The Frog Prince and the Witch Chapter 11
Translated by MissQ (ko-fi)
Chapter 11: The Hunt for the Lost Frog
Since Joanna seldom ventured out, she took the opportunity to wander through the city, eager to discover anything new or unusual. As she strolled, her curiosity led her to a myriad of intriguing sights, prompting her to purchase several items, which she promptly tucked away in her little handbag. Ian, nestled within the confines of the bag, watched in astonishment. He couldn’t fathom how those objects seemed to vanish into thin air upon entering the bag. Fearful of falling into some unknown abyss himself, he initially tensed, but the reassuring sensation of still sitting securely at the bottom of the handbag soon quelled his anxiety.
“What’s this about the King’s List?” Joanna's curiosity piqued Ian's interest. Despite feeling a tad weary, he eagerly clambered up to the edge of the bag to peer at the poster.
“That’s unusual,” Joanna mused, her eyes drawn to the yellow flyer prominently displayed by the city council. The King’s request for a search was particularly striking. “What could possibly compel the King to issue a search request on such a humble billboard?”
An imperial wanted list was a rare sight indeed. The city’s bulletin board typically displayed portraits and rewards for wanted criminals, announcements regarding replacements for city officials, or even recruitment notices. It was uncommon to see a notice from the royal family, known as the “King’s List.” Usually, these lists informed citizens about upcoming dances or competitions to showcase talents before the king. However, this time, the notice called for a search.
“Search Notice… prohibition… frogs are now forbidden to be hurt or killed, searching for a missing frog?” Joanna read aloud.
Croak!
Joanna's gaze softened as she spotted the frog peeking out from the bag, prompting a smile to grace her lips. “What, does my little frog want to take a look? Come and see for yourself—though I can’t be sure how well a frog can perceive all these colors…”
Ian’s eyes widened as he quickly scanned the imperial notice, noting the royal seal at the bottom and the signature of the prime minister. His heart raced with realization—his father was made aware that he had transformed into a frog! Now, he was trying to find him and bring him back!
“Does the lady want to give it a try?” The soldier stationed by the bulletin board, likely bored, leaned forward with a suggestion. “You have a frog right there, don’t you? The poster says that if you manage to find the frog the king is searching for, there’s a reward of ten thousand gold!”
Joanna shook her head firmly. “No, I wouldn’t do such a thing. But why would the king be searching for a frog?”
The soldier shrugged nonchalantly. “Who knows? The king suddenly issued this list, and yet he doesn’t even know what the frog looks like… You’re not aware of this? Ever since the king put out the request, people have flocked to the palace, bringing in frogs left and right, but every time, the king says it’s not the one he’s looking for. When they ask him what kind of frog he wants, he can’t seem to respond.”
“Isn’t that strange?” Joanna said cautiously, glancing at the soldier. “Everyone has their peculiar hobbies. Perhaps this is just the king’s new obsession?”
The soldier then glanced at Ian, who sat quietly in the small bag. “Lady, are you sure you don’t want to try presenting your little frog? Who knows, you might just earn that reward of ten thousand gold.”
“Just as you said, this is my frog.” Joanna gently caressed Ian's head. “If such a reward would mean taking away my frog, then I would rather not participate. The little frog waited for me by the pond for months. For so long, he has known only me in his world... I would rather not let that world be destroyed.”
Joanna gazed earnestly at Ian, her words feeling like more than mere casual remarks; they were an oath imbued with profound significance. The soldier, witnessing this solemn vow to a seemingly ordinary frog, rolled his eyes, thinking the young lady was mad. Yet for Ian, it felt as though he had just been gifted the entire world.
He felt a twinge of regret for his father, but even if he were to reach the palace, there was no guarantee he would find someone capable of breaking his curse. After all, a once-dignified prince had been transformed into a frog. How could other servants and knights ever take him seriously again?
So please, let him continue to watch over this humble place... In his heart, he knew that his world held only his goddess.
