The Frog Prince and the Witch Chapter 6
Translated by MissQ (ko-fi)
Chapter 6: The Prince's New Family
Ian felt as if he were afflicted by lovesickness. Each day he awoke, unable to shake the memory of the girl’s cold face and her soft whispers.
In his longing, countless thoughts swirled in his mind: Who is she? What is her name? Does she hold any feelings for me? Has she ever worried about whether this frog might fall ill? Will she return? Will she come to see me again? If the maiden does come back, he vowed he would do everything in his power to chase after her.
Hoping to someday reunite with the girl, the frog forced himself to swallow the insects, despite their unappetizing nature. Although he was now considered a mature young man, he couldn’t help but tremble with anxiety each day, living in a daze. He would often gaze in the direction from which the girl had departed, yearning for her return. However, after waiting for two long months, she still did not come back. Listlessly, he continued to look towards that same horizon, struggling to maintain hope.
As the weather began to cool, more and more leaves drifted to the ground. He recognized the signs of autumn’s arrival; it was time for him to find a place to spend the winter instead of lingering by the scarf and the stone.
The pond nearby had its share of muddy spots. When Ian leaped into the water, he inadvertently splashed into the muck, staining the precious scarf. Each time the silk was dirtied, a wave of embarrassment washed over him; how could he, a prince, fail to protect something so simple as a scarf? Determined, he would go to great lengths to wash the crimson cloth in a nearby clean stream. Once it was rinsed and dried, he painstakingly returned it to its designated stone. Exhausted from the effort, he would curl up with the scarf, finding solace in its lingering scent that offered him a dreamless sleep.
Initially, the scarf held the faint fragrance of the young girl, but after multiple washings, it only exuded the unpleasant odors of frogs and mud. Yet, he clung to it stubbornly; as a frog, he was indistinguishable from any wild counterpart. Only that scarlet scarf made him uniquely recognizable, a beacon of hope amid the anonymity of his new existence.
That is, if the girl ever returns.
…
Three months had elapsed since Ian began his vigil by the pond. He gazed up at the moon, his heart heavy with longing.
Suddenly, a shadow fell across the moonlight.
“You're still here?”
The frog squinted in disbelief, his eyes widening at the sight of the pale girl.
I’m here! Croak.
I’ve been waiting for you! Croak. Croak.
The maiden regarded him with a thoughtful expression, her fingers brushing against the silk scarf. It was impeccably clean, as if it had been washed frequently. The frog's eyes brightened at her touch; in that moment, she was his entire world.
“Are you waiting for me?” she asked. Many storms had passed since she left, and autumn was now giving way to winter. Despite the passage of time and the changing seasons, he had remained by the pond.
Yes. Croak.
I have been waiting for you. Croak. Croak. Croak.
The girl blinked, lost in thought.
She harbored a deep compassion for small, helpless creatures, easily moved by their plight. As she gazed at the diminutive frog resting on her silk scarf, an overwhelming wave of emotion surged within her, prompting tears to well in her eyes. Yet, despite her sadness, a gentle smile remained on her lips.
She extended her hand before him. “Do you want to come with me?”
The frog’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he leapt directly into her palms, his tiny front paws grasping her thumb.
The girl laughed softly, her other hand tenderly caressing his head. “Yes, I won’t leave you again. If I had known you wanted to come home with me, I would have brought you along… You actually waited all this time like a fool.”
Yes, I am a fool. Croak.
As long as I can be with you, it doesn’t matter if I remain your fool for life. Croak. Croak. Croak.
