When Choi Bomi Director, who was having a meeting with Teresa, suddenly fainted, Teresa’s returnee report was momentarily halted.
“That returnee named Teresa Kaitlyn might be an extremely dangerous individual.”
“If we’re measuring danger, it’s definitely far worse than when it was the Isia returnee…”
“And I hear she can use magic?”
“Okay, you could argue that Menelapie Heylam who wields a sword is one thing, but even Isia had an unreasonable level of power… they call her the Black Witch, right? If she suddenly unleashes plague magic or destructive spells in the middle of Seoul…”
Among those present, some members of the Hunter Association suspected that Teresa had intentionally caused Choi Bomi to suffer mental contamination.
Some even suggested imprisoning Teresa in order to accurately assess the danger level. There were even remarks about reconsidering the danger assessment for Isia and Menelapie, who seemed to be in close contact with Teresa.
It was understandable because, until now, Director Choi Bomi had assessed the mental states of countless returnees using the Thought Transmission, but it had never been this intense of a reaction that led to fainting.
Conversely, the Returnee Management Bureau continually defended Teresa and Shia.
“If one argues it that way, isn’t Yeonseo also capable of suddenly losing it and fracturing the Korean Peninsula?”
“Th-that’s…”
“Director Choi Bomi’s reaction might not have been intentional.”
“Right. It looks like she’s a native from another world, so her common sense and culture might differ from ours.”
Though both the Hunter Association and the Returnee Management Bureau branched from the same roots, they often found themselves in awkward rivalries despite their cooperation.
The Hunter Association wanted to put leashes of duty, money, responsibility, and danger on returnees, while, on the other side, the Returnee Management Bureau hoped that returnees could stand on their own without those leashes.
If a returnee succeeds, the Bureau would naturally receive fame and fortune in return.
Additionally, since they had recently acquired major returnees like Isia and Menelapie, they certainly wanted to hold onto Teresa.
Meanwhile, the Hunter Association wanted to put leashes on Teresa after seeing the examples of Shia and Menelapie.
“Whether it’s intentional or not, we need to measure the danger properly. We’re talking about an ability to construct and deconstruct unverified massive structures at will. Can we just leave that alone without any restrictions?”
“And if she comes across dimensions, should we treat her as a dimensional immigrant like an elf instead of a returnee?”
“She appears to be related to the Isia returnee. If it turns out they’re close, then they need to be classified as the same returnee.”
“But that’s practically a buried regulation, isn’t it? If she’s an immigrant, then she’s just an immigrant…”
“Did you forget that the Isia returnee is close to Yeonhwa? You must want to lose your job, huh, Association member?”
“N-no, that’s not…”
Thus, a prolonged argument unfolded between the Returnee Management Bureau and the Hunter Association. Meanwhile, Teresa was able to spend a bit of joyful time with Shia and Menelapie.
Teresa sighed as she sat on Shia’s soft belly, rubbing it.
“Hehe, our Teresa has gotten so light.”
“Shut up. So, you’re saying I was heavy before?”
“Huh, isn’t that an obvious conclusion?”
“You’re such a brat!”
While Teresa cursed with her mouth, Shia gently ruffled Teresa’s hair with a grin.
The mere fact of having reunited made Shia so happy and joyous that it was hard to toss insults even playfully. Of course, Teresa was also pleased to be reunited with Shia.
“Ugh, this counseling or whatever is just the worst.”
“Yeah, I know. I know.”
As Shia said that, she started to rub Teresa’s soft cheeks with her hand. The glutinous texture was oddly addictive.
“Can we stop treating me like a kid?”
“Hehehe, but you’re so cute!”
“Have you ever seen a kid with this big of a chest?”
“But… I’m still smaller than you…”
“This damn red nun…!”
Thud!
“Yikes…!”
Teresa, apparently irritated, buried her face in Shia’s chest and pulled on it as hard as she could. However, considering that Shia’s physique surpassed that of an average human and was now a transcendent existence, current Teresa, weakened as she was, couldn’t get a decent grip.
“Teresa, that tickles…”
“This damn brat… I could just kick you around like a soccer ball.”
Hehehe.
“Why are you laughing, dammit?”
Watching the scene quietly, Menelapie smiled gently. It was as if she were a mother watching her daughters playing.
Naturally, seeing Menelapie, who appeared so relaxed, irritated Teresa.
