The Witch, Who Once Was Called A Saint

The ‘Patriotic Saintess’ Astraea, who defended the kingdom from the empire’s invasion 400 years ago, became an immortal witch, set up her house in a hidden forest, and spent her life with as minimal a contact with others. However, one day, she came across an avalanche site, and naturally, saved the young man who was dying. Even though she quickly sent him away after treating him, and told him to never come back, the young man brought back delicious-smelling food as thanks–? This is a story about an awkward witch, once called the Saintess, who hides her whereabouts, and a sincere young man.

Original Publisher

frontier works

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Witch, Who Once Was Called A Saint "The Witch, Who Once Was Called A Saint" had me intrigued from the very start. The premise of an immortal witch, formerly a saint, grappling with centuries of isolation immediately grabbed my attention. While the translation is still ongoing, I’ve read enough to form a solid opinion, and I'm eager to share my thoughts. ### First Impressions The initial chapters do a decent job of setting the stage. We're introduced to our witch, living a quiet life until an unexpected encounter throws her world into gentle chaos. I found the initial dynamic between her and the male lead promising, though some elements felt a bit rushed. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly the world-building. The hints of a larger, more complex history, particularly surrounding the witch's past and the emergence of a looming threat, are incredibly compelling. I also appreciated the subtle exploration of her character. Her immortality isn't just a plot device; it's a core element shaping her reluctance to engage with others, especially romantically. I particularly enjoyed the focus on food and the way it's woven into the narrative, offering moments of warmth and connection. ### Areas of Concern While the premise is strong, I did find some inconsistencies in the main character's portrayal. Her supposed social awkwardness, stemming from centuries of isolation, sometimes feels superficial and doesn't always translate convincingly. I also felt that her wisdom and knowledge, built up over those 400 years, could have been more prominent. Additionally, I had some reservations about the male lead's initial approach. While his intentions seem pure, his actions, particularly his persistent attempts to insert himself into the witch's life, bordered on unsettling. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's delve into some specifics that might spoil the story for you. If you haven't read at least a few chapters, proceed with caution! Some readers might find the male lead's actions in the early chapters, such as using food as a means of interaction and establishing himself as a cook, to be overly persistent and potentially off-putting. Others may find the MC's reluctance to reject him outright, even when she desires to be left alone, a bit frustrating. ### Final Verdict Despite some flaws in character consistency and the potential for a slightly unsettling dynamic between the leads, "The Witch, Who Once Was Called A Saint" holds a lot of promise. The intriguing premise, coupled with the immersive world-building and exploration of immortality, makes it a worthwhile read. If you're a fan of fantasy romance with a touch of drama and don't mind a bit of a slow burn, I recommend giving this novel a try. I'm personally invested enough to continue following the translation and seeing where the story goes.