Natasha's POV:
I couldn't help but look up at Carla's words. After calming down her voice had returned to normal, although her eyes were still slightly swollen. Despite my surprise, Carla's eyes looked totally serious.
- Did I hear that right, junkie? Do you want to take custody of her?
- Yes, I have every intention of taking Natasha under my care.
My teacher's gaze became even more penetrating while Carla remained calm, returning her gaze. A strange sigh sounded from the other side of the room.
- …How beautiful, seeing two witches fight over the love of a little rookie witch… it's really beautiful.
- … is it just me or does the air feel dangerous now?
On the other hand, Janeth seemed delighted with the development of the situation, enthralled by the scene. Hasumi, on the other hand, writhed in panic as she got back behind her chair. Despite their comments, neither my teacher nor Carla seemed to care about those two.
- You think I'll just sit back while you try to steal my student from me?
- Your student? That's kind of funny considering Natasha had no idea until just now what reality anchors are.
- I-I'd teach her eventually.
- Natasha, how long have you been with that mangy beast?
When the conversation turned to me, I panicked as I desperately thought of the answer. At my reaction, Clara gently placed her hand on my head as she gently stroked me.
- You don't have to panic, just answer honestly.
- … like 15 days?
The room fell into a deathly silence at my answer. Cathelaya seemed especially shocked as she let out a sigh.
- You didn't teach the little one something so basic in 2 weeks?
- B-but that stupid shape-shifter gave her to me all of a sudden! I needed some time to digest it.
- And that's why you taught her to read instead rather than control her powers?
- Ugggg.
At Carla's remark, my teacher seemed to be cornered. It seems that my teacher was not a good teacher at all.
- For this reason, I claim the right to be Natasha's teacher instead of this wild beast.
The room had a strange aura as murmurs could be heard among the others. My teacher seemed to want to say something, but couldn't find the right words. I couldn't help but sigh at this situation, then raise my hand.
- Huh? Do you have something to say Natasha?
At Carla's question, I nodded my head. Carla then called everyone's attention.
- Girls, please be quiet. Natasha wants to say something.
After the silence that occurred, all eyes were on me, I took a breath for a few seconds to gain courage and began.
- I know that my teacher is not exactly the best teacher you can find. She's childish, easily discouraged, and a bit wild when talking to people.
My teacher, who seemed on the verge of tears at my words, looked at me slightly desperate. I sighed again and continued.
- But she is my teacher after all. Although her priorities are a mess, she is a warm person who can understand the feelings of a monster like me. Although I can't say that I dislike the idea of Carla as my teacher, my teacher is my teacher.
- Nath…
At my little speech, the room fell silent again. Carla looked at me with some strangeness.
- Are you really okay with that thing as your teacher?
I just nodded in response. She sighed as she continued to caress my head.
- Fine, if Natasha doesn't want to change teachers, then I don't have the right to force her.
- Hahahaha. Learn your place, junkie.
- But!
At Carla's sudden comment, my teacher silently looked at Carla.
- You must catch up with your duties as a teacher from now on. If you don't, I will take Natasha from you, even if I have to do it by force.
- Ohh? Do you think you can beat me, junkie?
- Of course I can, it will be like taking a bone from a lapdog.
A sudden hostility arose in the room. Both seemed to want to jump at each other's necks immediately. With a sigh, Cathelaya intervened again.
- Enough! You two really can't be fixed… But Carla is right, I don't really trust your abilities to teach others Judith.
- Y-you too?
- That's why I propose another solution. Instead of only Judith being your teacher, both of you will share the work.
- Huh?
A silly voice came from my teacher and Carla in unison.
- If Nath decided to stay with me, then why do I have to share it with her?
- Of course you can refuse Judith, but when the time comes, it won't just be Carla who's going after you.
- Against the drug addict is one thing, but against Cathelaya too?...
- I totally agree with that.
Carla, with a smile on her face, quickly joined in with Grandma's proposal. With a sigh of resignation, my teacher gave in.
- I guess I have no other choice.
After that, the discussion between the three of them intensified around what my teacher and Carla's work would be like from now on. The atmosphere softened so much that I settled against Carla as I relaxed. The heat produced by her body eventually affected me. The comfort she gave me and her scent calmed me while taking my breath away. Slowly my consciousness sank into darkness.
Judith's POV:
- So this is how we'll organize ourselves.
After saying that, Cathelaya headed to the door of the room. There was only me and the drug addict who was still sitting. Seeing her, I realized that I couldn't move.
- It seems that this meeting was really too much for her...
On her lap, Nath was asleep with a much more relaxed expression than when she was awake. For some reason the drug addict seemed delighted with this situation and it bothered me.
- Hihihi, it seems that little Natasha fell asleep. Was my lap too comfortable for you?
As she said it, she slowly stroked Nath's hair as if playing with her hair.
- Could you give it to me already? I want to go to sleep too.
- That's why you're nothing but a wild beast. How do you want to move her right now? What if you wake her up?
- So you plan to stay like this with her all night?
- … I guess I wouldn't mind if it's with Natasha.
- You really pamper her too much…
- I don't want to hear that from you.
After a brief silence, I pounce on the drug addict, taking Natasha from her in the blink of an eye.
- Hey, don't be so…
With a signal from me, she falls silent when she sees that, despite the movement, Nath is still asleep. She looks at me in disbelief and lets out a deep sigh.
- It's really frustrating how fast you are…
- It's your fault for not being able to react to something of that level.
At my words, the drug addict frowns as she looks at me without saying anything else. Carefully carrying her, I take Nath to our door with the help of the drug addict.
- Thank you for opening the door for me, as you can see, I have my hands full. You can really be nice from time to time.
- Shut up, I'm doing this for Natasha, not for you. Don't confuse things.
With a small snort, she turns around and heads towards her door. I enter my door and after walking a few moments I reach my bed. I gently lay Nath down on it and cover her with the blankets. I get up and look for some clothes to sleep in while I look at Nath out of the corner of my eye. After this, I get into bed as well and settle down next to her. There I can see Nath's sleeping face. Before I know it I'm gently caressing her cheek. She makes an adorable little sound as I do so. I can't help but giggle as I watch her.
- Thank you for choosing me Nath.
After saying this I continue to play with her face until drowsiness finally gets the best of me and I lose consciousness.