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

The Land of Truth Tellers?

But on the map, it says--

It changed to that name six months ago.

As the name says, it has become a country with no liars.

Huh.

Once you enter our territory,

even if you're a witch, your body will not be able to lie.

Why in the world did this happen?

It's because of the mysterious power of the sword the king has.

Sword?

With the power of his sword brimming with magic,

he has put up a barrier around the whole country to keep those within from lying.

That seems kind of shady.

Madam Witch, you are already being honest.

Actually, I agree with you.

Well, what will you do?

Will you enter the country?

Well...

I'm still of two minds, and still suspicious,

but it sounds like it'll make a good story, so I'll try going in.

You are honest.

Welcome to the Land of Truth Tellers!

Welcome to this damned country!

"The Land of Truth Tellers"

The Land of Truth Tellers, huh?

It looks like a normal town, though.

For now, I'll test whether or not I can lie.

I'll try saying "I am not beautiful."

I am not beauti--beauti--

I am very beautiful!

Oh, my mouth moved on its own to tell the truth!

It looks like what they said about not being able to lie was true.

Be that as it may, it's kind of quiet around here.

I wonder why no one's talking...

Those look good.

Are these freshly baked?

Then, I'll take one, please.

So hard... What's with this?

It's hard and dry. It's probably unsold bread leftover from yesterday.

She made it sound like it was freshly baked, though.

What's so honest about this country anyway?

Since they said there are only honest people here,

I was imagining that the people would be more pure, somehow.

Looks like I was wrong, though.

Instead, they seem kind of distant,

and things seem kind of tense.

I wonder what made the king decide to change the country like this.

"You're the witch dispatched from the United Magic Association, right?"

No, that's not me.

To put it simply, the United Magic Association is a mysterious organization

that meddles in everything that deals with magic.

Those affiliated with the association have a brooch shaped like a moon.

What was that about?

Hm? What about if it's written down?

Is it still not possible to lie?

"New sweets! Actually, we just added some new things to old products."

"A mystery woven by a new author!

Even that bestselling author was shocked by how boring it was!"

Hm, let's see...

I'll try writing "I have a twisted personality" and see what happens.

"I have a pure heart."

I see. You can't even lie through writing.

What the hell?

You're so stubborn!

You're pigheaded, too!

You scheming bastard! You should just die!

You bellyacher! You should die!

--What did you say?! I can't believe you went after a woman so out of your league!

--Oh my, just when I finally heard some voices, it turns out it was an argument. --What did you say?! I can't believe you went after a woman so out of your league!

--Oh my, just when I finally heard some voices, it turns out it was an argument. --Yeah, I was sure she liked me.

Um, is it all right to let them go on like that?

It helps us release stress, too.

In fact, I wish they'd do it more.

Oh, is that how it is?

Why won't the people in this country talk?

Because if we talk, since we can only tell the truth,

we'll end up fighting like that, of course.

Miss Witch, are you an idiot?

See? All of this is that stupid king's fault.

Whoops.

Okay, stop right there!

Can you please not have a fist fight in broad daylight?

Why didn't any of you stop...

...them?

Miss Elaina!

Oh. I'm sorry!

I didn't think I'd see you here!

Is this fate? It is, isn't it?

We have no choice but to get married, right?

Putting that aside, it's been a long time, hasn't it, Saya?

I'm glad you seem to be well.

Thanks to this hat...

...and this treasure...

...I'm doing very well!

That's my...

I was able to become a witch, too!

I see. Congratulations.

What's your witch title?

The Charcoal Witch!

Charcoal, huh? It's a little like my "Ashen Witch."

Of course.

Because I asked my teacher to choose a word close to "ashen."

I see.

Are you part of the United Magic Association?

I thought it was the easiest way to make money as I traveled.

I'm in this country for work, too!

Work?

Yes!

I bought something a little pricey, so I need to work a lot...

Speaking of which,

I met someone earlier who was looking for a witch from the association.

Oh, what did they look like?

I didn't get a name or address in the request...

You incompetent witch! You're back again?!

Hurry up and get out of here!

"Eek! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Don't tell me it's that weird person over there...

It's that weird person.

Do you think you could let go of me now?

No, that's all right.

Um... You were looking for a witch dispatched by the association, right?

Let me introduce you to my friend, Saya.

"Friend" sounds so formal here.

Oh, hello.

"Sorry. I was in a hurry, so I forgot to write my name and address."

Eihemia, is it that you can't talk, or that you won't talk?

Which is it?

"I lost my voice because of certain reasons."

Are you going to write all the reasons?

Oh, this looks like it'll take a while.

Saya...

Eihemia then told us about those reasons--

No, she wrote them. From what she wrote--

About six months ago,

Eihemia, a witch who worked in the palace, received a request from the king.

Quicksand Witch, Eihemia,

please use your power to get rid of all the liars in this country.

Huh?

All my retainers are liars.

I only want people near me who will say what they really think.

What should I do...?

If I can help the king, then maybe...

No way...

I know.

I just have to put up a barrier that won't let people lie.

Eihemia found a suitable sword in the castle

and tried to make it a vessel for the magic of the barrier.

All right.

Ianesana-ha, ianesana-ha...

Ominano motera-do!

But she needed a large amount of magic to perform the spell.

-Eihemia poured in all her magic,

--Ominano motera-do! --Eihemia poured in all her magic,

but that wasn't enough, so she even gave up her voice

to complete the barrier sword.

I wonder why people who are trying to accomplish things

end up giving up their voices or memories in exchange...

Huh?

Nothing, just talking to myself.

Oh? A barrier sword?

So you're saying that if I hold this in my dominant hand,

I can put up a barrier that will prevent people from lying in this country?

A land of truth tellers, huh? Not bad.

But man, this sword is really lame.

It's so gaudy.

Even though it's to put up the barrier,

I can't believe I have to hold a sword like this...

And so, the Land of Truth Tellers was born.

By the way, since Eihemia couldn't use magic anymore,