Chapter 7

Realizing that I had been saved, I suddenly remembered that I hadn't told the person in front of me the important thing.

"Thank you very much for saving me."

The person who saved me from being discarded was this Captain. Yet, I had been disrespectful, bowing and saying strange things. The Captain, on the other hand, widened his eyes and then smiled gently.

"It's only natural to catch those who break the rules."

I was captivated by that smile. A handsome person's smile really has a powerful effect. It was just for a moment, but it was a bit of a waste that he quickly returned to a serious expression.

"By the way, where is your hometown?"

The Captain began to ask me about myself.

"Since all the others were killed, the identity of those who kidnapped you is still unknown. However, the experiment you were subjected to is taboo in any country. To cover it up, I think you were abducted from a country quite far away. It will take a considerable amount of time to return home, but I would like to know where it is."

"Yes. It's a town called Katres, to the north of Arendelle."

"Within the country?"

The black-haired person behind the Captain frowned, and the Captain and the others also looked puzzled.

"Is there something wrong with it being within the country...?"

"No, it's just that all the other victims were from outside the country, so I found it strange."

If there was an exception, it would be strange... maybe?

"Um, can I... go home?"

To begin with, I don't know how much time has passed since I was kidnapped.

"Also, since you were experimented on, have you developed any strange illnesses or anything like that?"

What kind of experiment was it, to begin with?

When I asked, the red-haired man replied.

"They say the experiment failed, and so far there doesn't seem to be any effect... but I think it's best to keep an eye on you for a while. After all, the experiment you were subjected to was a fusion with a spirit."

"Spirit...?"

W... wait, fusion with a non-human?!

The meaning of the forbidden magic seeped into my mind, along with fear.

This is way more outrageous than having memories from a previous life. What should I do!? Is my body really okay!?

The Captain and the others looked at me with pity.

"A spirit. They tried to mix you with a spirit. Normally, your body would have collapsed or your mind would have gone crazy."

The red-haired man answered.

"Why would they do such an experiment...?"

When I said this without thinking, the Captain answered.

"They said they were trying to create a witch. Whether that's possible or not, I don't know."

W-W-W-W-W-What!?

I wanted to praise myself for not screaming. But my eyes were wide open.

Trying to create a witch, it's just like a game world!

Am I the final boss? But if that enemy group was going to dispose of me, it means they failed, right?

So I'm not a witch... I'll take it that way for my peace of mind.

"...Have you noticed any changes from before?"

"Well, my eyes seem to have turned redder than before."

The change in my eyes is the only one I've noticed. I'm not going to mention my past life.

I'm afraid of being called crazy. So far, I've only remembered my memories.

I don't want to be suspected of becoming a witch.

"I see... For now, it doesn't seem to be a hindrance to your life, but if possible, I recommend that you stay with this knight order for a while and be near a physician who can use magic. We intend to take responsibility since we saved you, and because this is a case involving forbidden magic, we also want to observe your condition."

It took me a moment to process what he said, but I understood that he was suggesting I stay at the knight order for regular check-ups.

"Thank you very much."

I realized that being almost turned into a witch was a bad situation.

Until I resolve this, I can't live in peace. It's a different matter from what to do with my grandmother's shop.

So, I'm very grateful to be placed in a place with a doctor.

"Is there anyone you need to inform about your long absence? According to the records and confessions of the criminals, you've been kidnapped for at least 10 days."

"Ten days?"

Hmm, who should I inform?

"My only family, my grandmother, just passed away, so the issue is the management of the house and belongings... I can't go back so soon."

Since the two of them fell ill, I've been busy taking care of them, and the shop has been closed. Thanks to that, the only things that might have rotted are the foods I recently bought. I locked the house and went to the cemetery, and the shop hasn't reopened, so no one should come.

Wait, could people think I've abandoned my house and gone missing?

The most troubling thing would be if my keepsakes were stolen. I have a little money at home too.

As I was deep in thought, the Captain suddenly stood up and gave instructions to the knights behind him.

"Prepare Vyrta. Frey, bring three people from your squad who can fly."

"Are you going, Captain?"

The blond young man called Frey widened his eyes.

"Regarding spirits, only I or Orve can handle any unexpected situations. Besides, Vyrta is fast. We can go and return in three hours."

"That's true, but..."

At first, I didn't understand what they were talking about.

But when the Captain spoke to me, I finally understood.

"I will go to your hometown. Take only what you need and ask an acquaintance to manage your house."

He's going to take me to my house!

"Y-Yes!"

I stood up and followed the Captain.