The Good Witch of The Lake

Roze decides she might as well water the field. She takes off her robe, and also her dress, leaving on only a chemise. She then washes the robe and the dress with cleaning solution inside the tub.

—somehow, she ends up washing her hair, and along with it, sprinkles some aromatic powder on her nape—the one usually used when about to go on a date. It happens just like that.

Chirin—the bell rings again.

Since the bell is also for security purpose, the ringing can magically be heard—wherever she is, regardless of what she is doing.

"…This can't be." She's only wearing a chemise and her head is still foamy with bubbles.

She has almost no contact with the townspeople. It's also rare for them to venture this far.

Could it be …him?

No way. He only visits at night—I'm sure of it.

Even so—Roze lifts her face. In her heart isn't just anticipation, but also hopefulness.

There, he's standing—the same deer as before, with somewhat a haughty look.

"Mmuuu—!!!" She feels angry for some reason. Yes, it's not him—but if it's not him, so what? There's no reason to get this angry over nothing, yet still—!!

Fuming, Roze rinses her hair. After that, she jumps into the lake, still wearing a chemise. Coldness permeates her entire body. The water washes both foam and dirt from her body. After that, she takes a swim.

"I've become weird…"

Her heartbeats quicken at the thought of him—and she is not used to it. This entire time, she has been leading a stable life. At times it might be dull and monotone, but she's at least accustomed to that.

That day she fell in love, seven years ago, she wants it to stay as a memory—and that's it. A good memory she can reminisces in peace.

It's needless for her chest to rise every time the bell rings. For her to feel excited—there's no need for this.

Harij comes to meet her, yes.

But her not as in 'Roze', but 'the Witch'.

Therefore, even if she is to greet him in an improper attire and head full of soap bubbles, it matters not to him—Harij doesn't care.

Harij doesn't care about her at all.

"Why can't I understand this?" Her pale lips whisper faintly.

As she closes her eyes, a single tear rolls down her cheek, before becoming one with the lake.