And so, this was how the Witch had come to appear before Fate. Indeed, the gravity of such a situation couldn’t be ignored, as the fate of the one whom would potentially be her salvation was tied to the Moon Goddess’ request, despite however distantly related he was to the matter.

After all, it wasn’t as if she knew of Fate’s existence, neither was she aware of the ‘revelation’ that the Witch had given to Agatha years prior. Still, though, the matter of the Schneider Household would be a possible roadblock to her plans and thus, could not be tolerated.

-Which one of these hopeless, immoral mortals could she so desperately wish to accompany her ‘heroes’ that she broke into my realm and couldn’t even speak their family name?! The patriarch of this house is a lumox whose only concerns are battling for this...kingdom and his wife, the house matron is the most likely suspect given her unhealthy obsession with following the ‘divine will’ of my sister, and that youngest...well his spirit may not hold up if that woman continues her works so I suppose I’ll have to see how it works out with him…Unless it’s one of the servants…

While Fate continued his attempts at self-recovery from his cowering position on the floor, the Witch angrily sorted through the long list of anyone even remotely associated with the troublesome household…

However, even after thinking over and analyzing every capable member, none but a select few seemed to warrant any degree of interest, and even those were still underwhelming.

-Regardless of whether or not she makes an attempt to sink her claws into this house, I will not allow her to interfere with me! And yet, the fact that she shows such interest in them that she would ask for my aid, much as she loathes it and only has previously requested it to present her superior position, is quite disturbing...and perhaps is the looming shadow of a much greater matter of concern…

The Witch’s view on her sister was that of an avid gambler, who only showed arrogance if they were sure of winning with their hand. Needless to say, the fact that her ‘heroes’ were not yet arrived, somewhat seemed to decrease her odds, but the Witch intended to be careful.

-...Aside from this equating to ‘playing my part,’ this does give me an opportunity to...improve my little familiar, and all while having the best alibi I could desire.~ After all, I’m sure my dear sister wouldn’t wish for her more unsavory actions and objectives to come to light, so what choice does she have but to keep her contemptuous utterances locked away and bear with me, at least for the time being?~

A slight smile managed to pierce through the Witch’s previous scowl, at which point her eyes began to clear and she was, once again, able to fully grasp the situation she had subjected Fate to.

She kneeled down and gently stroked his head, causing Fate to immediately attempt to shake her away, much to her annoyance. His eyes now returned from their dazed state, focusing angrily and fearfully on hers before darting to face the wall.

Though this childish behavior would have normally displeased her, she felt some degree of remorse towards her previous actions. She had had her judgement clouded by the anger she felt at being forced to serve another, and had come here to vent frustration by threatening a ‘servant.’ What being would be able to stay completely reserved at such an unwarranted display?

She nudged Fate on the shoulder and calmly waited for him to respond. It was strange that not a single thought had come to his mind during this time, as she would be able to read them, but she still waited. And eventually…

F - What...the hell does she even want?!

An entertained expression formed on the Witch’s face. She somehow took comfort in the fact, even finding it comedic, that her familiar had seemingly forgotten about their link.

F - She f***s with my head to bring me here, switches instantly from playful to murderous after I should have died from a shriek, and ‘help me?!’ What the hell would she be ‘helping me’ with by screwing with my mind and trapping me here while she tries to kill me with a...crystal stick?! 

At this point, the Witch had nearly burst out laughing from the vulgar thoughts that burst from this strange mortal’s mind. Most mortals wouldn’t even consider forming a negative thought about a god, and that was without any provocation besides faith.

Yet here was one, who not only did not believe in them, but was, although internally, freely airing his frustrations in front of one who had absolute power over his life. Such a thing could easily be classified as insanity or sheer and unrivaled stupidity. It was truly something to marvel at, but would most likely lead most to wonder how anyone could reach such a level of...arrogance.

-It has been a while since I was able to see such childish frustration in him, but he never ceases to be...somewhat entertaining, fufufu.~ Though, I suppose I should inform him before he branches into anything that will make me want to...end him…

Witch of Fate: “Excuse me, my little familiar. You should still be aware that I am absolutely capable of invading your thoughts, correct?~”

She spoke in an affectionate tone, however, Fate looked like he had been violently struck by a bolt of lightning. His head slowly swivelled to look at her, revealing a completely blank stare before his entire body began to shudder.

-...I realize that I was the one who chose him, but perhaps I should have, at least, adjusted him somewhat...No matter, I suppose I shall have to make due...and perhaps, using a little incentive, I can do just that…

The Witch began to giggle, while Fate continued to shudder with fright.

...