City ​​of Witches 45

Chapter 45 – #11_I Can’T Be The Only One Suffering (3)

#44

1.
The tedious piano lessons.
The alchemy classes.
The reading discussions were finally over.

Odile and Odette headed straight to the academy through the portal installed within the mansion.
Maintaining and repairing the portal required an astronomical amount of gold.
However, the vast wealth of the Geminai family, renowned as the wealthiest among the count families, was more than enough to handle it.

They walked through the teachers’ corridor to the lecture hall where they always had their classes.
The twins, sitting in their seats, took out their thermoses with an unusual air.
They looked as solemn as terrorists right before a suicide attack.

“Odette, are you ready?”
“Yes, sister.”

And with great precision, they poured Eros’s potion into the thermos, carefully measuring the dosage.
Amelia wouldn’t drink all of this tea, so they added enough potion for two servings.
Since there was plenty of pink moss, an alchemy catalyst, even a small sip would have a significant effect.

The red black tea and the pink Eros potion didn’t look too different when mixed.

-Click, click, click

They almost missed their chance if they hadn’t hurried.
Amelia’s heels echoed in the hallway.
Odile quickly hid the potion bottle, and Odette vigorously shook the closed thermos to mix the contents.

“Quiet down.”

Amelia, used to the twins chatting before class, entered the lecture hall with her usual first words, telling them to be quiet.
However, she tilted her head, noticing the strangely quiet atmosphere.

Following her, Siwoo entered, looking awkward and wobbly.
Odette avoided Siwoo’s eyes, and Odile couldn’t look at him directly either.

It was their first encounter since their heated rendezvous in the carriage.
Seeing him again brought back the memories of that day, and their faces flushed for no reason.

The twins, glancing at his lower body, understood why Siwoo had entered the lecture hall with such an uncomfortable gait.
He was carrying eight thick textbooks in his arms.
It was unbelievable, and they didn’t want to believe it, but that was the amount of homework for just one week.

The twins, realizing Amelia’s cruelty in completely disregarding the students’ hardships, felt a little less guilty towards her.

“Hello, Professor!”
“Hello, Assistant, are you doing well?”

Odette slightly raised her hand to greet Siwoo, then quickly turned her face away.

“…..?”

Usually, the twins would bombard Siwoo with greetings.
Amelia blinked, alternating her gaze between the twins and Siwoo, noticing their strange reaction.
However, she was a diligent professor who used every minute of the three-hour class to the fullest.

“Submit your short papers.”
“Yes!”
“Yes, Professor!”

The twins, after contemplating the right timing, submitted their week’s assignments.
In truth, they weren’t really papers, but rather assignments that reviewed and applied the class content without any formal structure.
Amelia’s red quill danced on the twins’ assignments as usual.

“Excuse me, Professor Amelia.”
“Yes, Miss Odette.”
“It seems like you’re always working hard to teach us, your lacking students.”
“You’re well aware of that. I don’t think I’ve ever taught like this before, what is this part?”
“Eek!”

For some reason, the timid Odette cautiously spoke first, but Amelia returned the assignment, covered in red ink, with a tone full of dissatisfaction.

“Magic power distribution calculation is the alpha and omega of magic. You boldly omitted the calculation formula, and both the result and the process are full of mistakes.”
“I-I’m sorry.”

Odette was immediately defeated by Amelia’s unusually stern demeanor today.
She tucked her hands between her knees and lowered her head.
Amelia’s assignments were indeed very high-level, voluminous, and complex.

However, the twins, who were awakening to the world of sex, hadn’t put in even half the effort they usually did for this week’s assignment.
Since Odette had already grasped the situation, Odile didn’t say a word and waited until Amelia finished grading.

“Take it.”

Odile and Odette took their assignments, trembling.
Amelia tapped the table with her fingernails, seemingly upset.
She would acknowledge the results of hard work, but she had no tolerance for students who didn’t put in the effort.
That was Amelia’s teaching philosophy.

