Chapter: 312
Holy Sword, Plot Twist.
Yoon Si-woo muttered softly.
And in that moment, the scene of Yoon Si-woo holding the sword began to change.
People were witnessing it.
At a glance, the sword that seemed almost divine, and the boy who was dyed pure white.
Like ink spreading on a white canvas, it turned black, and then blacker.
It became completely black, not allowing any color.
No, anyone watching would have felt that saying it was merely stained would be an inappropriate description.
Because for Yoon Si-woo, for the sword he held, this was its original form; it was not staining but rather a reclaiming.
And thus, Yoon Si-woo threw off the pure white shroud he had been using to hide his identity and revealed his original appearance to the people.
“What the…?”
“Eh…? Huh…?”
Except for me, who already knew, everyone else’s reaction to Yoon Si-woo’s changed appearance was remarkably similar.
Shock, confusion, chaos.
Most of the heroes present were trained not to be easily surprised by ordinary events, yet their expressions revealed their tumultuous thoughts.
However, it was unavoidable.
The appearance of Yoon Si-woo, now enveloped in ominous black energy, was,
“A, witch…?”
No one could help but think of the name ‘witch’ when looking at him.
Could it be that Yoon Si-woo had tricked them all along?
Everyone must have had that similar thought.
Even though I and Ms. Eve were exceptions, witches have always been the enemy of humanity.
Therefore, people seemed even more confused.
Especially since it was Yoon Si-woo, who had saved the city multiple times, now appearing like that.
Slowly, the air around them began to change.
There was no way Yoon Si-woo could see it, but people were taking combat stances one by one.
In their hearts, they wanted to deny that Yoon Si-woo could ever act suspiciously, yet everyone was preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Thus, a tense situation was unfolding where everyone was ready to attack at any moment if Yoon Si-woo showed any peculiar behavior.
Just as I was pondering whether I should defend him in this deadly atmosphere, Yoon Si-woo spoke up first.
“Hahaha… I said not to be too surprised because I expected this… Everyone, relax. I’ll explain everything from now on.”
With both hands raised to show his lack of hostility, Yoon Si-woo teased them.
His natural demeanor, unchanged from just moments before, began to ease the tension among the people.
Perhaps because of the trust Yoon Si-woo had built over time, the atmosphere shifted to one of “let’s hear the story first,” and Ms. Martina, with a slightly annoyed expression, asked Yoon Si-woo.
“That brat Yoon Si-woo… What the hell is that appearance? You better explain it clearly.”
“Of course. Hmm, where should I start with this…?”
Nodding at Ms. Martina’s words, Yoon Si-woo appeared to ponder briefly before speaking.
“To put it simply, I’ve been hiding my identity just like Scarlet.”
“……Are you saying you were a witch who hid your identity like Scarlet?”
“Ah, to be exact, that’s not it. It would be strange to call me a witch since I’m a man.”
As I quietly listened to Yoon Si-woo’s words, I almost burst out laughing.
Though I barely managed to contain my laughter given the serious atmosphere.
Wow, why is it so funny to say being a man makes it strange to be a witch?
That’s true; it would definitely be weird for a man to be a witch.
While I was laughing inwardly at this perplexing conclusion, I suddenly had a realization and put on a serious expression.
…Wait? Is it strange for a man to be a witch?
Hold on, then what about me…?
Should I be calling myself a witch, or should I be saying “man-witch”?
Suddenly questioning my own identity, I was deep in thought when I noticed Yoon Si-woo continuing to explain to the others.
“To be precise, I’m more like a witch wannabe. I borrow the powers of a witch.”
“Borrow the powers of a witch…?”
“The witch is not me, it’s this sword.”
As Yoon Si-woo pointed to the sword next to him, everyone’s eyes focused on the sword enveloped in black energy.
In that moment, a voice of disbelief emanated from the sword.
“Hah, to reveal my identity like this. Si-woo, you truly are something else.”
“Th-the sword just spoke?!”
“Surprised? Is it your first time seeing a talking sword? Anyway, I should introduce myself. My name is Lucifer, the one you call the Witch of Arrogance.”
