1 The Beginning

Black magic, human-to-animal transfigurations, mythical creatures - in my previous lifetime, all these are just a product of one's imagination. Humans, as we all know them, are curious to the point of creation that it's hard to believe if these things do exist and if they are, where are they all hiding?

Contrary to popular belief, it was said that myths and the supernatural still subsist in this world but only do they show themselves to the people whom they know are trustworthy enough to protect their existence — from the bad guys.

As a child, these creatures were only read in books of fiction.

As an adult, these were topics made out of pure boredom and nonsense.

Never have I imagined myself seeing one of them or at least, exchange pleasantries with them. Inside the barricades of my home, not only are they fictitious... and if I were lucky enough to encounter them, I was only meant to do one thing — run.

Unfortunate for me because on the fourth day of spring, all the bumbo jumbo topic was put to an end. I'm not told to run anymore... this time, I was determined to chase after it.

I grabbed my coat and glanced behind me.

Those lying bastards were already out of my sight, finally, I am all alone and at peace. Yet, if this was another scenario it would be so much fun that I have already outrun my enemies.

I wasn't just a man on the run but I'm also cashless, abandoned by my butler who's in charge to look after me, and was left with a mission that's hardly even finished. To be exact, it hasn't even started yet!

I hid on the corners outside the shop to rest but my wondering ears heard a nearby conversation from somewhere which caught my attention.

Being the curious person that I am, I brought myself to look from outside the window to see two people arguing with each other.

Oh, what a juicy way to keep me entertained while I figure out a new plan for my problems!

There was a woman wearing a cloak and a man, who might be the shopkeeper, writing something on his counter. He was holding a red gemstone as he examines it using a magnifying glass.

"Two carats of your beloved ruby... this will be worth 300 gold pennies, m'lady," he said with an unknowingly mock-up smile while handing over another bag. The woman paused for a few seconds before moving the man's hand away from her.

"300 gold pennies? It's not as if I'm selling to you a block of iron. Don't take me as a fool, Signore," she gawked at him," Raise the price now."

There was growing tension between the shopkeeper and the lady. Her long delicate fingers were telling me she's a not middle-aged woman or a grandma. It's delighting to know that she wasn't going to be a complete idiot who'd take 300 gold pennies for something that is so much more. I moved closer to hear clearly what's going on.

"Then you shouldn't have brought just two carats of your stupid ruby!" the man growled in laughter.

He rubbed his mustache before smirking as though he had come up with a smart idea," But since, you're likely new to this kind of negotiation. I will do you a favor. I'll pay you an additional fee but... of course, you will have to give me something in exchange for that. What do you think, m'lady?"

It's no doubt that he's trying to imply a perverted offer to the woman. I saw her genuine reaction before her slight pause — there was only pure disgust etched on her face. Anyone in that situation would have an expression like that too, especially, when it's from a man who needs a few lectures about personal hygiene.

After a couple of minutes of thinking, she glanced back with a sarcastic smile. Is she going to accept it? It doesn't look like she actually liked the offer though.

"Well, who am I to decline such a kind proposal, right?" the woman reached for the bottle of sake near her and poured it into the man's glass," An additional fee? It wouldn't hurt much if I just accept. That's really good of you, Signore."

My eyes never left her hands. She twirled her fingers above the cup and I was half amazed and terrified with what I had just witnessed: It glows!

There was a hint of green crystallines after her sneaky little gesture. I shook my head to completely process the idea because I can't imagine how I was able to find what I'm looking for in a situation like this!

The woman moved the cup towards the shopkeeper who's looking freakish," Go ahead and drink it, Signore."

It didn't seem like he noticed the magic she cast on his drink as he was already consumed by his lust. That's unfortunate, I thought as the man finishes it in one shot.

He traced the lady's jaw onto her chin as she took off the hood of her cloak, revealing a pretty face in her mid-twenties. From underneath the cover, I was unable to see the grace of her beauty but now that I have seen it, she was rather exceptionally beautiful. Prettier than the ladies I went to the academy with. No wonder, the shopkeeper was head over heels with her.

"Is it good?" the lady asked.

The man was slowly losing his sense of sobriety as the alcohol gets into his head. He grasped on his stomach trying to cover up with the pain.

Oh no, don't tell me she... poisoned him? Certainly, she poisoned him. With her bare hands? I didn't see her holding a sachet of powder, I'm sure there weren't any.

If that's the case, if she did poison with her bare hands... there's the only thing that I could describe what she did — black magic. Just the thing I needed after this long exhausting journey.

"Yes, it's good, m'lady," he was obviously struggling as he uttered these words," Aha, even your smile is deadly."

Exactly, her smile is indeed deadly. Not only that, her magic hands too. You shouldn't have let her lay her hands on your cup or you wouldn't have been so doomed right now.

Scratch that, you shouldn't have said a perverted comment at first. It's foolish to get on the bad side of... a witch!

The man fell to his knees as he tries to reach for the water on his counter, "Oh my bad, do you need help? Don't worry, I will get it for you."

But she didn't, as expected, the lady poured the water on the floor.

" Oops, that was an accident."

It wasn't, it was purely intentional and the next thing I knew the man was breathless and the only people left there were her, the murderer, and me, the eyewitness!

The problem is now passed onto me. How can I possibly assure this woman that I'm not on her bad side?

This situation can only lead me to two things: an impossible happily ever after or simply, death. And I'm not good at sugar-coating these kinds of stuff but the second option is more likely to happen.

The lady raised her hand and soon, the inside was covered with grey smoke with hints of purple and green crystallines. It was mesmerizing. She's probably removing all traces of her in that area.

I moved closer to the window as I eagerly watch the fantasy happen right before my eyes. Yet, it only stopped there because my attention was driven when a chubby black cat started hissing and scratching my pants, "Ouch, get out of the way, fattie!"

That may not be a good idea. I admit I shouldn't have said that because now... the cat started glowing his eyes from orange to red! Oh shit, this cat is...

I stood from my hiding spot. I know, I know. I looked back from outside the window but this time her eyes were no longer on the shopkeeper or the shop that she had just cast her dark prowess.

But no other than me, Prince Idalius of the Kingdom of Lumen, who was struck fancy by the evil witch's beauty!