Perhaps that was why Amelia was radiating a coldness like dry ice today.

“I’m very disappointed.”
“We’re sorry…”

The twins bowed their heads simultaneously.
Odette was slumped, her shoulders drooping, looking dejected.
She even seemed frightened.
But Odile was different.
Wasn’t now, when Amelia’s anger was stinging her skin, the easiest time to see the effects of Eros’s potion?

That person, who was so angry, would fall in love with the assistant and cling to him?
Just thinking about it made her curious.

“Professor.”
“Yes.”
“I have something I’d like to say, would that be alright?”
“Keep it short. I’m trying to figure out where to start teaching you again.”

Odette, startled, pulled on Odile’s skirt under the desk, trying to stop her.

‘Sister!’

But Odile had already made up her mind.
She took out the tea that Odette had been shaking so diligently, the tea mixed with Eros’s potion.

“Actually, I brought some tea for you, Professor. It’s a cold brew made from the first leaves of the tea trees from our tea garden.”

Cold brew tea was made by piling up ice and placing tea leaves in between, then brewing the tea with the melting ice water.

“Especially, during the blending process, we added a raspberry scent, so you can enjoy its unique aroma when you drink it cold.”

Odile poured the tea into a teacup she had brought separately and handed it to Amelia.
Amelia looked a little bewildered.
Considering the twins’ past behavior, this was a very commendable gesture from a student.

“Thank you.”

At that moment, Siwoo, noticing something, intervened.
It didn’t seem like this tea was purely out of good intentions.
Especially considering the way Odile’s eyes were sparkling, like when she first saw Siwoo’s penis.

“Um, Amelia.”

He urgently tried to stop Amelia, who was holding the teacup with a posture as proper as a textbook on tea ceremony.

“What is it?”
“Um, I…”

But how am I supposed to say this?
That the twins put some strange potion in the car?
If I did, it would be like confessing what happened last time.
But if I don’t say anything, there’s no telling how Amelia will act after drinking the potion.

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Siwoo quickly gave up.
He wasn’t even sure that the twins had put Eros’s potion in the car.

Even if I had, it would be a story unrelated to Siwoo.
The twins would just end up receiving severe punishment.

“I’ll enjoy it.”

Amelia slowly sipped the cool tea in her teacup.
Odile and Odette’s gazes were completely fixed on Amelia.

The old woman’s face, wrinkled like a dried persimmon, was a map of a life lived. Her eyes, though clouded with age, held a spark of something that could only be described as mischief. She sat on the low wooden stool, her back slightly hunched, her hands clasped in her lap, and watched me with an unnerving intensity.

“So, you’re the one,” she said, her voice raspy like the rustling of dry leaves. “The one they’ve sent to me.”

I shifted uncomfortably, the worn floorboards creaking beneath my feet. The air in the small, dimly lit room was thick with the scent of herbs and something vaguely sweet, like dried flowers. It was a smell that clung to the back of my throat, making me want to cough.

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m here to learn.”

She chuckled, a dry, rattling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “Learn, you say? What is there to learn from an old woman like me?”

“Everything,” I said, my voice gaining a bit of confidence. “I want to learn everything you know.”

Her eyes narrowed, studying me with an almost predatory gaze. “Everything, huh? That’s a big word for such a small thing.”

I swallowed, feeling my resolve waver slightly. “I’m not afraid of hard work,” I said, trying to sound braver than I felt.

She leaned forward, her gaze piercing. “Hard work is not enough. You need more than that. You need… the right kind of heart.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. I just stood there, feeling like a small child being scolded by a stern grandmother.

“Alright,” she said, finally breaking the silence. “I’ll teach you. But don’t expect it to be easy. I’m not one for coddling.”

A small smile flickered across her lips, and for a moment, she looked almost kind. But then, just as quickly, the sternness returned.

