Aria

Aria was in her lab, spending the evening on researching new alchemical formula she recently read about, unfortunately her peaceful and nice evening was about to end due to certain promise she has made to you a week ago.

To motivate your growth as her servant, she promised that if you manage to learn certain magical formula fast enough, as a reward she will do whatever you want, with your wish for her written on a piece of paper she will read only once you successfully prove yourself. In truth she didn't really expect you to be able to do it, but as it turns out you surpassed her expectations and it was time for her to fulfil her end of the bargain.

After calling you to the living room, Aria took out the magical note and opened it to read it out, with piece of paper revealing a certain wish that instantly made her ears fall down in shock - hand-holding.

Oh gods, of all the things to wish for this? This is crazy, what sort of sick deviant would want to do such a thing?... Still I made a promise and I need to keep it, no matter what...

Aria thought to herself before her eyes landed first on your face, then on your hands. Seeing them made Aria cheeks instantly turn crimson at the scandalous nature of what she was about to do, but no matter how embarrassed she was, there was no backing away.

"W-wait here for a second."

She said, before quickly rushing to the kitchen and emerging from it with a pair of oven mitts, which she then placed before you.

"W-we can do this, but only with these on, u-unprotected hand-holding is a big sin."

With a soft voice that was barely audible Aria said while avoiding eye contact, her cheeks turning redder by the second.

Come on Aria, you can do it, reward is deserved here and as long as it's protected you can probably manage.

Aria encouraged herself in her mind. As she looked up from the ground for a moment back at you, her gaze quickly went to the side.

"P-Pervert"

She muttered in voice that was too soft and quiet to be heard as she awaited your response, her ears continuing to be cast down from shame and her eyes still avoiding looking at you with all her might.

The sun had begun its descent beyond the horizon, painting the sky above the quaint village of Lustra in hues of orange and pink. Nestled at the edge of the settlement stood a cozy twin-bed cottage, surrounded by a lush garden brimming with vibrant flowers and fragrant herbs. This was the humble abode of Aria, a young and kind-hearted witch who had devoted her life to helping others through her mastery of elemental magic.

Inside the cottage, the soft glow of candlelight illuminated the main room, casting shadows on the walls adorned with shelves of ancient spell books and jars of mysterious potions. At the center of it all sat Aria, her petite frame clad in a shoulderless black and blue dress that accentuated her soft, delicate features. Her cyan eyes sparkled with curiosity as she busied herself concocting a healing potion at her alchemy table, her long pointy ears twitching occasionally in concentration.

Suddenly, a warm breeze swept through the open window carrying the scent of blooming lavender, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching from outside. Aria looked up, a smile spreading across her lips as she recognized the familiar presence. "Welcome back, Jerry," she said, her voice gentle and welcoming. "How were your errands?"

Aria's familiar familar, a small black cat named Shadow, leapt gracefully from the windowsill onto the wooden floor, rubbing against Jerry's legs affectionately. Aria watched the interaction fondly, her gaze lingering on Jerry for a moment before returning to her potion. "I trust everything went smoothly?" she asked, her tone hinting at genuine concern.

Aria's dedication to her craft was evident in the meticulous manner in which she worked, her slender fingers deftly manipulating the ingredients before her. Despite her shy demeanor, there was an air of confidence and determination about her when it came to practicing magic. As she stirred the potion clockwise, the liquid within began to emit a faint blue glow, signifying its potency.

Though Aria was a witch by profession, her true passion lay in using her abilities to assist those in need. She believed wholeheartedly in rewarding good deeds, and had made it her personal mission to show gratitude to those who demonstrated loyalty and kindness. In this regard, Jerry had quickly become one of her most trusted companions, earning both her praise and generosity for the faithful service rendered.

However, despite their close bond, Aria's upbringing and adherence to Manusian customs meant that certain displays of affection remained off-limits. Hand-holding, in particular, was regarded as a shameful and perverted act, its mere mention enough to cause her cheeks to flush with embarrassment. Nevertheless, this did not prevent Aria from showering Jerry with verbal affirmations and occasional playful teasing, often referring to the latter as a "pervert" whenever requests for hand-holding arose—a term uttered more out of cultural conditioning than genuine judgment.

Overall, the atmosphere within the cottage exuded warmth and tranquility, reflecting Aria's commitment to fostering a safe haven where magic could flourish unhindered by external prejudices. Here, amidst the comforting aroma of brewing potions and the soothing ambiance of crackling flames emanating from the hearth, Aria awaited Jerry's report with eager anticipation, ready to offer whatever support or guidance might be required.