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Chapter 21

Chapter 21

When he asked if I was the Flower Witch-dono, I nodded.

It was true that the villagers called me 「Flower Witch-sama」 or just 「Witch-sama」 Even if I’m actually a mandragora, as far as humans are concerned, I am the Flower Witch.

「My name is Leonhart. That one over there is Ritter. We’ve been dispatched from the Order of Holy Knights.」

(The Holy Knights… oh right, I think I heard Daon-san used to be one?)

The village chief Daon did seem different from the other villagers. According to Ellie, he’d worked as a Holy Knight before becoming the village chief. Since the info came from a child, I didn’t know the exact nature of a Holy Knight’s work, but her tone made it clear they were admired figures.

They’re 「Knights」 after all, so I’m guessing it’s a job where they protect people. Maybe something like police officers from my old world, but more friendly and approachable.

「As you may already know, there’s a new demon realm forming on that mountain over there. We’re here to investigate whether it might affect this village. During our stay, we’ll also be protecting the villagers. Today, we’re just here to formally introduce ourselves to you as well, Witch-dono, since you live nearby… and, well—our earlier intrusion was truly inappropriate.」

(Thank you. And don’t worry about it—I’m not upset.)

I smiled and shook my head. It didn’t seem like they’d seen any parts that were 「missing」 and they didn’t notice my body was abnormal either.

Honestly, I’m not embarrassed about being seen naked because my body is basically roots. What would be embarrassing is if someone saw the stamen and pistil in the flower at the top of my head. They’re tucked inside the bud-like petals, but if anyone looked in there, I’d definitely scream.

「…Thank you for your understanding. By the way, Witch-dono… could it be that…?」

Leonhart looked a little hesitant, like he was struggling with how to continue. I tilted my head slightly and pointed to my chest, the spot where he’d once been injured. His eyes widened a bit in recognition, then he smiled.

「So it was you who saved me back then… Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to return to being a knight.」

(That’s great to hear. I was wondering how you ended up.)

I had healed his wounds with a full-recovery medicine, but hadn’t known what happened to him afterward. Seeing him alive and well now was reassuring. …Also, I was glad I hadn’t poured the medicine directly from my mouth like I’d considered. Even half-conscious, he remembered my face, if I’d done something that weird, what kind of impression would that have left?

「Witch-sama! I’m done harvesting… Who are they?」

Just then, Noel appeared with a basket full of berries and fairy candy fruits. Upon spotting unfamiliar humans, his tail stiffened and he gave them a wary look.

Leonhart greeted him politely, but Noel continued to stare suspiciously at them as he moved to stand protectively in front of me.

「What business do you have with Witch-sama?」

「We just wanted to speak with her for a moment.」

「Witch-sama lost her voice. She can’t talk. If you want to ask anything, ask me.」

「…Lost her voice?」

(Oh no, he’s the one who heard my voice before…!!)

I’d been practicing speaking to people when I found Leonhart collapsed in the demon realm. For some reason, he hadn’t died from hearing my voice, but normally, people do.

Ever since, I’ve pretended to be mute. If he says, 「But I heard her speak」 I’ll be in real trouble.

Internally, I was panicking and sweating buckets, but outwardly my face smiled serenely. That’s how this body works. The more I scream inside, the sweeter I smile.

「Witch-sama saved me and the village. She’s not a criminal or a fraud. Even if you’re Holy Knights, I won’t let you take her.」

(Huh? Wait… did you come to arrest me? But I’ve been a good witch… why…?)

Noel stood in front of me, tense with concern. I placed my hand on his shoulder and studied Leonhart’s reaction. Even just having a child stand in front of me made me feel a bit braver. Please stay right there, Noel…

「It’s true there are rumors about Witch-dono, but they’re only rumors. We’re not here to arrest anyone at this stage.」

「Witch-sama is the real deal…!」

「Yes. That’s precisely why we’re here—to investigate and clear her of suspicion. I’d like to help prove that this Witch-dono really is the second survivor.」

Leonhart knelt in front of Noel, lowering himself to eye level and speaking gently. He was incredibly polite and came across as the perfect young man. Even Noel seemed a little taken aback by his demeanor.

(So… it’s because I appeared suddenly that people are suspicious. Well… I am a fake. Just a mandragora… but still, I didn’t think I was under this much suspicion…)

Even though I’d built trust with the villagers, it made sense that outsiders hadn’t yet accepted me. If I could earn the trust of these investigators too, it might secure my place here for good.

「While we’re staying in the village, we’ll also slay any monsters that appear nearby as part of our duty. It’s our role as Holy Knights to protect people from threats—we have no intention of hurting anyone. Please believe that.」

(Huh… so their job is to slay monsters?)

They came to see if I was a real witch—and if not, maybe arrest me for fraud. But what if I’m not a human fraud… what if they realize I’m a monster?

(If they find out I’m a monster, they’ll slay me…?! Oh nooooooo…!!)

I absolutely cannot let them find out. And I can’t act too suspicious either, or they’ll think I’m a con artist. I have to show them I’m a kind, competent witch… This is getting way too hard…!