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

When I was a little girl,

I spent all of my time nose deep in a book.

My favorite was a collection of stories

about a witch named Niké.

She would detail her journeys to faraway lands,

and I was obsessed with her books.

One day, I'm gonna travel to new places,

just like Niké!

Niké is a witch;

that means you'd have to study magic and become one, too.

So I can travel, too, if I become a witch?

Yes, of course. Right?

Hm?

Sure. But only after you're a witch and a little older.

Okay, sweetie?

And once I do that, do you promise

you'll let me go travel the world?

Yes, I promise, so study hard.

I'll do it. I'll become a witch!

Not to sound full of myself,

but I was a very dedicated student.

I studied constantly.

Rain, shine, day, and night.

Then one day...

At the age of 14, an extraordinary girl

passed the magic exams in the peaceful country of Robetta.

She became the youngest Apprentice Witch in history.

That's right, it was me.

Congratulations on passing exams.

We're so proud.

And to think you're the youngest one in history!

What's the matter? You're not happy?

The other examinees were all fairly weak,

so of course I passed.

But, on the bright side, it looks like

I'll become an officially certified witch in no time!

Oh.

Oh, my.

In order for an apprentice

to become a full witch, she must first study under another witch

for a period of time until they acknowledge her abilities.

Coming!

Can I help you?

Um... Hi!

You see...

I'm Elaina, and I...

...just passed the exams.

Coming!

Hold on. I know you.

I just passed the magic exams and I was wondering--

Unfortunately...

...since I was the youngest to pass the exams in this country,

I'd earned a bit of a reputation with the other witches.

I'm way too busy. So sorry!

No matter who I sought out,

they all refused to take me on as an apprentice.

How am I supposed to become a witch now?

It's just not fair.

I heard a suspicious witch

has just moved into the woods.

Hm?

Oh, yes, I heard about that, as well.

I believe she's called the Stardust Witch.

Oh.

I decided that I would go and meet

with the Stardust Witch and see what she was like.

Since she wasn't from our country,

my hope was that she wouldn't know who I was

and would be more willing to train me

as her apprentice.

Could that be her?

Oh, hi!

She's the Stardust Witch?

Wow! Good babies!

Maybe I'll go home.

Yes! You're doing great!

Yes, you are! Lovely!

-- -- There!

Come, my dears!

Oh, wow! Fun!

Um, excuse me.

Yes? Oh, hello there!

Hi.

You're Elaina. Aren't you, darling?

Wait, you've heard of me?

Yes. You're the girl

who passed the magic exams on her first try at 14.

You're quite famous.

For better or worse.

Did you need something?

No. Sorry to bother you.

Are you leaving already?

I thought you were looking for a teacher.

Am I wrong about that?

I'm sure you'll just say no.

Are you now?

Wait. What?

I've got time to spare.

Really? You're sure?

Even though...

I'm not as fragile as the witches in Robetta, dear.

You see, it doesn't really matter to me

what kind of girl you are.

Take me on as your apprentice! Please?

And that's how I met the Stardust Witch.

From that day forward, Miss Fran was my teacher.

Oh! Good morning, Miss Fran!

Yes, good morning.

I'm starving, would you mind making me

something for breakfast?

What are you hungry for?

Excellent question.

A steak would be delightful!

It seems a little heavy for breakfast.

In that case, I suppose weeds will do.

I think that's probably a little too light.

Then how about some fresh bread?

I'm off to pick some wild veggies.

Um, Miss Fran, do you think you could

please teach me some magic?

Maybe some other time. Farewell!

See you later.

No matter how many days I spent in the forest with her,

Miss Fran refused to teach me anything about magic.

Elaina, dear, I'm afraid we've run out of food.

Could you make a quick trip to town?

Yes.

Elaina, would you go catch me five or so geckos?

They're for my research.

Yes.

Elaina dear, would you please come and make us some dinner?

Yes.

"Pain Killers." Let's see.

Elaina? There's a giant spider in the bath.

Can you please kill it? They frighten me.

Yes.

Uh...

Gross, it's all mixed in the soup?

You don't like mushrooms?

Witches should not be picky eaters.

Elaina, would you massage my shoulders?

Yes.

Ah! That feels great.

So I've been wondering,

why won't you teach me any magic?

Oh! Massage harder!

Ooh...

And just like that, an entire month passed by.

She never taught me anything.

I've done nothing but chores

since I apprenticed to her.

I mean, what am I even doing here?

Miss Fran, is today the day

you finally teach me about magic?

Magic?

No, there isn't really anything to teach you.

Oh, is that so?

Also...

I don't feel like stew today.

Would you make something else?

As you wish.

Well, it seems the time has finally come.

Elaina.

Yes?

I'd like for you to take a little test.

What?

Miss Fran, um, what exactly are you testing?

How well you do in a fight against me.

You're kidding. That's just a joke, right?

No, let's begin.

That's how you wanna play?

Okay, but you asked for it.

She's trying to kill me!

Aw, what's the matter?

I must admit, I expected much better from the girl

who overwhelmed everyone at the magic exams.

Come on, let's have some more fun.

My goodness. Finished already?

Looks like the star student's

nothing to write home about.

I... I'm so sorry.

I didn't think you would start crying.

Uh, there, there, Elaina.

I know! Look at this.

The butterflies you love so much!

I'm not the one who likes those butterflies!

Oh, right. That's me. Uh...

Voila!

A lovely crown made of weeds!

-- No thank you! -- Then, maybe...