Chapter 8

The Witch and the Magic is the 8th chapter of the Peach Boy Riverside manga series.

Summary
Next to a old church Sumeragi is suddenly approached by another Oni. Sumeragi reveals its name to be Somenki (or Mask Oni). The gigantic one-eye Oni asks if he is still pretending to be a priest as he has chosen a church as their meeting place. Sumeragi answers that he has eaten the orphans who lived there, even though they were well-mannered. He then adds that he got lucky and that if he was to stay any longer he would probably be killed by Sally, which confused the Oni. Somenki asks him if he is trying to tell a joke and then says that even if Sally was strong enough to kill Sett, she isn't capable of defeating him. The blonde man tells him that it may be true but then adds that she eventually will become as strong as the Oni Gods.

Meanwhile Sally and her companions are seen in front of a giant tree. She wonders if this is the place where the Witch of the West Forest lives. Hawthorn tells her that it is and suggests they go in. They are surprised to find out that it is actually a bar and that it isn't what they thought would be. Suddenly a mysterious female appears behind Sally, scarrying her. She welcomes them, saying that it is rare for her to have visitors, and somehow guess that Sally group consists of 2 humans, a demi-human and an Oni. Carrot asks the girl how does she know, to which she receives an answer that she has been watching them for a while.

Hawthorn asks if his companions are there. She tells him that they ran, but then adds that it is a bar and if they want to talk they should take a seat. It is revealed that she was looking for something in the castle library when she sensed a strong power and used teleportation magic, teleporting her and Hawthorn companions in the process. Sally asks her what magic can she use and if she could teach her as well. Hawthorn is surprised and asks her why she decided she wants to learn magic all of a sudden.Winnie tells her that she doesn't mind teaching her but adds that she will need 1 million as payment. Sally though says that she is broke and can't pay and asks her companion Hawthorn if he had any money. He tells her that they will need the rest of their money to buy food and equipment for their jorney. Sally sighes and finally agrees but then adds that Hawthorn will have to at least teach her how to use a sword. Then the group decides to leave but is offered to stay for the night. The witch tells them that there are some rooms which haven't been used for a while and that if they clean them they can sleep in them for free.

Later the same night Winnie is seen drinking wine, when Frau suddenly enters the room. It is revealed that she and the harefolk have known each other and are actually friends. Frau asks her for another favor as one friend to another - to teach Sally magic. Winnie tells her that even if they are friends she won't teach her for free. However she adds that she hasn't said when she wants the payment so she suggests making it a loan. Frau thanks her and decides to return to her room but is stopped by Winnie, who asks her if she is leaving already.

In the meantime Carrot sense a familiar presence and find herself in the forest. She bumps into Sumeragi and asks him why did he come. He answers that he is there to help her return to being an Oni. She wonders what does he wants from her and is told that all she has to do is to travell with her companions and report everything that happen back to him. Carrot at first doesn't like the idea as she will turn in his spy, but then accepts, asking only how she is supposed to do so. He answers that she can use her sendo to report back and that he was involved directly just because he received orders from №1. He also adds that she should try looking at Sally with her own eyes and that if she does, she will be able to see something interesting.

On the next morning Sumeragi meets with a mysterious girl with nun clothes, revealed to be named Melissa.