“It looks like you’re going through a lot too. I can see you’re struggling more than usual, maybe because your body has become younger.”
“If you’ve struggled, just say it. You always add unnecessary modifiers.”
“However… if I don’t make fun of you now, I might never get another chance, right?”
Rarely, Menelapie’s eyes crinkled in a crescent shape with mischief, making Teresa sigh deeply while still hiding in Shia’s chest.
“Yes, I’ve had my struggles too, but… that girl has been through hell as well.”
Especially when she recalled the feeling of despair when she lost Shia right before her eyes in That Bottomless Pit, Teresa could understand Menelapie’s hidden pain.
“Anyway, it looks like those guys are just messing around.”
“No, no. The Returnee Management Bureau is trying their best for the returnees as well. So let’s just hang in there a bit, Teresa.”
“………”
Shia was the type to believe in people easily and forgive them just as easily. She was the kind of person who was so naive and kind-hearted that it made Teresa like her, but conversely, it made it somewhat hard for Teresa to fully trust Shia’s words, especially when it came to the possibility of being taken advantage of.
[Hey.]
[It’s been a while since I heard your thought transmission.]
Therefore, while hiding from Shia, Teresa sent a thought transmission to Menelapie.
In most cases of thought transmission or telepathy, Shia would immediately catch on, but the communication spell created by the greatest Black Witch in the Empire was one that Teresa had carefully crafted to avoid detection from Shia.
In their previous world, Teresa and Menelapie used this method to coordinate behind Shia’s back or to deal with any unsavory individuals plotting against Shia.
[By the way, I didn’t expect you to come back smaller. Crossing dimensions must be much more dangerous than we thought.]
[Yeah, damn it. I didn’t call it a suicidal act for nothing. How did you manage?]
[Hehehe, I’m sure the Bottomless Pit was touched by my strong feelings for Shia.]
[Looks like that craziness has transferred to you as well.]
Of course, the purpose of this communication wouldn’t change much in this world either.
[But honestly, I want to kill all those bastards up there.]
[Keep it cool. I’m still learning about this world. Besides, surprisingly, you can trust them.]
[Trust? Those bastards up there are saying I’m a danger to society and whatnot. I don’t care if they insult me, but it feels like they’re trying to attach leashes on you and Shia because of me. Wouldn’t it be easier to just eliminate them?]
As she spoke, a purple thread woven with mana swirled in Teresa’s hand.
It was true that Teresa had weakened. Her body had become younger, her once unlimited mana had dropped to a normal wizard’s level, and she was unable to fully access the extensive magic she had once wielded.
However, killing someone was still something as simple as wiggling her fingers.
But Menelapie gently shook her head, as if to dissuade Teresa.
[It’s fine. I have countermeasures in place… If they try to put leashes on you without permission, you and I will have already dealt with things by then.]
[What is it? Have you already established some followers or subordinates here?]
[Well, more like… let’s say a junior.]
[What? A junior?]
[There’s a girl named Yeonhwa.]
[What’s that about?]
[You can trust her.]
Though they had a complicated relationship, Teresa had a level of trust in Menelapie, so she decided to heed what she said this time.
Regardless of anything else, Menelapie was an expert when it came to political maneuvering.
[…Fine. You may be a creepy pervert emperor, but I suppose I can trust you on this.]
[Hehehe, are you the only one who gets to call me that, psycho witch?]
[Aha, what a cute little bitch you are.]
“Hmm, what are you two discussing?”
As Menelapie and Teresa quietly gazed at each other, Shia suddenly wedged herself between them.
“Aha, just like I wanted to see you two, it seems you and Teresa missed each other as well!”
Teresa’s face lit up with an expression of “damn” and Menelapie’s smile cracked slightly at that.
Though their gazes were caught in thought transmission, Shia seemed to misinterpret the situation.
Of course, it wasn’t that Teresa and Menelapie completely missed each other, but the direction of the longing Shia perceived was definitely not it.
“No, you idiot saint.”
“Hehehe, Shia. You think I would ever want to see that lewd witch? I didn’t doubt for a second Teresa would come to this Earth eventually, but I regret that it’s happening sooner than expected. I’m just sad it’s so little time I get with you before she steals you.”
“What a damn brat, seriously!”
“Not that I have any!”
“Do you want me to give you one?”
“Yikes, no!”
