His Breeding Obsession Chapter 75

🧹

 

About an hour before.

 

“It’s a strange thing to say, but I think I knew I was going to meet with the Great Witch,” said Alice.

 

“Do you have any kind of precognition?” asked Mirania.

 

“No. I just, I knew, all along… the people who’ve been protecting me.”

 

Alice pursed her lips in confusion.

 

“Those people, the names you mentioned. Grecan and Leverianz.”

 

Mirania nodded slightly.

 

‘She has a fragmented memory, but she remembers them.’

 

It was hard to comprehend, but Mirania could vaguely understand Alice’s current state.

 

‘Regression can’t be explained by simply saying that time has been reversed.’

 

It would be impossible to defy all the laws of nature and turn back time.

 

For example, if a perfect regression were possible, she would have no memories of her previous life.

 

‘Then I wouldn’t remember anything either.’

 

Rather, it would be more accurate to say that traces of time remained on both herself and the other people involved.

 

“Yes. They are the ones you were in love with.”

 

Alice seemed to remember more than Grecan, despite the familiarity of Alice’s presence, so Mirania didn’t bother to hide it.

 

Alice looked unfazed and calm.

 

“So, you remembered that, huh?” Mirania snorted.

 

“As far as I remember being grateful… and thankful, and I think I loved them, but it’s not the same as loving Evan.”

 

Clutching her chest, Alice’s confusion turned to anguish.

 

“It can’t be the same.”

 

Mirania scoffed at Alice’s words, denying the past just because she couldn’t remember it now.

 

“For that matter, I clearly remember them more vividly. You certainly were in love with them.”

 

“Yes, I did love them, but not like I do now.” Alice sighed.

 

Miriam stiffened, unable to understand why the humans were making things so complicated for Alice.

 

Alice looked up at Mirania’s disapproving face and sighed.

 

“I do remember that feeling, being lonely for some time.” (Alice)

 

“…”

 

“I also remember the sound of their voices as they confessed that they loved me.” (Alice)

 

“…”

 

“And then there was the Great Witch.” (Alice)

 

“This is a strange turn of phrase. Why are you talking about me all of a sudden?” asked Mirania.

 

“Because you were the one they were looking for.”

 

Mirania let out a hollow laugh.

 

Alice’s face remained stoic in the face of the sarcasm. Mirania felt a twinge of displeasure rises inside her.

 

She didn’t know what Alice was trying to say, or if she was even listening, but she felt incredibly displeased.

 

“What are you trying to say? They only came looking for me to save your life,” Mirania retorted.

 

She would never know how much trouble I had been in for that.

 

At Mirania’s scathing comment, Alice nodded.

 

“What I have in my memory is only a fragment, and yours may be more precise, but the one thing I remember clearly now.”

 

Mirania raised an eyebrow at Alice, who met her gaze.

 

“Their lips whispered their love for me, but there was no one else by my side, and they were always looking for you, their eyes were never on me, and what could I have thought when I saw them, do you know, Great Witch?”

 

“I know that hearing your story brings back the worst memories.”

 

Mirania’s heart sank as she remembered the two men who had been relentless in their pursuit of her wherever she hid.

 

She could barely suppress the urge to heal Alice, who looked puzzled, as if she didn’t know the details, and to wipe out this pointless existence.

 

“You’re late, Mirania.”

 

The disgruntled voice, disguised as welcome, snapped Mirania out of her reverie.

 

Finding nothing wrong with her body, Grecan took a step back.

 

Mirania glared at Grecan with a faint hint of disapproval in her eyes.

 

‘I see you’re as tenacious as ever.’

 

She recalled a former version of Grecan that she hadn’t recalled for some reason.

 

Her conversation with Alice had poked at the past and brought it to the surface, and the memories rose like potatoes buried in the ground.

 

“Mirania, what were you discussing inside? It’s getting late.”

 

“… Nothing much.”

 

“Next time, take me with you, I don’t like being apart.”

 

Mirania pursed her lips, then shut them tightly.

 

‘It’s annoying, all of this.’

 

Why, for the enemy who killed me? Why am I going through all this trouble to feed, entertain, and shelter him?

 

Why do I still have to answer all these questions?

 

I thought I’d lost that sense of wonder ten years ago, but maybe I hadn’t gotten rid of it, just dulled it.

 

‘Now that I think about it, maybe I don’t need to do that anymore.’

 

Things were not meant to be. There’s still more to explore, but for now, Alice has someone she loves, and Grecan has no interest in her, and that’s not likely to change.

 

Mirania glared at him, lost in thought, and shook her head.

 

“Aren’t we heading home, or do you have anyone else to meet?”

 

When she didn’t respond, Grecan blinked and leaned down to sniff her.

 

“Mirania, you seem to be in a bad mood.”

 

At the sound of his voice, Mirania glanced away from him and began to stride.

 

“Not really.”

