The Great Witch named Snow had probably joined this "chat group" about a year ago.
It had been an ordinary day.
Having just finished her post-meal fat-reduction exercise (somersaults), she was about to research a new spell when that inexplicable interface popped up before her eyes.
As a Great Witch who had mastered countless forms of magic, she verified again and again that it wasn't an illusion or some dangerous trap. Once satisfied, she gladly accepted its existence — and began incorporating it into her long-term plans.
One year. Three hundred and sixty-five days. Speaking once a day in the group earned one point.
The "chat group" had a points shop. Its inventory was fairly extensive — from everyday items to supernatural artifacts.
Unfortunately, most of the supernatural goods were still locked, leaving her with no chance to study them.
That said, the [Boundary-Breaking Talisman] priced at 100 points each was extremely practical. Its effect allowed one person to be teleported to another member's world, provided permission was granted.
After diligently chatting her way to 300 points, the Great Witch exchanged them for three [Boundary-Breaking Talismans] — just in case.
"That newcomer has no tact at all. Pity I'm not an admin — otherwise I'd have muted her already."
"To dare speak of my little Taiya like that… hmph!"
Straightening her slender waist from the sofa, the snow-haired Great Witch fumed.
That newcomer had never even seen her little Taiya. If she had, with Taiya's charm, she would've been conquered instantly!
And even if that shameless woman begged to marry into the family afterward, she wouldn't agree!
"…Forget it. Not worth getting angry over this."
"I need to think about how to handle this 'blind date' with little Taiya… Sigh. Meruru is exactly the type men are supposed to like. Why won't he agree?"
The Great Witch worried quietly. If possible, she would still prefer to keep things within the family.
The thought of the cabbage she had painstakingly raised being snatched away by some pig — especially a wild pig from outside — made her heart ache sourly.
But as she had said in the chat, her time was indeed limited.
Her petite body floated up from the sofa like a ghost, drifting anxiously toward the basement.
"What are you spacing out about, little Taiya~?"
Because she made no footsteps, the boy locked in the basement didn't notice her descending the stairs.
"!"
He jolted.
Perhaps it was just her imagination, but the Great Witch felt her child looked a bit guilty — even though he didn't appear to have done anything.
"Mother, what brings you here…"
The [Mute] spell was lifted.
The moment he realized he could speak again, Shin steadied his breathing and heartbeat to avoid exposing anything unusual.
"Little Taiya, I've thought about it. Forcing you to marry Meruru was too sudden. I didn't consider your feelings."
"I was impulsive earlier. You're not angry with me, are you?"
Two slender hands slipped around his neck from behind, the snow-haired girl — barely reaching his chest — pressing against his back affectionately.
Her cascading white hair, smooth as silk, brushed softly against his cheek. The sudden gentleness was enough to melt most people.
—But Shin felt absolutely nothing beyond the fact that something hard was digging into his back.
"How could I be, Mother."
"You are learned and reasonable. I trust that everything you do has its meaning."
"What a smooth talker~"
Black silk-gloved fingers traced slowly over the marble-sculpted lines of his athletic body.
The Great Witch narrowed her eyes, feeling something unreal — hard to imagine that such a perfect creation had been nurtured within her own small frame.
The miracle of life was intoxicating. So intoxicating that she could momentarily set aside her hatred.
"Alright, I came to discuss something important, little Taiya~"
"Since you don't like Meruru, that's fine. Mama found other options for you~"
"I have a friend. She says her daughter has taken a liking to you. It's just that… she lives rather far away…"
Leaning close to his ear, she lowered her voice conspiratorially.
Shin: "?"
Taken a liking to me? Who? When was that said in the group? Why didn't he know?
Could she mean the so-called "daughters scattered abroad" that Marika mentioned?
First question: do those daughters even know they're Marika's daughters??
Running through the tangled, almost Habsburg-like family tree of Marika and her other half Radagon in the Lands Between, Shin fell silent.
He absolutely could not expose that he was also in the chat group. He was counting on that identity to convince the Great Witch to drop this marriage obsession.
But if he didn't reveal himself, how could he explain that Marika's proposal was problematic?
[Aspiring to Become a Perfect Human]: @Lord of the Lands Between Lady Marika, may I address you as such?
[Aspiring to Become a Perfect Human]: Though this is between you and the Great Witch, I'm curious — what exactly do you mean by 'daughters scattered abroad'? Are you certain this blind date will go smoothly if you don't appear in person?
Shin hoped to subtly warn the Great Witch through this angle.
Perhaps it was instinct, but he felt that Marika — the greatest god and conspirator of the Lands Between — harbored ulterior motives.
[Lord of the Lands Between]: Indeed, that is a concern. But if the Great Witch brings her child here, even if I cannot appear personally, I shall find a way to guide them.
[Lord of the Lands Between]: I admit I have certain private intentions. Therefore, should the Great Witch locate my daughter, regardless of whether her child favors mine, I shall compensate them.
[[Lord of the Lands Between] has sent an Exclusive Points Red Envelope]
[Lord of the Lands Between]: There are 500 points inside. Consider it a gift to the Great Witch — and reimbursement for the [Boundary-Breaking Talisman]. No need to return it whether the matter succeeds or not.
[Moon Princess]: How generous, Lady Marika~ Five hundred points is enough for me to buy a Shining World-Tech game console~
[Lord of the Lands Between]: If matters proceed smoothly, I shall offer further recompense.
[Lord of the Lands Between]: Of course, should my daughter and your son form a union, that would be best. Only then may I rest easy.
[System Message: [Spreading Witch Factors] has claimed the Exclusive Points Red Envelope]
[Spreading Witch Factors]: You're too kind, Lady Marika. I'll bring my child over shortly~
In the dungeon, Shin and the Great Witch fell into silence at nearly the same time.
Their reasons were naturally different.
But the latter recovered first.
A faint smile curved her lovely lips — clearly in good spirits.
"Little Taiya, go tidy up. Mama's taking you to visit a friend~"
"You'll need to dress up properly… Come, let's find your little sister Meruru. She's the best at that sort of thing~"
…
To be continued…