○○○○
Not long after, it seemed the Returnee Management Bureau and the Hunter Association had reached a conclusion, resuming Teresa’s returnee report.
However, with Choi Bomi Director mentally compromised due to using the Thought Transmission with Teresa, Teresa would be meeting a different counselor.
“It’s Yeonhwa. I’ve heard a lot about you from Shia, Teresa.”
“Hmmm.”
Yeonhwa had also been in charge during Menelapie’s returnee report last time.
Though the Hunter Association didn’t judge whether Yeonhwa had the qualifications or licenses of a counselor, they deemed her an S-grade hunter and a noble of the Yeon Family, giving her high objectivity and credibility.
Nonetheless, irrespective of the Hunter Association’s intentions, Yeonhwa planned to proceed through this cumbersome review swiftly.
“Did Shia tell you about me?”
“Yes. They say you’re the greatest Black Witch and Puppeteer?”
“…So, Shia seems to trust you?”
“Haha, well, if my sister thinks so, I’d be grateful.”
Teresa scanned Yeonhwa up and down slowly.
Feeling the suddenly lingering gaze on her, Yeonhwa felt a bit awkward yet stood her ground, organizing the papers and passed them to Teresa.
‘She’s pretty cute.’
Of course, she had a slightly smaller chest, but there was still room for growth… and her figure was quite sleek.
In fact, most hunters maintain a constant influx of mana in their bodies, which means aging doesn’t occur or happens significantly slower. Many still grow in height and physique even at 50.
‘Quite confident too.’
Even reduced to a child’s form, not many could simply ignore Teresa’s gaze.
The gaze of a Black Witch in her essence felt like one under the scrutiny of a predator, and ordinary individuals would have felt a sense of discomfort from the difference in appearance and atmosphere.
It was no wonder even the executioners of the Empire created by Menelapie couldn’t dare to look Teresa in the eye.
Yet, Yeonhwa was unphased under Teresa’s gaze, leading Teresa to take an interest in the young ice magician.
“I heard from Menelapie earlier that you helped Shia adjust after she came to this world?”
“It was nothing much. Before Shia helped me, so it was natural for me to help her.”
“Hmmm, is that so? But I’m personally curious; your family is quite notable, huh?”
“Well, I used to not care about it, but as I grew older, I became aware my family and grandmother weren’t ordinary.”
“Oh.”
Sure enough, the noble lady with plenty of wealth, glory, and power was pouring unreciprocated affections and fondness towards Shia.
“Is that so?”
“Did the Choi Bomi lady get taken away by the healer?”
“She’s okay physically, but they say she’ll need rest for her mind to recover.”
“Looks like I’ve put her through a lot.”
“You didn’t do it on purpose, right?”
“What happens if I say it was intentional? Will I end up in prison?”
Teresa tilted her head with a mocking smile. It was an irritable provocation that seemed to say “Come and take me if you can,” but Yeonhwa was neither surprised nor flustered due to Shia frequently talking about Teresa and because she often met unique individuals owing to her proximity to Shia.
“No, I wouldn’t allow that.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“Because Shia has longed to reunite with you for a long time.”
“…………..Just for that reason?”
“Yes, just for that reason.”
“Is that okay? They’ve been saying stuff about danger assessments for returnees and all that.”
“Doesn’t really matter. What if the politicians make a fuss? I can have you cleared.”
“Do you even have that authority?”
“It’s not something I should call authority in such grand terms… It’s really just an easy and simple matter.”
“Hmm.”
Teresa raised her head towards Menelapie and Shia, who might be observing her counseling process.
While Shia had a huge reputation in the previous world, she had quickly recruited useful allies in a short time in this world too.
“Okay then, I should start sharing my story more actively too.”
Saying that, Teresa took her feet off the table and leaned toward Yeonhwa.
The light reflected off Teresa’s fair forehead from the holographic lamp, bringing their faces considerably closer.
“It’s alright, Teresa. Either way, I can handle the paperwork if this review is just a formality…”
“Actually, I love talking.”
Though Yeonhwa had intended to conduct the review casually under her authority, it wouldn’t hurt her if Teresa participated actively in the review.
The basic purpose of the Returnee Management Bureau was to help returnees adapt by listening to their past and experiences while ensuring the safety of the returnees in their care. So it was better to cross-reference Teresa’s past with Shia and Menelapie’s stories to provide any necessary support and remove irrelevant details.
