Yveta swam up and broke the surface.
A village woman holding a basket covered with red cloth stood on the bank, watching Yveta with curiosity.
Yveta saw the Old Witch, who hurried over. "Your Grace, I'm glad you're all right."
If the Devil's body were gone, wouldn't she become the target for his rage?
Yveta found that only a spell and a magic array remained in his field of vision. They were the result of fusing three Fire Magic spells.
But for some reason, the spell kept occupying his retina, refusing to disappear.
It made everything he saw seem wrapped in flames, distorting whatever he looked at.
Yveta guessed it might not vanish from his sight until he learned how to use it.
The Old Witch noticed the village woman and her eyes darted around. "Your Grace, are you angry right now? I can kill this village woman to cheer you up."
She turned toward the woman, a fierce glint appearing in her eyes.
The village woman couldn't help taking a few steps back. "I..."
She suddenly looked toward the river and said to Yveta, who was still in the water, "Noble sir, I'm Lolita, and I live nearby. I came out to gather some mushrooms to cook in a soup. I'm sure you're a noble. Your skin shows no signs of hard work, and your hair isn't dry like mine, weathered by the wind and sun. It would be an honor to serve you."
"I happen to have some clothes that should fit you. If you don't mind, I can bring them to you."
Yveta had been worrying about his clothes, which his Fire Magic had burned away. The village woman's offer came just in time.
He said, "That would be fine."
Only then did the Old Witch abandon