Will You Marry a Witch?
Will You Marry a Witch?
He did not have an extraordinarily retentive memory, not to mention his memory would decline over time. Due to his profession, mathematics and physics were the most frequently used subjects, while his information about history, geography, biology, chemistry and so on had degenerated to an entry-level. Thus, regardless of its usefulness, it was better for him to take notes about everything in order to retain more knowledge.
After he finished each page he would have Scroll commit it to memory. All she had to do was look over the page and it was permanently recorded. Unfortunately, Scroll's ability only extended to the memory of looking at the information and she could not teach herself junior-high-school mathematics. So, Roland explained it to her when he was free.
Of course, for someone like him, teaching was a meaningful task. When Scroll was surprised or enlightened, after a long contemplation, he felt especially accomplished. However, Roland knew that this had to do with his specific student. Although Scroll was closer to 40 in age, her magic power had greatly slowed the aging process. The skin on her cheeks was tight and rosy, and her long black hair was tied back simply behind her head, making her look very mature and capable. The fine crow's feet at the corners of her eyes did not destroy her overall beauty but rather brought out her steady temperament. She would definitely be the elegant and versatile teacher found in the movies. The sense of role reversal was pleasant now that he had surprised the "teacher" with his lesson.
Roland was quietly writing as he contemplated, [What exactly is the magic power found in this world?]
It was everywhere, and it did not matter if its source was in the deep mine of the northern slope or within the Impassable Mountain Range, off towards the Wild Places in the west, or located at the Seawindshire in the east; the witches could always use it to release their various and incredible powers. The power was obviously stronger than electricity and its energy was less processed and closer to its "origins".
Like with Cara from the Witch Cooperation Association, Wendy had mentioned that she could summon four Snakes of different Magical types and their names were named Death, Suffering, Fossilization, and Nothingness, each with its own venom effect. Or, like Nightingale, and her unfolding Mist that could almost distort the space it occupied. The different forms of magic ability constantly changed, Roland could not think of a better word to use other than the "origins".
If he were to give the word "origins" a definition, it probably would be the rules and order that control everything universal. In the latter part of his life, Einstein wanted to integrate the four basic forces of the universe into his theoretical framework and called it the "grand unification theory". In a way he was searching for its source, so, Roland couldn't help but wonder if there was a universal rule that could span any universe?
Roland couldn't help but brainstorm, was it possible a force like that existed in the world he used to live in before he traveled across the universe? Had there just not been any witches to act as a catalyst, releasing the magic, and it was only neglected by others?
Roland was just thinking, besides there was no way for him to properly analyze the power with the currently available technologies.
So, in order to promote the industrial revolution, he had to concentrate on propelling the progress of civilization.
Perhaps, someday, mankind would be able to use the power without the assistance of the witches — it was exciting to simply think about the versatile energy, which could transform into various effects.
"Your Highness?" Scroll asked noticing Roland's intoxicated look.
"Ahem," Roland pulled himself from the delusion. He coughed twice and said, while looking at the dwindling candle, "That's all for today."
"Yes," she bowed and prepared to leave but then she paused.
Roland noticed that he had not heard the sound of the door closing and looked up curiously and saw that Scroll was still standing by the door. "What's up?"
"Your Highness..." Scroll hesitated for a moment before saying, "I would like to ask you a question."
"Ask away." Roland nodded while laying his quill down before lifting his glass of water and taking a large gulp. The witches didn't have many shortcomings, except one - they were all too skittish. They were like rabbits that would poke their heads out of their cave, only to immediately retreat at the slightest disturbance, never to be seen again. He was predicting that her question would be something like, "Why were you willing to take us in?" or "Don't you fear the church?" Nightingale and Wendy had asked him many that times. However, since Scroll had taken the time to ask he would answer her seriously, deepening their friendship and camaraderie.
"Is it... possible for you to marry a witch?"
"Pfft," Roland almost spat out his water, "Uh, why are you asking?"
"I..." Scroll opened her mouth but could not answer.
Marry a witch? The first person who came to Roland's mind was Anna, ever since the day he had met her in the prison, her blue eyes had left a deep impression on his heart. Witches started as ordinary, human girls but then their abilities would awaken and they would develop outstanding powers. Moreover, their appearances and bodies were superior to those of a normal human. They would be the focus of attention in the modern society. So, what did he have to hesitate about? In this case —
He looked at Scroll and asked with a smile, "Why not?"
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Wendy rubbed her sore shoulders before returning to her room.
Her large breasts were troublesome, especially when she was casting her wind on the top of the Littletown's wooden shed since she had to raise her arms up and slightly towards her back to keep balance.
Since the first sail trial, Littletown had made a lot of improvements. For example, there was now a simple shed built on the spot she would be standing to shelter her from the sun and the rain. The hull was surrounded by bark that was used to reduce the impact when it went ashore. Both sides of the ship were fitted with two cement short piles for the convenience of fixing the vessels.
And, her ability to control the wind had also made a great progress after nearly a month of training. The ships were moving more steadily now, and the speed could be fast or slow under the influence of the wind. She even learned to adjust the magic consumption by using the existing wind force so that she could last a longer time.
Nightingale had finished her bath before Wendy, and she was already sitting on her bed, in her pajamas, waiting for her.
However, Wendy found it strange that Nightingale was smiling uncontrollably.
"Did something good happen?" Wendy couldn't help asking. Nightingale shook her head but didn't say anything, she only smiled a little wider.
Wendy's mouth twitched, [Her emotions has been low since the last time we talked. Only recently, with the growing popularity of Gwent, has her spirits been lifted. Then, why is she smiling so brightly? Where has the expressionless, quiet Shadow killer, I met in Silver City gone?]
[Whatever.] Wendy took off her clothes and stepped into the bucket of hot water. [She probably won a great card in the game.]