“Well then… Could you please sign the paperwork here for the [Thought Transmission]?”
“No, that won’t be necessary.”
“Excuse me? So everything will be verbal?”
“No.”
Thwick!
“Eh?!”
And the next moment, Teresa’s finger pierced Yeonhwa’s forehead.
However, there was no pain, nor did any blood seep out. Teresa’s finger had penetrated through her skin and was directly touching Yeonhwa’s brain.
“I’ll show you directly.”
And Yeonhwa’s eyes fell into darkness.
‘I’m showing this because I like you.’
○○○○○
‘Where is this…?’
Yeonhwa opened her eyes amidst the foliage.
The peaceful sound of birds chirping filled the air. A slightly warm spring breeze grazed her skin, tickling her.
‘Could it be that Teresa is showing me her past?’
Indeed, it was said that awakened ones who could use magic or some mental abilities could directly display their memories or imaginations to others.
Though it was Yeonhwa’s first experience with something like this, following the moment, Yeonhwa felt the presence of someone familiar passing by her.
“Teresa! Teresa!”
The voice ringing in her head was one she recognized.
White silvery hair, and the gentle aura of the Seongnyeok pouch.
‘Shia?’
“Teresa, I looked for you for ages~!”
Yeonhwa saw Shia pass by her as if she were just air, dressed in a white holy outfit.
While Yeonhwa enjoyed Shia’s usual casual wear, she thought the holy attire looked magnificent on her, befitting the Seongnyeok.
‘That’s the outfit she wore the first time we met.’
Not just her holy outfit, but Shia’s necklace had a white jewel symbolizing her status as a great saint.
‘Was that necklace made by heavily compressing Shia’s Seongnyeok…?’
In the meantime, Shia, clothed in holy attire, reached her hand into the shadow behind the bushes. Soon, a slender hand, gloved in white, emerged from the darkness, clasping Shia’s hand.
The scene resembled a gentleman escorting a lady, touchingly picturesque. The figure stepping out of the shadows was slightly fidgety, wearing a purple hood.
Who could it be?
“Shia, did you find me?”
Was that Teresa’s voice?
But the tone was quite different.
Yeonhwa had only known Teresa for about 10 minutes, but Teresa’s previous mannerisms were quite bold and brash; this hooded woman sounded poised and regal.
‘It can’t be Teresa, right? The way Shia just called her Teresa…’
“Teresa~!”
Gasp?!
A startled Yeonhwa witnessed her memory of Shia embracing Teresa, looking as bright as usual.
“I’ve said to stop building workshop here! We should all be at the palace together! Menelapie even gave you a few buildings to rest in, right?”
“But, there are too many people there…!”
However, at the sudden skinship, the woman under the hood appeared quite flustered as she patted Shia’s shoulder repeatedly.
“Anyway, put me down! I was totally surprised!”
“Hehe, sorry, sorry! You don’t like heights, right? But Menelapie is deploying soon. You don’t need to give a grand speech; just having you next to me makes me feel supported. Are you still struggling to step up?”
“…That’s right. Besides, the research in Gongheo Gungjeon is still…”
“It’s okay. It’s okay. As long as I’m next to you, that’s all you need!”
“…D-don’t…!”
She didn’t appear just to be shy; she looked as if she were suffering from extreme social anxiety.
But Shia, with her sweet smile, began to remove the hood Teresa wore and gently stroked her cheek.
Yeonhwa confirmed the face of the out-of-hood woman.
‘That’s definitely Teresa!’
But the way she was speaking…
No, it wasn’t just her mannerism—the blushing, bashful face puzzled Yeonhwa entirely.
Was this the prideful, arrogant individual who had propped her feet up on the table?
This sight of someone with such height and voluptuous curves appearing bashful like a rural girl made no sense.
In the meantime, Shia held onto the memory of Teresa’s cringing face.
“Ugh… Shia, this is too much. I’m not… I really can’t…”
“Let’s go!”
“No! No, I can’t! How can a Black Witch like me appear before so many knights… The Emperor wouldn’t want me there…”
“Come on, it’s fine.”
“That’s not the point! Eek?!”
“I’ll hold your hand tightly. I won’t let you get lost.”
“Eep! Eep…!”
“Is it really the Teresa I knew…?’
“…That totally looks like the face of a female…?”
