Canlisa

Faced with the appearance of a new fellow witch, neither Isa nor Philly had ever thought of refusing Lord Hayden’s request.

Just as he said, if she stayed within the borders of the Theocracy, once found, Canlisa would face certain death, even as the daughter of a city lord.

Only by leaving this place and going to a region where the Theocracy’s influence was weak would Canlisa have a chance to live.

“We need to discuss this matter. Can you let us meet Canlisa first?”

Isa did not agree to Hayden’s request outright, because they were not the only ones on this journey; there were also Maimai and Her Highness Su Ran.

Although Her Highness Su Ran did not often appear, Isa still wanted to ask for her opinion first.

“Of course, no problem. Within Blackstone City, I, the city lord, still have some influence. Even the Church cannot act recklessly without evidence.”

Faced with Isa’s request to meet, Hayden agreed without a second thought and assured the two of their safety within Blackstone City.

Judging by the number of private soldiers in his castle, Hayden was clearly a nobleman with real power, unlike the lord of Laita City who was a mere figurehead.

It was no wonder he was able to protect his own daughter in such an environment without her identity being exposed until now.

Following Hayden through the castle’s corridors, Isa and Philly arrived at a place resembling a garden. The walls were covered in green leaves, and flowers bloomed in competition. Before them was a set of stone chairs, and on one, a cat was curled up asleep. This seemed to be the place where the city lord relaxed.

Hayden stopped here. “Alright, you two, Canlisa is just ahead.”

Hayden’s explaining voice emerged, yet as Isa looked around, she couldn’t see a young girl anywhere in the entire garden. She saw the same confusion in Philly’s eyes.

“Has Canlisa not arrived yet?” Philly asked tentatively.

Hayden shook his head. “No, she is right here.”

Thinking that the other party was a witch, Hayden’s answer was quite reasonable.

Isa looked at the garden before her, wondering what kind of witch ability the other might possess.

‘Is it the ability to hide her presence? But then Lord Hayden, who can’t perceive his daughter’s presence, wouldn’t say she’s in the garden.’

Isa’s gaze swept across the entire garden, her eyes focusing on the sleeping cat.

“Mr. Hayden, is Canlisa’s witch ability to turn into a cat?”

If so, it was easy to understand why Canlisa’s identity as a witch had not yet been discovered.

After all, as long as no one used a Holy Stone on her or witnessed Canlisa’s transformation with their own eyes, no one would know her identity as a witch.

The former could be covered up by her father, the city lord, and for the latter, as long as Canlisa was careful within the castle, it would be very difficult to discover her identity.

Perhaps the sounds in the garden were too noisy, or perhaps the cat’s hearing was simply more developed.

In any case, the sleeping white cat suddenly turned over, arching its back in a lazy stretch.

When the white cat saw two strangers appear beside Hayden, its body tensed, and it began to meow.

Seeing this, Hayden had no choice but to say, “Canlisa, these two are also witches, so you don’t need to hide in front of them.”

To confirm Hayden’s explanation, Philly’s hand emitted a faint green light, and a vine in the garden, affected by it, slowly grew a little longer.

Throughout the entire process, no power of magic essence appeared, which was enough to prove Philly’s identity.

After seeing Philly’s action, the white cat’s body slowly began to change in front of everyone, transforming back into its human form.

Subsequently, what appeared before Isa and Philly’s eyes was a little girl of about eight years old.

She was petite and lovely, with fair, rosy skin. Her eyes, which had not yet completely shed their childishness, carried a hint of feigned maturity, clearly a result of her identity as a witch.

Without any hesitation, Hayden held Canlisa in his arms in front of the two and introduced her.

“Hello, big sisters. I’m Canlisa. My witch ability is to turn into small animals, but for now, I can only turn into a cat.”

To be honest, upon seeing the adorable and well-behaved Canlisa, both Isa and Philly’s hearts softened at once. They reached out to stroke Canlisa’s little head, their expressions becoming gentle.

Isa and Philly exchanged a glance, their minds already made up. They simply could not stand by and do nothing for such a little girl.

“We understand your request, but…”

Just as Philly was about to tell Hayden they needed to go back and discuss it, Isa shook her head at her, whispered a few words, took two steps back, and found a secluded spot.

In less than a moment, Isa, standing behind her, slowly nodded at Philly.

Just now, Her Highness Su Ran had contacted her and clarified the matter. She had agreed to this commission.

Hearing the two of them agree, a great weight was lifted from Hayden’s heart.

“Father, what are you talking about?”

Canlisa’s gaze darted back and forth between their faces. She seemed to be unaware of Hayden’s plan.

“These two young ladies will take you to live in Tukulu. On this journey…”

As Hayden explained, Canlisa’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Father, don’t you love me anymore?” she asked.

“Of course not. I love you, Canlisa. But as the Holy City dispatches its troops, the control over Blackstone City will become stricter and stricter. It will be difficult for me to continue protecting you under the Church’s nose. Only by leaving the Theocracy can you live freely.”

“Excuse me, Lord Hayden, could you prepare an empty room and some herbs for us?”

Just as Hayden was about to continue explaining to his daughter, Isa’s voice interrupted their conversation.

“Of course, I’ll have Sant prepare them for you right away. Please give me a little more time to persuade her.”

“It’s alright, as long as it’s done before we leave.”

“Thank you. I will present the intelligence about the Witch of the Book to you later.”

The matter between the father and daughter was not for outsiders like Isa and Philly to interfere in; they needed to resolve it themselves.

Only if Canlisa was willing to leave with them when they departed from Blackstone City could they complete this commission.

Hayden called for his butler, Sant, to lead Philly and Isa to a spare guest room.

“If you need anything, please call for the maids at any time. They will be here. The herbs you need will be sent over shortly.”

Sant left with these words to attend to his own duties. Preparing the carriage and the travel documents also required the help of this city lord’s assistant.

“What’s wrong, Isa? Are you not feeling well?”

Seeing Isa suddenly ask Hayden for a room, Philly asked with concern.

Isa shook her head and explained, “No, it was Her Highness Su Ran who just contacted me. She needs my help.”