“First,” she said, her voice sharp, “you need to learn the names of the herbs. And not just the names, but their secrets. Their stories.”

She pointed to a shelf filled with jars and bundles of dried plants. “Each one has a tale to tell. And you, my dear, will listen.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was it. This was the beginning of my journey. And I had a feeling it was going to be anything but easy.

I was born in a small, quiet village.

The village was nestled deep within a mountain range, so remote that the outside world seemed like a distant dream. The houses were all built with mud and straw, and the roofs were covered with thick layers of thatch. The villagers lived simple lives, farming the land and raising livestock.

I grew up playing in the fields and streams, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The days were long and filled with work, but there was also a sense of peace and contentment that permeated everything.

My parents were farmers, and they taught me everything I knew about the land. They showed me how to plant seeds, how to tend to the crops, and how to harvest the bounty of the earth. They also taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance.

I was a curious child, always asking questions and eager to learn. I loved listening to the stories that the elders would tell, tales of brave warriors and magical creatures. These stories sparked my imagination and filled my mind with wonder.

As I grew older, I began to feel a longing for something more. I wanted to see the world beyond the mountains, to experience new things and meet new people. I knew that if I stayed in the village, I would never be able to fulfill my dreams.

So, one day, I decided to leave. I packed a small bag with some food and clothes, and I set off on my journey. I didn’t know where I was going, but I was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The path was long and arduous, but I never gave up. I walked through forests and across rivers, and I climbed over mountains. Along the way, I met many different people, some kind and some cruel.

I learned a lot from my travels. I learned about different cultures and customs, and I learned about the world’s beauty and its harshness. I also learned about myself, my strengths and my weaknesses.

After many years of wandering, I finally arrived in a large city. The city was a chaotic and bustling place, filled with people from all walks of life. I was overwhelmed by the noise and the crowds, but I was also fascinated by the energy and the excitement.

I found a small room to rent, and I began to look for work. I was not skilled in any particular trade, but I was willing to work hard. I eventually found a job as a porter, carrying goods from one place to another.

The work was hard and tiring, but I was grateful for the opportunity. I worked diligently, and I saved every penny that I could. I knew that if I wanted to achieve my dreams, I would have to be patient and persistent.

Over time, I began to learn new skills. I learned how to read and write, and I learned about different subjects. I was a quick learner, and I was always eager to expand my knowledge.

I also began to make friends. I met people from all over the world, and I learned about their cultures and their experiences. I was grateful for the friendships that I had formed, and I knew that they would be with me for life.

One day, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a writer. I had always loved stories, and I wanted to share my own stories with the world. I began to write in my spare time, and I poured my heart and soul into my work.

It was not easy. I faced many rejections, and I often felt discouraged. But I never gave up. I kept writing, and I kept improving.

Eventually, my work began to gain recognition. People started to read my stories, and they were moved by my words. I was finally achieving my dream.

I have come a long way from the small village where I was born. I have seen the world, and I have experienced many things. I have learned a lot, and I have grown as a person.

I am grateful for all that I have been through. I know that my journey is not over, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

In Odile’s case, she received his seed in her backdoor.

Then, what about Amelia?

“Unique,” she said.

Siwoo carefully retreated, trying to avoid Amelia’s gaze. If he could just get out of the condition of having to see a man collect semen within 10 seconds, the situation would stabilize. The twins waited, palms sweating, for what was about to unfold.

10 seconds.
9 seconds.
8 seconds.
7 seconds.

“Siwoo, assistant.”

Amelia turned to look at Siwoo precisely when the countdown hit 7 seconds.

Siwoo gulps.

If the twins had indeed slipped a potion in as a nasty prank, its effects should have already taken hold.
Now, it was a situation he couldn’t avoid or escape.

“How long are you going to hold onto those books?”
“Ah, sorry.”

Siwoo piled the textbooks Amelia had been holding throughout the grading onto the desk.
Even then, his gaze remained fixed on Amelia.