“The Witch of Arrogance? This sword…?”
People were unable to suppress their astonishment at the talking sword and its proclaimed identity.
However, after hearing what Lucifer—Lucy’s—words, some began to feel something was off and asked in confusion.
“……If it’s the Witch of Arrogance, isn’t that the one who invaded the city and got killed?”
Upon hearing this, I understood why people were puzzled.
It was widely known that the name of the witch who had invaded the city and was killed by Yoon Si-woo was Freede, labeled as the Witch of Arrogance.
I remember almost losing limbs to that witch… I’m confident I would win in a fight now.
Thinking that, I heard Lucy sneering at the people.
“Ah, are you talking about that fake? If it was that foolish one who thought she was the Witch of Arrogance, Si-woo and I dealt with her.”
“……So you’re saying that Yoon Si-woo used that incident to conceal his identity? No, but if I recall correctly, the one who first made it known was…”
Upon hearing that question, Yoon Si-woo gave a wry smile and replied.
“Yes, Ms. Eve stepped in to make it known. She knew my identity. At the time, I thought she was just turning a blind eye since I was a student…but thinking back, maybe she helped because she was in a similar situation. She knew how mentally taxing it is to live with an unspoken secret…”
As Yoon Si-woo spoke those words with a bittersweet smile, I suddenly recalled how Yoon Si-woo had reacted when Ms. Eve admitted she was a witch earlier.
He had been shocked at first, but his expression soon changed to one as if he realized everything now.
Afterward, when he heard Ms. Eve had died, it was probably because of that he had mourned so deeply.
Ms. Eve had been the only one who understood both Yoon Si-woo and me, knowing everything about us while offering help.
“……So, it was because of Ms. Eve.”
And at the same time, Ms. Eve had also been our irreplaceable helper.
Thanks to the existence of the witch who had lived for humanity until her last moment, it had become much easier for people to accept beings like us.
In fact, the moment Ms. Eve’s name was mentioned, the expressions of those around softened considerably.
Thinking that someone like her had helped Yoon Si-woo made them think he couldn’t be that bad after all.
Now, with almost any animosity gone, Ms. Martina looked at Yoon Si-woo and Lucifer, asking.
“……Yoon Si-woo, does that mean the Witch of Arrogance is not a bad witch like Scarlet or Ms. Eve?”
“Yes, of course. I had to keep it hidden until now, but Lucy, she is like family to me. She would never harm people.”
When Yoon Si-woo answered like that, Lucy murmured in a voice tinged with amusement.
“Well, if I had intended to harm you, most of you would have lost your heads long ago. But as long as Si-woo doesn’t harbor that intention, I promise I won’t either. I’m a witch, but for now, I’m just his sword.”
A pompous statement that if she had ill intentions, most people here would already be dead.
However, perhaps because it didn’t seem like a wrong statement, Ms. Martina chuckled softly.
“……Well, that might be the case. Okay, I understand. Yoon Si-woo, and the Witch of Arrogance, Lucifer. I trust that you are not our enemies. I can’t believe there are so many witches around here. That’s just ridiculous.”
As those words came from Ms. Martina, laughter erupted around the room in agreement.
Perhaps because of the trust they had built up until now, everyone seemed able to easily believe Yoon Si-woo.
“By the way, does that mean we’ve gained another witch on our side?”
“Then, I guess that’s a good thing. We have a solid ally now.”
People were even welcoming the addition of another witch.
While I felt a bit proud that my efforts had somehow contributed to this, Yoon Si-woo subtly raised his hand and began to speak to the group.
“……Uh, and there’s one more thing I want to say.”
When the people turned to Yoon Si-woo, he spoke with a somewhat determined look on his face.
“Like I said, I’ve known Lucy since I was young, so I’ve realized that not all witches are bad. That’s why I was able to have faith and help Scarlet. So I hope we don’t have any strange discussions about that.”
Hearing those words, I couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
This brat was really doing all this after suddenly revealing his identity for that reason.
I was fine with it, but he suddenly sped into it while leaving me feeling tense.
