Witch Hunter Rhapsody

Ether could tell from his expression that her beloved was in a terrible mood. He had stirred the soup in the bowl countless times with a spoon, but even so, he did not spill any soup.

Looking at Vitas with his furrowed brows, Ether didn't ask any further questions. The news of last night's failed siege had already spread throughout the city, and almost everyone knew that the monster had killed more than thirty people and escaped successfully.

For someone as proud as Vitas, bringing this up now would be absolutely offensive.

Ether could only remain silent, watching Vitas stare at the food in front of him, wondering what he was thinking.

Vitas, handsome Vitas, brave Vitas, she gradually fell into her own delusion, even though the person she had once thought of was now actually sitting in front of her.

Why not reflect on how your heart changes when your loved one is troubled by their own problems and you can't help them?

Ether Hammer was attracted to Vitas the first time she saw him. This is the most common injustice in the world: outstanding looks always attract attention. Who wouldn't want a beautiful and handsome person by their side for amusement while they work?

Thus, Vitas's visits became a pastime for Aethera during her breaks from work. He was polite and gentle, and the occasional sadness in his eyes only fueled her curiosity, as did his armor. Before long, the two met frequently. Given Vitas's meticulous care for his equipment—if he cared so much for his gear—how would he treat his lover?

Before she knew it, Ethera found that her pastime had turned into a passion, an endless passion. She began to look forward to seeing Vitas even more, to think about what she should and shouldn't say, and to desperately want to know more about Vitas and hear it from him.

She found herself becoming increasingly passionate, and on several nights she would wake up as if she saw him standing in front of her bed, even in the unspeakable, late-night moments of self-entertainment.

This strange pleasure was a first for Aesera, and it was hard for her to describe. Even her friends didn't know. How could she tell them that in less than half a year, Aesera had been turned into this by Vitas, even though Vitas hadn't actually done anything?

"Aisela?"

Vitas's voice brought Ethera back from her thoughts.

"What's wrong?"

"Declan needs to see me. His servant just came by, but you didn't notice. Let's call it a day. I can't concentrate, and I can't provide you with a pleasant time."

How could that be?

How could Vitas have known that such words alone could make Ether feel joy and happiness?

Etherra tried to maintain her politeness; she knew knights were restrained and humble, and she wanted to take the latter in the distinction between love and affection.

"Be careful, Vitas!"

"Go home quickly, little Etherra. This is not the time to linger outside."

It was perfectly normal for Ether to ask her father for leave, and if she were to return home for the rest of the time, her father would quite naturally ask her to continue working.

She had nothing else to do, but before going back, she decided to continue seeing the little girl.

She walked down the street humming a song, refusing the begging from the ragged beggar next to her and the sales pitches of strange trinkets from foreign vendors.

However, as she passed by those rather exquisite clothing arcades, she subconsciously kept an eye out for them, thinking that she could come with Vitas in the future.

After that, she bought some bread and went straight to the place where she had first met the little girl.

The little girl was always there. She wouldn't tell me her name. I initially thought she was just shy, but after trying to communicate with her, I discovered that she couldn't speak.

Etherra finally found the little girl again. She was still sitting there, but she was pale and looked very bad.

Except for the first time we met, when she was covered in blood, she was relatively clean on the other occasions.

Upon seeing Ether, the little girl immediately reached out her hand.

Strange, she looks about my age, so why does she act like a little child? Where are her family?

Ether had tried to follow her, but she would always inexplicably lose track of her when she tried.

If possible, she hoped Vitas could help the girl; he knew more people and should have more ideas.

Ether handed the things she had brought to the little girl. Watching the girl wolf down her food, Ether couldn't help but wonder if she hadn't eaten much since she left.

The girl was more like an animal than a human, a humanoid wildcat.

Ether looked at her, unsure of what to do.

I can take care of myself for a while, but it can't last forever.

"I say, if you really don't have a suitable place to go, I'll have Mr. Vitalius arrange it for you. He's a good man, although others might think he's a bit eccentric, but he's definitely a good man."

The girl looked up, her face full of confusion, and let out a sound like that of a wild animal.

Etherra knew she didn't understand what she was saying, but she knew she was speaking and had to give a response.

"Sigh, I wonder where your family is. Honestly, you're not an orphan, are you?"

Ether suddenly noticed the wound on the girl's body, which was slowly bleeding between her chest and abdomen.

This...this is...

Ether was stunned, but the girl didn't notice Ether's abnormality. She continued eating and occasionally nuzzled Ether's hand with her head, just like a kitten.