“Let’s begin the lesson.”

And then.
Ten minutes passed, twenty minutes passed.
Until the end of the entire lesson, no change occurred in Amelia.

Amelia, who had calmly conducted the three-hour lesson as usual, left the room, leaving behind homework that was easily twice the usual amount, as if to repay the twins for their poor performance today.

“Why is that?”
“Why could it be?”

The twins returned to the Jemina mansion through the portal.
After dinner, which marked the end of their day, they had about five hours of personal time before bed.
Usually, they would go to the study to waste time reading, review Amelia’s lessons and organize their notes, or take a bath in the bathroom.
But today was different.
They went straight to their room and sat on the bed.

“Why is that…?”
“Why could it be…?”

Odile, and even Odette, had observed Amelia throughout the lesson.
And the observations they gathered were terribly disappointing.
Amelia had finished the lesson calmly, without a single change in expression, and then left, dropping a massive homework bomb.

“Maybe she endured it with superhuman patience?”
“Odette, I guarantee you, no woman could endure that.”

“Was the potion’s effect gone?”
“Wouldn’t it be more plausible that her autonomous defense system neutralized it?”
“If that were the case, the professor wouldn’t have just let it slide without saying anything. But really, nothing happened.”

The twins sighed deeply.
Truthfully, they had been anxious about how far their prank might escalate, but now that there was no reaction, a huge sense of disappointment settled in rather than relief.

They had at least expected Professor Amelia to be staggering with a slight fever like a newborn deer.

“Bring me Odette’s book.”
“Okay, sis.”

The twins pulled out the ‘Forbidden Potion Compendium’ they had hidden deep under the bed.
The book, with its black leather cover that had faded to a yellowish-brown, was a very rare find unearthed from the old archives of the mansion.
Rumor had it that there were only two copies in the world.

They had already flipped through it several times, so it wasn’t difficult to find the page about Eros’s potion.

It listed not only the method of making the potion and the things to be careful of during the process, but also the expected effects and precautions.

“Hmm, it seems to be here. The effects of the potion vary drastically from subject to subject, and this is distinguished according to the subject’s latent sexual consciousness.”
“Additionally, cases where the potion is unlikely to be effective are described below.”
“Subjects who have not experienced menarche, subjects who are pregnant, subjects who have no aptitude for magical sensitivity…”

The twins, heads together over the open book, were stopped short by one particular passage.

“Also, the potion does not work on subjects who are already in love with the test subject.”
“?????????”

The twins tilted their heads simultaneously like dolls with dead batteries.

“Wait, hold on. Let’s sort this out.”

Odile felt like her hair was getting tangled, and she fanned herself repeatedly with her palm.

“Professor Amelia has had her period, right?”
“Of course! Can’t you tell?”
“Could she be pregnant?”
“She’s a witch, isn’t she?”
“She doesn’t have no aptitude for magical sensitivity… so then…”
“Let’s recap. We extracted semen from the test subject’s assistant and made a potion, which we then fed to the subject, Professor Amelia. So… Professor Amelia likes the assistant?”

The twins were in a state of panic because of the incomprehensible conclusion.

“No way!”
“That can’t be!”

And then they fell silent.
They had reached a clear conclusion before their worries could last long.

“Aha!”
“This book is trash.”
“Yeah, sis, let’s throw it in the fireplace later.”
“No, let’s do it now.”

Odile, as if all her worries had been resolved and she felt very light, got up and threw the book into the fireplace before heading to the bathroom.

“We almost got into big trouble for following something weird.”
“I know, you can’t trust old books.”
“Let’s go take a bath together, sis.”

The close sisters walked out with quick steps, leaving only one book in the room, burning and crackling sadly in the fireplace.

The flames caught the pages, and they flipped over.

[…However, in the case of the last example, the effects and duration have not been sufficiently verified, so caution is advised during experimentation.]