Until a Witch Dies – Meg Raspberry’s One Year Left to Live

Apparently, I lost my parents in an accident when I was still a baby.

“Apparently”—because I don’t really have any memories of them. I have no way of knowing how they died.

Come on, I was a baby. Don’t expect too much from me.

The town mayor at the time took pity on me, a newly orphaned child, and left me in the care of the town’s resident witch—my master.

And that was how my journey as a witch began.

Regardless of how it all started, my life now seems to be coming to a rather abrupt end.

“Man, what a waste. I’m still young and full of life.”

After leaving the witch’s house, I lay sprawled on the riverbank embankment.

This place, nestled between the town and the Witch’s Forest, was rich in nature and had a calming atmosphere. It was also a popular dating spot, meaning couples would occasionally show up and engage in nauseating displays of affection. But today, the area was empty and peaceful.

I gazed up at the sky. The brilliant blue stretched endlessly, painting the world below in its vivid hues.

It was on such a tranquil, beautiful day that I learned of my impending death.

As I lay there, a carbuncle peeked into my face.

Summoned by my master, this creature looked like a cross between a ferret and a fox. Its fur shimmered in a lush emerald green, making it quite a sight to behold.

A mythical beast, or so they say. But right now, it’s just my familiar.

It was also surprisingly intelligent—sometimes, I suspected it was even smarter than me.

Grabbing its face, I pulled it close and buried my own face into its soft belly. The warmth of its body seeped into my skin.

So fluffy. So comforting.

“Fluff, fluff, fluff… Heh heh… You feel sooo good, don’t you, huh?”

Drooling slightly, I showered the carbuncle with all the affection I could muster. It responded with a series of squeaky cries, “Gyain gyain!”

Yes, those were cries of joy. Absolutely. No doubt about it. It was definitely not resisting.

“Oh! It’s the witch lady!”

A sudden voice made me lift my head.

A little girl, no older than five, stood there watching me.

My master, the so-called “Eternal Witch Faust,” was one of the top-ranking witches in the magical world.

Because of that, her apprentice—that is, me—had also become somewhat of a known figure in town.

It wasn’t uncommon for strangers to approach me like this.

Seeing that I had noticed her, the girl beamed and ran up to me.

“What are you doing all the way out here?”

“What, you can’t tell? I’m basking in the melancholy of my fleeting existence.”

I said this in the kind of pompous tone you’d expect from a university professor.

The girl giggled. “Haha, that’s so funny!”

What’s so funny about that?

She turned her attention to the carbuncle, gently stroking its fur.

“So cute!”

The carbuncle narrowed its eyes in bliss.

Wait a minute. That’s a completely different reaction than when I pet you. Care to explain, huh?

“Did you come here alone? It’s quite a distance from town.”

“Yup! I came to ask Lady Faust for a favor!”

“A favor?”

“I want her to give me lots of flowers so my mommy can sleep peacefully!”

“…Your mommy can sleep?”

“Yeah! Mommy was in the hospital for a long time, but she finally got to leave. But she’s been sleeping this whole time and won’t wake up. Daddy says she worked really hard, so now she gets to rest. So I thought I’d bring her some pretty flowers with a nice smell!”

“Hmm…”

As I listened to her story, I began to understand.

Her mother had been battling an illness for years.

She had finally left the hospital.

And she was no longer among the living.

This child… she didn’t understand what death was yet.

That’s why she could talk so innocently about bringing her mother flowers.

What does time mean to me now?

Everything is happening so fast. I barely understand any of it.

But maybe… maybe there’s something I can still do.

“My master is busy today, so she won’t be able to grant your request.”

“Oh….”

“But in exchange…”

I grinned.

“If you’re okay with me, I’ll grant your wish.”