Champignon Witch Episode 12: Episode 12

The episode proper begins in a grand, ornate chamber where several magic users gather. Anri, with his calm demeanor, welcomes Luna and others, including Rishe. He reassures Lord Ori that the palace's formidable barrier makes it the safest refuge. There is an immediate sense of gravity, an understanding that these individuals carry important, dangerous secrets.

Anri explains Rishe's presence, describing her as a blood relative, a White Witch who has embraced the mission of a Black Witch. He holds a peacock feather, a symbolic gesture of his authority. Rishe kneels, a purple light surrounding her, looking burdened by her hidden role in the White Witch palace. This moment confirms her perilous situation.

Luna appears surprised, blushing, as Anri praises Rishe. Then Lord Ori speaks, blushing shyly himself as he confesses his deep, protective feelings for the Black Witch. He expresses a powerful urge to help, even to risk his life for her. His determination is clear, despite his initial embarrassment.

Lord Ori later looks tired, leaning on his hand. Rishe, however, clutches her chest in pain. A red string appears, reflecting an unbreakable, agonizing bond between the two. She closes her eyes, wishing to escape the overwhelming connection she feels, a clear sign of deep, internal distress.

Anri questions Lord Ori about the 'Atrocity mission,' making Lord Ori panic. He transforms into a paper airplane, attempting to flee. When confronted about scattering the 'atrocity factor,' Lord Ori bemoans the difficulty of his job, feeling misunderstood. He complains about the impossible demands placed upon him while dealing with monstrous threats.

Anri criticizes Lord Ori for scattering the 'atrocity factor,' noting that Rishe has been burdened by inhaling it. Rishe gasps, unwell, confirming this. Lord Ori, defensive, insists he only scattered a small amount and that the rest was properly transported. He criticizes Luna and the perceived ethical laxity of wind magic users, radiating frustration and anger.

Lord Ori's frustration boils over as he radiates red energy, ranting about being judged from afar. Anri, in response, remains calm, almost cold. He acknowledges Lord Ori's complaints with a curt 'That's right,' then suggests leaving the 'atrocity' handling to others who might have more 'speaking rights.' Lord Ori screams, caught in a fire conjured by Anri, before transforming into a paper airplane again and flying off, unnoticed by the seemingly indifferent Anri.

Anri thanks Lord Ori for his work, applying a 'fake shield' to his memories for discretion. Lord Ori then bids a fond farewell to Luna, expressing his happiness at having met her. After Anri departs, Luna places her hand on Lord Ori's back, extracting a glowing mushroom from him, followed by another from his mouth. This painful healing process leaves him relieved, yet also reveals the constant suffering of poison users.

Anri explains that poison users, despite their tolerance, are still constantly affected by toxins, performing their duties while poisoned. Only Luna possesses true immunity. Rishe watches, shocked, realizing the immense hardship faced by these magic users. The extracted mushrooms float away, a transient beauty that symbolizes the fleeting nature of their health and well-being. Lord Ori is then rejuvenated, light and energetic, thanking Luna with a flustered blush.

Rishe asks Luna if she can cure any illness, prompting Luna to explain that illnesses tied to fate carry a 'price to pay' if forced. Rishe worries about these consequences. Lord Ori then returns, announcing he'll leave Rishe and Luna to talk, as he prepares for Rishe's 'final interview.' He points at Rishe's chest, signaling the gravity of this impending test.

Under a starry castle sky, Lord Ori reveals to a shocked Rishe that she is a 'cursed child,' an 'egg of an atrocity,' destined to become an 'atrocity' herself. Rishe is disoriented, surrounded by stars and clouds, feeling lost and fearful. Lord Ori comforts her, recognizing her shock and admitting he revealed the truth on his own initiative, despite orders to keep it secret. Rishe confirms her long-held premonition, accepting her sad fate.

As dark, smoky figures surround Rishe, she falls to her knees in despair. Lord Ori pats her head, sharply telling her not to succumb to self-pity, his harsh words somehow saving her. He then observes Rishe's 'futile one-sided love' for Luna, mockingly calling it obvious. Rishe explodes in fury, accusing Lord Ori of callously dismissing emotions he cannot understand, heartbroken by his perceived lack of empathy.

Lord Ori, initially bewildered by Rishe's outburst, then looks sad. He recalls his own past, a time when love and duty clashed, causing his magic to 'go wild.' He speaks of a 'small, but similar kind of love' that remained, a bittersweet acceptance. Rishe and Lord Ori then hold hands, finding a quiet comfort in their shared understanding. He declares them 'partners in crime' as they walk towards the moonlit sky.

Luna watches Rishe and Lord Ori from a window, her expression unreadable, as she narrates her resolve to embrace this love and follow her own path. Rishe echoes this sentiment, holding a glowing mushroom, looking determined. The episode concludes with Luna and Rishe sharing joyful smiles, then sleeping peacefully together. A scene of them hanging laundry outside a mushroom house signifies a new, peaceful beginning for them both.