Chapter 31: Two Mothers

Outside the arena, a group of people watched the battle unfolding within that miniature world.

Alice, desperate to protect her sister, nearly pressed her entire body against the transparent barrier, while beside her, Adam stared intently at the match, not daring to blink.

In contrast, the two adult witches remained calm.

“Who do you think will win?”

The petite stepmother spoke first, her gaze shifting from the arena to observe the reactions of those around her.

“Of course, Sophilia.”

The tall Dragon Witch kept her eyes fixed on the arena, not turning her head, yet answered almost without hesitation.

“Heh, so you look down on your own daughter that much? How much do you really know about Dorothy?”

Anne’s reply disappointed the stepmother, who shook her head and returned her gaze to the arena, though her tone grew sarcastic.

“This isn’t looking down—I’m just stating facts.”

Such sharp sarcasm made Euphelia frown, but the other woman’s words were undeniably true; the Dragon Witch suppressed her temper and continued coldly:

“Sophilia has been trained by me since childhood. Her talent rivals mine, and now she’s even stronger than I was at her age. At just sixteen, newly come of age, she’s only one step away from becoming a Grand Witch. Among her peers across the entire world, she ranks among the very best.”

“I don’t know much about Dorothy either, and there’s no need to hide it—I only found her yesterday. Though I had people gather records of her life over the years, the data suggests she’s wasted her talent. I can hardly believe it—my daughter has become a...”

After leaving yesterday, Euphelia sent someone to retrieve her daughter’s records. Seeing the life story that could be summed up in a few sentences, the Dragon Witch nearly lost her composure.

Internet addict? Hardcore shut-in? Leaves the house only a few times a year? Completed all her magic school courses and exams via online classes? Never attended school more than a handful of times from enrollment to graduation? At sixteen, her magic power is barely 10,000—just meeting the Witch Academy’s minimum entry standard?

Watching her own daughter sink so low, the fiercely ambitious Euphelia couldn’t accept it. She nearly stormed off to confront Adam and demand how he’d raised her daughter all these years.

This only strengthened her resolve to take her daughter home—especially when she saw Dorothy unleash Dragon’s Breath in the arena. She was overjoyed: her daughter had inherited the dragon’s core talent. Such potential must not be wasted.

Adam, look at what you’ve done these past years, you bastard.

Euphelia felt she had owed her daughter sixteen years. From now on, she would make up for every moment. Once back home, she’d hand over all family affairs to others and devote herself entirely to training Dorothy. She was certain that under her guidance, Dorothy would soon catch up to—and surpass—Sophilia, her disciple.

After all, Sophilia is an Angel Witch; many of the Dragon Witch’s ultimate techniques simply don’t suit her. Dorothy is different—her daughter can perfectly inherit everything she has.

“A shut-in?”

Anne completed the sentence Euphelia had left unfinished, smiling with even thicker mockery.

“No wonder the newly appointed Duke of the Dragon Realm, the Lord of Calamity, is so strict.”

“But now I’m certain—you and Dorothy simply aren’t compatible. Even if you forcibly drag her back, she’ll run away again in no time.”

For a mother, few things could ignite greater rage than such mockery—especially since the domineering Dragon Witch had never been known for her patience.

At last, she tore her gaze from the arena and looked properly at the witch beside her. Tall and imposing, she loomed over the petite witch, radiating overwhelming pressure.

“You seem to have a problem with me. What’s your opinion? Or have you secretly trained Dorothy yourself, Red Moon Witch of the Blood Moon Twins?”

“Oh my, I never expected someone of your stature would know such a minor figure as me. I’m truly honored.”

Facing the Dragon Witch’s terrifying pressure—worse than a dragon’s—the petite stepmother showed no fear. She smiled elegantly, her wine-red eyes glinting with crimson light.

“When unwelcome guests arrive, I meet them with a shotgun. Though I’m only a stepmother and never particularly fond of that girl, she’s still my family—my stepdaughter. When my own child is disrespected, a parent must defend her.”

Though barely half the Dragon Witch’s height, Anne’s presence loomed large—her stance didn’t waver even under the peak witch’s oppressive aura.

“On the path of witchcraft, you’re my senior. But as a mother, Lord of Calamity, you’re still a child. Learn how to be a proper mother. Dorothy is your daughter, yes—but she’s also an independent person, not your puppet. What you think is a good child may not be what she wants. I won’t let my stepdaughter turn into a copy of you. That’s all I have to say.”

“Tch, I can’t stand your Dragon Witch obsession with control. Don’t bother guessing—I never taught Dorothy anything. I lack the ability to teach her. Just watch—your daughter might surprise you.”

“So you mean Dorothy might win?”

The Dragon Witch raised an eyebrow.

“No, she’ll lose. Ten thousand magic power against two hundred ninety thousand? If she wins, it’s a miracle.”

Anne rolled her eyes in reply.

“You...”

The Dragon Witch’s temper flared—she felt mocked. But she forced herself to suppress her rage, turned away in irritation, and glared back at the match. She refused to engage with this dwarf.

Hmph. For Dorothy’s sake, I’ll forgive you this once. Damn vampire—I’d have shattered every last one of your fangs otherwise.

Still, as she thought this, Euphelia watched the duel with renewed focus.

She had little experience as a mother. Once, she’d wanted to be a good one—but never got the chance. Now, if she could, she truly wished to make up for that lost time.

So what the hell was this dwarf vampire trying to say?

After pondering endlessly, the Dragon Witch clenched her fists. She felt the same frustration as when facing a fortune-teller—she wanted to punch these damn riddlers right in the face.

Forget it. Just watch the match. She waited, hoping Dorothy would truly surprise her.