"It seems your experience last time didn't make you abandon the idea of incorporating my Magic Circuits into your lineage."
After quite a while, Touko Aozaki regained her natural manner.
"It was simply a matter of opportunity. Even setting bloodlines aside, I admire you very much as a person, Miss Touko."
"Of course. After all, they're to be used as mothers, and anyone who both befits your standing and meets your conditions would be no pushover, much less let you do as you please. Difficulties like that are inevitable."
The Puppeteer's words sounded like mockery, but by now, Roland's skin was so thick that even bullets couldn't pierce it, and he remained utterly unmoved.
"Otherwise, I would have no reason to confront a True Magic user over someone unrelated to me, would I? Even being guaranteed a Witch wouldn't make it worthwhile."
Roland shrugged innocently, but his words brought a strange expression to Touko Aozaki's face.
"Since we've already struck a deal, let me give you a warning for now. Although Alice is indeed a pure-blooded Witch, her personality could be called another extreme altogether. Compared to her, even my good-for-nothing little sister is easy to talk to."
"I know how powerful you are, but if you keep approaching things the way you did when talking to me, you'll definitely come back defeated."
Touko Aozaki offered what seemed like a kindly warning, but the mischievous smile on her face still exposed her true delight in his misfortune.
"She really is capable of choosing death over surrender."
The Puppeteer knew all too well the personality of this companion she had known since childhood, who could well be called her childhood friend. Although they couldn't quite be called friends, they did understand each other.
"That's fine."
But Roland merely gave a gentle