Long ago, there was a witch who lived in the forest.
She intervened in the battles between France and England...
...and used her power to stop the fighting. An unusual witch, indeed.
Her name was Maria.
She held the same name as the Blessed Virgin...
...and shared her virginal status as well.
Familiars...
This is what the witch Maria desires...
Maria!
Let go of Lady Maria!
Next...
...I'll aim for your head!
Children of God...
Your bolt cannot stop me.
Stop it, both of you!
Who do you think this is?
Archangel Michael...
--Wha--?! --A-Archangel...
...Michael?!
"Maria the Virgin Witch"
"Story 3: By Faith, Not Arms"
S-Saint Michael...
This bolt shows that you did not realize it was me.
God in the heavens, I beseech for your forgiveness of his sins.
Children of God...
Why do you protect this witch who hears not heaven's voice?
But Saint Michael, Maria saved everyone!
She made medicine for Grandmother, and protected my father during the war!
Saint Michael! I owe my very life to Lady Maria as well!
It's not only me.
She stopped the war itself!
To maintain the natural law of this world, the witch Maria must be punished.
Punished...?
That is the will of the heavens?
Stop it already! Ann, Joseph, run!
I-If so...
...I will... draw my arrow against even the Archangel!
In the spirit of "loving thy neighbor"...
We...
I...
...love the witch Maria!
The heavens let down the rain of blessing to the devout and witches alike.
A decision has been made by the Lord in the heavens.
An opportunity for forgiveness shall be bestowed upon the witch Maria.
But...
...unlike before, the use of great powers amid the masses shall be restricted.
And when you lose your virginity...
...you will lose all powers...
...which will serve as atonement for your sins.
Huh?!
Ezekiel, come forth.
Ezekiel.
She will be my proxy.
Witch Maria...
Weigh upon the scale...
...your happiness against that of the world.
--Maria! --Lady Maria!
So, how are you feeling?
I'm fine... Thank you.
By the way, what happened to the mercenaries?
Ah, the men...
...handed them over to Lord Prevot.
The village is safe now.
I see...
In any case, that Michael...
What did he say about a scale?
You don't understand?
As you'd expect from a witch...
So cute!
--Who are you?! --It's Ezekiel.
Looks like this is her usual form.
Listen to my words as if they are the words of Saint Michael.
Simply put, if your magic is needed to change this world...
...you will need to show your resolve by sacrificing your happiness and pleasures.
Got it?
Wait a minute!
So you mean that if I lose my virginity, I won't be a witch no more?!
Exactly.
Nooo!
If that's the case, then I'll never...!
I should've just gotten rid of my virginity!
L-Lady Maria...
How deplorable. That's why witches are...
Ouch! Wait! What did you...?
Oww!
How dare you?! I'm Saint Michael's...
Stop it! Ouch! Hey! Ouch!
I... love the witch, Maria!
Ow! Ouch! Hey, stop!
Be quiet! You birds be friendly with each other!
It's just in our nature as raptors.
It's Michael's fault for sending a dove where there are owls.
Stop with your nonsense!
Seriously, just give your virginity to the dogs and become a normal person!
What's up with, ah... um, er...
...losing my powers as soon as I lose that?!
That's not all.
If you dare use your powers in public, Saint Michael's spear will fly towards you.
And its true form is...
Tou!
--Ouch! Hey! Stop it, familiars! --She's really pissing me off.
In human form, my powers are far greater than yours!
Is that so?
Well, how about I ravage that kiddie body of yours?
Artemis doesn't have to do a thing.
I can soften you up myself!
--I-I'm Saint Michael's... --Stop it, you two.
I've been giving you jobs as night prowlers, right?
Not me!
You're fine!
When are you going to give me a complete male body?!
Aaah! I just want to do it with anyone already!
Maria, you were with me when we saw it on that rainy night!
You know, that guy's thing, like the serpent you summoned!
--Thing?! --Thing?
Just put that thing, as you saw it, right on me!
The thing was very grand, and...
Thing or not, just go and make a meal of thanks for Ann and Joseph!
So, the rumor is true?
Witch Maria...
The next time she appears, I must tell Brother Bernard...
