Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

At the top floor of Apex Tower, in the mayor’s office, secretaries and officials were busily addressing the myriad issues caused by the city’s lockdown. In a black glass partition nearby, three individuals were deep in conversation.

“Mayor, the notifications have been sent out,” reported a young secretary in a gray suit, standing beside a middle-aged man.

“Good, let’s proceed with that for now,” the mayor replied with a slight nod. The secretary left, leaving the mayor alone with a refined woman.

“Lady Isabelle, your unwavering concern for the children is admirable. I nearly forgot about this matter myself.”

“It’s merely where my attention lies, Mr. Mayor. You, on the other hand, have far more pressing matters to handle,” Lady Isabelle said, gently blowing on her coffee before taking a small sip.

“I am indeed a bit exhausted.” Unlike the stern demeanor he maintained in front of others, the mayor appeared quite relaxed in Lady Isabelle’s presence, leaning back in his chair with a tired voice.

“I thought we were dealing with pesky rats, but it turns out there are sharks lurking beneath the waters,” he sighed.

“Fortunately, Prin’s concert the other day prompted heightened security, preventing the situation from escalating further.”

“The problems in the underground have been brewing for a long time. Previous mayors have ignored them, and I haven’t had the energy to address them either. I thought maintaining a balance would suffice, but clearly, it’s no longer enough.”

“We don’t know how many hidden labs and bases that dangerous individual has underground. Maybe we’ve found them all, or maybe some have slipped through. We can’t take the risk.”

“Cleaning up the entire underground world is imperative.”

“The city’s police and armed forces alone won’t suffice. We’ll have to request reinforcements from higher authorities, which will undoubtedly be another financial burden.” He rubbed his temples.

“Look on the bright side. If this had gone undiscovered until it was too late, neither you nor I would be sitting here now,” Lady Isabelle said with a shake of her head.

“True.” He sighed deeply and sat up straight.

“Lady Isabelle, you’ve always had a knack for comforting others. I remember meeting you back when I was a naive university student.” Though he was human, Isabelle was a half-elf with a much longer lifespan.

He reminisced about his days studying in the central star region, recalling how Isabelle had once been a guest speaker at his university.

“You probably don’t remember me. There were too many students in attendance.”

“Renith Academy, was it? That does bring back memories.” She smiled faintly.

Before retiring to this remote city, Isabelle had been a senior member of the Federation’s Artists Association and an honorary professor at several prestigious institutions. Even now, her influence in the arts and education remained significant.

Being of mixed blood, she had often struggled to fit in with her pure-blooded elven relatives. After choosing a life of seclusion, she moved to this city, partly due to its poetic name, “Rhapsody of Steel.”

Her café, Crystal Dream, was co-owned with local acquaintances, serving as both a retreat and a pastime. Thanks to her presence, retired performers like “Botis” and “Amdusias” had chosen to work there, and the young “Forneus” had been introduced through family connections to escape the complications of her lineage.

Their conversation shifted to memories of the past and the next generation of performers.

“Miss Yolanda once mentored Prin. Their styles are quite similar. But unlike the ‘Verdant Serpent’ Yolanda, the ‘Fiery Sugar’ Princoco’s charm is far more endearing.”

“Miss Yolanda seems to have discovered another prodigy recently. Her luck is remarkable,” Lady Isabelle added.

“A new prodigy? Another singer?” The mayor’s curiosity was piqued.

“Yes, a young girl of only 16, named Hestia Thilan. She currently works at Crystal Dream.”

“What a delightful surprise.” The mayor stroked his chin, pondering how this young talent could boost the city’s image.

“Don’t rush things. She’s still too young for the spotlight. Premature exposure could disrupt her growth,” Lady Isabelle advised firmly.

“Very well, if you insist.” The mayor sighed, realizing that by the time the girl matured into a star, his tenure might already have ended.

“Still, it’s good news. If she achieves greatness, even the Constellation Governor will take notice, and the Four-Leaf Crystal Constellation might regain some vitality.”

“For now, focus on protecting her. Where does she live?”

“The lower residential area.”

“That’s too dangerous, especially after recent events.” The mayor’s concerns for the lower city deepened.

“Don’t interfere with her life unnecessarily,” Lady Isabelle said with a shake of her head.

“She’ll soon be attending high school and won’t stay in the lower district for long. If she’s managed to bloom despite the darkness, she’ll continue to thrive. All we need to do is quietly admire her journey. Interfering too early might do more harm than good.”

“I’ve seen too many talented individuals falter due to early arrogance and overexposure. Providing her with a stable and fair platform is enough. She’ll pave her own path.”

“Wise as always, Lady Isabelle. If only Miss Yolanda had heeded your advice back then. She’s a regret for our constellation,” the mayor said, shaking his head.

“Life isn’t a single road. Miss Yolanda might have left the stage, but I trust she had found happiness in other ways. Let’s not be too quick to judge.”

Isabelle shared her own experience of leaving the central star region, recounting how her relationships with her sisters improved after the distance.

The conversation wound down, and Isabelle departed, stepping into a vertical lift.

Though the city lacked the golden grandeur of the central star regions, its industrial rhythm and echoes of steel exuded a unique charm.

“Golden Flame Rose, Isanisha, your dream now blooms across many star systems. We elves will carry your legacy, turning desolate iron-gray planets into lush forests and meadows, with flowers blooming in abundance.”

Pressing her hand to her chest, the golden rose ring on her finger gleamed in the darkness, like a real flower in full bloom.