That's not how you use a witch!

Chapter 61 The Contract Scarlett

During dinner, after listening to Ronan's idea, Madonna seriously considered the credibility of selecting officials through examinations.

This was clearly another groundbreaking idea, because in most territories, officials at all levels were appointed and promoted by the lord based on his own whims. Ronan called this "feudalism"—and his new administrative concept, which he called "bureaucracy," obviously had many unique advantages over it.

"That's right! This is the test I set. Do you feel there's anything that can be improved?"

"I think it's generally reasonable, but we could strengthen the relationship between witches and industrialization. For example, we could discuss how to better combine the power of witches with industrialization."

"Oh yeah, I fell into that habit again and completely forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me!"

You're welcome~

Seeing Ronan not even bothering to chew, but instead burying himself in making changes with bread in his mouth, the girl across the table smiled slightly and silently put a fried egg into his bowl.

Ronan always has new ideas—just like the utensil she's holding right now, called "chopsticks," which was also invented by Ronan.

And she gradually transformed from an initial recipient and implementer into someone who could discuss these new ideas with him, which felt really good.

However... the girl felt a strange sense of guilt: what if she wasn't satisfied with this level?

Just as I was lost in thought, a tall and beautiful figure walked in from outside the door.

"Why didn't you come in through the window today?"

Ronan asked curiously—having seen Scarlett fly around like a sparrow so often, he was actually a little unaccustomed to her walking normally.

"Because I have something important to do today."

Scarlett, unusually, did not respond as usual, but instead knelt on one knee in front of Ronan.

"Scarlett Frost, I swear allegiance to the Thorn Lord. Please form a pact with me!"

Scarlett's words surprised Ronan, because he had made similar requests before, but Scarlett had refused him on the grounds that the Witch's Eye forbade contracts. He didn't expect that she would take the initiative to propose a contract now.

"You don't want to?"

Seeing that Ronan remained silent, the blond ranger asked.

"No, but what are you thinking? And doesn't your leader forbid contracts?"

Ronan asked curiously, "If you've made a contract with me, won't it be difficult to explain when you return to the Witch's Eye?"

"In a sense, yes, but it's worth it."

Scarlett smiled gently.

"After spending this time together, I'm certain that you are a trustworthy contractor, and that your path can bring a truly bright future to the witch. Therefore, I am willing to dedicate my life to this cause under your guidance—my decision at this moment may not be approved by the leader, but if she witnesses all of this herself, she will surely choose to support me."

After saying that, Scarlett looked towards the doorway, and there were Li Yan and Hai Yue there too.

Ronan seemed to have guessed something: "So you guys..."

"That's right. Actually, Scarlett made the suggestion to the boss when she went back last time. Although the boss rejected her request at the time, she's not someone who doesn't distinguish right from wrong, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to lead the Witch's Eye for so long."

The reason I was sent to Thorn Territory was precisely for the purpose of investigation and decision-making. If both Haiyue and I agree with Scarlett's idea, then she can form a contract with you in her personal capacity.

Li Yan smiled and nodded.

"Although Scarlett's actions do not represent the will of the Witch's Eye, I believe it is a significant step forward for us. The Witch's Eye was founded to provide a place for all witches, and at least for now, Thornlands is such a place, as evidenced by Maddale's miraculous advancement. Although we do not know what the future holds, as Scarlett said, we are willing to fight for that possible future."

"Yes, thank you."

Upon seeing this, Ronan solemnly replied, "I will not betray this trust, and I believe that such a future can definitely be realized!"

"Can you hurry up and do it? My legs are numb from squatting!"

"Ahem, excuse me..."

[Current Witch: Scarlett]

[Status value: 56%]

In one minute, a white light connected the two, outlining a unique mark on the back of Ronan and Scarlett's hands, exactly the same shape and texture as the last contract.

If Ronan hadn't noticed this during the first contract signing, he was thoughtful this time: the mark gave him a sense of déjà vu, like a QR code—except that a QR code is made up of straight lines, while the contract mark is made up of curves.

Does the mark itself contain some kind of information or symbolism?

Combining the original owner's notes and the answers from several witches, each contract mark is unique, and the design of the mark will not change regardless of the witch with whom the contract is made. This is also one of the "legitimate grounds" for the lord to regard witches as his own possessions.

"However, I heard from the eldest sister that such marks did not appear when contracts were established a long, long time ago."

As if remembering something, Li Yan said, "Back then, the positions of witches and contractors were reversed; contractors were the ones being chosen!"

Ronan asked curiously, "But aren't contractors supposed to be able to limit a witch's magical powers?"

"Back then, it wasn't possible. Contractors could simply help witches raise their potential. It wasn't until the Church appeared that things became what they are now. That's why the leader warned us that witches aren't born evil; the truly evil and rebellious ones are the Church."

That's strange. According to the information in those diaries, the status of witches should have been relatively low at that time... But it's also possible that a major event later changed everything... Ronan continued to ask, "How did your leader know all this?"

"She discovered ancient instruments in a ruin in the Fallen Star Forest. According to her description, these instruments seemed capable of storing and reproducing images. However, what's puzzling is that these instruments clearly showed no magical fluctuations, and even when magic was applied to them, they did not react."

Sure enough, a highly advanced civilization once existed on this land… Ronan's eyes widened: “Where are those instruments now?”

"They're still in the ruins. The leader said they should have been one piece, and we can't dismantle them with our capabilities. But they stopped operating a long time ago, and the area is now under the control of the rebels."

Li Yan was somewhat surprised by Ronan's reaction. "Do you know something too?"

"I'd like to know..." Ronan chuckled and shook his head. "No, I'm just curious. But based on my guess, those instruments shouldn't be related to magic, which is why your attempts to test them with magic didn't work. They're essentially the same as the steam engine I invented, only more complex."

"Interesting insights."

Li Yan raised the corners of her mouth. "But it should be more than just 'somewhat' complicated, right?"

Ronan could only awkwardly demonstrate his embarrassment by drinking water: "Cough cough..."

With the contract terminated, the three witches, according to their daily schedule, took turns resting or standing guard.

Ronan packed his things to go back to his room to sleep, but he found that Madonna did not say goodnight as usual. Instead, she looked at him for a while and then silently walked out of the office.

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