I Supported My Fiancé for 10 Years After He Said, 'Let's Get Married When I Succeed,' but When He Finally Did, He Dumped Me. By the Way, I'm a Witch and Turning 30 Next Year!! - Episode 18
The herbal witch’s pharmacy has two days off each week.
Of course, these aren’t for relaxing. She spends the time gathering herbs and making potions.
There are rules when it comes to gathering. Entering someone else’s land and taking herbs without permission is forbidden by law.
However, there are exceptions. If you have a contract with the landowner, you can gather herbs. I have contracts with several landowners.
The first is the Villian Count’s territory, west of the Holy City. Many types of herbs grow there.
In exchange for three potions a month, I’m allowed to gather as much as I want.
The second is the Vale Viscount’s territory, near a port town. There, I can collect seawater, coral, pearls, and other ingredients for potions. I trade them for my handmade salt.
The last is the land where the previous herbal witch lived. It’s also part of the Gold Duke’s territory. Various minerals, monster bones, and skins can be found there. In return, I have a contract to hunt monsters before the hunting season begins.
Today, I’m heading to the Gold Duke’s land to gather ingredients for soap.
I use a magic mirror to travel. When I look at my reflection and touch the mirror, I instantly teleport.
“Rei, Merv Maple is coming too!”
“You’re coming with me? Thank you.”
Until now, I carried a large basket on my back while gathering. But from now on, I have a storage bag. Minerals are heavy, and I always hurt my back the next day. This will help a lot.
When I teleported with Merv Maple, we arrived at the house where the previous herbal witch lived.
It’s a small, charming brick bungalow, like something out of a storybook. It still feels like she could appear at any moment.
“I’m home, Master.”
“We’re home!”
Of course, there was no reply.
The previous herbal witch passed away after making me her successor. She must have known her time was short when she took me in as her apprentice.
I once thought about showing her my wedding dress someday. But that never happened.
And it probably never will.
Outside, a lush herb garden stretched out before me. Even though no one lives here, the plants grow thick and strong.
That’s partly because herbs have strong vitality. But more than that, the fairies and spirits that had contracts with the previous herbal witch still take care of the garden.
Their contracts must have ended long ago. But they remember how much she loved this place, so they continue watering and tending to it.
I can’t see them, but Merv Maple can.
“Everyone is doing well.”
“I see. That’s good.”
Merv Maple was once the previous herbal witch’s familiar. He doesn’t need my help at all.
She must have asked him to stay with me because she was worried. He has saved me more times than I can count.
In the center of the garden, the previous herbal witch is buried. No matter the season, cherry sage flowers—her favorite—bloom over her grave. It must be the fairies’ and spirits’ blessing.
I placed a rosemary flower from my windowsill planter beside them.
That was another of her favorites.
Kneeling before her grave, I spoke about what had happened recently.
“Master, I was abandoned.”
When I first became her apprentice, I told her about my past. She warned me, “Relying on a man to live will only bring you trouble.”
Back then, I argued, saying, “I’m not relying on him. Rymer is working hard to get promoted so we can have a future together.”
“You were absolutely right,” I admitted now. “I trusted Rymer, but in the end, he just used me. I should have listened to you and left him sooner. If I had come here earlier, I would have been much happier.”
But that’s all in the past now.
Instead of regretting, I need to focus on moving forward.
“From now on, I’ll do what I want and live freely. Please watch over me.”
A gentle breeze brushed my cheek.
Even in the middle of winter, it felt warm—like a blessing from her, whispering, “Be happy.”
“Merv Maple, let’s go.”
“Understood.”
Around the house, herbs that repel monsters keep the area safe. But beyond this point, I can’t afford to let my guard down.
Holding the herbal staff Kraut Staff—passed down from the previous herbal witch—I stepped into the forest, ready for anything.