As I contemplated that, the people who had been quiet suddenly burst into laughter at Yoon Si-woo’s words.
“Ha ha ha! Got it, got it! So all this for that reason?”
“Wow… your intentions are so clear, it makes me trust you even more. Hey, Scarlet, what do you think?”
Suddenly, people were smiling at me.
What’s with this? Why are they looking at me like that…?
I’m not sure, but are they curious about my reaction to Yoon Si-woo’s words?
If that’s the case, I figure I should express my gratitude for his willingness to step up for me, so I smiled at Yoon Si-woo.
“Uh, so… thank you?”
“Yoon Si-woo, Scarlet says thank you.”
As I said that, everyone looked at Yoon Si-woo with mischievous grins.
At that, Yoon Si-woo turned beet red and shouted.
“W-what’s with you all?! Why is everyone looking at me like that… Argh! Enough! I’ve explained all I needed to say and I’m tired now, so please leave…”
“What? Are you embarrassed after doing all this? This is too funny!”
“Please leave…!”
“Oh dear… yes, yes. We shall take our leave now.”
The sudden exhaustion and frustration of Yoon Si-woo caused our guests to be kindly ushered out of the mansion.
Despite the abrupt dismissal, people left the mansion wearing amused smiles.
Anyway, once everyone left, the original members remained, and Sylvia and I entered Yoon Si-woo’s room once more.
Yoon Si-woo had once again returned to his plain white mode, having sealed his powers.
Sylvia looked at Yoon Si-woo for a moment, then turned to us with a pout and murmured.
“…Hah, really. Do you know how shocked I was just now? It’s a bit disappointing that you both kept something like that from me.”
“That’s… sorry, it couldn’t be helped. It was a hard secret to share with anything related to witches.”
“I understand that part, but…”
As I apologized and replied, Sylvia seemed to understand it but still expressed her feelings.
Anyway, just like Sylvia, I was also shocked.
I never expected Yoon Si-woo would suddenly expose his identity in front of everyone.
I glanced at Yoon Si-woo, filled with those thoughts, and muttered.
“I was surprised too. Why did you have to do it so suddenly?”
“Haha… sorry. It just happened that way.”
With an awkward smile like he felt sorry for it, Yoon Si-woo apologized.
I shook my head at him.
It wasn’t that I wanted an apology but that I was genuinely concerned.
“You don’t need to apologize. But are you really okay? You were trying so hard to keep that hidden.”
“Well, eventually, it couldn’t be hidden forever. Besides, with you and Ms. Eve’s situation, I thought it wouldn’t be a big issue to reveal myself. Since people accepted it in the end, I feel relieved.”
Yoon Si-woo spoke, genuinely relieved.
I could tell that he meant every word.
Knowing how much he had struggled with that burden, it was a relief for him to finally share it with everyone.
Considering his experience in the original story where he felt misunderstood and couldn’t reveal himself until the end, it was fortunate that he could now do so openly.
Thinking about it that way, I felt a little happy that I could help Yoon Si-woo in any way.
But then again, was it just my imagination?
This guy, despite saying he’s relieved, just doesn’t look that happy.
“Hey, you don’t look as relieved as you’re saying. Is something wrong?”
At my question about his peculiar expression, Yoon Si-woo flinched and mumbled shyly.
“Ah, it’s just… I feel a bit sad about it…”
“Sad? Why?”
“……Originally, it was a secret just between you and me. Remember how you said that made us secret friends? But now everyone knows, so it feels a little…”
Hearing Yoon Si-woo sound genuinely disappointed made me uncontrollably laugh.
“Pfft… What? You’re upset over that?!”
“Wha?!”
I swung my arm around Yoon Si-woo’s shoulder.
Startled by my sudden action, Yoon Si-woo turned red, but I ignored it and pulled him closer.
Then, with a smile, I said to Yoon Si-woo beside me.
“Don’t be sad. Our closeness isn’t based on secrets, right?”
So even without secrets, we’re close enough to link arms like this.
Thus, there’s no reason to be sad.
With that, Yoon Si-woo replied,
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
His face now openly brightened up, no longer showing any traces of disappointment.
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