Chapter 369 (1/2)
Chapter 369: Changes
Translator: Meh Editor: – –
Steam billowed out of the bathroom’s bathtub.
Wendy lathered the soap and rubbed it everywhere on the little girl’s body: behind the ears, under the arms, not even sparing the area between her fingertips. Upon seeing the layers of dirt intermixed with foam slide into the bathtub, revealing the tender skin underneath, Wendy felt an unprecedented amount of satisfaction.
It had been quite some time since Wendy experienced this feeling. Back in the days when the Witch Cooperation Association was still fleeing for its life, every close call or scare and every newly awakened witch that had given up all hope was made well again under her care, recovering a state of peaceful normalcy. Leaf, Lily, even Nightingale all found their hope with her help.
Yet, ever since they had come to Border Town, the witches’ lives had undergone a 180 degree change. No one had to worry anymore about any life necessities, as everything was now provided for them—of course, she had no problem with this, and was incredibly grateful for everything Roland had done for the sisters. It was merely the fact that there were no longer any witches that needed her care—even Mystery Moon had become open and carefree that led Wendy to feel a little frustrated.
Now, she finally once again had the opportunity to feel the joy of being a big sister.
“Close your eyes. I’m turning the water on.”
“Okay,” the little girl’s voice quietly slid out, soft and graceful like a droplet of morning dew.
It must be said, His Highness’ decision to give her a bath was truly genius.
The water ran past the girl’s bangs and trickled down her back, taking with it the now ashy brown foam. Only after rinsing her body three times did the color of the water turn back to normal.
Without any set of clothes to cover it up, the girl’s frail and emaciated body was completely revealed to Wendy’s eyes. “What a poor, skinny child,” Wendy couldn’t help but think. Her spine could be seen protruding out of her back, her arm so thin that a single hand could easily grasp it, and her skin not white like her namesake but instead a pallid yellow revealing her years of living in hunger.
Luckily she was a witch, and as long as she was properly taken care of, it wouldn’t be long before she could recover.
After rinsing her body clean, it was time for them to enjoy a bath. Wendy first tested the temperature and then carried her into the bathtub, the water quickly submerging and enveloping them. Though the water was near scalding, after enduring the slight discomfort and acclimating, one would soon be able to savor the joy and comfort of being cradled by its warmth.
Paper involuntarily let out a low shout, most likely because it had been a long, long time since she was last able to bathe in hot water. She tightly grasped Wendy’s hands, and then gradually loosened her grip. Wendy then spun her around so that the girl faced away from her, letting her sit in her lap as she meticulously began to parse through the little girl’s twisted bun of hair, strand by strand.
“When did you find out you were a witch?”
“Two… two years ago,” Paper quietly replied, “I think in the winter, just like now.”
“That’s not surprising.” Wendy smiled and continued, “Most witches awaken during the Months of the Demons. According to rumor, it’s during this period of time that magic power is most abundant.”
“Isn’t it demonic magic power?”
“Of course not,” she patted the little girl’s head and said, “becoming a witch is a very, very normal thing. Asides from having the abilities to do some things other people can’t imagine, we are no different from your everyday normal person. You should know that several hundred years ago, witches were even viewed as those blessed by the gods.
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
“In reality, the difference between witches and mortals was quite large, such as their superhuman physical abilities and sterility,” thought Wendy as she replied, “but these things could be slowly taught to her at a later time.”
“Then, what’s magic power?” Paper asked shyly.