However, it was hard to eat, and tasteless. To be honest, it wasn’t tasty, so I didn’t remember how long I received it.” (Felicia)

“…I see.” (Soma)

No, he had that feeling somehow. Especially, when the meal was wholly consist of fruits. Apparently, this girl didn’t really understand the meaning of the cooking process.

It was only a guess, but this girl might eat meat and vegetables as it was. That wouldn’t be tasty, so it was logical to prefer fruits only.

But of course, if she ignored the nutrition–…

“By the way, have you gotten cold or something?” (Soma)

“Cold, is it? Hmm… I don’t remember getting cold. Or should I say, this body of mine never get sick? Well, it’s tough if you get sick here.” (Felicia)

“Hmmm…” (Soma)

Soma squinted his eyes because it wasn’t normal no matter how much he thought about this. He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to get enough nutrition just from the fruits. When she said that she did so from the beginning, she should have been doing that for quite a while.

However, she didn’t seem to be particularly malnourished. At least, the body of the girl named Felicia reflected in Soma’s eyes was healthy. Even though she had lived for several decades, her physique wasn’t much different from Soma.

At first glance, it might seem like an evidence of malnutrition, but perhaps, it was a matter of race. She looked like a human, but it seemed that she was quite different based on her words and actions. In terms of never getting sick, there was a possibility that she was a Spirit, but the lifespan of Spirit was almost the same as that of human.

To begin with, there were a few species that could  be called long lived species. However, when it came to the matter of life span and illnesses, that might be the side effect of becoming a Witch. She might tell him if he ask unexpectedly, but since there was no meaning to pry, there was no need to ask her.

“Hmm… there are no meat and vegetables left at all, right?” (Soma)

“There’s nothing left. I should have thrown it away long ago since I couldn’t eat them.” (Felicia)

“Is that so?” (Soma)

He didn’t know until what time she received meats, but that should be a decade ago. There was a food storage in the basement of this house. It seemed the food they ate was stored there. It seemed that comfortable conditions could be maintained, but it would be impossible to extend the period.

“So, what’s with this?” (Felicia)

“No, it’s nothing.” (Soma)

The fruits were actually special. That was why there was no problem if she ate only that. Or maybe it was Felicia’s tribe or because she was a Witch? In any case, Soma felt that she was likely to collapse due to malnutrition, but… well, that wasn’t the problem right now. It might be good if he considered what to do while observing the situation.

Well, just to be safe, he might want to look for something that he could eat around here…

“Hmm… if I search for it…” (Soma)

Soma suddenly remembered. Yeah. Speaking of which, he went out for that today. Since he had recovered up to the safe level, he surveyed the surrounding after being able to move his body. Although these fruits could be served for the rehabilitation, he still wanted to eat something else.

When he put his hand into the basket that he held, he took that thing out. It was a single blue flower.

Felicia, who saw that, let out a sigh.

“I have prepared the lunch, you know?” (Felicia)

“Will this flower rot if I put it aside for a while?” (Soma)

“If you say that, I think it should be fine to have it after lunch.” (Felicia)

“There’s a problem arise in my heart.” (Soma)

“You completely do whatever you like, am I right? Goodness.” (Felicia)

Having said that, Felicia sighed again. Then, she left the table. That made Soma loosened his mouth. As he approached Felicia, he presented the flower in hand.

Then…

“Hmm, well, I’m sorry but… I would like to be able to use magic with this.” (Soma)

Soma told her his dearest wish.