Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

After the comforting conversation with Amdusias, Hestia felt much less uncertain. The next day, after finishing her morning duties, she once again visited Amdusias’s vine-covered greenhouse to practice her violin. But today, there was another maid present.

This new maid had short silver hair, with bangs partially covering one side of her face and eyes. Her slim figure was dressed in a black dress trimmed with silver-gray, and her legs were wrapped in dark gray stockings, highlighting her elegant and balanced form.

“So, this is the new recruit, Dantalion?”

Upon noticing Hestia enter, the maid’s deep blue eyes gave the girl a brief but discerning glance.

“Yes, she’s our new colleague, Dantalion,” Amdusias said with a warm smile as she motioned Hestia closer and introduced her. “And this is Mammon, also known as ‘Miss Gray Crow.’ She is one of the seven special maids in our establishment, representing the sin of Greed from the Seven Deadly Sins.”

“Hello, I’m Dantalion,” Hestia greeted politely, her curiosity piqued as she observed this mysterious Miss Gray Crow.

“Mammon’s movements are often shrouded in mystery. You might only see her a handful of times in a month. She mainly handles pricing and external liaison work for our establishment,” Amdusias explained.

“External liaison?”

“Yes, for example, negotiating business collaborations to bring in items like linens, food ingredients, beverages, or small trinkets used in our store.”

Hestia began to understand—those tablecloths, hand towels, beverages in the cabinets, and rare ingredients all came from such arrangements.

“Mammon is exceptional with money and pricing,” Amdusias continued.

“She’s a graduate from a top institution in the Federation’s central star systems and has even worked at a major corporation.”

“That’s enough of an introduction,” Mammon interjected, urging Amdusias to stop. She then turned her attention to Hestia, scrutinizing her like a curious specimen.

“I’ve heard about you. Botis has mentioned you to me more than once. It seems a lot has happened during my absence this past month,” Mammon remarked, tapping her cup lightly with her fingers.

“You’re here to practice the violin with Amdusias, right? I won’t stay and intrude, then.”

Finishing her tea, she placed the cup and saucer on the table and stood up.

“However, Little Dantalion, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to work together in the future. You won’t be able to avoid me,” she teased as she placed a feathered and floral-adorned hat on her head and walked past Hestia.

Seeing Hestia’s puzzled expression, Amdusias chuckled softly.

“She enjoys teasing people but means no harm.”

“Amdusias-sis~” Hestia drawled, her tone expressing the many questions bubbling within her about Miss Gray Crow.

“If it’s about Mammon, I won’t say much. You’ll learn in time. But she’s not wrong—you two may become long-term ‘allies’ someday,” Amdusias hinted cryptically.

“Let me tidy the table, and then we can start your violin practice.”

…

As Hestia resumed her practice, sitting on a high stool in the greenhouse, the soft light filtering through the vines surrounded her. The serene atmosphere seemed to flow into her music. Today, her violin performance was more relaxed and fluid, free from the rigid focus of previous sessions. She followed her instincts, letting her emotions guide the music.

When she finished, she remained still for a moment, reluctant to leave the immersive experience.

Clap clap clap—

“Impressive, Dantalion! I didn’t expect you to improve so quickly,” Amdusias praised her warmly.

“Not really, it was just a whim,” Hestia replied, modestly shaking her head. She doubted she could replicate that same feeling again.

“That’s how it starts,” Amdusias reassured her.

“A momentary whim leads to frequent inspiration, and soon it becomes second nature.”

After packing up her violin, Hestia joined Amdusias, who initiated another conversation.

“It’s been about a month since you joined the shop, hasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Hestia confirmed.

“It’s time to prepare your personal service station—or let’s call it your unique specialty.” Amdusias smiled knowingly.

“Specialty?” Hestia asked, confused.

“Our maids aren’t just here to do chores. Each of us contributes something unique: my greenhouse, Botis’s jungle-themed area, Forneus’s Western cuisine, Haures’s beverages, and Decarabia’s mini-chapel, for example.

“The shop’s true appeal lies in the individuality of all 72 maids, each inspired by one of the 72 demons.”

“Besides,” Amdusias added slyly, “having your specialty will also increase your income. Don’t you have high school coming up soon?”

The practical appeal struck a chord with Hestia, making it difficult for her to refuse. Still, she hesitated.

“But the manager didn’t ask about any special skills during my interview…” she mumbled.

“Special skills can be developed,” Amdusias assured her.

“I didn’t know how to brew tea or tend to flowers before I joined. The shop needed someone for that role, and my personality fit. That’s how I got started.”

Her gentle but firm reasoning left Hestia no room for argument.

“I’ll think about it,” she promised, though she was still unsure. Her current violin skills hardly seemed suitable for professional performance.

While Hestia was lost in thought, Amdusias offered a suggestion.

“Dantalion, do you know how the great demon associated with your name is described in mythology?”

“Dantalion is said to appear in various male and female forms, always holding a book in his right hand. He teaches all arts and sciences, uncovers secrets, and can alter people’s thoughts at will.”

“This connection to books is a good starting point for your theme,” Amdusias explained. “From what I’ve seen, you love reading, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“Books…” Hestia murmured, her thoughts swirling. It was a promising yet challenging idea that would require careful consideration.