Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (魔女の旅々)

Ever since I was young, I loved to read.

My favorite book was The Adventures of Nike .

It contained records of the witch, Nike, as she traveled around the world.

I want to go to lots of places like Nike!

Then first, you need to study to become a witch like Nike.

If I become a witch, then you'll let me travel?

Of course. Right?

Huh?

Yeah...

Only once you're older and become a witch, okay?

Really?

Really really?

Really really.

I'm going to be a witch!

I don't mean to brag,

but I worked assiduously,

studying fervently, day after day.

And then...

There was a girl who passed the magic exams at age 14--

the youngest in the history of the Peaceful Country of Robetta--

and she became an apprentice witch.

That's right, it was me.

Elaina, the Apprentice Witch

Congrats on passing your magic exams, Elaina.

We're so proud of you.

What's wrong? You're not happy?

The other examinees were so weak...

At this rate, it's only a matter of time before I become a full witch, huh?

Oh?

Oh, my...

In order for an apprentice witch to become a full witch,

she must study under another witch and have her acknowledge her abilities.

Coming!

Yes, what is it?

U-Um, I'm Elaina, and I just passed the magi--

Coming!

Oh, you're...

I just passed the magic exams and--

However, it seemed the witches of this country did not find it amusing

that I was the youngest to ever pass the magic exams...

I can't do it! I'm sorry!

...and they all refused my request to be their apprentice.

At this rate, I won't be able to become a witch.

What should I do...?

It seems a suspicious witch has settled down deep in the woods.

I heard those rumors, too. Apparently, she's called the Stardust Witch.

I went to go meet this "Stardust Witch."

I thought that if she didn't know who I was,

then maybe she'd take me on as an apprentice.

Is that it?

Now, now...

The Stardust Witch...?

There, there!

Maybe I'll go home...

There!

Oh, good, good!

Yup, yup!

There, there!

Oh, oh, yay!

Um, excuse me...

Oh? What's this?

Could you be Miss Elaina?

You know who I am?

Yes. You're the girl who passed the magic exams easily at 14, right?

You're famous, for better or for worse.

Well, did you need something?

No. Sorry to bother you.

Are you here to ask about becoming my apprentice?

In that case--

You're going to say no, anyway, right?

It's fine.

Huh?!

I've got time, anyway.

But... um, me...?

I'm not the same as the Robetta witches.

It doesn't matter what kind of girl you are to me.

Please let me be your apprentice!

This is how I met the Stardust Witch--my teacher, Miss Fran.

Good morning!

Good morning...

I'm hungry. Please make something to eat.

What would you like?

Let's see...

I feel like steak.

Isn't that kind of heavy for breakfast?

Then, some of those weeds over there will do.

Aren't you giving up a little too much?

Then, bread will be fine!

I'm going to go pick some wild vegetables.

Um, Miss Fran, I'd like you to teach me some magic...

We'll do that later. I'm off!

See you later...

No matter how many days passed, Miss Fran wouldn't teach me at all.

Elaina, we're out of food.

Please go buy some from the town.

Yes, ma'am.

Elaina, please catch about five geckos.

I need them for my research.

Yes, ma'am.

Elaina, is dinner ready yet?

Yes, ma'am!

How to make painkillers...

Let's see...

Elaina, there's a spider in the bath.

Please get rid of it. It's scary...

Yes, ma'am.

It's mixed in, huh...?

You don't like mushrooms?

Witches should not be picky eaters.

Elaina, please massage my shoulders.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, that feels good.

Why won't you teach me any magic?

Oh, harder!

With this and that, a month passed without her teaching me anything.

I've just been doing chores ever since coming here.

What am I doing?

Do you finally feel like teaching me magic?

No, there's nothing for me to teach you.

I see.

Also, I don't feel like stew today.

Please make something else.

Very well.

This seems to be a good time...

Elaina.

Yes?

We'll have a test now.

Huh?

Miss Fran, what kind of test is this?

I'll have you fight against me.

You're kidding... right?

Okay, let's start.

Huh?!

If that's what you want, then I'll send you flying!

Is she trying to kill me?

What's the matter?

You overwhelmed everyone at the magic exams.

Is that all you've got?

Let me have some more fun.

Oh my, finished already?

Even though you're a star student, you're nothing to write home about...

I-I'm sorry!

I didn't think you'd start crying...

Um... Let's see...

Take a look at this!

Here are some of those butterflies you love!

I'm not the one who likes butterflies!

Th-Then...

Look, a crown made of weeds!

I don't need that!

Then...

Look, how about this?

There, there--hot, hot! It's too hot!

Um, in that case...

Calm down.