Bless us, O Lord...
...and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty.
Through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hmm...
Ah, I'm sorry, but this is quite common for us.
Hmph.
--Say, Maria? --Hm?
Are you a heretic?
Huh?!
More than a heretic, she's a witch.
I know that, but the bishop said that heretics are evil.
He said that by looks, if the girl has short hair or her legs are exposed, she's a heretic.
So what about that dove over there, then?
I'm with the church of the heavens.
I can't be judged by the rules of this world.
So what happens if Maria goes into a city?
No matter how you look at it, she's a witch.
She'll be burned right away.
Like I care. I just do as I please.
That's not allowed.
With that appearance of yours, you'll be treated the same.
I have powers, too.
No human can lay a finger on me.
Is that so?
Well, you go and stop the wars, then.
Huh?
It's fine to bring peace as long as it's through the church's power and not a witch's, right?
If that stops the fighting, I couldn't ask for more.
The church of the heavens may see the doings of the world, but we don't intervene.
Lady Ezekiel...
France has been at war since before Ann and I were born.
I know the word "peace," but I have no concept of what it means.
Though it's unfortunate that we can't seek help from the church of the heavens...
...I'll do my best to understand.
But can we not at least receive a sign, an omen, or even words?
That's...
And I cannot believe...
...that Lady Maria's heart and actions are evil and deserving of heavenly punishment.
Quit it.
It's no use telling her that.
It's something that's already been decided.
Hmph.
Saint Michael did that to Maria...?
So is she safe now?
Yes. She looked good after the meal.
This is for you, Grandmother.
She said to drink it if you're feeling any pain where you were hit.
Is that so?
Say, Grandmother?
Hm?
Maria may be a heretic, but she's not evil, right?
Forward, soldiers!
Send those usurpers tainting our land running back to their isle!
This is going to be a huge war! Time to make gold, brothers!
Make me rich, puny Britons!
Genoese mercenaries, forward!
Here they come! Don't let them come close!
There they go.
I wonder how many of them will be able to go home.
No, you don't!
These are actions taken by the people of this world.
Interference by nonhuman beings is forbidden.
I didn't say I was going to interfere.
Then why did you come here?
Do not worry, as they are devout children of God...
Shut up.
Time to make some gold!
This is so contradictory.
Huh?
The church of the heavens only watches the world, right?
Cover me!
Here I go!
Well, my actions are part of this world too, so don't get in my way!
With God's divine protection!
--Ezekiel! --No, you can't.
Let's return. It's no use being here.
This is infuriating!
Is Michael watching over me at all times?!
Huh? Of course not.
Huh?
Saint Michael is very busy.
As such, watching you all the time isn't possible.
Really?
That's why I'm here.
Now, let's get going.
Wh-What?!
A Tarasque?!
Is this the doing of France's witch?!
Who cares?! Hurry and get out of my way!
Curses, England's summoner of demons!
Retreat! Retreat!
Hey, Maria!
You weren't watching, were you?
It appeared from the sky all of a sudden! I wonder who did this?
Could it be Michael?
Am I... being taken for a fool?
Pull back, Galfa! You'll get scorched by its crap!
Again?!
Damn witch!
Witch... you say?
Yes. I received word she appeared on the battlefield again.
--Hm... --What shall we do?
She has been quite the topic of conversation among the people as of late.
Some have voiced their request for the church's view...
May God's blessings be with you...
Thank you very much.
Everyone's hearts are being led astray.
And after all you've done for the people, day in and day out, Brother Bernard...
That one...
Huh?
...has again helped villagers?
Yes. It seems she then received warning from the heavens, and fled.
From what I heard, Archangel Michael...
I do not understand...
Huh?
What does she want to achieve?
I don't know...
Let us meet this...
...witch...
...Maria.
I'm truly sorry.
Your usual attire is a bit...
I understand. I don't want to cause any needless troubles, either.
Thank you... very much.
N-Nothing you need to thank me for.
So why does this monk want to meet me?
I haven't been told anything except to escort you there.
It takes some gall for someone who took the monk's vow to call on a witch.
I hear Sir Bernard is a very compassionate person.
I doubt that any conflict will arise, but...
