"Have you all gone mad? Do you realise the consequences of this? Do you fancy selling your arse in prison?"
Once this actually happened, it would be no small matter—especially with Madison being a star.
All that awaited these men was expulsion, imprisonment, and a lifetime of scraping by at the bottom. Their prestigious university education and fraternity connections would vanish forever. It was nothing short of self-destruction.
As the party organiser, Kyle hadn't participated, but the perpetrators were fellow fraternity members. When facing the fraternity leadership's reprimands, he wouldn't escape unscathed either, jeopardising his future prospects.
For someone who grew up in a poor neighbourhood and aspired to change his social class, this was an absolute bolt from the blue.
Were it not for the pistol now in Ruboo's grasp, he'd have been tempted to shoot these good-for-nothing lads.
Hearing Kyle's furious rebuke, the gang members—who'd only sought momentary thrills—finally grasped the gravity of the situation, their faces flushing with dread.
"Get lost," Ruboo waved dismissively.
This brings matters to a close for now.
Surely he hasn't gone and shot these blokes, treating this world like a 'Vice City' game?
Besides, if these lot stayed here any longer, Madison would likely twist them into pretzels the moment she woke up.
He had, in a sense, saved their lives.
As for whether these lot will reoffend.
Forget it. Knowing these idiots as Ruboo does, with the combination of drugs and alcohol, they'd do something this stupid all over again.
Without another word, the fraternity members scrambled out, dragging along a wincing Dalton clutching his groin in agony.
Kyle glanced at them, then at Ruboo and the others. After a moment's thought, he muttered a brief "Sorry" before turning to chase after Dalton and the others. The clean-up would have to be left to him.
Ruboo watched Kyle's retreating figure, thinking that while she'd taken his position as backup witch-butler, at least she hadn't turned him into a human jigsaw puzzle monster. That was the best outcome possible.
He holstered his pistol and assisted Zoe in guiding the still-dazed Madison to an empty room.
"I'll fetch some damp towels."
Ruboo instructed Zoe to watch over Madison while he went to search.
After nearly half an hour of bustling about.
Madison finally regained consciousness. Rising to her feet, she rubbed her dazed head and asked in confusion, "What happened to me?"
Ruboo exchanged a glance with Zoe, who proceeded to recount the events in full detail.
"Bloody hell!"
Madison's face flushed with fury, her witch's power leaking out uncontrollably.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Picture frames, chairs, tables, and the chandelier shattered into a thousand pieces across the floor.
"Calm down, Madison!"
Ruboo, who had narrowly avoided being disfigured by a flying shard, hurriedly pressed his hand against Madison's shoulder.
Fortunately, he'd had the foresight to send those idiots away. Otherwise, given Madison's temper, this place would have become a bloody slaughterhouse.
Zoe patiently urged her to calm down from the side.
Only then did Madison begin to calm down.
She reined in her power and scanned the surroundings, demanding, "Where are those bastards?"
Having never suffered such a humiliating defeat before, she was itching for revenge.
"They've fled," Zoe stated. "Ruboo dealt with the lot of them. The one who drugged you—I kicked his balls clean off. He won't be harming anyone again."
"Quite so," Ruboo nodded. "I heard the crack of shattering bones perfectly clearly."
"Also, Madison," he added pointedly, "there are a lot of people here."
Madison's expression softened slightly, finally taking his words to heart.
Meanwhile, the lively party continued in full swing.
After what had transpired, Madison felt no inclination to linger.
The trio, their spirits dampened, made their way back together.
...
The same night.
In the flowerbed beside the witch's dwelling.
Beside Cordelia, who usually worked alone here concocting potions, stood an uninvited guest.
None other than the Supreme Witch, the most powerful leader of the coven.
She was also Cordelia's mother.
This High Witch, widely regarded as the most irresponsible in recent history, had long neglected the cause of witches, instead indulging in a life of extravagant luxury across the globe.
Yet tonight, she had unexpectedly appeared here.
Just as the pair engaged in a heartfelt mother-daughter exchange, the sound of the residence's front door opening echoed through the air.
Supreme Witch Fiona turned her head. Even through the obstruction, her gaze seemed to pierce through to the figure approaching.
She offered a faint smile as she remarked:
"Two youthful witches, and a boy. He must be the one Merteau insisted on bringing here—the so-called survivor of a great calamity, saved by witchcraft. Hmph. That Merteau, always making her presence felt."
Cordelia replied coldly, "Not 'so-called', but fact. Merte is acting in the best interests of the witch cause. After all, who else would do so when the High Witch is solely concerned with herself?"
"But haven't I begun to look after the younger witches now?"
Treating Ruboo as nothing more than a minor interlude, Fiona turned to Cordelia with an unyielding tone.
"It's settled then. Starting tomorrow, I shall join in teaching the young witches. The Council will approve once informed."
The Supreme Witch teaching the younger witches was something Cordelia could not refuse, both professionally and personally.
Only...
Watching Fiona's retreating figure, Cordelia's expression darkened with concern.
Knowing her mother well, Cordelia understood she was not the sort to suddenly change her nature or take on responsibilities with such earnestness.
...
Unaware that the Supreme Witch had mentioned him, Ruboo returned to his own bedroom after seeing Madison and Zoe back to theirs.
Reflecting on his first day in New Orleans, it had to be said it had been thoroughly eventful.
He'd met a group of witches, purchased a handgun, acquired exorcism items like crosses for free, and finally performed a heroic rescue to save Madison.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.
Preparations for dealing with supernatural matters were nearly complete.
Especially a powerful ally.
Having spared Madison from humiliation this time, asking her for help would be a breeze.
Yes, the ally Ruboo had always desired was Madison.
As for his girlfriend Zoe, was he to send her to assassinate those supernatural creatures?
Among the others, Nan's combat effectiveness was negligible. Quini, the human-shaped voodoo doll, possessed decent fighting prowess, but unfortunately, they were unfamiliar with each other, and it would be difficult to rapidly build rapport in such a short time. As for Cordelia and Fiona, well, they were out of the question.
After weighing all options, Madison—who'd already endured this ordeal—was the only suitable candidate.
Though she was utterly bitchy, her combat prowess was undeniably extraordinary—she could toss a bus weighing several tonnes around like a yo-yo with a flick of her wrist.
Besides, he wasn't vying for the title of Supreme Witch, so there was no need to worry about Madison turning on him.
Besides, if all else fails, I can always sacrifice my own male charms.