If Alhaitham could see the favorability score, he'd find that Alpha's loyalty to him had reached overwhelming levels.
Looking at the elf kneeling in front of him, Alhaitham felt a warm satisfaction.
What a lovely girl.
A sudden thought flickered through his mind. It might not be a bad idea if Alpha became his princess someday. She was capable, beautiful, and completely loyal. It was hard to find a single flaw in her.
Wait, what am I even thinking? Let's wait a few years before even considering something like that.
After all, they were still just teenagers around the age of ten. Although both of them were intelligent—almost monstrously so—it was far too early to talk about anything romantic.
"Alpha, take this. It's your reward."
Alpha shook her head, hesitant. "Not this one…"
"I prepared it especially for you," Alhaitham insisted, holding out a gift box. "Only by protecting yourself first can you stay loyal to me, right?"
Alpha blinked and hesitantly reached for it. Inside was neither a dress nor jewelry, nor anything romantic like a ring.
It was a platinum-carved revolver. A beautifully crafted weapon—though Alpha's strength might not be sufficient to use it effectively yet, it could serve as a powerful symbol, a protective talisman.
"The method of use is very simple," Alhaitham explained. "Load these bullets into the chamber, aim at the enemy, and pull the trigger."
Alpha held the revolver close, her expression glowing with joy. Her delicate face—somewhere between childlike and growing elegance—radiated happiness and sincerity.
"It's beautiful. I like it very much. Thank you, Alhaitham. I'll treasure it and use it well."
Alhaitham gave a nod of approval. "I'm glad."
"Oh, and about C.C.," he added, his tone softening, "I hope you won't hold anything against her. She… has her own circumstances."
Alpha nodded. "I understand. I don't feel sad about it anymore. After talking with you, everything just... disappeared. It's amazing."
She secured the revolver to a belt around her thigh, then checked her reflection in the nearby window. Her pointed elven ears twitched as she admired her new look.
This is the first gift I've ever received from Alhaitham. I'm so happy.
Then, without further hesitation, the overly serious elf declared she would go train immediately. Even though she was a prodigy, she worked harder than anyone else—solely to be of use to him.
It was clear Alpha had the loyalty of a devoted hound. No doubt about it.
Once Alpha had left the study, Alhaitham turned his gaze toward the window.
"The witch hiding over there can come out now."
"…I didn't mean to bully her. This is such a mess," a soft voice replied.
"Really?" Alhaitham tilted his head with a smirk. "From where I stand, everything turned out great."
C.C. rolled her eyes at him. "You really are the worst. Taking advantage of everything."
Alhaitham chuckled and rested his head against his hand. The argument between C.C. and Alpha had ended up working in his favor. Not only had it raised Alpha's favorability, but now the witch seemed rattled, off-balance.
C.C., however, felt confused. Why did I say those things? Why did I act that way? It wasn't like her.
People often acted in ways they didn't understand, but even witches weren't immune to emotions. She leaned against the wall, troubled.
Alhaitham broke the silence after a moment of hesitation.
"C.C., were you jealous of Alpha?"
"Alhaitham!" C.C. snapped, clearly startled. "Why would I be jealous of her? That's ridiculous!"
"Because… she was saved."
C.C. froze.
She understood the implication instantly. Alpha had been saved by Alhaitham in her most desperate moment. He had rescued her from a fate that should've broken her and gave her a new life.
But what about herself?
The witch had lost count of the years. She'd endured disappointment, failure, and endless loneliness. She could no longer even remember her first memory.
Bound by a curse of immortality, she longed for someone to save her.
"…How pathetic," she whispered. "To think I'd worry about someone else when I'm like this."
She gave herself a wry smile and turned her face away, hiding her expression behind her hand.
Emotion bubbled up unexpectedly—raw and painful.
She was envious.
So envious.
It wasn't fair.
Alpha had met Alhaitham and been saved so easily. But she, C.C., had waited so long and was still bound by her curse. Still alone.
"C.C., are you okay?" Alhaitham asked gently.
"Don't pity me," she replied quickly. "I'm not some fragile girl. I don't need anyone's sympathy. I'm just… feeling a little sentimental."
No one had freed her.
No one had fulfilled her wish.
Her life was nothing but a repetition of disappointment.
Existing without purpose wasn't living. She wanted to end it—but she wasn't even allowed to die.
If only someone would end this…
C.C. stared out the window, her golden eyes distant.
"Alhaitham, do you know why snow is white?" she asked quietly. "Because it forgot its own color."
"C.C…"
"I'm tired," she continued. "My memory's been worn away. I can't even remember who I used to be. The people who hated me… the ones who were kind… they've all vanished with time. There's no end to it. And now I… am alone."
A single tear slipped from her eye.
Surprised at herself, C.C. blinked, and then gave a bitter laugh. She hadn't even realized she could still cry.
And then something unexpected happened.
A black cloak draped over her shoulders.
She turned and found Alhaitham looking straight at her.
"You're not alone, C.C. If you're a witch, then I'll be your devil—the kindest and most devoted devil in existence."
"Alhaitham, you…"
"We're accomplices. Even if the world turns against you, I'll stay by your side. And I promise—until you find your purpose, I won't let you be alone."
"…Is this comfort? Pity? Or… determination?" she asked softly.
Their eyes met, filled with pain, longing, and a fragile hope.
Alhaitham's tone became solemn. "It's a contract. And those who break contracts… must pay the price."
C.C. stepped forward and took his hand, her own trembling slightly.
"Then I accept. I won't break this contract. It's a promise."
The pact was sealed—one that even death couldn't undo.
"Oh, and I figured out why I like snow," Alhaitham said with a gentle smile. "Though it might not be romantic, the truth is… I love it because it's white. That's all."
"…Really? You like it?"
C.C. wiped her tears and gave a faint smile.
For the first time in countless years, her heart felt just a little bit lighter.
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