Before entering the courtyard gate, Yihan wiped the sweat from his palms.

Though he’d only been in this world a few days, he knew it wasn’t what he’d imagined—filled with all sorts of wondrous things. Take the current uproar over Witches, for example. As the saying goes, for every threat there’s a counter. Since Witches endanger the world, naturally special beings hunt them. Clearly, Witch Hunters fill that role; otherwise, the Papal State wouldn’t have summoned them for the crusade.

The bakery’s backyard resembled a private suite, lush with flowers and plants, featuring a gazebo and rocking chairs reserved for distinguished guests. Only one guest occupied it now, hinting at extraordinary status.

The chubby uncle unceremoniously dropped Yihan at the door and fled, leaving him to fend for himself. It was obvious Witch Hunters had poor reputations; few willingly interacted with them.

Yihan knocked and heard a crisp, pleasant reply. He pushed open the gate and stepped inside. The courtyard was small, square-walled and draped in emerald vines. A wooden rocking chair basked in sunlight beside gurgling springs. At the lawn’s center stood a round wooden table and two high-backed chairs. A white parasol spread wide like a jellyfish, casting cool shade. Yihan slowly raised his gaze, locking onto a beautiful woman nearby.

The chubby uncle had called her stunning—and he was right. At first glance, Yihan was captivated. Her aura was pure and refined, with dark blue hair and milk-white skin. Soft features framed sea-blue eyes shimmering under thick lashes. A high nose bridge and delicate chin accentuated her cheeks, while jelly-like lips tempted a bite.

She wore a simple, lace-trimmed cyan dress. The thin fabric faintly revealed snow-white skin beneath. The hem parted slightly, elegantly concealing long, shapely thighs. Delicate feet hid under the fluttering hem, only pearl-like toes peeking out.

Yihan couldn’t help glancing extra at her chest. Wow, huge.

This was a Witch Hunter? Nothing like he’d pictured. She seemed more like a noble lady. Unsure of her intentions, Yihan quickly looked away and stood obediently, awaiting instructions.

“Deep Blue” Carola studied the young, handsome bakery apprentice with interest. Her slender fingers flicked lightly, a blue ring flashing brightly. She pulled out the adjacent chair, gesturing for him to sit, then poured him a cup of black tea.

“Sorry, miss, but if nothing else, I should return to the shop…”

“It’s your break time. I’ve cleared it with the manager,” Carola cut in smoothly. She blinked her limpid eyes, red lips curving into a faint smile. “Chat with me, okay?”

It felt like a trap. Yihan inwardly grumbled, wanting another excuse. But her confident expression suggested she was prepared. To protect his peaceful life, he accepted her offer.

After one cup of tea, the distance between them lessened. Carola lazily propped her chin on one hand, her gaze flowing like water, voice soft and melodious. “Your name is Yihan? Yet few in town have seen you.”

She investigated my background? What does she want? Yihan startled inwardly but feigned nonchalance. “Oh, I traveled abroad for ages. Just returned. Normal people don’t recognize me.”

“Oh? Where’d you go?”

“Wandered nearby countries—hot springs, ancient ruins. No budget, so cheap travel.” Surprised by her probing, Yihan shifted topics. “I heard you’re Witch Hunters. Must’ve seen many places?”

“Just duty travel. If life allowed, I’d prefer a small courtyard—tending plants, sipping tea. So peaceful.” She paused. “But it’s nearly over. After defeating the Crimson Flame Witch, I’ll retire worry-free. You’ve heard rumors about her, right?” Her tone shifted abruptly. Her eyes gleamed oddly as she scrutinized him.

“Heh, I’m just a small-town nobody. How’d I meet such danger? She’s in northern nations—I’ve never been there.” Yihan shook his head with a self-deprecating smile, dodging suspicion. “But I’ve heard reports. She appeared suddenly months ago. A coincidence, don’t you think?”

“Witches are ordinary people—some good, some evil. They can’t control their powers, often losing control. Society fears and exiles them.” Carola spoke leisurely. “The Crimson Flame Witch’s appearance doesn’t surprise me, but her actions do. Witches usually hide carefully. Unless extremely powerful, they flee when driven out. Rarely do they attack us first.”

“I heard she’s thrown northern nations into chaos, poised to head south,” Yihan said with a dry chuckle.

Carola’s next words plunged him into icy water. “She’s already south. Northern armies can’t catch her. At her speed, she’s likely in Seacounty now. If we fail to stop her, she’ll cross the Springwater Kingdom—your country—in months.”

Yihan’s smile vanished. “…What does she want?”

“We think she’s searching for something.” Carola leaned closer. A faint floral scent washed over him; Yihan instinctively leaned back. The Witch Hunter stared into his eyes, capturing every flicker of expression. She even took a dramatic deep breath, her face twisting complexly.

Yihan felt utterly uneasy. He couldn’t stay with this mysterious Witch Hunter. Making a hasty excuse, he fled.

Carola didn’t stop him. She watched his retreating figure, her azure eyes like a frozen abyss, rippling with deep blue light. Even up close, she hadn’t smelled the Witch scent on him. That scent was unhideable—especially to Witch Hunters. It stimulated them like poison, irresistible. But he had none.

Only one possibility: Yihan had never met a Witch.

Then why would the Crimson Flame Witch defy the world to find him? According to the Witch Hunters Guild’s best intel, she’d invaded northern nations like a maniac, heading south solely to find a man named Yihan.

A name coincidence? Had she erred?

Carola’s eyes swam with confusion and hesitation.