Chapter 103: The Chill and the Kiss

Alice Liddell’s apartment was quiet when a sudden shiver ran down her spine.

“What’s wrong?” the Duchess Liddell inquired, her face materializing within the magic mirror.

“It’s sudden,” Alice Liddell replied honestly. “I just felt a sudden chill.”

“Has your ability activated?” the Duchess Liddell pressed.

“I can’t tell,” Alice Liddell murmured. “I don’t feel anything specific… It could just be the chill.” She concentrated for a moment, then shook her head.

The sensation of cold was too indistinct to be certain. It wasn’t necessarily her sixth sense activating; it could simply be from getting cold, as she had spent some time outside last night.

****

Indeed, last night, after settling Jeanne Decker, Alice Liddell had rushed back to the stone bridge where the incident occurred.

The Mad Hatter was already waiting for her there. She quickly explained the general course of events to him, though she omitted the details of subduing Jeanne Decker.

The Mad Hatter then asked if Alice Liddell could attempt to divine the Killer’s whereabouts again. Alice Liddell informed him that divining the same event multiple times within a single day was impossible.

He then suggested she contact Queen Isola and the Duchess Liddell to explain the unexpected turn of events from yesterday, and to discuss their next steps together.

So, Alice Liddell brought the Mad Hatter back to her apartment. After a brief rest, she contacted Queen Isola and the Duchess Liddell through the magic mirror.

“I warned you repeatedly, yet you still made contact with that Killer,” the Duchess Liddell sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. “It’s a miracle you’re safe.”

“There was no other way,” Alice Liddell whispered. “The situation was too urgent; I couldn’t just abandon Jeanne Decker to her fate.”

“Right, since that girl is a Holy Knight, and you used a witch’s power, did she not question you at all?” the Duchess Liddell posed another question.

“She did… she did, actually, but I managed to bluff my way through it,” Alice Liddell replied. Her tone grew hesitant as she recalled her method of resolving the issue yesterday.

The Duchess Liddell, ever perceptive, immediately sensed something amiss from Alice Liddell’s answer. “Hold on, how did you bluff your way through it? Be specific!”

“Uh…” Alice Liddell stammered, unable to form words.

“You can remain silent, but His Majesty could simply attempt a divination and know what happened,” the Duchess Liddell stated seriously.

Alice Liddell instantly became flustered. She glanced at Queen Isola, who sat expressionless beside the Duchess Liddell. Under the pressure of the two powerful witches, she finally recounted the events in broad strokes.

Upon hearing that Alice Liddell had subdued Jeanne Decker with a ‘Sorcerer’s Kiss,’ Queen Isola showed a flicker of surprise, while the Mad Hatter, who had been observing from the side, let out an unusual whistle.

“You kissed her? I can’t believe you actually did that,” the Duchess Liddell remarked, her expression complex. “Was there truly no other way?”

“In that situation, there truly wasn’t!” Alice Liddell insisted.

“What happened after that? What did you do with her?” the Duchess Liddell pressed further.

“I found an inn, rented a room, tossed her onto the bed, and ran out,” Alice Liddell stated, giving only the bare essentials.

“I think you could be more honest and elaborate on the process of renting the room. We all love to hear it,” the Duchess Liddell said seriously, glancing at Queen Isola. “You didn’t do anything else to her? Don’t be shy, tell us. Since we can also divine…”

‘She’s wondering if His Majesty truly has a taste for that,’ Alice Liddell thought, slightly pursing her lips. ‘Does applying wound medicine to her arm count?’

“Ah? That’s all?” the Duchess Liddell widened her eyes. “What about the rest?”

“Of course, I didn’t do anything else! Don’t be ridiculous, she’s one of my few friends!” Alice Liddell vehemently defended herself.

“Hmph, would an ordinary person forcibly kiss an important friend?” the Duchess Liddell teased with a laugh.

“I told you, it was unavoidable!” Alice Liddell sighed helplessly.

“Well, it’s just a first kiss, it’s nothing compared to His Majesty’s… Ah! Your Majesty, have mercy!” the Duchess Liddell suddenly shrieked mid-sentence, as Queen Isola reached out and pinched her waist fiercely.

“If you can’t say anything sensible, then don’t speak!” Queen Isola coldly pushed the Duchess Liddell away from the magic mirror and faced it herself. “Is Mr. Mad Hatter still there?”

“Here, here!” the Mad Hatter quickly moved closer at her words. Alice Liddell turned the magic mirror towards him.

“I recall Alice Liddell relaying that you wouldn’t involve them in the dangerous parts of this mission. How do you intend to resolve this situation now?” Queen Isola stared at the Mad Hatter, speaking seriously.

“Uh, it was never our intention for Levi to put herself in danger, but this incident seems to have been her personal decision. We had no means to stop her,” the Mad Hatter awkwardly defended himself.

“I know. I’m not questioning you, but asking what measures you will take next. She has now directly participated in this matter. What will you do to guarantee her safety?” Queen Isola’s voice deepened. “Let me be clear: if anything happens to her because of a task you assigned, I promise you’ll be in grave trouble!”

“Queen Isola…” Alice Liddell blinked.

‘She is far more valuable than you realize; she just hasn’t had the chance to show it yet.’ Alice Liddell had expected Queen Isola to be displeased with her actions, yet Queen Isola hadn’t reprimanded her, but instead directed her anger towards the Mad Hatter, demanding he ensure Alice Liddell’s safety.

‘Your Majesty, you are truly merciless,’ the Mad Hatter thought with a somewhat helpless smile.

“Answer my question,” Queen Isola repeated, her expression unchanging. “I am serious. That Killer has clearly set his sights on the Church’s Saintess. If he strikes again, Alice Liddell will likely try to stop him, and you may not arrive in time!”

“That does make some sense,” the Mad Hatter conceded with a nod, then looked at Alice Liddell. “Levi, I initially thought this incident wouldn’t require your intervention. I must thank you for stopping that fellow in time today. Your courage and execution both exceeded my expectations. However, that fellow now knows some of your abilities. The next time something like this happens, your situation will become very dangerous.”

“Are you saying you want me not to act on my own?” Alice Liddell asked.

“I’m sorry, I’m afraid I can’t promise that.”

‘The Killer has fixated on Jeanne Decker, and he might not give up so easily. If today’s events repeat, Alice Liddell will still act without hesitation if the situation becomes dire.’

“No, I won’t restrict your personal will; that is your freedom,” the Mad Hatter smiled. “But since Her Majesty the Red Queen has threatened me so, I must give more thought to ensuring your personal safety, not to mention you are my companion and student. How about this, I’ll give you something good.”

As the Mad Hatter spoke, he snapped his fingers, and a coin-shaped object materialized in his hand.

Alice Liddell looked at the ‘coin’ in surprise. It resembled the devil’s currency she had seen before, but this one was red.