Chapter 21: Souta Shibuya Speaks with a Witch
“Hey～ do you want to talk to me about it? I might look like this, but I am one of the 72 [True Witches] in this world.”
The Owner of the Café casually introduced herself.
ーーthe 72 Witches
Even a common civilian like me has heard of them.
They are one of the 3 world powers.
Japan is currently a member of the [World Government] that is led by the United States of America.
The majority of Asian countries are members of the [Asia Federation].
And the last is the [Witches Assembly]
In a world where Mages hold a certain level of power and privileges within their prospective countries, there are those who exercise unparalleled power without discernment and have been expelled from their countries. This is an organization composed of those outcasts.
Although every single member is deemed as a heinous, criminally insane Witch responsible for one atrocity or another, their freedom is maintained by their absolute power alone.
Their identities are unknown. All that is known about the [Witches Assembly] is that there are 72 Witches in the organization and each has a disciple.
The Witches come and go within the organization with frequent substitutions, and if any of the 72 are killed, they are replaced by a new Witch almost immediately.
Out of the 72, there is a distinct hierarchy, and it is said that some of the infighting and killing of Witches amongst themselves is to establish a higher rank.
Although they are not well organized, there are stories of countries who attacked the [Witches Assembly] and as a result, the country was completely annihilated.
So for a common civilian like myself, I never thought that I would actually meet someone on the level of fairy tales and legends.
So this person is part of the 72 Witches……?
It can’t be….
She must be joking……but my instincts tell me otherwise.
The beautiful woman who’s sitting right in front of me with her chin resting on her hands and elbows on the table, is the Owner of the Café.
She only looks like she’s in her mid-20s, but if the café worker is middle-school-aged and her son, then she must be older than she looks.
There was something magical in her eyes that drew me into her gaze.
And most of all, there was absolutely authority emanating from her presence.
Souta: “So……”
Before I knew what I was doing, I explained to her about Yukina and I.
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“What a tragic story!! You lost your girlfriend on the night of Christmas!”
The Café Owner took out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from her eyes.
Or at least, she was acting like there were actual tears there.
She wasn’t actually crying.
“Would you like a refill?”
The Café Worker gestured towards my empty cup.
Souta: “YーYes please…”
He immediately took away my cup at my reply and disappeared into the Café shop.
He’s really attentive and hard-working～
Leo: “And...when he came to the café yesterday, he was being possessed by the girlfriend he just spoke of.”
And Mr. Leo added his thoughts to wrap up the story.
Souta: “I can’t see her, so I learned of it for the first time yesterday.”
In fact, I’m still on the fence about whether it is true or not.
“Hmmm～ but she’s not here with you today. And if she’s truly a ghost, then she shouldn’t be able to change who she’s possessing either…….”
And with that, the Café Owner gently touched my forehead.
At that moment, chills ran up and down my spine.
It was the same feeling as an ant who was about to be crushed by an elephant.
Cold sweat dripped off my entire body.
I couldn’t stop shivering.
I was scared.
I was absolutely terrified of this woman.
“Hm? There’s nothing <possessing> this boy at all.”
Leo: “What? That can’t be. I indeed witnessed it with my own eyes. Right, disciple? You saw her too, correct?”
“Yes, I saw her too.”
Mr. Leo turned around, and the Café Worker came back with a fresh cup of coffee on a tray.
So the Café Worker saw her too……
Meaning, he’s a Mage too?
“Hmmmmmm～ but that’s strange…...right now, I don't see any [Threads of Karma] attached to you at all. If you were truly possessed by a ghost, you would most definitely have one…….”
Souta: “[Threads of Karma]?”
It’s the first time for me to hear the term.
“Ummmー it’s a Magic term, so you don’t have to worry about that. If you were connected with someone in a deep relationship, you would also be connected with Threads of Karma. Any Witch would be able to see themー”
Leo: “If the ghost herself was here, it may have been a different story, but we won’t be able to figure this out any further today.”
With that, Mr. Black Cat yawned with a lazy <MEOW> and curled up to sleep.
I see. I wanted to know more about Yukina, but it won’t be possible today.
I was a bit discouraged and drank a sip of my refilled coffee.
“Wow～ you’re an interesting kid. Even though you’re a commoner, both Leonardo and my disciple took a liking to you. These guys usually keep their distance from people.”
With the Café Owner’s comment, I look from Mr. Leo and the Café Worker alternatively.
Mr. Leo was already sleeping soundly, and the Café Worker was wiping down the table.
Our eyes met, and he bowed his head slightly to me.
I bow my head back.
…so…….they like me….?
“I appreciate people who understand the taste of coffee.”
The Café Worker mumbled slightly under his breath.
I see. So he likes me as a customer.
“Oh wow～......”
The Café Owner smiles mischievously at our exchange.
“Then as a reward for being liked by my disciple and familiar, I’ll give you this.”
The Café Owner hands me a single card.
<<<<>>>>
The Wisteria Witch
Mary Misaki
XXX-XXXX-XXXX
<<<<>>>>
Souta: “......is this….your business card?” It had a name, a phone number, and a mysterious looking design on the card.
“If you ever run into trouble, you can call me. But you can only use that phone number [just one single time] so choose wisely when to use it.”
Souta: “YーYes…...I understand.”
I nod to her and place the card inside my wallet.
In other words, it’s not a number I should dial casually - that much I understood.
I’ll probably have to save it as a last resort.
“Okay, I have other meetings to attend to so goodbyeー”
And with that, she <got on a broom> and flew off.
Souta: “SーSo she was a Witch….”
My jaws dropped as I watched her leave.
“Ohー great, Mother. You’re riding on your broom in the middle of the day….even though just the other day, you were being chased by the police……”
The Café Worker’s words of exasperation left an impression on me.
Apparently, she does this often.
Mr. Leo was now in deep sleep.
I tried to study for a bit, but I couldn’t focus at all.
<<<<>>>>
Souta: (Man, so much happened today, I’m exhausted.)
I left the Café Shop and walked aimlessly around Kichijoji.
I wasn’t really shopping for anything, and I just walked for the sake of walking only.
But if I’m out too late, my little sister might get upset again.
I better head home.
I walked unenthusiastically back home.
There was someone standing in front of my house.
She was a cute, small girl with a bob cut.
A familiar face.
Souta: “Akane?”
I called her name, and she turned towards me with a brilliant smile.
It was not her usual, embarrassed smile, but a smile like a flower going into full bloom.
Akane: “Good evening, <Sochan>. Can I come in?”
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CREDITS
Spirit Girlfriend ~ Seems Like I Am the Only One Who Doesn’t Realize That I Have Been Possessed by My Dead Girlfriend~
Written by: Isle Osaki (Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isle_Osaki)
Translated by: ChonkyTranslator
Japanese Title:
ユーレイな彼女 ～どうやら死んだ恋人が取り憑いてることに、俺だけ気付いてないらしい～
作者: 大崎 アイル (オオサキ アイル)
Original Source Link:
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4912fy/21/