The Frog Prince and the Witch Chapter 5
Translated by MissQ
Chapter 5: The Prince's Unexpected Rescue
The gentle hand was not an illusion.
When Ian awoke, he found himself cradled in the palm of an unfamiliar hand, covered with a damp scarf. The moisture from the scarf had soothed his parched skin, providing a sense of comfort and relief.
Startled, he croaked softly, only to feel a tender caress in response. A soft, cool voice murmured, “Awake? Rest here until we reach the pond.”
Her hand enveloped him protectively, firm yet gentle enough to avoid crushing him. The chill of her palm was unexpected; while it felt pleasantly refreshing for a frog, it suggested an unsettling aspect of her health.
Ian looked up and gazed into a pale face.
The woman wasn’t conventionally beautiful, her features framed by an aloof demeanor that made her seem distant and unapproachable. Yet, despite her cool exterior, she cradled the frog with careful consideration, her other hand sheltering him with a small black-and-blue parasol. She navigated through the tall grasses, small puddles, and mud, determined to find a pond where he could be safe.
Ian couldn’t help but stare at her, dazed. It had been so long since he had experienced such kindness that it felt like a dream. He wished to remain in the warmth of her palm forever, never to part from this gentle sanctuary.
“Here it is,” she said, exerting effort as she crouched down to the ground, lifting her parasol to shield him from the sun. Gently, she placed him on a wet stone, and after taking a good look at him, she reached out to caress his head with her cool fingertip. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen such a skinny frog.” She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. “Were you bullied by other frogs?”
No, that couldn’t be the case.
The prince observed the curious girl before him. She was clad in a black-and-blue dress with long sleeves, and her gloved hands were fully covered. Only her face was partially exposed, revealing pale skin, though much of her features were concealed by a delicate net. This lady—no, this maiden—was so young that it puzzled him why she dressed like a widow.
After gently placing the frog down, she rose and used her umbrella to shield herself from the scorching sun. The parasol was exquisitely crafted, its dainty form betraying a sense of elegance, but its dark blue hue cast a gloomy shadow over her presence. Unfortunately, her penchant for somber colors had often drawn strange looks from passersby.
However, at that moment, Ian himself wasn’t quite “human”; colors appeared differently to a frog compared to a person. Thus, even though others might judge her as unusual for her black attire, Ian held no such opinion. Instead, the first thought that crossed his mind upon beholding her was a longing for her to remain by his side.
“Be wise—don’t let yourself be bullied by the other frogs. And remember to eat a little more.” The maiden wrapped her scarf around him before finally walking away.
Within the confines of the scarf, Ian watched helplessly as her figure receded from view. Her hair danced in the wind as she moved on. The frog leapt desperately after her, but his exhaustion overwhelmed him—in the end, he couldn’t catch up.
Don’t go… Croak.
Please, don’t leave…… Croak. Croak.
His croak was so weak that it barely registered in the air. In the end, he was left behind by his goddess.
The prince was left kneeling on the ground, the pond before him shimmering under the sun. The edge of the pool was alive with tiny insects, a plentiful source for his next meal.
Yet, today, the prospect of food felt particularly unappetizing.
