The Frog Prince and the Witch Chapter 27
Translated by MissQ (ko-fi)
Chapter 27: The Prince's Night with the Witch
The carriage brought them to a luxurious inn near the palace, where the service and amenities far surpassed those of the civilian inns they had previously visited.
Ian felt a wave of displeasure wash over him. While others may not have recognized the significance, he knew this establishment was part of his mother's family’s holdings—one of her dowries. His maternal lineage consisted of merchants who had built their wealth through extensive trade, spreading their businesses across the kingdom and into neighboring territories. They were not from old money; before their rise, they had been ordinary peasants. Indeed, it was their wealth, rivaling that of kingdoms, that swayed his imperial grandfather to accept the union when his father fell in love with his mother.
Yet, it was their formidable strength that had forged this bond. Moreover, the crux of the matter was that his mother shared the same affection for his father—unlike the predicament he now found himself in.
As they stepped out of the carriage, eager attendants hurried forward to greet them, undeterred even by the lizard perched on Joanna’s shoulder. Perhaps his mother had instructed them to find bold and clever servants? Otherwise, a typical person would surely have reacted with shock, much like the astonished passersby nearby.
"Caw!" The crow, perched on the wooden staff, let out a sharp cry. Joanna quickly approached, stroking it gently and offering soothing words.
"Don’t worry; It’s just a bit crowded. With me here, everything will be just fine."
This crow had its wings broken by humans. It had lingered in the bustling market in search of scraps, only to be met with disdain from the butcher, who dealt it a harsh blow. Typically, crows are social creatures, known for their ability to hold grudges; when one is attacked, a whole flock will seek vengeance, and their strength is well recognized among the market's patrons. Yet, this particular crow stood apart—perhaps it had been driven from its kin for reasons unknown, leaving it to fend for itself, which emboldened the butcher to act against it.
It was Joanna who happened upon the injured bird and, recognizing its plight, took it home to nurse it back to health. However, while she was skilled in healing humans, she had little knowledge of avian care. As a result, though the crow recovered, it could no longer fly for extended periods. Fearful of strangers, it remained deeply attached to Joanna, staying by her side ever since.
At that moment, a lizard had already made itself comfortable on Joanna's shoulder, leaving the crow less inclined to perch there. Thus, she retrieved the wooden staff from the cabinet, using it as a new resting place for the crow.
With the staff in hand, she paid no mind to the expressions of those around her, following the waiter into the opulent room. Though it was called a room, it resembled a small house, featuring three chambers and a spacious parlor, exuding an air of grandeur. Everywhere she looked, there were colorful rattles beckoning for attention, and the service was nothing short of exceptional.
"Get some rest," she said to Ian as she gently set her three pets down.
"Mistress," Ian called out, hesitating as he searched for the right words.
"What’s wrong?" Joanna asked, her brow furrowing with concern. "Is your body uncomfortable? Would you like me to examine you?"
Ian shook his head. "No, I just have an unreasonable request. I’m not sure if it can be fulfilled…"
"What is it?"
If he were truly sent back tonight… if his goddess decided to cast him aside and return him to the palace, never to see her again, he wished for at least a moment worth remembering. It felt as though the time spent with his goddess was never enough to cherish; it would never suffice… yet now, it seemed a full stop was about to be drawn.
"Tonight, can I sleep next to you?" Ian lowered his gaze, reluctant to witness the goddess's fury directed at him. "I promise to be very still and not disturb you! I just want to be close to you. It’s just… I…"
The flustered look on his face reminded her of the little frog that had clung to her hair during their shared slumber, steadfast in its grip even as she attempted to move. Was her scent truly that enticing? Curiously, she tugged at her hair and inhaled; it was clean, devoid of any distinct fragrance.
"I know this request is unreasonable, and I wouldn’t blame you if you refused…" After a prolonged silence with no response, he mumbled, his shoulders drooping in despair.
"I haven’t refused," Joanna said, watching as the man's previously despondent eyes suddenly sparkled with hope. Though she felt a pang of concern for his enthusiasm, a part of her was undeniably pleased… but she shouldn’t be. She really shouldn’t feel happy about his infatuation, even if she was the object of it. "Go wash up; I’ll wait for you."
With a rush of joy, Ian darted away, leaving her to sigh softly as she retreated to another bathroom to freshen up.
