Deep in the Black Forest lives Luna, a witch residing in a small house made of poisonous mushrooms. She possesses a peculiar constitution: poisonous mushrooms sprout wherever she walks, poison dwells in whatever she touches, and even her breath is laced with toxins. For this reason, the townspeople call her the ”Champignon no Majo” and fear her as a black witch who does not obey the kingdom. Her days are lonely, with no one approaching or touching her. Nevertheless, Luna heads to town today to sell her medicine. The medicine she creates has a reputation as a panacea, and those who obtain it express their gratitude, but no one knows that the one producing it is that black witch. This painful dynamic—where she is thanked while her true identity remains hidden, a coexistence of praise and rejection—forms the quiet ache of the story.

Having lived without ever knowing human warmth, a dream-like encounter one day visits Luna. It is her very first ”love.” The conflict of whether someone poisonous like herself is allowed to love another, the struggle of wanting to touch but being unable to, and the hope sprouting deep in her heart. This emotional swaying gently tugs at the reader's heartstrings. This work is not a story where flashy battles or grand conspiracies take center stage. Instead, by carefully capturing the process of a young girl's heart changing bit by bit, it creates a profound drama. The sight of someone feared as a black witch transforming through her feelings for another is very quiet, yet powerful.

The charm of this work also lies in the completeness of its world-building. Despite being a world where magic and witches exist, there is a somewhat rustic and warm atmosphere. The setting where Luna absorbs the ill feelings of the townspeople, causing poisonous mushrooms to grow as a result, carries a symbolism that goes beyond mere fantasy. While the setup of a girl burdened with the negative emotions of others is heartrending, she herself is incredibly kind-hearted. In her figure, continuing to make medicine for others while cloaked in poison, both strength and kindness reside simultaneously. This contrast gives depth to the story and naturally draws readers into the world of the work.

Luna, as depicted by Higuchi Tachibana-sensei, is the total opposite of the intimidating presence one might imagine from the word ”witch”; she is a truly adorable girl. Soft lines, gentle expressions, and background depictions that allow you to feel even the forest air. All of these harmonize to provide healing every time you turn a page. Above all, the meticulousness of the psychological portrayal shines through. Loneliness, confusion, joy, sadness—Luna's emotions are delicately woven, making readers feel as if they are standing beside her before they know it. While one's chest tightens at the direction of her fleeting love, one is saved by the clarity of the descriptions.

”Champignon no Majo” is not just a simple magic fantasy. It is a story that quietly asks what love is and what it means to care for someone. The wish to connect with someone despite the fear that touching them might hurt them—that wish will surely resonate in anyone's heart. Although it is a tale of a witch burdened with poison, what remains after finishing it is a mysterious warmth. It is the kind of work that makes you immerse yourself in the worldview and can't help but pray for Luna's happiness.

Please enjoy this story that lingers quietly but surely in the heart, much like a poisonous mushroom blooming secretly deep in the forest.