Chapter 43: The Date Begins

The two days of preparation, filled with both anticipation and anxiety, were over. The day of reckoning had arrived.

Checking the clock tower outside, I saw the appointed time was near. Standing before the full-length mirror, I began my final inspection.

“Phew.”

Taking a deep breath, I gazed at the beautiful witch in the reflection.

Repeating my resolve, I steeled my heart once more.

…I absolutely won’t fall for Carl’s schemes.

I’ll play along just enough, but I won’t enjoy it.

Not a “heroine,” but a plain “comrade 1.”

That’s the role that suits me, just like in the original novel.

“Stay sharp. I’m not some… female!”

Cheering myself on, I stepped out of the room and headed straight for the meeting spot.

Was it because Alain overdid the makeover?

On my way to the inn’s entrance, adventurers threw flirty glances, but a burst of magic sent them scrambling.

Thus, I arrived at the meeting spot in a peaceful atmosphere.

“He’s not here yet?”

Scanning for Carl, I saw no sign of his silhouette.

Ugh, this isn’t fair.

I wanted to arrive later to see his reaction first.

Do you know how hard these two days were?

For a normal person, two days of patience might be nothing, but I’m a witch.

When curiosity strikes, I need answers immediately. My patience for mysteries is paper-thin.

Waiting two days was torture, consoled only by thoughts of Carl’s “delicious” reaction.

If he arrives late, sees me first, and doesn’t give a great reaction, these two days of endurance would be for nothing!

I couldn’t let my efforts go to waste.

Frantically looking for a place to hide, I was too late—Carl appeared just as I found a spot.

“Kept you waiting?”

His cheeky voice came from behind.

Like settling for a chicken when you can’t catch a pheasant, I hid my face with my oversized witch hat.

Seeing this, Carl asked in a puzzled tone.

“Uh, yeah! A carriage passed by earlier, and dust got inside my hat! So, I’m just… shaking it out.”

I made a show of dusting off the hat, then, feeling it was time, slowly turned around.

…He came from behind, so he hasn’t seen my face yet.

Of course, he could’ve arrived early and hidden, but that didn’t matter.

If he doesn’t give a tasty reaction, I could ruin the whole date out of disappointment!

Fully turning, I closed my eyes and threw a question at him.

It was funny, closing my eyes when I wanted to see his reaction, but I had no choice.

The “embarrassment” creeping up had suddenly gone wild.

“So, uh, how do I look? Decent?”

“…”

I mustered the courage to ask, but he didn’t say a word.

Why’s he silent? Shouldn’t he at least say something?

I went through so much shame to doll up like this… how can he not say anything?

Annoyed, I glared at him, but my complaints fell flat—I couldn’t speak either.

His reaction was indeed delicious.

Blushing, eyes fixed on my face.

A dumbstruck look screaming, “This must be a dream.”

And drool dripping from his mouth without him noticing.

It was near-perfect, exceeding my expectations, and I couldn’t help but feel satisfied.

But separately, his polished appearance left me dazed.

This guy is stupidly handsome.

Back in the Great Forest, he was, at best, a “tough guy,” or at worst, a “muscle pervert.”

But with his scruffy beard and bandit-like hair tidied up, he looked like a noble straight out of a romance fantasy.

…How is this possible?

That perverted uncle is the same as this nobleman?

Barely holding onto my fading senses, I asked the prince before me.

“Be honest. You used a polymorph spell, didn’t you?”

“It looks that way? Well… my appearance did change a bit.”

Rubbing his chin and tilting his head, he suddenly approached with a mischievous glint.

Feeling uneasy, I tried to back away, but there was only the inn’s wall behind me.

In the end, I faced him so close I could feel his breath.

…What’s he planning?

That sleazy look doesn’t seem too nefarious…

But just in case.

Biting my lip and glaring defiantly, Carl spoke.

“You asked how you look earlier, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“You’re stunning. If you agreed, I’d drag you to a wedding chapel right now.”

“…That’s not flattering at all! A wedding? What kind of crazy talk is that!”

“Just a figure of speech. Anyway, that answers your question.”

Grinning cheekily, Carl’s eyes sharpened, and he smirked.

“Now it’s my turn. How do I look? Decent?”

His question threw my mind into chaos.

Thankfully, my witch brain produced the perfect response.

“You look fine.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, but that’s it.”

I answered casually, but cold sweat trickled down my back.

Thump, thump.

My heart raced for no reason.

Probably from nerves, most likely.

…I’m in trouble.

Spending a whole day with this near-predatory body of mine.

Can I survive today?

I prepared a lot over the two days.

Treating this wish-granted date as my last chance, I put in every effort. On the day, I woke early to double-check everything.

Even then, I was anxious.

Is this simple setup okay?

I went with ordinary plans instead of something unique, but what if I got it wrong?

Worrying, I noticed the time approaching.

Sighing deeply, I steeled myself.

I did my best.

What’s the point of worrying now?

If the date flops, I’ll find another chance to see “possibilities.” If it goes well, that’s great too.

“Let’s go and settle this.”

Casting aside my worries, I headed to the meeting spot.

As I walked, I cautiously pictured Beatrice.

“…What will she look like?”

I didn’t expect much.

After nearly a month with her, I knew she didn’t care about others’ gazes.

Would she really show up differently for an unwanted date?

“No way.”

She’d probably look as messy as usual.

Not that I mind.

I love everything about her.

…Still, it’d be nice if she dressed up a bit.

Feeling a tinge of regret, I stepped out of the inn.

Then, I spotted a cute witch pacing nervously.

But… Beatrice looked completely different from what I imagined.

“…?”

Though I only saw her back, the moment I saw her flowing hair, I knew.

Our witch dolled up beautifully.

I thought she’d show up as usual since she hates me, but she went all out.

Why?

Doesn’t she hate me?

Why come to a date looking this stunning?

From sleazy thoughts to worries, my mind raced, but I shook them off.

The appointment time’s here—better not be late. Tardiness is a demerit.

Approaching Beatrice, I tapped her shoulder and called out.

“Beatrice?”

She slowly turned, smiling at me.

“So, uh, how do I look? Decent?”

“…”

I was speechless.

If the goddess of beauty descended, this is what she’d look like.

Staring at the devastatingly gorgeous witch, sleazy thoughts surged.

As I pondered how many kids we’d have and their names, she threw another question.

“Be honest. You used a polymorph spell, didn’t you?”

“It looks that way? Well… my appearance did change a bit.”

I was surprised too.

Just trimming my hair and shaving made me look younger.

But seriously, Beatrice, aren’t you* the one using polymorph?

It’s not unrecognizable, but you’re so stunning from afar you’d make anyone fall.

No wonder there was so much lewd chatter about Beatrice on the way to the inn.

…It makes sense. Looking this beautiful, it’d be weird if there wasn’t.

Suppressing my crude thoughts, I resolved.

I’ll make this date open “possibilities.”

I’ll marry this witch and live a truly happy life.

Nothing’s happier than marrying the one you love and living sweetly together.

“Shall we grab some food first?”

With a friendly smile, I led Beatrice to the restaurant I’d planned.

And so, our unforgettable first date began.