Taming The Villainesses

Episode 289.2

Episode 289.2

(EP-289.2) Depression #2

289 – Fairy’s Depression #2

Stella said.

“This forest is long filled with witches who were exiled or fled. There are many souls of witches who went mad while researching taboos.”

Terrifying.

In this world where necromancy exists, souls and ghosts were very much a reality. So hearing ghost stories couldn’t just be dismissed lightly.

“Well, I’m more afraid of wild beasts than ghosts. A forest this big has its masters.”

Seuk.

Stella, holding a torch, knelt down. In front of her was a deep paw print.

The problem was that it was about the size of my torso. How could it be this big?

“Tartarus wolf. Judging by the size of the print, it’s about three or four meters long.”

A wolf that’s 3 to 4 meters long?

The thought of such a creature roaming the forest was quite unsettling. It seemed Stella felt the same, as she lightly shook off her hands and said.

“We might be better off spending the night in the forest. Tartarus wolves hunt in packs. It’ll become a hassle if medium-sized ones swarm in.”

When it comes to forests and beasts, Stella was a professional. I decided to quietly follow the expert’s advice.

If there’s one thing I learned as a novice politician in Angmar, it’s that when you listen to experts, you’ll at least make it halfway through.

“I saw a shack on the way here. It looks like a place the forest keeper abandoned. It’s nearby, so let’s go there.”

“Okay. I’m sorry for causing such trouble.”

“No need for apologies between us. We all inconvenience each other sometimes.”

Stella turned out to be more easygoing than I expected. Even if it was just an act, she seemed to be tolerant of others’ mistakes, perhaps because she had lived a life of trouble.

I almost doubted whether this was the same Stella who once made me kneel before her.

“There it is, the shack.”

As we continued walking, a shack shrouded in darkness came into view. It was more of a dilapidated ruin than a shack, with holes in the roof and missing windows.

Eating something warm in a cozy place helped release the tension that had unknowingly built up. Stella even took a swig from a small flask from somewhere.

Gulp, gulp.

“Ah, northern stuff really have a kick.”

I could tell from the sharp smell that it was alcohol. It was strong enough that I almost wanted to cover my nose.

Seeing me frown, Stella, her face flushed red, asked.

“Theo-kun, you really don’t like alcohol, huh?”

“I don’t understand why people drink something that doesn’t taste good. It’s just bitter.”

Stella chuckled at my words.

“It has a strange sweetness to it. But I get it—nymphs have sensitive senses of smell and taste, so it makes sense that you’d hate it.”

“You seem to know a lot about nymphs.”

“I didn’t just get paid at Ark for nothing. I did a lot of research on both nymphs and elves.”

Fueled by the alcohol, Stella began to ramble on by herself.

She would laugh to herself and mutter, “Ah, I shouldn’t have presented that paper back then,” or suddenly burst out angrily, “That bastard Professor Lurina stole my research and claimed it....”

That’s how people get when they’re drunk.

One of the reasons I dislike alcohol was because it makes people lose control like this. I’ve been surviving so fiercely losing control like that was something I wanted to avoid.

“Ugh, it’s hot. Should we put out the fire?”

Stella asked while looking at the fire, seeking my opinion. But I still felt chilly and shook my head.

“I’m cold.”

Stella chuckled in response.

“Then I guess I’ll take it off.”

“Take what off?”

I was taken aback.

I really thought Stella was about to start taking off her clothes!