Maria the Virgin Witch (純潔のマリア)

"Middle Ages, Northeastern France"

"Story 1: Perfect Virgin"

Mother, do witches really live in places, such as this?

I believe so, but...

I can't see the village...

We haven't walked that far yet...

Don't worry.

Continue your prayers for Saint Margaret's divine protection.

Y-Yes...

Ann, your grandmother would always return safe, right?

I'm sure the witch Maria is a kind soul.

E-Excuse me... Is anyone home?

It's so dark...

I wonder if she's away...

I've heard about you both. Martha's daughter and granddaughter, yes?

Yes, my name is Ann.

Ann, it is.

Martha is acting quite maliciously, isn't she?

It is not as if she is too weak to walk.

Well, Grandmother is ill.

That's why we came in her place.

How spirited you are.

Go, take it.

It's the usual medicinal concoction.

Maria, you really are a witch!

But I wonder why...

The bishop said that witches are evil, dirty, and corrupt--

Mind your manners, Ann!

W-We're very sorry...

You're overthinking a bit.

We were respected in villages for being able to use magic and medicinal concoctions.

Now, about the bishop's words... Let's see...

The Roman Catholic Church does have its share of enemies, so...

Enemies?

I suppose you're too young to understand.

Can I also become a witch?

Wh-What are you saying?!

Why a witch?

Well, I could make medicine for my grandmother.

And if I can use magic, I can help my father when he's hurt. That's why...

Did something happen to your father?

Father is going to war.

By our lord's decree, we have to send soldiers from our village.

Father was chosen to be one of them.

People can get hurt going to war, right?

But if I can use magic, then...

You're not fit for that.

After all, you are a fair lamb of the church.

Besides, this is something you cannot learn from others.

I... didn't know.

That's why I will watch over him in your place.

--Huh? --With magic.

But if he still gets hurt, bring him here. I will prepare the proper medicine--

Thank you!

You're such an amazing witch, Maria!

Amazing! Amazing!

Why, of course! I'm not like any other witch...

Huh?

Wha--?

That was so far!

I'm so tired! I feel like my hip is going to crack.

Huh?

Ah, if it isn't Martha's daughter and her kid.

I heard you were coming to get the medicine.

That aside, what are you doing?

I'm home, Maria.

Maria was cute!

Yes, there was no reason to be scared.

Can I come and visit her again?

Well, she is a witch...

You there, owl!

Artemis.

It's important to give brats the right first impression!

The witch Maria has to be an existence of awe!

And that's why you made this?

Yes!

And you disguised yourself with this all this time?

Yes!

Too much time, I see.

Shut up!

This doesn't mean a thing.

Once they return home, Martha's going to blow your cover.

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

Say, Maria?

I'm hungry.

Fine...

Hax pax max Deus adimax...

...turbidus!

In the first place, you took too long.

I was able to finish all my tasks yesterday.

You and I do things differently.

I know you wouldn't understand, but my work takes quite a bit of time.

Well, I did soften up everyone at the commander level.

The battlefield to the south is already at peace.

You didn't take any lives, did you?

If a succubus goes too far...

We're not waging a war, right?

Don't worry. I'm not like the others.

I just massaged them enough

to have them crying my name for the next month while they rub themselves.

Massaged?

Um... R-Rub what?

Wait a second... My jaws are killing me.

I must have overused them.

Jaws? Why the jaws?

Oh? You're curious today, aren't you?

Well then, shall I report to you in detail, Master?

Maybe next time.

I need to go and pick up the arrows outside.

--Maria? --Hm?

You smell a bit like sweat.

Just eat and go to sleep!

Ah, that's right...

There's another war up north, and...

Must be puberty...

Good morning, Lady Maria.

I came bearing another request.

What now? A bit too many requests, don't you think?

If one's wish for a battle to end is written down and sent into the forest...

...then the powers of a witch will make that battle disappear.

It seems rumors of you have reached the enemy forces.

There were a lot of arrows from England as well.

Enemy?

It's not like I'm siding with France, you know?

I just don't want to see battles happening in front of me.

Huh...

You know, France's Imperial Army sure has gall

to send a messenger like yourself to someone they branded a heretic.

About that...

What?

As of today, my duty as messenger for my liege is done.

I too have now been commissioned to partake in war.

I will go to regain control of England's position located up the Loire, for passage to Calais.

A brat who doesn't know a thing about girls is going for something as stupid as war?

What an idiot.

That is my duty...

A while back, a hermit living in the forest told me of peace, without wars waged by god.

I was told that nothing would be better than a life without conflict among people.

One day, that world...

That very world may come from your very acts, Lady Maria.

As a witch, you may not be willing to hear this, but I would like to make a statement.

Instead of going to war, I would rather continue coming to visit you forever more.

Please, forget what you heard.

Be careful.

Some of your superiors are aware that you have been seeing me, correct?

Well, yes...

Sometimes people will sell others for their own sake.

If ever you're questioned...

...gain forgiveness from the Church by saying that I deceived you.

M-May I have the grace of your hand?

What?

Ah... Your name...

What was it?

It's Joseph.

Farewell...

Come agai...

It's nice to know Maria is doing well.

Yes! And she was very cute, too!

--But... --But?

Maria was saying that the Roman Catholic Church has enemies and things.

What does that mean?

Who knows?

Even Grandmother Martha doesn't know?

That aside, what about your errand to your father?

Oh, that's right!

Ah, I'm sorry!

Maria...

Hm, but why?

Why the jaws...?

I depart at sunrise.

If something happens to me, rely on the village officials.

I'm sure they will be of help.

Really, why you...?

Why for war...?

It can't be helped.

I don't want to go, but this is still my duty.

If only we could have paid you out of levy...

If I survive, I will be back soon.

Father!

I made this!

It's a charm that Grandmother taught me!

Thank you, Ann.

I have nothing to be afraid of with this.

Be a nice girl, and listen to what the others say.

I'll be fine! And Maria will be protecting you, Father!