TFATW

Chapter 8: The Witch of the Wilderness

Although he became a frog that could croak, Ian still couldn't understand the cacophony of frogs that dwelt outside the house. Naturally, he also couldn't understand what the crow, the lizard, and the turtle's words were when he was in Joanna's home. Only the maiden's words made sense to him; she even had the habit of frequently talking to her pets.

Perhaps it was because he hadn't spoken to anyone for too long-Ian felt that he was increasingly craving Joanna's attention. Compared to the turtle and lizard who were too lazy to move, along with the crow who liked to come near the goddess but refused to be touched, the frog was the most lively one in the house. Thus he received most of the dialogue from Joanna. However, this was simply not enough for him.

He yearned to be embraced by the goddess, yearned to receive all of her attention, and hoped that the goddess would put him at the center of her life.

Recently, Joanna discovered that the frog who was spoiled with her attention had recently become more and more bold. He even dared to climb her bed and sleep on her long hair!

She doesn't mind her pets being affectionate, but this was dangerous for a frog! If he leaves the water for too long, his skin will begin to dry up and crack, right? Isn't this frog being too intimate?

When she first discovered this habit, she was a little reluctant to correct him. However after a number of repeated incidents, she finally couldn't help but reprimand and threaten to confine him if he dared to leave the water basin at night.

Although she was speaking to a frog, she somehow felt embarrassed for her outbreak. The frog looked so sad as if he were about to cry. Joanna couldn't help but sigh and softly said, "The weather is really dry recently. You actually don't pay attention to keeping yourself moist, do you really want to kill yourself?"

He doesn't want to die but.....he also wants to be closer to his goddess!

Although he was reluctant, he could only comply. After all, I can only continue to accompany the goddess by being able to live long enough.

As this thought crossed his mind, a knock pounded on the door.

Joanna's home was quite remote. Only specially hired people would come to her house. Joanna was also unaccustomed to liveliness so not many people would visit her abode.

Still, many of the families in the neighboring village would come to her to exchange their food with her services in writing; after all, there were few people who were literate in this era, and even fewer were literate women. If any women were found to be literate without having a noble lineage, 80% of them were rumored to be a horrible existence........for example, a witch.

But today, the newly arrived visitors from the neighboring village didn't come to Joanna for the sake of writing letters.

When Ian saw Joanna greet the person outside the door, he felt that her attitude had changed. She was no longer the goddess who was very tender to him. Instead she acted like an aloof mistress; she didn't greet the outsiders like she normally would, neither did she offer them a seat. She simply went straight for her favorite chair, sat down, then looked up at her unwelcome guests.

Behind her chair was a fireplace with a large portrait. The lady on the painting should be Joanna's mother since they both shared similar features. Her mother was also dressed in black and blue clothes, having eyes that were chilly, along with an expression that was equally cold and distant. Next to the seat was a small table that held the water basin where Ian was currently immersed.

When he saw Joanna sit down, he could clearly see that she didn't like her guests. Her expression was a lot colder than when he first met her....her indifference made her seem like a completely different person. Ian quickly leaned forward and touched her fingertips with the tip of his nose. Feeling his touch, Joanna turned to look at him with her usual gentle expression, and she finally calmed down; she was still his goddess, not someone else.

"Say it, what's the matter?" Joanna asked disdainfully. "What kind of mess did your immature son commit this time?"

The guest pulled down her hood to reveal a worn out, wrinkled face. It was a timid old woman.

"He......he didn't play around women anymore. He finally settled for a job. But he went to gamble!" The old woman broke down in tears. "I warned him several times but he still insisted on borrowing money from others."

The young man who stood behind his mother suddenly burst out in defense, "It's because I couldn't stand losing so many times, so I continued to gamble! I can't help it.....I won't dare to trouble you again after this matter!"

Joanna picked up the frog and began to caress his back, over and over again......if it was a cat the guests could continue to watch comfortably. However in this scene, the girl was actually holding a frog. The old woman stared with surprise and fright. Ian didn't understand why the maiden would hold him now at this time, being oblivious to the drama she was creating. However he enjoyed being in her palms and would occasionally give a croak or two, as if to express his comfort and satisfaction.

As a result, the scene looked even more disturbing.

Joanna looked at her guests with contempt. "You and my mother used to be good friends long ago. She reminded you often that it was wrong to spoil you son in this way. She said not to raise your child in this way because your son is the kind of person who couldn't be saved once he has fallen into a pit.....However instead of paying heed, you let your son do whatever he wants, thus turning him into a parasite. The last time you came for help, I treated you as my mother's friend so I decided to help in whatever way I could. However, this time a solution won't be that simple......For your son, what price are you willing to pay?"

"Whatever you want! Even my life!"

"Why would I want your life?" Joanna's tone was still cold, "Master Ferdelli's writings.....Yes, his books. If you can find his works for me, I can give you the help you need.

The old woman was surprised. "This....."

"You used to be the administrator of the city's grand library. How could you possibly not know where those books are?" Joanna carefully placed the frog back into the basin, then stood up. "Bring me those books, then we'll continue our conversation. You should leave now and treat it as if you've never visited here today."

"Yes!" the old woman exclaimed excitedly. "I will, I will definitely get those books for you! Please help my child."

"Fine." Once Joanna gets the books, her problems can be solved. The maiden lifted her finger and pointed to the door, "I won't be sending you off."

The old woman quickly nodded and left with her son. Thinking of something, she suddenly walked back and stood by the door; as if seeking one final assurance, she shyly asked, "Witch of the Wilderness, please be sure to keep your promise!"

"Um" Joanna reluctantly nodded. Unbeknownst to her, Ian felt deeply unsettled, as if a huge wave had set storm into his heart.