The Frog Prince and the Witch Chapter 13
Translated by MissQ (ko-fi)
Chapter 13: The Frog in Captivity
Once again, Ian found himself engulfed in darkness.
The madwoman had taken him away, imprisoning him in a golden birdcage. Her gaze was fixed on him with an unsettling blend of obsession and affection, a look that churned his stomach. He turned away and closed his eyes, desperately pretending not to notice her shameless adoration.
"I finally found you, my Highness, my Prince…" Vivian said, her smile wide and unnerving. "You belong to me, my Prince. You are mine… mine alone!"
She transported the birdcage to a mansion nestled deep within the forest. The building, though ancient, was remarkably clean. Ian wondered how it remained so well-maintained until he caught sight of a "servant" with a grotesquely distorted face and body.
Vivian kicked the servant with disdain. "Go! You’re too ugly. I created you to clean up the mess while I’m away, and yet here you are, daring to sully my vision!"
Created… This woman actually created such a grotesque being! Ian stared at the distorted "servant" in horror, only to realize that the creature displayed emotion. Its tearful eyes shimmered with a profound sadness—an unfathomable grief that pierced his heart.
Indeed. How could he forget that the "servant" never wished to become such a wretched thing? Just as Ian never desired to be transformed into a frog! Yet, in his darkest hour, he had encountered the kind Joanna, who cared for him and offered him solace. But what of this servant? It was doomed to serve this madwoman as its mistress, trapped in a world shrouded in darkness and pain, one that threatened to suffocate its very existence.
Vivian escorted Ian into a lavish room, her enthusiasm palpable as she eagerly showcased her handiwork.
"Look at this crimson window! This lovely little table! And the clothes in the closet… Oh, don’t forget about these splendid swords! All of them are for you, my dear. I ensured that their style aligns with your tastes; with such generous gifts, you must feel comfortable and happy!"
When Ian cast his eyes toward the closet, he recognized the style of clothing as something he had favored in his youth. How was this madwoman so intimately acquainted with his past? How had he failed to notice this until now?
"Do you remember when we first met?" Vivian’s voice softened as she held the birdcage, her eyes glimmering with nostalgia as she recounted a cherished memory. "It was a scorching summer day during the royal hunting festival. I accompanied my father to the palace and arrived at the hunting grounds with a retinue of soldiers. While the men set off to hunt, I, along with a group of ladies, remained behind to drink tea and engage in idle chatter. Bored, I wandered off to the creek alone, and suddenly I encountered a bear! It was you—you who saved me! You gently carried me away and advised me to be more cautious in the future. From that moment on, my heart was filled with you, Your Highness!"
Ian, too, recalled that day. However, his memories focused on leading a group of royal children in the hunt for a bear. The beast had scratched his cousin, nearly costing his life! After slaying the bear, he had ordered his attendant to report the incident without delay. Meanwhile, Ian hurriedly transported his cousin back to camp in search of a physician.
Had this insane woman also been there at the time of the incident? If he could turn back time, he would have never led his cousin to that place! Especially when it was this very injury that had barred his cousin from joining the army.
"Since then, I’ve searched for you in the imperial palace numerous times; I longed to meet and converse with you, but you must have been too shy. That’s why your personal attendant always told me you weren’t available, am I right?"
He truly wasn’t available!
When conflict had erupted along the border, Ian had been dispatched on behalf of his father to assess whether the nobles at the distant frontier harbored rebellious sentiments. He had also been tasked with inspecting the harvest in the southern territory, a duty he fulfilled on behalf of his elder brother, the First Prince. He was overwhelmed with responsibilities! The attendant never mentioned who had been turned away, only that he had successfully blocked people. He trusted the attendant’s judgment, knowing he would recognize who should be intercepted and who should not... If he were to ever return, he was determined to reward this attendant for keeping that madwoman at bay so many times!
"Your Highness, you must love me…" Vivian gazed longingly at the quiet frog within the cage. "How could you not love me? I am beautiful and strong; only I am worthy of you!"
Her irrationality was maddening! Ian couldn’t help but yearn for Joanna’s gentleness and the small, tranquil world they had shared together.