"How did you get such serious injuries? Come with me quickly, I'll take you to someone who can help you!"

Etherra pulled the girl away, and the girl instinctively tried to resist, just like before, but this time Etherra was quite resolute.

The girl shrank back, but in the end, she was pulled away by Ether.

Isn't she human?

Etherra had heard of strange races, some similar to humans, others vastly different, possessing all sorts of strange powers...

In short, it is impossible for a human to remain so calm when they have such a large, bleeding wound on their body.

Who should she go to?

At that moment, only one name was on Ether's mind.

Vitas.

Vitas is knowledgeable and experienced; he might know what race the girl is.

……

Vitas sat across from Declan, contemplating the demands he might make.

Clearly, Declan needs an outstanding warrior, and Vitas is exactly the kind of target Declan needs.

Vitas certainly wouldn't agree to Declan's request so easily. How could someone who wouldn't even reveal his real name gain the trust of others?

Moreover, Vitas is now nominally a member of the Flying Eagle Knights, serving Declan alone, which will not bring him a better reputation.

"Long time no see, Mr. Vitalius."

"Not even half a month, that's not long, Declan."

"That's true for you mercenaries, but it's not the same for us. Relationships need to be maintained over a long period, especially in the early stages of building them. If you hesitate even a little, you might miss a great opportunity."

Declan took the wine from the waiter and had it poured by Vitas himself.

"How have things been lately? That beast has caused quite a stir in the city."

"It's not a beast; it's a humanoid creature, so it should have some intelligence."

"You're making me very curious; I'm a very curious businessman."

"They are not easy to deal with."

"You're still too soft-hearted. If we used human lives to delay, we could definitely catch him."

"This isn't about dealing with a wizard."

Declan was amused.

"Alright, given the dangerous situation, shouldn't your Flying Eagle Knights provide some special protection for an important client like me? Look at my mansion, so huge and so empty. If that monster breaks in, sigh, my wealth will only be inherited by my younger brother. Of course, that's assuming my brother is still alive."

"You have a younger brother?"

Declan nodded.

"Yes, I have a younger brother, but he has passed away. He was my only relative. Although we weren't particularly close when he was alive, I was still quite saddened when I realized that he was indeed dead."

Vitas empathized with her.

"Death is always like this; even time may not be able to erase it."

Have you also lost someone important to you?

"Many, my former comrades."

"Please let me apologize first."

"It's alright. You weren't the one who caused that tragedy, so you have absolutely no responsibility for it."

Vitas's eyes were filled with flames of anger and hatred.

"I will find that guy and make him feel the deepest pain of being human, make him regret being born."

Declan took a sip of his drink and continued.

Who is your enemy?

"A wizard, but I can't tell you exactly who."

"Oh, wizard, I understand. Wizards always have strange sources of information. But perhaps I can help. Shall I introduce you to a few wizards? Maybe they happen to be your enemies."

Vitas realized that he had shown Declan his anger and needs, which was naturally a good thing for such a businessman.

More importantly, I had no way to refuse.

He desperately wanted revenge.

There was still no news from Maximus, and he couldn't possibly place all his hopes for revenge on that guy.

What do you want?

"Just to be friends, nothing more."

Merchants are truly terrifying. They may be the mortals in the world who are closest to wizards, perhaps because of their similar desires, except that wizards crave knowledge while merchants crave profit.

Vitas ultimately failed to reach an agreement with Declan, and instead went to drink some seemingly expensive alcohol.

Their relationship seemed to have progressed somewhat, and Vitas had a new way to contact wizards.

Perhaps he should thank Viya? If it weren't for killing Viya, he wouldn't have stayed here for so long, nor would he have met so many people here.

Perhaps he should be more grateful to Maximus, but Maximus is not dead yet, and he will be grateful after Maximus dies.

Vitas returned to his home, and as soon as he entered, his landlady came to greet him.

"Vitas, Aetheria is here, along with a girl about the same age. Things seem to be in bad shape."

Is this the guy Etherara mentioned before? Vitas pulled his thoughts back from Declan.

At least Etherra knew to bring him here.

"Okay, I understand."

"That child seems to be injured; you'd better help her."

Vitas nodded, wondering if he was some kind of cold-blooded and heartless person.

He opened the door to his room and saw Ether and the girl. He was about to say something, but then stopped himself from speaking.

He noticed the familiar wounds on the girl's body, as well as her figure.

He instinctively placed his hand on the short sword at his waist.

What the hell is going on? Isn't that the monster that killed dozens of people?