Miss Witch’s Devotion Has Gone… Twisted-Chapter 18: Transactions

Loren's beautiful violin performance quickly succeeded in attracting everyone's attention. Whether they genuinely appreciated music or were merely sycophants chasing influence, these nobles all simultaneously stopped what they were doing and began to linger, appreciating Loren's music.
As one piece ended, Loren looked down upon the crowd and played his violin once more.
"At this moment, the curtain rises!"
The violin melody unique to the Fate Player was perfectly replicated in Loren's hands, as if he had become one with the music.
Even if the nobles didn't understand music, their hearts grew restless along with Loren's violin performance.
Even in this situation, that man who worshipped the God of Plague still wouldn't settle down, groping and touching other men. Yet despite this, the others didn't react too strongly.
His actions undoubtedly carried strong offensive implications - this wasn't something that could be achieved by merely controlling a few export channels.
However, Loren soon thought of something and revealed a smile.
He knew many in Gedlan Kingdom worshipped the God of Greed, for no other reason than for benefits. Just like the current King who was already over 120 years old - this wasn't an age ordinary people could reach. Given this world's medical standards and living conditions, living to eighty was considered long-lived, yet the King showed little sign of aging. Loren didn't believe the King hadn't made some deals with the God of Greed.
The God of Plague had a blessing that could suppress aging as if it were a plague, so many people would convert to worshipping the God of Plague in their later years. Ordinary people were easy to restrain, but those in high positions weren't necessarily so.
While obtaining lifespan from the God of Greed was simple - just offer fresh lives - the cost would grow increasingly larger with more transactions. The first time only required offering one young boy or girl to gain one year of life, but later it might require hundreds. The old King clearly could no longer bear this cost.
Human lives were cheap, but when enough cheap lives accumulated, the consequences could become terrifying.
As the piece ended, Loren bowed, and a plan formed in his mind.
"Master Mentor, hearing about you is not as good as seeing you in person. Today I deeply understand how high your musical accomplishments are..."
"No need for formalities," Loren extended his hand to stop the King's flattery: "I know what you want from the God of Plague."
Hearing Loren's words, the King's heart jumped. He had already prepared himself to sacrifice greatly to make Loren keep quiet. If Loren next demanded the princess become his maid, the King wouldn't hesitate in the slightest.
As for taking action against Loren, the King never considered it. Loren had been famous for over ten years, and the King was well aware of his profound knowledge and cautious nature. He felt that if he sent assassins after Loren today, angels would be knocking on his door before dawn.
"What do you want..."
Since Loren had spoken to him about this, it meant Loren was interested in making a deal. Otherwise, he could have just let the Church handle him.
"What you want, I can provide too. I've also achieved some success in brewing magical potions. Mere lifespan is simple."
To completely dispel the King's concerns, Loren presented an example the King couldn't possibly question:
"All these years, have you seen any change in my age? Or do you think someone in their thirties could possibly possess as much knowledge as I do?"
Loren's sudden revelation that he could brew magical potions wasn't without purpose. The item he wanted to obtain was called [Tear of Condensed Wishes], which could guarantee one successful potion brewing per week. Loren wanted to get his hands on the Tear of Condensed Wishes.
"What do you want?"
"I'll brew the potions, you provide the materials and equipment."
This seemed like Loren was working for free, but the King felt a pang of heartache.
Only Loren knew what materials were needed, and only he could brew them, so the King would have to provide whatever materials Loren requested. The success rate would also be whatever Loren said it was.
"Fine."
The King ultimately agreed. He not only needed Loren to brew potions for him, but Loren also held evidence against him.
True, Loren had no concrete evidence, but the King couldn't withstand an investigation. Ordinary people ing him didn't matter - the Church wouldn't investigate him over minor matters anyway, and even if they found something, they would pretend not to see it.
But some things seem light until placed on a scale, where they weigh a thousand pounds. If Loren were the one ing him, it would be a different outcome.
"Pleasant cooperation."
Loren extended his hand. After a moment of stunned silence, the King shook it.
Afterwards, Loren returned the instrument and found Anna in a corner, eating and drinking heartily. A cake as big as a human head disappeared in just three bites, her cheeks bulging out.
The young maid nearby trembled fearfully. She knew Anna's status was unusual - she didn't dare stop Anna from eating more, but she feared she would be blamed if Anna got sick from overeating.
"How much has she eaten?"
Anna's mouth was still stuffed full. To prevent her from spraying food on his face again, Loren chose to ask the maid beside her.
The maid didn't reply, just silently pointed at the empty table nearby. Loren remembered there had been half a table of food here when he was playing his violin.
"Stop eating."
Loren reached out and pinched Anna's cheeks with both hands. Her face was very tender, feeling like soft tofu. Loren didn't dare use much force, afraid of hurting her, though Anna's physical condition was at least stronger than Loren's current state.
Witches don't get fat from eating, but that doesn't mean their stomachs can't get damaged.
"Your stomach has swollen from all that eating."
"Consider it rehearsal for helping you have children later."
Hearing this, the maid covered her mouth. She glanced at Anna - though her figure was mature, one could still tell she was just a child.
The maid immediately thought of nobles with particular preferences, quickly turning around to cover her ears, indicating she hadn't heard anything and begging not to be punished.
Loren, sensing the maid's thoughts, felt a headache coming on. Ultimately, he rapped Anna on the head:
"Shut up."
"Okay."
Anna obediently closed her mouth, casually wiped the cream from her lips, then took Loren's hand, smearing cream onto it, making it sticky.
"I..."
Loren, about to lose his temper, felt half his anger dissipate when he saw her large, dewy eyes. In the end, he silently took her hand and prepared to leave.
Loren had met all the important people at the ball, having given the King enough face. He planned to ask the King for a guest list before leaving, then send people to deliver gifts to valuable names on the list tomorrow.
"Master Mentor..."
Just as Loren prepared to leave, an anxious man blocked his path.
Loren hadn't seen him when the ball began, indicating his status wasn't high enough to meet Loren.
"My wife is named Simone, she today..."
"Sorry, I don't recall. Now I need to leave and check on my nightingale in my room. I'd be very upset if anything happened to it."
After saying this, Loren left the area. Though he claimed to have no impression of Simone, he deliberately mentioned the nightingale, indicating he not only remembered but remembered quite clearly.
Loren didn't directly state what he would do to them, but it was precisely this unknown fear that tormented them most. The guillotine hanging overhead is more terrifying than when it falls.