Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

A new day began as Hestia walked through the spacious halls of Crystal Dream, continuing her usual tasks. Yet today, unlike before, she seemed somewhat distracted.

Finally, during her midday break, Hestia headed to Amdusias’s vine-covered chamber.

“Is Amdusias-sis here?” the girl asked softly as she stepped inside, spotting the golden-haired maid tending to flowers beneath an arch.

Her elegant and graceful figure, coupled with her gentle and caring nature, made Amdusias the ideal image of a “perfect wife” in many people’s hearts. Yet, despite her past fame as a cellist, this elven woman had never married.

“I’m here. Is that you, Dantalion?”

Amdusias set down her watering can, lightly flicked her fingers, and a gentle breeze swept through the greenhouse. The air sparkled with water droplets, refracting a faint rainbow.

“Amdusias-sis.” Hestia’s voice seemed unusually soft, almost like she was pouting. It was a tone she rarely used, even with anyone but her mother.

“What’s wrong, my dear Dantalion?” Amdusias turned to face the girl approaching her, her warm smile radiant.

“I have something on my mind,” Hestia said as she sat next to Amdusias, watching her continue watering the flowers.

“Tell me about it.” Amdusias’s soothing demeanor and tone touched Hestia’s heart deeply.

“It’s nothing major…” Hestia began recounting her experience at yesterday’s second interview and the sights she’d encountered along the way.

“Leaving Arpeggio City, I realized just how vast the world above is—the diverse students, the towering mountains of Northern 1st District, the expansive squares, the magnificent architectural halls…” She closed her eyes, revisiting the memories.

“It felt like peeking out of a burrow for the first time, seeing a dazzling, vast world beyond.”

“So now, returning to Arpeggio City today, you feel a stark contrast, don’t you?” Amdusias quickly grasped the young girl’s feelings.

“Mm, it feels… inexplicably disheartening,” Hestia admitted, lowering her head.

“In class, though others didn’t pay much attention to me, I could take some pride in my high grades, which helped soothe my naturally shy and fearful heart.”

“But after stepping out, I suddenly realized how vast the world is. Just Northern of Verdant Veil alone has so many things I’ve never seen—grand landscapes, talented people… Looking back now, Arpeggio City feels so small. Even with over a million residents, it’s like a grain of sand in the Federation.”

“And it’s underground too, completely incomparable to the stunning landscapes of 1st District, almost like a dark mining pit, right?” Amdusias added with a playful smile.

“It’s not that bad!” Hestia turned away shyly, her face flushing.

“I’m guessing you want to ask why, as an elf who must’ve visited countless places and seen so much beauty, I chose to settle in and work in a small place like Arpeggio City,” Amdusias guessed as she put down the watering can, washed her hands, and began preparing tea.

“Maybe it’s because our circumstances differ.” She placed the tea pot on a small stove to heat.

“I was born in the Twin Tree Constellation, one of the top three most prosperous regions in the Federation. It’s home to many noble elven families, officials, and wealthy people who cherish owning a residence there.”

“Despite its prosperity, the Twin Tree Constellation maintains a pristine environment. Majestic trees stretch across the forests, with silent, leaf-like transport shuttling between them. Wildlife and lush vegetation coexist with aquamarine-like buildings that blend harmoniously into the surroundings.”

“The air is fresh, the people live in harmony, and crime is almost non-existent. It’s like a mythical Eden. Everyone you meet is polite and kind… with comprehensive welfare systems and abundant resources allowing anyone to pursue their passions. I started learning music in such an environment.” Amdusias reminisced fondly.

Listening intently, Hestia tried to picture the paradise Amdusias described, drawing upon her own limited experiences.

“Yes, it truly is a paradise separate from the world’s chaos.”

“I loved everything about the Twin Tree Constellation, spending many years there performing and making wonderful friends.”

“But, Dantalion,” Amdusias’s tone shifted, “life isn’t static. After growing accustomed to such perfection, I found myself drawn to the messy, chaotic outside world.”

“Like certain songs with graceful, flowing melodies—beautiful yet monotonous when heard repeatedly. You begin to wonder: is it too serene? Is it lacking complexity?”

“Though I’m not fond of the raspy screams of rock music, listening to it occasionally reveals its charm—the fierce vitality born from struggle and despair.”

“Rough edges and scars, like the sound of metal forged through hardship, fiery emotions, and unyielding youth. These bold, vibrant colors collide with pale, delicate canvases, creating striking works of art.”

“That too is a form of beauty, one I find fresh and fascinating.”

“And you’re the same, Dantalion. Though just 16, a little shy and reserved, you work so hard to accomplish things. Watching you take one step after another forward sometimes inspires me too.” Amdusias poured the freshly brewed tea into elegant porcelain cups, a faint fragrance wafting up.

“Have a sip.”

“Arpeggio City may be small, but it’s the beginning of your journey. Many things will sprout here and grow as you continue.”

“When you someday visit dazzling, bustling places and return to this city where you grew up, you’ll have a completely different perspective.”

“There’s no need to feel inferior because of your origins or environment. They don’t define your life.”

Amdusias gently stroked the girl’s soft hair, her fingers gliding smoothly through the strands, before lightly patting her back.

“Does this answer satisfy you, Dantalion?”

Soft sobbing rose from her embrace.

“Yes, it does. Thank you, Amdusias-sis.”

“It’s alright. Things will gradually get better.”

Looking at the young girl nestled in her arms, Amdusias’s mind wandered. She recalled a time long ago when she too had wept in someone’s embrace, and that person had played a song for her.

“Tell me why, the reason I am here…”
“Just only you I see from far away…”
“I’ve came for you…”
“Don’t know why, I searched all night and day…”
“But when I’m here, darkness came…”
“No lights to show the way…”
“Dark despair, still I seek for you…”
“All I long to see was you smile…”
“I know I won’t look behind, I see no regrets…”
“No guiding lights so dark, are you my light…”
“But now I am here, and you’re close to me…”
“My heart is with you, forever and ever…”

(Song: Beyond the Sky, from Xenoblade Chronicles’ ending theme)