 

“…”

 

“I’m just reminded that you guys are my enemies.”

 

Grecan, who had been watching Mirania’s back as she stalked away, quickly came up beside her.

 

He felt his throat burn with impatience as he watched her glare at him, but this time she didn’t even bother to turn her head.

 

“Mirania?”

 

Grecan stuck his head out, trying to make eye contact with Milania, but her impassive eyes remained fixed straight ahead.

 

Growing impatient, Grecan urged her to answer.

 

“Mirania, Mirania!”

 

Mirania’s mournful voice sank to the floor, “This tiresome relationship will soon be over.”

 

Malandor’s ears perked up as he followed in stunned silence.

 

“I do not know what you mean.” (Grecan)

 

Mirania’s bland voice cut in sharply as Grecan frowned in confusion.

 

“I knew I had to tell you at some point, and now that I think about it, I don’t know why I hesitated to tell you. I guess I should tell you now that I realize.” (Mirania)

 

“…”

 

“I don’t have much time left. I’m going to die soon. There wasn’t much time left in the first place, and I spent most of it on you.” (Mirania)

 

“What are you talking about?” (Grecan)

 

“I think I’ve done enough. Whether it’s for me or the witches, I can say I’ve tried my best.” (Mirania)

 

“Other than that, I have no idea what you mean by dying. I have no idea, Mirania. Are you joking? That, that’s not very funny. It makes me feel bad. It’s weird. Please stop.” (Grecan)

 

Grecan’s glassy black eyes were dilated in shock.

 

Ignoring him, Mirania said bluntly.

 

“Now go on your way. This is the end of our ill-fated relationship.” (Mirania)

 

Grecan stopped dead in his tracks.

 

Mirania brushed past him, not even acknowledging him.

 

He was followed by Malandor instead of Grecan.

 

Malandor glanced at Grecan before passing him, and his expression was odd.

 

Malandor ran after Mirania, but Grecan didn’t follow, apparently angry. He followed closely behind Milania.

 

In a snake-like voice, he whispered in her ear.

 

“I never imagined that I would ever get to see this.”

 

“What are you talking about?” (Mirania)

 

“Mirania taking out her frustrations on a bloodhound like that.”

 

Mirania’s face contorted. It’s why perceptive people are reluctant and mean.

 

Mirania’s shoulders slumped imperceptibly.

 

“For Grecan’s sake, you should stop looking after him now.” (Malandor)

 

“Oh, so that was a thoughtful response, rather than an outburst of anger?” (Mirania)

 

“Stop being sarcastic. Grecan is old enough to live on his own now, and where will he go after I’m gone? The Witch Castle, where there shall be a new Great Witch, or wandering the wolf’s territory as an outcast? I will ask the Prime Minister to make arrangements. Then…” (Malandor)

 

‘I intend to make this place his home for the time being, and when Balkan is gone, he will return to the Second Continent as chief.’

 

Swallowing hard, Mirania continued on her way.

 

Malandor pursed his lips in understanding, then smirked.

 

“But I guess he didn’t know anything about your demise, did he? The wolf cub seems quite shocked.” (Malandor)

 

“…”

 

“That’s odd, though. You’ve been so careful about mentioning your death. What’s with the sudden change of heart? Shouldn’t you have done it for Grecan’s sake? The wolf boy must have been quite shocked.” (Malandor)

 

“It’s none of your business, and none of his.” (Mirania)

 

Mirania retorted bluntly, a little annoyed. Malandor shrugged.

 

“You met that girl named Alice inside. That’s what changed your mind, isn’t it? Other than that, you wouldn’t suddenly be like this. What did you talk to her about? Tell me. My head is about to explode with questions.” (Malandor)

 

Mirania glanced at Malandor as they crossed the threshold of the palace and walked toward the carriage waiting for them.

 

His inquisitive, red-iris eyes seemed to see right through her.

 

When Mirania merely stared and didn’t speak, Malandor lifted his smiling mask.

 

His eyes narrowed, his face grim.

 

“There’s something there.” (Malandor)

 

“…”

 

“You, who dislike being bothered, have come to the Second Continent on a matter that has little to do with witches…” (Malandor)

 

“…”

 

“You know, you once were. A Great Witch doesn’t leave the Witch Castle when she’s about to die, you used to say, spending some quiet time in the Witch Castle and then leaving for the Witch forest, but what’s this …what are you doing now?” (Malandor)

 

Malandor’s eyes twitched at the corners, perhaps in an attempt to laugh, but his face contorted harshly instead.

 

“The only reason I went to the trouble of following you was because I knew your time was coming to an end.” (Malandor)

 

“You can go back now.” (Mirania)

 

“Not until I’m with you in death!” (Malandor)

 

Malandor growled in a low voice.

 

An uncontrollable energy radiated from Malandor’s body.

 

The flowers and grass nearby withered away like an instant death, and a bird that had been perched on a branch screamed and soared into the sky.