Brin was immediately consumed with one question: Could [Witches] see through the eyes and ears of their familiars? Because if so, Davi’s mom had heard him sing a song about how he wanted to run his fingers in her hair.

If she’d heard that, then things were about to get really awkward.

It also wasn’t a great idea to receive a [Witch’s] hospitality–it hadn’t even been a full day since Hogg had told him that–but as far as Mrs. Pimental was concerned, it was already far, far too late to worry about that. He’d eaten with the Pimental family at least once a week for several months now. If she wanted to hex him, she’d already had plenty of opportunities.

He also wanted to try [Inspect] on her, to see if anything new showed up now that he knew what she was.

And if he didn’t go? It would probably be fine. But what about next time he was invited, and the time after that? Eventually she would catch on that he was avoiding her, and that risked offending her.

It was probably dumb, but just going along and acting like everything was normal was probably the safer option.

“Brin?” asked Davi.

“Oh. Sure, I’ll come,” said Brin.

They wiped the sweat off with rags and a bucket of water from the river, and then walked back into town to the Pimental’s house.

When they reached the dining room, Davi’s two younger brothers were already sitting at the table, as well as his father Alvir.

The youngest Pimental, Yon, perked up when he saw Brin come in. “Brin! It’s Brin! Is it true you’re a bad guy?”

“The baddest,” said Brin, with a mysterious crook of an eyebrow.

“Yon! You can’t just ask somebody if they’re a bad guy,” scolded Davi’s father. His voice was firm, but his thickset chest was shivering with suppressed laughter.

“He used to be a bad guy,” said Davi. “He’s a boring normal commoner now.”

“Aw…” said Yon.

“It’s true,” said Brin with a theatrical sigh. “My days of glory are behind me.”

“What was it like?” he asked.

“Oh, it was the greatest!” said Brin. “It was like nothing could hurt me, and I was so strong I couldn’t believe it. I fought through those undead soldiers like they were nothing. Bam! Another one bites the–”

The door to the kitchen burst open, revealing Bruna, Davi’s mom. “What webs are you spinning in here?”

Brin moved his eyes to the table. “Sorry ma’am. Hogg did all the fighting. I just ran away and even then I almost died. Bad Classes are bad, never take one.”

“That’s what I thought,” said Bruna. “I’ll bring supper out in a moment.”

She went back into the kitchen, and Brin silently mouthed the words, “No they aren’t.” He gave a thumbs-up and smiled. “Evil Classes are so much fun!”

Davi’s brothers broke into a fit of giggles. Alvir frowned, but again his stomach shook with suppressed laughter.

Davi’s sisters came in, holding plates with both hands. They were both as tall as their mother, with none of the stockiness that Davi had clearly inherited from Alvir.

Bruna entered right behind them, and the women placed the plates on the table before taking a seat. Dinner was steak and mato, not the most original meal, but he wouldn’t complain. Bruna’s steaks were a masterwork, and as for the mato… well, he was getting used to it.

“Woops, forgot something,” said Bruna, and shot up from her seat to move towards the kitchen.

She ruffled Alvir’s hair as she passed, but then lingered there. Her hand moved back and forth through his hair, possessively. Almost sensuously. She gave Brin a significant glance, and then let her hand fall away.

She knew.

He fired off an [Inspect].

Bruna Pimental

Level unknown. At least 27. Probably higher.

Age: 39

Class: Witch. Evolved from Farmer.

Your best friend’s mom. She thinks you have a crush on her. Mrs. Pimental has set her [Hide Status] Skill to show [Farmer] and Level 27.