Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

It was another workday, and Hestia arrived at Crystal Dream.

After changing into her maid uniform and heading into the shop, she overheard her colleagues chatting.

“Last night, the entire Arpeggio City was under lockdown. I heard the special police team even searched the top five levels.”

“Did something happen?”

“They say it was an outbreak of a Rogue, and it’s connected to something bigger.”

“Connected? What do you mean?”

“It means the outbreak wasn’t accidental—it’s the result of deliberate human actions. That’s why it’s being taken so seriously.”

“I see…”

Hestia made her way to Forneus’s bar counter, ready to start her work for the day.

“Did our little Dantalion get a good rest yesterday?” Forneus asked curiously.

“It was fine, though I got delayed a bit over at the commercial district.”

“Oh, so you got caught up in it too?” The maid mused thoughtfully.

“Well, it’s nothing to do with you… uh, just stay safe. It was a very localized disturbance, so it shouldn’t affect you much.”

“If you ever feel unsafe living in the lower levels, I can help you find a place in the upper levels. The security there is much better.”

“That would be expensive,” Hestia replied, shaking her head.

“Expensive, yes, but manageable. I live alone, so why not come and stay with me?” Forneus said with a smile.

“That doesn’t seem appropriate. I’d feel like I was imposing.”

“Ah, your tendency to worry about others can be a bit much sometimes,” the maid beside her remarked with a shake of her head.

“But this whole situation shouldn’t last long.”

“Forneus-sis?” Hestia tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s nothing. Tonight, you’re helping Botis, aren’t you? She told me about it.”

“Yes, I am. Does Forneus-sis familiar with each other too?”

“I do, though she probably doesn’t know me,” Forneus said mysteriously, piquing Hestia’s curiosity.

“Anyway, you’ll find out tonight. No need to rush.”

“Alright then,” Hestia replied, deciding to trust her seniors for now.

…

Outside Denia City, on the surface

A hyperspace shuttle streaked across the sky with a loud roar, descending slowly. From it emerged squads of elite soldiers clad in black-and-blue exoskeleton armor. They boarded smaller transport shuttles that immediately headed into the massive shaft leading to Denia City.

The city’s airshaft had already been cordoned off, forbidding entry for any unauthorized ships or hover vehicles. The space was eerily empty. In this immense steel tunnel resembling an abyss, the shuttles sped through, diving deep into the underground city.

Hours later

“This is where the girl is being detained?”

A man in a dark blue, high-collared uniform arrived at the monitoring room. His figure was trim, his tone icy, and his demeanor unyielding.

“Yes, Inspector. This is the room where the subject is being held,” the precinct supervisor said nervously, sweating profusely as he stood behind the inspector. The room was filled with elite enforcers, each of whom was Sequence 5 or higher—members of the Federation’s specialized units.

“No need for ‘sir’; just address me as Commander. Send over all information on her. We need a thorough analysis.”

“Yes, Commander!”

“Also, regarding her acquaintances—teachers, classmates—announce that she was injured in an accident that day, unrelated to the case. Say she is recovering and needs time to heal.”

“Understood, Commander!” The supervisor didn’t understand the reasoning but obeyed immediately.

“Once everything is ready, take me to see her. You’ve interacted with her before, so your presence will help ease her wariness.”

“Yes, Commander!”

One by one, the heavy steel doors opened with deep, echoing sounds as the inspector walked deeper into the cold and quiet detention area.

…

“Name?”

“Opemuel.”

“Briefly introduce yourself.”

“Opemuel. Orphan. Born in Denia City’s Thirteenth Hospital. Currently 16 years and 3 months old. Preparing for the second entrance exam at Erin Academy. I was invited by a classmate to go out shopping, then tricked and drugged into a hotel, where I was assaulted by a stranger. I killed him in self-defense.”

“You’re very composed. Were you always like this?”

“No. I used to be timid.”

“Was it this incident that changed you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you hate those classmates?”

“I do.”

“What punishment do you think they deserve?”

“I…” The girl hesitated, struggling internally.

“I hope they face justice under the law.”

“The law? According to the law, at most, they’d be charged with incitement or coercion, which wouldn’t carry a heavy sentence. They’d be out in a few days. Meanwhile, you killed someone and might face a lifetime in prison.”

“I killed a bad person,” the girl said angrily.

“That’s true. Based on his record, the man was a gang member—a despicable criminal. But until a verdict is rendered, he still enjoys the protection of the Federation’s laws.”

“How can you operate this way!?”

“It’s not what we want; it’s what maintaining societal order requires. If everyone disregarded the rules, the Federation would collapse.”

“But let me tell you, even if the Federation fell, you wouldn’t find justice. You’d only face a darker, crueler world governed by the law of the jungle.”

“Can’t you at least protect the weak?”

“We do our best to, but please understand the limitations of the adult world.”

“I understand you, but who understands me!? This is so unfair!”

“Yes, it’s unfair to you. But so what? No one will fight for an unknown, insignificant person. Everyone’s time and life are valuable, and no one inherently owes you anything.”

“If you want respect, you need to show that you deserve it. Crying and screaming might earn a few tears of pity, but it won’t change anything.”

“You possess extraordinary talent. I’m sure you’ve noticed it yourself over the past few days.”

“I have.”

“I believe the Federation owes you an opportunity—one to change your destiny.”

The investigator placed a special contract on the table.

“Sign this, and we won’t interfere with your life. You can continue interacting with those around you as usual, even attend high school or college if you wish.”

“But at critical moments, when the Federation needs you, you must respond to the call of duty.”

“And what do I get in return?”

“You’ll receive plenty. For example, life’s annoyances will disappear, the Federation will provide you with monthly support, and the classmates who wronged you will face proper consequences.”

“Proper consequences? By the law?”

“Yes, exposing and punishing all their moral and legal violations throughout their lives.”

“Alright, I’ll sign.”

…

A few minutes later, the investigator left the room with his team and returned to their ship. Though they would remain in the area for several more days, they would not stay within the city itself.

“Commander, why did you let her off with just a probationary inspector contract? With talent like hers, she should be taken to the central star system for protection and study…”

“Rein in your ambition to make a name for yourself,” the investigator said calmly, eyes fixed on the data on his screen.

“Our priority is to appease her, ensuring she doesn’t lose all faith in the Federation and turn against us.”

“Unfortunately, we were late. She’s already suffered severe physical and emotional trauma. Taking her to the central star system now could trigger massive unrest. We still don’t know the extent or control of her abilities, so it’s safer to observe her here in the outer regions.”

“By ensuring her social connections remain intact, she won’t become completely detached from society and spiral into extremism.”

“A talent this rare deserves maximum protection. Soft, gentle recruitment is the best approach. Destroying her is easy, but who knows how long it would take for the Federation to find another genius like her?”

“I didn’t want to expose her to the Federation’s harsher realities so soon. But at this point, sugarcoated lies would insult her intelligence and erode trust, making future dealings even harder.”

“I’m not good at this sort of thing. Melanda excels here. Use the ship’s secure channel to notify her and tell her good times are ahead.”

“Let her know she’ll have a three-to-four-year break to spend with a 16-year-old girl, creating a warm and loving experience.”

“Do your best to guide this girl onto the right path. If she causes chaos, it will be a tragedy for the Federation.”

“Understood, Commander.”

After the inspector left the room, the investigator shut off the document display and gazed at the cobalt-blue starry pattern on the ceiling.

“May your light forever shine, Lady Amularine,” he murmured softly.