...if it does, I will protect you.
W-Whose side are you on?
I turned my bow against Saint Michael.
What's that?
It looks like a hog is being judged for trampling a person to death.
It is clear that this beast mercilessly trampled a person to death.
This court, under the blessing of God, shall now pass judgment.
Guilty!
It is sentenced to death by hanging!
Huh?! It's just a hog!
Yes, but... a crime is a crime.
Hey, Joseph!
Sir Galfa!
What? You got a girl, too?
I was just escorting her to an acquaintance. Good day.
Hi!
What a dull guy. C'mon, liven up a bit.
Have you been drinking?
More like drowning!
Maria got in my way again!
Damn it! All that was for nothing!
I'm going to die of hunger before dying in war!
If it comes to that, I'll support you.
I'm sorry. I need to hurry on.
We'll be on our way now.
Yeah, later...
Hey, girl!
Do me a favor and "entertain" him, will you?
Sir Galfa!
See you!
Um... I can't go further, but he's waiting up ahead.
Huh? Oh, right. The monk...
Pleased to meet you.
My name is Bernard, and I am in charge of this monastery.
I'm Maria... the witch.
--And... --Quiet. You'll make matters confusing.
Such a holy name.
May I ask who named you?
I don't know. I've been Maria since I was born.
From what I can imagine, you must have received baptism in your youth.
Is this some form of inquisition? Do you think you can capture me?
With no accuser?
No. That is not what I want to speak about.
This apple cider was brewed at our monastery.
Apple cider?
Please, if you will.
Do not worry.
Nothing has been added to it.
Bernard, was it? It's not like I have all day.
I will put in a good word with the bishop, so...
...will you do a Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation?
Huh?!
That name of yours is most befitting for a faithful servant of God.
Are you kidding?
No. I am serious.
Your actions are deviant, but some do support you.
If you act now, your sins can be absolved.
Of course, I can't overlook you calling yourself a witch.
But if you repent, you may walk alongside us as one who reveres our Father in the heavens.
The church will welcome you with a forgiving heart.
What's in it for me?
You will gain great love, and a peaceful life.
Then, what do you folks get out of this?
We do not act out of self-interest.
We offer our hand to all who seek the love of God.
There's no need to hesitate...
You're right...
I'm a witch.
I have no need of heaven or the church, and I hate apple cider, too.
Give my regards to your "Maria."
--Gilbert... --Yes.
Notify the abbot that I would like to make a confession of sin.
Understood.
I have exchanged words with an unclean witch.
Ego Te Absolvo...
Witch Maria...
May your sins be absolved.
Lady Maria, the conversation...
It was nothing. Just small talk.
That was your chance back there.
That's how you folks see it.
But I don't want to be forced into doing anything!
I don't care what I have to go through...
The answer is "no!"
The world of bees is wonderful.
Under the reign of the queen, all are equal and work daily without qualms.
I can even sense beauty in their perfected society.
Ah... About the witch...
No action is needed.
Huh?
It takes time to collect honey.
For now, let us have that witch work for the good of the cities and villages.
We don't need to exterminate her until she truly gets in the way...
Oh...
I am acting like an unbeliever, am I not?
No! Brother Bernard, you are thinking of what's best for the city!
Who would dare condemn you?!
Thank you.
Deus Caritas Est...
Everything is from God's love...
Why not speak with the church of the world again?
I don't want to.
If you have a problem with that, go back to Michael.
Well, of course I won't do that!
You...
Who's there?
I am not "who"...
I am not "what"...
But I was called "Cernunnos"...
Witch Maria...
Why are you doing what you are doing?
Everyone has to ask me the same question...
If something I don't like is happening in front of me, I simply can't let it go.
That's all.
Whether you like it or not, people cause conflict and eventually perish.
By the time you change this world, such ones' lives...
...will have passed.
And when new life is born, conflict starts anew.
All efforts to stop this are futile...
You won't know unless you try!
Not that I will stop you...
After all, for me, it's simply the same pattern repeating itself.
I will watch you at leisure, Maria...
Wait...
Dirty... Dirty...
You're a virgin, right?
Get rid of your virginity. Like, today!
T-Today?!