The Frog Prince and the Witch Chapter 15
Translated by MissQ (ko-fi)
Chapter 15: The Wrath of a Witch
The mansion in the forest burned fiercely, its flames not the usual fiery red, but a haunting shade of blue.
Ian was astonished to discover that the lizard had transformed into a flaming dragon the size of a stallion. The majestic creature wreaked havoc on the mansion, effectively suppressing the madwoman's frantic attempts to escape the crumbling structure.
The screams and curses of the residents did not alter Joanna’s expression; she remained unfazed, protectively cradling the frog in her hands. This was not the first time she had wielded such forces—and it certainly would not be the last.
Suddenly, a figure staggered out from the inferno. Rather than the screaming Vivian, it was the grotesque "servant." Nearly charred, he stumbled forward and collapsed at Joanna's feet. His heavy breaths were labored, akin to a fan stirring the flames of an iron stove, while his throat rasped out a weak voice.
Joanna regarded him for a moment before gently placing the frog on her shoulder and reaching out to touch the servant’s face. Whenever she encountered stray dogs or cats along her path, particularly those that showed her kindness, she would always respond with a tender caress. In this instance, she extended the same gentleness to him, despite his half-burned and distorted form.
"Pitiful child… truly a pitiful child…"
A deep sadness welled up within her as she felt a pang of compassion for this unfamiliar being. This "servant" was nothing more than a fragmented soul and shattered body, twisted together by dark magic, enduring indescribable agony with every breath. What sin had he committed to deserve such a fate? No… perhaps he had merely crossed paths with that madwoman unknowingly, provoking her wrath and being left in this wretched state.
Sometimes, Joanna found it difficult to comprehend humanity, despite being human herself.
"Child, do you wish for me to grant you relief?" she asked softly, her voice imbued with genuine kindness. The "servant" blinked in response, his delight evident, though his melted skin was now a mesh that rendered him unable to nod.
Ian watched in astonishment as Joanna bent down to kiss the man’s charred forehead. The servant’s skin was anything but soft, and he was far from the cute, furry cats she often encountered. Yet, without hesitation, she pressed her lips to his cheek, disregarding his grotesque appearance.
After the kiss, the "servant" smiled contentedly, finally closing his eyes and resting his head upon Joanna’s lap. Ian gazed at the pitiful figure before him, and for reasons he could not quite grasp, he no longer found him repulsive. Instead, he saw a man burdened by a tragic fate.
He was a soul deserving of compassion, just like him.
"I wish you a good journey, child. I bestow a blessing upon you as the Witch of the Wilderness." Joanna caressed the lifeless "servant" one last time before gently placing him on the ground. With a resolute grip on her wooden staff, she rose with an air of dignity. What may have begun as a light punishment for Vivian had now transformed into a vow of unyielding vengeance.
Vivian, having finally escaped the inferno of the mansion, stood a short distance away in a disheveled state. Despite her dirty clothes, she had an uncanny ability to retain an air of charm, even in her current sorry appearance. Her delicate and lovely figure could still evoke sympathy; unfortunately for her, she now stood before not a handsome and compassionate prince, but an enraged witch alongside a prince weary of her madness.
The dragon unfurled its majestic wings, crashing through the roof before landing gracefully beside Joanna. The Black Phoenix, wreathed in blue flames, returned to her side, settling once more on its beloved wooden staff.
"You bitch!" Vivian spat, her voice hoarse, yet she still summoned the energy to glare fiercely at Joanna.
"As your predecessor, I must remind you that black magic yields only malevolent consequences," Joanna stated, her gaze fixed upon Vivian with disapproval. "One small mistake, and your dark magic will turn against you, your contracted demon dragging you down into an eternal abyss. Your bones may linger on this earth, but your soul will never again see the light of day…"
"Mind your own business!" Vivian shrieked, summoning the shadows that hovered ominously by her side, and commanded, "Bring him back to me!"
Joanna chuckled derisively, her confidence unwavering. "Do you truly believe you possess the power to defeat me a second time?"
