The Witch and the Beast (魔女と野獣)

Witches...

Since days of yore, they've wielded the power of magic

without equal with the original 17,

the Origin Witches, standing as the apogee of sorcery.

The weight of their legacy can still be felt

in the lineage they left behind,

whom they bestowed all their magical power,

skill, and arcane knowledge.

These successors are the witches of our age.

A witch may sometimes aid a person,

and sometimes curse them.

So what can one do

if they receive the mark of a witch's ire?

The first way to undo a witch's curse

is with a loving kiss from Prince Charming.

Another is if the hateful witch has a change of heart.

And the third...

She'd better be here, Ashaf.

Or I'm gonna do something stupid.

She certainly is,

but is she who you're after?

- -Well, that's another story entirely.

One we can read later, Guideau.

- A witch? -Yes.

If it's a witch you're looking for,

you should ask the lovely lady

-right there. -Hm.

Might you be the witch I seek?

Huh?

You think you can help them out?

Perhaps, is that what brought you here?

- Ya think? -Huh?

So, where the hell is she?

-Manners. -Ahh.

- -I'm sorry.

She tends to get a little excited

when it comes to witches.

Let's just say she's got unfinished business.

Oh? What does your witch look like?

- Don't know. -

What I do know is how lucky we are

to have so quickly found someone who knows one.

But that's not what I'd call lucky.

I mean, knowing our Lady Witch isn't that special.

Everyone in the city knows her to some degree.

In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone around here

who didn't know her.

Well, now you've got me curious.

- -

Bring it down!

- -

Well, that's certainly quite the beast, isn't it?

I wonder if it was made or being controlled?

Either way, it's impressive.

Yes! She really rolled out the red carpet for us.

Stupid witch!

- I'm sorry. - Hm.

But you couldn't be more wrong.

That creature isn't who you're looking for.

- -

- Excuse me. -

Would you please hold onto my bag?

I-It'd be a pleasure to, My Lady!

- -

- -

Arrest him!

That's our Lady Ione!

I love you!

- -Wow, this is new.

Can't say I've seen a celebrity witch before.

Everyone knows her, she's the hero of our city.

A witch is your hero?

Because that's what she is.

Proud of that, are we?

What student wouldn't be happy

to see their mistress succeed, right?

Touche.

Give me one second, so I can go and introduce you.

Hm. Guess the My Ladys make sense now.

Still weird, but it's nice not having to waste time

tracking her.

Hm, now then,

remember, the mission comes first, Guideau.

So, no running off, all right?

Well, crap.

We can't thank you enough

for everything you do, Lady Ione.

You're this city's guardian angel.

You flatter me.

- My Lady! -Huh?

- -Hello, Marie,

have you finished the shopping?

I'm sorry.

I got caught up in the chaos and forgot about it.

But don't worry. I'll have it done in time.

I'll make sure that tonight goes off without a hitch.

How can you forget everything those witches did to us?

Mark my words, you damn harpy!

One of these days, I'm gonna rip out your heart myself!

Shut up!

You're coming with us.

Surprise, bitch! I've got you now!

What are you doing?

- - Damn you!

Wipe that stupid look off your face,

I know you've seen my face before!

Mistress, do you know this girl?

I'm not sure I do.

You do, you lying old bitch!

That's enough outta you!

You went after the wrong person, missy!

I dunno what this mangey hag did to your heads,

but that walking shitstorm is gonna kill you all!

The only thing her kind wants is death and more death!

- Quiet you! -

-The hell is this? -

Go away, damn it!

Really, Guideau? Again?

Why can't you just stay put and let me handle things?

Screw you, and screw your damn orders, Ashaf!

My sincerest apologies, Miss.

You'll need to do more than apologize after that!

Please, don't be like that.

We have no ill intent.

Promise.

We merely came to speak with you and, admittedly,

got off on the wrong foot.

- - Screw you!

Why'd you attack her out of nowhere, huh?

You should arrest them, too!

They look like criminals to me!

-And that is our cue to exit. -

What? Oh, hell no!

I'm not leaving when she's right there!

Lady Witch, forgive us,

but we'll have to do this another time.

Sorry to the young miss, as well.

Till next we meet.

- -

What just happened, My Lady?

About 400 years ago, a wicked witch cast

a curse on the city,

plunging it into an endless hellfire.

Eventually, the wicked witch would meet a violent end

and her hellfire would be sealed away.

The hell you mean, sealed away?

That's the story they're telling themselves.

This castle is where said curse is thought to have been sealed.

It's also the home of the good Lady Witch.

If the pamphlet is being honest, that is.

Who gave this witch the balls to live out in the open?

Well, she's had over the last 400 years

to build her reputation amongst the population.

I smell bullshit.

I'm sure, to you, all witches are evil.

Though, there's definitely

something fishy about all of this.

Oh, hello.

Did you two get invites as well?

No, we have some business to wrap up with the Lady Witch.

Did we come at a bad time?

Oh, no.

Will you be staying for the anniversary party?

Oh? What's the anniversary of?

Thanks for coming, everyone!

Please, come inside.

What are you two doing here?

Picking up where we left off.

Now, step your ass aside.

Could you, for once, keep quiet like I ask?

No villains allowed!

Either here or near my mistress.

I'm afraid I must ask you to leave.

Huh? What is wrong with you?

The only villain here is that old crone.

I'm here to protect her from people like you!

We used to treat all witches terribly

because of what one witch did a long time ago.

My mistress grieved over this and so chose to atone

for someone else's evil by helping our city.

She's protected us from disasters and criminals

who abuse magic like you saw,

all while being despised by everyone.

She still saved us, saved me.

After years of thankless sacrifice,

she finally restored the good name of witches.

You've made it painfully obvious

that you hate her just for what she is.

So, now I will protect her from you.

Very well. All else aside, that was a rather moving yarn.