The crowds' cheerings drummed in their ears, as Lila groaned a little in disappointment.

Mel chortled a little before spreading a small Silence to shroud them.

The noise lulled to nothingness; a breath of relief escaped from Lila as she locked stares at the moving cart.

"Nerve-wracking..." Lila mumbled. "I know I've just become a Witch overnight, but... to encounter the Saintess this early on..."

Chuckling, Mel's other hand patted Lila's head. "Though we won't plan to fight the Saintess anytime soon. No worries."

"Mmm..."

As Lila gave a hesitant nod, Mel's smile flickered as the panel blinked at the corner of her vision.

[ Hello, Mel! Can't see you from the blinds, but listen closely! ]

[ I plan to fully reveal myself to Envy once I finish putting the chesses in place. For now, try to convince her not to kill me! ]

Wow, you sure sounded scared.

Mocking her Partner in her heart, Mel's arm raised to snake around Lila's shoulders.

"Back in the restaurant," She pulled Lila into an embrace. "I do think I owe you an answer about how I'm awakened."

A blush spread across Lila's cheeks as she curled inward to Mel's chest.

"You don't owe me anything..."

"No, I do. A lot, actually." Mel shook her head, murmuring. "Remember I told you back then that I came here to save all the people from certain... tragedies?"

Lila purred a little; the gentle caress from Mel's voice soothed her drumming heartbeat.

She glanced once more at the carriage, her gaze eventually steeling.

"Yeah." Lila nodded. "I assume... it was for other fellow Juniors, right?"

"Junior is a cute way to call your fellow witches, but yes."

"Well, for one, I am a really, really petty wife."

Lila pouted. "Don't expect me to see myself at the same level as them. They are far below me in terms of seniority."

"Even including the one you fought?"

"That..."

Lila's eyes darted away from Mel's grin. "That was... uh, you know. I can defeat her next time! No sweat!"

"Mhm. I believe in you!"

Mel, in fact, did not.

Doting Lila was one, having faith in the defeat of ever-evolving, full awakened Wrath was another.

Though only a certain Witch-hunter came to mind who could defeat her.

As Lila sent a suspicious glare at Mel, the Witch of Lust coughed twice. "Anyways... yes. I'm here to save Witches like them, as you guessed."

A serious glint washed over Mel's teasing expression, as both of Mel's arms now hugged Lila for comfort.

The slight tremble over her shoulders worried Lila, her hands clasping Mel's wrists.

Mel smiled. "As I told you, I know the future; thus, I pity them. Pity the tragedies that befell them. And..."

Mel's face relaxed as Lila's emerald eyes wavered, her lips pursing in a silent regret.

Raising her finger, Mel booped Lila's blushing cheek.

"And I must prevent them from destroying the World," Mel whispered. "Is that... believable to you?"

Lila's cheeks sank into Mel's touch, as her teeth clamped over to prevent venting.

She mulled over Mel's words.

Prevent them... from destroying the World...

Alas, she muttered out. "Mel."

Meeting Mel's worried gaze, her face softened as she smiled. "Please. Be honest with me."

Mel's hesitation was drowned out by Lila's resolve, her hands raising as Lila shifted to face her.

"It's... not a fun story, though." Mel cupped Lila's cheek. "How about we switch places to talk over?"

A breath hitched in Lila's throat; doubts stinging in again for something she... didn't like ever to hear.

However, the burden was cast aside as Mel pulled her away from the crowd.

Lila's heart fluttered at every step they took; her Mel flashing a smile that comforted her to the very core.

Her memory drew back to the village, her sister, and Mel.

So, Lila merely hung her head as she listened to her steady heartbeat.

She felt readied now, even against the worst kinds of nightmares.

As Mel led Lila out, however, she received an unexpected message from the Saintess.

[ Leading Lila somewhere else to talk? Head down the street and turn right; there's a great new tavern I could recommend for you both! ]

[ Ah, and I'll inform Saria and Samantha if you two need more time, which I guess you definitely will. ]

Mel raised a brow in doubt, her mind sending Telepathy to her Partner again.

'Didn't you say you can't see me from the carriage?'

[ Hehe. It's a secret. Maybe I'll tell you if you come to my bedchamber next week! ]

'Deal.' Mel squinted. 'I respect your secrets, Maria. But don't use them as leverage next time.'

[ Hm? ]

'Just... I want us to enjoy ourselves because we love each other and enjoy doing it.'

Her grip over Lila's tightened as they left the crowd; her eyes clear and sincere.

'Don't put any leverage over it when... when we like each other the way we do.'

Silence hung between her and her Partner, as Mel and Lila crossed the excited crowds.

Mel's head then raised subtly, her Partner's Telepathy slipping in.

'After you enjoy Lila for a week,' she warned with a darkened voice. 'I'll kidnap you again to the bedchamber myself.'

Mel gulped, her face threatening to flush.

'Until then, I'll be busy utilising Envy's snow to solidify my power.' Maria chuckled. 'Be prepared, Mel.'

As she felt their Telepathy link cut off. Mel took a deep breath to grasp her sanity.

Last night's memory blinked in her, as she led Lila off to the tavern in a brewing silence.

Lila mistook it for nervousness and concern; that only ignited more of Mel's inner guilt (and also arousal).

--------------

Entering a door with a gold-tinged edge, they soon paid with Mel's gold before heading upstairs.

Lila would argue why they paid for one week's fee, then shut herself up upon remembering their little 'requests' in the restaurant.

Soon, they found themselves in a cozy room similar to Mel's in the village.

Mahogany wood floor and ceiling, with a simple layout, a desk, a drawer, and a simple linen bed.

"Alright!"

Mel plopped on the bed, her face part melancholy, part excited.

Lila's steps stuttered, then settled beside her as well.

Pauses lingered in the air, as they gourged each other's thoughts with a loving curiosity.

Eventually, Lila asked with a deep, deep sigh.

"Alright..." she muttered. "Tell me, Mel."

Her hands gripped her school skirt as she drew her hesitation back.

"How did I... destroy the World? In the future that you spoke of?"